Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

The fundamental promise of conservatism all over the world is a return to an idealized past that never existed.

Pessimism assures that nothing of any importance will change.

“But what about the lurkers?”

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

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

President Musk and Trump are both poorly raised, coddled 8 year old boys.

The unpunished coup was a training exercise.

Why is it so hard for them to condemn hate?

It’s easy to sit in safety and prescribe what other people should be doing.

Never give a known liar the benefit of the doubt.

There is no compromise when it comes to body autonomy. You either have it or you do not.

We can’t confuse what’s necessary to win elections with the policies that we want to implement when we do.

Donald Trump found guilty as fuck – May 30, 2024!

We cannot abandon the truth and remain a free nation.

“When somebody takes the time to draw up a playbook, they’re gonna use it.”

He seems like a smart guy, but JFC, what a dick!

When they say they are pro-life, they do not mean yours.

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

It may be funny to you motherfucker, but it’s not funny to me.

They are not red states to be hated; they are voter suppression states to be fixed.

If ‘weird’ was the finish line, they ran through the tape and kept running.

Not all heroes wear capes.

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

If you cannot answer whether trump lost the 2020 election, you are unfit for office.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Tuesday Evening Open Thread: Ya Think?

Tuesday Evening Open Thread: Ya Think?

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Liberal organizers, actually (for the distinction between activists & organizers, see Al Giordano’s twitter feed), who are doing very much what the Tea Party Talibangelicals did in 2009, only without the generous support of the Kochs or the Mercers. More power to them (us)!
***********

Apart from pissing off the Mango Menace, what’s on the agenda for the evening?

Reader Interactions

156Comments

  1. 1.

    Mnemosyne

    First World Problem of the Day:

    A book I’ve really been looking forward to downloaded to my Kindle at 10 pm last night, and I won’t get to start reading it until I get home from work.

    Pity me, everyone. Pity me!

  3. 3.

    Omnes Omnibus

    The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists.

    No fucking shit, asshole!

  4. 4.

    Mike J

    are doing very much what the Tea Party Talibangelicals did in 2009, only without the generous support of the Kochs or the Mercers. More power to them (us)!

    They’re also unarmed.

  5. 5.

    Baud

    The so-called angry crowds in home districts of some Republicans are actually, in numerous cases, planned out by liberal activists. Sad!

    That’s why planning is definitely one thing you’ll never see in a Trump administration.

  6. 6.

    Jeffro

    Agenda for the evening: going to bed early so I can swim laps tomorrow before work!

    (‘Hey 18-year-old self: life in your 40s will be really awesome…but you’ll have a few different priorities, that’s for sure!’)

  7. 7.

    Mike R

    Attended protest today targeting Sen Deb Fisher. About 250 to 300 people. Pretty good for lincoln ne. TV station said she went out back door to her waiting SUV.

  13. 13.

    SiubhanDuinne

    I am getting more and more interested in the possibility of persuading Sally Yates to run for GA Gov.

  14. 14.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    in re that Trump tweet:

    Andrew Lawrencee ‏@ ndrew_lawrence 2h2 hours ago
    Fox News runs segment at 6:15 about protestors organizing against Trump

    Trump tweets at 6:23

  16. 16.

    hellslittlestangel

    The so-called angry crowds could be dispersed with water cannons if it weren’t for so-called judges.

  17. 17.

    Eric S.

    I was supposed to be assembling a 5′ cat tree for the house master tonight. Amazon claims it was delivered. UPS says it was left on the “front porch.” Not that the condo has such a thing. I’ve emailed the seller. We shall see what happens.

    I’ve emailed the neighbors to see if anyone’s seen it but it seems unlikely. I’ve also pulled my ace card (almost said t***p card but there’s a word we can’t use) and called my buddy that works for UPS.

  18. 18.

    JMG

    Charles Grassley, hardly the sharpest knife in the Republican drawer, shrugged off protesters by saying if Clinton had won, there’d be different people yelling. True, and Trump can’t see it. He really is a dope.

  19. 19.

    Llelldorin

    Trump always seems to have trouble understanding that words mean things. “So-called” isn’t just an insulting turn of phrase, and is nonsensical here: an angry crowd is still an angry crowd even if it’s an organized one.

    And now I have Les Nessman stuck in my head. “It was like the turkeys mounted a counter-attack! It was almost as if they were… organized!”

    All told, that would’ve been a better insult.

  20. 20.

    Steve in the ATL

    @Baud: but better than the other Republicans who will run. And only a Republican will win this state right now. Sucks, but it’s true.

  22. 22.

    SFAW

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    in re that Trump tweet:

    You know, if that fuckwad acted as if he had a real job, we’d never see 90 percent of his moronic tweets. (Well, actually, every tweet he sent would be moronic, but there’d only be one-tenth the volume.)

    Of course, he’s had 70 years of skating, why start now?

  23. 23.

    Adam L Silverman

    @Mike J: Actually the Tea Party folks based their activities and actions on the anti-Social Security privatization activism of 2005.

  25. 25.

    lamh36

    Congresswoman Maxine Waters is on Inners…Chris Hayes can’t handle this level of mama sass…lol

    Rep. @MaxineWaters: Trump friends and advisors with ties to Russia are “a bunch of scumbags” #inners

    LOL at Hayes trying to get Maxine to rethink “scumbags”…Chris was all…Um “scumbags…that’s a strong word Congressman”…so just in case he didn’t hear her the first time…Mama Maxine like naw… She said it again…and enunciated every syllable…lol

    I legit LMBAO lol…at Hayes being all like oh my goodness scumbags…Congresswoman

  30. 30.

    Gin & Tonic

    @Omnes Omnibus: Except that you don’t say “trump”, you say “no trump.” Which is fine by me, as either a bid (if the cards make sense) or as a goal (for the nation.)

  32. 32.

    hovercraft

    @rikyrah:
    But he loves the troops, no one will do more to support the troops! Hey troops can you feel all that support, WINNING !!

  33. 33.

    Schlemazel

    @Buskertype:
    It depends. Will it cost the average American a dime to care for them? If so they are leeches. Now, if their mom or dad goes off to get shot at or bombed they will fund the living hell out of the bomb & bullet makers. But kids? They should have thought of that before you joined/had kids – they are volunteers after all.

  35. 35.

    Lizzy L

    The 14th Amendment of the Constitution bars government from depriving any person (person, not limited to US citizens) of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

    Based on the President’s revised Executive Order, the Department of Homeland Security has just empowered immigration authorities to:
    1. Automatically deport anyone who can’t prove they’ve been in the country for more than two years. Proof doesn’t require a court hearing.
    2. Jail suspected criminal immigrants, without a court hearing.
    3. Deport parents and other adults who are accused of helping children enter the U.S. illegally. An accusation will do. No court hearing is required.
    4. Jail people suspected of being in the U.S. illegally. Just being a suspect is enough to land you in the clinker. No court hearing is required.
    5. Deputize local law enforcers to help federal authorities do all this.

    So how will immigration authorities target people? The color of their skin? Their accents? Their names? What would you do if you were asked for your proof of citizenship? I don’t carry a copy of my birth certificate with me.

  36. 36.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    @Eric S.: I had the same thing happen with a foscam I ordered from Amazon, just use the “Where is my stuff” from their customer service section. They issued me a refund and I reordered it and they’ll pay any differential in the fastest shipping method. I was really pleased with them.

  39. 39.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    Yet another Brave Sir Robin

    Rep. Murphy cancels planned discussion at Duquesne University
    February 21, 2017 3:21 PM

    It was supposed to be a chance to “Join Representative Tim Murphy as he discusses his Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act.” But Mr. Murphy. an Upper St. Clair Republican, canceled a workshop scheduled at Duquesne University’s student union at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon.

  42. 42.

    BBA

    Every time I see the phrase “deep state” I read it as “derp state” which I think makes more sense.

  44. 44.

    Adam L Silverman

    Here’s the memo on the Army Child Youth Services issue. In this case its the one at US Army Garrison Wiesbaden. So a couple of quick notes. Wiesbaden is home to US Army Europe. It is a split garrison. Guest quarters, the school, a PX, a shoppette, the gas station, the movie theater, the enlisted barracks, and the guest lodge are on the new/newer annex post. About four miles away is Clay Kaserne, which houses Headquarters US Army Europe and the main post. The effect of this freeze on hiring youth services personnel means that some of the spouses of those posted at either Clay Kaserne or the annex are now unemployed as they would normally take these jobs replacing the spouses of those personnel rotating out to their next assignments.

  45. 45.

    Keith P.

    @Eric S.: I’ve had that happen more times than I can count. What ultimately happened every time* is that once I complained, my tracking #/shipping info changed to a different package showing it stuck at the UPS center in Dallas. The package never leaves Dallas (probably stolen by UPS employees if past cases are any indication), and Amazon resends the package after something like 48 hours. Amazon is pretty good about that stuff, but UPS is atrocious.
    * – I forgot about one case a few months ago where ATT sent me a replacement phone that they’d charge me ($500) for if I didn’t send the other one back within 7 days. UPS said they left it on my front porch (they didn’t, and I work from home), so I raised severe hell. Made them send the driver back to my house to hand deliver it, at which point I refused to accept the package and told the driver he’s full of shit.

  46. 46.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    Yet another Brave Sir Robin

    I would love it if every single town hall protester group had the “Brave Sir Robin” song on a loudspeaker loop, to play unceasingly at every single district office where the Congresscritter ducked and ran. Make them and their staffers sick of it. Make them so they cringe and tremble uncontrollably at the first notes. Let them know we’re on to their cowardice and we will call them on it. Every. Single. Time.

  47. 47.

    EriktheRed

    I just went to my first town hall tonight,

    I live in Adam Kinzinger’s district (IL-16) and Adam himself couldn’t attend (aaaaawwwww!). No problem, though.

    Up on stage was an empty suit with Rep. Kinzinger’s face on it. Attendees asked questions or made statements and the host then held the mike up to “Adam” for a response.

    A good time was had by all and there was a pretty decent-sized crowd there, too.

  49. 49.

    pamelabrown53

    Good Evening. Spouse and I are planning a trip to visit son and d-i-l in St. Louis, with a side trip to Chicago. Any suggestions as to where to stay in Chicago? Palmer House looks like a good location? All suggestions welcome!

  50. 50.

    Eric S.

    @?BillinGlendaleCA: Did that. I also called the UPS phone number. The very nice lady on the other end, Raven is her name, was extremely polite and efficient at initiating an investigation.

    Huge bonus point for not having to repeat my claim number after going through the automated system. I’m a programmer and understand data validation and security but it still frustrates me when I enter an account number into an automated phone system then have to repeat it to an operator.

  51. 51.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    As seen on the Internet (and it is really bad):

    “Milo Yiannopoulos is what happens if Draco Malfoy grew up to be a power bottom.”

  56. 56.

    SiubhanDuinne

    @Eric S.:

    The very nice lady on the other end, Raven is her name, was extremely polite and efficient at initiating an investigation.

    So you’re saying she refrained from saying “Fuck L.B.J.”?

  58. 58.

    Anne Laurie

    @Keith P.:

    UPS is atrocious.

    For several years, UPS claimed our address didn’t exist — or that, if it did, they couldn’t find it. This would’ve been more believable if UPS wasn’t using the commercial storage depot next to our house as an overflow parking lot at the time!

  61. 61.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    @Jeffro:

    I’ve got a bet on the nonzero chance that Milo hooks up with Ann Coulter. She’all impregnate him and he’ll birth a baby that grows up to be Steve Bannon.

  62. 62.

    Adam L Silverman

    @pamelabrown53: Palmer House! No other option. The refurb they did on it a decade ago was outstanding. Its in the Loop, easy access to rapid transit. The Exchequer down the street on the Wabash side is excellent. You’re close enough to walk to the museum. The concierge will give you a card for expedited seating at Gino’s East. For steaks and chops I recommend The Tavern on Rush.

  63. 63.

    Anne Laurie

    @Jeffro:

    Or basically if Ann Coulter cut her hair?

    Rumor goes that Milo started out as an intern for Coulter. Who’s too old & haggy for this year’s crop of dudebro frat boys to fantasize about… and besides, Milo gives them permission to yell faggot in public, which they are young & dumb & mean enough to find “empowering”.

  67. 67.

    Schlemazel

    @Anne Laurie:
    We have the same problme with UPS, they claim our address does not exist. I can put the address into google maps or the iPhone map app and they will put a pin right in our suburban driveway but UPS can’t find us.

  69. 69.

    Adam L Silverman

    @Omnes Omnibus: Tracking. Its a very nice hotel, but the Palmer House has the Grand Foyer. Is where the brownie was invented for the World’s Fair (the same World’s Fair that saw the invention of the first, known American serial killer. Though he had his own hotel that he used to prey on victims.). Its a classic.

  71. 71.

    hovercraft

    @Jeffro:
    Corey L did say yesterday that the problem is that he is so dynamic and he’s so eager to enact so many things that his staff is having a hard tome keep ing up with him, and they are not fully vetting his pronouncements. But not to worry, now that he’s seen that he’s moving too fast he will slow down and be more careful. See it’s not that he’s shooting first and never asking questions, the staff and the reest of us just can’t keep up with our great leader.

  79. 79.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    @pamelabrown53:

    I loved the Park Hyatt this fall. Location is super convenient – just a couple of stops off of the loop, and a short walk to the river.

    For a meal, if you like a younger vibe, try Avec. They have three seating types, none of which involves your sequestration – bar, in front of the chefs (which we did, and was a blast), or community (large tables of mixed parties). Everyone is interacting, and I didn’t see a cellphone out. Menu was neat and the wine list was eclectic.

  80. 80.

    Sab

    My parents were Eisenhower Republicans. They were native Ohioans but they moved us south. I remember my mother washing my mouth out with soap when I used the N word at age six. My mother bailed on the Republican party with W. My dad had long since bailed. He is 92 now with dementia, and tonight when I was putting him to bed he mentioned that we seemed to have a nice young man as president. I was, of course, gobsmacked. What are they saying on Fox? This man has a Chinese son in law, black great grandchildren, wife’s first cousin married the son of Mexican migrant workers. WTF.

  88. 88.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    @Adam L Silverman: Adam, do you know if it’s true that McMaster will have to undergo a Senate confirmation in order to maintain his rank while serving as NSA ? I saw the report retweeted from the Washington Examiner, but I’m not sure of their reliability.

    Not that I expect him to not be confirmed, and that may even be a good thing, but I suspect more than a few Senators would love the chance to ask him about Bannon and how free a hand he has/ will have with staffing

    Also, I heard on I think the Stehpanie Miller show, so take it with a grain of salt, Trump wanted Flynn to wear his uniform in the White House, and Flynn had to explain to him that retired officers don’t wear uniforms.

  89. 89.

    Adam L Silverman

    @Elmo: No, I just usually pick up my steak in my hands and make a mess and spectacle of myself in the middle of the dining room. No utensils needed at all! ?

  99. 99.

    Sab

    @Omnes Omnibus: I hope so. He loved Obama, and he adored Clinton. By the way, his wife was of Scottish ancestry and she might have been distantly related to SCROTUS. Came from the same island in the Hebrides.Yuck, because his wife was my mother.

  101. 101.

    Thru the Looking Glass...

    @Llelldorin:

    And now I have Les Nessman stuck in my head. “It was like the turkeys mounted a counter-attack! It was almost as if they were… organized!”

    That is one of the funniest scenes in the history of television… right up there w/ the Chuckles the Clown funeral scene from the MTM Show…

  102. 102.

    Schlemazel

    @Sab:
    Hell, he could mean JFK but my money would be on Obama. Even a dementia suffering 92 year old would not peg DJT as ‘young’

  104. 104.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    @Sab:

    A fun story – about 15-20 years ago, I was on the CJA appointment list to do Federal criminal defense in the Southern District of Indiana. I’d gotten a call, and they told me that the US Magistrate that had the duty that day was ancient. As it turned out, he’d initially been appointed by Eisenhower, and every time his appointment was up, whatever president was in office reappointed him, regardless of party. He was about a thousand years old, was delighted to be able to do something that day (they took it easy on him), and showed up in a seersucker suit and a boater hat.

    As I was telling somebody in the office, the fucker had the nerve to joke “wow – I bet nobody else in this office can claim to have appeared before an Eisenhower appointed judge”. Bastard…

  106. 106.

    Thru the Looking Glass...

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    Trump wanted Flynn to wear his uniform in the White House, and Flynn had to explain to him that retired officers don’t wear uniforms.

    I’m waiting for Trump to show up one of these days in a uniform, hopefully one of his own design… perhaps he’ll look like someone from a Gilbert & Sullivan parody…

    Or at the very least, start wearing medals he’s awarded himself…

  107. 107.

    Barbara

    @Steve in the ATL: Whether it’s losing original documents (which have to be recreated!) or delivering something that needs to meet a deadline to the wrong address, Fed Ex always seems to fail me when I most need it not to.

  108. 108.

    OldDave

    I have no current recommendations for where to stay in Chicago, but many many years ago I stayed at the Palmer and it made a very favorable impression on a much younger version of myself … as did the Berghoff, which since has closed and apparently reopened.

  110. 110.

    Omnes Omnibus

    @Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes: My judicial clerkship was as a pro se clerk. I worked entirely on habeus cases. I also worked for all of the DJs and MJs in the courthouse. One of our judges was a Kennedy appointment as USA and Johnson appointment as DJ. His wall of fame was amazing. The Columbus, Ohio federal courthouse is now named after him. He hired attractive female clerks.

  111. 111.

    Lizzy L

    @Thru the Looking Glass…: Very possible — after all, wasn’t one of his first acts as President to declare the day of his election as a Day of Patriotic Devotion or some such insane shit? Straight out of the North Korean playbook.

  112. 112.

    Lyrebird

    @Sab: Hey I’m part Scottish too, & glad to be notionally related. Wishing your dad many good thoughts about a very good man, POTUS 44. My nearest and dearest nonagenarian is getting a bit dotty but is also clear enough to be pretty disappointed that our votes weren’t enough to keep Penna. blue. She’s clear enough to know that she’s not likely to get another chance to vote for a woman for president, either. We’re gonna miss her awfully. Strength to you!

  113. 113.

    Shana

    I just got back from my book group, 16 years together and counting. We read The Code of The Woosters, at my suggestion since I’m a long-standing fan and member of The Wodehouse Society – convention in DC this October – with lots of WTF conversation about Trump. Several of our members went to the Womens’ March on 1/21. I’m our go to person for “What do we do now? How do we get involved to push back about all this crap?” I gave them lots of suggestions and advice which I think most of them will follow through on. Even though I knew most of the members of the group were Ds and progressives, the level of interest and/or panic is kind of surprising to me. And pleasant.

  114. 114.

    hovercraft

    @Omnes Omnibus:
    I concur, no one looking at the orange blob would describe it as young. He must think Obama is still president, I wish I did. (Not minimizing how awful dementia is, my dad had Alzheimer’s)

  117. 117.

    Thru the Looking Glass...

    @Lizzy L: Yes… I do remember that… perhaps we should egg him on… take ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ to a whole new level…

    I recall Bush doing something similar. when he stood on the deck of that aircraft carrier beneath the Mission Accomplished banner… I believe he ended up being called Codpiece Boy for that…

    Srsly, hasn’t there been a long-standing informal rule about the POTUS not appearing in uniform? Something about making sure a CIVILIAN is ultimately in charge of the military?

  123. 123.

    Adam L Silverman

    @pamelabrown53: You’re welcome. @Eric S.: may be able to help – there’s a really good Indian place that I can’t remember the name of, or there was, not too far from Star of Siam. I also recommend Catch 21 for seafood.

  126. 126.

    Steve in the ATL

    @Thru the Looking Glass…:

    I’m waiting for Trump to show up one of these days in a uniform, hopefully one of his own design… perhaps he’ll look like someone from a Gilbert & Sullivan parody…

    Like Chief Justice Rehnquist?

    That fucker.

  127. 127.

    Eric S.

    @delk: It was mid to late 90s when I discovered SoS. My coworkers and I love that place.

    @Adam L Silverman: It seems like something I should like more but for some reason I’ve never been a huge Indian food fan. I do remember one place and quick google search gives me India House. It is close by. They have a lunch buffet as I recall. I’ve never been for dinner.

  129. 129.

    patroclus

    @pamelabrown53: Get on the internet and get the best deal – you can save hundreds of dollars by choosing the best deal. If you want to go to the Palmer House, go to Trader Vics there or one of the restaurants. If you want to go to the Blackstone, go to a restaurant there. There are so many hotels on or near the river that they are all accessible to the CTA or other sites. Take the architectural river tour! Take the walking tours! Go to the museums – the Adler, the Shedd, the Field, the Museum of Science and Industry! Go to a blues club! Go by Wrigley! Go to the theater! Save your money on the hotel and have fun doing other things – a room is a room. I live here and you should trust me – not out-of-towners.

    (Oh, and stay away from that Trump monstrosity).

  130. 130.

    Stacy

    Well this first time,
    so-called protester is getting her middle age ass down to the Rotary Meeting to do a search and rescue for our Rep. Barbara Comstock VA 10. She won’t do an in-person town hall just tele town halls. We’re also hosting a townhall without her. She’s been invited but says she won’t come.

  131. 131.

    patroclus

    @Eric S.: That’s touristy crap. If you want good Indian food, find any one of the many on Devon Avenue – where most of the Indian community is located.

  133. 133.

    Adam L Silverman

    @patroclus: Don’t make me come up there and have stern words with you over deep dish pizza. And hot dogs. And polish dogs. And steaks. And chops. And Chicago mix.

    Great, now I’ve got to go raid the fridge again.

  135. 135.

    Adam L Silverman

    @patroclus: Thanks. He was answering my query. I was taken there by someone when I was in town for a conference (held at the Palmer House). But I appreciate you telling me where to go next time I’m in town. I used to get to Chicago at least twice a year. Not so much anymore.

  136. 136.

    Chat Noir

    @pamelabrown53: Former West Looper here. Avoid the Loop for eating–venture out into the other neighborhoods like the West Loop, South Loop, Little Italy, Southport. There’s so much more to Chicago than the Loop and River North.

  139. 139.

    randy khan

    @amk:

    I figure that coming out to protest (if you’re not among the already-committed, which many people protesting are) makes you a bit more committed, and more likely to show up for other things, including election day, so it’s a good thing all around.

    Plus there’s also the nice thought that you’re making your local R-affiliated Congresscritter look unpopular and cowardly, which can’t hurt.

  140. 140.

    workworkwork

    @patroclus: Yes! We used to live in Rogers Park and Devon Ave. was our favorite street for eats. You could get a tasting menu just on the cooking smells.

  141. 141.

    reality-based (the original, not the troll)

    @pamelabrown53: uh, no. ixnay on the Palmer house. I stayed there once a few years ago. the lobby was beautiful 30’s art deco. The rooms were dark, dingy, obviously chopped up from once-grand larger rooms. also smelly. Wi-fi quit working. Also, COLD! I called corporate travel & screamed, they moved me to a very nice room at the downtown sheraton – for less.

    of course, the Palmer house may have been fixed since then – 4 years ago –

  144. 144.

    patroclus

    @workworkwork: When Thai first started becoming popular (in the early 80’s), there were 3 Thai places in all Chicago and 2 were on Devon – now, there are 50 trillion Thai joints and the ones on Devon are still the best. Best Indian, Pakistani and Thai are all on Devon – just heaven! (Best Jewish too – a little further west, albeit Skokie is better and not far). Best Tex-Mex is in Humboldt Park. Best steak joints – River North. Loop stuff can be good, but they are overpriced and the tourists don’t know the difference. I agree that the Palmer House is not the best choice (although Hillary often stays there) for a room although Trader Vics is fun. Tourists should log on to the Reader’s website or get the free dead tree version.

  146. 146.

    patroclus

    @delk: That figures. I haven’t been there in over 10 years. It was fun then though. So there’s no reason to go the Palmer anymore unless you want to pay a lot for a room with no view.

  147. 147.

    jacy

    @Steve in the ATL:

    True FedEx story. Last week my router died and AT&T sent one via FedEx for Saturday delivery. Checked the tracking website all day, because I needed the damned router for work. At 6PM it suddenly says it was delivered to my door at 10 AM that morning. I knew this to be false. I called FedEx and insisted it had not been delivered because I was literally watching for it all day. First rep argued with me until the call was “disconnected.” Called back, got a little shouty and was referred to a “customer care specialist.” I explained the situation and waited until he tracked down the specifics. He told me it was delivered. I asked what address it was delivered to. He told me he couldn’t tell me. I asked why, and he accused me of fishing for an address so I could steal a package. Because that seemed like a really good plan. I asked again if he could tell me the address it was delivered to, in case it was nearby and I could go and let them know they had my package. He said, really, “I can’t tell you the address we delivered it to, but if you can guess it, I’ll tell you if you’re right or not.” Which was maybe the stupidest thing anyone had ever said to me. Eventually – on Monday! – they found the package, and then delivered it to the wrong address again. Third time was the charm.

  148. 148.

    Tripod

    I’m glad I stumbled into the Walnut Room last summer. I had never been, and that sort of dining environment, Macy’s, and department stores are on borrowed time.

  150. 150.

    normal liberal

    @pamelabrown53:
    As usual, way late to the discussion, but what the hell. There are several smaller boutique-type hotels, mostly tucked in east of North Michigan Ave, plus lots of restaurants of various genres within easy walking distance.
    Absolutely do the architecture river tour, unless it is raining, in which case go to the Art Institute instead.

  151. 151.

    Zanamu

    @Mike R: and her tribulations were covered by the Omaha world herald, the Lincoln journal star, & local TV. One LIBA member equated the protesters to the Tea Party (pointing out that the tactics were the same so why is one group good & the other group bad?). In Nebraska this display of critical thinking & self awareness is positively earth shaking. Had to miss today’s event, but I made it to the rally for immigrants & refugees (600+ ppl!) last night.

  152. 152.

    normal liberal

    @Tripod:
    I still resent Macy’s buying Marshall Field’s, and blanding up the State Street store. My parents met there in the 1940s, and now I can’t go back. I shudder to think what they’ve done to the Walnut Room. (I passed out in the Walnut Room once, adding to another generation of Field’s stories.)
    Wow, I’m babbling – I must be way more tired than I thought.

  153. 153.

    pamelabrown53

    @patroclus:

    Lot’s of great info. TOO much to do in3.5 days/4 nights. Architectural river tour is the no. 1 thing on my list. We’re big museum folks so that will be fun. Haven’t been to Chicago for over 15 years!

    Thanks to the rest of you for taking the time to share your Chi-town ideas with me. I love this blog!

  156. 156.

    J R in WV

    @Schlemazel:

    The same UPS guy delivers t us all the time; FedEx calls us from the nearby top of the ridge (the site of the nearest Cell tower connection) and asks for directions. Then still can’t find it.

    How hard is “turn left at the bridge, then take every right turn until you see a big white stucco house.” Also too, our addr 1234 smith fork, shows up in Google maps, mapquest. etc. etc. And if they put it on our porch, it will be there in 3 weeks when we get home, because our driveway is half a mile long.

    Also – read about fine collectible dealers insuring a package they just sold for $15K for that amount, and UPS saying, no, we only insure up to $1500, even thought we took the money for that extra value. The post office will live up to their insurance obligation, UPS and FedEx will not.

    I encourage shippers to use the post office for everything.

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