Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Only Democrats have agency, apparently.

A democracy can’t function when people can’t distinguish facts from lies.

Republicans are the party of chaos and catastrophe.

A last alliance of elves and men. also pet photos.

This fight is for everything.

Peak wingnut was a lie.

I like you, you’re my kind of trouble.

Tick tock motherfuckers!

Battle won, war still ongoing.

Our job is not to persuade republicans but to defeat them.

Ah, the different things are different argument.

That’s my take and I am available for criticism at this time.

Seems like a complicated subject, have you tried yelling at it?

Conservatism: there are some people the law protects but does not bind and others who the law binds but does not protect.

Prediction: the GOP will rethink its strategy of boycotting future committees.

I’m sure you banged some questionable people yourself.

They are lying in pursuit of an agenda.

Everyone is in a bubble, but some bubbles model reality far better than others!

White supremacy is terrorism.

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

As long as McCarthy is Speaker, the House will never be in order.

The GOP couldn’t organize an orgy in a whorehouse with a fist full of 50s.

Fuck the extremist election deniers. What’s money for if not for keeping them out of office?

The republican caucus is already covering themselves with something, and it’s not glory.

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Open Thread

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happycat

Today was just a beautiful day here- 60 degrees and blue skies, so I took the girls on a lot of walks and then gave them both baths, since it had been a couple months and the dogs were starting to smell a little, well, doggie. So I gave them a bath with my favorite dog shampoo, this Natural Chemistry Natural Flea and Tick Shampoo that just makes the girls smell great.

Spent a half hour letting Zsa Zsa love all over me, and man is she an aggressive lover- there was heavy petting involved. Such a little sweetheart. She comes out a lot more now, and I figure in about 2-3 months she will be no longer spending most of her time in the spare bedroom.

While I was lying there with Zsa Zsa, I started thinking about the website and how I just don’t seem to post as much anymore. Part of it is we have so many people posting, so half the time I want to post on an issue I go to blog about it and someone else has already covered it, but that is just an easy excuse. As many of you know, I used to just refuse any contact with anyone from this blog, but for the last year I’ve been coming out of my shell. Posting pics of my fat self, going to the DNC, meetups in Austin, and as I was lying there petting on Zsa Zsa, I realized what had changed.

I think I may be happy. I’m serious. It’s so much easier to blog a lot when you are angry all the time, but right now I am at a point where I’m pretty happy, and I gotta admit, it freaks me the fuck out as much as it may confuse you. I’m not used to it. I can’t remember the last time I had an anxiety attack, and things just seem to be going well (and I fully understand I am cursing myself).

My family is doing well, I get to see my folks all the time and am talking to my siblings more than ever, work is good, the pets are good, we’re heading into spring and gardening and blue skies and green grass and flowers, I have a lot of friends I love, I have a lot of interests to keep me occupied, and I guess I am just going to have to come to grips with the fact that I am happy. The only thing missing is that Regina King still will not return my calls. Regardless, being happy and contented makes it harder to be cynical and angry about everything, even though there is so much to be angry and cynical about. I’m sure this won’t last, but there you have it.

Also too, the shoots for the daffodils are starting to come out.

Reader Interactions

109Comments

  1. 1.

    Johnny Coelacanth

    Yeah, it’s hard to be an angry young man when you’re a content, middle-aged man. My writing has suffered terribly from growing up and finding some modicum of peace with myself.

  2. 2.

    aimai

    We love you, John. Seriously. We are happy you are happy. Your life sounds good. You should enjoy it.

  5. 5.

    jl

    Sounds good, Cole. Glad you are happy. Post some pet pix once in a while and it’s all good.

  6. 6.

    pacem appellant

    You’ve built a good community here. You should be happy. And when you’re not, there’s aprazolam.

  7. 7.

    asiangrrlMN

    TUNCHIEEEEEE! I musta really been a good grrl to have pics of Tunchie two days in a row! I’m glad you’re happy, John, even if it means less rants from you.

    @Yutsano: Thanks for the cat-signal, Yutsy!

  9. 9.

    gbear

    Don’t worry about the excessive happiness. Many of us out here are making up for you by living perfectly miserable lives.

  10. 10.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    Does Tunch (or the dogs) play with the new kitten at all? She is still a kitten, right?

  15. 15.

    quannlace

    It’s obvious from this photo that Tunch isn’t fat. He just spreads out, like a puddle.
    **************
    Damn straight it was beautiful today! And what a relief from three grey, stormy days. Please God, let this be the last snow of the season. And could you give the Nor’Easter’s a rest for a bit? (And while you’re at it, could you somehow stop the Weather Channel from giving winter storms those stupid names?)

    Yeah, today you could believe Spring might finally be on the way.

  16. 16.

    Gin & Tonic

    I know that the FTFY sentiment is strong around here, but as Mo Rivera announces this is his last season, I think even the FTFY people can agree not only about his obvious numbers, but also that he was a class act from the old school.

  17. 17.

    Friend of Hermes

    Regina King doesn’t call me either, much as I admire her and long to hear her voice on my phone. But I try to be happy and it sounds as if you’re coping well and good. And who knows, tomorrow you might answer an unlisted call and it will be her!

  18. 18.

    Tara the Antisocial Social Worker

    Nice to see you happy, Cole.

    Maybe some enterprising pet-rescue organization can post before & after shots to show how letting a few mischievous animals into your life can lead to bliss.

  21. 21.

    Citizen Alan

    Jesus, Cole, NEVER talk about how happy you are and how well things are going! Have you ever seen a movie before?!? You’ll be lucky to make it to Sunday before the Columbian drug cartel you’ve been investigating pumps you full of lead!

  23. 23.

    lamh35

    I think I know what u mean. I’m back home in Louisiana. One dau I realized that I’m doing exactly the same things that I did in DFW, work, Internet, reading, television not much going out. I was homesick, but mainly content.

    Then I moved back & now if I get an hankering for seeing my god kids or my sister or my mom or my granny or just don’t want to miss the next family party or gathering I’m now just a hop skip and a jump away.

    It really hit me when last weekend my god daughter Maddie let me hold her all weekend even when her mom was in the next room, cause thanks to me being over so much she now knows exactly who I am. Last weekend she was sitting in the bed and i was leaving out the house when my nephew said “Maddie kiss your nanny” and she leaned over and gave me a big old kiss. I smiled all the way back home to BR.

  24. 24.

    Shinobi

    I was talking to a friend the other day about how things in the last year hadn’t been going particularly well for him or his family. They’d had medical problems, deaths in the family, lots of things. But despite all that he was happy, because he was happy with the choices that he had made and the people in his life.

    So I don’t think you’re asking for trouble. Shit happens in life, but even when everything is dark and things are hard and people we love are gone we can still find happiness with the people who are here and the things and pets that we love.

    And even when you’re fundamentally happy with your life you can still want to rant about the dumb shit someone said on TV. So I’m sure you’ll have something to say sometime soon.

  26. 26.

    srv

    Yeah, yeah, all that contentment and lurvy-durvy. All great stuff.

    So time to be more than just a blogger or blogmaster – time to write that book.

  27. 27.

    TaMara (BHF)

    I want to laugh, but I’m so thrilled. I’d rather you be happy than blog. Honestly. Now I’m going to go back and read all the snark everyone has in store for you.

    And I await the next post where you tells us all we are fuckers and assholes.

    And obligatory beautiful Tuuunccch!

  28. 28.

    Little Boots

    @? Martin:

    not to add to the problem … but every gun nut should be shot in the head.

    (okay, that’s probably adding to the problem.)

  31. 31.

    JGabriel

    John Cole @ Top:

    It’s so much easier to blog a lot when you are angry all the time …

    I’m not sure that’s entirely true. I mean, if it were true, I think I’d be a lot more prolific.

  32. 32.

    Keith G

    Right on. Eventually most sane folk reach an age where they realize that life is just too damn short for anger, outrage or snark to be one’s regular reaction to things. Plus there is always joy to found if you are will to look for that instead of turmoil.

    For example, yesterday I purposely broke with routine and stopped into a cute little sports pub near me that I had never visited. I discovered with great delight that with $4 I could get a Lonestar and a basket of really good onion rings. Next weekend I plan to go back with a few friends and a lot more money.

    Look for the good.

    and edit the bad

  33. 33.

    JWL

    That’s great. Still, after years of reading your hard luck posts, you’ll surely understand why some may still assume there’s a severed digit, or grease fire, or lightening strike about to befall you in your near future.

    In the meantime, of course, enjoy.

    (Just kidding. A lot of people start to relax after a certain age, and welcome to the club).

  34. 34.

    Marcelo

    The important thing about being happy is to remember that you deserve the happiness. That’s hard to realize sometimes. Nonetheless, you’ve done well, and this is the reward. Enjoy!

    Funny enough, I notice this in punk rock albums, specifically my favorite punk band Bad Religion. When GOP is in office and everything is going to shit their albums are amazing. The ones during the Clinton and Obama years? Kinda awful.

  35. 35.

    Yutsano

    @Keith G:

    I discovered with great delight that with $4 I could get a Lonestar and a basket of really good onion wings.

    This is either intriguing or AutoCorrect strikes again. :)

  37. 37.

    Hill Dweller

    @? Martin: If you have twitter access, check out the wingnut meltdown over Obama being named to SI’s 50 most powerful people in sports list.

  38. 38.

    Little Boots

    and john, I think I’ve said it before, you’re a great guy. You went through a big change, in public, with grace and with courage. If anyone deserves to be happy …

  40. 40.

    Keith G

    @Yutsano: Might have been “yammering on” too fast and out paced voice recognition. I caught it just after you did and changed it.

    Texas A&M down here have been doing great things with hybrid onions, but I don’t think they have added wings…yet

  43. 43.

    Heywood J.

    Being happy is always better, even when the anger keeps us warm and makes us write more forcefully.

    In eight years of blogging, I don’t think I’ve ever shared any cat photos, and I have no idea why, so here goes….

  46. 46.

    Ultraviolet Thunder

    Happiness? I’m very glad for you, John. You deserve contentment in your life.
    Consider a couple of possible contributing factors:
    1) A pretty nasty winter is ending and there’s some sunshine now. That helps everyone’s mood, and some of us respond to it a great deal more than others.
    2) The election is over, our guy won and political problems have abated from apocalyptic to merely horrible. That’s a lot of daily stress out of the lives of many Dems.

  48. 48.

    Short Bus Bully

    Love this post, love this blog. Been coming here for years and this place makes ME happy.

    I know that we all like to shit on TED talks (and they deserve it) but this is one that blew my fucking mind. Made me tear up and re-evaluate my life, all in about 15 minutes.

    http://www.ted.com/talks/amanda_palmer_the_art_of_asking.html

    Oh, and Amanda Fucking Palmer is my new muse. GODDESS.

  49. 49.

    Linda

    I’m lucky that my blog has nada to do with politics, hence has nothing to do with being angry or not. I know some nonpolitical, but issues-oriented bloggers, have given up because the anger chewed them up so much. I don’t think I could do blogging if it was fueled by anger–I’m not Pollyanna, but I prefer to be happy.

  51. 51.

    Heliopause

    I think I may be happy. I’m serious. It’s so much easier to blog a lot when you are angry all the time

    Life is meaningless. Everybody you love will grow old and die. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Rape of Nanking. Dick Cheney.

    Ready for some blogging now?

  52. 52.

    Keith G

    Another happy causing thing:

    I just finished a strangely enjoyable audio book. The title is: Iscariot: A Novel of Judas by Tosca Lee. I really like historical fiction and this book about a one of the most familiar stories in human society kept me engrossed.

    I especially appreciated the insight into first century Jewish culture and politics. I highly recommend.

  54. 54.

    South of I10

    Good for you, John. I’m glad you are happy. Spring is almost here and I am sipping on a delicious margarita, so here’s to you.

  55. 55.

    Little Boots

    that sounds great, keith.

    I am more and more intrigued by that whole era.

    (which given the nym, makes sense, I guess.)

  56. 56.

    Linda

    And John? Just groove on the happiness. A Michigan politician, L. Brooks Patterson, said once that he missed a lot of time with his family on stuff that he thought was important, and turned out to not be that much. The same, I think, with anger.

  58. 58.

    Maude

    John, you are posting more on the blog now than before. You were in a negative phase. Now, your posts are great to read.
    Just as long as you don’t abandon us. I have abandonment fear and I would have to go on and on about it in comments.
    I’d bring up the site re build, but that’s not polite.
    You might be able to see the comet down there.

  59. 59.

    Ted & Hellen

    Clearly an upward swing to the manic side of things.

    I await the depressive backlash post with great anticipation.

  61. 61.

    BGinCHI

    John Cole, what have you done with John Cole?

    Seriously, glad you’re growing into yourself. And no, not a fat guy joke.

  67. 67.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    @Ultraviolet Thunder: 1) A pretty nasty winter is ending and there’s some sunshine now. That helps everyone’s mood

    There are a few of us who like winter. And this time change in particular puts me off my game. This is perhaps my least favorite day of the year.

  70. 70.

    Lou From Here

    Wow, John thanks. I had not read your post from a year ago. I am a crisis worker in a hospital emergency room. Too many years seeing people who are suicidal or tried to kill themselves. Then the problems in my own families. And my own when much younger and the after effects that last to today. So, be happy. Try to enjoy and savor your happiness. I did not read you as a conservative and can barely imagine the change and what it is like. You give so much to so many, in ways you cannot even imagine. Some off-handed thing you write could have provided the way out of a pit of despair for someone. Keep on being you I do miss all the posting you did.But that is my loss, not yours. You are a good person; a MENSCH. Enjoy yourself.

  71. 71.

    Little Boots

    i love anyone who uses the term mensch, and means it. and john does seem like a mensch.

    I’ve pissed him off on this site, I know, but I’ve never disliked him.

  72. 72.

    lamh35

    @Patricia Kayden: most instetesting thing I just learned bout Regina King, she’s actually dating Malcolm Jamal Warner. Theo from The Cosby Show and Brenda from 227. I’m in Black sitcom fan heaven…LOL

  73. 73.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @Shinobi:

    You’ve put your finger on the fundamental difference between (most) liberals/Democrats and (most) conservatives/Republicans.

    I think, in general, we (libs/Dems) are much more likely to notice and embrace the good things that happen in life, even if Things seem to be generally shitty. And even if the good stuff is currently happening to someone else. I believe the concept of empathy includes the ability to be truly happy for others when good stuff comes into their lives, as well as feeling their pain when they are wanting or grieving.

    I also think, in general, cons/Reps are much more likely to notice the shit stuff that happens OR COULD HAPPEN in life, even if their own lives are secure and privileged. Fear and resentment keeps them from fully enjoying what they have and they will go to inordinate lengths to keep anyone else either from taking pleasure in their own lives or from having the opportunity to make their lives better.

    (I hope this makes sense. +2)

  75. 75.

    Little Boots

    honestly, I don’t think we Dem/libs are happier. we’re much more likely to get pissed at the world and its incredible inequalities and general cruelty. I think conservatives and republicans actually are better at accepting that.

    I actually like that about the left. we don’t accept.

  76. 76.

    mai naem

    @Cacti: Those drones are not aimed at latte sipping liberals at Starbucks. They’re aimed at Jimmy John’s Subs because the founder of Jimmy Johns is a supporter of Mittens.

  77. 77.

    mai naem

    @lamh35: I think Regina Taylor and Regina King look like they’re related. Regina Taylor was the one who played the maid in “I’ll Fly Away” one of the best TV series evah.

  78. 78.

    1badbaba3

    What’s not to be happy about? You with the man-size cat. Enjoy your menagerie. And your pets, also too.

  80. 80.

    Darkrose

    It’s a nice spiral, because reading about you being happy makes me smile.

    And seriously, how can you not be happy with your pet harem!

    Er…that came out wrong. You know what I meant.

  81. 81.

    sparky

    Cole, happiness is great. Glad you’re feeling it. As to Regina King not calling you . . . be thankful you haven’t heard from Denise Milani.

  89. 89.

    Forum Transmitted Disease

    My blog’s been mothballed for almost four years now; I’m starting to think of just letting it go. Like you, John, I’m not pissed anymore. It’s not for lack of injustices, but an acceptance that no matter what I write about, they will resolve themselves in their own time and own way no matter what I say, think, or do.

    I’m glad for that, and I’m glad for you. May good fortune continue to shine on your house.

  90. 90.

    CaseyL

    I learned a long time ago that happiness is a state of mind and you never know when you’ll feel it, because we don’t do a whole lot of “living in the moment.” I’ve been under a lot of stress the last few years, and definitely make a point of noticing and cherishing moments of joy when they happen.

    Funny thing about “happiness.” Its root word is “hap,” an Old Norse word meaning “chance, luck, fortune.” We get the words happy and hapless from that original word. Happiness is a gift of fortune, something you can’t force or predict; something you luck into, chance upon.

    I’m so very glad you chanced upon happiness, John. Long may it last!

  91. 91.

    Little Boots

    I dunno. if john doesn’t want to be angry, great. but I hope nobody is deciding that shit just happens, so no biggie. that would truly suck.

  93. 93.

    Genine

    I’m so glad you’re happy, John. It’s about time and it couldn’t have happened to a better man. You’ve got a lot of good in your life and it’s great you’re recognizing it.

    Yay!

  97. 97.

    Evelyn

    This was a nice thread to read. As a youngin, I am so damn angry all the time, and feel like everyone around me is as well. It is exhausting sometimes. Very happy to know you’re happy and glad that Austin helped in some way!

  98. 98.

    Debbie(aussie)

    @SiubhanDuinne:
    Beautifully said :) thank you

    So happy for you John, long may it continue.

    Going through a tough patch myself. But I have climbed out before and will again.

  101. 101.

    RedKitten

    You’re a good person, John. You deserve to be happy, and it delights me that you are.

    /hugs

  102. 102.

    Hillary Rettig

    ps is it too simplistic to characterize your journey as “unhappy conservative finds liberalism, then community*, then happiness?”

    *including animals, of course!

  103. 103.

    bemused

    What is it about so many Americans that we are suspicious of being “too” happy? A holdover from Puritanism? We don’t seem to think we deserve it when a wave of joy drops in as if we haven’t “earned” it. It is probably also tied in with why we don’t take enough vacations/time off work to decompress even when it doesn’t affect our finances. We have forgotten how to do vital happiness maintenance.

  104. 104.

    Mitch

    That’s great, John, it sounds to me like you’ve learned to be content. A valuable and underrated skill in the most prosperous nation on Earth.

  105. 105.

    Mitch

    That’s great, John, it sounds to me like you’ve learned to be content. A valuable and underrated skill in the most prosperous nation on Earth.

  107. 107.

    Cain

    Good for you, all you need now is a sex life and you’re good! Get some grandkids for your parents. :-)

  108. 108.

    gluon1

    Is it too late to add another note saying nothing beyond offering you/Cole my congratulations on your/his well-deserved happiness? I’m going with, No, since @aimai said it in the second comment.

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