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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Monday Evening Open Thread

Monday Evening Open Thread

by Anne Laurie|  February 21, 20116:13 pm| 129 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

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This is why there has never been and never will be a joint meeting of the Balloon Juice front-pagers.

What’s everybody got on for the evening?

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Reader Interactions

129Comments

  1. 1.

    General Stuck

    February 21, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    What’s everybody got on for the evening?

    I plan to go out in the Obot garden and pick a few trolls and cook them in my pot.

  2. 2.

    Yutsano

    February 21, 2011 at 6:18 pm

    Ribs with the folks and general goofing off. Tomorrow I might go peek in at my old work just to see how they’re getting along without me.

  3. 3.

    balconesfault

    February 21, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    Funny – this was the same premise as the main topic for “Outsourced” a couple weeks back …

  4. 4.

    JPL

    February 21, 2011 at 6:19 pm

    @General Stuck: Yum.
    I plan on watching Chuck and dreaming of the day that I get to meet his dad.

  5. 5.

    jo6pac

    February 21, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    Thanks for the cartoon it reminds why I don’t want to return to the work force of corp.

  6. 6.

    pragmatism

    February 21, 2011 at 6:22 pm

    redundant mexican fiesta party night! i didn’t have the day off so i need a marg or 3.

  7. 7.

    Loneoak

    February 21, 2011 at 6:25 pm

    Charles Woodson, the greatest defensive back in the history of the universe, has spoken up for WI workers.

    Let’s Go Blue, Go Pack Go, Go Union Power, Walker Go Home!

  8. 8.

    PurpleGirl

    February 21, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    No plans yet. ETA: Maybe I’ll turn off the computer and do some reading in the bedroom with some classical music in the background.

    The cartoon reminds me of several team building exercises I was part of over the years at the non-profit. One set of them occurred over a two-retreat which was payed for by a foundation grant. Waste of time. If the foundation wanted to pay for it, I was fine with that, but the retreat was a waste of time.

  9. 9.

    cleek

    February 21, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    gonna try to get MCI to fix my fucking voice mail… again

  10. 10.

    Cat Lady

    February 21, 2011 at 6:29 pm

    @Loneoak:

    All the players should be standing up for the Wisconsin workers. They’re going to get fuxx0red by their galtian overlords too, who aren’t acting in good faith.

  11. 11.

    Roger Moore

    February 21, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    This is why there has never been and never will be a joint meeting of the Balloon Juice front-pagers.

    Why, because you already have plenty of chance to slag each other in the comments section, so there’s no need to do it in person?

  12. 12.

    Loneoak

    February 21, 2011 at 6:31 pm

    @Cat Lady:

    Well, you can only expect so much political savvy out of millionaire concussed college dropouts.

  13. 13.

    Gin & Tonic

    February 21, 2011 at 6:34 pm

    I’m probably going to drink bourbon.

  14. 14.

    JGabriel

    February 21, 2011 at 6:36 pm

    When an teenage Canadian popstar makes more sense than an adult US conservative, it just tells you so much about US Conservatism. Via Thers, here’s Justin Bieber vs. Austin Hill:

    Bieber:

    “You guys are evil,” Bieber joked to the American magazine writers, “Canada’s the best country in the world….We go to the doctor and we don’t need to worry about paying him, but here (in the United States), your whole life, you’re broke because of medical bills.” He continued, “My bodyguard’s baby was premature, and now he has to pay for it. In Canada, if your baby’s premature, he stays in the hospital as long as he needs to, and then you go home.”

    Hill:

    Yet how beautiful it is that in Canada, “the Doctor” just provides services, the patient just receives those services – as much as he or she needs – and the Doctor apparently doesn’t need to be paid. Or at least the patient doesn’t have to worry about it, right? Isn’t that the way it goes in Canada? Somehow, because of the magic of government, Doctors and nurses and everyone “at the hospital” in Canada just simply perform their jobs, patients just simply “get” what they need, and everybody’s happy. And Canadians don’t have to face that devastating threat of long-term medical bills.

    Well, yes, Austin. That is pretty good outcome, which one might reasonably call “beautiful”.

    Canadian Popstars 1, US Cons -1.

    .

  15. 15.

    abo gato

    February 21, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    Cartoon cracks me up and is way too close to some stupid shit I’ve had to do at work over the years. Team building shit can kiss my ass.

    That said, I am going to make some home made hot wings and have some tequila shots.

    Oh, and here’s a surprisingly good method for making margaritas:
    1 12 oz can frozen limeade
    1 empty 12 oz can of limeade filled, instead, with tequila
    1 12 oz beer
    1 12 oz can 7 Up

    Mix all in a pitcher and serve on the rocks. This is actually a good drink and living in S. Texas the home of margaritas I have some experience with them. Much better than some of the stuff that bars make with the pre-made nasty sour shit.

    Do I sound like I had a bad day?

  16. 16.

    ruemara

    February 21, 2011 at 6:37 pm

    working on my cartoon. I’ve never been so involved in the intricacies of palm fronds and grass stems before. I need to hire some talented 5 year olds who’ve been freed from the soshulismss of kindergarten to draw for me.

  17. 17.

    Warren Terra

    February 21, 2011 at 6:39 pm

    This is why there has never been and never will be a joint meeting of the Balloon Juice front-pagers.

    What about the theory that all the front-pagers are sock puppets for Tim F?

    (Although, ABL posted that picture of herself with Aasif Mandvi, and Cole posted that picture of himself with his army buddies and while I was dazzled by the Mandvi and the mustaches, respectively, ABL and Cole didn’t look much alike – but the photos could be part of the deception!)

  18. 18.

    Dilford

    February 21, 2011 at 6:43 pm

    A big thanks to everyone who helped me develop an anti-Valentine’s Day jazz playlist in last weeks Open Thread. I took some of the suggestions and ran with ’em. Results can be seen here.

  19. 19.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    February 21, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    @Warren Terra:

    and Cole posted that picture of himself with his army buddies

    Hogtied and laying helpless with his ass exposed. I’m not going to read any more into it.

  20. 20.

    JGabriel

    February 21, 2011 at 6:45 pm

    Anne Laurie @ Top:

    This is why there has never been and never will be a joint meeting of the Balloon Juice front-pagers.

    Po’ John Cole. His cat is spraying anal gland juice everywhere, the military hog-ties him, his blog commenters care more about his dog than they do him and LAUGH at the hog-tying, and even the front page authors with whom he shares, rent-free, his valuable internet real estate, mock him mercilessly.

    If anyone has a right to sing the blues, it’s Po’ John Cole.

    .

  21. 21.

    Warren Terra

    February 21, 2011 at 6:46 pm

    @Dilford:

    anti-Valentine’s Day

    I think the holiday you’re looking for is Saint Skeletor’s Day

  22. 22.

    Cliff

    February 21, 2011 at 6:46 pm

    I’m continuing to watch the epic short squeeze in silver 34.00 last ..

  23. 23.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 6:47 pm

    Missing Lil Bit who is back in the doggie hospital after pooping and barfing all over the joint. She went under the house Saturday night and came back covered with spider webs so whatever she ate has put her on her back.

  24. 24.

    Loneoak

    February 21, 2011 at 6:48 pm

    @abo gato:

    Good god man, a good margarita is not at all hard to make.

    ~1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
    ~2 oz tequilla
    ~1/2 oz triple sec or (cointreau if you’re a snooty elitist)
    A good dash of liquid sweetener to taste, agave syrup is definitely the best but simple syrup will do.
    Salt the rim of a glass if you’re into hypertension.
    Shake and serve over rocks, top off with a couple ounces of soda water or tonic.
    Garnish with lime or other citrus.

  25. 25.

    Yutsano

    February 21, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    @stuckinred: Awww poor puppeh. Hopefully it just needs to wash out of her system and she’ll be back to normal soon.

  26. 26.

    Violet

    February 21, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    A good margarita is a beautiful thing.

  27. 27.

    Josie

    February 21, 2011 at 6:50 pm

    @abo gato: The margaritas sound really good, especially since today got pretty warm. What kind of beer do you use?

  28. 28.

    MikeJ

    February 21, 2011 at 6:51 pm

    The only team building exercise I ever went on allowed me to shoot Steve Case and Ted Leonsis with paint balls.

  29. 29.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 6:51 pm

    @Yutsano: Yea, the bloodwork (which she was due for anyway because of the anemia) was good and the xrays showed no serious issues.

  30. 30.

    Thoughtful Black Co-Citizen

    February 21, 2011 at 6:55 pm

    Spontaneous outbursts of arhythmic “dancing” and tuneless “singing” brought to you by Pandora are a distinct possibility. If you’re in DC’s Metro and see me coming, move or join the groove.

  31. 31.

    Dennis SGMM

    February 21, 2011 at 6:57 pm

    I’m an amateur historian and after reading Norman F. Cantor’s estimable Civilization of the Middle Ages I became hooked on that period. Now I’m reading Susan Wise Bauer’s The History of the Medieval World.

    I’m getting ready for the future.

  32. 32.

    Maude

    February 21, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    @stuckinred:
    So far, so good. Poor baby.

  33. 33.

    Robertdsc-iPhone

    February 21, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    At the dentists office waiting for the ice pick jammed in my face a wisdom tooth to be extracted. Vicodin awaits at home. Mmm.

  34. 34.

    Comrade Mary

    February 21, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    @JGabriel: I just had elective day surgery on Friday here in Toronto. I met the surgeon for the first time December 22 (it took about 6 weeks to get an appointment). He was ready to book me for surgery February 7 (apologizing for the wait) but I shifted to February 18 because I had work obligations.

    Everything went very well. Medical staff were great and incredibly careful about checklists and double checks: the surgeon even went through one last check with me and the team before I was put under in the OR. I was discharged that afternoon with a pain med prescription that I didn’t need and didn’t get filled.

    I didn’t pay anything directly to a doctor, hospital or insurance company for all this. Years that I earn good money, I pay a reasonable amount of taxes that cover medical needs for me and some people who can’t afford it. Years when I don’t make good money, I pay little or no taxes but know that someone else is pitching in. If I had a full time job, my drug, dental and paramedical costs would be covered by group insurance. Instead, I pay about $100 a month for individual extra health insurance, which covers up to $20,000 in drugs per year (they pay 90%, I pay 10%).

    It’s not magic. It’s called society. God bless Tommy Douglas once again.

  35. 35.

    Yutsano

    February 21, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    @stuckinred: That’s good news at least. I’m sure the anemia is just complicating matters. Good that it seems like she’ll ride things out just fine.

  36. 36.

    eric

    February 21, 2011 at 7:04 pm

    @Dennis SGMM: if you want to read about the “middle ages,” just read the current issues of Time, Newsweek, and the NYT.

  37. 37.

    Cat Lady

    February 21, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    @JGabriel:

    If anyone has a right to sing the blues, it’s Po’ John Cole.

    I feel so lonely deep inside, I threw my drink across the lawn

  38. 38.

    Yutsano

    February 21, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    @Comrade Mary:

    God bless Tommy Douglas once again.

    A-fucking-men to that.

    (And once again FYWP for not allowing editing.)

  39. 39.

    JPL

    February 21, 2011 at 7:06 pm

    @stuckinred: Hopefully all is okay. Do you still have pet insurance or did they drop you.
    I once had a SharPei that would open the kitchen cabinets. She got hold of a SOS pad. After that vet visit, I put up baby locks on the cabinets.

  40. 40.

    metalgirl

    February 21, 2011 at 7:07 pm

    Finishing my part of a collaboration with a flameworking artist (beads) to make an art jewelry piece featuring said beads for a traveling exhibit. I’ll be texturing & filing for hours in my studio (making roasted broccoli w/ almonds for dinner at some point). Also finishing the ends and clasp on a woven pearl necklace for a customer to be photographed and delivered on Wednesday. I’ll be adding the endcaps while watching a recorded show — not sure which one.

  41. 41.

    Roger Moore

    February 21, 2011 at 7:10 pm

    @Loneoak:
    Leave out the sweetener. The orange liqueur (you can use Citronage or Grand Marnier, too) should provide the necessary sweetness. A margarita should be a tequila drink with citrus for balance, not limeade made alcoholic by adding tequila. If you can’t taste the tequila, you might as well use cheap vodka instead.

  42. 42.

    BruceFromOhio

    February 21, 2011 at 7:12 pm

    Just hanging out, drinking, and WATCHING THE FUCKING SNOW FALL. AGAIN.

  43. 43.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    @JPL: The pet insurance is only on the Bohdi, Lil Bit is not insurable. SOS! Dang, talk about poor baby.

  44. 44.

    Litlebritdifrnt

    February 21, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    @JGabriel:

    I am guessing that Doctors in Canada (and England) don’t drive Ferraris. You know they tend to think that being Doctors is a higher calling. They don’t expect to make a million dollars a year.

    I have spoken of this before, a anethesiologist employed by our local hospital made $33,000 a month ten years ago. Lets be honest here, who the fuck needs to make $33,000.00 a month? His job? To sit on his exercise bike while “supervising” the Nurse Anethesist who was doing his job.

    My local family doctor in England was the most wonderful man, his first and only concern was his patients. He had no care as to how much he was paid, he only cared for his patients.

    Medicine has become a money making business in the US, the care of patients has been totally taken out of the equation. Doctors do not give a fuck about patients, they only care about how much money they can make by ordering as many tests as possible.

  45. 45.

    abo gato

    February 21, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    Loneoak, I know all those ratio and recipes, but the recipe I gave is stuff that is easily at hand and it makes a lot and after one of them, it really doesn’t matter that you didn’t have triple sec or all that. Trust me, you oughta give it a try.

    Josie, any beer ya got will work, we usually have Heinekin or some kind of pale ale beer on hand….I’m not much of a beer drinker so it’s usually what my husband likes.

  46. 46.

    Maude

    February 21, 2011 at 7:16 pm

    @stuckinred:
    And poor baby for you too.
    It is so scary when a pet is sick.
    I used to wring my hands.

  47. 47.

    Loneoak

    February 21, 2011 at 7:17 pm

    @Roger Moore:

    You ever tried one with just the right amount of agave syrup though? It really rounds out the flavors in a pleasing way.

    If you have really good tequila, why make a margarita at all? Just drink it with ice and a lime garnish.

  48. 48.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    @Maude: You think we’d be used to it with the three ring circus we have around here!

  49. 49.

    abo gato

    February 21, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    metalgirl, do you have a website for your art jewelry? I make copper and silver work (on the rare occasion, when I get the bug and cannot NOT make something) and really love the process of sawing and soldering. I’ve kind of wanted to learn about flameworked beads but I figure I already dabble in too many things to add yet another. I make bracelets, cuffs, earrings, chains, things like that. Your woven pearl necklace sounds lovely. I need to start a website to sell my shit.

  50. 50.

    Will

    February 21, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    My mother-in-law Susan, a 60-year survivor of lupus, is in the fight of her life tonight. If anyone could offer prayers, hope, best wishes, etc., for Susan and/or her daughter Sarah (my wife), it would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

  51. 51.

    PurpleGirl

    February 21, 2011 at 7:20 pm

    @metalgirl: I stopped by your site. Nice jewelry.

  52. 52.

    Kevin

    February 21, 2011 at 7:21 pm

    @Cat Lady: Slight misquote of the Martin Mull lyrics…I think he’s singing, “felt so low down deep inside, threw my drink across the lawn”. Either way, a most fun album.

  53. 53.

    Shadow's Mom

    February 21, 2011 at 7:22 pm

    @stuckinred: I’m sorry to hear about Lil Bit. As I write, Shadow is sleeping between my legs and under the bed tray I use to hold my laptop when I work on the bed.

    For me, tonight, it’s school. The Philosophy of Public Administration, in which we review and assess the benefits and risks of old public administration, new public administration (what Walker is trying to implement – entrepreneurial, outsourcing, no context for public interest or common good), and new public service. For our final we’re to write a brief paper on some policy or implementation issue framing it from the context of our Denhardt (NPS) and Stivers (Governance in Dark Times) texts. BTW, I highly recommend the Stivers text. I’m thinking of using Wisconsion and other state efforts by the GOP to redefine what public interest is in terms of what benefits them as the policy issue for my final.

    Then when I get home I’ll be doing some sample data loads for a customer.

    And, finally, I thought the company with which I’d been doing phone interviews had dropped me after the interview with the person who’d be my direct superior. Instead, sbcglobal.net ate the email. I got a call today from the HR person who was following up on the email I did not receive. Woot! They want to schedule me for in-person interviews. Last step of the interview process, so we’ll see what happens.

  54. 54.

    PurpleGirl

    February 21, 2011 at 7:23 pm

    @abo gato: Click on her name in the post and it takes you to her web site.

  55. 55.

    JPL

    February 21, 2011 at 7:24 pm

    @stuckinred: Yeah..talk about owning a dog that opened the kitchen cabinets. Pudge gave life to my golden. The golden was born a chewer buy with bad hips couldn’t jump. The SharPei could toss cushions so the golden could chew them up.
    The funniest day (depending on the the definition of funny) was when they went after the oriental. Just a few chunks. A friend and I walked into the house and after horrified looks, I suggested we turn it around and hide the missing chunks under the sofa. I still love that rug.
    The SharPei died at 8 and the golden two weeks later at 16. The SharPei gave the golden life.

  56. 56.

    Violet

    February 21, 2011 at 7:25 pm

    @BruceFromOhio: It’s been in the 70’s here for the last week or so. I’m wearing shorts. It’s nice and all, but it just depresses me because it means summer is right around the corner. Ugh. Summer.

  57. 57.

    Violet

    February 21, 2011 at 7:27 pm

    @Will:
    Sending healing thoughts to your MIL. Lupus is a tough disease.

  58. 58.

    Maude

    February 21, 2011 at 7:27 pm

    @Will:
    I’ll send good thoughts.
    For you, also.

  59. 59.

    Jay in Oregon

    February 21, 2011 at 7:28 pm

    This is why there has never been and never will be a joint meeting of the Balloon Juice front-pagers.

    But if there is, I demand a webcam presence!

  60. 60.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    @JPL: Sounds like the Bodhi’s arrival just prior to Boo-Boo’s cancer diagnoses. The Bohdi pestered him and I think it really helped keep Boo-Boo in the game.

  61. 61.

    Annamal

    February 21, 2011 at 7:31 pm

    Watching quake news coming out of Christchurch New Zealand with a growing sense of horror.

    it was “only” a 6.3 but it hit midday and the city’s been getting a string of quakes since last year’s 7. I think this one has killed people.

    They do *not* need this.

  62. 62.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 7:33 pm

    @Annamal: Damn, I have a good friend that is working as a logger there. She’s just a couple of years out of North Carolina and a wonderful kid.

  63. 63.

    Will

    February 21, 2011 at 7:33 pm

    @Violet:

    Thanks so much to you and Maude.

  64. 64.

    Annamal

    February 21, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    Stuckinred, hopefully she’d be out of the centre of the city?

    My work can’t reach our Christchurch office but hopefully that’s just phone lines.

  65. 65.

    Maude

    February 21, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    @Annamal:
    I know someone in that area of NZ. The communications and power usually go down.
    They are having a rough go of it.

  66. 66.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    @Annamal: Yea, she’s in the mountains somewhere, I just checked her facebook, zip.

  67. 67.

    Annamal

    February 21, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    This seems to be what’s left of the iconic christchurch cathedral

    http://yfrog.com/h79togj

  68. 68.

    Annamal

    February 21, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    Maude, they really really are.

    Weirdly Christchurch was supposed to be the “safe” city, it’s Wellington that sits on 2 faultlines

  69. 69.

    RedKitten

    February 21, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    Not much going on here tonight. Husband is watching Castle, and then we’ll watch Chuck. (It’s like Firefly alumni night in here.)

    Had a four-day weekend (took Friday off, and we had today off as “Family Day”), but travel plans were kiboshed by all of that effing snow. (asiangrrrl, would you please come up here with a dump truck and remove all this snow from my property?) Finally got to leave the house today, and so our big weekend adventure was taking SamKitten to the mall, where we bought him a new book and let him ride on 4 of the kiddie rides in the mall. Then a stop to the Bulk Barn where we bought large quantities of long-grain rice and black beans (good for you) as well as large quantities of fruit-juice flavoured Swedish berries (awesome).

    So, nothing major. I’ll be damned glad when this snow is gone and we can make weekend plans without always having to add “depending on the weather” to those plans.

  70. 70.

    Yutsano

    February 21, 2011 at 7:44 pm

    @Annamal:

    Weirdly Christchurch was supposed to be the “safe” city

    In an earthquake prone area, there really is no such thing unfortunately. Hopefully the damage won’t be too severe and the people will recover well.

    @RedKitten:

    as well as large quantities of fruit-juice flavoured Swedish berries (awesome).

    Colour me intrigued. Should I Google?

  71. 71.

    RedKitten

    February 21, 2011 at 7:50 pm

    @Yutsano: No need.

    They’re deeeeeelicious.

  72. 72.

    Annamal

    February 21, 2011 at 7:54 pm

    Yutsano, up until late last year Christchurch wasn’t really in an earthquake prone area. For the last 6 months it’s had a string of aftershocks that just keep damaging property.

    People down there were into serious PTSD even before today

  73. 73.

    JPL

    February 21, 2011 at 7:54 pm

    @RedKitten: Sam is so big. Someday we will all tell him about his birth.

  74. 74.

    asiangrrlMN

    February 21, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    @stuckinred: Aw, poor Lil Bit. Hope she comes through with flying colors.

    @Will: Many positive healing vibes whizzing Susan’s way. Take care of Sarah and yourself, too.

    @RedKitten: That SamKitten is just too dang cute for his own good.

  75. 75.

    BruceFromOhio

    February 21, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    @Violet: Ah, Summer. A faraway vision of a faraway place that is too precious to squander in simple daydreaming. My hats off to you, enjoy what you have before you.

  76. 76.

    Yutsano

    February 21, 2011 at 8:00 pm

    @RedKitten: Okay yeah that is some serious nom right there. I wonder if they’ll process orders to the US. Might have to do some sussing there.

    EDIT: Ah poop. None in BC. Dammit. Vancouver is a short drive for me now.

    @asiangrrlMN: The SamKitten/Bean wedding is shaping up to be a good’un. And Lexie is being all pouty again because she’s not at home.

    @Annamal: I thought all of NZ was earthquake prone. But still that’s just ugly.

  77. 77.

    asiangrrlMN

    February 21, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    @Yutsano: I thought you were talking about SamKitten! Yes, he and Bean will make a delightful couple. How you be? Poor Lexie. The queen is disturbed.

  78. 78.

    lamh32

    February 21, 2011 at 8:02 pm

    Movies on the brain.

    I saw “Unknown” on Friday. IMHO, “Taken” was better. In fact, the best review of the movie I’ve seen called it “Taken” meets “The Borne Supremacy”. Still it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. Besides, I love the new old warrior that Liam Neeson has become. I just wish they would have had more fighting scene with Liam Neeson.

    Also, do they really need to make a Red Riding Hood movie? Hollywood is truly out of ideas! I mean what is this one even about. Just hearing that it’s directed by the “Twilight” people, makes me even more not interested.

    Lil Red Riding Hood

    BTW, is Gary Oldman broke or something? For every, “Fifth Element”, he does “Dracula” or for every “Air Force One”, he does stuff like this. Heck, it made more sense for him to be in Harry Potter, he British, and Harry Potter is like todays “Roots”, i.e. every British actor alive is/was in it.

  79. 79.

    kdaug

    February 21, 2011 at 8:04 pm

    Here’s another OT, completely random bleg:

    My 10 mo/old German shepherd has apparently taught my 3 y/o golden retriever that digging up rocks in the back yard and bringing them to the back door (or inside, if they can get away with it), is a really great idea.

    The retriever used to do the same thing with birds – never did figure out how exactly he was catching them – but fracking rocks?

    Seriously, they’re digging up rocks, and seem to think they’re trophies.

    WTF?

  80. 80.

    JPL

    February 21, 2011 at 8:06 pm

    @kdaug: It’s a bonding experience.. You have to hire a dogie psychologist to completely understand this ritual though. For five hundred dollars plus air travel and expenses, I think I can get to the bottom of it.

  81. 81.

    Yutsano

    February 21, 2011 at 8:08 pm

    @lamh32: It goes something like this:

    Matt Damon: Just take it from “It’s a good course.”
    Ben Affleck: Oh, now you’re the director.
    Matt Damon: Hey shove it, Bounce-boy. Let’s remember who talked who into doing this shit in the first place. Talking me into Dogma was one thing, but this…
    Ben Affleck: Hey look, I’m sorry I dragged you away from whatever-gay-serial-killers-who-ride-horses-and-like-to-play-golf-touchy-feely-picture you’re supposed to be doing this week.
    Matt Damon: I take it you haven’t seen Forces of Nature?
    Ben Affleck: You’re like a child. What’ve I been telling you? You gotta do the safe picture. Then you can do the art picture. But then sometimes you gotta do the payback picture because your friend says you owe him.
    [They both take a beat and look at the camera]
    Ben Affleck: And sometimes, you have to go back to the well.
    Matt Damon: And sometimes, you do Reindeer Games.
    Ben Affleck: See, that’s just mean.

    h/t Kevin Smith.

  82. 82.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 8:08 pm

    @kdaug: The Bohdi ate pea gravel as a pupster!

  83. 83.

    Annamal

    February 21, 2011 at 8:15 pm

    Multiple fatalities and 2 buses crushed by falling buildings…

    Hell.

  84. 84.

    Yutsano

    February 21, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    @Annamal: Oh dude. I’m thinking kicking them a few ameros might be a good call here soon.

  85. 85.

    kdaug

    February 21, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    @Just Some Fuckhead:

    Hogtied and laying helpless with his ass exposed

    Whoa, whoa, whoa – what? I feel like I’m missing a critical piece of the puzzle here – Cole actually posted a picture of himself? On purpose?

    I mean, I got over the naked mopping thing, and even trying to heal a shattered shoulder with a doorknob, but that was because I didn’t have an actual image of Cole in my mind. (I tend to envision a fat smurf, YMMV).

    But I do try to maintain a fairly close eye here, and have never seen a picture of the Cole in the wild – please tell me someone saved it for posterity.

    And for my second bleg for the night – anyone got a link?

  86. 86.

    lamh32

    February 21, 2011 at 8:16 pm

    @Yutsano:

    Haha.

    That bit sounds familiar, what was it on?

  87. 87.

    asiangrrlMN

    February 21, 2011 at 8:17 pm

    @Annamal: Crap. That sucks. Big time.

    @lamh32: Oh, and from what I understand, the Brits don’t get residuals so they work as much as possible.

  88. 88.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    @kdaug: It was from Kuwait two decade’s ago and not very exciting.

  89. 89.

    Yutsano

    February 21, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    @lamh32: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Really about the only worthy scene in that movie really. Hey I can lurve Kevin Smith and not love EVERYTHING he does. And yes I liked Jersey Girl, so neener.

  90. 90.

    lamh32

    February 21, 2011 at 8:19 pm

    I know the scene in WI is big and important news, but
    Dear MSNBC/CNN/FOX/NBC/ABC/CBS/whatever,

    Enough with conducting interviews with WI State Dems and announcing that they are in “an undisclosed location”. Please cease and desist. It’s just silly and aggravating. Most people watching political news are probably already aware of what’s going on in WI, and what state Dems are doing.

    Enough. Just get on with the interview. It may have been tongue in cheek 10 days ago, but at this point it’s just stupid.

    Thank you,

    A concernced citizen.

  91. 91.

    Annamal

    February 21, 2011 at 8:20 pm

    Yutsano, New Zealand Red Cross is the best place to give money.

  92. 92.

    lamh32

    February 21, 2011 at 8:21 pm

    @Yutsano:

    Oh yeah, I saw that. I like the movie kevin did about the catholic church…what was that called?

  93. 93.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    @lamh32: dogma

  94. 94.

    asiangrrlMN

    February 21, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    @kdaug: Here you go. Enjoy.

    @lamh32: Dogma. Alan Rickman. Nearly traumatized me when he pulled down his pants.

  95. 95.

    bystander

    February 21, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    Cole might consider corresponding with the trainer who worked with this JRT. Could be exactly what Rosie has been looking for. A job. Or, jobs, to be more precise.

    Useful Dog Tricks

  96. 96.

    Yutsano

    February 21, 2011 at 8:23 pm

    @lamh32: Dogma. One of the best irreligious films ever made. Smith was so worried about the reaction he actually put up a disclaimer at the beginning begging not to be excommunicated for it. ASAIK he wasn’t.

    @Annamal: We might be able to set up a bleg here. Maybe one of the front pagers can get something together.

  97. 97.

    lamh32

    February 21, 2011 at 8:24 pm

    seriously, Hollywood truly has nothing left to make movies about.

    Now a “Beauty & The Beast” remake for a “newer generation”. Really, as self-absorbed as the new generation is, even they should see this for the crap that it is.

    Beastly

    And OMG, it includes an Olsen twin??? If I even step foot in the theatres to see this crap, I give the usher permission to gouge my eyes out.

  98. 98.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    @Yutsano: Allison as god, what more could you axe?

  99. 99.

    asiangrrlMN

    February 21, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    @stuckinred: Alanis. She was really good.

  100. 100.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    @asiangrrlMN: oops

  101. 101.

    lamh32

    February 21, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    @stuckinred: @asiangrrlMN: @Yutsano:

    thx all. Yeah Dogma was hilarious. It one of my fab movies about religion.

    my 2nd fav was “Saved” with Mandy Moore and McCaughley Culkin.

  102. 102.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    @asiangrrlMN:@lamh32: I like Elmer Gantry.

  103. 103.

    Mike E

    February 21, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    Reheating cajun injector chicken I made yesterday with Miss E, dropped her off at her mom’s earlier today after a little Thai lunch right down the street. This weekend we saw The Producers put on by NC Theater, very funny (I’m working there part-time as an usher, so we took advantage of some comps). Was in the mood to relive my college days so I poured me some Yukon Jack. Memories…

  104. 104.

    stuckinred

    February 21, 2011 at 8:31 pm

    Oh yea, finally getting done with this silly, tedious Damages!

  105. 105.

    lamh32

    February 21, 2011 at 8:33 pm

    @asiangrrlMN:

    I first fell in love with Alan Rickman when I first saw him in “Truly, Madly, Deeply” (I really need to by this movie from Amazon or list it on netflix).

    My love for him continued in “Sense & Sensibilities”. He was THE BEST thing about “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” (I’m sorry, if I was Maid Marion, I woulda be after the Sheriff…lol). I even loved him without seeing him in “Hitchhikers guide…”. I even loved him as Emma Thompson’s caddsh husband too.

  106. 106.

    Anne Laurie

    February 21, 2011 at 8:36 pm

    @Will: You are all three in my prayers. Lupus appears on my personal list of “Top Ten Sukky Disorders Which I Never, Never, Ever Wanna Get”.

  107. 107.

    Phoebe

    February 21, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    cleaning the bathroom and paying bills and maybe reading Nixonland.

    I guess I hafta go do all that now.

    But as for your question, don’t you all live in different cities?

  108. 108.

    Loneoak

    February 21, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    Here’s a good one. Chinese toy manufacturers are lobbying the GOP Congress to rollback new safety rules.

    Striking another blow for freedom (to have our children poisoned by Communist lead and arsenic).

  109. 109.

    JPL

    February 21, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    @stuckinred: second season is better.

  110. 110.

    Annamal

    February 21, 2011 at 8:40 pm

    NZ Red Cross here:

    http://www.redcross.org.nz/cms_display.php

    They’re a really great organisation in general and could always use the help…

  111. 111.

    JPL

    February 21, 2011 at 8:47 pm

    @Annamal: There still is little news coverage in the states. Please keep us updated.

  112. 112.

    Anne Laurie

    February 21, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    @Yutsano: Okay, I love Kevin Smith, with DOGMA as a close second behind CHASING AMY on my favorites list. But, really, BOUNCE was a good movie for Ben Affleck — it highlighted what he does best, the “nice smart guy with impulse control issues, a good rueful sense of humor, & a clear eye towards his own limitations”. FORCES OF NATURE didn’t actually suck, either; not Oscar material, but as a cheerful diversion to eat popcorn by, both Affleck & Bullock did yeoman work there. Even JERSEY GIRL only truly, really stank when Liv Tyler was on-screen… I know J-Lo got the critical hate, but her 15-min cameo was just ‘diva stands around looking soulful thru a vaseline-smeared lens’, not actively ‘you will want to hunt this braying sackful of teeth & tits down & incinerate her’ loath-worthy. (Srsly, when they film McArdle’s bio, Liv Tyler has a lock on the role.) I would argue (have argued) that the main difference between lightweight “chix flix” like this & such Pop! Culture! Monuments as STAR WARS or STAR TREK is that most Very Serious Movie Critics are 12-year-old boys at heart, and they love ShitBlowsUp only second to their fear/hatred of GirlCooties.

  113. 113.

    Annamal

    February 21, 2011 at 8:58 pm

    Way selfish but:
    One of my favourite Christchurch based bloggers and authors David Haywood

    http://publicaddress.net/southerly/

    Just texted in to the public address site that his entire house had collapsed but that he and his family were fine.

    If you’ve ever wanted to own interesting books from New Zealand that don’t feature hobbits at all (but do feature an excellent short story called My First Stabbing), now would be a very good time.

    http://publicaddress.net/buy-books-by-david-haywood/

  114. 114.

    Anne Laurie

    February 21, 2011 at 9:01 pm

    @lamh32: Hey, that trailer made me want to see BEASTLY, although probably not in a theatre, unless the Spousal Unit gets one of his periodic ‘I wanna go out! What’s on for a late-night showing?’ impulses at the right time. Buffed-up young ginger with steampunk flair & no shirt, plus Neil Patrick Harris being snarky — I can put up with a certain amount of Disney-babelette for that.

    Same for RED RIDING HOOD, but that’s almost certainly a Netflix-not-theatre viewing. I don’t mind filmmakers recycling, just recycling badly, and either of these look like 10,000 times more fun than another Earnest Indie about “twenty-somethings striving to find their joy, with obtrusive soundtrack by this week’s hipster-goatee-emo-grass band, I’m looking at you JUNEBUG” limited-engagement mood dampener.

  115. 115.

    Yutsano

    February 21, 2011 at 9:06 pm

    @Anne Laurie: I just found a quote that seemed to fit the situation, and that really is the funniest part of that movie. Obviously Smith was getting both Damon and Affleck to mock themselves (which I must say they did admirably) while possibly taking swipes at others in Hollywood that maybe didn’t take him too seriously as a filmmaker. Who knows. I liked Forces of Nature too (never saw Bounce so no opinion there) so I’m not entirely in agreement with the film analysis Smith gives in that snapshot. Though if he is only remembered for the genius of Chasing Amy and Dogma then that ain’t a half-bad career. That and the most any of his movies has ever made is $35 million dollars. Good thing he makes them for next to nothing.

  116. 116.

    Annamal

    February 21, 2011 at 9:09 pm

    Phone systems overloaded and first body pulled from rubble…

  117. 117.

    lamh32

    February 21, 2011 at 9:09 pm

    @Anne Laurie:

    Yeah Anne, these 2 movies may def be DVD worthy, but there is probably no way I’m gonna go see them in theatres.

    I made the mistake once of going to a movie geared towards a younger audience (not tweens, but maybe 18 to 32), I wasn’t even the oldest person there, but there was a good number of youngsters, and every time the cute boy du jour came on the screen, loud “oohs and aahs” ensued..

    It was aggravagting. Since then, I haven’t ever seen a movie like that the first week it comes out, especially if it geared towards a younger demo.

  118. 118.

    Cris

    February 21, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    How do I get the mobile site?

  119. 119.

    asiangrrlMN

    February 21, 2011 at 9:15 pm

    @lamh32: Word to all that. He is a god. I will brook no disagreement on that point.

  120. 120.

    pragmatism

    February 21, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    my favorite home margarita recipe is 4 oz of good tequila (silver, though. not reposado or anejo), 1 oz agave nectar, 1 oz water and some fresh squeezed lime juice. on the rocks. no salt necessary.

  121. 121.

    Anne Laurie

    February 21, 2011 at 9:26 pm

    @Yutsano: No prob, just hadda say. If you liked FORCES, you may want to look for BOUNCE next time you’re in a popcorn-not-brains mood — I also enjoyed Johnny Galecki in a supporting role as a snarky gay personal assistant. Even Gywneth Paltrow didn’t sukk. And “It’s not brave if you’re not scared” is a pretty good working motto…

  122. 122.

    Thoughtful Black Co-Citizen

    February 21, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    @RedKitten: Holy mother of crikey. What happened to that little bread loaf you had just a few minutes ago?

    Well, it SEEMS like just a few minutes ago.

  123. 123.

    Annamal

    February 21, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    OK this might make the news in the US if true:

    http://twitter.com/DavidHuebner/status/39896492714115072#

    Richard Armitage was apparently in New Zealand as part of the whole free trade negotiation thing…

  124. 124.

    Suffern ACE

    February 21, 2011 at 11:38 pm

    @Annamal: He’s been found.

  125. 125.

    4jkb4ia

    February 22, 2011 at 12:21 am

    Well, the Knicks had to trade their whole team, but they got Carmelo Anthony. I was looking forward to the playoffs and all. (Still got Corey Brewer for trade bait today. And got rid of Eddy Curry, which is excellent.)

  126. 126.

    4jkb4ia

    February 22, 2011 at 12:22 am

    Doug Hill
    *grin*

    (BTW, Adam Serwer has yet another post on Roberts and the ACA from about Friday)

  127. 127.

    Annamal

    February 22, 2011 at 12:40 am

    65 people confirmed dead,potentially a lot more buried under rubble with continuing aftershocks.

    There’s just under 4.5 million kiwis total, there won’t be a single person in this country who isn’t affected by this in some way.

  128. 128.

    Ailuridae

    February 22, 2011 at 1:19 am

    @Comrade Mary:

    The Greatest Canadian, indeed.

    As probably the sole serious combination Timberwolves/Nets fan on earth I want to mention how incredibly happy that they walked away with so much from today’s Carmelo trade.

  129. 129.

    Ailuridae

    February 22, 2011 at 1:23 am

    @Will:

    You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

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