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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open Thread

Open Thread

by Sarah, Proud and Tall|  January 28, 20125:35 pm| 64 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

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To make up for the musical travesty I inflicted on you last time, I offer this, which I think is quite nice in several ways.

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Reader Interactions

64Comments

  1. 1.

    Steeplejack

    January 28, 2012 at 5:42 pm

    Was out driving in the unseasonably mild–and energizing!–NoVa weather today and heard this chestnut: Bobby Womack, “Harry Hippie.” Good sunny-day drivin’ tune.

    I’d like to help a man when he’s down
    but I can’t help you, Harry, if you wanna sleep on the ground
    sorry, Harry, oh, you’re too much weight to carry around

  2. 2.

    MikeJ

    January 28, 2012 at 5:47 pm

    @efgoldman: A border collie group that insists their dogs never go off leash? Talk about unclear on the concept.

  3. 3.

    Keith G

    January 28, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    Just scanned your Ero-pop thread, Sarah. I really need get back to doing crunches.

  4. 4.

    Yutsano

    January 28, 2012 at 6:07 pm

    @efgoldman:

    They are awfully smart and sweet, though.

    They is that. But they do need a task to do and space to run or they will suffer big time. It’s why I won’t have one here.

  5. 5.

    Raven

    January 28, 2012 at 6:10 pm

    @Steeplejack: He smoked “Across 110th Street” the opening of Jackie Brown and also a film of the same name with Anthony Quinn and Yaphet Kotto.

  6. 6.

    Raven

    January 28, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    @Yutsano: Ever see the crazy Border Collie run the sheep off the cliff in Far From the Madding Crowd?

  7. 7.

    Maude

    January 28, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    @Yutsano:
    I saw a Border Collie pulling a woman down the street. It was almost scary.

  8. 8.

    khead

    January 28, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    Did you say musical travesty?

    I give you Oran Juice Jones.

    Don’t make me come back in here with more crappy 80’s videos and/or cat pics – Cole may have to get involved…..

    Khead +2

  9. 9.

    Violet

    January 28, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    In other news, I had to drive up to Austin today. Drove via Bastrop. You might remember the huge Texas wildfires that made the news this summer. Holy cow, it was bad. I had only seen it on the news when it happened in the summer, but seeing the evidence and remains of the fire is something else entirely.

    Charred trees are everywhere for miles. A bunch of them have been taken down and a huge area is cleared to be used as a dump to bring them in and mulch or chip them or something. There are parking lots full of big equipment–trucks, bulldozers, etc.–to use to deal with it. Charred buildings, bare foundations and lone fireplaces still dot the landscape. It’s jaw-dropping.

    Definitely a disaster for the folks affected. And it was a massive fire that lasted a long time. No wonder the cleanup is such a big project.

  10. 10.

    eemom

    January 28, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    This foofaraw between Tom Brokaw/NBC and Campaign Mitt is quite entertaining.

    I particularly like Brokaw’s ref to the “extended use of his personal image.” Them’s fighting words.

  11. 11.

    Steeplejack

    January 28, 2012 at 6:28 pm

    @Raven:

    I got that. This is the best version I’ve found on YouTube.

    And, for the trifecta, “Nobody Wants You When You’re Down and Out.”

  12. 12.

    Raven

    January 28, 2012 at 6:30 pm

    @Steeplejack: Yea! I actually have the film on VHS. What’s funny is that Jackie Brown is set in an area of LA where my sis lives and she’s only a few blocks from 110th Street there.

  13. 13.

    khead

    January 28, 2012 at 6:33 pm

    Who in the hell is Kate Snow and why is she behind the NBC anchor desk?

    Just askin….

  14. 14.

    Violet

    January 28, 2012 at 6:36 pm

    @khead:
    She’s on that new Brian Williams news magazine show, “Rock Center”. Didn’t she used to work for CBS or something?

  15. 15.

    khead

    January 28, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    @Violet:

    Dunno. I also wondered what the hell Harry Smith was doing at the NBC desk awhile back too – so maybe it’s just me. Maybe I need to get out more. Or change the channel from the local NBC affiliate after the 5 PM news.

    But…. I at least knew who the fuck Harry Smith is…. I’ve never heard of Kate Snow.

  16. 16.

    Violet

    January 28, 2012 at 6:44 pm

    @khead:
    Maybe it was ABC she worked for. I know I’ve seen her before, but can’t remember where. One of the “big three” networks, for sure. She’s not a dimbo blonde like the Fox bimbettes.

  17. 17.

    rikyrah

    January 28, 2012 at 6:55 pm

    There was a poster named Jason asking about Michigan and Ohio with regards to Willard vs. the President.

    Politicususa has a piece out saying that the President is up 8 in Michigan right now. As for Ohio, well, I believe that the President is in good shape there, mainly because they were able to not only get the ‘ Let Detroit Go Bankrupt’ around Willard’s neck, but also, they can hang around his neck the support of SB5. The ads write themselves.

  18. 18.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    January 28, 2012 at 7:00 pm

    @rikyrah:

    they can hang around his neck the support of SB5. The ads write themselves.

    and wasn’t there some uniquely Willardian flip-flopping on SB5, as well?

  19. 19.

    Yutsano

    January 28, 2012 at 7:12 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    and wasn’t there some uniquely Willardian flip-flopping on SB5, as well?

    He spoke about it, did he not?

  20. 20.

    Martin

    January 28, 2012 at 7:13 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    wasn’t there some uniquely Willardian flip-flopping on SB5, as well?

    Isn’t Willards flip-flopping alone unique? How can it be unique even within that?

  21. 21.

    smintheus

    January 28, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    This from vile Canadian interloper Mark Steyn is amusing:

    “The State of Our Union is Broke”

    Who is this “we” you’re talking about, eh? Hoser.

  22. 22.

    geg6

    January 28, 2012 at 7:17 pm

    Been a bad day around here, what with saying goodbye to our Henry and it all happening on the 11th anniversary of my mom’s passing. But it’s improving slightly after about a half a bottle of pinot noir, a second bottle of cabernet on deck, a roast beef that is almost done and smelling wonderful, a great man beside me, and an HBO film I’m really looking forward to.

    If you love football and have HBO, watch Namath tonight. There are few football players that have a more compelling and interesting story than ol’ Broadway Joe or, as those of us who remember him when, Joe Willie. He’s a native of my Beaver County who started his legendary career at Beaver Falls High School (where he returned this fall to honor the 50th anniversary of their state championship and was escorted onto the field, not without trepidation on my part, by my niece, a BFHS cheerleader), went on to helm the Crimson Tide, and instantly gave credibility to the merger of the NFL and AFL when his Jets improbably won the Super Bowl. HBO always does a great job with sports docs and I expect this to be one of their most entertaining.

  23. 23.

    Raven

    January 28, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    @geg6: How’s he doin on the sobriety?

  24. 24.

    khead

    January 28, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    Sorry for your loss geg6. Did not get to that thread earlier.

    But Joe Namath is an asshole. Really.

  25. 25.

    Chat Noir

    January 28, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    @geg6: Thanks for the reminder about “Namath” on HBO. I saw the promos for it late in 2011 and put it on my to-watch list for the new year.

    And I was sorry to read about Henry. We had to put my husband’s Wheaten Terrier down in early November so we understand your loss. When I picked up Danny’s ashes, the vet included the story of the Rainbow Bridge, which caused me to cry heavily. What a lovely story and one to help those get cope with losing a beloved pet.

    Sending virtual hugs your way.

  26. 26.

    Southern Beale

    January 28, 2012 at 7:33 pm

    Evening folks. We saw “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” this afternoon. Dreadful movie.

    That is all.

  27. 27.

    Raven

    January 28, 2012 at 7:34 pm

    We who choose to surround ourselves
    with lives even more temporary than our
    own, live within a fragile circle;
    easily and often breached.
    Unable to accept its awful gaps,
    we would still live no other way.
    We cherish memory as the only
    certain immortality, never fully
    understanding the necessary plan.
    — Irving Townsend

  28. 28.

    Violet

    January 28, 2012 at 7:34 pm

    @geg6:
    Sorry for your loss. Glad you are taking care of yourself today.

  29. 29.

    Calouste

    January 28, 2012 at 7:34 pm

    Politifact has now completely descended into farce. They claim that Romney’s statement that he never voted for a Democrat when there was a Republican on the ballot was “Half True” because of course there were no Republicans on the Democratic ballot that he requested to vote for Tsongas.

    In the Jacksonville debate, Romney said, “I’ve never voted for a Democrat when there was a Republican on the ballot.” Romney has been open about the strategy behind his decision, and we expect many voters would have done the same thing. We see two contrary interpretations as having merit. Romney has a point that the ballot he was handed didn’t include any Republicans. On the other hand, Romney had a right to request a GOP ballot that day and opted not to. We rate the statement Half True.

    Bonus points to them for using ‘We see two contrary interpretations as having merit.” instead of the old and tired “both sides do it”. It makes them so much more serious and believeable.

  30. 30.

    geg6

    January 28, 2012 at 7:35 pm

    @Raven:

    As far as I know, okay.

    @khead:

    No, he really isn’t. He has been a drunk and acted like one at times but he really is a good guy. He was very sweet to my niece this fall and I know that he’s been a wonderful son and a booster of his high school. He never forgot where he came from (a very small and close-knit town) and, I suppose if you don’t know him from anything else other than his drunken appearances on tv in the past, you might think he’s an asshole. But he’s not.

  31. 31.

    Raven

    January 28, 2012 at 7:36 pm

    @geg6: Good, it will go a long way for him.

  32. 32.

    geg6

    January 28, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    @Violet:

    Thanks. We’re a bit numb right now, but that’s probably good.

  33. 33.

    Yutsano

    January 28, 2012 at 7:43 pm

    @geg6: Numb is a stage of mourning. And completely understandable.

  34. 34.

    PanurgeATL

    January 28, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    @khead:

    I worked in a record store back then. EVERYBODY who asked for the record called him “Orange Juice Jones”.

  35. 35.

    khead

    January 28, 2012 at 7:46 pm

    @geg6:

    It’s not just the drunken TV appearances, it’s the cluelessness that accompanies a dumbass athlete who can’t quite understand that winning the Super Bowl in 1969 doesn’t really give you a pass when you want to talk shit about the Jets in 2011.

    I’m glad your niece thinks he’s sweet though.

  36. 36.

    Mike in NC

    January 28, 2012 at 7:47 pm

    @geg6:

    All B-J pet lovers are thinking of you tonight.

  37. 37.

    WereBear (itouch)

    January 28, 2012 at 7:48 pm

    @geg6: So sorry tobhesr. But the sad eyes must be answered. Glad you are feeling a bit better.

  38. 38.

    khead

    January 28, 2012 at 7:48 pm

    @PanurgeATL: Don’t make me break out the Cameo.

  39. 39.

    Raven

    January 28, 2012 at 7:48 pm

    @khead: Might be nice if you just let it go, ya think?

  40. 40.

    khead

    January 28, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    @Raven:

    Maybe. But to be honest I suspect I’d feel much more chastised if this criticism didn’t come from someone who talked ridiculous shit to everyone that had the nerve to badmouth Georgia between Sept and Dec.

  41. 41.

    Raven

    January 28, 2012 at 7:53 pm

    @khead: Well, just go fuck yourself then.

  42. 42.

    geg6

    January 28, 2012 at 7:54 pm

    khead @37:

    Don’t have the heart to follow your link, but if criticizing the Jets is enough to make you an asshole forever more, then there are a whole LOT of assholes who Joe Willie is going to have to line up behind. He’s a transformative player in the the history of the NFL. Don’t think any if the current Jets can or ever will be able to make that claim.

  43. 43.

    Raven

    January 28, 2012 at 7:56 pm

    @geg6: Somewhere,someone would argue with you that kdaug is NOT being an asshole.

  44. 44.

    SiubhanDuinne

    January 28, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    @Raven:

    That’s very nice. Never seen it before. A keeper.

  45. 45.

    khead

    January 28, 2012 at 7:58 pm

    @Raven:

    Amazingly, Georgia isn’t playing today.

    That’s your usual excuse.

  46. 46.

    Raven

    January 28, 2012 at 7:59 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Good, I was afraid I post it too much but it just seems to make sense.

  47. 47.

    SiubhanDuinne

    January 28, 2012 at 7:59 pm

    @Southern Beale:

    Grateful for the heads-up. I will avoid.

  48. 48.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    January 28, 2012 at 7:59 pm

    anybody wanna speculate irresponsibly about this?

    Former President George H. W. Bush and his son Jeb made an unannounced visit to the White House on Friday, meeting in the Oval Office with President Obama.
    The White House released a photo of the meeting via Twitter Friday evening, with the elder Bush shown sitting in a wheelchair. The former president and the former Florida governor were in Washington for the annual Alfalfa dinner, an exclusive black-tie event. The meeting had not been on the president’s official schedule.

  49. 49.

    Raven

    January 28, 2012 at 8:02 pm

    @khead: Yea schmuck. the Illini are.

  50. 50.

    RossInDetroit

    January 28, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    @MikeJ:

    Some in-laws just got a Border Collie puppy for their 12 year old daughter. She’s active and at home now, but when she goes to college the dog will still be young. A pet like that is like being in a relationship with a needy genius.

  51. 51.

    SiubhanDuinne

    January 28, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    @Raven: I guess I’ve missed it in the past, then. And I suspect it stays fresh for those whose losses are fresh.

  52. 52.

    khead

    January 28, 2012 at 8:05 pm

    @Raven:

    Well, that certainly makes it better. Maybe one of the teams you root for will eventually win.

    Maybe.

  53. 53.

    Southern Beale

    January 28, 2012 at 8:06 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    anybody wanna speculate irresponsibly about this?

    Obama making sure they still have their deal that Jeb will stay out of the race or he’ll reveal that secret intel and make sure Bush The Lesser is tried for war crimes.

  54. 54.

    becca

    January 28, 2012 at 8:20 pm

    @Raven:

    That reminds me of a short passage in A Short History of a Small Place by T R Pearson-

    A boy and his father leave their house for a walk. It’s getting dusky outside. A little distance down the country road the boy chances to look back at his house just as his mother switches on the farmhouse porch light. Along with a surge of warmth and love, he is overcome with the realization that that moment in time is gone forever and the porch light was ” shot through with melancholy”.

    Beautiful.

  55. 55.

    Raven

    January 28, 2012 at 8:24 pm

    @becca: Nice

  56. 56.

    Mark S.

    January 28, 2012 at 8:28 pm

    @Calouste:

    That shit cracks me up. I can’t believe anybody would give a shit if someone voted for Paul Tsongas twenty years ago, but this somehow goes to prove whether one is A TRUE CONSERVATIVE!

  57. 57.

    Anne Laurie

    January 28, 2012 at 8:41 pm

    @RossInDetroit:

    Some in-laws just got a Border Collie puppy for their 12 year old daughter. She’s active and at home now, but when she goes to college the dog will still be young. A pet like that is like being in a relationship with a needy genius.

    By all means, encourage them to find a local dog-training / agility / flyball club. If they’re in MI, I should be able to scrounge for some names — depending on where they are, the 4H and FFA may even have groups specifically for kids. Getting the puppy off to the right start, giving the dog & the new family a common ‘language’ while they’re still upbeat & dazzled with their new living toy, will make a huge difference in the quality of the dog’s life later. Even a qualified individual trainer, someone who can get through to them what kind of a commitment they’re taking on, is better than nothing; but a group of people who are committed to enjoying the drive and intelligence of their dogs sets the best example!

  58. 58.

    smintheus

    January 28, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    @becca: The concluding sentence is especially striking. For some reason it makes me think of James Agee.

    “And I said to myself without really saying it but just knowing it right off, this is the sort of thing that sets me apart from Daddy and him from me and both of us from everybody else, not simply that I saw the porch light come on and he didn’t and nobody else would care anyway, but more that Momma could switch on a single bulb and switch on something in me with it, something of sadness and grief and shot through with the melancholy of twilight, something I could not be sure Daddy would know as I knew it, feel as I felt it.”

  59. 59.

    rikyrah

    January 28, 2012 at 8:49 pm

    and wasn’t there some uniquely Willardian flip-flopping on SB5, as well?

    yes. in true Willard fashion, when it first came out, he came out in support of it. but, in the final week before the actual vote, he came to a GOP Call Center, where they were trying to drum up support for SB5, and then stepped outside of it and tried to say that he didn’t know what SB5 was. He was taken to the woodshed by the Tea Partiers, and whaddya know, next day, he’s out in full support of SB5, which went down to a rousing defeat about a week later.

    like I said, the ads write themselves.

  60. 60.

    RossInDetroit

    January 28, 2012 at 8:55 pm

    @Anne Laurie:

    Thanks for the suggestions. that’s the direction we were thinking in. The girl is a tomboy so something like utility dog training would probably make them both happy. Otherwise I guarantee stress and consternation in the house for all.
    They do have a large yard that backs up to a very large park, so space isn’t an issue thank Bob.

  61. 61.

    Anne Laurie

    January 28, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    @RossInDetroit: Excellent! — if they’ve got the space, maybe you can even help them out…

  62. 62.

    middlewest

    January 28, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    This is kind of old, but I saw it going around the net today:
    Real headlines vs. Fox News headlines.

  63. 63.

    Schlemizel

    January 28, 2012 at 10:06 pm

    I was looking for the Gopher hockey game because the GD squeakball game was on. That means I was wading in the fetid swamp that is AM radio when I came across a real piece of shit I had never heard of before. This assclown was so over the top paranoid screaming loony that I had to stay and find out who he was. Any of you heard Alex Jones before – I had not & wish I could still say I had never heard of him.

  64. 64.

    nastybrutishntall

    January 29, 2012 at 11:28 am

    ElectroPop: you’re doing it wrong.

    http://www.gorillavsbear.net/2012/01/24/video-phedre-in-decay/

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