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You are here: Home / Politics / Domestic Politics / Friday Afternoon Open Thread

Friday Afternoon Open Thread

by Betty Cracker|  March 9, 20181:02 pm| 206 Comments

This post is in: Domestic Politics, Open Threads

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So, I got some new specs this week:

Dope or nope? This is my first pair with transition lenses. I appreciate the automatic shades for short forays into the sun that aren’t worth locating sunglasses for, but it does take a while for the lenses to revert back to clear after I come back indoors.

Got any big plans this weekend? We’re doing a fencing project (i.e., rebuilding a fence, not the en garde or distributing stolen goods types of fencing), and I’m in charge of staining completed and seasoned sections, so I’ve got that going for me. You?

Open thread!

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Reader Interactions

206Comments

  1. 1.

    LAO

    March 9, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    Hey all — Martin Shkerli is getting sentenced as I type. According to twitter, it’s not going well for him.

  2. 2.

    Corner Stone

    March 9, 2018 at 1:07 pm

    We’re doing a fencing project

    Good footwork is the key.

  3. 3.

    Betty Cracker

    March 9, 2018 at 1:07 pm

    @LAO: LOCK HIM UP!

  4. 4.

    Yutsano

    March 9, 2018 at 1:07 pm

    Me likey! Definitely jackal sort of specs.

    Got any big plans this weekend?

    I need to finish up stuff in regards to unpacking stuff in the apartment. It’s not that much, I’ve just been a bit lazy about it. And to be honest a bit busy. It seems like every time I want to go straight home at night something comes up and I’m out until late again.

    @Betty Cracker: Did you see this article about how even his attorney couldn’t stand him? I appreciate the lawyer’s professionalism but it wouldn’t bug me if it was part of his sentence to get beaten bloody by his own lawyer.

    And even then the smug prick will think he did nothing wrong.

  5. 5.

    Jamey

    March 9, 2018 at 1:07 pm

    Off to Rotterdam for the week. Mostly work, but my wife is accompanying me.

  6. 6.

    Corner Stone

    March 9, 2018 at 1:09 pm

    @Jamey: Is that a nearby destination or are you US based?

  7. 7.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 9, 2018 at 1:10 pm

    Beautiful frames! You’ll get plenty of unsolicited compliments!

    I wear glasses with transition lenses and have never had an issue with reversion from tinted to clear when I go from bright sunshine to shade or indoors. To another person looking at you they may appear dark for a few seconds, but you shouldn’t have trouble with the shift.

    If you’re having a photo taken, though, even a split-second flash will make it look like you’re wearing dark sunglasses.

    The frames are beautiful. (Oh, I said that already. Well, they are.)

  8. 8.

    LAO

    March 9, 2018 at 1:11 pm

    @Betty Cracker: Judge Matsumoto appears to be doing just that.

    PS — He cried during his statement to the Court. (I hate when that happens – nothing like standing next to a snotty defendant, it’s so distracting).

  9. 9.

    JPL

    March 9, 2018 at 1:11 pm

    Betty, I love the glasses!

    @LAO: Google is telling me that he is in tears.

  10. 10.

    Jamey

    March 9, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    @Corner Stone: US-based, but I support sites globally.

  11. 11.

    Corner Stone

    March 9, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    This is going to make some people very unhappy when the book comes out. An excerpt of the Isikoff and Corn book due out soon.
    ‘Stand down’: How the Obama team blew the response to Russian meddling
    “It was a critical moment that, as Prieto saw it, scuttled the chance for a forceful immediate response to the Russian hack — and keenly disappointed the NSC aides who had been developing the options. They were convinced that the president and his top aides didn’t get the stakes. “There was a disconnect between the urgency felt at the staff level” and the views of the president and his senior aides, Prieto later said. When senior officials argued that the issue could be revisited after Election Day, Daniel and his staff intensely disagreed. “No — the longer you wait, it diminishes your effectiveness. If you’re in a street fight, you have to hit back,” Prieto remarked.”

  12. 12.

    donnah

    March 9, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    I love the frames! I don’t care for transition lenses, though. I have a separate pair of prescription sunglasses.

    I’m flying to California next week to teach another rug hooking class. I just finished one last Sunday, and it’s cutting it close to have another, but that’s how I earn a living. Lots of travel. And I shipped my boxes of materials out yesterday, hoping they arrive safely.

    I’m hoping to have time yet this week to work on my Christopher Robin/Winnie the Pooh rug. Must finish!

    Trying to stay optimistic about politics. There’s always a firehose flood of crap going on these days.

  13. 13.

    Schlemazel

    March 9, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    Driving to Madison WI for the first round NCAA womens ice hockey championships. My Gophers had a down year, losing 10 games. They made the tourney but have to beat the Badgers to advance. They are 4-1 against Wi this year with the only win coming last Sunday at the WCHA championship game. Ohio State is in Boston Saturday to play BC for readers in that area. That should be a great game & I am sure there are plenty of seats available. Madison was sold out in under 10 minutes. We love our hockey out here on the tundra.

  14. 14.

    Tony Jay

    March 9, 2018 at 1:13 pm

    I see your audition with The Kingsmen was a success. Congratulations Agent Guinevere.

  15. 15.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 9, 2018 at 1:13 pm

    Weekend plans: MET Opera tomorrow, tentative plans to see old friends for dinner on Sunday.

  16. 16.

    patrick ii

    March 9, 2018 at 1:13 pm

    @LAO:
    Shkerli reminds me of Manifort , Trump etc. in that they can’t believe they might actually go to jail no matter what they have done.

  17. 17.

    Corner Stone

    March 9, 2018 at 1:13 pm

    @LAO:

    Martin Shkerli is getting sentenced as I type. According to twitter, it’s not going well for him.

    I don’t think you’re doing your best work when your attorney tells the court he wants to punch you in the face.

  18. 18.

    JPL

    March 9, 2018 at 1:14 pm

    @LAO: Our current laws prevent him for being charged for the crime of inflating pharma costs, but they should.

  19. 19.

    LAO

    March 9, 2018 at 1:14 pm

    @JPL: I’m so sorry I didn’t stop by to watch. In addition to despising Shkrelli and I can’t stand Brafman. I really might have enjoyed myself.

  20. 20.

    Schlemazel

    March 9, 2018 at 1:15 pm

    @LAO:
    How else are you gonna make people believe you are actually sorry? You have to cry in order to get the sentence reduced. I’d advise a client to use a little vicks vap-o-rub. ANyway I am sure he really is truly sorry . . . that he got caught & has to face the consequences.

  21. 21.

    Litlebritdifrnt

    March 9, 2018 at 1:16 pm

    Staying in for the most part DH has got “Acute Bronchitis” which would have been called pneumonia in the US. Thank the FSM for the NHS, got him into see the Dr. and he prescribed anti-biotics which of course thanks to the good old NHS were FREE! So anyhoo he is grounded, and I have no problems staying home after the hectic week last week. We are babysitting Fran my Mum’s senior JRT while she is on a cruise to the med and she is the sweetest little goggie in christendom. Really enjoying having her here. She is asleep on her bed in front of the fire as we speak.

  22. 22.

    Schlemazel

    March 9, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    @Corner Stone:
    When they go low we go high. Then they kick the shit out of us.

  23. 23.

    oatler.

    March 9, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    Glasses are sexy because you can strategically take them off.

  24. 24.

    jacy

    March 9, 2018 at 1:17 pm

    Snappy glasses!

    I need some new ones, I have three old pairs that are kind of falling apart and the kids are starting to mock me….

    This weekend will, again, be me trying to threaten the kids to vacuum up the damned leaves. The small child bought an electric guitar last week (he’s decided he wants to be Billie Joe Armstrong) and by my calculations he needs to fill up 27 more bags of leaves to pay off his debt.

  25. 25.

    zhena gogolia

    March 9, 2018 at 1:18 pm

    I’ve had the transition lenses for many years. I’m pretty happy with them. The only thing they’re not good for is playing the piano with sheet music.

  26. 26.

    LAO

    March 9, 2018 at 1:18 pm

    @Schlemazel: I swear on all that is holy — crying never works at a sentencing hearing.

    @Corner Stone: who doesn’t want to punch him in the face. But I’m sure Brafman made his money.

    @JPL: True — but we’ll take what we can get.

  27. 27.

    Schlemazel

    March 9, 2018 at 1:18 pm

    @Schlemazel:
    got that wrong MN is 1-4 against WI this year. I know you all were pretty upset with me getting that wrong!

  28. 28.

    Rosalita

    March 9, 2018 at 1:19 pm

    Love the glasses Betty! I was looking at something similar for my frame update. I tried the transition lenses but they took too long to clear when I went inside and tripping over furniture is painful…I gave up on them.

    Plans for the weekend include ballroom dance practice and indoor tasks. Too much f***ing snow on the ground to do anything outside. My bulbs were starting to come up and now they are taking a snow nap.

  29. 29.

    zhena gogolia

    March 9, 2018 at 1:19 pm

    @zhena gogolia:

    Oh, wait, I guess you mean “transition” as in going dark in the sunlight, not bifocals. I’m talking about bifocals where the reading part is at the bottom of the lens without a clear break.

  30. 30.

    Schlemazel

    March 9, 2018 at 1:20 pm

    @LAO:
    But I have heard judges say they were adding to the sentence because the DD was not remorseful! :)

  31. 31.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 1:21 pm

    Betty, I am soon to be in the market for glasses, myself. :-(

    is there a brand name and model or model number for what you ordered? Those look right up my alley.

  32. 32.

    Corner Stone

    March 9, 2018 at 1:21 pm

    @oatler.: They are also critical for making dramatic plot points.
    “This gator incident was no accident. This…*whips off sunglasses*…was murder.”
    YYYEEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

  33. 33.

    GregB

    March 9, 2018 at 1:21 pm

    President Obama’s cool headed caution really did help to blow up the whole Russia election assault.

    Now we are looking at the prospect of a 5th fifth fascist on the Supreme Court.

    No amount of Mueller indictments will un-fuck that chicken.

  34. 34.

    Ian G.

    March 9, 2018 at 1:22 pm

    @Schlemazel:

    Aha, a fellow NCAA hockey fan! I’m hoping Cornell gets placed in the Bridgeport regional in the men’s tournament so that I can watch them embarrass themselves in the 1st round in person.

  35. 35.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 1:22 pm

    @LAO: In defense of clients who cry during sentencing – though not this piece of shit – it’s their life that’s up for grabs so I wouldn’t; judge them for crying at bad news.

  36. 36.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 9, 2018 at 1:22 pm

    Got any big plans this weekend? We’re doing a fencing project (i.e., rebuilding a fence, not the en garde or distributing stolen goods types of fencing)

    Boooooriiiing ?

    ETA oh and the glasses are cool! Never cared for transitions when I’ve had them though, too slow. I have sensitive eyes in sunlight though.

  37. 37.

    pamelabrown53

    March 9, 2018 at 1:23 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: #15.

    Sounds like a wonderful weekend. Which opera are you seeing? Are you a season ticket holder?

    Spouse and I will be attending a local dinner theater of “Little Shop of Horrors” on Sunday (matinee). We’d like to attend the Celtic Festival in St. Augustine on Saturday but we’re trying to keep things low key and tranquil as the spouse has an abdominal aortic surgery scheduled for this coming Thursday. So…a little apprehensive.

    Enjoy the opera!

  38. 38.

    Tom Levenson

    March 9, 2018 at 1:23 pm

    Bout to hear Neal Stephenson speak. Weekend will be less exciting from there.

  39. 39.

    Elizabelle

    March 9, 2018 at 1:26 pm

    @zhena gogolia: I believe the word you are looking for is the dreaded “progressives”?

    Also, FWIW, Costco is a great place to get glasses. Very professional and cost effective, with all the bells and whistles and lens treatments.

    And Betty, I think your glasses are very nice. I love transition lenses.

  40. 40.

    trollhattan

    March 9, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    Photogrey specs always have me thinking of car salesmen but maybe they’re better at becoming completely transparent indoors.

    What’s the “afternoon” bidnez, we’re not remotely near lunchtime (hrrmph).

  41. 41.

    cope

    March 9, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    I used to get transition glasses but they just didn’t get dark enough for me in the Florida sun, especially on the water. Now I get two pair at a time, one dark and polarized, one clear. Which reminds me, I’m overdue, time to call For Eyes.

  42. 42.

    geg6

    March 9, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    Hated my transitions. Will never get them again, much as I will never get bifocals again either. Hope you have better luck with them, Betty.

    As for my weekend, the highlight will be going to see my niece performing in her high school musical, Young Frankenstein. The preview clips have looked hilarious. Niece is playing Frau Blucher.

  43. 43.

    Alex

    March 9, 2018 at 1:28 pm

    I just got frames that look identical, so obviously I think they are great! Although since I got them, it seems to me everyone has them, so I’m feeling uncomfortably stylish.

  44. 44.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 1:28 pm

    My weekend will be more staying at home with Henry, who is recovering from surgery. Tucker is with friends for 2-weeks, post Henry’s surgery in order to keep Henry quiet. But Henry gets really upset in the crate if I leave, so I am mostly staying at home.

    A friend bought us tickets to a performance of Second City as my Christmas gift, so I am doing that on Saturday night. Another friend is staying with Henry while I’m out.

    By Wednesday of next week I may have more freedom since Tucker will be back to keep Henry company, but then I’ll have the challenge of keeping Henry quiet when he’s feeling better AND Tucker will be around. They typically play all day every day, so this will be a long recovery period while I try to keep Henry quiet.

    He’s doing great, though! Big relief.

  45. 45.

    trollhattan

    March 9, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    @geg6:
    Did not know it had received the stage musical treatment. My favorite Brooks movie by a mile, so I’d love to see it on stage.

  46. 46.

    Betty Cracker

    March 9, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    @zhena gogolia: That’s progressive lenses, and I have that too!

  47. 47.

    Brachiator

    March 9, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    Anyone who has TCM should make time to watch (or record and watch later) the 1932 comedy masterpiece, Trouble in Paradise, directed by the incomparable Ernst Lubitsch, and starring Herbert Marshall, Kay Francis and Miriam Hopkins. It’s scheduled March 11.

    Sparkling Lubitsch confection about two jewel thieves (Marshall and Hopkins) who fall in love, but find their relationship threatened when he turns on the charm to their newest (female) victim. This film is a working definition of the term “sophisticated comedy.”

    ETA: And it’s Daylight Saving Time this Sunday as well, right? Remember to Spring Forward!

  48. 48.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 9, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    It me:

    The Onion: Actual Problem a Nice Change of Pace for Anxious Man

    —

    @Tom Levenson: I always figured he would be completely insufferable to talk to.

  49. 49.

    Corner Stone

    March 9, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    @geg6:

    Niece is playing Frau Blucher.

    The role of a lifetime! And at such a tender age. Who will be playing the horses?

  50. 50.

    schrodingers_cat

    March 9, 2018 at 1:30 pm

    Nice glasses.

  51. 51.

    LAO

    March 9, 2018 at 1:31 pm

    @Schlemazel: There are many ways to show remorse, that don’t actually involve rending of garments and shedding of tears.

    @WaterGirl: I get it, Judge’s don’t like it though because they think its a ploy to get sympathy, si it can actually hurt a client. In a similar vein, I always encourage the families NOT to bring small children into the Courtroom. If I’ve done my job correcting (and Probation) the judge is well aware of the defendant’s family situation.

  52. 52.

    ruemara

    March 9, 2018 at 1:33 pm

    I have to assess if I’m able to afford PGA diversity workshops. They’re free, but I have to be in LA and I have to get my application in quickly. Plus there’s a couple of fellowships & contests I need to balance the books on. Submissions for voiceover work continue & recording more season 3 Ostium scripts. Then I want to shed half my closet of clothing and get donations out. A musician I photographed is playing and I’d like to go see him on Saturday, but at $30 and even more rare time, i don’t think I can go. I need 3 day weekends.

  53. 53.

    Jager

    March 9, 2018 at 1:34 pm

    I was fitted for new contacts yesterday. I have to wear custom made, hard lenses. I’ve had cornea transplants and cataract operations on both eyes. The contacts are expensive, $184 each. On a positive note, here’s how good my eye doc is, she took me from only reading to the 3rd line on the eye chart to 20/25 vision. On the way home home I could read license plates from a half block away. I’d like to wear glasses, but my prescription is so exotic, glasses in my case make every thing to left or right of me bend like a fun house mirror. Last time I had a pair I tossed them out of the window driving on the Freeway at 80 mph. Like your glasses Betty. I was perusing the frames yesterday, muttering “aw shit” under my breath.

  54. 54.

    oldster

    March 9, 2018 at 1:35 pm

    I strongly suspect DougJ had a hand in this:

    https://twitter.com/StormyDaniels/status/971950666653536257

    Unless maybe KenM did it?

    Even I cannot believe that genuine Maga chuds are this stupid.

  55. 55.

    VOR

    March 9, 2018 at 1:36 pm

    My problem with photochromatic lenses is that they do not work while driving. The windshield and auto glass block enough UV to prevent the color change. I live in a place with lots of snow on the ground in the winter and really need sunglasses to deal with glare off the snow.

  56. 56.

    SmokeyB

    March 9, 2018 at 1:37 pm

    I agree, nice frames – light and just a hint of cat eye! Not a fan of transition lenses either, but have prescription sunnies. I do need the bifocals though, and that took some getting used to. Weekend – a traditional Hawaiian herbal remedy workshop in Hilo. Or mow the lawn. It will be a game time call.

  57. 57.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 9, 2018 at 1:37 pm

    @oldster: oof. Lol

  58. 58.

    trollhattan

    March 9, 2018 at 1:40 pm

    @VOR:
    Serengeti brand will work inside a car, and you can also get photosensitive combined with polarized, kind of the sunglass holy grail.

  59. 59.

    The Midnight Lurker

    March 9, 2018 at 1:40 pm

    To Betty — Stylin’.

  60. 60.

    Starfish

    March 9, 2018 at 1:40 pm

    @Tom Levenson: Listening to Neal Stephenson speak ruined Neal Stephenson for me. He has a lot of interests, but he is a little condescending about everything. I guess that might happen if every question is “And how do you write a novel?” but I would expect him to be better at dealing with this question since it has probably been asked 1000 times.

  61. 61.

    Doug R

    March 9, 2018 at 1:40 pm

    @geg6:

    Niece is playing Frau Blucher.

    (frightened whinny from offscreen)

  62. 62.

    charluckles

    March 9, 2018 at 1:41 pm

    In regards the the Stormy Daniels affair are the questions about the payment and campaign finance laws legitimate? I just saw a chyron at CNN about Trumps lawyer using a Trump org email to negotiate with Daniels.

  63. 63.

    geg6

    March 9, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    @zhena gogolia:

    IMHO, they are both awful. Hated the dark to light transition lenses and the stupid no-line bifocals were the worst damn glasses I’ve ever had. Paid a ton of money for them, wore them a couple of weeks (to give them a chance), put them away and never touched them again. And never will. I don’t know how people function with those stupid things. And, as I told my eye doctor repeatedly, I don’t care what his stupid machine said, I see just fine to read. I don’t need glasses for that and, in fact, wearing them gives me the worst headache I’ve ever had.

  64. 64.

    Joyce H

    March 9, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    Love the new frames and I for one am thrilled that larger frames are back in style. I so hated those slitty little things that were in vogue until recently! When I’d get new glasses, nothing that was actually out on display were anything I’d want to buy, but they kept some ‘old people styles’ that had more of a window pane to the glass. Now I’m getting a kick out of seeing these high school activists in their big frames a la Gloria Steinem.

    Also – I posted this before but in an early morning thread, so some might have missed it – my new book is (finally!) released and available for purchase!

    You can find it here: A Town and Country Season

    It’s got twins! Impersonations! Misunderstandings! Kittens!

  65. 65.

    Mnemosyne

    March 9, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    @Brachiator:

    I happen to have written an essay on that exact movie.

    It’s full of spoilers, so watch the movie first and then read.

  66. 66.

    Yoda Dog

    March 9, 2018 at 1:46 pm

    they’re dope, Betty.

  67. 67.

    geg6

    March 9, 2018 at 1:46 pm

    @trollhattan:

    Yes, it looks great. It was news to me, too. What really set me back on my heels, though, was that none of these kids (my niece being the one exception) had ever seen the movie! I was like WHAT???? WTF???? Do their parents not love them? My favorite movie of all time.

  68. 68.

    Corner Stone

    March 9, 2018 at 1:47 pm

    Dope or nope?

    What? No Delaney Tarr style frames? It’s obvious you do not support the Parkland kids and are, objectively, pro-gun and pro-NRA.

  69. 69.

    Mnemosyne

    March 9, 2018 at 1:47 pm

    @Joyce H:

    Already purchased yesterday. I was like, “Twin shenanigans! Sign me up!” ?

  70. 70.

    geg6

    March 9, 2018 at 1:48 pm

    @Corner Stone:

    A couple of football players. LOL! I’ve really been impressed by what I’ve seen them post from rehearsals. Not only are these kids talented, but the sets are amazing! Considering that they only have a budget of about $5000 (which they have to raise themselves, no district funding at all), they have really made it work.

  71. 71.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 1:49 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: That’s a good one. I imagine there are a lot of us who can relate to that in varying degrees.

  72. 72.

    schrodingers_cat

    March 9, 2018 at 1:50 pm

    I am intrigued by Madras Cafe, will probably watch it this weekend.
    Deals with the Tamil insurgency in SriLanka in the 1980s.

  73. 73.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 9, 2018 at 1:50 pm

    @WaterGirl: I fixed my actual problem already so ??‍♂️??‍♂️

  74. 74.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 1:51 pm

    @ruemara: I say go if you can! Not that I get a vote. :-) You just never know what opportunities you might find there or people you might meet that can open doors.

  75. 75.

    RobertB

    March 9, 2018 at 1:51 pm

    I like my Transitions lenses; I’m on my fourth or fifth set. Progressive lenses are a different story – I never got used to them, and had to take my last pair back. Pearl Vision didn’t give me any grief, which surprised me. Lucky enough, I can read well enough without reading lenses to get by, unless I want to read an aspirin bottle.

  76. 76.

    Mnemosyne

    March 9, 2018 at 1:54 pm

    I will probably have to suck it up and get progressives this year since I keep chickening out of LASIK. However, I’m going to ask for progressive reading/computer glasses and normal everyday glasses because I keep hearing that people who wear progressives all the time are more likely to trip or walk into things, and I do plenty of that on my own, thank you. I don’t need any assistance from my glasses.

  77. 77.

    Yutsano

    March 9, 2018 at 1:55 pm

    @geg6: I’m about to overrule my eye doctor re: bifocal lenses. I don’t really need them with my contacts and the difference is just enough to make reading small print easy. Plus I don’t wear my glasses long enough in the day to justify a price difference of almost $200. Apparently my insurance won’t cover that anymore.

  78. 78.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 9, 2018 at 1:55 pm

    @Mnemosyne: speaking of which, how’s the leg?

  79. 79.

    LAO

    March 9, 2018 at 1:57 pm

    ? ? BREAKING —->Shkreli is sentenced to 7 years in prison@eelarson— David S. Joachim (@davidjoachim) March 9, 2018

    Damn it. I just lost a $100.

    ETA: Fixed some errors.

  80. 80.

    Mike J

    March 9, 2018 at 1:58 pm

    Weekend plans? It’s supposed to be 65F on Sunday. Anybody want to go sailing?

  81. 81.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 9, 2018 at 2:00 pm

    @zhena gogolia:

    I think those are called “progressive” lenses.

  82. 82.

    trollhattan

    March 9, 2018 at 2:00 pm

    @geg6:

    My favorite movie of all time.

    Come sit by me. :-)

  83. 83.

    trollhattan

    March 9, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    @LAO:
    Er, mah, gurd, this day need not get one iota better.

  84. 84.

    Redshift

    March 9, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    @geg6: Enjoy! I saw it a few years ago and had some issues with it, but I’ll refrain from mentioning them because it seems likely they wouldn’t be present in a high school version of the musical.

  85. 85.

    Joyce H

    March 9, 2018 at 2:02 pm

    @Mnemosyne:

    Already purchased yesterday. I was like, “Twin shenanigans! Sign me up!” ?

    What’s funny is that I actually have an identical twin, but we never tried to impersonate one another. I remember being offended as a child when someone would mistake me for Jane – we thought we were each so unique and individual that how could anyone possibly mistake one of us for the other?

  86. 86.

    Mnemosyne

    March 9, 2018 at 2:02 pm

    @Major Major Major Major:

    Improving, slowly. I’m off the Devil’s Legs — I couldn’t stand them anymore because I was getting tendinitis in my arms. It’s strong enough for me to walk, but it’s not flexible enough yet, so I’m still going to PT.

  87. 87.

    Gravenstone

    March 9, 2018 at 2:03 pm

    but it does take a while for the lenses to revert back to clear after I come back indoors.

    I shall now beat you over the head with the same cudgel my quantitative analysis professor used on us in college. Colored to colorless is not the same thing as clarity. There is Clear, Translucent or Opaque. Those states can be accompanied by any number of colors, but color and clarity are NOT interchangeable.

  88. 88.

    Gin & Tonic

    March 9, 2018 at 2:04 pm

    @Mike J: Won’t be 65 here.

  89. 89.

    Ruckus

    March 9, 2018 at 2:04 pm

    @LAO:

    There are many ways to show remorse, that don’t actually involve rending of garments and shedding of tears.

    I see the problem here. Remorse does not seem to be something this asswipe has any understanding of. Among many, many other things. Having to pay an unfair price for being a douchebag, that he understands. Being a rational human being, not so much. And on and on….

  90. 90.

    Gin & Tonic

    March 9, 2018 at 2:05 pm

    @LAO: You thought he’d get less or more?

  91. 91.

    Cacti

    March 9, 2018 at 2:05 pm

    Transition lenses are must for living in a sunny climate. Literally.

    Just like your skin can get sunburned from UV radiation, so can your corneas.

    They were a necessity in Arizona where the sun shines 300+ days per year.

  92. 92.

    Leto

    March 9, 2018 at 2:06 pm

    Got any big plans this weekend?

    It’s my birthday tomorrow so the wife is taking me out for a nice dinner at our favorite Italian place, followed by a movie. Not sure what we’re seeing, but I’m going to suggest Annihilation.

  93. 93.

    Hungry Joe

    March 9, 2018 at 2:06 pm

    I almost gave up on progressive lenses. After a week I took them back because they made me queasy and threw off my balance. Doc said, “Keep trying.” I called after about another week, saying there was no improvement. Doc said, “Keep trying.” A couple of days after that some synapses must’ve finally forged some new paths, because all the problems went away. It was almost instantaneous. I’ve worn progressives (lower level for reading, higher level for distance, a strip down the middle for computer-distance reading) for more than 20 years now.

  94. 94.

    patroclus

    March 9, 2018 at 2:07 pm

    I’m going to a candidate forum between Mike Quigley, Sameena Mustafa, Steve Schwartzberg and Benjamin Thomas Wolf. This is turning into a wild race – Wolf has turned out to be a serial embellisher, claiming that he was a former FBI agent, Roosevelt University Professor, special “human rights attache” to the State Department and one of the first responders to 9/11 and while each has some basis in fact, none of it is really true. He wasn’t an FBI agent, he worked as a minor contractor on one small matter. Roosevelt University has released a a statement saying he isn’t a professor, he just tutored one student once several years ago. There is no such position as “special human rights attache.” I could go on.

    Quigley has increased his ad buys and is on Chicago TV every hour of every day on every channel, pretending he’s a “progressive.” Like I’ve said before, he’s “okay” but isn’t really all that liberal. In the old days, I’d have described him as a “machine Democrat.” As the incumbent, he might skip the candidate forum altogether or at least leave early. Schwartzberg continues to wrap himself around Wilmer, all day all the time. I’ve decided to go all in for Sameena Mustafa and have “volunteered” to help her campaign (in the sense of handing out some flyers and stickers). She’s a NW grad, looks like Prince Harry’s fiance, is a comedienne, was in real estate (as a lower income advisor) headed the Planned Parenthood office for awhile, demonstrated for LGBT rights, is for Medicare for All, a higher minimum wage and is of Indian descent and a Muslim. She’s likely to lose, but politics is fun sometimes and “we” are all gonna go boo Quigley on Saturday morning. (Even though he will surely win and I’ll vote for him in November if so).

  95. 95.

    Betty Cracker

    March 9, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    @Mnemosyne: I got progressive lenses a few years back, and I’m no more clutzy than I ever was. I love them. Seems to be an individual thing, though — I know plenty of people who didn’t take to them, though their complaints weren’t about loss of motor coordination so much as their eyes having a hard time adjusting to looking through a specific field in the lens to accommodate different viewing distances. For me, that took no effort at all. Might be because I went from single-vision lenses to progressives rather than single-vision to bifocal to progressive.

  96. 96.

    geg6

    March 9, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    Heh. Shkreli got 7 years. Not enough for my tastes, but I’m sure he’s freaking out. That makes my whole weekend a happier time.

  97. 97.

    Gin & Tonic

    March 9, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    @Mnemosyne: I’m “lucky” that I just have the age-related degeneration, so I’m good with $1.99 glasses from the closeout places. I just use a different magnification for reading books than for my computer screen, which I keep a bit farther away.

  98. 98.

    Cacti

    March 9, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    @ruemara:

    I need 3 day weekends.

    I’d settle for a 35 hour work week, like France.

  99. 99.

    PaulWartenberg

    March 9, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    My weekend looks like this:
    1. trying to finish three stories (two existing that need edits, one to finish) for the Florida Writers Association (the two existing I hope to submit to the Royal Palm Awards, the original story to their annual member anthology contest).
    2. go to my parents for post-Daylight Savings dinner.

  100. 100.

    PaulWartenberg

    March 9, 2018 at 2:10 pm

    @Leto:

    Happy happy joy joy!

  101. 101.

    Gin & Tonic

    March 9, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    @Leto: Happy birthday. My wife is traveling, so it’s hookers, bourbon and blow all weekend for me.

  102. 102.

    geg6

    March 9, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    @Cacti:

    Meh. My prescription sunglasses are 1000X better than the transition lenses. Better for protecting the eyes, too.

  103. 103.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    @Ruckus: He’s surely as remorseful and my cocker spaniel who repeatedly got in the garbage. She was exceedingly sorry that she was being punished, but not at all sorry that she had gotten into the garbage.

  104. 104.

    geg6

    March 9, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    @Leto:

    Happy early birthday!

  105. 105.

    Ajabu

    March 9, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    My weekend is the same as every other weekend. Working at Atlanta airport entertaining passengers.
    Just in case any of the jackals might be in the vicinity:
    I’m in the Domestic Atrium from 8:00 – Noon both Saturday & Sunday.
    Stop by & say hello. I’m easy to find. The only one playing music…
    Sort of a weird BJ meet up if you get there.

  106. 106.

    PaulWartenberg

    March 9, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    @Starfish:

    “And how do you write a novel?”

    By banging my head repeatedly on the keyboard until I lose consciousness or I have 128 pages done, whichever comes first.

  107. 107.

    PaulWartenberg

    March 9, 2018 at 2:13 pm

    @Ajabu:

    sorry but I try to avoid the Delta Hub. Living in Florida for most of my life has scarred me with regards to Hubs.

  108. 108.

    LAO

    March 9, 2018 at 2:13 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: Less. I bet 60 months.

  109. 109.

    patroclus

    March 9, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    @Leto: Happy B-Day! Does it really only take 30 seconds to get to Mars?

  110. 110.

    PaulWartenberg

    March 9, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    @Elizabelle:

    I’m getting to the age where I need non-prescription glasses, but if there’s no CostCo nearby where should I go?

  111. 111.

    MomSense

    March 9, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    I just got new glasses, too. I’m still adjusting to progressives. I keep feeling very dizzy.

  112. 112.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    @Leto: Good Italian food is always my first choice. Traditional italian or northern italian? Either way, have a great birthday celebration.

  113. 113.

    PaulWartenberg

    March 9, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    @oatler.:

    Or if you’re a hot librarian, you can keep them on.

    http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HotLibrarian

  114. 114.

    Joyce H

    March 9, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    I’ve been getting progressive lenses for years now, but a couple times I had to take them back to be redone. If they don’t get the ‘progressive’ part perfectly situated on the lens, you just never do get used to them. Remaking the lenses is done free of charge, fortunately.

  115. 115.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 9, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    @pamelabrown53:

    I’m the MET Live in HD “Ambassador” for Atlanta. That sounds very grand indeed, but what it means is that I’m the (volunteer) liaison between the Met, the local cinema theatre, and the audience. I hand out synopses and various promo materials, troubleshoot if there’s a glitch in the sound or the house lights stay up too long, try to get folks to fill out audience survey forms, and report basic factual stuff back to the Met (audience size, technical issues, etc.) I’ve been doing this for about six seasons. It lets me see operas for free, and there’s nothing hard about it.

    The transmission tomorrow is Rossini’s Semiramide. I know the music pretty well from recordings, but have never seen it, so I’m excited!

    Enjoy your theatre and festival (if you go), and the very best wishes to your husband for an uneventful surgery!

  116. 116.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 2:16 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: and power, you forgot to include power. and a refrigerator that works. think big!

  117. 117.

    delk

    March 9, 2018 at 2:16 pm

    Driving up to Milwaukee for an early wedding anniversary present too see The Musical Box perform Selling England By The Pound.

  118. 118.

    Cacti

    March 9, 2018 at 2:17 pm

    @geg6:

    Meh. My prescription sunglasses are 1000X better than the transition lenses. Better for protecting the eyes, too.

    I should have prefaced my comment with: “If you don’t want to pay for prescription shades”.

    I’ll upgrade to those when I have fewer mouths to feed.

  119. 119.

    Steeplejack

    March 9, 2018 at 2:18 pm

    No big plans for the weekend here. Been feeling a bit of a spring-cleaning urge, so I’ve been helping that along with a little decluttering and trying to look at my space and imagine how I would like it to be ideally, as opposed to “eh, good enough.”

    I talked to my mother on the phone a while ago. She’s 88 today, still perking along okay with a few minor health problems. We should all be so lucky. I told her UPS would be delivering a package today, so she shouldn’t assume that it’s a roving band of illegeal immigrants trying to mount a home invasion. (Joking! Mostly joking.)

    Have resolutely stayed away from the news so far today and feel the better for it. I’ll wait for Ari Melber to break it down for me tonight.

  120. 120.

    LAO

    March 9, 2018 at 2:18 pm

    I would pay 1 million dollars for the sole DVD copy of this footage https://t.co/73mGtUngKU— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) March 9, 2018

  121. 121.

    eclare

    March 9, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    @WaterGirl: Glad to hear Henry is on the mend. I give my dog Trazodone when I crate her, and it works really well to calm her down. I hate the thought of giving her a pill, but I also hate the idea of her being anxious and alone. Might want to give it a shot.

  122. 122.

    Gin & Tonic

    March 9, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    @WaterGirl: The hookers can keep me warm.

  123. 123.

    Leto

    March 9, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    @PaulWartenberg: Thanks! Hope your editing goes well!

    @Gin & Tonic: The wife works in the morning, so it’s pup walking, coffee making, and World of Warcraft playing for me. I’m always down for bourbon, but I’ll let you indulge yourself with the other two. Have fun!

    @geg6: Thanks!

    Forgot about the DST change… oh well, more light. I’m always down for more sunlight.

  124. 124.

    Cacti

    March 9, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    @PaulWartenberg:

    sorry but I try to avoid the Delta Hub. Living in Florida for most of my life has scarred me with regards to Hubs.

    Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the bane of my air travel experience.

  125. 125.

    VeniceRiley

    March 9, 2018 at 2:20 pm

    Dope frames!
    What I really want is the thinnest glasses possible, while also having fast transitions and progressive lenses. I wantr to have it all! But, unfortunately, one cannot; or so I have been informed.
    It’s time for new glasses, that reminds me. I blew off an appointment last month by accident even though they called me that morning. I just wanted to get home so badly, I spaced it. I may be too ashamed to go back!
    Yay for Pharma Bro doing serious time! That cheers me.
    I’m not mad about the Corn Book. I always thought Obama was too soft on some very bad actors. That’s why when it was reported that Hillary ruminated on why can’t we just off JulianLeaks with a drone, and WilmerStandialand was all “ZOMG KILLARY!” I was, like, yeah, She’ll punch back when warranted. That’s why I love her.

  126. 126.

    Brachiator

    March 9, 2018 at 2:20 pm

    I will be looking to see how close Black Panther comes to making $1 billion in box office revenue this weekend. It will have some competition from a number of movies, including the newly released A Wrinkle In Time. Black Panther also opened on March 9 in China, and I think it will be a success (early tracking has been favorable), but in some ways it doesn’t matter. With more than $935 million in world wide revenue already, anything it earns in China will be Ginger-scallion magic sauce on top of succulent Hainan chicken.

    I think a lot of the concern about whether “Panther,” with a black cast, will do well in China is much ado about nothing. Chinese audiences are not a … communist bloc. They loved the recent “Fast and Furious” movies with its diverse cast. The “Jumanji” remake outperformed The Last Jedi, and starred three black actors, The Rock, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black. **

    Also, “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” has earned an astounding $931 million worldwide. It’s funny how its success has not been hyped as much as that of other blockbusters.

    Also, even though it was not my choice for best picture, “The Shape of Water” is still in theaters and really should be seen on a big screen. I am generally happy that a number of top nominated films are still playing at your local cinema, and hope that they all get a nice post-Oscar bump.

    ** Yeah, I know who Jack Black is.

  127. 127.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 9, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    @Joyce H:

    I’m about halfway (?) through, and really enjoying it! Have always had a great weakness for “identical-twins-impersonating-each-other” narratives, and your twins are delightful! Won’t say any more for fear of dropping accidental spoilers :-)

  128. 128.

    Mike J

    March 9, 2018 at 2:23 pm

    @LAO:

    I bet 60 months.

    Teh googles tell me he should wind up doing 85% of his 84 months, or almost 6 years. Does this sound correct in your experience?

  129. 129.

    NotMax

    March 9, 2018 at 2:24 pm

    When it comes to darkening lenses, personal choice if to insist of the photobrown ranter than the photogrey. Only drag out the prescription glasses when it comes to having to read small print so they don’t get the opportunity to darken very often but when they do, find it’s more comfortable with the browns.

    Understand that nowadays they do something with the lenses to make staring at a computer monitor less taxing on the eyes, but only if you request it.

  130. 130.

    Ohio Mom

    March 9, 2018 at 2:25 pm

    @Jager: I’m having increased issues with my eyes. They’re different issues than yours but even so, your story gives me hope that there are lots of things I’ve never heard of left to consider that can make my sight better.

  131. 131.

    LAO

    March 9, 2018 at 2:26 pm

    @Mike J: Yes, if he is well behaved. The 15% reflects “good time” credit. Also, most non-violent offenders qualify for a half-way house within 6 months of their projected release date.

  132. 132.

    WereBear

    March 9, 2018 at 2:27 pm

    @Mnemosyne: keep chickening out of LASIK

    Keep on doing so. I know people for whom it went well and they are thrilled, but if something goes wrong, it goes very very wrong.

  133. 133.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 9, 2018 at 2:28 pm

    @Mnemosyne: progress is progress!

  134. 134.

    raven

    March 9, 2018 at 2:28 pm

    @WaterGirl: I forgot that Lil Bit had ACL surgery a few years back. It’s hard to keep track of my little pre-existing condition. She’s fine now, her leg anyway.

  135. 135.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 9, 2018 at 2:28 pm

    @Joyce H:

    I for one am thrilled that larger frames are back in style

    I like big frames and I cannot lie!

  136. 136.

    FlyingToaster

    March 9, 2018 at 2:28 pm

    Here’s my hit-n-run comment…

    We’re still waiting for Neversource to come and remove the upper half of a phone pole from my front porch and the live wires from my front yard; they’re waiting on the treecutters to remove the limbs that are holding the live wires down. It’s further complicated by the fact that that pole also held a streetlight. I have a temporary mailbox, but I’m waiting to send my “package delivery to side door” files to Staples for printing until I can actually access the front of my house.

    Relevant Tweet

    I’m starving, so off to lunch and then fetch WarriorGirl home. See y’all on the flip side.

  137. 137.

    Ruckus

    March 9, 2018 at 2:28 pm

    @Hungry Joe:
    I tried bifocals. Once. And progressives. Once. The transition is what screws me. It’s always in the wrong spot for me at work. To use the close I have to get in very awkward and unsafe positions around machines or I can’t see at all. Then I got laser and just use readers at work. Problem solved.

  138. 138.

    raven

    March 9, 2018 at 2:28 pm

    @VOR: yup

  139. 139.

    BruceFromOhio

    March 9, 2018 at 2:29 pm

    Dope or nope?

    Can you see a future with them where the country isn’t ransacked, looted and mismanaged by incompetent two-bit ratfuck soulless criminals? If yes, then totally dope.

    Bonus: seeing two-bit ratfuck soulless criminals in tears at sentencing. Let this be a lesson for you scalliwags thinking of fleecing those that cannot defend themselves, and an opportunity for those that can do good in the world to GET CRACKING.

  140. 140.

    Gravenstone

    March 9, 2018 at 2:29 pm

    @Hungry Joe: First time I wore my progressives, I damn near dropped to my knees from the vertigo I induced by simply turning my head while the edge of the counter was in view. After I got over that little episode, I slowly acclimated to them and now can’t function without them. Although I still can’t convince them to make to close focus strong enough, so my glasses end up on my forehead any time I need to read text on something.

  141. 141.

    raven

    March 9, 2018 at 2:30 pm

    @Ruckus: I let my first progressives sit fo 6 months My brother ragged me t give them ore of a chance and I’m a lifer now.

  142. 142.

    Leto

    March 9, 2018 at 2:31 pm

    @patroclus: Thanks! Depends, what propulsion system are we using? Also what type of inertial compensation system to we have for that?

    @WaterGirl: The family is from southern Italy, can’t remember the town atm, but it’s really good. We lived in the Brescia region for a few years, so I’m also partial to northern Italian. Honestly it was a godsend to find this place in amongst all the Chef Boyrdee types of “traditional Italian” places here outside of Philly. Ate at this one place (high Yelp reviews) and I swore they simply took a frozen microwave Stouffers lasagna and served that to me. Ugh.

  143. 143.

    Yutsano

    March 9, 2018 at 2:31 pm

    @WereBear: My brother is one of them. As far as his day vision goes it’s excellent. But something in the process gave him horrific coronas on headlights when driving at night. Since he can usually pawn this off on his wife it’s not that huge of an issue. But even just in the passenger seat it bothers him to the point where he has to wear special glasses for his night vision.

  144. 144.

    Just One More Canuck

    March 9, 2018 at 2:31 pm

    @Corner Stone: that was David Caruso in every episode of CSI Miami

  145. 145.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 9, 2018 at 2:31 pm

    @VeniceRiley: Throughout his presidency, Obama had a hard time dealing with the fact that republicans are incapable of acting in good faith. When McConnell shot down his “hey Russia maybe don’t destroy America?” idea, he was caught totally flat-footed and, I guess, banked on Hillary winning anyway.

  146. 146.

    NotMax

    March 9, 2018 at 2:32 pm

    @Leto

    Have a happy.

    :)

  147. 147.

    Ruckus

    March 9, 2018 at 2:32 pm

    @Cacti:
    At an advanced enough age one can have a 3 day work week. And 4 day weekends. Of course you are then at an advanced age so it all works out about the same, still dog tired on the first day of the weekend.

  148. 148.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 2:34 pm

    @eclare: I actually got some of that from the vet to use if needed. But he’s been on 4 meds already so I don’t want to add anything else to tax his little kidneys and liver. He’s off the gaba-pentin, he has 3 more days of the rim-adyl, two more days of the tram-adol and the antibiotic will be done on Tuesday.

    Tucker comes home on Wednesday, and if Henry isn’t okay being left once Tucker gets back, then I’ll try the Traza-done.

  149. 149.

    trollhattan

    March 9, 2018 at 2:34 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:
    Heh :-)

    Hate big frames because with a strong nearsighted correction the lens edges are ginormous and all the money in the world thrown at high-refraction index material, edge tapering and polishing, etc can’t overcome the optical realities of a bad combination. Glass lenses are out because they’re too damn heavy.

    The less we speak of the glasses monstrosities imposed on women during the “Tootsie” era the better. When Elizabeth Jennings can’t even make them look good you know there was a bigly problem.

    Thank god I wear contacts most of the time.

  150. 150.

    WereBear

    March 9, 2018 at 2:34 pm

    @Yutsano: Yes, I only need readers and I have progressives for my computer; but I did not spend a lifetime reaching for glasses for every little thing, so I understand the impulse, certainly.

    It is my understanding that a case like your brother is considered a “success” because of his excellent day vision, and yet for some people the side effect described would be a serious drawback that comes as a most unpleasant surprise.

  151. 151.

    Brachiator

    March 9, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    @Leto:

    Not sure what we’re seeing, but I’m going to suggest Annihilation.

    I may see “Annihilation” this weekend. I’ve managed to avoid knowing too much about it. I also have heard that “Game Night” is surprisingly fun.

  152. 152.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: Okay, I see you have everything under control. Should have known.

  153. 153.

    Betty Cracker

    March 9, 2018 at 2:37 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: I agree with that take. PBO said multiple times, with an eye roll and as much scorn as he could muster, that there’s no way Trump was going to win. Can’t blame him for that — I thought the same. If he had it to do over again, I suspect he’d do things differently. Hindsight, 20-20, etc.

  154. 154.

    phein55

    March 9, 2018 at 2:38 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: Is it warm where you live? Here where it gets cold, the transitions can take a minute or more, which makes coming into a semi-darkened hallway from a snow-blindingly bright parking lot an experience for some of us.

  155. 155.

    Ruckus

    March 9, 2018 at 2:38 pm

    @WaterGirl:
    Bet your cocker spaniel would make a better human being than he is. My cocker was an ornery bastard and would still have been a far better human. Who also would get into any thing that might be eatable. And a few that weren’t. Had to child proof everything. For a senior citizen dog. That just seemed comical to me.

  156. 156.

    zhena gogolia

    March 9, 2018 at 2:38 pm

    @Doug R:

    I started to make this comment and then thought, “read the whole thread first”!

  157. 157.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 2:39 pm

    @raven: I’m not sure I’ll ever forget this episode in our lives! Unless maybe it’s like childbirth, and the pain and memory dulls as time goes by. :-)

    He’s starting to put weight on his leg (sometimes) and late next week we’ll start the water treadmill. I really can’t believe how far he’s come.

  158. 158.

    Ruckus

    March 9, 2018 at 2:39 pm

    @LAO:
    I’d bet that’s one bet you don’t mind losing.

  159. 159.

    Matt McIrvin

    March 9, 2018 at 2:40 pm

    My very first pair of glasses had transition lenses. At the time, I think you could only get glass lenses that were like that, so the glasses were very heavy. And it took a long time for them to clear up again when I went inside, to the point that I kept constantly getting asked why I was wearing sunglasses indoors (this was in high school, when anything that set you apart in any way could make you a target for taunting or at least unwelcome attention). At that point I decided never to get them again. For all I know they’ve improved.

  160. 160.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    @Leto: My mouth is watering thinking of good southern italian food. Your story reminded me of going to a Steak N’ Shake years ago with my -ex and his son.

    While we were waiting to be seated I watched a waitress open a little dorm sized refrigerator. She pulled out a stainless steel bowl and some tongs and pulled a heap of big fat wormy looking already-cooked spaghetti and tossed it on a plate. Then she got one of those red squirt bottles that old-fashioned diners used for ketchup – red for ketchup and yellow for mustard. Anyway, she squirted this red stuff from the bottle onto the noodles and popped the plate in the microwave.

    Beyond disgusting.

  161. 161.

    James E. Powell

    March 9, 2018 at 2:44 pm

    @Major Major Major Major:

    When McConnell shot down his “hey Russia maybe don’t destroy America?” idea, he was caught totally flat-footed and, I guess, banked on Hillary winning anyway.

    Agree with you. It’s the only explanation that matches what we know of Obama.

  162. 162.

    The Ancient Randonneur

    March 9, 2018 at 2:44 pm

    Dope AF Ms. Cracker!

  163. 163.

    Matt McIrvin

    March 9, 2018 at 2:47 pm

    @Brachiator: Black Panther’s revenue has had a larger fraction from domestic showings than other recent Marvel movies… but that’s not because it’s doing badly overseas–it’s because the domestic revenue is so huge. Domestically it’s doing business like one of the big Avengers team-ups, whereas internationally it’s more like an individual-superhero movie.

  164. 164.

    Olivia

    March 9, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    @Rosalita: I have found that Transition lenses are much better in recent years than they were even 5 years ago. My latest pair are barely noticeable when I come inside and they change very fast compared to the pair they replaced.

  165. 165.

    Corner Stone

    March 9, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: Preach!

  166. 166.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    @Major Major Major Major: It’s my belief that Barack Obama understood the seriousness of the threat and was well aware that Trump might win and everything that would entail, but he determined that it would be better for the future of our democratic government to let it play out and let our democratic institutions deal with it.

    I also believe that he underestimated the craven nature of the GOP – I believe he honestly thought they would draw the line at TREASON – which leaves us in the risky state our democracy is in today.

    I also believe that at some point Barack will write a book – he may even have it in progress – to help us all process what has happened and to (hopefully) help move our democracy to more stable ground.

  167. 167.

    James E. Powell

    March 9, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    @Leto: @Brachiator:

    I may see “Annihilation” this weekend. I’ve managed to avoid knowing too much about it.

    I saw it but don’t know anyone who has so I have never had the chance to talk about it. Opinions are all over the place. I will say no more because I agree with you that it is best to go in knowing as little as possible.

  168. 168.

    Gin & Tonic

    March 9, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    @WaterGirl: We once got a Groupon or similar thing for a pretty upscale place in Boston. Sat at the counter, from where there was a partial opening we could see through into the kitchen. Can’t even remember what we ate, but the dessert description was something-something “with chocolate ganache.” It just so happened that we were able to watch the line cook plate the dessert and reach for the instantly-recognizable squeeze bottle of Hershey’s syrup.

  169. 169.

    Major Major Major Major

    March 9, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    @Betty Cracker:

    Hindsight, 20-20, etc.

    Just had to brag about another feature of your fancy new glasses, didn’t ya

  170. 170.

    MB in CA

    March 9, 2018 at 2:55 pm

    Weekend plans: recovering from the tonsillectomy I got yesterday. My parents are taking the kids for the weekend so maybe husband and I will get to see Black Panther at some point. This is assuming the nausea/vomiting/dizziness/pain subsides. Having a rough go of it, any advice appreciated.

  171. 171.

    Leto

    March 9, 2018 at 2:57 pm

    @NotMax: Thanks! I’ll take a look at this when I’m not at work and can access basic sites. How BJ gets through, no clue, but also not complaining.

    @Brachiator: Game Night looked fun. Both the wife and I are board game geeks, so that helps too. Not sure we’ll catch it in the theater, but we’ll watch it.

    @WaterGirl: Oh man… yeah, that’s something else. Not quite that level, but not far off. One of the weird things about this state is that not every place serves alcohol, but you can bring your own. Just gives me a good excuse to crack one of the Chianti’s I brought back with me.

  172. 172.

    ruemara

    March 9, 2018 at 2:57 pm

    @Brachiator: I’m thinking of getting the movie pass app, just because I need to see more movies.

  173. 173.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 2:58 pm

    @Ruckus: Yep, mine, too. I had to duct tape the fridge shut. Somewhere I have a photo of her at my sister’s house – we came home and found everything dragged out of the DRY food cabinet – with cereal boxes ripped open, pasta, the dry split pea soup package (she found that unsatisfactory). You name it, she had pulled it out and torn it open.

    Except for the food and garbage thing, she was a truly great dog. I wish I had a recording of the phone call to the emergency vet after my roommates and I returned home from a movie. We had cleaned out the fridge a couple of weeks after thanksgiving and forgotten to the the garbage out!

    I’m explaining to the vet that she had eaten a pound of spoiled moldy butter, a big bowl of moldy stuffing, a bunch of 2-week old turkey white meat and mashed potatoes… I swear I was laughing while I explained because I knew how ridiculous it sounded. In the end they told me to keep an eye on her, and she was okay.

    That was second only to the phone call where I had to explain that my cocker spaniel had eaten a bunch of flashcubes from the camera. Mellon is LEGEND!

  174. 174.

    ruemara

    March 9, 2018 at 2:59 pm

    @WaterGirl: You’re right. And look at our media & GOP. Does anyone think they would honestly have reported anything that aligned with the threat? I don’t. So fuck blaming Obama. Blame the folks who have been taking Russian money and even know some of their own are bought off traitors and have been for years.

  175. 175.

    eclare

    March 9, 2018 at 2:59 pm

    @WaterGirl: That certainly makes sense. I’ve been giving my dog Trazodone for several years, no problems so far. Keeping fingers crossed for you and Henry!

  176. 176.

    Aardvark Cheeselog

    March 9, 2018 at 3:02 pm

    One last try at getting BC to remark on Floriduh Woman Dayanna Volitich. And BTW how weird is it that Snopes is now a news outlet?

  177. 177.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 3:03 pm

    @Gin & Tonic: Oh, no! That’s just wrong. Ganache is sacred, how dare they! Guessing you never went back.

  178. 178.

    WaterGirl

    March 9, 2018 at 3:05 pm

    @Leto: I have been to a place or two like that, kind of fun to bring what you like to drink! And not have to pay a million bucks for it.

  179. 179.

    Leto

    March 9, 2018 at 3:10 pm

    @ruemara: Preach. The Turtle was going to broadcast it loud and wide that the only reason Obama was warning was for partisan advantage, not because there was an actual f’ing attack on our election/democracy. Even after the press learned about this, they’re still printing stories about how Obama failed in that regard without pointing out the feckless f’ers who YET AGAIN obstructed a proper response. Burn that party to the ground, salt it all, then nuke it from space. It’s the only way to be sure.

  180. 180.

    LaNonna

    March 9, 2018 at 3:11 pm

    In Cape Town visiting friends and tracking down beautiful oysters, seafood, and Cape Malay food. Also making time for a couple of wine tasting afternoons.

  181. 181.

    Leto

    March 9, 2018 at 3:15 pm

    @WaterGirl: It’s still really weird to me but I’m slowly adjusting. Like we found a great Mexican place to eat, but then they didn’t have any beer to go with the meal. I’m like… no cervaza? Que? I do agree that alcohol is stupid expensive here. I miss Italy where a great bottle of wine could be bought for about 5 euro (about $7 at the time, cheaper now). Hell, I could get a really good pint in my local pub for about 3 quid. I get back here and it’s back to “fancy” beer like Sam Adams (lol, what?) being almost $7! Good thing is that it did cut down on how much I drank, which wasn’t much to begin with, so there’s that.

  182. 182.

    Corner Stone

    March 9, 2018 at 3:15 pm

    I find it troubling that everyone continues to look at the Russian interference through a political lens. This was a national security event and should have been treated as such. It’s beyond ridiculous to mewl about Mitch or the media or how they would have slanted whatever action was taken.

  183. 183.

    rikyrah

    March 9, 2018 at 3:20 pm

    Love the frames, BC

  184. 184.

    Gin & Tonic

    March 9, 2018 at 3:23 pm

    @LaNonna: In before the water runs out?

  185. 185.

    Brachiator

    March 9, 2018 at 3:24 pm

    @Mnemosyne: Very nice essay. Some mildly spoilery responses on Trouble in Paradise.

    Again: Watch Trouble in Paradise on TCM on March 11. Delightful comedy. It’s even twice as much fun if you are wearing bifocals.

    I happen to have written an essay on that exact movie.

    Just love the droll, low key style of supporting actor Edward Everett Horton. He keeps popping up in my all time favorite films (for example, both versions of Holiday).

    Obviously, there are great differences, but I like the idea that as in Casablanca, a sympathetic viewer wants all combinations of the love triangle to end happily and cannot easily decide who should end up together.

    Just love that, as a pre-Code film, the movie is not heavy handed on “crime does not pay.” And also that it features a “bad guy” (Gaston) who is more ethical than a “good guy” (Giron).

    Thematic fun with “twins:” Lily and Mariette, Gaston and Giron, the two suitors, the doubling of false and true identities. All in a nice bauble of a comedy.

  186. 186.

    WereBear

    March 9, 2018 at 3:33 pm

    @MB in CA: Heard good things re: sucking on ice chips.

  187. 187.

    Fair Economist

    March 9, 2018 at 3:34 pm

    @Ajabu: Domestic atrium? I pass through the Atlanta airport a couple times per year but I never leave the secure area since I’m just changing planes.

  188. 188.

    Brachiator

    March 9, 2018 at 3:43 pm

    @ruemara:

    I’m thinking of getting the movie pass app, just because I need to see more movies.

    I’m tempted, but there are long stretches where I rarely get out to catch a movie in the theaters.

    @Matt McIrvin:

    Black Panther’s revenue has had a larger fraction from domestic showings than other recent Marvel movies… but that’s not because it’s doing badly overseas–it’s because the domestic revenue is so huge. Domestically it’s doing business like one of the big Avengers team-ups, whereas internationally it’s more like an individual-superhero movie.

    True enough. Either way, it’s earning a lot of cheese for Disney’s Mouse.

  189. 189.

    Gretchen

    March 9, 2018 at 3:46 pm

    Cute glasses! I like them!

  190. 190.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 9, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    @phein55:

    I live in Atlanta, but it definitely can get cold here. Was going to note that I have also worn them without incident on extended trips to New England, northern Michigan, Chicago, and Canada — but then I remembered that those visits were all in summer or early autumn.

  191. 191.

    HuCat

    March 9, 2018 at 3:53 pm

    Had to go over to twitter for skin tone and hair color analysis, and I must say, FABULOUS!

  192. 192.

    SiubhanDuinne

    March 9, 2018 at 3:59 pm

    @MB in CA:

    All I can send is sympathy and best wishes for a quick recovery. My tonsils were forcibly removed about 70 years ago. I do remember ice cream ?

    (That was the occasion of my first real experience of adult betrayal. I was interested in “science” and had a little “museum” [a few random found items on a shelf in the back porch] and I wanted to exhibit my tonsils in a jar of formaldehyde. The surgeon PROMISED he would save them for me, but of course the lying bastard simply chucked them in the trash. No wonder I have trust issues.)

  193. 193.

    Brachiator

    March 9, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    @MB in CA:

    Weekend plans: recovering from the tonsillectomy I got yesterday

    Wow. This brings back memories. Just remember lots of rest, and Jello and ice cream.

  194. 194.

    satby

    March 9, 2018 at 4:07 pm

    @geg6: well, you gotta do you, of course, but I would suspect that the glasses weren’t made correctly if they bothered you that much.

    Though I have Transition lenses in a pair of driving (distance only) glasses, for real sun I have polarized sunglasses. I switch between progressive, single vision distance, computer, or no glasses depending on what I want to wear or how long I may be at a specific task. The key is that the pupil distance, and if you have astigmatism the axis, have to be correct or your glasses will be uncomfortable. A great doctor will work with you until you’re comfortable.

  195. 195.

    satby

    March 9, 2018 at 4:20 pm

    @Cacti: unless you’re only buying cheapo plain plastic lenses, which nobody does because they scratch like crazy, eyeglass lenses have had uv protection inherently for almost 2 decades.

  196. 196.

    Gin & Tonic

    March 9, 2018 at 4:24 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: I wanted to keep the pins they took out of my arm last year and they wouldn’t let me.

  197. 197.

    Mnemosyne

    March 9, 2018 at 4:25 pm

    @MB in CA:

    If they gave you opiates for the pain, that can cause the nausea and vomiting, as I found out after my knee surgery. Throwing up at 4 am while standing over the toilet on crutches is … not fun.

  198. 198.

    satby

    March 9, 2018 at 4:26 pm

    @VeniceRiley: You want Essilor’s later lens, called the Ultimate Lens. Where I used to work Lenscrafters) didn’t sell them, you have to find a place that does. But it’s exactly your wish list lens… and it’s going to cost plenty.

  199. 199.

    MB in CA

    March 9, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne: My husband jokingly requested the tonsils and we were sternly informed that everything removed has to go to pathology. Sounded like it’s not that rare of a request. Frankly I’m glad to be rid of the things (though my kids would probably be fascinated).

    WereBear and Brachiator, thanks for the advice. I’m hitting the ice chips hard. Working my way up to jello. Should be a fun weekend.

  200. 200.

    satby

    March 9, 2018 at 4:28 pm

    @Leto: Happy Birthday!
    @MB in CA: Wow, get well soon!

  201. 201.

    Cacti

    March 9, 2018 at 5:04 pm

    @satby:

    unless you’re only buying cheapo plain plastic lenses, which nobody does because they scratch like crazy, eyeglass lenses have had uv protection inherently for almost 2 decades.

    Right. But for some of us, non-prescription sunglasses aren’t an option.

  202. 202.

    Ruckus

    March 9, 2018 at 5:17 pm

    @SiubhanDuinne:
    Tonsils out at 7, good ice cream. The kid in the other bed, also 7, was getting circumcised. He was all excited and talking about how great it would be. Now I don’t remember mine, way, way too young but was thinking, “This isn’t something I’d be overjoyed about.” This was the night before. Next morning, my throat felt like a semi truck made out of sandpaper had been driven back and forth in my throat. My neighbor was, understatement of the decade, underwhelmed by his experience. So yeah at least my parents and doc didn’t try to make me think it was nothing or even the best experience of my life. This poor deluded kid.

  203. 203.

    Ohio Mom

    March 9, 2018 at 5:23 pm

    @MB in CA: What a frustration and disappointmen, to have a free weekend, with the kids out of the house, and to spend it feeling rotten!

    My kid had his tonsils out when he was 18. It took him a week to feel better, and yes, there were lots of popsicles consumed. I remember several emergency runs to the supermarket to get more when the giant-sized box ran out once again.

  204. 204.

    satby

    March 9, 2018 at 7:06 pm

    @Cacti: matter of fact, my myopia was so severe I was legally blind. That’s lessened with presbyopia, but now my astigmatism makes up for it. I’m looking forward to getting implants after cataract surgery, it’ll be the first time since I was a toddler that I won’t need glasses to see. Well, maybe reading glasses still.
    So I need Rx eyes for everything except my Kindle, which I can read by holding it close to my face.

  205. 205.

    Amir Khalid

    March 9, 2018 at 7:35 pm

    @jacy:

    The small child bought an electric guitar last week (he’s decided he wants to be Billie Joe Armstrong)

    And they say there are no new rock’n’roll heroes.

  206. 206.

    Amir Khalid

    March 9, 2018 at 7:51 pm

    I like the new frames. They look more Lisa Loeb than Nana Mouskouri.

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