Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

The current Supreme Court is a dangerous, rogue court.

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

“The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.”

Russian mouthpiece, go fuck yourself.

The arc of history bends toward the same old fuckery.

Hot air and ill-informed banter

Dumb motherfuckers cannot understand a consequence that most 4 year olds have fully sorted out.

Find someone who loves you the way trump and maga love traitors.

Our job is not to persuade republicans but to defeat them.

American history and black history cannot be separated.

A snarling mass of vitriolic jackals

Republicans are the party of chaos and catastrophe.

One way or another, he’s a liar.

The real work of an opposition party is to hold the people in power accountable.

Republicans don’t lie to be believed, they lie to be repeated.

They punch you in the face and then start crying because their fist hurts.

The world has changed, and neither one recognizes it.

The lights are all blinking red.

Giving in to doom is how authoritarians win.

Giving up is unforgivable.

It is not hopeless, and we are not helpless.

Let me file that under fuck it.

Republicans: “Abortion is murder but you can take a bus to get one.” Easy peasy.

We do not need to pander to people who do not like what we stand for.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Best in Show (Open Thread)

Reader Interactions

83Comments

  1. 1.

    TomatoQueen

    So far, none of the dogs in the working group would be allowed in any Northern VA apartment complex or condo. Well maybe this pinscher.

  6. 6.

    TomatoQueen

    @Betty Cracker: Size is some of it but mostly it’s whether any dog of that breed at any time anywhere on the planet  killed/mauled/maimed/nipped/barked/growled or licked a human. If a 92 year old tripped over a a dachsie, that would be fine.

  7. 7.

    Chacal Charles Caltrop

    I remember when an exceedingly cute Maltese won. A commentator noted that “furry caterpillar has won best of toy division… furry caterpillar has won Best in Show….I still can’t believe that a dog.” (I’m going to try to find a picture).

    I think the judges made sure to anoint a German Shepard the next year in order to prevent the sheer power of cute from overwhelming the standards.

  8. 8.

    Anotherlurker

    The travesty of Westminster continues!
    Until a Golden Retriever wins it is an illegitimate gathering.
    (So says Addie, my beautiful, opinionated, adopted Golden)

  14. 14.

    TomatoQueen

    Samoyed wins for the workers. That is a gorgeous blindingly white dog. But he’s not Badger.

  17. 17.

    TomatoQueen

    It is Westminster tradition or an iron clad rule that all Goldens are dismissed.

  19. 19.

    Alison Rose

    I’m a cat lady but the WKC is the highlight of my year, I was bummed they had to postpone this year but am glad they were being smart. I keep a spreadsheet of winners by breed (I’m a nerd and a lesbian, of course I have a spreadsheet), and while I root for the dachshunds since they’re my mom’s favorite, mostly I just like seeing a new breed win………and hoping it’s not another Wire Fox Terrier. I know, I know, it’s based on how they fit the standard and all that, but that breed has won 15 flipping times.

    Right now, I’m pulling for the Frenchie, with the Pekingese as a close second because OMG they are the cutest fucking thing to watch “running” down the carpet.

  21. 21.

    Elizabelle

    They are all best in show.  All the doggos.  But us humans have to select a winner.

  22. 22.

    TomatoQueen

    Oh hell here come the terriers, yup, the usual suspects. Oh look a Norwich andan Airedale and an Affie and oh hell we’re doomed.

  24. 24.

    JoyceH

    @TomatoQueen: ​
     

    Samoyed wins for the workers.

    Oh! I tend to avoid watching dog shows because I can never understand how some other dog wins when there is a Samoyed available.

    What is this airing on? I’ll have to watch the Best In Show.

  26. 26.

    Catherine D.

    @Ken: My late great Keeshond Cookie was briefly a show dog, so I’ve been behind the scenes.

    Cat shows are a whole other level of strange, but with fewer germs. Sanitizing between cats has been the LAW forever.

  27. 27.

    JoyceH

    I’ve only ever owned Samoyeds. I’m a real tees and sweat pants kinda girl, but when I walk my dog, I feel Glamorous.

  28. 28.

    dmsilev

    When the standard poodle won last year, my parents said that they would be out with their poodle and got repeatedly stopped by people offering congratulations, for breed solidarity basically.

  29. 29.

    trollhattan

    Recording tonight’s so not watching just yet.

    Day 1 had maybe the best hound group I’ve ever seen. And my yearly protest over putting the noble Dalmatian in non-sporting holds firm. Damn you AKC people all to heck!

    Programming note: USWNT vs Jamaca Reggae Girls begins in 15.

  30. 30.

    trollhattan

    @JoyceH:

    How often do you replace vacuums? ?

    ETA a news story last week was the Russian Navy rescuing a runaway samoyed from an ice flaw.

  31. 31.

    Soprano2

    My mom loves dog shows, but she doesn’t actually like or want a dog. It’s weird.

  32. 32.

    Nutmeg again

    @Betty Cracker: All Newfies are pretty! (OK, so I might have a bit of a bias.)  I thought the Working group was divided into dogs I would love to pet and/or adopt, and dogs I would probably steer clear of.  Lots of, “requires a firm hand; experienced owner”.  No thanks!  I like the fluffy sweethearts.

  34. 34.

    Nutmeg again

    @JoyceH: Sams are lovely dogs!  My kid’s daycare home had one–the owner researched breeds and decided that a Sam was the best choice for temperament, cleanliness and all around wonderfulness. Of course we had Newfies (rescued) at home, so fluffy dog was built in to our life. It still is, mine, ~30 years later.

  35. 35.

    Nutmeg again

    @trollhattan: Truth.  Did you know… they don’t do a dog paddle? Yes!  they do a kind of breast stroke. It’s true–much more efficient and powerful stroke. OK… I’ve been sharing my life, home, and a revolving cast of vacuums with Newfers for +/- 30 years.

  37. 37.

    geg6

    My sister’s dog had a sibling competing yesterday.  He got second in his category or whatever they call them.  A Norwegian buhund in the herding group named Ghost.  They are wonderful dogs.

  39. 39.

    CaseyL

    Betty, you posted a photo of Badger on twitter some back, and I said  I hoped he was sitting in front of a fan because his ears looked so enormous and extended, like he was about to catch the wind and fly.

    I was wrong.  Here he is, with no fan anywhere in sight, and his ears are *still* adorably freaking huge.

    I’ve watched a few Westminster shows, but the only one I really remember is when a Beagle won BIS, because we had a beagle when I was a kid.

  40. 40.

    Yutsano

    @JoyceH: I love Samoyeds! Big balls of friendly floof! Every time I have gotten to interact with a Samoyed I have felt charmed and happy.

  43. 43.

    JoyceH

    Okay, that’s why I shouldn’t watch these things – HOW can there be a group of dogs that includes a Sam and some other dog gets picked?

  45. 45.

    JoyceH

    @Yutsano: ​
     

    @JoyceH: I love Samoyeds! Big balls of friendly floof! Every time I have gotten to interact with a Samoyed I have felt charmed and happy.

    That’s their special skill. A couple months ago I took Jazzy to a new groomer. When I went to pick her up, the groomer brought her out and was all, “I LOVE this dog!”

  46. 46.

    JoyceH

    @trollhattan: ​
     

    ETA a news story last week was the Russian Navy rescuing a runaway samoyed from an ice flaw.

    The Samoyed groups were all over that story. What I found interesting was that the region where it happened is where Samoyeds originated. The Yamal Peninsula is home to the Nenets tribes, or their older name, the Samoyed people. I think some of them still herd reindeer.

  47. 47.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    Since it’s an open thread:

    Does anybody think GRRM is going to finish ASOIAF anytime soon? What did you think of the show’s ending?

  49. 49.

    JoyceH

    And on the Samoyed topic, I don’t know if it’s end of quarantine euphoria, but… I’m starting to think puppy thoughts. I’ve never had more than one dog at a time, but I’m thinking about it. I went so far as to contact Jazzy’s breeder, make sure she’s still in the breeding business. (She’s older than me, so never hurts to check.) She is still breeding, said she would have a litter in September, but that’s too soon for me. I’m still trying to get myself and my house into shape. But maybe next year. She only does a litter a year, but she gives preference to repeat customers. Anyway, I was glad she was still breeding, Sams are hard to find.

  50. 50.

    Alison Rose

    @Goku (aka Amerikan Baka): I’ve fully resigned myself to the belief that we’re never getting Winds of Winter, let alone the final book. He just doesn’t give a damn.

    On the “not your bitch” thing………on one hand, I get it, but on the other……..we’re not his either, and the fact is, we pay his salary. If he didn’t have readers/viewers, he wouldn’t be where he is. Writers DO owe something to their readers, including the fucking respect of actually finishing what they start and not spending 90% of their time on other shit

    (Eta original comment was edited but I’m keeping mine the same because it’s a topic I’ve ranted about many times)

  51. 51.

    JoyceH

    @Yutsano: ​
     

    Heh – every so often the Sam groups get into the candy-mint-breath-mint thing going on – “Sams are a herding breed!” “Sams are a sledding breeds!” I think the real story is that some of the Nenets tribes had reindeer and some didn’t. If they did, the reindeer pulled the sleds and the Sams herded the reindeer. If they didn’t, then the Sams pulled the sleds.

  52. 52.

    Frankensteinbeck

    @Goku (aka Amerikan Baka):

    I stopped watching during season three when I figured out that the story was driven solely by Martin’s whims of the moment, and the deaths and suffering of characters I was investing in were meaningless, with no overarching plot purpose.  The Red Wedding and Ned Stark’s deaths happened because Martin was tired of their arcs and wanted to clear the stage.  I can’t find satisfaction in that.

  53. 53.

    Brooklyn Dodger

    It was great to see two Bull Terriers, the miniature and the standard, competing. Alas, they seemed to be invisible to the judge. Boo!

  55. 55.

    CaseyL

    @Frankensteinbeck: From what I’ve read, Martin did base many of the most ghastly events on actual history. It’s as if he sifted through the most violent eras and most horrible rulers in medieval Europe, and gathered them all in one place.

    ETA: And wouldn’t it be nice if one of the cable channels tried adapting a pseudo-Middle Ages epic that isn’t European-based, ffs.  When “Shogen” aired back in the 1970s, people went nuts over it – in part, I think, because it was set in medieval Japan, which was new territory to most viewers.​​
     

    ETA2: I, for one, would absolutely adore a mini-series about Genghis Khan.

  56. 56.

    dww44

    @TomatoQueen:  There must be something about Pekes that impresses show judges as they win a lot. For me that was not my favorite. I enjoy them lots more when breeds that don’t typically win garner top prize.

  57. 57.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    @Alison Rose:

    That’s what a lot of fans say nowadays. Until pretty recently, that Gaiman “not your bitch” post was the go to defense of Martin, but it seems 10 years of broken promises have soured pretty much everybody, it seems. It doesn’t get trotted out as often as it used to. Gaiman himself hasn’t seemed to have changed his mind on Martin. Which is understandable, given they’re longtime friends I think. But still, it was a ridiculous strawman even then. You’re absolutely right. It’s not unreasonable or entitled for people to assume a book series will be completed at some point, barring an author’s unfortunate passing, and be miffed that the writer seems to be dithering while leading readers on

  58. 58.

    coin operated

    From what I’m seeing…a hairy caterpillar won best in show?

    Oh…and the Sam in the working group was magnificent.

  60. 60.

    lige

    @Goku (aka Amerikan Baka):

    Yeah I like Gaiman but it was pretty condescending when he made that point now it’s just ridiculous.  I do think Martin has a point to all the misery he’s caused his characters and I also think he has a world class case of writers block (and I know how that works and I sympathize).  I remember reading a story about Hunter S Thompson where one of his writers locked him away in a hotel room to see if they could get him to finish a piece.  He managed something but they ended up having to hire Ralph Steadman to pad the book with a lot of illustrations.  I wonder if there’s an artist they could get to work with Martin?

  61. 61.

    Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)

    @Frankensteinbeck:

    That’s a shame. I considered getting into the series and/or show, but hearing that is disappointing. I had been doing some reading about the series on Reddit to see if any progress had been made on it, having heard great things about the books/tv series.

    I never had HBO (still don’t) while the show was airing and so I didn’t pay much attention to it. It was a pop cultural phenomenon for awhile though and it’s amazing how that disappeared overnight once the show ended.

    Given how badly the finale was received, I’m surprised HBO is going forward with all of these ASOIAF spinoffs for their streaming service

  63. 63.

    Ken

    @CaseyL: I, for one, would absolutely adore a mini-series about Genghis Khan.

    John Wayne in The Conqueror didn’t work for you either?

    I would like to see such a production give a nod to his political skills, but suspect the makers would focus on cavalry battles and possibly his successful efforts to become an ancestor of about half a percent of modern humanity.

  66. 66.

    CaseyL

    @Ken:

     

    John Wayne in The Conqueror didn’t work for you either?

     

    All I know about The Conqueror is what I read about it in “The 50 Worst Movies of All Time.” Sounds like a real, um, winner.

    There’s so much to his story, and the most interesting (to me) are the parts that aren’t on the battlefield. The political and financial innovations GK instituted made my jaw drop when I read about them. And his empire lasted so much longer than just about anyone else’s: 400 years!

    That’s why a mini-series, a la Shogun, would be infinitely better than a movie.

  67. 67.

    James E Powell

    @Goku (aka Amerikan Baka):

    If it comes it comes, but the number of people waiting for it goes down every year.

    The show’s ending, the story itself and the way it was handled, was pretty bad. Not as bad as Lost, but bad.

    There are several amateurs on youtube who propose better endings. What we had was two guys who wanted out of that job because they were moving on to bigger things. At the time, they were signed to do Star Wars films.

  68. 68.

    James E Powell

    Some epic series I’d like to see:

    The Crusades from the point of view of the Muslims

    Something in Mughal Empire India

    Habsburg Empire starting with the War of the Austrian Succession

     

    ETA – OMG, I’m talking to myself on a dead thread

  70. 70.

    Martin

    Hmm. Cheryl Alert.

    There’s a report of a radiological leak at Taishan nuclear reactor. Taishan is the first 3rd generation reactor to go online – about 3 years ago. China is understandably proud of this reactor.

    The report is from a French company that co-owns and operates the plant and was brought to the US NRC. Everything about that is odd. The French company is accusing China of raising the acceptable radiation levels around the plant so they wouldn’t need to report an incident. Doesn’t sound like a critical problem, but at the same time these newer reactor designs are supposed to be safer, and hiding an accident – even a small one, doesn’t instill confidence in nations that are already skeptical of the safety of nuclear.

  72. 72.

    NotMax

    @Martin

    Hm. Is there an accepted popular term equivalent to The China Syndrome if it takes place in the opposite hemisphere?

    ;)

  80. 80.

    LiminalOwl

    @CaseyL:  Isn’t “Black Leopard, Red Wolf” up for development? African-based, not European, and the book was beautifully written—enough to keep me reading despite more explicit violence than GoT. (But even cable might have to tone down the explicit gay sex—I dunno; I watch TV so rarely that I don’t know current standards.)

    “Children of Blood and Bone” woukd make a terrific mini-series too.

  83. 83.

    LiminalOwl

    @Alison Rose: Is it possible he gives a damn but just can’t do it? (I’m the child of two novelists. It happens, a lot.  My guess is that, having had the series change so much of the narrative, he can’t find his way back to his own vision.)

    And I loved the series. Including the last season.  FWIW.

    (My spouse the Duke agrees with you re:GRRM.  We have had this discussion too many times.)

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