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Balloon Juice

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

if you can’t see it, then you are useless in the fight to stop it.

He wakes up lying, and he lies all day.

We can show the world that autocracy can be defeated.

A thin legal pretext to veneer over their personal religious and political desires.

Republican also-rans: four mules fighting over a turnip.

Giving up is unforgivable.

I would try pessimism, but it probably wouldn’t work.

Black Jesus loves a paper trail.

You are either for trump or for democracy. Pick one.

“In the future, this lab will be a museum. do not touch it.”

You cannot love your country only when you win.

If you can’t control your emotions, someone else will.

You’re just a puppy masquerading as an old coot.

The revolution will be supervised.

Dumb motherfuckers cannot understand a consequence that most 4 year olds have fully sorted out.

The unpunished coup was a training exercise.

Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

If senate republicans had any shame, they’d die of it.

They don’t have outfits that big. nor codpieces that small.

GOP baffled that ‘we don’t care if you die’ is not a winning slogan.

So it was an October Surprise A Day, like an Advent calendar but for crime.

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

When you’re a Republican, they let you do it.

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

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You are here: Home / Open Threads / Caption Contest (Open Thread)

Caption Contest (Open Thread)

by Betty Cracker|  March 14, 20168:23 pm| 190 Comments

This post is in: Open Threads, General Stupidity

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Photo from an email I received from Rep. Alan Grayson, who is running in the primary for the Dem nomination to contend for Lil’ Marco’s US Senate seat:

image

Grayson used the picture as a conversation starter about what constitutes socialism (i.e., are the Malteses godless, butt-licking commies?)

Anyhoo, open thread!

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Previous Post: « Election Confession
Next Post: Interesting Read: “Why Team Clinton’s not sweating Trump” »

Reader Interactions

190Comments

  1. 1.

    Roger Moore

    March 14, 2016 at 8:24 pm

    Capitalist lapdogs

  2. 2.

    Baud

    March 14, 2016 at 8:25 pm

    Dogs really don’t judge, do they?

  3. 3.

    Steve in the ATL

    March 14, 2016 at 8:25 pm

    Clearly the shirt and the dog breed are deal breakers without even having to consider his personal character and position on the issues

  4. 4.

    Amir Khalid

    March 14, 2016 at 8:26 pm

    Which one is Alan Grayson?

  5. 5.

    LAO

    March 14, 2016 at 8:26 pm

    I can’t even. I’ll take this guy

    eta: here’s the link http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/joy-and-hope-panda-cubs-names-revealed-at-event-attended-by-trudeau-1.2806460#

  6. 6.

    lamh36

    March 14, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    For the BJ Hamilton heads!

    Coolest President Ever!!!

    @Goldman44
    Just two guys hanging around outside, having an extemporaneous conversation about civics. #Bam4Ham

    Lin Manuel President Obama in Rose Garden Freestyle!

    I sincerely think I may just have to take the day off on the Obamas last day at the WH..no mater who wins in November!

  7. 7.

    FlipYrWhig

    March 14, 2016 at 8:29 pm

    Isn’t that a shih tzu? And a dog or two?

  8. 8.

    Ruckus

    March 14, 2016 at 8:33 pm

    @lamh36:
    Think how hard it will be to follow this man in office. I don’t care who you are, you’d have to step up your game.

  9. 9.

    Peale

    March 14, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    .The ideas of the drooling class are in every epoch the ruling ideas.

  10. 10.

    msdc

    March 14, 2016 at 8:36 pm

    “You know who also loved dogs? Grayson ’16!”

  11. 11.

    Ruckus

    March 14, 2016 at 8:36 pm

    Is Grayson better than any republican? I’d think so and I think he’s proved to be less than…..
    satisfactory.

  12. 12.

    Baud

    March 14, 2016 at 8:37 pm

    @Ruckus: Believe me, it’s what I’m dreading the most.

  13. 13.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 8:38 pm

    Only because we’re close to the top of a fresh open thread:

    Don’t know how I managed to get through very nearly the entire day without remembering this, BUT:

    On this date in 1993, in the midst of one of the worst snowstorms Atlanta (and the entire East Coast) had ever seen, I had a mild heart attack, which resulted in a balloon angioplasty, and — much more to the point — was the moment I quit smoking forever. I’ve never been tempted to resume the habit, not for an instant (although I subsequently, for many years, had dreams of smoking)..

    Eight years later, to the day (14 March 2001), while I didn’t actually have a heart attack, I was close enough that I underwent quadruple bypass surgery. Since then, fifteen years on, I feel physically fine and my cardiologist seems pretty happy.

    I’m trying to make a conscious effort to be more grateful for all the wonderfulness in my life. I am exceptionally grateful to be alive and healthy.

    Just thought I’d share :-)

  14. 14.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    March 14, 2016 at 8:38 pm

    I got my camera back today with the hot mirror removed, the last 3 pictures in this album were taken with the modified camera with IR filters. This is so much fun!

  15. 15.

    Iowa Old Lady

    March 14, 2016 at 8:38 pm

    @lamh36: OMG. That was awesome!

  16. 16.

    Iowa Old Lady

    March 14, 2016 at 8:40 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: A while back you talked about a significant birthday coming up and how you wanted to do something out of your normal course of actions to celebrate. Did you ever do that?

  17. 17.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 14, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    Shameless self promotion: new chapter! https://imjustthisguyyouknow.wordpress.com/2016/03/14/the-fish-2-15/

  18. 18.

    Ken

    March 14, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    “Meredith Merridew! This is your dish!”

    (Robert Morley’s character in Theatre of Blood.)

  19. 19.

    Teddy's Person

    March 14, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    @lamh36: Thanks so much for that link. President Obama is just the bee’s knees!

  20. 20.

    Keith P.

    March 14, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    ‘Feast your eyes on these puppies! And, oh yeah, check out my dogs!”

  21. 21.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 14, 2016 at 8:45 pm

    oh, and 400 hours

  22. 22.

    Smedley Darlington Prunebanks (formerly Mumphrey, et al.)

    March 14, 2016 at 8:45 pm

    @lamh36: I can’t wait to see how many ways the Republicans wig out when they see that. There’ll be the “thug” angle, the “racist” angle; those are the obvious ones. But I have no fear that the Republicans will be as versatile and extemporaneously creative as that guy in the video was.

  23. 23.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    @Major Major Major Major:

    Yay! So happy for you, and impressed.

  24. 24.

    NotMax

    March 14, 2016 at 8:46 pm

    Easiest caption contest ever. Per the rabbit woman from Roger & Me:

    “Pets or meat?”

  25. 25.

    Villago Delenda Est

    March 14, 2016 at 8:48 pm

    “Me and my two assistants here are ready and able to seize the means of production and bring true power to the workers!”

  26. 26.

    Villago Delenda Est

    March 14, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    @Smedley Darlington Prunebanks (formerly Mumphrey, et al.): They’re already in the process of characterizing the counter-Drumpf protesters as “paid” “thugs”.

  27. 27.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 8:49 pm

    @Iowa Old Lady:

    Hasn’t happened yet — in fact, it’s still more than a year away (I will turn 75 in August 2017). I have ruled out some things, just because they require many many hours of training at vast sums of money per hour, but I may well hire a hot-air balloon for a couple of hours, or do something physical that doesn’t actually require great, ya know, physicality.

  28. 28.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 14, 2016 at 8:50 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: thanks! I feel pretty great.

  29. 29.

    debbie

    March 14, 2016 at 8:50 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    How lucky for us all!

    I too quit in 1993, though my reason was outrage at paying $22 per carton.

  30. 30.

    Iowa Old Lady

    March 14, 2016 at 8:51 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Go you. And when it happens, we want pics.

  31. 31.

    MomSense

    March 14, 2016 at 8:51 pm

    @lamh36:

    It’s going viral. Best President and first family ever.

  32. 32.

    Villago Delenda Est

    March 14, 2016 at 8:51 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Well, that’s certainly an upbeat change from the usual doom and gloom of the GOP Klown Kar’s inevitable plunge into the Grand Canyon.

  33. 33.

    Cacti

    March 14, 2016 at 8:52 pm

    A clown with two dogs. I love the circus!

  34. 34.

    David ?Canadian Anchor Baby? Koch

    March 14, 2016 at 8:55 pm

    Florida has gone to the dogs.

    PublicPolicyPolling ‏@ppppolls Mar 1

    Grayson:

    16% Favorable
    31% Unfavorable

  35. 35.

    MomSense

    March 14, 2016 at 8:58 pm

    Dogs rule and creeps drool.

    Brain bleach stat.

  36. 36.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:00 pm

    @debbie:

    Your reason was far more sensible. My (Canadian) aunt quit not too long after that, once carton prices in Canada came close to $50. She had smoked for well over half a century, but ultimately couldn’t justify that kind of expenditure. Cheapness will out!!

  37. 37.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:01 pm

    @Iowa Old Lady:

    Naturally :-)

  38. 38.

    Aleta

    March 14, 2016 at 9:01 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: I don’t know how you do it, but you bring extra light and fun into the living room when I read any of your comments. So glad I have been exposed to this thing you bring. Thank you for being in my life in this way that’s hard to describe.

  39. 39.

    gogol's wife

    March 14, 2016 at 9:05 pm

    @lamh36:

    Thank you!

  40. 40.

    The Dangerman

    March 14, 2016 at 9:06 pm

    In (dis)honor of Donald Trump, obviously a double fister.

  41. 41.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    @Aleta:

    Wow, thank you! That is so heartwarming. I don’t even know, but whatever it is, I’m glad to oblige.

    (You do realise, don’t you, that I’m going to be all self-conscious and toe-scuffling from now on whenever I post a comment?)

  42. 42.

    gogol's wife

    March 14, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    @Aleta:

    You said it!

  43. 43.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    March 14, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    @efgoldman: I think the other guy’s a pretty blue doggy recent Republican. Not much of a choice, at least on the surface. Maybe this guy will be the John Cole of the House.

    I add my voice to those celebrating the continued presence of @SiubhanDuinne: amongst us.

  44. 44.

    Baud

    March 14, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: That’s awesome. You’re a survivor.

  45. 45.

    Shana

    March 14, 2016 at 9:08 pm

    @lamh36: Whitehouse.gov has a couple of videos up, first one is Michelle introducing four Hamilton cast members prior to a workshop with a bunch of high school students, second one is Barak introducing several cast members who perform the opening song and “Not Throwing Away My Shot.”

    Also, Encores is doing “1776” the first weekend of April and had a conversation with the composer of “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson” the director of Encores’ “1776” and Javier Munoz and Betsy Struxness from “Hamilton” that you can go look at here: thegreenspace.org.

    Hubby and I are seeing “Hamilton” on April 2nd and “1776” on April 3rd. I can’t wait.

  46. 46.

    gogol's wife

    March 14, 2016 at 9:09 pm

    @Shana:

    YOU GOT TICKETS FOR HAMILTON HOW DID YOU DO IT????

  47. 47.

    msdc

    March 14, 2016 at 9:10 pm

    @efgoldman: Patrick Murphy is a conservadem, but at least he knocked Allen West out of Congress. Grayson’s biggest accomplishment was knocking himself out of Congress.

  48. 48.

    oldgold

    March 14, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    2 ladies and a tramp.

    I heard the other day that this fall’s election could be titled: ‘Lady and the Trump.’

  49. 49.

    Felonius Monk

    March 14, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: That’s a lot to go thru. Glad you are here and in good health. Keep on keepin’ on.

    ETA: You are beating me to that 75 mark by a couple of months.

  50. 50.

    Rosali

    March 14, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    @efgoldman:
    I liked Alan Grayson until I found out he was a complete asshole during his divorce proceedings. I’m for Murphy now and don’t know what I’ll do if Grayson is on the ballot.

  51. 51.

    Anne Laurie

    March 14, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    @Steve in the ATL: Criticize Greyson’s fashion choices, if you must, but beware what you say about little foo-foo dogs. Two of the frontpagers (MisterMix and Soonergrunt) live with MaltesesBichons, and the Blogmaster’s beloved Lily is at least part Chihuahua.

    (Says the frontpager who lives with two Papillon rescues and a Papillon-mix rescue.)

  52. 52.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:18 pm

    @Felonius Monk:

    That’s a lot to go thru.

    All in a day’s work.

    Glad you are here and in good health.

    Thanks!

    Keep on keepin’ on.

    That’s the Master Plan.

    You are beating me to that 75 mark by a couple of months.

    I was always competitive that way.

  53. 53.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 14, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    @efgoldman: Some days I think I’m the youngest person here…

  54. 54.

    I'mNotSureWhoIWantToBeYet

    March 14, 2016 at 9:24 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Woot! I’m very happy you’re able to enjoy these anniversaries. :-)

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  55. 55.

    Mary

    March 14, 2016 at 9:25 pm

    @gogol’s wife: After a lot of wine and peer pressure I broke down this weekend and bought two tickets for a matinee in September. Spent a goodly portion of my tax refund to do so. And now I’ve learned that Christopher Jackson was just cast in a CBS pilot. I’m really hoping that doesn’t mean that he’s leaving the show before October, because I will be really upset if that’s the case.

  56. 56.

    Eric S.

    March 14, 2016 at 9:25 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Congrats on your anniversary. I can’t directly relate but I’ve had a lot of friends quit and I’ve seen joe hard is been for them. It is a true accomplishment.

  57. 57.

    Baud

    March 14, 2016 at 9:26 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: But not the most immature. Not by a long shot.

  58. 58.

    raven

    March 14, 2016 at 9:26 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: That calls for some Bhangra Empire – Winter 2015 Dance Off

  59. 59.

    gogol's wife

    March 14, 2016 at 9:26 pm

    @Mary:

    Did you go through the show website?

  60. 60.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:27 pm

    @efgoldman:

    Get outta here, kid, ya bother me.

  61. 61.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 14, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    @Baud: damn, there go my hopes of a Baud!/M^4 ticket (vote for the candidates, stay for the punctuation!)

  62. 62.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    @I’mNotSureWhoIWantToBeYet:

    I’m very happy you’re able to enjoy these anniversaries. :-)

    Me too!! Thanks!

  63. 63.

    Mary

    March 14, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    @gogol’s wife: StubHub. I don’t think there’s any way to do it through the website. It’s booked out for like a year. If you look on StubHub, be prepared for some serious sticker shock.

  64. 64.

    jeffreyw

    March 14, 2016 at 9:28 pm

    No contest…

  65. 65.

    SteveinSC

    March 14, 2016 at 9:29 pm

    I will be sending money to Grayson. His performance against the Republicans about their “Don’t get sick and if you do, die quickly” health plan, is like Lincoln about Grant: He fights!

    And I’ll pay for that.

  66. 66.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:30 pm

    @Shana:

    And THIS! Did you see THIS??

  67. 67.

    Baud

    March 14, 2016 at 9:31 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: I thought you would be more interested in running the Library of Congress.

  68. 68.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 14, 2016 at 9:31 pm

    @jeffreyw: Not something you’d want to meet in a dark alley. The bear looks pretty harmless though.

  69. 69.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:32 pm

    @Shana:

    Hubby and I are seeing “Hamilton” on April 2nd and “1776” on April 3rd. I can’t wait.

    Is it too soon to officially hate you, or should we wait a couple of weeks?

    (Seriously — that is incredibly wonderful. Congratulations on snagging the tickets. Hope you and hub have a great time at both!)

  70. 70.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 14, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    @Baud: It’s a deal. What’s the price, though?

  71. 71.

    Felonius Monk

    March 14, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    @jeffreyw: Which one is the dog?

  72. 72.

    Ruckus

    March 14, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:
    Congrats.
    As a fellow HA victim, I know what kind of a wake up call it is. It only goes one of two ways, it’s life changing or life ending. But it also seems, strangely to be somewhat liberating as well. It’s a club you didn’t want to join of course but one that focuses things in a way few can without this level of personal event. Cancer can do the same thing but seems to be far more difficult to get through, as there can be so much unknown.
    Anyway just some thoughts on this, glad you are here with us to discuss the state of the union and more importantly, pets.

  73. 73.

    Anne Laurie

    March 14, 2016 at 9:35 pm

    @Major Major Major Major:

    Some days I think I’m the youngest person here…

    Just possibly, but you’ll never be the most immature. :}

  74. 74.

    Splitting Image

    March 14, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    “Two cars in every garage; two puppies in every pot.”

  75. 75.

    Baud

    March 14, 2016 at 9:36 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: Some day, and that day may never come, I will call upon you to do a service for me.

  76. 76.

    Anne Laurie

    March 14, 2016 at 9:37 pm

    @Baud: [Shakes fist] Darn you faster readers!

  77. 77.

    Steve in the ATL

    March 14, 2016 at 9:37 pm

    @Aleta:

    @SiubhanDuinne: I don’t know how you do it, but you bring extra light and fun into the living room when I read any of your comments. So glad I have been exposed to this thing you bring. Thank you for being in my life in this way that’s hard to describe.

    She’s even better in real life–she smells like a combination of poutine and Timbits

  78. 78.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:37 pm

    @raven:

    You know what? I love that!

    Thank you!

  79. 79.

    BillinGlendaleCA

    March 14, 2016 at 9:38 pm

    @efgoldman: You some kinda boy scout or something?

  80. 80.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 14, 2016 at 9:39 pm

    @Baud: Man, I ain’t no rentboy. Oh! do a service for. Sure, whatever, I’ll catsit.

  81. 81.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:39 pm

    @Steve in the ATL:

    She’s even better in real life–she smells like a combination of poutine and Timbits

    Eau de Siubhan body wash.

  82. 82.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:40 pm

    @efgoldman:

    No need to shout, Sonny, I ain’t deef!

  83. 83.

    Baud

    March 14, 2016 at 9:41 pm

    @raven: You hanging out with Schroedinger’s Cat these days?

  84. 84.

    raven

    March 14, 2016 at 9:42 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: I’d never heard of it until today, there are a bunch of really cool youtube’s of it.

  85. 85.

    raven

    March 14, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    @Baud: No but I’m sure someone wants to tell me how it’s not traditional or some such criticism.

  86. 86.

    Baud

    March 14, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    Siubhan No. 5.

  87. 87.

    Baud

    March 14, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    @raven: Happy to step up if everyone else is busy.

  88. 88.

    Ruckus

    March 14, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    @Major Major Major Major:
    I recall someone posting just recently that they weren’t alive when Bill Clinton took office. Wasn’t you was it? The age range around here astounds me. We aren’t a bunch of old fogies, although some days we sound like it – get off my fucking lawn – which I no longer have one of!

  89. 89.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    @Ruckus:

    Congratulations to you, and to everyone here who has been through one of those “wake-up calls.” It’s funny, I rarely think about it day to day (maybe I should), but looking back on the last 15 years (and the last 23), I can see how my life has altered in big ways and small.

    Glad we are all here, for ourselves and for each other!

  90. 90.

    Betty Cracker

    March 14, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Glad you’re with us! I’m coming up on my four-year quit anniversary. Had to think about it to remember how long ago it was since I didn’t have anything so dramatic as a heart attack to mark the date!

  91. 91.

    raven

    March 14, 2016 at 9:45 pm

    @Baud: Do it quick, I’m going to bed.

  92. 92.

    Baud

    March 14, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    @raven:

    Meh. I’ll owe you one.

  93. 93.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:46 pm

    @Baud:

    Evening in ….

    Nope, not going there.

  94. 94.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:48 pm

    @Betty Cracker:

    I didn’t have anything so dramatic as a heart attack to mark the date!

    As the punchline of one of my favourite jokes goes: “You bettah off!!”

  95. 95.

    David ?Canadian Anchor Baby? Koch

    March 14, 2016 at 9:48 pm

    Hilarious-stinging attack ads dumping on Trump

    1. Highly Educated

    2. “Bimbos”

  96. 96.

    raven

    March 14, 2016 at 9:48 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: I’m at 40 years since I broke my back, spent 2 months in Grady and another 9 in a full plaster body cast. It goes down as one of the best things that ever happened to me. If I hadn’t gotten hurt I might never have gone back to school.

  97. 97.

    Bobby Thomson

    March 14, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    Shit. Zou better hope Murphy wins tomorrow.

  98. 98.

    Kass

    March 14, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    “Meet my hedge fund managers!”

  99. 99.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 14, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    @Ruckus: Oh heavens no. I’m on the older end of Millennials.

  100. 100.

    MomSense

    March 14, 2016 at 9:50 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    I’m very grateful you are healthy and part of our vicious little community here. Best wishes for many more joyous and healthy anniversaries.

    @Major Major Major Major:
    Congratulations!

  101. 101.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    March 14, 2016 at 9:51 pm

    OT: Is there a T? I think Twitter Nixon’s alter-ego is a playwright. I think I would like to see a play that he wrought.

    Richard M. Nixon ‏@ dick_nixon 17m17 minutes ago
    If this ever happened, Schumer would bleed Christie so slow and public that a veal would take pity on him.
    –Maddie Hanna @ maddiehanna
    –Christie describes background as US attorney: “I’m convinced that’s exactly the kind of attorney general Donald Trump is going to appoint”

    Maybe a delightful musical about the Nixon White House, he could put it together with that fellow who did the Hamilton that seems quite popular.

  102. 102.

    Shana

    March 14, 2016 at 9:51 pm

    @gogol’s wife: I saw it in previews with a SIL and we bought tickets in August or September.

  103. 103.

    Prescott Cactus

    March 14, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    Caption:
    ” The divorce went thru and all I got two dogs and this shirt. Can you believe it, this shirt? “

  104. 104.

    David ?Canadian Anchor Baby? Koch

    March 14, 2016 at 9:55 pm

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: There is an opera on Nixon (no Joke)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tv3hrZmcEk

  105. 105.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    @raven:

    It’s kind of amazing how some things that seem just terrible and dire at the time turn out, in retrospect, to be life-changing in very positive ways! Glad your terrible experience became the foundation for the great life you have lived ever since.

  106. 106.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 14, 2016 at 9:56 pm

    @MomSense: The congratulations are never about my new chapters being up :(

  107. 107.

    Ruckus

    March 14, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    @Prescott Cactus:
    I think he got that shirt from Goodwill after the divorce. Anyway it looks like something that should have been donated to the less fortunate.

  108. 108.

    Mike J

    March 14, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    @David ?Canadian Anchor Baby? Koch: In September American Future Fund (who made those spots) will be vociferously pro-Trump.

  109. 109.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 9:58 pm

    @raven:

    (I was trying to remember how long it’s been since I worked at Grady, wondering if we were there at the same time, but no, it has been 52-53 years now for me. I worked in Personnel for a few months, when the entire hospital — wards, operating rooms, and the entire staff — was racially segregated. So weird and hurtful and unnecessary.)

  110. 110.

    Baud

    March 14, 2016 at 9:59 pm

    @efgoldman: WHAT???

  111. 111.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:01 pm

    @David ?Canadian Anchor Baby? Koch:

    It is a fine opera, Nixon in China. The scene called “The Chairman Dances” has become famous as a stand-alone excerpt.

  112. 112.

    seaboogie

    March 14, 2016 at 10:02 pm

    Jeezus, Betty – the only thing that I can stand in that photo is the palm trees in the background. And it’s not the dogs’ fault – I’m sure they are perfectly fine canine beings.

  113. 113.

    Steve in the ATL

    March 14, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    @SteveinSC:

    I will be sending money to Grayson. His performance against the Republicans about their “Don’t get sick and if you do, die quickly” health plan, is like Lincoln about Grant: He fights!

    And I’ll pay for that.

    For all his many, many flaws, he is a topnotch bomb thrower, and this Congress deserves more of those. Is Cynthia McKinney available too?

  114. 114.

    Ruckus

    March 14, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    @efgoldman:
    Didn’t say there weren’t old fogies among the group as a whole. Just that we weren’t all in that group. And thanks for leaving me out of it!

  115. 115.

    David ?Canadian Anchor Baby? Koch

    March 14, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    @Mike J: they’re gonna have their hands full, playing defense

    KKK – David Duke – Trump

  116. 116.

    Steve in the ATL

    March 14, 2016 at 10:05 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Can we call raven “brokeback” now?

  117. 117.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:06 pm

    @Ruckus:

    The age range around here astounds me.

    It astounds me too. I know I am not the oldest poster, quite, though I’m probably in the Top Ten; and I think we have one or two at least who are barely out of their teens.

    When I first came to Balloon Juice, sometime in 2006 or -07, I recall that there was a random question about the ages of regular commenters and lurkers. Now that a decade has passed, it might be fun for one of the front-pagers to pose the same question to the current crop, and maybe one of our statistics whizzes could chart out the responses.

  118. 118.

    frosty fka Bro Shotgun etc etc

    March 14, 2016 at 10:06 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    I am exceptionally grateful to be alive and healthy.

    Alive and healthy is no small thing – too often taken for granted. I’m glad you’re here to comment as well.

  119. 119.

    seaboogie

    March 14, 2016 at 10:06 pm

    @efgoldman:

    Unlike you, I have some respect for my elders.

    Aren’t your elders, like – ummm…dead? (she said shifting the onion on her belt to the other side…)

  120. 120.

    schrodinger's cat

    March 14, 2016 at 10:08 pm

    @Baud: You called?

    I am not Punjabi but love a good bhangra, nevertheless.

    Not exactly bhangra but is fun and energetic, Sonakshi Sinha and Abishek Bachan in Nachan Farrate Mar Ke

  121. 121.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:08 pm

    @MomSense:

    Thanks so much. “Vicious little community” resonates — I am about to embark on an orgy of reading (and reading about) Dorothy Parker, so it is most apt.

  122. 122.

    The Other Chuck

    March 14, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    “Vote for me or I will eat these puppies on live television.”

  123. 123.

    Prescott Cactus

    March 14, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    @Ruckus:

    I think he got that shirt from Goodwill after the divorce. Anyway it looks like something that should have been donated to the less fortunate.

    I’m thinking thrift shop in a retirement community. I am the voice of experience on this.

  124. 124.

    Felonius Monk

    March 14, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    Grayson may be an ass (and let’s face it, only an ass would permit another human being to see that picture *) but he is a Democrat ass. If he makes the lives of Republicans in the House miserable, then good for our side. I don’t think Murphy gets under the Repubs skin at all.

    *(unless his ex-wife released the photo as revenge porn.)

  125. 125.

    Fourten

    March 14, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    Wait, we don’t like him anymore?

  126. 126.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    @frosty fka Bro Shotgun etc etc:

    Thank you. I really am making a concerted effort to notice the things I am grateful for, and to express appreciation. Comments like yours are very supportive.

  127. 127.

    The Lodger

    March 14, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Written (composed?) by someone named John Adams. I’m not making this up.

  128. 128.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:14 pm

    @efgoldman:

    At least two of them have posted comments in this thread.

    Oh hai.

  129. 129.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:15 pm

    @The Lodger:

    Absolutely true. What does it say about me that when I hear the name, I think composer first and statesman second.

  130. 130.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    March 14, 2016 at 10:16 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: ever see Mrs Parker and the Vicious Circle? Got mediocre reviews, IIRC, but I liked it.

    And I see it’s more than twenty years old, which makes me want to ask the nurse to bring me an afghan. And maybe a nice Sanka, not too hot.

  131. 131.

    seaboogie

    March 14, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    @David ?Canadian Anchor Baby? Koch: Well….somehow your linky led me to this

    Deeply weird LBJ assassinating JFK scenario, but… but…just imagine John Hodgman and Bill Hader acting in these roles.

  132. 132.

    Prescott Cactus

    March 14, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    it might be fun for one of the front-pagers to pose the same question to the current crop, and maybe one of our statistics whizzes could chart out the responses.

    Your wisdom and sage words are enough for me to spill the beans.

    2nd half of my 50’s

  133. 133.

    I'mNotSureWhoIWantToBeYet

    March 14, 2016 at 10:20 pm

    “Come join us here in the beautiful, peaceful, fun-loving, Cayman Islands.”

    :-/

    Dunno if the Times story is correct, but I got a bad vibe about him shortly after he was elected to the House the first time.

    BooMan isn’t a fan.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  134. 134.

    seaboogie

    March 14, 2016 at 10:21 pm

    @efgoldman: Ruv you. And this joint too.

  135. 135.

    NotMax

    March 14, 2016 at 10:22 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne

    Longtime fan of Philip Glass, but Adams almost always leaves me cold.

    That said, parts of the score of Nixon in China ain’t too shabby.

  136. 136.

    Prescott Cactus

    March 14, 2016 at 10:22 pm

    @efgoldman:

    Punk kid!

    Duly noted. I’ll stay off your lawn.

  137. 137.

    The Lodger

    March 14, 2016 at 10:23 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: “Close relative of Samuel” doesn’t come to mind?

  138. 138.

    satby

    March 14, 2016 at 10:24 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: So happy all that went well so we could all meet you here!

  139. 139.

    schrodinger's cat

    March 14, 2016 at 10:24 pm

    In honor of raven and SiubhanDuinne and everyone who tries to overcome life’s struggles and live.

    Jeete Hai Chal from Neerja. The Maha mrityanjaya mantra at the start and end gives me goosebumps. Quick and dirty translation: Ticket to immortality: Use your life doing good deeds, be like a fruit.

    Kehta yeh pal
    Says this moment

    Khudse nikal

    Get out of yourself

    Jeete hai chal

    Let’s live

    Video link

  140. 140.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:28 pm

    @NotMax:

    I do prefer Glass of the two, but I’m very find of NiC.

    @The Lodger:

    Samuel makes me think of beer, and I’m not a beer drinker. Although I saw an absolutely gorgeous advertising poster for the entire range of SA beers and ales, just a photo of filled mugs lined up going from the palest to the darkest. It’s on the wall at Conley’s in Watertown, MA, and I’m trying to figure out how I can distract everyone’s attention and steal it when I’m there next month.

  141. 141.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:30 pm

    @satby:

    Thanks, Satby! One of the best things in my life has been discovering Balloon Juice and getting to know you and all the other denizens of this dive. Hope you are on the road to recovery from your bout of flu or winter crud or whatever has ailed you.

  142. 142.

    Prescott Cactus

    March 14, 2016 at 10:34 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    I am about to embark on an orgy of reading (and reading about) Dorothy Parker, so it is most apt.

    Post 13
    I’m trying to make a conscious effort to be more grateful for all the wonderfulness in my life. I am exceptionally grateful to be alive and healthy.

    SiubhanDuinne,
    Since you are a reader and trying to be more grateful for your own health I will suggest a personally ground shaking book about a 36 year old Stanford neurosurgeon who gets diagnosed with lung cancer. Excellently written by himself and leaves you with wanting to “Smell the roses” every single day. Life changing book for me.
    PC

  143. 143.

    Ben Cisco

    March 14, 2016 at 10:35 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    Samuel makes me think of beer,

    “IT’LL GET YOU DRUNK!”

    Glad to hear that you are well.

  144. 144.

    NotMax

    March 14, 2016 at 10:35 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne

    Yeah, there’s a sterility to Adams’ music that I find distasteful.

    A bit strange that it translates to another situation so well, but this piece from a Glass-scored opera works like gangbusters as music while driving on the highway.

  145. 145.

    Mai.naem.mobile

    March 14, 2016 at 10:39 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: I’m really glad for you. You should be proud of yourself. I have a friend who had a bypass about 7 yrs ago and had a heart attack before that and still hasn’t managed to quit permanently.

  146. 146.

    Prescott Cactus

    March 14, 2016 at 10:40 pm

    @schrodinger’s cat:

    In honor of raven and SiubhanDuinne and everyone who tries to overcome life’s struggles and live.

    Jeete Hai Chal from Neerja.

    Thanks for sharing !

  147. 147.

    NotMax

    March 14, 2016 at 10:41 pm

    @satby

    Watched a few more episodes from the second season of Gran Hotel. Pleased they are utilizing the character of Lady, finally, as something more than window dressing.

    And agent Hernando is such a dimbulb.

  148. 148.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:43 pm

    @Prescott Cactus:

    Sounds like something I would want to read. Can you provide author and/or title so I can order it? Thanks!

  149. 149.

    O. Felix Culpa

    March 14, 2016 at 10:44 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:
    @raven:

    Mazel tov! L’chaim! Live long and prosper! Glad you’re both here.

  150. 150.

    scav

    March 14, 2016 at 10:48 pm

    There’s some of Adam’s A Flowering Tree that I remember as astonishing, and I’m usually a hard sell for modern music or opera. Maybe I’ll need to have another go at the CD, see if I’ve grown into more of it.

  151. 151.

    satby

    March 14, 2016 at 10:50 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: Congrats! Keep on!

  152. 152.

    John Revolta

    March 14, 2016 at 10:50 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: “Wheah’s Momma?”

  153. 153.

    NotMax

    March 14, 2016 at 10:50 pm

    @efgoldman

    Any second year composition student could write essentially the same thing.

    In which case I might well be a fan of that second year composition student.

    À chacun son goût

  154. 154.

    O. Felix Culpa

    March 14, 2016 at 10:50 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: I think he’s referring to “When Breath Becomes Air” by Dr. Paul Kalanithi. Has received stellar reviews.

  155. 155.

    satby

    March 14, 2016 at 10:51 pm

    @raven: darn it, I just blew 1/2 an hour on Bhangra Empire videos now.

  156. 156.

    The Lodger

    March 14, 2016 at 10:51 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Got it in one. I’d like to see that poster, though.

  157. 157.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:51 pm

    @efgoldman:

    Any second year composition student could write essentially the same thing.

    But they didn’t, and don’t. This is like saying your five-year-old nephew could draw Picasso’s “Bouquet of Peace” or “Dove Flying.” Glass, and Picasso, had both an innate and a well-trained knowledge of the “bones” of a work that underlies its surface simplicity.

    My, I’m looking forward to our next dinner conversation!

  158. 158.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:54 pm

    @The Lodger:

    Well, if I’m unsuccessful in swiping it off the pub wall, I can at least take a picture of it, which I’ll be glad to share.

  159. 159.

    schrodinger's cat

    March 14, 2016 at 10:55 pm

    @Prescott Cactus: You are welcome!

  160. 160.

    NotMax

    March 14, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne

    As with the success of Peter Schickele’s P.D.Q. Bach, one has to know the rules well before twisting and bending them.

  161. 161.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:57 pm

    @O. Felix Culpa:

    Thanks!

    By the way, O/T, but I used your nym — very cleverly, I thought, in all modesty — in a double-dactyl I wrote yesterday :-D

  162. 162.

    satby

    March 14, 2016 at 10:57 pm

    @NotMax: The one perk of this awful bug I have is that I binge watched because I had no energy to do much else but sleep when somebody didn’t need me for something. And I just finished the whole thing last night. There were a few weak spots, but on the whole really enjoyable, and some twists you don’t really see coming in season 3. Enjoy!

  163. 163.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 10:58 pm

    @NotMax:

    Yup!!

  164. 164.

    O. Felix Culpa

    March 14, 2016 at 11:01 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Do share! Modestly, yet cleverly, of course. Or is it cleverly, yet modestly?

  165. 165.

    Prescott Cactus

    March 14, 2016 at 11:06 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    Can you provide author and/or title so I can order it? Thanks!

    Pardon me for having a box of rocks for brains tonight (Perhaps more often).

    When Breath Becomes Air
    Book by Paul Kalanithi

  166. 166.

    redshirt

    March 14, 2016 at 11:07 pm

    Coming here makes even old farts spring chickens.

    OR,

    there’s always an older fish.

  167. 167.

    NotMax

    March 14, 2016 at 11:08 pm

    @satby

    Heh. That’s not bingeing, that’s full body immersion!

    :)

  168. 168.

    O. Felix Culpa

    March 14, 2016 at 11:10 pm

    @efgoldman: I happen to like Philip Glass, especially his solo piano music. But my favorite contemporary composer is Arvo Pärt. His Spiegel im Spiegel is one of the most beautiful, haunting pieces of music I’ve ever heard.

    Back on topic, I have a floofy dog too. A little rescue Maltese who, with a puppy cut, looks more winsome than effete.

  169. 169.

    FlyingToaster

    March 14, 2016 at 11:11 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: They used to sell the poster at the beer tour at BBC; it’s not available from their website now, so I have no idea if it’s still around.

  170. 170.

    Miss Bianca

    March 14, 2016 at 11:15 pm

    @Major Major Major Major:

    story!!

  171. 171.

    NotMax

    March 14, 2016 at 11:17 pm

    @NotMax

    Shall add that no matter how many episodes under the belt, grow no less impressed with the visual montage that runs with the opening credits.

  172. 172.

    the Conster, la Citoyenne

    March 14, 2016 at 11:18 pm

    I think we here at BJ should throw all of our weight behind John Fetterman in Pennsylvania. Me personally would go to PA to do some GOTV for that guy, who’s a labor guy, mayor, roll up your sleeves Democrat. He could use our money more than pure white Independent Bernie.

  173. 173.

    MomSense

    March 14, 2016 at 11:18 pm

    @schrodinger’s cat:

    I love the dancing. I wish I knew how to do it. My dance along at home version is ridiculous but so much fun.

  174. 174.

    Miss Bianca

    March 14, 2016 at 11:18 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    Pressure’s on, you little ray o’ sunshine, you… : )

  175. 175.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 11:22 pm

    @O. Felix Culpa:

    Donkey-bray overture,
    Bartholdy-Mendelssohn
    Dreamt of weird midsummer
    Couplings he’d seen.
    “O felix culpa!” he
    Shouted ecstatically.
    (Give him a break:
    He was just seventeen.)

  176. 176.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 11:23 pm

    @Miss Bianca:

    “A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
    Jesus wants me for a sunbeam….”

  177. 177.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 11:25 pm

    @FlyingToaster:

    Maybe I’ll poke around eBay and see what might be available.

  178. 178.

    Miss Bianca

    March 14, 2016 at 11:25 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    “A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
    Jesus wants me for a sunbeam….”

    Evidently, He really did.

  179. 179.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 14, 2016 at 11:26 pm

    @O. Felix Culpa:

    But my favorite contemporary composer is Arvo Pärt. His Spiegel im Spiegel is one of the most beautiful, haunting pieces of music I’ve ever heard.

    Oh yes.

  180. 180.

    frosty fka Bro Shotgun etc etc

    March 14, 2016 at 11:30 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    … notice the things that I am grateful for …

    For me it’s hot showers. The Kings of France in Versailles didn’t have that luxury. For most of human history there was no such thing. Most of the 7 billion on the planet now don’t have access to one. We’re living in a world with running water and water heaters. Luxury! and we take it for granted.

  181. 181.

    Ruckus

    March 14, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    @Prescott Cactus:
    I’m thinking thrift shop in a retirement community. I am the voice of experience on this.

    Very soon following in your footsteps. 2-3 yrs. Hopefully. Already have easily over 50 yrs of working life. Sometimes things have limits.

  182. 182.

    redshirt

    March 14, 2016 at 11:38 pm

    @frosty fka Bro Shotgun etc etc: I know of a “house” right down the road from me with no hot water. I’m sure there are many others. America, 2016.

  183. 183.

    O. Felix Culpa

    March 15, 2016 at 12:02 am

    @SiubhanDuinne: Hehe! St. Augustine, Felix Mendelssohn, and I thank you for sharing your double-dactyl from the Bottom of our hearts.

  184. 184.

    Ruckus

    March 15, 2016 at 12:05 am

    @Prescott Cactus:
    Second half of 50s?
    As I said over 50 yr working. I started drawing a paycheck 55 yrs ago. I was young. Had a paper route/mowed lawns before that.

  185. 185.

    the Conster, la Citoyenne

    March 15, 2016 at 12:09 am

    @Smedley Darlington Prunebanks (formerly Mumphrey, et al.):

    I see this, and want to ask Berniebros why Killer Mike can campaign with Bernie and it’s all cool, but imagine if Obama had wanted to campaign with a rapper named Killer Mike, and how heads would have been all explodey.

  186. 186.

    satby

    March 15, 2016 at 12:18 am

    @NotMax: I was trying to get some info on that from der Google, but struck out. It’s really good, I agree.

  187. 187.

    satby

    March 15, 2016 at 12:19 am

    @NotMax: like Hamilton was to Mnem, Gran Hotel was to me. Pure entertainment crack.

  188. 188.

    redshirt

    March 15, 2016 at 12:47 am

    Grayson has a weird face.

  189. 189.

    Larry St. Pierre

    March 15, 2016 at 10:58 am

    Can I use this photo in another app? I use the caption contest app called TinnBin and would like to post this there

  190. 190.

    Jarrett

    March 15, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    Pictured here are Alan and his dogs Powder and Snowflake. Alan’s the tall one.

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