Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

They traffic in fear. it is their only currency. if we are fearful, they are winning.

Anyone who bans teaching American history has no right to shape America’s future.

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

Hot air and ill-informed banter

When do the post office & the dmv weigh in on the wuhan virus?

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

When your entire life is steeped in white supremacy, equality feels like discrimination.

Not so fun when the rabbit gets the gun, is it?

Their boy Ron is an empty plastic cup that will never know pudding.

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

The GOP is a fucking disgrace.

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Incompetence, fear, or corruption? why not all three?

Every one of the “Roberts Six” lied to get on the court.

They love authoritarianism, but only when they get to be the authoritarians.

“In the name of Zandar, I will fight the Stupid!”

Baby steps, because the Republican Party is full of angry babies.

Republicans seem to think life begins at the candlelight dinner the night before.

This really is a full service blog.

Despite his magical powers, I don’t think Trump is thinking this through, to be honest.

Innocent people don’t delay justice.

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

People are complicated. Love is not.

Everybody saw this coming.

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Open Thread

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Here’s some squee for you- first, Samkitten running through the sprinklers in his knickers:

Running around in your underwear will only be cute for another year or so, buster, so make the most of it. I guess he is now qualified to be a Senator in Mass. Next, adorable snoring puppy:

The ears at the end slay me.

Reader Interactions

95Comments

  2. 2.

    JPL

    The best pic of Sam was when he and is dad looked at the pee stick.. Congrats to the kitten family.

  5. 5.

    shoutingattherain

    Zach Parise signs with the Wild for 13 years, $98 million. If you’re not a Pens fan you won’t understand the disappointment.

  6. 6.

    Jewish Steel

    @burnspbesq: I think the Lakers dynasty is done. He’s never going to get a ring. That’s a shame, he’s a hell of a guard.

    Probably the source of more injuries than any other player. As in: “Hey, I’m a short white guy! I can probably do that!”

  7. 7.

    Roger Moore

    @PeakVT:

    Saint Ronnie on a velociraptor.

    Why in hell is St. Ronnie carrying a Soviet RPG-7 rather than a good old American made anti-armor weapon like a LAWS or a bazooka or something?

  9. 9.

    scav

    SamKitten of SiblingKitten! Huzzahs all round and for sprinklers, let us give thanks.

  12. 12.

    RedKitten

    Gad, he looks like he’s about 6 years old in that picture. I have no idea how or why he’s so freaking tall, but it’s crazy. I tell people he’s not quite three, and they’re visibly astonished.

  15. 15.

    R-Jud

    We’re having a family reunion here in NJ, and while we were eating someone mentioned Sarah Palin. My cousin E from Juneau turned to her brother L and said, “Remember that time you slapped Bristol Palin in the face?”

    Apparently, cousin L was at a house party where Bristol, who was enrolled at Juneau-Douglas High with him, got quite drunk and tried to kiss and grab him. L warned her several times to leave him alone, or he would slap her. She didn’t, so he did.

    He’s only 22, but we immediately promoted him to head of the family.

  17. 17.

    burnspbesq

    Perhaps the crziest sports-transaction rumor of the day: the Mets, whose bullpen is melting down on a daily basis, may be bringing back Francisco Rodriguez from exile in Milwaukee.

  20. 20.

    the Conster

    Cuteness! Love it. Why can’t cuteness instead of assholeness rule the world?

  21. 21.

    Dork

    @burnspbesq: Mets would be smart to be buyers in the trade market, cuz theres no way the Nats are gunna stay atop that division another month.

  22. 22.

    S. cerevisiae

    @Dork: But Wild fans are partying down – Parise and Suter are coming home. With the kids coming up next year the Wild are suddenly a team to watch in the west. Bring the Cup to the State of Hockey!

    J.P. Parise was one of my favorite North Stars back in the day.

  26. 26.

    TaMara (BHF)

    SamKitten is as cute as eveh! Teh cute puppy is cute indeed. Love the embarrassed burying of the head at the end.

    My niece is adorable. Also, too. I get to see her at the end of the month.

    I drive 8 hours, she waits up for me, it’s adorkable.

  27. 27.

    dp

    There are Republican congressmen who are ready to call out the child porn cops for this sort of thing. Of course, it’s not embarrassing fossil fuel producers, so you may skate.

  29. 29.

    the Conster

    “I love this country,” Romney said. “I love the people who have built this country.”

    for me he didn’t say.

  31. 31.

    Cacti

    @the Conster:

    “I love this country,” Romney said

    “So much that I sought out 4 deferments from having to perform military service for it.”

  32. 32.

    the Conster

    @Cacti:

    Military service is for the little people, who are just the right height for military service.

  33. 33.

    Mnemosyne

    Managed to have a reasonably nice day despite getting The Bad Phone Call about G’s dad first thing this morning. I dropped G off at LAX, did some shopping since it turns out I am too fat to fit into the black dress that’s in my closet, and then rode my bike along the beach path from Santa Monica to Will Rogers State Beach, then turned around and followed the path down to Venice, and then back to SM.

    Doing some laundry now since I’m leaving for Chicago at an ungodly hour on Friday morning and I have to work all day tomorrow.

  36. 36.

    Hill Dweller

    @the Conster: Willard’s got nothin’. He is an awful candidate running an inept campaign. The only thing that can save him is the economy tanking again, which is a real possibility.

  37. 37.

    Cacti

    @the Conster:

    Military service is for the little people, who are just the right height for military service

    George Romney avoided service in World War II.

    Everybody served in World War II. Wasn’t too old either (34 as of December 7, 1941).

  39. 39.

    the Conster

    @Hill Dweller:

    Romney’s on his heels already now. The drip drip drip of oppo research coming out is the early summer appetizer. The Obama folks have the fall entree all teed up. They’ve got this. Where’s there’s Stericycle, there’s a fire.

  41. 41.

    Cacti

    @the Conster:

    Romney’s on his heels already now. The drip drip drip of oppo research coming out is the early summer appetizer.

    As mentioned above, Romney’s campaign is amateur hour. His only hope at this point is the economy tanks and catapults him into office.

    I can’t wait to see how he addresses the revelation of his secret piggy bank in Bermuda.

  42. 42.

    TaMara (BHF)

    @WereBear: If you’re still around, I posted this earlier in another thread, I have a question. I have a cat who seems to have laryngitis. Otherwise he seems fine. Is this something you’ve encountered, ever? It’s kind of funny/pathetic as he still walks around talking like nothing is wrong, but the best he can get out is a scratchy whisper.

  43. 43.

    R-Jud

    @John Cole: Oh, I figured I was boring people. She’s fine, likes hotdogs, hates fireworks. She was a flower girl at my sister’s wedding last weekend. Go to thisweekinbean.wordpress.com for a picture– I’d link, but I’ve not worked out this phone yet.

  44. 44.

    jwb

    @Cacti: Can hardly wait to see what horror Romney springs for his VP.

    No Tea Party presence at the local Fourth celebration. They were out in force in 2010.

  45. 45.

    Lockewasright

    A Higgs boson walks into a catholic church. The priest says: We don’t admit Higgs bosons at this church. You’ll have to leave.”

    The Higgs boson replies: “But, without me, how can you have mass?”

  47. 47.

    Mnemosyne

    @Valdivia:
    @Jewish Steel:
    @TaMara (BHF):

    Thanks, all. When my FIL would come out to visit, he would stay at a friend’s apartment in Santa Monica that was right across the street from the beach. He absolutely loved staying so close to the ocean and loved taking long walks on that beach, so it made me feel a little closer to him to go there today.

  48. 48.

    the Conster

    @Cacti:

    I don’t even think the economy tanking would help him, because he has nothing to offer as a solution except for self-serving tax cuts for millionaires like himself, to offshore into his Bermuda accounts. He can’t convince anyone of anything because he’s an untrustworthy cipher. The Obama people will make sure they keep their boots on his neck about all of his Bain self dealing, I have no doubt. They’ve got this.

  49. 49.

    FlipYrWhig

    For future reference for other crazy cat people: the Fourth of July evening is not the best time to attempt to give subcutaneous fluids to a strong and skittish old cat.

  52. 52.

    JCT

    Sweet Samkitten will be an awesome big brother!

    Alas, I am so old that my youngest niece is now taller than I am. Hmmm, maybe I’m just short, not too old?

    Also too, Sir Mittens Robin is both a dreadful candidate and a jackass. I hope Obama kicks his ass in Nov.

    @Mnemosyne: Condolences to you and your family – I hope he went peacefully. Nothing beats a “good” death.

  55. 55.

    Jewish Steel

    @Lockewasright: Ha! Stolen and retransmitted to my nerd friends.

    @FlipYrWhig: Fourth of July evening is not the best time to attempt to do anything apart from observe from a safe remove a strong and skittish old cat, I would imagine.

  58. 58.

    Hill Dweller

    @the Conster: The Vanity Fair article on Willard and Bain is pretty brutal.

    I think the push back(from both Dems and Republicans) against the initial Obama attacks on Bain were the result of some very powerful people calling in favors. Said power players probably know Bain will prove to be a treasure trove of oppo research for the Obama campaign, and expose some shady shit from other people.

    Willard got away with it during his state level campaigns and first short run for President, which gave them a false sense of security. But now Willard is the Republican nominee, facing a level of scrutiny he’s never seen.

    I hope they bury(figuratively speaking) that sociopath and his Stepford wife.

  60. 60.

    Jewish Steel

    @Lockewasright: One of my students walked in wearing that the other day! I don’t play favorites with my students…but she’s my new favorite (shhh)

    @MikeJ: Oh, mercy. That’s a painful one. Maybe not a bad band name either…

  61. 61.

    burnspbesq

    @Cacti:

    Even worse, Nash is apparently singing a Warren Zevon song (“Join Me in L.A.”) to Grant.

    Grant could give Kobe a master-class on class.

  64. 64.

    the Conster

    @Hill Dweller:

    Willard has never had to defend himself, and he thinks he can just dismiss it all like he’s used to doing because he’s so fucking rich. He’s built to be a bully surrounded by sycophants – he’s Draco Malfoy. He’s got nothing positive or hopeful to offer to counter the bad stuff he’s done, and his Mormonism isn’t a plus either to fall back on, because that’s just weird too. I already sense he knows he’s done – that it’s just beginning to dawn on him that it’s all different, bigger and harder core than he thought it would be – but his ambition is a wild beast that he couldn’t help but strap himself to, and it’s running away with him.

  65. 65.

    Jewish Steel

    @burnspbesq: Isn’t he a painting collector and super cultured? IIRC he could give us all a lesson or two. (except me. i’m, like, way highbrow, y’know?)

  68. 68.

    JCT

    Whoa, I am almost crying with laughter over T-bogg’s top few posts — really worth a look, except for the post laugh realization that if these nut cases gain any more power we are just screwed.

    Such an inspired lead-in…

    Over at Michelle Malkin’s Twitter For Tweakers folks are screaming at their Commodore 64s and having 140 character meltdowns because The Google ruined America’s birthday by pissing in the punch, crapping on the birthday cake and butt-raping Liberty The Freedom Clown in front of the horrified but mildly intrigued children. How did Google do this? By creating a Google Doodle using something right out of Chairman Mao’s Little Red Commie Book. Yes they did.

    The imagery…

  71. 71.

    NotMax

    You never know who’s going to turn out to be a significant collector.

    For example:

    Never mind that he’s performed before crowds a thousand times bigger, sold a gazillion records, won Grammys and an Academy Award. British singer and drummer Phil Collins is fidgeting because he’s about to give the world a first glimpse inside his own private Alamo.
    __
    And it’s a rarefied and improbable realm, filled with hundreds of Texas Revolution artifacts and documents painstakingly archived inside a basement room in Collins’ home outside Geneva.Source

  76. 76.

    Jewish Steel

    @Mnemosyne: Oh, heavens no, not mocking. If I had two nickels to rub together I’d love to collect art. I’m a big colorfield fan actually.

  77. 77.

    asiangrrlMN

    @Mnemosyne: ::hugs:: So sorry for your (and G’s) loss. My deepest condolences.

    SAMKITTEH! Soooo cute. Puppeh in teh cute, too. I can’t wait to pace the virtual floor again when RedKitten2 is ready to pop.

    @R-Jud: Adorable! She and SamKitteh will make a great couple!

  79. 79.

    NotMax

    Yay! It’s raining now, so looks like my neighbors next door won’t be, as is their wont, setting off enough firepower to wake the dead. On Mars.

  80. 80.

    Linda Featheringill

    @JCT:

    By creating a Google Doodle using something right out of Chairman Mao’s Little Red Commie Book. Yes they did.

    I noticed that the song reference this morning and was pleasantly surprised.

    What’s Malkin’s group upset about? We always sing just before land redistribution. :-)

  81. 81.

    amk

    Our boy is out loose and drunk twittering.

    John Cole ‏@Johngcole

    Power is out and I am completely naked on the back deck in the rain drinking scotch. America, fuck yeah!

  82. 82.

    'Niques

    @TaMara (BHF): Probably a bit late, but nibbling on diefenbacia (sp) leaves will tenporarily paralyze vocal cords. I’ve had it happen with kittens.

  85. 85.

    quannlace

    Military service is for the little people, who are just the right height for military service.

    Is there anything Romney says that doesn’t sound ‘off’ or just plain weird. His reply to why none of his strapping sons volunteered for Iraq, despite they’re being for the war. “They’re fulfilling their patriotic duty by working for his campaign.” ???
    And now saying he’s got an in with Latinos cause one of his kids speak Spanish.

    I mean, honestly!
    ***********************
    Samkitten, naked time! Why do toddlers love it so?

  87. 87.

    quannlace

    What’s Malkin’s group upset about? We always sing just before land redistribution. :-)

    Wouldn’t it just be easier if these people made a list of the things that DON”T turn them into screaming hysterics?
    When we sang it back in middle school music class, it was always presented as a patriotic song.
    And the Google Doodle was charming- done in a ’50’s folksy style like it came off of a cover of a Kingston Trio album.

  94. 94.

    Mnemosyne

    @Nutella:

    I can kind of see doing that if one of the kids is constantly coming in last and everyone’s under 18 — you know, making sure everyone’s talents and abilities are used, etc. etc.

    But for aging dad to declare that the rules have to be changed so that he can keep up with his sons and pretend that he’s still just as young and strong as they are? A little weird, IMO.

    ETA: Tbogg, of course, has the best summary:

    So Mitt is one of those hyper-competitive dicks who go “3 out of 5 …. 4 out of 7 … 5 out of 9″ when he is losing to his seven year-old granddaughter. Nice.

  95. 95.

    RedKitten

    This is what gets me:

    after Mitt once nearly finished last, behind a daughter-in-law who had given birth to her second child a couple of months earlier, the ultra-competitive and self-described unathletic patriarch expanded the games to give himself a better shot.

    What, Mitt lose to a woman? That just can’t be right. Mulligan!

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