Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Beware of advice from anyone for whom Democrats are “they” and not “we.”

No one could have predicted…

“Jesus paying for the sins of everyone is an insult to those who paid for their own sins.”

The cruelty is the point; the law be damned.

JFC, are there no editors left at that goddamn rag?

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

Today in our ongoing national embarrassment…

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

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

“Facilitate” is an active verb, not a weasel word.

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

When I was faster i was always behind.

Let’s bury these fuckers at the polls 2 years from now.

“The defense has a certain level of trust in defendant that the government does not.”

Tide comes in. Tide goes out. You can’t explain that.

Putting aside our relentless self-interest because the moral imperative is crystal clear.

Wow, I can’t imagine what it was like to comment in morse code.

Mediocre white men think RFK Jr’s pathetic midlife crisis is inspirational. The bar is set so low for them, it’s subterranean.

The unpunished coup was a training exercise.

Giving up is unforgivable.

Anne Laurie is a fucking hero in so many ways. ~ Betty Cracker

Is it irresponsible to speculate? It is irresponsible not to.

I’d like to think you all would remain faithful to me if i ever tried to have some of you killed.

I did not have this on my fuck 2025 bingo card.

You are here: Home / John Cole Presents "This Fucking Old House" / A Grim Realization

A Grim Realization

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I was just reviewing some of my old posts and it occurred to me that in some respects this blog is like the Truman Show without cameras and the writing staff on drugs.

Speaking of cameras, what would be a low cost but effective way of having a live cam on the birds nest. Would that be doable?

Also, I should probably point out that Tammy told me that the first yellow was going to be way too bright but I didn’t listen. I never listen. She’s always right.

Reader Interactions

144Comments

  4. 4.

    dmsilev

    Search around for a webcam? If it’s underneath an overhang, you might even be able to get away with one that isn’t outdoor rated.

  5. 5.

    RepubAnon

    @dmsilev: Took the words right out of my typing fingers…

    Or perhaps a web-based security camera? It’s be a twofer – birdcam in the spring and summer, security camera the rest of the year.

    ;-)

  7. 7.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    Speaking of grim realizations, I discovered the other day that the band members of Rush are Ayn Rand fans. I find it hard to believe the same guys who made “The Big Money” can be Objectivists. Maybe they just don’t like large corporations and monopolies ?‍♂️

    I’ve always loved Rush’s songs because a common thread among much of them, particularly their 80s stuff, is a celebration of the human spirit imo. Their Power Windows album is among the best of their musical output

  10. 10.

    cain

    @??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??:

    I’ve always loved Rush’s songs because a common thread among much of them, particularly their 80s stuff, is a celebration of the human spirit imo. Their Power Windows album is among the best of their musical output

    Neil Peart isn’t an Ayn Rand fan. He read the books and unconsciously made 2112. But that was in his 20s. I think he isore on the socialist thing.

    Listen to the newest lyrics.

  11. 11.

    Alternative Fax, a hip hop artist from Idaho

    @Omnes Omnibus:

    @??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??:

    I’ve always loved Rush’s songs

    You are dead to me.

    +1. Rush? Sorry, but that’s a bridge too far.

  13. 13.

    Chetan Murthy

    I thought about something related to this, a while back. On Instagram, so I hear, the Kids These Days post pictures of themselves, as a way of expressing themselves. Here, the commenters and FPers post pictures of their pets.

  15. 15.

    cain

    @Major Major Major Major:

    The liner notes literally say the album is dedicated to “the genius of Ayn Rand.”

    Yes because what he had done was too close.one of Ayn Rand books so not look like he was ripping it off he gave it a nod.

    But if you listen to anything in the past 1980 there is like nothing in there like Ayn Rand philosophy.

  16. 16.

    Mai Naem mobile

    Rush to me sounds like bad electronic noises.
    John you should get those tuna can size sample containers of paint. I think they’re less than $5.

  18. 18.

    ThresherK

    @Duane: I believe Peart has recanted more than a little on Rand. Cite? Sorry, I wouldn’t Yahoogle “Ayn Rand” if I were paid $100, but i have heard that about Neil Peart..

    Another Game 7 in OT. Double OT, actually, for Washington hosting Carolina.

  19. 19.

    Another Scott

    @ThresherK: I only see the name “Ayn” once in Peart’s “Ghost Rider” book. “(I think Ayn Rand once wrote, ‘You can’t compromise with evil.’)” She clearly had an impact on him, but it’s not like he’s Alan Greenspan or something… ;-)

    Cheers,
    Scott.

  20. 20.

    AZ_Dem

    We have a Panasonic camera from amazon and use home hawk with the home WiFi to view when we are away to keep an eye on the pups.

  24. 24.

    Another Scott

    A good Twitter thread on the qualifying criteria for the Democratic debates. Wyeth Ruthven:

    […]

    Wyeth Ruthven @wyethwire 2 hours ago

    First, candidates must meet ONE of the TWO criteria — 1% in three polls OR 65,000 unique donors — they DON’T have to meet BOTH.

    […]

    See his GoogleDocs spreadsheet for the numbers.

    (via ddale8 LOLGOP on Twitter)

    Cheers,
    Scott.
    (“Who got his Synology NASes talking to each other properly, finally, by getting their clocks set correctly and rebooting…”)

  32. 32.

    joel hanes

    this blog is like the Truman Show without cameras and the writing staff on drugs

    Cole says that as if it were a bad thing.

    But John : please don’t try to re-create the dancing from the opening theme.
    We love you and would hate to see you get hurt.

  34. 34.

    trollhattan

    @ThresherK:
    Subaru Diane is proof there’s life worth living after Ayn Rand. As to Rush’s music, it shall sucketh for the rest of time regardless of how much Atlas may or may not shrug.

  39. 39.

    Aleta

    “live cam on the birds nest”
    readers would love it
    *live cam on the back deck*
    readers would pay off your debt

  41. 41.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @Alternative Fax, a hip hop artist from Idaho:
    @trollhattan:
    @?BillinGlendaleCA:
    @John Revolta:
    @NotMax:
    @Ohio Mom:

    You guys are a tough crowd. Now I’m curious what everyone thinks of my musical tastes.

    This is by no means an exhaustive list of my favorite musical acts, in no particular ranking

    1. Huey Lewis and the News
    2. Frankie Goes to Hollywood
    3. Dead Kennedys
    4. Cage the Elephant
    5. Van Halen
    6. Rush
    7. ZZ Top (really liked “Rough Boy”)
    8. Stone Temple Pilots
    9. Pearl Jam
    10. Rush
    11. Wham!
    12. Creed
    13. Wheezer
    14. The Kinks
    15. Beatles
    16. Wings

  44. 44.

    J R in WV

    Who is Truman, and why did he have a TV show? I’m assuming we aren’t talking about President Harry s Truman…

    ;-)

    ETA: Good night, all!

  50. 50.

    khead

    Damn y’all are kinda harsh Rush? Not that bad. You’d think Goku was pimping Debbie Gibson from the reactions.

  55. 55.

    joel hanes

    @khead:

    I think it’s a generational thing among those who came of age a bit earlier, sorta like the reverse of Loomis’s sneering at pre-punk rock over at LGM. I also suspect it’s mostly in fun, rather than serious-serious.

  58. 58.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @NotMax:
    You joke, but Nickelback isn’t horrible. They’re just sort of formulaic and mediocre. At least they’re listenable. There’s much worse out of there

  61. 61.

    chopper

    @Aleta:

    just wait until the live deck cam catches footage of cole falling through the deck and breaking both legs.

  66. 66.

    NotMax

    @piratedan

    we all consume it nonetheless

    This word all that you use….

    Water man here. 34 oz. travel mug of the stuff always within reach. If feeling unusually frisky, iced tea (unsweetened).

  68. 68.

    thewesson

    Here’s a paint tip: a large area is a LOT more colorful than a small area, with the same paint. Don’t know why but it’s so. Hence, for a house for example, choose the color you like but at least 2 or 3 notches less color-saturated than the tiny sample you like.

  70. 70.

    Amir Khalid

    @??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??:

    You joke, but Nickelback isn’t horrible. They’re just sort of formulaic and mediocre.

    Formulaic and mediocre music is horrible. This music, on the other hand, is anything but formulaic and most definitely not mediocre. Frank Zappa was a big fan of theirs.

  73. 73.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @?BillinGlendaleCA:
    Both. I liked the Hagar era.
    “Love Walks In” and “Dreams” are beautiful songs. “Jump”, “Panama”, etc rock. “I Can’t Drive 55”, was also great, even if it wasn’t a Van Halen song.

  81. 81.

    khead

    Goku – I had your back when it was just Rush. But Nickelback and Creed? May God have mercy on your soul.

    P.S. Cool with Huey Lewis though. And not even in a Patrick Bateman kinda way.

  85. 85.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @chopper:
    I like upbeat, up tempo songs (Wham!) along with hard-rocking ones (Dead Kennedys) with socially/politically conscious lyrics

  86. 86.

    Suzanne

    Dude this thread is so depressing. I just put on “White Light/White Heat” to cleanse my palate.

  89. 89.

    Suzanne

    @Jay: Yes, and I will take Ariana Grande any day of the week and twice on Sunday over fucken Rush or Nickelback. Good Lord.

  92. 92.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @khead:
    I don’t like Nickelback. TBH, I think I only ever liked one song by Creed anyway.

  96. 96.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @Suzanne:
    Well, I’m not a libertarian, I can tell you that much. Absolutely hate those stupid fucks.

  98. 98.

    Jay

    @Suzanne:

    Maroon 5, DJ Snake, Justin Timberlake, Juice WRLD, Zayn, 6inLine,…..

    For every Adelle and Arianna Grand there’s 120 poc dependent on sampling and autotune,…..

    It’s why I have a CD player and an IPOD in the truck.

  104. 104.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @Major Major Major Major:
    Thank you!

    On another note, I’ll never understand why Big Bang Theory was so well liked. It was never particularly funny and it was basically the laugh at the nerds show.

  105. 105.

    prob50

    I started a music list here once, but it was loaded with every group I ever liked from the late 60’s-early 70’s. + a smattering of groups and individuals from the 90’s & 00’s. Think I’ll spare everyone – it’s exhaustive.

  106. 106.

    Suzanne

    @Major Major Major Major: Just sayin’…..libertarians and prog correlate far more than would be expected if the two were unrelated.

    @Jay: That’s why I have twelve stations programmed in the car: OPTIONS. I’m more of a podcast listener these days, but there’s almost always something worth hearing on the radio. We have some great independent radio here.

  107. 107.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @sukabi:
    Trouble is, I never listed Nickleback as one of my favorite musical acts. I don’t care for them, I just don’t actively dislike/hate them

  109. 109.

    joel hanes

    @khead:

    Cool with Huey Lewis

    Saw him live, once, in about 1982 in a club in Santa Cruz.
    That was fun, but it was enough.
    (The mushrooms helped lots, and made the moonlit surf very interesting later in the evening)

    Not something one can listen to over and over and over.
    Unfortunately, local radio played about four of his songs over and over and over and over and over and …

  110. 110.

    prob50

    @Jay:

    But did you listen to Saint Nancy while high and playing her backwards?

    I tried playing her backwards, but I could never get her to get high with me. Anyway, Ronnie threatened to punch me in the eye and have me ‘rested for sexual assault.

    Least that’s how I remember it.

  114. 114.

    Martin

    Speaking of cameras, what would be a low cost but effective way of having a live cam on the birds nest. Would that be doable?

    Naked mopping, live!

  116. 116.

    Jay

    @Suzanne:

    We have 4 radio stations here, 1 oldies, ( 80’s and 90’s), a country, a pop, and CBC Radio 1. On long trips there are great gaps, with no radio. Transmitters too far apart, lots of mountains and canyons, 970 km between large cities.

    I mostly listen to CBC Radio 1, but sometimes, the show on is unengaging or infuriating.

    Then I switch to CD or IPOD.

    When I lived in YVR, I learned to listen to CBC Radio 4 for jazz. On a long commute in miserable traffic Slow/DOA tended more towards road raging,………

  120. 120.

    prob50

    @Jay:

    1 oldies, ( 80’s and 90’s

    Oldies? OMG. Naw, 80’s & 90’s..well, I guess they are sorta “oldies” now. Sheeeitt, I’m old.

    OK, it MUST be way past my bedtime/.

  124. 124.

    Jay

    @?BillinGlendaleCA:

    My Timex has a stop watch feature, an alarm feature, a calendar, and is unhackable.

    My chip cards reside in a specific hard card case. Keeps the chip connections from being broken, and acts as a farraday cage. Bump passes can’t clone the card or tap charges.

    Back in the early ‘90’s, I got cybercrimed bad.

  126. 126.

    Jay

    @NotMax:

    I’ve worn a watch so long I feel unballanced with out one,

    And asking someone if they have the time these days is a great way to steal a cell phone.

  128. 128.

    NotMax

    @Jay

    asking someone if they have the time these days

    Also much less likely to get the rejoinder “if you’ve got the beer.”

    :)

  133. 133.

    Doug R

    Anybody that makes it from being juvenile delinquents in the armpit of Alberta, Hanna and go on to make millions off gullible Americans is welcome to their success.

  136. 136.

    ??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??

    @?BillinGlendaleCA:
    I was just joking dude. I was poking fun at myself
    @NotMax:

    I’m doing that starting tomorrow. The next two weeks are going to suck. I have an exam this coming Tuesday and then the final exam the next Tuesday after that. Snow days and not getting through all of the material during lecture pushed the schedule back crammed everything together at the end of the semester

  137. 137.

    BlueDWarrior

    Speaking of Rush, I actually like “Time Stands Still”.

    That’s about all I got, I’m really all over the place with my music consumption.

  142. 142.

    low-tech cyclist

    @??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??:

    You guys are a tough crowd. Now I’m curious what everyone thinks of my musical tastes.

    That’s an eclectic list, that’s for sure!

    You like Cage the Elephant which is a big enough point in your favor, IMHO, to offset some of the stuff from earlier eras that hasn’t worn very well, from my perspective. Their “Ready to Let Go” is getting lots of airplay right now on the alternative stations, which it should – it’s a really good song, even by comparison with their other stuff.

  143. 143.

    Mo MacArbie

    Oh, a dead music thread? Thanks, I don’t mind if I do. Rush is fine, if pretty hokey. I mean, you try being a nerdy teen whacked out on testosterone then and see who you picked. But ranking Power Windows with their best? Bracing! Both the opinion and the album. Bracing stuff. I’ll put it on when I need my ears eightially abused like they were routinely 30-40 years ago—you know, for nostalgia—but gimme Sector 2.

  144. 144.

    HeartlandLiberal

    Quoting from one article on this topic:

    Men and women really don’t see eye to eye, according to a new study.

    Females are better at discriminating among colors, researchers say, while males excel at tracking fast-moving objects and discerning detail from a distance—evolutionary adaptations possibly linked to our hunter-gatherer past.

    Just ask your buddy Google: “women see color better than men”

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