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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Open thread

Open thread

by Tim F|  September 4, 201412:55 pm| 50 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads

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Been too long since we had one. Enjoy a classic Max. He looks like that now except a little larger, less idealistic, fewer balls and he is probably chewing on a bigger piece of grass.

Chat about whatever.

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Previous Post: « Not exactly breaking news, but good call firing McChrystal
Next Post: Fundamental divergence; oddity or realignment »

Reader Interactions

50Comments

  1. 1.

    shelley

    September 4, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    Thank you for the Max therapy.

  2. 2.

    jacy

    September 4, 2014 at 1:02 pm

    Max makes me happy. Such a handsome boy.

    It’s finally a little cooler here – but still too freaking hot for my tastes.

    In response to Bella Q’s call for support for NAMI’s #act4mentalhealth Action Day, I wrote a post. And I encourage everyone to spread the word, and to reach out to anyone in your life who is struggling.

  3. 3.

    Bob In Portland

    September 4, 2014 at 1:06 pm

    Still no photos of the Russian invasion. Can someone point me to actual proof of a Russian invasion? You know, pictures of tanks, lines of soldiers marching along Ukrainian roads, support vehicles.

    Can someone tell me how many tanks the Russians have sent in?

    So far we have as much proof as the Russians invading Las Vegas. Much like the demented Sarah Palin seeing the Russians from her front porch. If you wish hard enough, you can see Russians.

    Meanwhile, the black boxes are still secret, Kiev claims not to know where the air traffic tower recordings are, no civil or military radar from Ukraine, no witnesses to any contrail. MH17, it’s time for you to fly down the memory hole.

  4. 4.

    Betty Cracker

    September 4, 2014 at 1:07 pm

    Good looking doggy! Also, you probably heard, Tim, but the puppy-kicking CEO got shit-canned. Huzzah!

  5. 5.

    Alex S.

    September 4, 2014 at 1:08 pm

    News from hell regarding Meet the Press:

    wonkette.com/559230/meet-the-press-is-about-to-get-so-much-worse-you-need-this-coffee-mug-more-than-…

    There’s going to be a panel with Luke Russert and Joe Scarborough “to appeal to viewers turned off by the show’s famously left-leaning former hosts including the ousted David Gregory.”

  6. 6.

    Alex S.

    September 4, 2014 at 1:10 pm

    @Bob In Portland:

    What did President Putin mean when he said that he could take Kiev within two weeks? What’s this New Russia I keep hearing about?

  7. 7.

    bjacques

    September 4, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    Awwww…!

    On New Year’s Eve, the Dutch go nuts with fireworks. The government tries to keep things from getting too out of hand, by putting out PSAs on fireworks safety, especially warning against illegal, ridiculously powerful fireworks from Belgium. And thereby hangs the tale…

    A few years ago, some bright spark decided to go with an Osama bin Laden theme, and a few days ago someone who had dug up the segments repurposed them…

    youtube.com/watch?v=5yIGNIL2PvI

    #1, also from that series, is also good. #3, not so much.

  8. 8.

    schrodinger's cat

    September 4, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    Perfect for a lazy summer afternoon, Romeow and Juliecat’s immortal love story.

  9. 9.

    ranchandsyrup

    September 4, 2014 at 1:17 pm

    I know y’allz get enough of these on FB, but here’s a 1st day of preschool pic

  10. 10.

    Tommy

    September 4, 2014 at 1:20 pm

    What breed is Max? That is a fine looking dog. I am a cat guy because I guess they don’t need me daily. But I can’t take my cat for a walk or run. That pains me.

  11. 11.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    September 4, 2014 at 1:22 pm

    My “public TV” streak continues. Imaging center (privately run) to get Mom an X-ray, and the TV is on the Food Network. I would have bet these entreneurial makers would have had Fox on.

  12. 12.

    maya

    September 4, 2014 at 1:26 pm

    @Bob In Portland:

    Here you go

  13. 13.

    Amir Khalid

    September 4, 2014 at 1:29 pm

    fewer balls

    So Max was neutered after you took this picture? TMI, dear sir.

    On another front, I have joined the 21st century: after much pestering from my siblings, I have bought a Lenovo A529 Android smartphone, my very first such device. The phone is not the latest, but should be more than adequate for an infrequent user. I paid RM350 (a shade under US$110) for it, and I’m now using it with a Maxis prepaid plan that I only need to top up with RM5 every 50 days — more if my usage requires it, but I don’t anticipate that.

  14. 14.

    maya

    September 4, 2014 at 1:29 pm

    @Alex S.:

    There’s going to be a panel with Luke Russert and Joe Scarborough “to appeal to viewers turned off by the show’s famously left-leaning former hosts including the ousted David Gregory.

    Perhaps instead of McCain they can get Christie to weight in on a regular basis.

  15. 15.

    Gin & Tonic

    September 4, 2014 at 1:31 pm

    @Bob In Portland: Since you didn’t like the term “Colorados,” is “little green men” a better phrase?

  16. 16.

    raven

    September 4, 2014 at 1:32 pm

    My friends daughter dreamed that there were 10 Bohdi’s all doing the same thing. Her mom made here a note about it and I made a movie.

  17. 17.

    Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name)

    September 4, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    @Bob In Portland:

    Can someone point me to actual proof of a Russian invasion? You know, pictures of tanks, lines of soldiers marching along Ukrainian roads, support vehicles.

    No one is going to bother. Based on past experience, any proof offered to you would be dismissed as doctored, manufactured, or somehow insufficient. And then, in the next thread, you would ask the question again. Any kind of substantive discussion with a person with as many idées fixes as you seem to have is pretty much impossible.

  18. 18.

    MattR

    September 4, 2014 at 1:35 pm

    Today is Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Awareness day. PKD is an incurable genetic disease affecting about 600,000 Americans (including myself and a couple other commenters here) that leads to innumerable cysts growing on the kidneys (and sometimes spreading to the liver) which gradually decrease kidney function resulting in dialysis and or transplant for roughly half of those affected as well as putting pressure on other organs leading to a host of other problems. Here are a couple links to some rather disgusting photos of affected kidneys that give an idea of how big they become. A normal vs PKD kidney. A PKD kidney vs a football (since the NFL kicks off tonight). And a couple extra large PKD kidneys being held post surgical removal. (Imagine trying to live with those suckers inside you)

  19. 19.

    schrodinger's cat

    September 4, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    @ranchandsyrup: Very pretty young lady!

  20. 20.

    Botsplainer

    September 4, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name):

    Anything said by Bob in Brighton Beach bears the smell of rotten borscht after it has passed through the intestinal tract of a bull.

  21. 21.

    Trollhattan

    September 4, 2014 at 1:55 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name):
    Cogito Ergo Hodor!

  22. 22.

    NotMax

    September 4, 2014 at 2:01 pm

    @Botsplainer

    Always wondered how many different blogs Tovarich in Portland is being paid to haunt.

  23. 23.

    ranchandsyrup

    September 4, 2014 at 2:02 pm

    @schrodinger’s cat: thanks! :)

  24. 24.

    Mike in dc

    September 4, 2014 at 2:12 pm

    Obama was pretty definitive about the Russian army presence yesterday. Not remotely ambivalent about the evidence. But then we all know about his pro fascist anti-semitic tendecies. Him, and the other 27 NATO members.

  25. 25.

    Gin & Tonic

    September 4, 2014 at 2:15 pm

    @Omnes Omnibus (the first of his name): Reminds me of the tobacco lobbyists, or the climate change denialists – whatever evidence you offer is, sadly, just not proof enough, but if you try again, maybe next time they’ll accept what you’re offering. Except they never do.

  26. 26.

    Botsplainer

    September 4, 2014 at 2:16 pm

    @NotMax:

    Bob in Brighton Beach blogs for two things- payment, and an offer by Putin to refrain from ordering the insertion of a polonium suppository up his ass so long as Bob is prolific.

    The carrot and the stick, so to speak.

  27. 27.

    Jebediah, RBG

    September 4, 2014 at 2:17 pm

    He sure does look idealistic!

    @maya:

    they can get Christie to weight in on a regular basis.

    They can install a truck scale.

  28. 28.

    WaterGirl

    September 4, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    @jacy: I have been wondering how your appointment went. I haven’t seen you since you were sitting in the office, waiting for your appointment.

  29. 29.

    I'mNotSureWhoIWantToBeYet

    September 4, 2014 at 2:40 pm

    @Bob In Portland: Bob! Old buddy! How’s the coffee? Maybe have another cup.

    From this morning.

    HTH!!

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  30. 30.

    Elizabelle

    September 4, 2014 at 2:40 pm

    Verdict reached in Virginia’s Transvaginal Bob McDonnell corruption trial, but we don’t know what it is yet.

    Pop the popcorn. Although I’m worried they’ll skate, cuz they did choose 7 males from the Richmond area for the jury … I don’t know if they’re from the city proper, or if they’re drawn from the ‘burbs and exurbs …

    50 pages of jury instructions; maybe 13-14 hours of deliberations.

  31. 31.

    Elizabelle

    September 4, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    Local news is eating up time, ruminating verdict came in so fast that might be bad for the prosecution’s case.

    Former Governor McDonnell, grim and quiet, just walked into courthouse. Maureen’s walking in now; didn’t see her face …

  32. 32.

    Elizabelle

    September 4, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    TaMara bait: in Great Dane news: and Max, doberman F., do not try this at home:

    A 140-pound Great Dane in Portland, Ore., is making headlines after a veterinarian found 43 1/2 socks in the dog’s stomach during surgery.

    The incident happened in February but only recently became public after the animal hospital where the socks were removed submitted the dog’s X-ray for a tongue-in-cheek industry award, said Shawna Harch, spokeswoman for DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital.

    … Despite some amusing pictures, DoveLewis took third in the industry competition, behind a frog that ate more than 30 rocks and a dog that ate a shish kabob skewer, Harch said.

  33. 33.

    maya

    September 4, 2014 at 3:00 pm

    @Elizabelle:

    A 140-pound Great Dane in Portland, Ore., is making headlines after a veterinarian found 43 1/2 socks in the dog’s stomach during surgery.

    Did any of them match?

  34. 34.

    a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)

    September 4, 2014 at 3:04 pm

    @jacy: You remain in my thoughts, and I wish for good news from the oncologist. Thanks for adding to the call to action. (((((jacy)))))

    ETA: Maxpuppeh! Thank you Tim F.

  35. 35.

    Elizabelle

    September 4, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    McDonnells both convicted of at least one corruption charge; verdict still being read.

    Yippee!!

  36. 36.

    Elizabelle

    September 4, 2014 at 3:10 pm

    Hearing Transvaginal Bob convicted on 11 charges; Maureen on 9.

    Yeah, it was worth forgoing that one criminal count and avoiding jail time.

    I wonder if they get to stay out during appeal.

    Now hearing Bob was sobbing in court, as were his children.

  37. 37.

    Bystander

    September 4, 2014 at 3:10 pm

    You have to wonder if this will harm his chances at the Number Two spot. He still has that great hair going for him.

  38. 38.

    a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)

    September 4, 2014 at 3:11 pm

    @Elizabelle: TPM (sorry!) reports guilty across the board, for both.

    @Elizabelle: Is it wrong that I’m smiling at hearing about the sobs of transvaginal Bob and family?

  39. 39.

    JustRuss

    September 4, 2014 at 3:12 pm

    Now they’re just fucking with us:

    We’re told the move is part of a plan to bring a right-leaning voice to the program to appeal to viewers turned off by the show’s famously left-leaning former hosts including the ousted David Gregory.

    I suppose in some circles anyone who isn’t wearing a three-cornered hat and foaming at the mouth qualifies as “left-leaning”.

    And of course, this is good news for John McCain! Now that those lefties are gone, he may finally get invited to MTP.

  40. 40.

    Elizabelle

    September 4, 2014 at 3:16 pm

    @JustRuss:

    That is insulting and unbelievable. Haven’t clicked your link, but NBC is making a fool of themselves if they think that (even while it might be profitable; who watches the Sunday shows any more?)

  41. 41.

    Elizabelle

    September 4, 2014 at 3:25 pm

    @a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q):

    It’s not wrong. Might even be pleasurable. I am thrilled their ridiculous defense failed, utterly, and hope they go to jail sooner rather than later.

    But disturbed by a man crying in court. Sad and embarrassed for him, but he did wrong.

    Hearing this whole case got started through an anonymous phone tip to state investigators that the Executive mansion chef was stealing food. Some gossip that it might have been a McDonnell kid who made the call …

  42. 42.

    Elizabelle

    September 4, 2014 at 3:34 pm

    John put up a fresh thread: McDonnell Guilty.

  43. 43.

    Sir Laffs-a-Lot

    September 4, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    MAX!!!….thanks Tim we all need MAXimum joy in our day.

  44. 44.

    Sir Laffs-a-Lot

    September 4, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    MAX!!!….thanks Tim we all need MAXimum joy in our day.

  45. 45.

    PurpleGirl

    September 4, 2014 at 5:47 pm

    @raven: That was cute and nice of you to make the video of her idea.

    Max Puppeh! (No matter how big he gets, he’ll still be a puppeh.)

  46. 46.

    chopper

    September 4, 2014 at 5:49 pm

    @Alex S.:

    I’m looking forward to visiting New Hodor.

  47. 47.

    Bob In Portland

    September 4, 2014 at 7:25 pm

    @Alex S.: It was in response to an accusation that Russia was invading Ukraine.

  48. 48.

    Bob In Portland

    September 4, 2014 at 7:33 pm

    @Mike in dc: See any pictures of Russians marching in line? Lines of tanks on a road in Ukraine? Read this. Also, how is the current invasion different from the invasion that Kiev claimed on August 13 and August 20?

    There was an article in The Nation last spring, an interview with Russ Bellant, that will provide you with the US’s 70-year relationship with Nazis in Ukraine.

    If you want to know about fascism and NATO you should google “Operation Gladio”, “Propaganda Due” for starters.

  49. 49.

    Bob In Portland

    September 4, 2014 at 7:36 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: Okay, which divisions of Russian tanks are inside Ukraine?

  50. 50.

    Bob In Portland

    September 4, 2014 at 7:39 pm

    @Botsplainer: Remember yourself in a year.

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