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You are here: Home / Politics / Trumpery / Dolt 45 / Saturday Morning Open Thread: Maybe Don’t Encourage Him

Saturday Morning Open Thread: Maybe Don’t Encourage Him

by Anne Laurie|  April 22, 20175:28 am| 134 Comments

This post is in: Dolt 45, Open Threads, Republican Stupidity, Republican Venality, Assholes

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Last year, Trump released a Contract With The American Voter, outlining an agenda for the first 100 days. Here's the status of that agenda: pic.twitter.com/cujdxe30OT

— Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) April 18, 2017

Politicians are judged by the "ridiculous standard" that they set. Here's what @POTUS said he would do in 100 days: https://t.co/TjU478QFST https://t.co/tw3xU9LH19

— Glenn Kessler (@GlennKesslerWP) April 21, 2017

Apart from the professional GOP version of ‘virtue signaling‘, what’s on the agenda for the day?

I know Trump is talking about Tax Reform and repealing ACA for next week, but has anyone articulated a plan to keep the government open?

— Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) April 21, 2017

Amazing fact in Playbook: "there isn't a single person in the senior leadership of the White House who has passed a bill in Congress"

— Alex Burns (@alexburnsNYT) April 21, 2017

… not entirely sure this isn’t a possible outcome…

In a desperate bid to fulfill one promise within 100 days, Trump's heading to 5th Avenue and he's got a gun.

— Schooley (@Rschooley) April 21, 2017

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Previous Post: « A Little Reminder That Good Things Still Happen and Make the World a Better Place
Next Post: Luxury Denied (Open Thread) »

Reader Interactions

134Comments

  1. 1.

    gene108

    April 22, 2017 at 5:46 am

    FIRST!!!

  2. 2.

    clay

    April 22, 2017 at 5:50 am

    The chances that Trump actually read his own Contract With America are exceedingly small. Still, the bad press is clearly getting under his bad skin. I expect we will keep hearing how Gorsuck was his “major” accomplishment, and “do you think that was easy?”

    But really, what else can he point to?

  3. 3.

    Elizabelle

    April 22, 2017 at 5:52 am

    Trump fired the Surgeon General. They usually serve out their terms, from administration to administration, unless they cause controversy. But not in Trumpland.

    From the Fuck the Fucking New York Times:

    Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, an Obama administration holdover, was asked to resign by the Trump administration on Friday. He was replaced by his deputy, Rear Adm. Sylvia Trent-Adams, one of the first nurses to serve as surgeon general.

    Admiral Trent-Adams will for now be in an acting role. As of Friday evening, she had already replaced Dr. Murthy on the surgeon general’s Twitter account, and her portrait had replaced his on the agency’s Facebook page. One of the first comments on that post asked, “Where is Dr. Murthy?”

    Alleigh MarrĂ©, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services, confirmed Dr. Murthy’s resignation in an emailed statement on Friday, saying he was asked to step down “after assisting in a smooth transition into the new Trump administration.”

    Ms. Marré said Dr. Murthy will continue to serve as a member of the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service.

    Admiral Trent-Adams may be the first surgeon general who is not a doctor. She is not the first nurse, though. Dr. Richard Carmona, who served under President George W. Bush, was a nurse and a physician, and he sometimes referred to himself as the first nurse to serve as surgeon general.

    It was not immediately clear why Dr. Murthy was relieved from duty.

    A list of previous controversial Surgeons General — call it FTFNYTimes squid ink — and then we get to it:

    Dr. Murthy has for years made headlines for calling gun violence a public health threat. In 2014, the National Rifle Association urged the Senate not to confirm him.

    Dr. Murthy did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday, and employees at the Department of Health and Human Services privately expressed surprise at his sudden departure.

  4. 4.

    Arclite

    April 22, 2017 at 5:54 am

    Who knew contracts could be so complicated?

  5. 5.

    Elizabelle

    April 22, 2017 at 5:55 am

    Sorry, here is the link on the fabulous Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General, getting the boot. From FTFNYT.

  6. 6.

    gene108

    April 22, 2017 at 5:56 am

    @clay:

    Does it matter? Reality is what Trump declares it is, at this moment, subject to change the very next second.

    And his supporters do not care, as long he is seen as cracking the skulls of undesirables.

  7. 7.

    rikyrah

    April 22, 2017 at 6:05 am

    Good Morning, Everyone ???

  8. 8.

    bystander

    April 22, 2017 at 6:06 am

    Listening to the beltway hacks like Joe and Meeka and David Ignatius and Andrea Mitchell try to confabulate “Trump policy” on the basis of his day to day changes of mood and underwear is probably the most exasperating part of all. They just cannot admit that he has no idea what he’s doing.

  9. 9.

    Joyce H

    April 22, 2017 at 6:10 am

    @gene108:

    Reality is what Trump declares it is, at this moment, subject to change the very next second.

    And his supporters do not care, as long he is seen as cracking the skulls of undesirables.

    I just saw an article that said that the majority of Trump voters do not believe that Trump has played more golf than Obama in the first 100 days. And this is with Trump’s incessant golfing being a major, ongoing news story complete with video of the old walrus out on the golf course.

  10. 10.

    JGabriel

    April 22, 2017 at 6:18 am

    Last year, Trump released a Contract With The American Voter, outlining an agenda for the first 100 days.

    Which Trump broke as soon as he could, just like every other contract he’s ever entered into.

  11. 11.

    JPL

    April 22, 2017 at 6:19 am

    @gene108:Then let’s tell him he accomplished everything, and can retire now.
    He’d believe it, cuz he had the biggest electoral college win ever.

  12. 12.

    JGabriel

    April 22, 2017 at 6:21 am

    I’ve written a poem, in honor of the two young women charged with a hate crime for burning a Trump sign:

    Hating Trump
    Isn’t a crime
    It’s common sense –
    It just saves time

  13. 13.

    waspuppet

    April 22, 2017 at 6:26 am

    Let’s also not forget (via Digby) that Trump promised to institute on his first day a lifetime ban on White House employees lobbying for a foreign government.

    I just simply cannot imagine why he never got around to that.

  14. 14.

    amk

    April 22, 2017 at 6:32 am

    trump’s contract is an oxymoron.

  15. 15.

    JGabriel

    April 22, 2017 at 6:38 am

    amk:

    trump’s contract is an oxymoron.

    Remove the contract and it’s still a moron.

  16. 16.

    gene108

    April 22, 2017 at 6:39 am

    On the small moral victories front, I tipped the scales at my dictor’s appointment yesterday at 199 pounds. Last April, I was 213 pounds. I am a small build 5’7″. 20 years ago, when I was a young and healthy 22 year old and exercised regularly, I weighed at most 145 pounds, for some perspective.

    This is the first time in about a dozen years, I have ever tipped the scales below 200 pounds.

    Feel like a barrier had finally been broken.

  17. 17.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 22, 2017 at 6:41 am

    @JGabriel:

    Two young women charged with a hate crime for burning a Trump sign

    What the hell? That doesn’t even make sense.

    @gene108: congrats! On that, and on the first comment too.

  18. 18.

    mai naem mobile

    April 22, 2017 at 6:43 am

    Seriously, having Dolt 45 as POTUS would be like having me as NFL Commissioner or even worse NHL Commissioner (is there an NHL Commissioner?) I couldn’t even give you a list of NHL or NFL teams. My attitude would be I hate the Patriots becausee of the deflared balls and,more importantly, because of Kraft and the coach liking Dolt. Also, I hate the Dallas Cowboys because – Texas. On the NHL I would also hate the Texas.and Florida teams because Texas and Florida. Oh,you say there are no NHL teams in FL and TX? Shit,who knew?

  19. 19.

    amk

    April 22, 2017 at 6:48 am

    @gene108: Congrats.

  20. 20.

    JGabriel

    April 22, 2017 at 6:50 am

    @Major Major Major Major:

    What the hell? That doesn’t even make sense.

    I thought everyone knew about it already. Guess I should have included a link:

    Black College Student, Friend Charged With Hate Crime For Burning Trump Sign

    And I agree – it doesn’t make sense.

  21. 21.

    HinTN

    April 22, 2017 at 6:52 am

    @gene108: 6’2″ twenty something @ 200. Engineering school @ 30 went to 260. Stabilized @ 240 for 30 years of work life. Started gym in 2013 and hit 220 yesterday. It’s a long slow slog but, man, it feels good.

  22. 22.

    HinTN

    April 22, 2017 at 6:53 am

    @JGabriel: Protesting while black

  23. 23.

    HinTN

    April 22, 2017 at 6:54 am

    Also too, in DC for the March. Hope to see Another Scott @ IEEE booth

  24. 24.

    mai naem mobile

    April 22, 2017 at 6:55 am

    @Elizabelle: I saw this yesrerday. If they want to get rid of Murthy – whatevs – but Trent Adams is filling in. It’s fucking April. Are you fucking telling me that in four months, they couldn’t find one GOP doctor who was willing to be Surgeon General? Tom Price didn’t have a pal who wanted to be SG? Bill Frist? Ron Paul?

  25. 25.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 22, 2017 at 6:55 am

    @JGabriel: hm, reading about that, isn’t it kind of exactly what the statutes are for–adding an extra punishment to already-illegal acts if they’re committed expressly because of [protected distinction such as political belief]? To discourage people from doing illegal things motivated by said distinctions? (Not playing devil’s advocate.)

  26. 26.

    Baud

    April 22, 2017 at 6:58 am

    @rikyrah: Good morning.

  27. 27.

    Elizabelle

    April 22, 2017 at 6:59 am

    @gene108: That’s great, gene. Keep at it!

    @mai naem mobile: I’d been blissfully thinking we’d be able to have Dr. Murthy a bit longer. Some Obama-era competence and common sense. But no.

  28. 28.

    Baud

    April 22, 2017 at 7:00 am

    @Major Major Major Major: Political belief isn’t a protected category.

  29. 29.

    JGabriel

    April 22, 2017 at 7:02 am

    hm, reading about that, isn’t it kind of exactly what the statutes are for–adding an extra punishment to already-illegal acts if they’re committed expressly because of [protected distinction such as political belief]?

    I guess we’ll have to get a lawyer’s opinion on that one (feel free to jump in here Balloon-Juice lawyers), but – as far as I know – political orientation isn’t a protected class or distinction.

    In any event, I would imagine basing a hate-crime charge on it should bring up some pretty interesting First Amendment issues.

    ——

    Edited to Add: Looks like Baud got there first.

  30. 30.

    bystander

    April 22, 2017 at 7:02 am

    Just reading about the police officer murdered in Paris, Xavier Jugele.

    I don’t seem to have tags for links, so you’ll have to believe me. WaPo today.

  31. 31.

    satby

    April 22, 2017 at 7:04 am

    @rikyrah: Good morning!
    After three days off underachieving my to-do list, I have to head back to work. Which makes me sad because I should be heading to a march. Hoping for a massive turnout, since everything is now judged by the Women’s March turnout.

  32. 32.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 22, 2017 at 7:04 am

    @Baud: well, there you go, then. Guess that explains why they had to shoehorn it into an interpretation of the statute as some weird melange of whiteness and mumble mumble.

  33. 33.

    Baud

    April 22, 2017 at 7:11 am

    @Major Major Major Major:

    some weird melange of whiteness and mumble mumble.

    Best description of the modern GOP I’ve ever seen.

  34. 34.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 22, 2017 at 7:12 am

    @Baud: they’re actually quite loud though, aren’t they?

  35. 35.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 22, 2017 at 7:20 am

    Today’s Earth Day google doodle is pretty cute.

  36. 36.

    Jeffro

    April 22, 2017 at 7:26 am

    @gene108: congrats! You will have to share some tips, as I am about to try start my own epic down the scale (would love to lose 25 lbs)

  37. 37.

    Central Planning

    April 22, 2017 at 7:37 am

    @gene108: That’s awesome. I’m working down too – it’s a marathon, not a sprint. I think I’m down about 20 pounds from the most I’ve weighed, and still want to go another 20. Holy crap, that’s a lot of weight when you add that together.

    ETA – can’t calculate this early in the morning, math fixed.

  38. 38.

    Barbara

    April 22, 2017 at 7:38 am

    @HinTN: Well, not just protesting but also allegedly setting fire to certain yard signs.

  39. 39.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 22, 2017 at 7:39 am

    @Barbara:

    certain yard signs

    Article made it sound like a billboard. They definitely allegedly trespassed and committed arson, the issue is the hate crime part.

  40. 40.

    MJS

    April 22, 2017 at 7:41 am

    @gene108: Congratulations! That’s fantastic!

  41. 41.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    April 22, 2017 at 7:46 am

    @mai naem mobile: Hell, Bill Frist could phone it in.

  42. 42.

    amk

    April 22, 2017 at 7:54 am

    now that the exxon didn’t get the dibs, will tex drillerson quit?

  43. 43.

    Gvg

    April 22, 2017 at 7:55 am

    @Elizabelle: somewhere else they said it was because he was against e cigs. His deputy will be acting SG, and is a nurse.

  44. 44.

    Elmo

    April 22, 2017 at 7:55 am

    You weight-losing BJers inspire me. I am presently the heaviest I have ever been – 5’5″ and 210. I know exactly how to lose weight, too. 30 mins on the treadmill every day and cut back on alcohol, and I can lose 30 lbs in 6 months, easy.

    Sadly I like both sleeping in and wine.

  45. 45.

    raven

    April 22, 2017 at 7:58 am

    Sunrise on one of the coastal dune lakes.

  46. 46.

    Chris

    April 22, 2017 at 7:58 am

    @HinTN: Another EE geek? Cool!!

  47. 47.

    Quinerly

    April 22, 2017 at 7:59 am

    A bit of an update for any St Louis peeps going to the St. Louis march today. I will DEFINITELY be at Howards afterwards as planned. Might not make the actual march, though. Poco was at the groomer yesterday, and she found a lump that concerned her. I’m not panicking but am trying to get him into the vet today before 2:00 pm. We are leaving Tues or Wed, driving to NC, for extended trip (working on the house that I grew up in, my mom died a little over a year ago). I feel like I should get this looked at before we get in the road. My best to everyone going to the marches. Nothing has changed about a possible meet up as posted. Several of you had expressed an interest. Colder, rainy day here in St. Louis.

  48. 48.

    WereBear

    April 22, 2017 at 8:08 am

    Remember, Earth Day is also Eddie Albert’s birthday, because he was so instrumental in getting the whole thing started.

    Yay, March on Science!

  49. 49.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 22, 2017 at 8:09 am

    Today I learned that the pho in Saigon is a lot like the pho in San Jose, which makes sense I suppose.

  50. 50.

    debbie

    April 22, 2017 at 8:11 am

    @raven:

    Very pretty. How’s the fishing going?

  51. 51.

    amk

    April 22, 2017 at 8:11 am

    @Chris: +1

  52. 52.

    debbie

    April 22, 2017 at 8:12 am

    I disagree with the title of this thread. I think at every opportunity, someone needs to ask Trump why he broke his own contract. Maybe even ask him a million times on each of his Twitter posts. I want to see his head explode.

  53. 53.

    waspuppet

    April 22, 2017 at 8:14 am

    @Baud: At this point they really might as well just step to the mike and literally say “Bla bla bla.” No less substantial, no less lazy, no less predictable, no less honest.

  54. 54.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 22, 2017 at 8:15 am

    @raven: nice :)

  55. 55.

    Shantanu Saha

    April 22, 2017 at 8:20 am

    So this is like every other contract Trump has signed in his life.

  56. 56.

    Hal

    April 22, 2017 at 8:23 am

    was a nurse and a physician, and he sometimes referred to himself as the first nurse to serve as surgeon general.

    Are you still considered a nurse once you become a physician? I would assume it would be hard to keep up with the continuing education requirements to keep your nursing licence current.

  57. 57.

    tobie

    April 22, 2017 at 8:24 am

    @Gvg: She’s a nurse with a PhD (in nursing, I believe). I have nothing against this woman. It sounds like the job fell to her because she was already a deputy under SG Murthy. Like others, though, I’m sure the White House asked for Dr. Murthy’s resignation for purely political reasons. Republicans always vilify SGs appointed by Democrats. Remember how they went after Dr. Joycelyn Elders, the first African-American SG, for her views on birth control and the criminalization of drug use? It was a sorry spectacle, aided and abetted once again by the so-called ‘liberal media.’

  58. 58.

    Raven

    April 22, 2017 at 8:32 am

    @debbie: well, I hate to admit it but I think I overdid it the last two days. I was in and out of the surf for 10 hrs yesterday. It’s not real big but I am going out about 100 yards each cast. I woke up like a shot with a nasty hamstring cramp in the middle of the night. I decided to lighten up today, hit the local farmers market and then go to some antique joints in Panama City. Oh yea, we did have fresh fish for dinner so there is that! Thx

  59. 59.

    efgoldman

    April 22, 2017 at 8:34 am

    Amazing fact in Playbook: “there isn’t a single person in the senior leadership of the White House who has passed a bill in Congress”

    I don’t think there’s a single person IN THE HOUSE LEADERSHIP who has, either.
    It’s only their whole job.

    [I think Adam posted something similar earlier in the week]

  60. 60.

    efgoldman

    April 22, 2017 at 8:37 am

    @bystander:

    try to confabulate “Trump policy” on the basis of his day to day changes of mood and underwear

    Are we sure? Do we want to know? Does he have someone help him in and out of his Berny Madoff Underoos?

  61. 61.

    efgoldman

    April 22, 2017 at 8:42 am

    @JGabriel:

    And I agree – it doesn’t make sense.

    Charges dismissed, per an update at the top of the story.
    Any judge not in certain traitor states would correctly see it as a First Amendment issue. Cops should know better.

  62. 62.

    randy khan

    April 22, 2017 at 8:44 am

    @mai naem mobile:

    On the list of hundreds of positions they haven’t filled, Surgeon General probably is pretty low.

  63. 63.

    debbie

    April 22, 2017 at 8:45 am

    @Raven:

    Pace yourself!

  64. 64.

    Woodrowfan

    April 22, 2017 at 8:46 am

    @JGabriel: theoretically I can see burning a sign on someone else’s property as a hate crime, but in this case, no. A couple of kids over-reacted to the neighborhood’s troll who posts such signs to be obnoxious. Glad the hate crime charges were dismissed.

  65. 65.

    kindness

    April 22, 2017 at 8:47 am

    That Republicans use the excuse that It didn’t pass because no Democrats voted for it is bad enough but that the Media gives it any credence at all goes to show the hill Democrats have to climb on any and every issue. Damn tough having to do that. Still, better than succumb to the Borg.

  66. 66.

    randy khan

    April 22, 2017 at 8:48 am

    @mai naem mobile:

    LOL. There actually are two NHL teams in Florida and one in Texas, so you could hate them without any trouble.

  67. 67.

    efgoldman

    April 22, 2017 at 8:50 am

    @randy khan:

    There actually are two NHL teams in Florida and one in Texas

    Not to mention one in Phoenix, two in Southern California, and a new one in Vegas starting next season.

  68. 68.

    Major Major Major Major

    April 22, 2017 at 8:56 am

    @efgoldman: so what you’re saying is climate change is a hoax.

  69. 69.

    HinTN

    April 22, 2017 at 8:56 am

    @Chris: Yep. I just went down there (from the Hirshorn, where I’m waiting in line hoping to get a ticket to the exhibit) and they’re not yet readily apparent.

  70. 70.

    Immanentize

    April 22, 2017 at 9:02 am

    Hey morning peeps. The weather here near Boston is rotten, but my son and I are still planning on going to the March for science — probably head to the Commons at 1 absent other holdups. My son is doing his part for science and his robotics team is heading to the World Championships in St. Louis next week. Such a good yet tiresome teenager…. but that’s his job at 16.

    Sadly, I will not be joining him because my wife is doing her bit for science — or vice versa — by intaking her huge doses of chemo. As some of you know, I represented death row inmates in Texas for about 12 years — all of the 90’s. And we used to say that the small group of lawyers for that client group was like an office of stage four oncologists. We would take a client who was terminal, throw whatever arguments and procedural moves we had at the case and generally hope to prolong life with no illusions that we would save many. But like the oncologists we saved a few!

    Meanwhile, I want to thank everyone again for your kind thoughts and suggestions. Thank you! Especially the advice (from one of you morning folks I can’t remember, sorry) about the electric blanket. I read that and dug ours out from the way back of an attic closet just in case — and sure enough, day two after IV was all chills and temperature regulation issues. But I had the electric blanket magic machine!! So not only did you lessen my wife’s distress, you also helped me be a bit of a nice guy against all odds.

  71. 71.

    Immanentize

    April 22, 2017 at 9:06 am

    @efgoldman: I think this is a case where the police guys wrote the charges on the arrest form — “hardy har har, that will show them libtards”. Then a reasonable prosecutor who actually had to officially charge the pair, declined to do so

  72. 72.

    Pamelabrown53

    April 22, 2017 at 9:06 am

    @Quinerly: hi quinerly
    We will try to make h Howard’s after the March. I hope this is readable because I’m using my tiny phone still. Still hope to meet you

  73. 73.

    Tokyokie

    April 22, 2017 at 9:08 am

    @Arclite: Excuse me, but given his brilliant pre-White House career, routinely unilaterally breaking contracts is merely how this savior of the white working class runs government like a business.

  74. 74.

    Spanky

    April 22, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Well, no DC march for me. Got an early afternoon vet appointment for Archie. Blood in the vomit.

  75. 75.

    Caphilldcne

    April 22, 2017 at 9:14 am

    @Elizabelle: rarely comment here although this is one of my go to reading sites. Sad about Murthy but I will say that Sylvia Trent-Adams is a real pro with a ton of experience on HIV issues. I think she’ll be a really good surgeon general tho likely constrained by the administration.

  76. 76.

    Barbara

    April 22, 2017 at 9:19 am

    @Major Major Major Major: Yes, I agree, it’s not right.

  77. 77.

    Marcopolo

    April 22, 2017 at 9:20 am

    @Quinerly:Yes, but the rain is supposed to stop just before the march. Fingers crossed. I’ll take a run by Howard’s post March (I guess sometime around 3-3:30) so long as I am somewhat dry & not miserable :). Will you be wearing a red carnation in your lapel?

  78. 78.

    debit

    April 22, 2017 at 9:20 am

    It’s beautiful weather here in Minneapolis. Wish I was attending a local march, but it’s my Mom’s birthday and, well, mom comes first. I picked up some aged prime rib steaks for the grill, and am making a salad and potato salad.

    @gene108: Congrats!! That’s a big accomplishment.

  79. 79.

    HinTN

    April 22, 2017 at 9:21 am

    @Spanky: Oops ? We’ll carry your banner in spirit.

  80. 80.

    a thousand flouncing lurkers (was fidelio)

    April 22, 2017 at 9:22 am

    @mai naem mobile: There’s even a Commissioner. Everyone hates the current one, but I don’t know if that’s part of the job, or just him. Part of the duties: picking up the Stanley Cup and handing it to the captain of the winning team. Can you hoist a 35-pound chunk of awkwardly-shaped metal gracefully? Do you get along well with Canadians? Skating ability not required.

  81. 81.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    April 22, 2017 at 9:24 am

    Interesting note on that American Airlines video – David Plouffe’s wife followed the mom on board, and may be the blonde woman explaining her disgust with the crew.

  82. 82.

    MomSense

    April 22, 2017 at 9:26 am

    Have fun all you science marchers. A little music to get us started.
    I am a scientist

  83. 83.

    Quinerly

    April 22, 2017 at 9:31 am

    @Marcopolo:
    I will not be wearing a carnation.? Look for salt and pepper haired chick with braided rat tail. If that fails, ask Theresa the bartender…or any other bartender. I may make it to the march..depending in this Poco stuff…just won’t be at Howards beforehand. Hope to meet you. Thanks for reaching out.

  84. 84.

    WereBear

    April 22, 2017 at 9:33 am

    @Spanky: Oh, worrisome. Sending good thoughts your way.

  85. 85.

    Spanky

    April 22, 2017 at 9:34 am

    @HinTN: Thanks! Keep an eye out for a couple of friends of mine. You can’t miss ’em: tall bearded professorial-looking* and no doubt wearing flannel. How many like that could there possibly be down there?

    (*- Because, oddly enough, they’re science profs.)

  86. 86.

    Quinerly

    April 22, 2017 at 9:36 am

    @Pamelabrown53:
    I sent you an email. Also, see #83. Plans are fluid until 2:00 when the vet closes. They were going to try to get Poco in today. If not, I have a Monday AM appointment. Please try to make it to Howards. I’ll definitely be there.

  87. 87.

    laura

    April 22, 2017 at 9:40 am

    A friend had a Happy Hour sign making party yesterday at his Office and what a huge turn out! Giant copying machine, tons of construction paper and bankers box tops, pens, glues, scissors, paint and the like, plus a keg of local IPA. Hot my sign done in short order did a pass through the house and porch and made arrangements to ride to Southside Park with the girls across the street.
    It will be a beautiful Spring day in Sacramento and expect a good sized crowd. A local muralist and DJ died young and unexpected last week. A memorial and music jam is planned at the park after the March, so bittersweet time -just like life.

    Anyone else in Sacramento going to the March?

  88. 88.

    amk

    April 22, 2017 at 9:43 am

    US to honour ‘dumb’ Australia migrant deal.

  89. 89.

    StringOnAStick

    April 22, 2017 at 9:47 am

    Cold, low clouds and rain, possibly snow here in Denver but husband and I are still going to the march. I figured he’d want to go skiing since it snowed and he’s fanatical about back country skiing but he said it is his civic duty. I’m the political one, much more than he is so I am very pleased he feels this way.

  90. 90.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    April 22, 2017 at 9:47 am

    MSNBC on mute– after Thomas Roberts Cavuto-asked if it was fair Bill O’Reilly to be brought down because of cases that were settles– from the images and chyrons they apparently feel Sarah Palin’s opinions on O’Reilly are what people want to hear about

  91. 91.

    hovercraft

    April 22, 2017 at 10:00 am

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    Thomas Roberts Cavuto-asked if it was fair Bill O’Reilly to be brought down because of cases that were settles– from the images and chyrons they apparently feel Sarah Palin’s opinions on O’Reilly are what people want to hear about

    I wonder has Thomas Roberts voiced any concerns about how the White House and the congressional republicans are trying to smear Susan Rice? I mean apparently at this point this Mata Hari is personally responsible for tapping DJT, and I suppose she used her wiles to set them all up and force them to have treasonous conversations with the Russians, so she could then portray them as having colluded with said Russians. Someone should inform the media that Sarah Palin’s 15 minutes of fame is over, no one cares about her anymore, except to know what drunk antics she and her brood are up to at this point. She’s now in the same category as Mama June, and Bristol is Honeybooboo, someone people wish child services had taken away while there was still a chance of saving her.

  92. 92.

    Uncle Cosmo

    April 22, 2017 at 10:01 am

    @Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes: Um, what “American Airlines video”?

  93. 93.

    hovercraft

    April 22, 2017 at 10:04 am

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist:

    Thomas Roberts Cavuto-asked if it was fair Bill O’Reilly to be brought down because of cases that were settles– from the images and chyrons they apparently feel Sarah Palin’s opinions on O’Reilly are what people want to hear about

    I wonder has Thomas Roberts voiced any concerns about how the White House and the congressional republicans are trying to smear Susan Rice? I mean apparently at this point this Mata Hari is personally responsible for tapping DJT, and I suppose she used her wiles to set them all up and force them to have treasonous conversations with the Russians, so she could then portray them as having colluded with said Russians. Someone should inform the media that Sarah Palin’s 15 minutes of fame is over, no one cares about her anymore, except to know what drunk antics she and her brood are up to at this point. She’s now in the same category as Mama June, and Bristol is Honeybooboo, someone people wish child services had taken away while there was still a chance of saving her.

  94. 94.

    WereBear

    April 22, 2017 at 10:04 am

    @Jim, Foolish Literalist: I occasionally tune into Rachel, and for all of TV “news” that is IT.

    The sooner their ratings fall off a cliff, the better off we will be.

  95. 95.

    lowtechcyclist

    April 22, 2017 at 10:05 am

    About to head down to the DC march. Haven’t done one of these in longer than I care to admit – should be interesting.

  96. 96.

    Goku

    April 22, 2017 at 10:06 am

    @gene108: They’ll care when it’s their skulls getting cracked. But by then it would be too late

  97. 97.

    germy

    April 22, 2017 at 10:07 am

    @Uncle Cosmo:
    http://boingboing.net/2017/04/21/american-airlines.html

    AA employee challenges passenger to “hit him”

  98. 98.

    hovercraft

    April 22, 2017 at 10:09 am

    To all those attending the rallies, have a wonderful time.

  99. 99.

    danielx

    April 22, 2017 at 10:10 am

    Brrrr…..so much for warm spring weather. Up til 2 turning leftover cajun pork roast into barbecue, but most def worth the effort. Out to cut back the wisteria which is going crazy already, along with other outside tasks under the theory that it’s better to do them when it’s not hot outside.

    ETA: so Trump’s 100-day contract/pledge is pretty much the same as every other contract he’s ever signed, then.

  100. 100.

    Spanky

    April 22, 2017 at 10:11 am

    @lowtechcyclist: It will be FUN – even on a cool, rainy day – and I will miss being there.

  101. 101.

    hovercraft

    April 22, 2017 at 10:11 am

    @WereBear:

    You should definitely watch AMJOY weekend mornings from 10 to 12, definitely must see TV.

  102. 102.

    hovercraft

    April 22, 2017 at 10:12 am

    @Spanky:
    Good luck with Archie.

  103. 103.

    WereBear

    April 22, 2017 at 10:18 am

    @hovercraft: Will keep that in mind, thanks. I’ve heard great things about her, no question.

  104. 104.

    Elizabelle

    April 22, 2017 at 10:20 am

    @Caphilldcne: That’s great to hear.

    Do comment more often.

    ETA: With that ‘nym, you have NO excuse for not being downtown for today’s Science march!

  105. 105.

    Cckids

    April 22, 2017 at 10:23 am

    @Quinerly: Hi, sending good thoughts for you & Poco. Fingers crossed.

  106. 106.

    bemused

    April 22, 2017 at 10:24 am

    @germy:

    Now this makes me wonder what the work atmosphere is like for AA flight attendants and other employees.

  107. 107.

    debbie

    April 22, 2017 at 10:25 am

    @danielx:

    There’s a 30+ foot pine tree nearby that’s become the trellis for a huge wisteria. Years ago, when I first saw it, I thought it was a special flowering pine tree.

  108. 108.

    Eric S.

    April 22, 2017 at 10:32 am

    Early gathering in Chicago for March For Science.

  109. 109.

    germy

    April 22, 2017 at 10:33 am

    @bemused:

    Saw this in the article’s comments section:

    overworked, underpaid employees are part of the problem. All their profits go to plump up exec compensation and investor portfolios, not build a healthier, happier work force willing to put customers first

  110. 110.

    Spanky

    April 22, 2017 at 10:35 am

    @WereBear: @hovercraft: Thanks for the thoughts.

    He’s been throwing up after meals for a couple of months, but this is the first we’ve seen blood. No sign of weight loss, and there are myriad possible explanations over that period of time. We shall see.

  111. 111.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    April 22, 2017 at 10:35 am

    @bemused:

    Shit went bad when we decided to give airplane waitstaff decrees the force of law. Every petty authoritarian among them sees it as Their Big Chance (think HOA board members on steroids). Their corporate boards then back them up.

    Things are changing due to phone cameras.

  112. 112.

    Quinerly

    April 22, 2017 at 10:36 am

    @Cckids:
    Thanks for your kind words. He seems to feel fine. Groomer more alarmed than I am. It did appear in the last few days, though.

  113. 113.

    Iowa Old Lady

    April 22, 2017 at 10:39 am

    @germy: I think airline employees on the front line have a tough job these days. Between security, oversold flights, extra charges for everything, and passengers worried about whether there’ll be enough overhead space, travelers are crabby about things the ground and flight crews have almost no control over. Yet they’re the ones who have to talk down a passenger who’s just been told they’re not going to arrive in time for their own wedding.

  114. 114.

    germy

    April 22, 2017 at 10:41 am

    @Iowa Old Lady: I agree.

  115. 115.

    WaterGirl

    April 22, 2017 at 10:44 am

    @Iowa Old Lady: @germy: I agree, but I don’t think it excuses any of this. How many of us have tough jobs without resorting to violence?

  116. 116.

    Doug R

    April 22, 2017 at 10:47 am

    @mai naem mobile: There are too many NHL teams in Florida and Texas and Arizona.

  117. 117.

    ruemara

    April 22, 2017 at 10:47 am

    @Immanentize: good thoughts to you & Tarragon’s wives during recovery. That temperature regulation is crucial.

    @laura: picnic day in beautiful Davis, plus a host of intersectional concerns but i raise a bubbling crucible to Sacto marchers.

  118. 118.

    JMG

    April 22, 2017 at 10:48 am

    Last day in France! Rather than travelogue, two political notes. 1. In halting (on my end) conversation with my daughter’s co-workers in Bordeaux about their election, I discovered two things. All of ’em were undecided, but all also said they’d never vote for LePen. Hope’s company is an exporter of top shelf wines, so since their customer base is rich people, these folks lean right, but proper bourgeois right. Just a straw in the wind.
    2. Walking around today, came to Place de la Republique. Demonstration of some sort was in progress. Banners, speakers yelling on bad sound system, maybe 500 people. Was not campaign related, that’s not allowed the day before election. Demo was being totally ignored by passers-by, shoppers, people sitting in nearby cafes, etc. Seemed totally harmless. BUT, there were more cops in the vicinity than there were demonstrators, regular police and the CRS (riot squad). Loaded for bear, too, shields, tear gas guns, visored helmets, the whole deal. Watched for 15 minutes and nothing happened. I guess the police are a bit on edge, and I don’t blame them a bit, but it was weird.

  119. 119.

    Quinerly

    April 22, 2017 at 11:01 am

    @Spanky:
    Good luck with your furbaby. Sending positive thoughts.

  120. 120.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    April 22, 2017 at 11:03 am

    @bystander:

    You can put in a naked link now. That got fixed a while back.

  121. 121.

    Le Comte de Monte Cristo, fka Edmund Dantes

    April 22, 2017 at 11:03 am

    @WaterGirl:

    I haven’t threatened to kill anybody for a number of years now, so I have that going for me, which is nice…..

  122. 122.

    Iowa Old Lady

    April 22, 2017 at 11:07 am

    @WaterGirl: Agreed

  123. 123.

    Lizzy L

    April 22, 2017 at 11:29 am

    Good wishes to all the folks whose babies are on their way to the vet: hope it’s minor, easily treatable, yadda-yadda. Congratulations to the folks who are dropping weight. I know what it feels like to be too heavy for my cartilage-challenged knee joints. What you are doing is not easy! Best to you.

    I’m not marching today, but I am celebrating Earth Day by weedwhacking my yard and composting.

  124. 124.

    tybee

    April 22, 2017 at 11:56 am

    @Doug R:

    There are too many NHL teams

    fixt

  125. 125.

    J R in WV

    April 22, 2017 at 12:25 pm

    @Elizabelle:

    Judging from his name “Murthy” and my anesthesiologist, Dr Murthy, I bet the former S-G is south-Asian – from India – and a tad darker than Jefferson Beauregard Sessions 43rd in complexion.

    So the wonderment is that they kept him on this long, being at least partially foreign, and maybe not Republican at all. E-cigs are just another nicotine delivery system, no reason for any doctor to be in favor of that!

    I met my Dr Murthy when he was using an electric fence charger to find a nerve in my shoulder, so he could administer a nerve block, prior to my first joint removal/replacement procedure.

    It may have been an expensive medical voltage delivery system, but it felt like a fence charger to me!

  126. 126.

    West of the Rockies (been a while)

    April 22, 2017 at 12:27 pm

    @Major Major Major Major:

    But putting Democratic candidate photographs in target sites, that’s cool!

  127. 127.

    coin operated

    April 22, 2017 at 12:33 pm

    Good thoughts to the marchers…and those pet people who need to head to the vet. I still think of Walter….

    Rode from Vegas to Anaheim last night to see some wonderful 80’s magic…the Motels opening for Terri Nunn and Berlin. Last time I saw either band was in the aforementioned 80s, but they both sounded phenomenal. Off to Redondo Beach for clam chowder at Cpt. Kidds (more clams than potatoes = awesomeness) and to get the g/f her required amount of beach time before heading back to the desert.

    Peace…coinop

  128. 128.

    rikyrah

    April 22, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    @Elizabelle:
    He is non-White, so he had to go.

  129. 129.

    rikyrah

    April 22, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    @gene108:
    Congratulations ???

  130. 130.

    gene108

    April 22, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    @Jeffro:

    congrats! You will have to share some tips, as I am about to try start my own epic down the scale (would love to lose 25 lbs)

    Portion control. I did not really track calories. I tried that before and it did not work for me. I lost track quickly, and trying to figure out how much oil is in 3 days worth of sautéed veggies, for example, just left me befuddled.

    I just looked at what I ate, and made the portions less.

  131. 131.

    joel hanes

    April 22, 2017 at 1:31 pm

    @Caphilldcne:

    Thanks for making Trump’s belligerent ignorance seem a bit less dire.
    I hope you’re right.

  132. 132.

    Ksmiami

    April 22, 2017 at 4:48 pm

    @mai naem mobile: Dallas Stars are the Dallas NHL team. But I hate living here it’s only cause of a corp move

  133. 133.

    Ksmiami

    April 22, 2017 at 4:50 pm

    @coin operated: Captain Kidd’s is the best. Their direct fish sales are great for clambakes etc. I dream of Redondo Beach….and hermosa and manhattan and playa del rey

  134. 134.

    SgrAstar

    April 22, 2017 at 5:46 pm

    I used My Fitness Pal to lose 25 lbs last year. Calorie counting, period….it works incredibly well. Strongly recommend!

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