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Balloon Juice

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Let’s bury these fuckers at the polls 2 years from now.

Proof that we need a blogger ethics panel.

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75% of people clapping liked the show!

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I’m more christian than these people and i’m an atheist.

Only Democrats have agency, apparently.

Of course you can have champagne before noon. That’s why orange juice was invented.

One way or another, he’s a liar.

Celebrate the fucking wins.

We can show the world that autocracy can be defeated.

Never give a known liar the benefit of the doubt.

“Until such time as the world ends, we will act as though it intends to spin on.”

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

Rupert, come get your orange boy, you petrified old dinosaur turd.

Speaking of republicans, is there a way for a political party to declare intellectual bankruptcy?

I’d hate to be the candidate who lost to this guy.

Pessimism assures that nothing of any importance will change.

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

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

There are more Russians standing up to Putin than Republicans.

A sufficient plurality of insane, greedy people can tank any democratic system ever devised, apparently.

White supremacy is terrorism.

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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open Thread

Open Thread

by John Cole|  March 21, 20128:39 pm| 116 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

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Boy, I feel good.

There is just something about working in the yard and doing stuff around the house in springtime that just makes you feel so much better than a simple workout. It’s a different kind of tired, plus you get the sunshine and the fresh air and you just feel better.

Made some delicious chicken tacos for dinner, had a glass of wine, and now I think I am going to settle in front of the boob tube and channel surf before hitting the hay.

You?

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Reader Interactions

116Comments

  1. 1.

    Arclite

    March 21, 2012 at 8:43 pm

    Still at work. Inside. With no yard to work in. Had to work until 3AM last night, and got up this morn and went right back to work. Plan on drinking beer later and crashing.

    Bleh.

    On the other hand, weekend coming up, and looks like it will be nice weather. =D

  2. 2.

    Jade Jordan

    March 21, 2012 at 8:44 pm

    You are more than welcome to come do my spring yard work. The mulch will be delivered on Monday.

    I’d rather take a brisk walk for exercise. Yard work gives me sharecropper flashbacks.

  3. 3.

    dmsilev

    March 21, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    Sitting inside crunching numbers. I’ve got a dataset of a few hundred thousand points, and I’m trying to reduce it to a few meaningful quantities and/or curves. So far, the numbers 1/2, 1, and 2 are prominent.

    Also, one of my colleagues is apparently taunting me by forwarding this link on the best booze-flavored ice creams.

  4. 4.

    WereBear (itouch)

    March 21, 2012 at 8:50 pm

    Looking at the end of a double course of antibiotics for pnuemonia AND a sinus infection. Rather have pnuemonia a dozen more times.

    But enjoying what is also a disturbingly early spring here in what still should be the Great White North.

  5. 5.

    MikeJ

    March 21, 2012 at 8:51 pm

    It’s 47F here, overnight low about 30. Not yet time to spring clean.

    Gonna make an arugula pizza for dinner.

  6. 6.

    dmsilev

    March 21, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    @MikeJ:

    Gonna make an arugula pizza for dinner.

    Liberal elitist!

  7. 7.

    MikeJ

    March 21, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    @dmsilev: I ran out of maraschino cherries, so I used an embryo as the garnish in my Manhattan.

  8. 8.

    lamh35

    March 21, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    So Jeb Bush endorses Mittnes. Hmm, I’m just wondering when someone is gonna ask ole Jeb what he thinks of the Tayvon Martin case & the Stand Your Ground Laws he championed and signed into law in FL

  9. 9.

    arguingwithsignposts

    March 21, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    @dmsilev:

    Sitting inside crunching numbers. I’ve got a dataset of a few hundred thousand points, and I’m trying to reduce it to a few meaningful quantities and/or curves. So far, the numbers 1/2, 1, and 2 are prominent.

    Maybe you can borrow McMegan’s calculator and it will all make sense. Or something.

  10. 10.

    Poopyman

    March 21, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    I spent the day at a desk in a windowless, nearly airless office. Now that I’m home it’s dark, so I might as well go to bed.

    Tomorrow will be the same. Joy.

  11. 11.

    CaseyL

    March 21, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    Had a migraine yesterday and spent the day in bed. Today was back at work, still feeling a little spacey. Haven’t had a migraine in over 20 years, and am hoping it’s at least 20 years until the next one.

  12. 12.

    kdaug

    March 21, 2012 at 8:57 pm

    Have 5 more animation cycles to do tonight (aggro, run, attack 1, attack 2, death).

    Then I have to get feedback to make sure the normal maps are working correctly in-engine.

    Could be a long night.

  13. 13.

    John Cole

    March 21, 2012 at 8:58 pm

    @CaseyL: What kind of spacey? Kevin?

  14. 14.

    Cliff in NH

    March 21, 2012 at 8:59 pm

    Still have ice in the yard, but its melting fast with these record temps – 40 degrees above normal

  15. 15.

    Abstruse

    March 21, 2012 at 8:59 pm

    Working on the floors at the apartment building I’m owner remodeling. 12 hours of “sweat equity” and asbestos fiber.

    +2

  16. 16.

    JPL

    March 21, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    @lamh35: Gotta feel bad for Romney and his possible picks for VP
    ..Gov of VA..look up your ass and watch videos guy..
    Rubio..parents born abroad and shoot to kill law, plus medicare is denying the rich of tax cuts..
    Jebby boy who thinks that as long as you think the guy or gal has intent then u can kill them first .(I have an ex that I might invite on vacation to FL..seems like a win, win situation to me)
    I think Santorum is looking good for a VP pick.

  17. 17.

    NotMax

    March 21, 2012 at 9:03 pm

    Just finished up tractor mowing all the yards and doing a bit of edging.

    Not looking forward to the 3-4 hours of sympathetic vibration and shaking in the hands and arms plus the sinuses going on super double red alert which in recent years always follows doing that.

  18. 18.

    General Stuck (Bravo Nope Zero)

    March 21, 2012 at 9:04 pm

    We’re just coming off a spell of winter, snow, wind, rain, but it’s sunny out now and a little warmer, but going to warm up more tomorrow. Burnt out some on all the stupid politics, and all around hatefulness in our society. Like this case. But humans will do silly and mean human things.

    And it looks like maybe dumbass republicans in Florida MAY re visit their epically stupid, lethal, “stand your ground’ law. Brain dead cracker wingnut

  19. 19.

    Ella in New Mexico

    March 21, 2012 at 9:05 pm

    This week is Spring Break for my last two kiddos, so I took off a few days to do something with them. Thanks to the freakish spring weather in New Mexico, today has been the only decent day since Friday. Between the hellacious dust storms all weekend and the frigid temps with wind Monday and Tuesday, no road trips have been taken or yard work performed for our household. Instead, I remained committed to my diet and exercise regimen–lost 20lbs since January–and have managed to go the gym for four ass-kicking workouts times week. Oh, and I applied this nasty Bumble and Bumble hair straightener that I would NOT recommend to anyone…

    Now I’m just waiting for “Vodka and Soda Happy Hour” to commence. After that, who knows?

  20. 20.

    lamh35

    March 21, 2012 at 9:05 pm

    Ok,

    I need some answers that google didnt’ seem to help with.

    So I applied for a 2 different position with the CDC over a month ago. I believe that they were the same category, just different Class levels, i.e. 7/9 and 11/12. Yesterday I got a “Notice of Results” for the lower rating and it said my rating was 89.0 for level 9 and I have no idea what that means. I tried calling CDC and they give you to a secretary, but the secretary just tells you basic stuff.

    So am I eligible for the job or what? Before Katrina, I worked for the HHS Office of Public Health in NOLA that’s federal right? I don’t remember it being to complicated back in 2004

  21. 21.

    Schlemizel

    March 21, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    @JPL:
    I’m still betting little Ayn Paul for VP.

    I have some kind of head cold & feel like dog crap. On the up side my sense of taste has not recovered from the radiation so the head cold didn’t affect taste like they used to. Its weird because my whole body aches. No time off earned yet so I’ll drag may sorry ass to that florescent lit hell.

  22. 22.

    Mustang Bobby

    March 21, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    Just watched the season finale of Southland. Damn, that’s good TV. No dramatic “Who Shot J.R.?” style cliffhanger, but I still want to know what happens next.

  23. 23.

    JPL

    March 21, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    @NotMax: I’m not sure it helps but I put a hot compress against my nose when I come in from outdoors. Of course, I take zyrtec also, too.

  24. 24.

    Poopyman

    March 21, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    By the way, I think we can thank the Steelers for the recent Tebowmania and the fact that there are still TWO (why in FSM’s name I don’t know) NFL teams that think he can actually play.

    Discuss.

  25. 25.

    urlhix

    March 21, 2012 at 9:08 pm

    Garden tilled, planting early this year.

  26. 26.

    cathyx

    March 21, 2012 at 9:10 pm

    It’s been unseasonably snowy here in the PNW. My asparagus should be making an appearance any day now.

  27. 27.

    BGinCHI

    March 21, 2012 at 9:10 pm

    Weather in Chicago has been stellar. Breaking all kinds of records leaves coming out and greenery everywhere. I hope it’s not the doom of the planet….but this is awesome. Ride on the lakefront today and a race coming up in Michigan this weekend (Barry Roubaix).

    Wish me luck

  28. 28.

    cathyx

    March 21, 2012 at 9:12 pm

    For those following Dancing with the Stars, who got eliminated? I can’t find the answer anywhere.

  29. 29.

    Baud

    March 21, 2012 at 9:12 pm

    If you get a chance later to see Rachel’s opening segment tonight about Romney, it’s awesome.

  30. 30.

    Litlebritdifrnt

    March 21, 2012 at 9:14 pm

    Spent the entire day in court “hurrying up and waiting” kept getting bounced from courtroom to courtroom, trying to get one damn misdemeanor taken care of. Me and the boss got to the point that we would have pleaded our client guilty of first degree murder if they would just let us out of the damn courtroom (joke of course).

  31. 31.

    Captain howdY

    March 21, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    “Boy, I feel good.

    There is just something about working in the yard and doing stuff around the house in springtime that just makes you feel so much better than a simple workout. It’s a different kind of tired, plus you get the sunshine and the fresh air and you just feel better…”

    You stopped short. Get light, aerobic exercise & a little sunshine, do something that really needed doing, have a nice meal, then conclude with a bowl. In that order.

  32. 32.

    Kristine

    March 21, 2012 at 9:16 pm

    Tomatoes and basil are sprouting in the seed tray. Daffs are open. Lawn is greening. It’s the 21st of March in NE Illinois, and I am sitting in the living room in shorts, cotton shirt, and sandals. Windows and back door are open. I hope we don’t pay for this in July.

    Gaby’s bugging me to let her outside, but King is content to lie on the couch next to me. Someone fired off a string of firecrackers a little while ago, and that’s enough to turn a 115-lb dog into a bundle of wants-his-mummy.

    Switching between the Bulls and the Blackhawks. I should be working, but I’m not.

  33. 33.

    JPL

    March 21, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    @Schlemizel: It could be Sarah because she is still popular. It’s difficult to teach an old dog new tricks or so someone says.

  34. 34.

    Kristine

    March 21, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    @BGinCHI: Good luck!

    Weather has been unreal around here.

  35. 35.

    Just Some Fuckhead

    March 21, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    Prolly gonna finish this game of scrabble, then go upstairs and fall asleep in front of the teevee.

  36. 36.

    Litlebritdifrnt

    March 21, 2012 at 9:17 pm

    @cathyx:
    The first sentence of your post means that my brain shuts off. Dancing with the stars is why this country is fucked, there is a war going on, and people are concerned about Dancing with the stars. OMFG

  37. 37.

    eastriver

    March 21, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    Do you have a job, JC? Just curious.

  38. 38.

    Mike

    March 21, 2012 at 9:18 pm

    It’s been raining here the past 3 days. Very much needed but kinda puts a damper on any outside work.

  39. 39.

    Kristine

    March 21, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    @cathyx: No! I’m flying out there the end of next week. I can deal with rain, but I’d rather avoid the snow.

  40. 40.

    danielx

    March 21, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    85 degrees today, and it’s starting to get alarming. It’s not supposed to go below 65 for the next seven days according to weather.com. The average temp for March in my locale is 41 degrees, hence everything is coming up and blossoming about six weeks ahead of schedule. Possibly even the Chinese wisteria will blossom this year…but this evening was cutting back the wisteria, taking down the homemade storm windows on the back porch, cutting back ornamental grass, sweeping out the porch, getting firewood off the porch…etc etc etc. Time for a Leinie’s. Or two.

  41. 41.

    BGinCHI

    March 21, 2012 at 9:19 pm

    @Kristine: Rain headed in: good for plants, not so good for racing.

  42. 42.

    cathyx

    March 21, 2012 at 9:20 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: So, since there is a war going on, we can’t do anything but wring our hands and worry? I can watch Dancing with the Stars, bake cookies, and still be able to follow the war going on and be concerned for my country. But I’m a multitasker.

  43. 43.

    Linnaeus

    March 21, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    Putting on Pandora, having some wine, and making Italian sausage and pasta for dinner.

    One of my good friends just had a meeting with her dissertation advisor and he’s really putting pressure on her to show progress. That is 1) making me glad he’s not my advisor and 2) oddly making me feel I like should be doing more, given how long I’ve been at my own dissertation work.

  44. 44.

    Raven

    March 21, 2012 at 9:21 pm

    Everything is blooming like mad and everything is covered with nasty ass green pine pollen.

  45. 45.

    Dee Loralei

    March 21, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    WOW Rachel just eviscerated Romney on his lies for about 14 minutes. Damn good tv.

    My son spent a few hours down in Tunica today with a friend who just turned 21. Son came home $1,400+. So yay for him!

    I reminded him my 50th birthday is in a few months LOL.

  46. 46.

    cathyx

    March 21, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    @Kristine: It hasn’t been sticking in any sense that it should delay your flight. It’s just very unusual to get it this late in the year.

  47. 47.

    Kristine

    March 21, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    @BGinCHI: I remember significant snow falling around this time a few years ago.

    I still can’t wrap my mind around this weather.

  48. 48.

    David Koch

    March 21, 2012 at 9:22 pm

    New PPP poll finds Palin is most popular person within the Republican party.

    Palin’s net favorability with GOP voters is +48 (68/20). Santorum’s at +29, Romney at +19, Ron Paul at minus 26.

    This is great news for 2016.

  49. 49.

    JPL

    March 21, 2012 at 9:23 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: I don’t watch realty shows but i do find this gossip interesting

    Reportedly given the choice between a trade to the Jets and a trade to the Jaguars, Tebow has picked the Jets over the team that plays in his hometown of Jacksonville

    .
    You are definitely correct in your post but sometimes it’s okay to escape in fantasy worlds.

  50. 50.

    Kristine

    March 21, 2012 at 9:24 pm

    @cathyx: That’s good to know. I just need to remind myself to pack heavier clothes.

  51. 51.

    Riilism

    March 21, 2012 at 9:24 pm

    I have no clue as to the veracity of this story is but I just ran across this “judicial tidbit“. I felt kinda bad for the guy, but I simply could not stop laughing and kept saying to myself, “he went back there, AGAIN!”. Needless to say,

    YMCA Chief Operating Officer John Mikos did not return requests for comment.

  52. 52.

    Svensker

    March 21, 2012 at 9:25 pm

    There is just something about working in the yard and doing stuff around the house in springtime that just makes you feel so much better than a simple workout. It’s a different kind of tired, plus you get the sunshine and the fresh air and you just feel better.

    Apparently there is something in garden soil (or forest soil, too) that actually does enhance good feelings.

  53. 53.

    Bnut

    March 21, 2012 at 9:25 pm

    Just threw a pork shoulder in the slow cooker. In 18 hours I will have barbacoa. Menu for the food truck tomorrow is that, roasted veggie sandwiches with garlic mayo, thanksgiving turkey burgers (have cranberry and stuffing on them), shrimp diablo (cream cheese stuffed jalapenos wrapped in shrimp and bacon) and something I will throw together at the last moment.

    Also, got my tickets today for the US v. Canada Olympic soccer qualifier on Saturday. Can’t wait.

  54. 54.

    NotMax

    March 21, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    Speculation about Romney’s short list for V.P.?

    1) Mike Huckabee
    2) Jon Kyl
    3) Bob Corker

    More scary are the GOP-ers floating names such as John Bolton for Sec. of State.

    Have mentioned it before, but still one of the best short backgrounders on the ‘divinely inspired’ grooming of Romney to run for the White House.

  55. 55.

    Litlebritdifrnt

    March 21, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    @cathyx:
    Bread and circuses

  56. 56.

    Bnut

    March 21, 2012 at 9:28 pm

    @NotMax: Rubio and Christie both don’t want any part of this debacle, save their names for 2016. Pawlenty or Jindal maybe? Nicki Haley?

    Oh, and the Palin as Energy Sec thing just makes me laugh so hard.

  57. 57.

    Linnaeus

    March 21, 2012 at 9:29 pm

    @danielx:

    If you want to get a sense as to just how out of wack the weather’s been lately, check out this post by Jeff Masters from Weather Underground.

    Short version: Nothing like it since we’ve had detailed weather records (over 100 years).

  58. 58.

    Amir Khalid

    March 21, 2012 at 9:30 pm

    @JPL:
    Running mate Santorum? That’ll lock up the women’s vote for sure — in Obama’s favor. But I’m trying to think of someone less bad than Mr Frothy to run with Mitt, and so far I’m stumped. Surely no one who fancies himself for 2016 will agree to go down with the ship this year.

  59. 59.

    noodler

    March 21, 2012 at 9:31 pm

    JC,
    Think you might want to train up for the Army Ten Miler? Got this reminder today, I’ve run it a few times – it’s a great race.
    http://www.armytenmiler.com/
    October 21, 2012
    Race Limited to 30K.
    General Registration opens 15-May.

  60. 60.

    Kristine

    March 21, 2012 at 9:31 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: Nothing wrong with entertainment once in a while. Gives our hands a rest from the wringing.

    Sometimes you need a break.

  61. 61.

    arguingwithsignposts

    March 21, 2012 at 9:31 pm

    Yesterday, the owner of my rental put a Rick Santorum sign out in the yard for the IL primary. Thankfully, tonight it’s gone, but WTF?

  62. 62.

    Dee Loralei

    March 21, 2012 at 9:32 pm

    @NotMax: Not Huckabee, he’s getting that sweet, sweet Murdoch cash from his weekend show, and he’s just now going up on talk radio 5 days a week, 3 hours a day. And he’s going head-to-head against Limbaugh and getting some of his old sponsors. He’s perfectly positioned to become the new Rush and the new Beck. There is no way in hell he’d leave that gig. And no way anyone would choose him for Veep, way to many ugly things in his back ground. Too many pardoned criminals who went on to kill and rape again, his son’s murdering a dog, etc. My guess is we won’t have Huck to kick around at least until 2016.

  63. 63.

    cathyx

    March 21, 2012 at 9:32 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: So what are you saying we should do? What is allowed and not allowed? Should John Cole give up following sports until we aren’t at war anymore?

  64. 64.

    General Stuck (Bravo Nope Zero)

    March 21, 2012 at 9:34 pm

    Fresh Charlie pic

  65. 65.

    lamh35

    March 21, 2012 at 9:36 pm

    ok, WTH why is my comment in moderation??? no cuss words in it, so what’s stopping it???

  66. 66.

    lamh35

    March 21, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    Uh oh, Romney-bot malfunction…

    “Etch A Sketch Shakes Campaign, Rattles Romney”

    http://www.nbcwashington.com/blogs/first-read-dmv/Etch-A-Sketch-Shakes-Campaign-Rattles-Romney-143717676.html

    A Rick Santorum spokeswoman was handing out Etch A Sketches before a Mitt Romney town hall Wednesday in Arbutus, Md., furthering the goading of the GOP front runner after a gaffe by his campaign earlier in the day.
    And it apparently worked. After the event, Romney shot back at reporters who quizzed him about it.

    “I’m not doing a press conference right now, OK?” a testy Romney said, grabbing a reporter’s tape recorder. He then hastily called a media avail and took one question…

  67. 67.

    JPL

    March 21, 2012 at 9:38 pm

    @General Stuck (Bravo Nope Zero): What a stud.

  68. 68.

    JPL

    March 21, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    @lamh35: there are several triggers most of which u know.. but could it have the dreaded s.h..o.e…..word?

  69. 69.

    imonlylurking

    March 21, 2012 at 9:40 pm

    @cathyx: Nobody was eliminated. Everybody gets two dances before the first elimination on Tuesday.

  70. 70.

    jeffreyw

    March 21, 2012 at 9:42 pm

    @General Stuck (Bravo Nope Zero): Such a handsome fellow!

  71. 71.

    BGinCHI

    March 21, 2012 at 9:43 pm

    @Kristine: Born in Buffalo, huh? Checked out your blog, which is cool. Your books look really interesting and I hope you get them back in print. Lots of avenues for that now.

    Chicago weather: you just never know. I assume we are still going to get snow this “spring,” but I hope I’m wrong. Really digging the greening of the city.

  72. 72.

    dmsilev

    March 21, 2012 at 9:43 pm

    @Linnaeus: Obviously things vary a lot between students and between advisers, but pressure to finish can often be a very good thing. Without it, some students can basically get into a near-endless holding pattern and won’t actually finish. It always seems like a crying shame when I hear about some student who left their program at the ABD (All But Dissertation) stage; all that work and all those years, sucks not to get the fancy piece of paper and the letters after your name.

  73. 73.

    geg6

    March 21, 2012 at 9:44 pm

    A pretty decent evening. John had his first excursion outside, other than trips to the doctor’s and walks around the driveway. We went to the local mall to get a new cast iron griddle. A steal we found at Sears, of all places.

    A call just came from my oldest niece. She’s a cheerleader for her high school and a senior. Their basketball team just qualified for the state championship. Everyone send the Beaver Falls Tigers good vibes. They have dedicated the season to the cheerleading captain who killed herself early in the season by jumping in front of a train. Very sad and the young lady suffered horribly from depression. I think the tean is running on emotion, along with their talent.

    Just ate some tiramisu. Yum.

  74. 74.

    Narcissus

    March 21, 2012 at 9:44 pm

    You lead a charmed life, Cole.

    Except for that celibacy thing.

  75. 75.

    dmsilev

    March 21, 2012 at 9:44 pm

    @lamh35: Wait, a reporter had an actual tape recorder? What is this, a 1980s time warp or something?

    That aside, someone really needs to check the Rombot for viruses. It looks like his case of foot-in-mouth disease is spreading to his staff.

  76. 76.

    debit

    March 21, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    @Litlebritdifrnt: Hey, can we still talk about our pets? Exchange recipes? Watch movies or read books? And are you going to be in charge of which of these are allowed, and what content is acceptable? Man, I hope you have lots of free time.

    I made chicken and rice for dinner tonight. I hope that was okay. I mean, during a time of war and all.

  77. 77.

    Cassidy

    March 21, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    @lamh35: I think it depends on the job. Did they tell you what category you were in? I’ve been applying to lots of GS jobs and the only one where I got a numerical rating was the Border Patrol. I scored a 97. That’s out of 110: 100 for the exam and up to 10 for veterans preference. So, I scored a 92 on the exam and had 5 points added in for veterans status.

  78. 78.

    Cacti

    March 21, 2012 at 9:46 pm

    Gotta say, Romney’s own advisor saying his campaign is like an Etch-a-Sketch is just effing brilliant.

    That one’s gonna follow him till November.

  79. 79.

    NotMax

    March 21, 2012 at 9:47 pm

    a testy Romney said, grabbing a reporter’s tape recorder.

    If it had happened in Florida, suppose the accosted reporter had attempted to ‘stand his ground.’

  80. 80.

    Raven

    March 21, 2012 at 9:47 pm

    @dmsilev: Life in Hell Grad School.

  81. 81.

    cathyx

    March 21, 2012 at 9:49 pm

    @imonlylurking: Hey, thanks for that. I was wondering if that might have been the case, but nothing mentioned that fact. I haven’t watched it for a few years, and I don’t remember them doing that when I last watched it. Martina Navratilova was terrible, and I was hoping she was going to be the first to be eliminated.

  82. 82.

    Bnut

    March 21, 2012 at 9:49 pm

    @debit: Better not be any of that terrorist Jasmine rice.

  83. 83.

    Southern Beale

    March 21, 2012 at 9:51 pm

    BREAKING:

    Sanford City Commission Votes “No Confidence” In Police Chief Lee

    The Sanford City Commission passed a vote of “no confidence” in police Chief Bill Lee tonight (Wednesday). City Manager Norton N. Bonaparte Jr. is now faced with the decision of whether to ask for the chief’s resignation or fire him.

  84. 84.

    lamh35

    March 21, 2012 at 9:51 pm

    @Cassidy:

    Letter said:

    This is a record of your application for Federal Employment in the occupation shown below. This is not a job offer. This notice
    provides information contained in your record as it appears in the files of the Servicing Office shown above. Your qualification and any
    veteran preference claims are subject to verification.

    job Series-Job Title: 0403 – Microbiologist, GS-403-7/9

    Spec Code: 001, Spec Title: Microbiologist, Grade: 09, Rating: 89

  85. 85.

    noodler

    March 21, 2012 at 9:52 pm

    @lamh35: You need to see what the cutoff score was for that job based on the rating, then if you are above it (89), your name was forwarded on within the list of qualified candidates. On the orig job post there should be a POC to contact – often not at the hiring agency (you mentioned cdc, but you may have gotten an opm rating)

  86. 86.

    debit

    March 21, 2012 at 9:53 pm

    @Bnut: It was brown Basmati and highly suspicious, so I ate it quickly, before it had a chance to make any mischief.

  87. 87.

    Riilism

    March 21, 2012 at 9:54 pm

    Oh, oh, and noted annotated artist, Jon McNaughton, is at it

    again

    (via Wonkette).

    “Please note how the pointing finger subconsciously draws the viewer’s attention as if saying, “Hey! Look! Fire!”. The subtlety of flames suggesting impressionistic influences in white, yellow, and orange… the grim subject staring defiantly from the canvass, facial hues balanced to instill a sense of “otherness”… the smoldering ash that sensitizes and asthmatizes the viewer to the dire nature of the subject…Most certainly the work of a master,…,of something….”

  88. 88.

    Cassidy

    March 21, 2012 at 9:54 pm

    @lamh35: Heh. My best guess is that 89 is out of 100 and you’ll be placed on a register. As they work their way down, they start offering jobs.

    As for the 7/9, that’s the rating (pay grade) for the position. The lowest offered is 7 and the highest 9 based on experience and previous GS experience.

  89. 89.

    Riilism

    March 21, 2012 at 9:56 pm

    Keeerap, here’s the linkypoo….

  90. 90.

    elmo

    March 21, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    Had a deeply unpleasant day having to fire somebody I liked a great deal.
    So I’m sitting in my hotel room with a glass of wine telling complete strangers about it.
    And that’s making me feel better.
    Man, I’m weird.

  91. 91.

    imonlylurking

    March 21, 2012 at 9:59 pm

    @cathyx: I just started watching it a couple of years ago-they’ve done it once, I think, since I started. Martina was pretty stiff. Usually the dancers have a chance to be stiff and get it worked out, but there are so many good dancers this year. I think it will be Martina, Gavin, or Jack.

  92. 92.

    Kristine

    March 21, 2012 at 10:01 pm

    @BGinCHI: Yup, Buffalo born. Lived in the area until I was about 6. My folks tried farming for a year or so when I was about 4-5 y.o. I still remember walking to the barn in a path my Dad dug. The snow was taller than I was. All I remember is a surround of white.

    Glad you liked the site! I want to re-release the books in ebook format this summer. I don’t know if I’ll hook up with a writer co-op, or go solo–I need to redesign covers and format the things, and I’d be the one supplying the upfront money this time. But friends have put together amazing-looking e-books for not much money. You’re right, there are a lot of options these days. It’s an interesting time to be a writer.

  93. 93.

    AA+ Bonds

    March 21, 2012 at 10:03 pm

    silent deinstall of oracle and then reboot and then install oracle

  94. 94.

    geg6

    March 21, 2012 at 10:04 pm

    @elmo:

    Nah, you’re not weird. At all. Unless I’m weird, too.

    Telling your deepest, darkest thoughts (and firing someone you really like is likely to send you to some deep and dark places, dude) to fellow BJers can be mightily reassuring. Good people here, for the most part, and they are a sweetly supportive bunch, in their own unique way.

  95. 95.

    lamh35

    March 21, 2012 at 10:04 pm

    @noodler: @Cassidy: THX for the info, I guess I’m gonna have to try to call the contact number again. The last time I called, the representative was not very helpful

  96. 96.

    NotMax

    March 21, 2012 at 10:04 pm

    Romney, his spokesbots and PAC ads more and more push the trope that no one can be qualified or capable of running for (or, presumably, of being) President if he/she has not “run a business or a state.”

    I cannot possibly be the only one who hears that ludicrous statement as boiling down to the campaign saying this:

    Lincoln – awful; failure
    Hoover – stupendous; success

  97. 97.

    debit

    March 21, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    @elmo: That sucks and must have been incredibly hard. I’m so sorry.

  98. 98.

    cathyx

    March 21, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    @imonlylurking: No kidding Martina was stiff. I was curious about how she would do. Some athletes are good, and some are horrible. She is definitely in the horrible category. I’m personally rooting for William Levy. I watch spanish telenovelas, and he is a huge star in that world. But you’re right, there are a lot of good dancers this season.

  99. 99.

    AA+ Bonds

    March 21, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    oracle: we literally dig in microsoft’s garbage

  100. 100.

    Kristine

    March 21, 2012 at 10:06 pm

    @elmo: No, you’re just human.

    I’m sorry–one of the rotten parts of being in management. Can you offer the person a decent package? Job assistance?

  101. 101.

    Morbo

    March 21, 2012 at 10:08 pm

    This isn’t springtime work; this is summer work. I’m supposed to be clearing out the flower beds in 60° weather in April, not 85° weather in March. Bugger!

  102. 102.

    imonlylurking

    March 21, 2012 at 10:11 pm

    @cathyx: William had some oddly stiff moments at the beginning, but he is popular enough to get the chance to work it out. I’ve become a ginormous fan of Cheryl Burke-she’s not flashy but she is an awesome teacher, maybe one of the best ones on the show.

    I’m not sure who I’m rooting for yet. It’s going to be one of those seasons where the person with the strongest mental game wins, because physically they’re all about even.

  103. 103.

    CaseyL

    March 21, 2012 at 10:13 pm

    @John Cole: Now there is one interesting, talented cat. Don’t know what his deal is re relationships (if he’s gay, he’s deeply closeted), but he has that combo of smart/scary that I find sexy in a shivery way. Have loved him since he was Mel Profit in “Miami Vice,” which I think was his first role.

  104. 104.

    debit

    March 21, 2012 at 10:16 pm

    @CaseyL: Wiseguy, not Miami Vice. I don’t know why I know this, as I didn’t watch either show. Fannish osmosis I guess.

  105. 105.

    CaseyL

    March 21, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    @debit: Oof, you’re right. I could kick myself, because I adored Wiseguy. Smartest show on TV in its time.

  106. 106.

    Linnaeus

    March 21, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    @dmsilev:

    Obviously things vary a lot between students and between advisers, but pressure to finish can often be a very good thing. Without it, some students can basically get into a near-endless holding pattern and won’t actually finish. It always seems like a crying shame when I hear about some student who left their program at the ABD (All But Dissertation) stage; all that work and all those years, sucks not to get the fancy piece of paper and the letters after your name.

    Oh, sure. I’m sure my friend’s advisor is only trying to help her advance. It’s just that I know exactly how she’s feeling based on how this advisor likes to do things, and it’s not a pleasant feeling.

  107. 107.

    Corner Stone

    March 21, 2012 at 10:21 pm

    @elmo:

    Had a deeply unpleasant day having to fire somebody I liked a great deal.

    Maybe you and Martin can commiserate about it in the near future.

  108. 108.

    Platonicspoof

    March 21, 2012 at 10:25 pm

    . . . working in the yard . . .

    In case you’d like to avoid buying products from companies like Scotts:
    Scotts Miracle-Gro: the bird-killing company?

    Not just flagrantly irresponsible, but criminal (FIFRA), behavior.

  109. 109.

    Gus

    March 21, 2012 at 10:26 pm

    @Bnut: Can’t you see a bunch of commercials with Pawlenty saying “Obamneycare” over and over? Santorum has been too scathing. Jindal? Rubio?

  110. 110.

    elmo

    March 21, 2012 at 10:34 pm

    geg6, debit, and Kristine: thanks. I’m just high enough in management to have a lot of input into the decision, and to have to deliver the letter, but not high enough to determine what kind of severance or whatnot might be offered.

    I wanted this job. Badly. And 80% of the time, I love it. Challenging, interesting, never dull, working with talented, smart, and dedicated folks. And the pay’s good. So I shouldn’t complain about the occasional shitty aspect.

    But this was my guy, so this was my responsibility. Dammit. (moar wine plz kthxbai)

  111. 111.

    elmo

    March 21, 2012 at 10:35 pm

    @Corner Stone:

    Sorry. Martin? Whodat?

  112. 112.

    Mr Stagger Lee

    March 21, 2012 at 10:37 pm

    Well the Tim Tebow trade went through, Timmeh goes to NYC.
    In 24 hours Cincinnati-Ohio State,love the Buckeyes but putting Mitt RawMoney on the Bearcats.

  113. 113.

    Corner Stone

    March 21, 2012 at 10:38 pm

    @elmo: Another wannabe sympathetic character who fired someone and lived to tell about it.

  114. 114.

    tulip

    March 22, 2012 at 12:01 am

    Reading a Clash of Kings, about half way through and not sure if I’ll make it through the series. About 95% of the ever increasing cast sucks. I get that characters are flawed and complicated, but does that mean their flaws and complications mean they are so unlikable?

    Anybody read the first two Patrick Rothfuss books? Can wait for the third book to come out. Kvothe rocks!

  115. 115.

    handy

    March 22, 2012 at 12:48 am

    @Mr Stagger Lee:

    Tim Teebow is gonna love him some NY media.

  116. 116.

    bob h

    March 22, 2012 at 7:21 am

    I’ve been trimming tree branches with my new Stihl pole pruner in the heat of the New Jersey March. After a couple of hours, it is nice to end with a slow beer and listen to Michelle Marsh or similar on NPR.

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