Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

We cannot abandon the truth and remain a free nation.

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

Hi god, it’s us. Thanks a heap, you’re having a great week and it’s only Thursday!

You cannot love your country only when you win.

It’s always darkest before the other shoe drops.

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

Balloon Juice, where there is always someone who will say you’re doing it wrong.

Republicans: The threats are dire, but my tickets are non-refundable!

“Just close your eyes and kiss the girl and go where the tilt-a-whirl takes you.” ~OzarkHillbilly

Within six months Twitter will be fully self-driving.

Do not shrug your shoulders and accept the normalization of untruths.

You know it’s bad when the Project 2025 people have to create training videos on “How To Be Normal”.

People are weird.

“Perhaps I should have considered other options.” (head-desk)

Stamping your little feets and demanding that they see how important you are? Not working anymore.

Peak wingnut was a lie.

If rights aren’t universal, they are privilege, not rights.

Perhaps you mistook them for somebody who gives a damn.

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

The cruelty is the point; the law be damned.

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

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

Oh FFS you might as well trust a 6-year-old with a flamethrower.

Speaker Mike Johnson is a vile traitor to the House and the Constitution.

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Reader Interactions

101Comments

  3. 3.

    BSR

    It was nice putting faces with names. First BJ Zoom event or meetup for me, although I’ve lurked for years. I did wonder a couple of times, “Cole shamed me into showing up, so where the hell is he?”

    One of my resolutions this year is to lurk less and participate more….

    BSR

  5. 5.

    geg6

    Copied from previous thread:

    Got the pork roasting in sauerkraut (applesauce, bacon, thyme, ground mustard and salt and pepper to jazz it up).  Will oven roast some baby potatoes and warm cinnamon applesauce for sides.  Have most of a bottle of champagne left from last night, so that’s our beverage.  My house smells heavenly and just the way a house in Western PA should smell on New Year’s Day.  Happy New Year to all the jackals and sorry to have missed the Zooms.??

  7. 7.

    UncleEbeneezer

    I made the same mistake.  Went for a 4 mile walk since it’s nice out* and got home and realized…DOH, the zoom was for ET.

    * Fortunately, walk was NOT at the Rose Bowl which apparently had a Trumper “Protest.”

  8. 8.

    mali muso

    It was fun! Sorry that you missed it. Now we need one for the real New Years aka the inauguration.

  9. 9.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @geg6: I just threw some TJ’s meatballs into the crockpot with a fairly simple Korean, Gochujang-based sauce.  To go with some other appetizers we have.

  11. 11.

    mvr

    I did the same thing and only figured out what I’d done when it was too late!

    Sorry to miss it. Hope all who didn’t had fun.

    Happy New Year to all!

  16. 16.

    Kent

    I’m still waiting for proof that Baud is not an AI simulation and that Jay is not a Ukrainian bot that reposts random Twitter posts at random intervals.

  17. 17.

    ?BillinGlendaleCA

    @UncleEbeneezer: It’s always good to avoid the Rose Bowl on New Years, UCLA’s been doing a bang up job of that over the last 2 decades and change.  It was nice in a way to not have to wake up to photograph the B-2 making it’s turn to line up with Colorado Blvd this morning, but sad as well.

  19. 19.

    Benw

    I missed this one. The Thanksgiving one was nice.

    I walked my dog, watched The Midnight Sky which was really stressful and sad, and we’re going to have our traditional southern’s new years day black eyed pea soup for dinner. Yum

  21. 21.

    Punchy

    Just read that Louie G’s lawsuit literally declares that the VP can make up the Jan 6th meeting rules on the spot (and then go Team Trump).   I’d love for Kam Harris to announce that she, too, agrees with Louis and will be changing the rules as she sees fit if necessay come Jan 2025.  I think we’d lose at least a few thousand of the base from strokes and heart attacks.  These people act as if the rules would only apply to their ilk….time to troll the dumbest.

  23. 23.

    David ??Merry Christmas?? Koch

    Hard to believe, but Alabama’s integrated football team crushed Notre Dame’s nearly non integrated team.

  26. 26.

    MomSense

    Don’t feel bad.  I missed it, too.  I went for a long walk and when I got home I fell asleep and slept through it.

  27. 27.

    CarolPW

    @?BillinGlendaleCA: Did you see the WaPo piece on travel destinations when this shit is over? They have a photo of the Milky Way taken in Joshua Tree that is much inferior to yours.

    I have one of yours on metal, and it is so spectacular that I can look at that one and sneer!

  32. 32.

    Kelly

    I’ve been following todays Salem, OR anti-mask/stop the steal protest from the comfort of home. I gotta hand it to ’em for showing up in the wind and rain. Nah, I don’t gotta hand it to ’em for a damn thing. Currently a fracas in an intersection a few blocks from the Capitol Building. Police have used smoke bombs and made a few arrests. Protests tried to burn a “Back the Blue” sweater but it appears to be to wet.

    Sergio Olmos is providing his usual quality coverage. https://twitter.com/MrOlmos

  33. 33.

    Ken

    @Baud: You’re like Trump skipping out on his own party.

    If he were like Trump, he’d be denying the existence of the afternoon zoom call, and yelling at everyone for not showing up for the evening zoom call.

  38. 38.

    laura

    I hope everybody had a good time on the zoom – and that there’ll be another one maybe in conjuntion with the inaugural activities….

    Here’s to a happier, newer year with good health, family, friends loved ones and the opportunity to engage in social settings safely. I’m hoping for live entertainment and social intercourse all over the place.

  39. 39.

    Barbara

    Gohmert lawsuit was dismissed for  . . . wait for it . . . lack of standing. There was a thirteen page opinion.

    It’s pretty clear that the goal was to get an advisory opinion outlining the vice president’s authority to decide the winner of the election on his own.  I really hate these people.  Even though I know these suits are worthless I still find them to be upsetting.

  40. 40.

    mrmoshpotato

    @geg6:

    Got the pork roasting in sauerkraut (applesauce, bacon, thyme, ground mustard and salt and pepper to jazz it up). 

    ? Yummo!

  42. 42.

    Barbara

    @mrmoshpotato: New Year’s was the only day of the year my father agreed to eat saurkraut.  His father was a master gardener who grew a lot of their own food during the depression, and come winter, they often ate saurkraut with every meal.  He swore off eating saurkraut ever again when he left home.  My mother loved it.

  46. 46.

    mrmoshpotato

    @Barbara:

    come winter, they often ate saurkraut with every meal.  He swore off eating saurkraut ever again when he left home. 

    Understandable. ?

    I enjoy some kraut on a brat every now and then, and a big pot of bigos (Polish hunters stew) will definitely be made this winter at least once.

    Now, I hope to score some beef pierogi for dinner.  Time to venture to the store.

  48. 48.

    Jay

    @Kent:

    yesterday was my first full time shift in a while.

    other than a few customers, I am so fucking happy the people are following Dr.Bonnie Hendry’s advice to stay home unless it’s essential, ( not).

    The store was f’n packed.

    Had today off, so mostly slept a lot.

  49. 49.

    Suzanne

    I made it for about half an hour of the Zoom. Y’all are nice people. Had to go unexpectedly because Spawn the Elder called. And I realized I had my pants on inside-out and my slippers on the wrong feet. Whatever.

  51. 51.

    MagdaInBlack

    I was up early, went back to bed for a long winters nap. Now I’m watching it snow and I dont care, because I have everything I need =-) Brown sugar shortbread in the oven.

  52. 52.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @NotMax: We wanted to do Swedish meatballs but we were missing a couple ingredients.  Plus, once I found the Korean recipe, I really wanted to try it.

  53. 53.

    something fabulous

    HA! was wondering if we’d see you, or if I’d missed you joining late! Well, know that you throw a good party, even in absentia. Was nice to have an “outing” to go to for new year’s day. Much appreciated to you, WaterGirl, and Imm! And a Happy(er) New Year to All!

  54. 54.

    UncleEbeneezer

    @?BillinGlendaleCA: We missed the parade, as it is our usual custom to watch on tv (never daring to attempt the nightmare of actually going down there to see it in person).

  57. 57.

    raven

    @UncleEbeneezer: Three years ago right now we got back to my sis’s in Hawthorne after the parade and greatest game in Rose Bowl history! I ended up getting so sick that I had to sell my National Championship tickets. . . for $3000!

  59. 59.

    J R in WV

    @Albatrossity:

    I got your calendars — they’re great. Will be delivering them to neighbors who are birder/biologists in the next couple of days.

    They got them last year, too. Serious birders love your work, as do serious photographers.

    Thanks for sharing with all us jackals.

  60. 60.

    rivers

    Like BSR this was my first BJ meetup/zoom call and I too have lurked for years. This is the first site I read every morning and it’s odd to have become vicariously involved in the lives (and with the pets) of so many people I’ve never met. Great to see some of those faces!

  62. 62.

    WaterGirl

    @rivers: I am really sorry that John missed the zoom today, but I think it’s great that he encouraged you guys to come to the zoom today.  I thought I saw a few comments at the end where folks said they were going to start posting comments more.

    Happy New Year, everyone.

  63. 63.

    Suzanne

    A random thought: I don’t know if I will ever wear a bra with a wire in it ever again. I mean, it’s just over.

  64. 64.

    StringOnAStick

    I’ll definitely be on the inauguration Zoom.  I wanted to today but I was driven to complete the last of weeks of interior painting in our new home; the garage, every ceiling, wall, door, all trim and today the master bath vanity that we had doors added to (it was wheelchair accessible so no doors).  It’s been 8 weeks of off and on painting, working around carefully selected contractors (masks or no entry), and I painted a bunch of our old house to get it ready to sell last fall.  I’m really tired of painting and now IT’S DONE.

    I think I get to start enjoying retirement more now that the 5 page to do list is down to 1.5 pages.  Moving plus downsizing is a significant undertaking.

    Here’s a pet story: one of our pair of sister cats has a favourite mouse toy that she will carry around while making mighty hunter noises; it’s the only time she makes them.  While I was putting the kitchen away after days of unpacking, she silently brought her mouse and jumped into the cabinet I was working on, carefully placed her favourite you there, looked at me deeply and jumped down.  I know she was trying to help me unpack and put things away.  Or maybe she was making a point about all work and no play makes String a dull girl.

  65. 65.

    Dan B

    @Barbara: I dislike the high vinegar content in most sauerkraut.  But way way back I had “Polish Salad” at a restaurant in Berkeley.  It was definitely fermented but still slightly crunchy and nicely fragrant.  There’s an outfit in Seattle that’s doing pickles, Kim Chee, and kraut that are fermented in oak barrels.  The tannins keep the crispness and the natural ferment makes the brine cloudy and full of probiotics.  I’d love to try their “Riesling Sauerkraut”.  It sounds like the “Polish Salad” but my local grocery doesn’t carry this one part of their line ;<(

  66. 66.

    Eric S.

    @geg6: I had pork in sauerkraut for dinner. Simple in a slow cooker. Friend of mine’s mother was from Germany. Her claim isyou have to eat sauerkraut on New Years Day to avoid going broke. So far it hasn’t failed me. Even though we weren’t together this year for the first time in 10 I held to tradition.

  67. 67.

    jonas

    Speaking of sauerkraut, looking forward to making my once-a-year choucroute garnie extravaganza meal this week — white sausages, kielbasa, smoked pork chops, potatoes — all served on a delicious bed of sauerkraut and sauteed onions, with an ice-cold Alsatian Gewürztraminer to wash it down. Insanely good, but once a year is all my blood pressure can take, unfortunately. I usually wait for a nice, dark, freezing day in January or February to make it and this week looks just about right. If it’s not too cold, I may squeeze in a few km of x-country skiing first, just so I don’t feel so guilty.

  71. 71.

    O. Felix Culpa

    We went for our traditional New Year’s Day hike, so missed the call too. Next time.

    Also too, OSU is not playing like Notre Dame.

  72. 72.

    Delk

    I was at the afternoon zoom meeting. I’d say I was the guy with the gray beard but I don’t think that would help.  ?

  74. 74.

    Dan B

    @Eric S.: My Sottish Irish mother from Fort Smith, Arkansas made Pork in Sauerkrraut every New Years.  No applesauce or white wine or anything to make it interesting.  The pork was ghostly and tasteless..  Phooey!

  75. 75.

    Debbie(Aussie)

    A message for WaterGirl(if she is still around)

    yes that was me. I have no idea how to use zoom. So I will take a tutorial before next time. Was great to put faces to names.

  78. 78.

    Dan B

    @jonas: My mother never rinsed the kraut so the pork got pickled while cooking and became slightly rubbery.  A friend loves kraut and pork ribs.  Wish he could get an oak cured kraut.  The kraut clings all over the pork and is even more mushy than rinsed out of the jar.

    We’re having Squid Ink Paella with Scallops and Shrimp.  It’s leftovers so counts as frugal in my book.

  83. 83.

    Jim, Foolish Literalist

    @jonas:

    @Dan B: I dislike the high vinegar content in most sauerkraut.

    For most recipes, you do need to rinse it first….

    You’re supposed to rinse it with white wine, right? a can of the cheapest your local booze emporium carries?

  84. 84.

    Barbara

    @Dan B: Well, I adore the vinegar content, but don’t like the saltiness. There is a great fermented slaw vendor at my farmers’ market. Unfortunately, as with many tasty treats in my household, I am the only one who likes it so I only buy their products occasionally. I agree that keeping the crunch makes a big difference.

  86. 86.

    Dan B

    @Barbara: The pickles and the Kim Chee are fantastic!  Slightly crunchy Kim Chee is a wonder.  I’ve had to prevent myself from standing at the fridge with a jar, a fork, and a rapidly emptying jar.

    The thought of kraut with crunch and the fragrance of Riesling is very compelling.

  87. 87.

    Dan B

    @Eric S.: The Polish Salad had carrots and something dark green shredded as finely as the cabbage and fermented.  It was very pretty.  I’d be tempted to add some Chipotle powder to make it a hybrid Kim Chee / kraut.  Maybe not garlic but perhaps a tiny touch of shallot.

  89. 89.

    Dan B

    @Delk: I, however, have worn a pink sequined sweater dress with a pink satin shawl with 18″ long pink fringe, bright red lipstick and a white wig.  Heels too.  It was fine and outrageous until our truck was towed and we had to take the bus home from downtown.

    Ah youth!

  94. 94.

    Dan B

    @Ksmiami: Good tip.  Now to locate salted shrimp.  I bet I could substitute fish sauce, like the amazing Red Boat.  But we’ve got Philipino and only a few miles to Chinese groceries.

  95. 95.

    RedDirtGirl

    As so often is the case, I appear to be swinging by at the end of a thread. Did anyone bring up the idea of doing a more regular zoom gathering? I remember some chatter about that over Thanksgiving.

  96. 96.

    Ms. Deranged in AZ

    @Suzanne: Same!  My last one but the dust and going bra shopping during a pandemic seemed so low priority and it’s not like you can order the damn things online….but I digress.

    Adding…that when it’s time to go back into an office and I have to wear make-up again….it’s going to be frickin torture.

  97. 97.

    Origuy

    I almost missed today’s call. I got in with 15 minutes or so to spare. I enjoyed the stories about the Supreme court cases. I missed yesterday’s call. I’ll plan to be on the inauguration call, though.

  99. 99.

    Nancy

    @Nancy:

    For those who are unfamiliar with zoom terminology and function a brief discourse on break-out rooms:

    I find a group of 25 to be wonderful in terms of turn-out, but difficult to connect with. I attend agency meetings with that number and we have to wave and be recognized by the CEO before speaking.

    I also teach a class of 23. Only a few hardy souls will ever speak. Break-out rooms allow for smaller groups. Students talk in small groups.

    You can see and hear each other. It’s a big difference. The host can invite people to enter and to exit.

    No criticism to the planners of BJ Zoomage; who knew how many of us would show? My fervent request for the Inaugural zooms is that you include Break-out rooms in the set up. You won’t have to use them unless needed but if needed they will allow quiet persons to converse.

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