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I have other things to bitch about but those will have to wait.

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The next time the wall street journal editorial board speaks the truth will be the first.

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… pundit janitors mopping up after the gop

It’s all just conspiracy shit beamed down from the mothership.

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Live so that if you miss a day of work people aren’t hoping you’re dead.

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Peak wingnut was a lie.

There are no moderate republicans – only extremists and cowards.

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

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

The arc of the moral universe does not bend itself. it is up to us to bend it.

Good lord, these people are nuts.

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You are here: Home / Balloon Juice / Readership Capture / Calendar Update

Calendar Update

by John Cole|  February 12, 201810:21 am| 82 Comments

This post is in: Readership Capture

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Reader Interactions

82Comments

  1. 1.

    Smedley Darlington Prunebanks (formerly Mumphrey, et Al.)

    February 12, 2018 at 10:27 am

    Where’s my God damned calendar, damn it? It’s late, the formatting sucks and you used the wrong print shop.

  2. 2.

    JPL

    February 12, 2018 at 10:31 am

    The Obama’s portraits are being unveiled at the Smithsonian. I’m watching on CSPAN online. Start from the beginning so you don’t miss Michelle’s speech, and have a hanky on hand just because.

  3. 3.

    PaulWartenberg

    February 12, 2018 at 10:32 am

    I got this angry cat instead have yu seen Steve lately

  4. 4.

    MomSense

    February 12, 2018 at 10:58 am

    @JPL:

    Kehinde Wiley just had me in tears.

  5. 5.

    EricNNY

    February 12, 2018 at 11:02 am

    Not me, but I live out in the sticks so not unusual.

  6. 6.

    SiubhanDuinne

    February 12, 2018 at 11:03 am

    Aren’t you supposed to be seeing your doctor today, John?

  7. 7.

    zhena gogolia

    February 12, 2018 at 11:05 am

    Not yet, but our mail doesn’t come until 4:30 PM.

  8. 8.

    dr. bloor

    February 12, 2018 at 11:08 am

    Sherald and Wiley both hit grand slams AFAIAC. White Twitter is collectively passing out on their divans right now.

  9. 9.

    Ocean dude

    February 12, 2018 at 11:08 am

    I didnt get nothing. I had to pay a $50 fine and pick up the garbage.

  10. 10.

    JPL

    February 12, 2018 at 11:15 am

    @dr. bloor: Not sure what you mean about white twitter, but personally I still have a hanky in hand. Gotta admit that it is pretty awesome that he talked about Michelle’s hotness genes.
    I miss them so much.

  11. 11.

    JPL

    February 12, 2018 at 11:18 am

    @MomSense: That was so sweet that he went back because he forgot to thank his mom.

  12. 12.

    Another Scott

    February 12, 2018 at 11:18 am

    I see Obama’s picture in Cole’s Twitter feed. Look at the size of his hands!!

    rofl.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  13. 13.

    Lyrebird

    February 12, 2018 at 11:29 am

    @JPL: Is this really her portrait on the right?

    His is awesome, and the other painting is beautiful, but if it’s of the True FLOTUS, I really only think it’s done justice to the beauty of her arms, not her face or whole self.

    Ah well, back to things that I should be paying attention to.

  14. 14.

    guachi

    February 12, 2018 at 11:30 am

    Are there any calendars left? I thought my wife was paying for one and she thought I was paying for one and the result was no one paid for one.

  15. 15.

    PopeRatzy

    February 12, 2018 at 11:31 am

    Nope, but then one would have needed to order said calendar.

  16. 16.

    smintheus

    February 12, 2018 at 11:34 am

    Here’s a Michigan woman who got hers, but good. She was ripped off by a crooked payday lender, which CFPB was going to sue into oblivion until Mick ‘Payday’ Mulvaney forced the bureau to drop the case.

    “To be honest I’m really mad, really pissed, because I actually voted for Trump,” Bonenfant says. “So knowing that his guy threw out this case that affects people like me, I feel kind of like stupid — just kind of like betrayed.”

    The rest of us who had the sense to vote against the con man feel kind of like betrayed by you; stupid doesn’t begin to cover your issues, Bonenfant.

  17. 17.

    danielx

    February 12, 2018 at 11:36 am

    No calendar yet.

  18. 18.

    dr. bloor

    February 12, 2018 at 11:37 am

    @Lyrebird: If FLOTUS chose Sherald for a painting that “looks like” her, she chose poorly and should have known better. However, if she chose Sherald to capture who she is, she chose very well. It oozes strength, determination and beauty.

  19. 19.

    The Thin Black Duke

    February 12, 2018 at 11:43 am

    @smintheus:

    “To be honest I’m really mad, really pissed, because I actually voted for Trump,” Bonenfant says. “So knowing that his guy threw out this case that affects people like me, I feel kind of like stupid — just kind of like betrayed.”

    Translation: “Wait! Why is the leopard eating my f–ARGH!”

  20. 20.

    Another Scott

    February 12, 2018 at 11:43 am

    @dr. bloor: Since cameras and printers are so good about capturing and rendering “realistic” images these days, I like it when painted portraits don’t try to emulate photographs. Paintings should get you to “see” the person a different and more thoughtful and emotional way. I think Sherald’s portrait does that very well indeed.

    Baltimore Sun:

    What will the pundits be talking about? Sherald paints life-sized portraits of African-Americans, but she paints them all with gray skin. She has said it’s “A way for me to subversively comment about race without feeling as though I’m excluding the viewer.” If Michelle Obama’s portrait also has gray skin, art critics are likely to focus on that aspect of the painting.

    Michelle knew what she was getting. Well done.

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  21. 21.

    John Cole

    February 12, 2018 at 11:43 am

    @SiubhanDuinne: Nope- apparently they got all the test results and it is not urgent, and I have an appt. on Friday to see my general practitioner and from there we will scheduling appointments with specialists. For now I am just changing my diet to match the info they gave me.

  22. 22.

    JPL

    February 12, 2018 at 11:47 am

    @Lyrebird: The President said it captured her grace is I think that is true. That’s a side that is not shown enough.

  23. 23.

    stinger

    February 12, 2018 at 11:47 am

    After I see the mail carrier’s car go by, I’ll trudge down my snow-filled lane to the mailbox. Will report back later.

  24. 24.

    Humdog

    February 12, 2018 at 11:54 am

    @John Cole: Irt took me forever to get in for my upper gist please do not panic if you cannot get further tests as soon as you’d like. I have found changing my diet to be easier after a health scare than when I simply tried to lose weight. Scares focus the mind. Good luck!

  25. 25.

    Wolvesvalley

    February 12, 2018 at 11:56 am

    My calendar just came! It’s beautiful! Very nice design, paper, and print quality.

    Haven’t had a chance to drool over every photo yet, but I am in love with Schrödie’s emerald eyes (August). Daisy the tuxedo cat (January 2019) looks very like my Chloe.

    If I can figure out how to photograph two black cats without having them look like shadowy blobs, I will submit some pix for next year’s calendar.

  26. 26.

    Alain the site fixer

    February 12, 2018 at 11:57 am

    Ambient cialis is good for late night casino poker.

    Just testing…

  27. 27.

    Alain the site fixer

    February 12, 2018 at 11:58 am

    @Alain the site fixer: And it was good. Boooogggeerr!

  28. 28.

    Cheryl Rofer

    February 12, 2018 at 11:58 am

    Washington Post on the portraits.

  29. 29.

    JPL

    February 12, 2018 at 11:59 am

    @Alain the site fixer: okay! lol

  30. 30.

    Alain the site fixer

    February 12, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    @JPL: I have removed some blocks on certain words, just testing. You’d be surprised how many people use ambient, casino, poker, or specialist and so get their messages blocked!

  31. 31.

    JPL

    February 12, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    @Alain the site fixer: You did good.

  32. 32.

    Gin & Tonic

    February 12, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    @Cheryl Rofer: These two sentences from that article are really good:

    The Obamas’ potential to change the tone and political culture of this country was blunted by the persistence of that racism before and during their time at the country’s political apex. Now that they have left office, now that their fundamental decency is in high relief by contrast with the new political order, memory is refreshed.

  33. 33.

    Gin & Tonic

    February 12, 2018 at 12:06 pm

    @Alain the site fixer: Excellent. Now I can periodically offer the B-J readership a substantial discount on cialis, which I’m sure they’ll appreciate.

  34. 34.

    Alain the site fixer

    February 12, 2018 at 12:09 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: You aren’t that creepy “Bob” guy, are you? ;)

  35. 35.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    February 12, 2018 at 12:09 pm

    @Alain the site fixer: Since you’re a FP’er, don’t “the rules” not apply to you?

  36. 36.

    Another Scott

    February 12, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    @Alain the site fixer: Is a certain actress from the Harry Potter movies still a dungeon word?

    Emma Watson.

    Well?

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  37. 37.

    Another Scott

    February 12, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    @Another Scott: Woot!

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  38. 38.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    February 12, 2018 at 12:12 pm

    @?BillinGlendaleCA: (I was going to do a ETA, but “I don’t have permission to edit my comment”)

    ETA: I see that G&T(aka “Creepy Bob”) tested it out.

  39. 39.

    Another Scott

    February 12, 2018 at 12:13 pm

    @Alain the site fixer: While you’re here, Sab has some issues with fixing typos (apparently on the mobile site).

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  40. 40.

    JPL

    February 12, 2018 at 12:13 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: This also

    They look a bit older than the two people who carried so much collective fantasy of a different America with them to Washington nine years ago. That fantasy was premature and unrealistic, and it is only now clear how powerfully it animated the meanest impulses of those who reject it. But these portraits will remind future generations how much wish fulfillment was embodied in the Obamas, and how gracefully they bore that burden.

  41. 41.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    February 12, 2018 at 12:14 pm

    @Another Scott: For the longest time “Booker” was a bad word, this caused problems for obvious reasons.

  42. 42.

    Amir Khalid

    February 12, 2018 at 12:21 pm

    This is a test:
    Meet the poker specialist at the Ambient Casino, Emma Watson, and her calico pussycat.
    ETA: No joy.

  43. 43.

    Amir Khalid

    February 12, 2018 at 12:25 pm

    First test did not succeed. Test two:
    Meet the poker specialist at the Ambient Casino, Emma Watson, and her calico pussycat.
    ETA: I see the cat word is still banned, and still needs the workaround.

  44. 44.

    geg6

    February 12, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    Won’t know until I get home.

    I have a dog story that reminds me of one of yours, Cole. Came home after dark last night and as I was getting out of my car, I could see lights on the main street in front of my house. I thought it was a stray cat. But the animal took off right for me and, basically, leapt into my arms. It was the cutest, sweetest pup ever. No collar but obviously used to people and just wanted one to cuddle, I guess. I thought she’d been dumped at the Humane Society, which is just across the street from our house. So I got John to lock Koda and Lovey into the sun room and brought her in. Called the cops and they asked for my info and a description of the dog. I gave it to him and he said to hold. He came back on and said we’re sending an officer right away, which I thought was weird. Usually the cops call animal control for situations like this during off hours. So we waited for the cop, petting and talking to our new friend. I think she’s a min pin and just the sweetest thing. She was all wet and shivering, but happy to be around us. So the cop shows up and says he came because the dog had been picked up in another local town and when the cops who had her got her to the shelter, she got away. It happened about a half hour before I got home. She was a little getaway artist who just wanted to be in a house with people, I think. So we told the cop that we already had two dogs and didn’t really need another. However, if the owners don’t claim her and no one adopts her, we want the Humane Society to call us before they euthanize her and we’ll adopt.

    I’m a sucker, but how can you turn away a dog that leaps into your arms?

  45. 45.

    Rich Webb

    February 12, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    Yes, arrived in the mail this morning. Thanks!

  46. 46.

    Ruckus

    February 12, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    @JPL:
    What are you an english major?
    It’s “Ya done good.”

  47. 47.

    Yutsano

    February 12, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    @geg6: Not to mention mini pins are great puppers. Hopefully she does get picked up quickly although it almost sounds like you’re trying to convince yourself…

  48. 48.

    raven

    February 12, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    Mine came.

  49. 49.

    Just One More Canuck

    February 12, 2018 at 12:35 pm

    @Smedley Darlington Prunebanks (formerly Mumphrey, et Al.): you’ll be getting the one that Cole ‘accidentally’ dropped in the snow and backed over a few times

  50. 50.

    SiubhanDuinne

    February 12, 2018 at 12:38 pm

    @John Cole:

    Well, I know I’m not alone in hoping it is something easily controlled, and something that doesn’t require huge sacrifices on your part. All best wishes.

  51. 51.

    SiubhanDuinne

    February 12, 2018 at 12:42 pm

    @Amir Khalid:

    What about shoes?

    ETA: Guess that one also got fixed. I never understood why it was on the list in the first place.

  52. 52.

    Tom Levenson

    February 12, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    Just checked the mail. Got mine.

  53. 53.

    Alain the site fixer

    February 12, 2018 at 12:47 pm

    Test for editing.
    Ok it’s not great but it does work.
    It yeah it takes over screen and doesn’t return you to comment. I’ll look into this.

  54. 54.

    JPL

    February 12, 2018 at 12:51 pm

    @geg6: What a sweet story, and please keep us updated.

  55. 55.

    Aleta

    February 12, 2018 at 1:43 pm

    Back to Ms. Sherald and FL Michelle Obama:

    Ms. Sherald paints only African-Americans. Her subjects “exist in a place of the past, the present and the future,” she said. “It’s like something I sense with my spirit more than my mind.”

  56. 56.

    Steeplejack (phone)

    February 12, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:

    Some words were inadvertently banned because they were part of the nyms of various trolls that got banned. I was doing some research over the weekend and saw an old thread where the word relax caused comments to be moderated!

  57. 57.

    Lyrebird

    February 12, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    @dr. bloor: @JPL:

    Fair enough. I am not modern enough.

    If the True FLOTUS herself is pleased, that is more than enough, and both paintings oughta liven up that portrait gallery!

  58. 58.

    beth

    February 12, 2018 at 2:30 pm

    got my calendar this afternoon. it’s beautiful. thank you so much for making it a reality.

  59. 59.

    R. Bailey

    February 12, 2018 at 2:36 pm

    Mine arrived in today’s mail delivery, so now we know how long it takes to go from WV to TX via USPS. Thanks so much for doing all that work! I look forward to perusing the photos at length later on.

  60. 60.

    Alain the site fixer

    February 12, 2018 at 2:57 pm

    @Amir Khalid: I’ll fix that tout de suite!

  61. 61.

    Alain the site fixer

    February 12, 2018 at 3:04 pm

    @Alain the site fixer: Pussywillow

  62. 62.

    zhena gogolia

    February 12, 2018 at 3:29 pm

    @zhena gogolia:

    Didn’t come today.

  63. 63.

    KBS

    February 12, 2018 at 3:34 pm

    Got it today! Thanks!

  64. 64.

    BC in Illinois

    February 12, 2018 at 3:42 pm

    They have arrived, so they made it across the Mississippi.

    (BC in St Louis County)

  65. 65.

    geg6

    February 12, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    Well, crap. If people in Missouri and Texas have gotten theirs, mine better be in my mailbox when I get home!

  66. 66.

    Zoey2020

    February 12, 2018 at 4:19 pm

    Got it, thanks!

  67. 67.

    ET

    February 12, 2018 at 4:43 pm

    I am I DC and just got mine! My Bean is a May kitty.

  68. 68.

    jnfr

    February 12, 2018 at 4:48 pm

    Mine came today (Colorado). It’s lovely and thank you so much for doing this!

  69. 69.

    glaukopis

    February 12, 2018 at 5:31 pm

    Yay, got mine in Ohio today. All the pets look great and Gibby and Mac are enjoying their glamour shot. Thanks!

  70. 70.

    Percysowner

    February 12, 2018 at 5:46 pm

    Got mine!

  71. 71.

    Manyakitty

    February 12, 2018 at 6:18 pm

    Got mine today. Heisenberg, Schrodinger, and Mme. Curie all made their annual appearances.

  72. 72.

    Zelma

    February 12, 2018 at 6:27 pm

    Got mine today. It sure looks like Balloon Juice folks are cat people.

  73. 73.

    BruceFromOhio

    February 12, 2018 at 7:16 pm

    Yes! Thank you!

  74. 74.

    HinTN

    February 12, 2018 at 7:56 pm

    No calendars here. Surely mañana.

  75. 75.

    daize

    February 12, 2018 at 8:57 pm

    Got it!! It’s lovely. Thanks, John.

  76. 76.

    CapnMubbers

    February 12, 2018 at 9:27 pm

    Yes! two in NoCal. One to keep, and one to entice another pet lover and potential jackal to the snark side. Thank you.

  77. 77.

    Big Jim Slade

    February 12, 2018 at 10:52 pm

    I got mine – lots of great animals! And it’s Phoebe, not Pheobe.

  78. 78.

    JAFD

    February 12, 2018 at 11:29 pm

    Greetings from New Jersey, where one petful calendar arrived today.
    Wanted to get really creative with last sentence, after checking two thesaurii, found ‘calendar’ has no exact synonym in English. More difficult than describing surrounding light or enviromental temperature without embedding ‘trade name’ for sleeping pill.
    Pleasant dreams, everyone, and a happy Valentine’s Day to all the young ladies* of Balloon Juice!

    *As I’m 67, From My Point Of View, all of you female persons qualify as ‘young ladies’ (chronologically, at least ;-) )

  79. 79.

    John Smallberries

    February 13, 2018 at 2:21 am

    Showed up in Los Angeles today.

  80. 80.

    SWMBO

    February 13, 2018 at 2:59 am

    @geg6: You are my kind of folks. Says the woman who adopted two more dogs that the neighbors couldn’t keep. The new ones are siblings of our three boys. Now we have 5 out of 10 siblings from two different litters. But they fit right in and it would leave a hole in our hearts and pack so we’re now up to seven dogs and stopping. Seriously.

  81. 81.

    wvblueguy

    February 13, 2018 at 8:54 am

    Got mine yesterday. My new cat Ms Jones loved all the kitty pics.

  82. 82.

    rikyrah

    February 13, 2018 at 7:11 pm

    Got mine today, Cole.??

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