Open Thread – Change is Coming!

OK, Mudflatters. These boots were made for walkin’!
Friday, late night Alaska time, The Mudflats will be “offline” for several hours while our technical Mudmistress Snoskred puts the finishing touches on our new home. Basically, what you can expect is a different look, which will allow more than four posts on the front page, a slightly different color scheme which will remain subdued so nobody’s rods and cones will go crazy, relocation of some of the features you’re used to seeing on the sidebar, a wider format, nested comments which will allow for easier discussion in the comments section, and other things which you will discover on your own.
Everything will remain at this url, and the name will remain the same. But, we’ll be rolling out the welcome mat for some awesome new contributors who will help to keep our content fresh, and full of variety. I am really excited about our new incarnation. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time, and the stars have finally aligned.
So one of the things we’ve been doing, is a good spring cleaning in the back rooms, and Snoskred came across something I thought you’d enjoy. We do this periodically just for fun to see what search terms people use that lead them here. Most of them are immediately recognizable, and are such things as “mudflats blog” or “Mayor Dan Sullivan Party Planner” or “Sarah Palin said something stupid again” but then there are others that make us laugh, or just shake our heads.
Here’s a great batch we scraped out of the March filters. Enjoy!
republican faith chat blog
long foreskin stories pictures
mudflats frumpits
do salmon rot after spawning
who is responsible for deceased family member s apartment
are fairy tales too scary for kids
i don t believe in interracial relationships
dear sean hannity what is the meaning of life?
snappy title for a witches leaflet
how to get palin off discovery
please give us one more oil boom this time we won t piss it away
bummpitts.com
what are some cities in alaska that you can go shopping?
happy condoms
raccoon poop
spawn till you die t shirt
huffinthing post










OH MY LOL
TGIF
fotfl – a much better start to this morning, indeed! (Yesterday started with 3 hours in the dentist’s chair – yeeeks)
Oh, yay! (not to be confused with oy, vey!) It’s Friday and the weekend changey thing has me all hopey and tingly with anticipation.
There’s a monitor-mopping creative writing piece in that lint you scraped out of the filters. I had several startling, giggle-making pictures spring to mind as I read the list, but where to begin?
*My Favorite Things melody runs through foggy mind…*
witches and salmon and palin and bumpits
hannity fairy tales and mudflats frumpits
meh, I’m no lynnrockets…but I’m still giggling
have a happy, all y’all
L’Shalom
in exile, bless your heart! *shudder*
Glad that’s over with…but I’d choose 3 hours in a dentist’s chair over 3 hours listening to the Screech Sisters and the Hater Boys…I think.
Ooooh…sounds like a band name, eh?
Screech Sisters and the Hater Boys….Gotta be head-bangers. *snort*
Vitamin D, anyone?
Florida friends of education, please phone/fax/contact Governor Crist today. He has the power to Veto Florida Senate Bill 6, House Bill 7189. By the time you read this, the vote may be already done.
Sources say his support for this legislation is waffling; time to send him some syrup and butter! http://www.flgov.com/contact_form
Laughing at the search terms.
Can’t wait to get settled in the new home!
For more info on Florida Senate Bill 6, House Bill 7189:
http://feaweb.org/
OK, off to the library. See you later, sweet potaters.
I second the TGIF – DH arrives home this evening after another LONG week away for work, and my caregiver (as lovely and helpful as she is) goes to her own home!
This is Autism Awareness month and one of our daughters works at the EFMP clinic on the Army post
that sees autistic patients. A walk-a-thon and fundraiser will be help at Fort Campbell main parade
field tomorrow from 9 to 12. Any other Mudpups who live in this area that I don’t know about are most welcome to come out for it. I’ll be sitting there in a purple folding chair at the main booth and will have Brian with me and will try to get a few shots of Brian in action.
It has also been a long winter without my two brothers, but they have returned and it will be so good to see them more often. Both winter in Florida – one with his son and the other and wife spend most of their time on their sailboat. As we all age and suffer the foibles that accompany the process, every bit of time we spend together is more precious to us. I’ve been telling them all about The Mudflats and I think one of them may start lurking and eventually start posting – he is even more passionately opposed to Sarah Palin than I am.
I’m very glad the name didn’t change. There were lots of catchy options which would be good for subject headers, but the current name is well-recognized and well-respected, so why risk a good thing?
Happy weekend to all.
Good morning one and all. And, I am sure happy to see that TGIF. Whoof, what a week.
AKM, can’t wait to see the redecoration. I am such a Luddite, I am sure to be lost, but will find my way.
Found out my friends in Anchorage are moving to Japan for heaven’s sakes. Now who will I visit? Argh.
HuffPost has a new story up, referencing Obama’s comments when asked about Palin’s criticism of his nuclear treaty with Russia. He is such a gentleman and handled it very diplomatically, when I’m sure he wanted to laugh her off! Comments are going through with no moderation.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/09/obama-dismisses-palins-cr_n_531286.html
I was so glad to see some of our regulars posting on a couple of other boards that carried the dismal reports on her speaking at the Spirits and Wine debacle in Las Vegas. She bombed badly and attendance was very low compared to what they expected. Several of the stories carry comments from attendees and not one had anything positive to say about her.
Happy Friday all! I’m greatly pleased that The Mudflats will remain The Mudflats. The only constant is change. ~ Isaac Asimov. Change is exciting and exhilerating and shivery in an anticipatory sense. We evolve.
Raining today which matches my mood somewhat. My DH left early yesterday for a six-week motorcycle trip to Mexico and Belize. I begged off as it’s a “guy” ride. This way they can scratch and belch to their hearts’ content. I’ll miss his scratchy, belchy self till he returns.
I did very much enjoy President Obama’s smack-down on the nuclear energy “expertise” of the former half-term ex-governor, what’s-er-name. Our POTUS has been a tireless worker for ridding the world of nuclear weapons since his Harvard days. It’s a great step in the right direction. And, in answer to the hysterical, pearl-clutchers swooning on their fainting couches, The Great God Reagan wanted a world free of nuclear weapons also. Too. You betcha.
I meant The Mudflats name. The rain is affecting my brain – I’m feeling muzzy.
I am very sad today and cannot quit crying. My best friend and constant companion for the last 14 years died last night and it hurts. I’m talking about my dog, Sadie. She was one of the sweestest, gentlest, and prettiest dogs it’s even been my pleasure to share my life with. I feel truly blessed to have had her in my life.
She showed up on my doorstep during a hail storm a little over 14 years ago. She was a big white ball of fluff. She love to swim, chase balls, and play with her toys. She was terrified of thunder storms, gun shots, and fireworks. She was my angel.
I will never be able to prove it, but I think someone poisoned her given the way she died and how quickly. And to add more pain, where I live you are not allowed to bury your pets in your yard anymore. They must be put out on the side of the road like a piece of trash.
LilLadyNY – I sympathize with you! DH, both sons-in-law, and grandson all go on those *man-trips*, although not to the length and breadth that yours is going. Although I don’t miss his scratching and belching whilst he is gone, I never complain when he is back home, once again scratching and belching! I hope the rain lets up and you can find lots of great things to do to have a great weekend of pampering yourself and doing whatever you want!
May favorite Palin smack down:
http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/36140_Excellent_Palin_Smack-Down_of_the_Day
Another story on HuffPost is about Al Barette. Lots of negative comments against the story, but favoring Barette. Most are from right wingers who think the opposition to Barette is because he is a Christian. Those concerned about his appointment to the Alaska Board of Game might want to put in their two cents.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/08/al-barette-alaska-board-o_n_531211.html
[((((Pearl))))]
Pearl: ((((((((Hugs))))))) I am deeply sorry for your loss. Doubly so at the inhumane way that you must put her to rest. My the joy she has given you help ease your pain.
Good luck with your new format and make over AKM
Looking forward to seeing it.
Pearl, I am so sorry. May Peace be with you.
Oh (((pearl))) I am so sorry. It hurts terribly to lose our precious friends.
What a terrible thing. I am outraged. She’s your family not trash!
Can you have her cremated? You can keep her ashes in a very pretty container or you can scatter her ashes in your garden.
(((((PEARL)))))
Being a huge dog lover- I am sad for you. That is a tough loss and even more brutal if what you suspect is true.
I have buried several dogs in Michigan- but since moving to Texas- lost 2 dogs, and had them cremated and put their ashes in a Hobby Lobby ornate box. I have their pictures on the box as well as a gentle note from the vet clinic.
Good luck to you.
Pearl {{{{{hugs}}}}}
I am so saddened by your news and wish your the strength to get through this hard time.
Sorry for your loss Pearl.
#13 GG2C
We’ll be flying out to Washington state later this year to pick up a new motorcycle that DH has purchased. Our “Baby” has over 200,000 miles and this will be her last trip. We’ll spend some time visiting with friends in the Issaquah area and then we’ll head to Vancouver Island. We were there several years ago and were unable to get to Tofino which we were told is most beautiful. I adored the Buchart Gardens and the ferry ride through the San Juan Islands. Then we’ll ride back home via Thunder Bay over the top of Lake Superior. It’s going to be a great trip that may take up to a month. My only concern is that it is a totally different bike from what I’m used to. Presently I can ride on the back of the Baby for hours and even doze off I’m that comfortable. Well, we’ll see how it goes.
Sorry to blather about this, but I’m excited about it.
Just read on one of the other blogs that Tina Fey will be doing a Sarah Palin satire on Saturday Night Live tomorrow night. I wasn’t able to find confirmation but I’ll watch……..just in case!
The bottom end of Lake Superior- from Canadian border through to Duluth is an awesome trip as well if you ever get the chance !
Thinking of you today Pearl. So sorry.
If Sarah Palin runs for President. I say we nominate Tina Fey.
Pearl, I am so sorry for your loss. My cat died and I wasn’t there to be with him as I had already moved to the States by then. He had to be put to sleep due to renal failure, he was quite old and in pain. My sister called me the day after to tell me and she reassured me that she stayed with him thru out the procedure. It still hurts to think about it. I hope you will find comfort in the friendship that you had with your beloved pet & friend.
It’s always a good start to the weekend when the President states (finally) the blatantly obvious!
He is so right! Sarah Palin is not qualified to be a dog catcher so WHY is she treated as if she has any credibility or expertise on any issue? Has everyone forgotten that “debate” she did with VP Biden? I can’t even use the word “debate” without snorting because she didn’t debate anyone! She just got up on that stage and parroted talking point after talking point like a silly twit! At one point during the debate she started talking energy and the question asked wasn’t even about energy!
I really would have loved it if Biden has just gotten exasperated and said:
“Do you have any f*ing idea what you are even talking about??! I am a US senator and VP nominee! I take this seriously! You’re just over there winking and pageant smiling your way thru this! Is this a JOKE??! Am I on Candid Camera??! Can I PLEASE get SOMEONE, ANYONE who can form coherent sentences to debate with??!”
@15 GreatGranny2C Says:
April 9th, 2010 at 5:43 AM
Another story on HuffPost is about Al Barette. Lots of negative comments against the story, but favoring Barette. Most are from right wingers who think the opposition to Barette is because he is a Christian. Those concerned about his appointment to the Alaska Board of Game might want to put in their two cents.
—————
Thanks for heads up…
Many of those commenting negatively also have NO understanding of Alaska BOG and the work it does…
and therefore have no clue what the flap is about…
Here is a good writeup about the smackdown. The comments are worth reading too.
“The president’s response was the right one. When dealing with issues of counter-proliferation and the nuclear threats of the 21st century, he can listen to credible and knowledgeable experts, including his secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, or he can listen to the bizarre rhetoric of a dimwitted former half-term governor of a small state, who appears to have no working knowledge of this or any other subject. It’s not a tough call. Why on earth would anyone give a damn what the clownish Sarah Palin thinks about arms control?
Which leads to the larger point: why is George Stephanopoulos using an idiotic quote from a dimwitted former half-term governor of a small state as the basis for a question to the president?”
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_04/023270.php
((((Pearl)))) I am thinking of you.
Morning AKM, and Pups…
awww.. Pearl…so sorry..(((hugs)))
25@ great grannie~ what channel is snl on?? also too time???
Oh pearl how sad…i’m very sorry
Teabaggers teepee’d
Fox asked whether Americans felt the Democratic Party, the Republican Party, or the Tea Party movement more closely represented their values. The results: 40% said Democratic Party, compared to just 25% and 19% for the GOP and teabaggers, respectively
http://jed-lewison.dailykos.com/
{{{pearl}}}
Pearl – contact your local veterinarians. One of them may have a pet cremator, and you can keep the ashes is a nice little container next to a favorite picture.
Pearl – so sad for your loss. It is so hard.
((((Pearl)))…thinking of you today.so very sorry for your loss.
((( Pearl )))
Am so very sorry for your loss
Lilady…. wow!! what a trip. i am so jealous. i hope you take Brian along and take some pictures.
AKM…. i can hardly wait for the new format. anything that gives you time with your loved ones is a good thing as far as i am concerned. don’t worry, your pups are gonna go nuts with happiness. there is going to be lots of puppy yips and yaps; barks and ‘buf’ sounds and i will be there yap yapping it up with all the rest.
thank you Queen of the Mudflats: you and the contributors make my life here in Juneau more bearable – every day I come here to get a dose of reality, sanity, entertainment, and usually a good laugh – and sometimes a gasp or two. Keep on keeping on. Can’t wait to see the new version, but don’t know how it can get any better………………………..!
{{{{Pearl}}}} I am so sorry for the loss of your much-loved furry friend! I would probably misbehave, and bury in the back yard anyway, even if it meant a midnight service!
@34 Star..SNL is on NBC. Can’t wait!
{{{{{Pearl & Sadie}}}}}}}}}}
Oh my dear Pearl – I would simply ignore the law and under cover of dark, would find a nice spot for her. I lost my old girl last year and chose a large plastic container that could be securely sealed and added duct tape as an extra precaution. Flowers have been planted all over her corner spot, I hung a plaque with her name and years, and my wonderful son-in-law made me a lovely bench and I still find comfort (and tears) when I frequently go *visit* with her. We never forget them and we never get over them. Just know that she is always with you.
LilLadyNY – You will have a marvelous time up in the great NorthWest! We were stationed at Fort Lewis (near Tacoma) for nearly 4 years and went everywhere we could. We also loved Vancouver, the Gardens, the Ferry…….and every inch of Seattle. I think we sampled food at every waterfront restaurant there. I’m sure you’ll settle into/onto the new ride really fast. I no longer go on any rides and I do miss the fun of it all and seeing so many exciting places. Enjoy it all while you can!
((((pearl)))) I’m so sorry about your friend Sadie. We had our golden retriever, Aspen, cremated and spread his ashes in when we planted a plum tree in our front yard. I think of my handsome, sweet, good friend whenever I look at that tree. Soon it will blossom.
Pearl, I am so sorry for your loss, I understand your pain. If you can cremation is a great way to go. You can do what you choose with the ashes, but we have 3 of our beloveds in urns on a shelf in our house along with pictures. I’m sure that you would feel much better doing that than putting her out with the trash. I can’t even imagine how painful that would be. It sounds like your Sadie was wonderful and had a great life with you. We have our Sadie’s ashes and pictures and it really is comforting. My best to you.
Sue
I am eager to see your new look.
My fave response to the latest Palin attack on the President:
“That woman is an idiot”.
Hear hear.
{{{Pearl}}}} My thoughts are with you. I am so sorry for your loss…. it is never easy.
AKM, I am so looking forward to the changes you are bringing to this blog.
I look forward to the new look..
President Obama said it all to George Stephanopolis this morning, Palin don’t know nothing! I think we should dub her Palinadinejad since she is so much like that nutcase in Iran. Do you think they could be cousins?
Heartfelt hugs to Pearl for the loss of loyal companion and playful friend, Sadie.
thatcrowwoman Says:
April 9th, 2010 at 3:14 AM
*My Favorite Things melody runs through foggy mind…*
witches and salmon and palin and bumpits
hannity fairy tales and mudflats frumpits
meh, I’m no lynnrockets…but I’m still giggling
hahahahahahahha
Saturday Night Live
NBC (Direct TV is channel #4 in my area, which is southwestern KY)
11:30 Eastern
10:30 Central
And the website does show Tina Fey will be on!
(((Pearl))) I am so sorry for your loss. I am thing of you and Sadie.
Pearl–is cremation an option?
@pearl…….oh, I’m so sorry for your loss…somebody mentioned cremation, then you don’t have to ‘discard’ her and can keep her with you. she must have had a wonderful life to live so long…sorry it was cut short.
#42 @ bubbles – I’ll be sure to do that. It’s going to be a great trip.
#26 @teutonic 13 – Looks like we’ll have to add a couple of weeks to this trip. LOL
#47 @GG2C – I loved the fish tossing and cherry chucking at Pike St Market and walking up and down the steep streets. Whew. You can get huge bunches of flowers for next to nothing at the end of the day. Our last visit out that way was to Sierra Hot Springs and then to Mendocino where all the old hippies have gone to live and then North on the Pacific Coast Highway. It was a tremendous trip. I learned that the coast of Oregon is sand dunes! Who knew?
@pearl – I agree with the others who would do a burial in the back yard under cover of darkness.
@45~ trish…thank you….
Great Granny @15
Thank you for the Huffington Post link.
Can’t believe SP would be so stupid to compare the use of Nuclear weapons to kids on a play ground. And to think she knows more than the experts at the Pentagon is purely insane. If I recall, it took only two nuclear weapons on Japan to stop WW11. And how many do we have ready to go? Think something like enough that we could destroy the entire world. UGH!!!!!!!
Has she even given the thought as to how much money it takes to make, store and protect these weapons? No—I forgot—she doesn’t think. She just runs off her big mouth. The sad thing is, that so many idiots like her, believe every thing that comes out of her big mouth.
I see that the Southern Leadership Conference is about to come on CNN with Sarah Palin to speak. Wonder what Bull S she will sprew today?
LilyLadyNY~ awwww…Mendocino is my favorite place….soooo envious of you…Make sure to have a glass of wine and sit on the curb…sooo many memories…all good…
#64 @Star – I completely fell in love with Mendocino. It’s charming and warm and quirky. We happened to be visiting there during a music festival and it remains a great memory.
Lacy Lady: I am sure Palin’s infantile brain is SEETHING with indignant outrage as we speak. How dare the President tell the truth about her! That she is NOT an expert on nuclear policy (…..or anything else)!
So yeah, we look forward to more clenched-jaw venom from our favourite Alaskan Anger Bunny.
I’m sure there will be more teleprompter jokes, hand-o-prompter self congratulations and general idiocy…..proving yet AGAIN, she is unqualified for anything but grifting.
I say, bring it on Sarah, bring on the snark and the juvenile taunts. Keep reminding the voters who are the adults in the room. Hint: It’s not you!
=)
sorry…..infantile “brain”.
Trying to be positive …. change is good. change is good. change is good. Hope and change are good. But I will miss this look; I have always found the Mudflats to be so user friendly. Alas.
Oh, pearl, {{{{{hugs for you}}}}}. What a time you’ve had this past year. I wish I could be there to give you that hug in person.
palin speaking right now…sorry, but I always feel compelled to turn her off…I can’t listen to her voice…seriously! the same thing that forces me to turn away, is most likely the same thing that hypnotizes her base…seriously! …only they don’t have the intelligence nor the strength to repel the evil.
if this looks familiar, I just posted this to my FB page too.
((((((((Pearl)))))))))))
I am so sorry for your loss of your dear friend. May her spirit travel with you and comfort you as you remember all the cheer she imparted to your spirit during your time together.
70 Lainey Says:
April 9th, 2010 at 9:54 AM
palin speaking right now…sorry, but I always feel compelled to turn her off
__________
just changed the channel myself…I’m amazed at the coverage they give this woman, i cant stand to listen to her or watch her.
I’m seeing twitter blogging coming in re: Palin’s speech. Did she really say that the EPA = Economic Punishment Agency ? And call POTUS a part-time senator ?
And did Fox really cut from a Palin speech to go to the Prez ??
((((((((((Pearl)))))))))
Hugs, hugs and more hugs. I had my babies cremated so that I could spread their ashes in places that they loved (or would have loved) to be. It is so hard to let go. Sadie’s spirit will always be with you as her heart is your heart. DH says that dogs take our hearts and we give them ours, so when they leave us, it is like having your heart torn out. That is why it hurts so badly. But I believe that we share our hearts so we never really lose them. They just walk there, instead of beside us. I hold you in my heart today. Wish I could dry your tears. Kleenex?
#
73
BuffaloGal Says:
April 9th, 2010 at 10:06 AM
I’m seeing twitter blogging coming in re: Palin’s speech. Did she really say that the EPA = Economic Punishment Agency ? And call POTUS a part-time senator ?
And did Fox really cut from a Palin speech to go to the Prez ??
____________________________
Tamron Hall From MSNBC called the speech very sarcastic and scaving (sp)
didn’t expect anything else from Palin !
Oh my……I just heard SP’s speech on MSNBC – she is seething with jabs at the President. Then, President Obama does a press conference and the difference in the tone was of both coverages is so dramatic. President Obama finished his address with a Psalm, comforting the families in West Virginia.
Funny thing, as he was speaking the door behind him swung open a bit, from the wind, then slammed shut. I thought to myself, wow, maybe God was telling Sarah that he was shutting her door. If she thinks she represents Jesus, and snarks and spews venom, and criticizes someone about being a community adviser, she needs to read the bible again, where Jesus said to those who helped others, “well done, good and faithful servant”.
whoops! meant “community organizer”.
and i know this has been mentioned many times but the dixie chicks where almost run out of the country for saying something about President Bush but the stuff coming out of Sarah Palins and others mouths are beyond pale and i can’t believe the disrespect and almost right out hatred being directed at President Obama
6
rebekkah Says:
April 9th, 2010 at 10:24 AM
Oh my……I just heard SP’s speech on MSNBC – she is seething with jabs at the President. Then, President Obama does a press conference and the difference in the tone was of both coverages is so dramatic. President Obama finished his address with a Psalm, comforting the families in West Virginia.
________________________________
He has more decency and humanity in his little finger than she has in her whole being.
@pearl: So very, very sorry for your loss. Hugs & tea (hot or iced). My dear cousin Ed (my mother’s first cousin) has also died, just the way he wanted to (peacefully, in his sleep). Cousin Paula (one of his two daughters, there are also three sons, a bunch of grandkids & 2 great-grandkids) couldn’t get him on the phone, so she went to his house (upper Bucks County, PA) and found him in bed, magazine on chest. He’d hoped to go in his sleep, and did (he was 91). We’ll miss him, and please send good thoughts to us & especially to his surviving brother, Barney, in San Diego. Life does go on, and it’s a beautiful day in the East Village. Many of the trees are shedding blossoms, and there are so many on 14th Street today that it almost looks like snow. Gorgeous. Health and peace to all.
Twain. Yes, Sarah’s hatred sure showed this time. I think this will do her in politically, hopefully. She needs an anger management course. No one should allow that woman to have any political control. It’s obvious she thinks she’s in a playground and the little black boy beat her at a game, and she’ll never forget it. She’s like Captain Ahab in a red jacket and naughty monkey pumps.
rebekkah that is also my hope that all her talk will be her downfall
Sarah Palin’s popularity is based on her sex appeal to angry white men and her “I wanna be like her” sex appeal to the flocks of angry white women. If she were over weight and unattractive she would not have the same following. Her fans support the venom that spews out of her mouth and because she doesn’t look like the snake that she is, they fall all over themselves in adoration. Only thinking conservatives see her for what she is but there are fewer and fewer of them as the days go by.
An update from the earlier post with the link to the Washington Monthly article:
“For what it’s worth, though, I continue to think the question was a mistake. Whatever one thinks of Palin, the quote Stephanopoulos read to the president was, at best, inane. No matter how big Palin’s right-wing following, or how serious her ambitions, there’s simply no honest or intellectually serious way to suggest she knows anything about this subject.
Palin’s quote, in other words, was baseless nonsense. The president knew it was nonsense; Stephanopoulos knew it was nonsense; every reasonable observer watching knew it was nonsense.”
I like the idea of whatever god you believe in slamming the door in Sarah’s face. Sorry, missy, you are not invited in. Now go work on being a “real” Christian.
Why can Palin get away with being so outright rude about our President? I remember growing up that my teachers told me- “you can’t speak poorly of the President.” Regardless of who they were- and even though my political views were different- I respected the fact that they were voted in by the majority. There is such a lack of respect for the President, it saddens me. Do they honestly believe that those who think differently than the Palin love fest will be standing there with open arms when we have a future Republican President in office? This is sad and more people should take note that this lack of civility will further divide.
Pearl- sorry for your loss. I don’t know you but I can surely feel for you.
Ya gotta love dem Freudian slips !
I decided to attempt watching the Palin speech. Not even 30 seconds in to it the guy introducing her refers to her “mediocre rise” rather than “meteoric ” .
ha!!!
If you care to Palinboard yourself, here’s the link:
http://usaguns.net/patriots/sarahsrlc.html
OMG @83 – that Fantasy World aspect reminded me of a post today at Dispatches From the Cullture Wars, regarding that deathless classic, Richard Hofstadter’s The Paranoid Style in American Politics:
“We are all sufferers from history, but the paranoid is a double sufferer, since he is afflicted not only by the real world, with the rest of us, but by his fantasies as well.”
Sarah doesn’t really give a speech, but rather tosses out loaded phrases as if playing to those fantasies by pushing the buttons on an accordian.
http://scienceblogs.com/dispatches/2010/04/the_paranoid_style_in_american.php
What’s a totaly mystery to me is how this group could ever be induced to deal with reality – they’ll go to their graves fat and comfortable and well-cared-for compared to the rest of the world, all the while crying about how persecuted they are.
the sad part is that the smart Republicans know that there are rocks in Alaska smarter than she is. However, they would sell their souls for her votes. That folks is sad. They might as well have Beck or Limbaugh as their VP. I am from a heavily Republican state where echos of socialism and taking our country is a belief. Talk about scary.
(((((pearl))))) I shed sad tears for your loss and happy tears for the joy you shared with your most excellent dog and friend, Sadie. So sorry for your loss.
Loved that Obama smackdown. The woman can do nothing but spew hate. I hope her thyroid croaks and she gain 265 pounds.
This may have been posted on an earlier post but I’ve been out of town so….
Apparently Palin bombed at the Wine and Spirits convention:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/08/sarah-palin-spoke-at-a-wi_n_530934.html
Tee Hee…someone live blogged. It won’t be long before her bookings start to decline, except of course for the rabid right.
More from the Wine and Spirits convention:
http://fermentation.typepad.com/fermentation/2010/04/sarah-palin-and-americas-wine-wholesalers-a-bust.html
It’s a short article but the last paragraph is a must read!
#80 @Zyxomma
Condolences to your family on the loss of your beloved cousin and to his brother as well. Please find comfort in his long life which I am sure was filled with many adventures and stories and that he passed away in peace in his home as he wished. That is a blessing we could all wish for.
#93 OMG
That article and the comments are a sharp slap to the vapid Mrs. Palin. In fact, all the articles I have read about her screech at the WWSA are of a like mind. So taking that into consideration coupled with the President’s smack-down of her nu-cu-lar “expertise”, I am not at all surprised that she’s spewing venom. She’s proved time and again, that she cannot take criticism, real or implied. Very thin-skinned she is.
Too bad. Suck it up Buttercup.
Sarah – you are nothing but a dumb aleck. Good luck with that. Rotten tomatoes are too good for the likes of you – dog poo would be a much more fitting item to fling at your stupidity and snark.
Pearl – it’s never easy to lose a tried and true companion, but the suddenness of your loss makes it even tougher. Do come back and talk to us – and I hope you found a way to sneakily bury your furry friend or to have her cremated. But if not – don’t let that be your last memory. She would not have wanted you to suffer over the part of her she left behind. She’s playing and running in dog heaven and watching over you. I felt my forever dog’s presence for months after his death. People may think I’m whacky but there was no question in my mind. Or hubby’s. A bond that strong does not break easily, and in many ways, it never goes away. Hugs and more hugs!
Get out your photos and make a collage. Write a poem. Put up a website, or create a blog just for you to talk about, or to, Sadie. You will find the honoring of your dear friend in a physical way is a huge comfort.
I just caught about five minutes of her blather – she recycled the palm, teleprompter, old school thing plus “drill baby drill” and “stall baby stall.” I didn’t think there was a huge response from the audience – even they are getting sick of it.
Rebekka, I agree with you. She just can’t let go of the fact that a black man beat her and she still thinks she is on the playground, taunting and teasing. She is consumed with hatred. Sarah Palin is one sick, twisted, vindictive excuse for a human being who never progressed from adolescence, and I am being nice here.
Also, while I am having a rant, the American media should be ashamed of themselves. Why not call a spade a spade? She is ratings gold to the media. They are willing to promote her because people are fascinated with her utter stupidity. It is time to call a halt.
George Steponlotsofguts hopefully did some serious damage to his career in the last 24 hours. What a ridiculous question to ask the President. George has been trying to defend his position on the Huffpo.
@ Zyxomma, that was a lovely way for your cousin to die. I am sending good thoughts to you. Oddly enough, I have been to Bucks County – a lovely part of the world.
Looking forward to the new format. Nested comments will help my challenged brain follow the discussions.
#87 BuffaloGal
Not even 30 seconds in to it the guy introducing her refers to her “mediocre rise” rather than “meteoric ” .
****************
Funny! Made my day! I can’t deal with watching her and appreciate hearing about her speeches. I watched The Daily Show last night. Even the brief clip of her shrieking had me spouting obscenities at my tv.
Tina Fey brings back Palin April 10. She’s hoping to wear that sweat biker jacket, also, too. Can’t wait!
All I can picture right now about Sarah is that she’s taking out all of her personal stress on her rants. Since her rants are nastier and closer together, her personal life must be a living he11. When she’s alone – she’s lost. When she’s surrounded by others, she’s sucking the life out of them to make up for the time she has to spend alone. Being infamous and quickly gathering fortune are two major stressors – no matter what Sarah tries to portray. She fuels herself with anger, and of course the sucking out of other people’s souls when she can. Whatever she portrays on the surface, you can bet it is not what is really going on behind the scenes! That thought just makes my day!
Zyxomma my condolences
Remember towards the end of the 2008 campaign, McCain’s demeanor and speaking style can only be described, at best, “snarling”?
Palin is rapidly getting there. I know she “seems” attractive – but listen to her for a few minutes, study her facial expression for a minutes you will see the twisted bitterness welling inside her and bubbling over. Sarah Palin gives a whole new meaning to the word “vicious”.
All the hate, resentment and bitterness is displayed in every feature of her face and her body language, let alone the snarling tone of her words. She hates the President with a passion because…….he won the election. Maybe the race thing is an issue too, I can’t speak for her on that front but I think it’s safe to say that she wouldn’t put him out if he were on fire.
Too bad – she’s gonna reap the whirlwind someday from the seeds of hate she sows.
@Zyxomma…very sorry for the loss of your cousin…at least he did go as we would all like to…in our sleep. I am so near San Diego, so I will send out good thoughts to you and his brother.
zyxomma: I am sorry for your loss. What a great way to go though.
The truely sad and very frightening thing is that SP believes every word that she spouts (IMHO). She is a black hole that sucks the energy off of every living thing that comes close enough to her. I shall stay far, far away.
Why the H*** would someone (George) ask the President of the United States what he thinks about what a half-time quitter is saying? She hold NO political position, she hasn’t been elected to the Senate, the White House….nothing…nada
She is a botox addict blogger. By her own description would mean that she is a loser who sits in her parents basement in her PJ’s. Who cares.
like the dixie chicks, I hope and pray that palin’s fan’s turn on her with a vengeance! …it could happen…remember how the Beatles were banned for a moment in time for their “Jesus” comment…of course, this was in the Bible belt…can’t really go by what happens there…but that is palin’s base…the religious narrow-minded, sheepish zealots.
George Stephanopoulas (sp) is so right wing, in my opinion…he seems to always want to stir things up…I don’t listen to his show…but it was so wrong of him to waste that question on the president…moron!
It’s all about attitude , baby !! This lady rocks.
http://i.imgur.com/3RFri.jpg
Whoa !!
http://i.imgur.com/gpIEi.png
MarthaUYS…………..She fuels herself with anger, and of course the sucking out of other people’s souls when she can. Whatever she portrays on the surface, you can bet it is not what is really going on behind the scenes! That thought just makes my day!
*************************************************************************
makes my day also. too.
# 81 rebekkah Says:
April 9th, 2010 at 10:36 AM
Twain. Yes, Sarah’s hatred sure showed this time. I think this will do her in politically, hopefully. She needs an anger management course. No one should allow that woman to have any political control. It’s obvious she thinks she’s in a playground and the little black boy beat her at a game, and she’ll never forget it. She’s like Captain Ahab in a red jacket and naughty monkey pumps.
AND
# 91 Paula Says:
April 9th, 2010 at 11:18 AM
Loved that Obama smackdown. The woman can do nothing but spew hate. I hope her thyroid croaks and she gain 265 pounds.
——-
If she keeps up the anger, the stress will surely mess up her thyroid. Then the stress might actually do the rest of us some good.
Sorry if a repost but it’s a really good article :
“Exposing Glenn Beck as a Dangerous Fraud ”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-cesca/exposing-glenn-beck-as-a_b_528966.html
**** …. most days I intentionally ignore Glenn Beck posts and videos on the blogs. My recurring reaction is generally twofold. One: he’s exhausting to watch because just as I’m wrapping my head around one line of googly-eyed horseshit, he belts out another ridiculous, melodramatic or dangerous line, and before I know it, I’m faced with a log-jam of crazy, forcing me to scramble for either an oxygen mask or a stiff drink. And, two: why pay attention to the television equivalent of an escaped mental patient screaming gibberish on the median strip at a busy intersection?
But to underestimate Glenn Beck as just some sort of random extra from Cuckoo’s Nest, as I admittedly have done, is a mistake as it barely scratches the surface of what his scam is all about. A schizoid raving street loon tends to command attention purely for the freak show curiosity of passers by, yet the nonsense is rarely taken seriously.
This isn’t the case with Glenn Beck. Several million people every day take his word for it. ****
One city in Alaska that you can go shopping in would be Ketchikan where you can also get find the guy who is responsible for those “spawn til you die” t shirts. Would you prefer a mudflats frummpit with that raccoon poop or Huffingthing post with those bummpitts? Snappy title for a witches leaflet? “Bitchin’ Witches–a Fairytale too Scary for Kids.” Will asking Sean Hannity the meaning of life get Palin off Discovery and into happy condoms? Learn more at Republican Faith Chat and Blog.
The only part that makes me sad is that we’ll miss Republican POTUS wannabees eat her alive in the primaries. Imagine her debating her own party, and oh, yeah, Obama. It’d just be SO fun to watch, and rewatch, laughing for hours on end, commenting for hours, laughing some more… winking can only getcha so far.
Obama smacked ‘er good, but he was cool and classy through the whole thing. Two things Palin knows nothing about. Snark!
Rainforest Action Network sent me an email which included the following:
“The reality on-the-ground for coalfield residents, as we’ve witnessed all too clearly this week with the tragic coal mining disaster in West Virginia, is that coal continues to have a devastating impact on the future of Appalachia. It is time for coal country to become clean energy country. The next administration’s EPA could overturn these new guidelines in a flash. Let’s guarantee our mountains, waterways and communities are protected from MTR forever, and that Appalachia becomes a priority region for clean energy development. We want nothing less than a full ban on mountaintop removal and we believe, with this win at our backs and your help, we can make it happen in 2010.”
Share this message with your friends and help finish MTR once and for all.
I don’t know how many of you have ever seen a strip mine, or a mountain that’s had its head blown off. It’s too disgusting for words, and I’m a word person.
OT, thanks, everyone, for your thoughtfulness. I’ll certainly miss my dear cousin, but he had a long and fulfilling life, and really missed his wife Shirley, who passed years ago, and not nearly so peacefully. He deserved to go quietly, and did. Cousin Ed was a “machine genius.” At the age of four, he was given a Victrola which he disassembled and reassembled into perfect working order. Next, he took apart a clock, and put it back into working order without some of its parts! He spent his career flying all over the world repairing knitting machines (first the mechanical ones, later the computerized versions). Once he “retired,” he spent part of his time repairing clocks, and he collected some beauties. A beautiful, peaceful end for a beautiful, peaceful man. Quyana for all your support.
Love, health, and peace.
National Geographic article online about MTR…only one picture online, but worth a gazillion words.
http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/earth/surface-of-the-earth/when-mountains-move.html
National Geographic timelapse video of MTR:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/03/100311-mountaintop-mining-west-virginia/
and another National Geographic piece (with another photo):
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2006/03/mountain-mining/mitchell-text.html
I have to disagree with many here about “The Question” asked by George of POTUS. This is what I wrote on HuffPo:
“““““
George was very wise with that question. No matter what *any* GOPers feel or have said on the issue, they are all only of ‘local’ interest – no one cares what GOP-leader Jones from Podunk thinks about it, except the folks in Podunk. …EVERYONE is interested in the next bit of word salad from $P, though.
Whether people pay attention to/notice $P out of their adoration of her [the bots] or are constantly aware of her blatherings out of disgust [the sane and rational amongst us] people DO have an interest in $P.
Since George cited $P [she *is*, after all, the defacto spokesperson for ALL the naysayers to *any* Obama/Obama administration action], POTUS was able to gently but firmly show the rationality from which the administration’s nuclear policy/treaty springs…and smack h3ll out of the idjusts like $P and Newt Gingrich et. al. who are so terminally clueless they still have NO idea how really stu.pid and truly idi.ot.ic they are.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I don’t think any other ‘voice’ would’ve been quite as effective as a starting-point for either Stephanopoulos *or* POTUS — Stephanopoulos chose someone who has a ginormous audience [either because of adoration *or* fascination with a trainwreck in progress] to quote, and POTUS was able to not only smack Missy Quitty down with gentlemanly decorum, he was able to politely say to all the others [those $P-ish/Newt-ish twits with selective and skewed remembering of US history *facts!* AND/OR limited intelligence] to STFU because they, too, have *no* idea what they’re talking about.
I think George did *exceedingly* well…and POTUS?, well, he continued with POTUSing as he always does: with intelligence, deliberation, intelligence, thoughtfullness, intelligence, calmness, intelligence… (you get the picture). beth.
{{{pearl}}} Wishing you many warm memories of Sadie to mend your broken heart.
*waving to Moose Pucky*
{{{Zyxomma and Barney}}} I’ll remember you both, and Ed, in prayers tonight. L’Shalom, dear one.
Rene @ 86 says, “Why can Palin get away with being so outright rude about our President? I remember growing up that my teachers told me- “you can’t speak poorly of the President.” Regardless of who they were- and even though my political views were different- I respected the fact that they were voted in by the majority.”
I don’t know about your neck of the woods, but here in Florida, Civics is no longer a Required Credit in grades 6-12. It’s not on the F-CAT, so it’s no longer Required, though some schools may offer Civics as an Elective class. Can you imagine? It isn’t teachers and our nefarious union that changes Required Credits for Graduation; that would be the Florida Department of Education’s mandation. This happened on Jeb’s watch. Hmmm.
The current Republ-ICK leadership has not set a good example for their members to follow when it comes to civil discourse, and has done nothing to address the outrageous behavior of their members. That’s how she’s been getting away with it. She seems highly unstable, and I’m pretty sure that Patriot Act domestic surveillance has her number(s), if you get my drift. (Hey, $arah, how’s that Patriot Act working for ya now, eh?)
Public education and public libraries are the very cornerstones of democracy if you ask me. And even if you don’t.
BuffaloGal @87 says, “If you care to Palinboard yourself…”
You made me snort again! I just can’t take Sistah Screech. I’m pretty sure that voice Could be used as an instrument of torture. Palinboarding.
*snort*
*shudder*
on to read page 3 of the comments
I just have to say it – Palin isn’t a pig in lipstick, she’s a boar in lipstick.
{{{{Pearl}}}} I am so sorry for the loss of your much-loved furry friend! I would probably misbehave, and bury in the back yard anyway, even if it meant a midnight service!
I would concur with this post by Trish in S’W FL..we lived on a farm so even with those kinds of laws we buried Our cats 2, Birds 2 and one Dog and had crosses for them.Where I live now it would have to be undercover of darkness but maybe not because we have a high fence.So sorry for your loss Pearl.
Chevron rejects Legislature’s bid to buy building: http://community.adn.com/adn/node/151111
Martha Unalaska Yard Sign @ 96 says,
“I felt my forever dog’s presence for months after his death. People may think I’m whacky but there was no question in my mind. Or hubby’s. A bond that strong does not break easily, and in many ways, it never goes away. Hugs and more hugs!
Get out your photos and make a collage. Write a poem. Put up a website, or create a blog just for you to talk about, or to, Sadie. You will find the honoring of your dear friend in a physical way is a huge comfort.”
I don’t think you’re wacky…well, not about this anyway. *wink*
I find you comforting and brilliant. I think you’re inspired; at least, you’ve inspired me. I’ve got boxes of pictures… 2 months until summer vacation…I love Arts & Crafts!
Irishgirl @97 says, “…Also, while I am having a rant, the American media should be ashamed of themselves. Why not call a spade a spade? She [$arah] is ratings gold to the media. They are willing to promote her because people are fascinated with her utter stupidity….”
You know I love you like a sister, right? Now I don’t know about on your side of the pond, but in American English, calling a spade a spade could be twisted with racist innuendo, especially by the teabaggy types. Just so you know. They’ll grab those spades and dig their racist holes and miss your point that the American media is not direct and honest and plain-spoken with the facts about their motives:milking granny cash cow for all she’s worth. Eeewww, just grossed myself out; my apologies to cows everywhere. {{{Irishgirl}}} *shutting my fekkin mouth* (Gotta add that fekkin to my dictionary, also, too…don’t think I spelled it the Irishgirl way)
I think I’m with curiouser about the nested comments, but wonder how going back to see new nests will work…My dear old daddy’s compulsive tendencies run deep in my blood. Ever since my first trip to the Mudflats, I read the oldest post first, then all the comments (again, oldest first)…and especially since I abandoned my hushpuppy days, by the time I finish reading one post and the comments and commenting, the conversation may be pages ahead of me. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…I am a pitifully slow peck peck pecketty peck peck typist, and enjoy every moment splashing in the mud puddles here.
Now, I really am going on to page 3, then all the rest of today’s posts.
*splish splash*
Apologies. A spade is a shovel in Ireland. I had no idea that that would be misinterpreted. Must learn to keep my feckin’ mouth shut.
“The president’s response was the right one. When dealing with issues of counter-proliferation and the nuclear threats of the 21st century, he can listen to credible and knowledgeable experts, including his secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff, or he can listen to the bizarre rhetoric of a dimwitted former half-term governor of a small state, who appears to have no working knowledge of this or any other subject. It’s not a tough call. Why on earth would anyone give a damn what the clownish Sarah Palin thinks about arms control?
Which leads to the larger point: why is George Stephanopoulos using an idiotic quote from a dimwitted former half-term governor of a small state as the basis for a question to the president?
In effect, the “GMA” host was saying, “Some conspicuously unintelligent right-wing media personality said something stupid about a subject she knows nothing about. Mr. President, how do you respond?”
Here’s a thought: why should he be expected to respond? When doing an interview after a key development on international affairs, why not stick to the perspectives of grown-ups?”
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_04/023270.php
I think that maybe I am not au fait with rascist speak.
racist
Helen…just saw yer apology fer the word “spade”… a spade is a particular style of shovel fer me as a farmer…do not apologize
A “spade” is also a suit in playing cards.
Good grief…are we getting so itchy about words now???
Irishgirl @125, a spade is a shovel here in the US, too also… just not so much, anymore.
I did the googles of the words “spade” and “negro” to see if I could find a definitive date for when the former came into [derogatory] use for the latter ~ I found a whole bunch of sites [seems to be 1926ish - as in: "black as the Ace of Spades" found in a deck of playing cards] BUT that’s not *all* I found in the googles…
I came across this little gem of a site:
“Republican Faith Chat
Conservative Christians ONLY. Liberals, Atheists Not Welcomed.”
says their banner.
Lo and behold, THIS is the page the googles link took me to:
“Is America Really Ready For Negro Trash in the WHITE House?”
http://baptistsforbrown2008.wordpress.com/2008/09/01/is-america-really-ready-for-negro-trash-in-the-white-house/
The ‘article’ and the comments are… are… are…
I have no words to describe them.
Literally, none. You’ll just have to read it for yourselves. [WARNING: Don your incredulous hats, first.]
Even though I have no words to convey the content of the page and site, I certainly did get one of my biggest chuckles of the day out of this [also posted on the above-linked page]:
~~~~~~~
“MODERATOR’S NOTE: I have deleted this post. This has to be the 10TH time I have had to ask some not to post while under the influence of liquor or demons. You wind up posting either foul or incomprehensible things and it does not reflect well on the body of our blessed Savior. Friends, think twice before pouring and typing.”
~~~~~~~
In context with the WHOLE *REST* of the stuff (and let me assure you, I’m being *very* polite with that word) posted on the page (and site!) it struck me as incredibly funny!
Talk about ‘christian’ love! Talk about Republ-ICK [h/t thatcrowwoman] ‘thought’! Talk about mixing ‘religion’ and unmitigated bigotry! Talk about sprinkling Jesus all over trashtalk! Talk about unfekkinbelievable! YOWZA! beth.
I can’t quote the “B*tch” , but she made a sarcastic remark about President Obama on his visit to Afghanistan and sided with President Karsi (sp).
Then she thanked the military people in the audience for their service.
I wonder what these military people thought about this? After all, if they served in Afghanistan, they put their lives on the line . And their mission was what??????? I am confused.
The site Beth mentioned seems to be snark to me; I’ve seen another Baptist one like that but I can’t remember the name of it.
The problem, as I see it, Irish my educated friend, is that no one should set aside their learning, their culture and the poetry in their soul, because folk elsewhere interpret a word differently and scurrilously to boot.
The expression, calling a spade a spade was introduced to English in 1542. It was a translation of Erasmus:
“Philippus aunswered, that the Macedonians wer feloes of no fyne witte in their termes but altogether grosse, clubbyshe, and rusticall, as they whiche had not the witte to calle a spade by any other name then a spade.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_call_a_spade_a_spade
In Scotland, it’s often used to go beyond the idea of speaking plainly and honestly to mean being somewhat over-blunt, as in the expression: He calls a spade a bloody shovel! (that’s a feckin’ shovel to some)
40……That is what I meant.
I was just speaking plainly .
Irishgirl, forgive me, darlin’…I didn’t mean to come off as scolding you, or itchy about words (good description, justafarmer)… only meant to let you know that in some contexts…meh…I probably should have just kept My feckin’ mouth shut.
Forty Watt said it best, “The problem, as I see it, Irish my educated friend, is that no one should set aside their learning, their culture and the poetry in their soul, because folk elsewhere interpret a word differently and scurrilously to boot.”
In the context of your comment, spade wasn’t even a tiny bit racist (or rascist as Eddie Burke spells it), and I didn’t mean to imply that at all. DH Happy and friends played spades (a card game) to while away some hours in the Army. We have spades and shovels in our garden. She-cat was spade so as not to have kittens…no wait, that’s spayed.
Bloody long week, bloody feckin’ tired, and so sorry for creating a kerfuffle on a Friday, the eve of Our Big Move. Tomorrow we get to explore our renovated Mudflats!
Sweet dreams, everyone, and Shalom Bayit. Peace in our Homes.
FecK off Sarah Palin!
{{{{{{thatcrowwoman}}}}}}
Well, I guess I’m learning with you Irish. I still use the phrase ‘call a spade a spade’. My meaning, of course, calling it out for what it is.
Now feck, on the other hand, I have raised some eyebrows with.
thatcrowwoman, don’t worry. I can take a battering.
I felt the dark side of the force in New Orleans today. Batpoop crazy Palin and the rest of the republicans in town for their lovefest. Why on Earth would they choose NOLA? Only consolation I have is that she and the rest of that bunch will hopefully spend tons of money here. Big festival in the French Quarter this weekend, maybe I’ll see some of them when I go down there on Sunday. I’ll have my camera, so if I do, I’ll send any good shots to AKM!
I did hear a bit of her speech on the radio today (replayed on cnn) and man, she is something else. No clue about actual world events, but you could hear the shakiness in her voice when she was badmouthing the pres. Like she was scared to read what her handlers wrote for her. One can only hope she has some sort of notion of reality floating around in the empty space where her brain should be.
lol…feck if I know what I am talking about
Also too, I am not overly sensitive…I can take a bit of critiscim. Spelt so wrong….but I am tired
To horribly misquote Freud, sometimes a spade is just a spade. No need to get worked up over it!
Good evening mudpups and hushpups! I had a wonderful day off today. Back in January, my dad was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer and has been receiving chemo. He is doing well and we are quite hopeful. My sister lives in Chicago and couldn’t be here when he was originally hospitalized and diagnosed. She flew into town for the weekend and we drove up to visit my dad this afternoon. He didn’t know she was coming so it was a big surprise. I walked into his house and told him I had a present for him then she walked in. His face lit up! He was so happy to see her. Big smiles! After our visit, we met up with my youngest brother for dinner and had a wonderful time. We laughed a lot! My spirits are so lifted, that not even SP’s screechy voice can ruin it.
My dad has lost most of his hair from the chemo except for a few scraggly white wisps. He looks really kind of cute in a gentle grandpa sort of way. He has been able to get out to walk and ride his bike. Since retiring, he has been an avid bike rider and I think this is helping him tolerate the chemo better than most. He will have another CAT scan soon and then we will know what effect the chemo is having.
As for the POTUS smack down of SP’s remarks regarding the nuclear arms agreement. Good for him. He put her in her place and moved the discussion back to the level of importance where it belongs. I don’t know where some people are getting this crap that she is running for public office. Uh… excuse me? No, she is not. She has yet to announce any such thing, so given that, she’s just another mouth a yapping.
My sister said something interesting today and I would like to know what you all think of this. (She is an independent these days. Used to be a republican but in light of the last election and the three ring circus, she has moved to the middle) She said she would feel much better with and fully support health care with a public option if it was funded primarily by a luxury tax on things that are not healthy, including soft drinks like coke and pepsi. That way she wouldn’t feel like her family (they are in an upper tax bracket) are being asked to pay more. She feels that it would be more equally shared by many more people and in particular be funded by some of the things that contribute to poor health issues. So, what say you? If that were an option, would you support it?
4 am here. I really have to go to bed.
ninite Irishgirl! Dream of good things.
Hey, Irishgirl, I’ll butter up the skillet in the morning and whip up some pancake batter, sprinkle in some blueberries, flip some flapjacks, spread more butter, drizzle maple syrup…yum….now that’s a “batter”-ing we can share, eh?
All y’all are invited. And Sunday I’ll be baking… not sure what yet…bread? bagels? cookies? brownies? decisions, decisions…
I’m all tuckered out, so good night again and sweet dreams again
and always, L’Shalom.
thatcrowwoman… they don’t teach Civics in Fla anymore ??? OY ! I remember that class and P.A.D as two of my favorite one… Orange Park High, class of 71… we were even encouraged to take on the side of “The Evil Empire” and debate the opposing views to the Good Old USA… amazing what YOU CAN LEARN ABOUT YOUR OWN COUNTRY when you look from the other side ! chortle… A group of us made a special presentation to our PAD teacher for getting us to REALLY exchange ideas and learn how to research facts and not sound bits…The Flying Fickle Finger of Fate” Award.. ( who remembers the TV show it came from ?) .. I think Mr Terhune was the most influential teacher I ever had…
The Flying Fickle Finger of Fate: Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-in wasn’t it? Now I’m showing my age! LOL
I’ll be up as late, er, early (?!) as Irishgirl if I don’t stop reading the comments that appear between the time I start typing and the time I click submit.
But, first to benlomond, A credit in Civics is not Required for graduation in Florida, but some schools still offer it as an elective. Agree that debating from “the other side” can give us a whole new perspective…and it’s so satisfying when you’ve got the facts to back your arguments no matter what side you’re assigned. The Flying Fickle Finger of Fate” Award…now there’s a blast from the past.
Really, really off for some sorely-needed beauty rest now…
Laila tov. (rhymes with dial-a-cove)
Good night, all y’all.
chortle.. here come da judge, here come da judge….
@12 Pearl,((((Hugs)))))
I’m so sorry for your loss. It hurts I know. My BoBo died quickly too. It’s a shock. Your dear Sadie blessed your life as you did hers. Animals know when they’re loved and well cared for. She knew that you did.
My condolences
@144 merrycricket
I think your sister’s on to something there. We pay for roads with gas taxes, why not fund a public option at least partially with surcharges on unhealthy products and services? Normally I would be cautious of a regressive tax that hits the ‘have nots’ relatively harder. But in this case, everyone would have a behavioral choice re how much of their income went towards it, so that would mitigate the potentially regressive element. And I think now that we have a health care law, people will compare it with what they *could* have had with a public option, and it might come back for consideration someday.
Thanks for sharing her comment!
austintx… 109, OMG! Those King of the Hill comparisons are priceless. But let me state the obvious; although Peggy Hill was a bit clueless sometimes (spanish teacher) she was never vicious and didn’t have the “lockjaw”smile Palin has recently acquired (coke?).
Zyxomma, sorry about your cousin Ed. At 91ys old imagine that. My Uncle Carlo passed on an Easter when the whole family was there. My Gramdma, his family , my mom and us who only visited once or twice a year, plus 30 or so assorted immediate family. After our Easter brunch, Italian style, all the men played poker in the rec room, us kids imitated them in the kitchen (I was winning) anyway as the men were playing it was Uncle Carlo’s turn to bid or fold… he wasn’t doing anything, so someone said “Carlo, it’s your turn”. Yup, it was and I thought he had a perfect passing. He got to see his whole extended family and play one of his favorite games.
Condolences to your family.
ok pups, help me out here: just got back from dinner with a very good friend. Usually we avoid politics (it was enough to know he hated Palin) when at some point he said he admired the 9/12 project. As I was a couple of drinks in, I didn’t have a good response other than incredulity. Turns out he’s never seen the Beck presentation ( I have) but we both could go as far as saying the concepts could look good on paper, and that Beck’s emotional presentation has it’s own effect (negative). So we agreed to discuss it later – give me some ammo (sites, links, etc)! I’m happy to do my own research but I know you can give me some shortcuts!
NOLA @ 140 wrote: ” No clue about actual world events, but you could hear the shakiness in her voice when she was badmouthing the pres. Like she was scared to read what her handlers wrote for her.”
~~~~~
I have a family member whose voice gets that way…shaky and strident. It’s not being scared, it’s being so pi55ed off at someone [or something someone's done] you can’t see straight…let alone get the words out to properly vilify the person you deem has so egregiously ‘wronged’ you. It’s a major part of my family member’s “Blame Game”, the oh, so ‘restrained’ and oh, so ‘controlled’ ranting and railing, is.
Spooky as hell, too ~ one minute, carrying on as normal, and the next minute, WHAM!, the unimaginable vile and ugly just starts ooooooooozing out in a voice so measured and so irrational you can’t believe what you’re hearing! My FMs ‘episodes’ have rearranged the dynamics of our family, too..in that FMs ‘episodes’ have become more and more frequent as the years have passed, so much so, that [FM] seems now to have NO control over them *at all*. [FM} will 'fly off the handle', now, at the drop of the hat; we've (the rest of us) learned that avoidance is the best policy.
Sad, that, but self-preservation (and protection of 90+ year-old parent!) is much more important to us than 'indulging' [FM] in another of [FMs] temper tantrum tirades. I can honestly see, courtesy of FM, why some groups of peoples believe in demonic possession! That’s what the spewing is like ~ a complete ‘take over’ of all rationality.
And, no FM will *NOT!* (as was gently suggested when these ‘episodes’ first started years ago) seek either medical or counselling help/support for the outbursts. That’s incredibly unfortunate – especially for FMs children and any others FM has ‘sway’ over. I hear in $Ps voice, of late, the same as I hear in FMs – abundant loathing of (and at) everyone and everything, and incredible amonts of self-perpetuated (and -perpetuating) venom.
Both, [FM & $P] in my opinion, could do with some *serious* interventions — their deep-down ugly has truly become malignant.
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merrycricket @ 144 writes: “She said she would feel much better with and fully support health care with a public option if it was funded primarily by a luxury tax on things that are not healthy, including soft drinks like coke and pepsi. That way she wouldn’t feel like her family (they are in an upper tax bracket) are being asked to pay more. She feels that it would be more equally shared by many more people and in particular be funded by some of the things that contribute to poor health issues. So, what say you? If that were an option, would you support it?”
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Nope; I wouldn’t support it; even though I desperately want Universal/Single Payer Health Care in this nation, I couldn’t.
Why? Pull up a chair and let me tell you…
If a person is ‘wealthy’, they’d still be able to drink all the soda they want…the person who’s poor wouldn’t. “Healthy” for you or no, there are times when there’s nothing like a soda, or a big, fat juicy burger, or a bag of vinegar chips, and/or a ginormous slice (or two) of cheese cake…all things that contribute to poor health. Can a ‘luxury tax’ be levied on things that’re unhealthy to the body but healthful to the soul – should there be a ‘sin tax’ on such ‘luxuries’?
If folks (the abject poor and the working poor) can’t afford to pay for health care insurance, how’re they going to pay the ‘sin tax’ on frozen strawberries, canned tomatoes, frozen potatos, etc., when we all know the ‘fresh’ of each of those items is so much healthier for you?
Yes, the everyone-pays-equally-for-being-’bad’ tax sounds good, but the sound of it is NOT the reality of it. The *reality* is: ‘fresh’ is *not* universally available and, if (where) it *is* available, the cost is way, way, way too often, too prohibitive for the budget. That’s a problem; a HUGE problem. Did you know you can feed a family of 4 at BK or MickeyDs -fill all their tummies and have dessert, too- for *less* than it costs to cook a meal from scratch? Should folks be ‘sin taxed’ for only being able to afford BK/McD/’junk food’?
What about a family who likes to ‘go out to dinner’ once or twice a month. Would the family who can only afford to go to Pizza Hut be ‘sin taxed’ because they can’t afford to go to Chez Magnifique (in the upscale section of town) where all the food is organically grown, is all cooked using ‘green’ technology, and is ‘certified’ 99.9% healthful?
Let’s take it further…if something is unhealthful, if it leads to health care issues, should we deduct *more* from the *worker’s* wages to ‘make up’ for the ‘damage’ they are doing? Shouldn’t someone who works at a brewery or a tanning-bed factory have more taken out for medicare/medicaid taxes, then say, someone who works at a carpet factory? Shouldn’t the worker in an industry that’s *contributing* to health care issues [of the negative sort] be asked to pay more for their ‘contribution’ to the ill health of others?
A ‘luxury tax’ just ain’t gonna cut it, for me. I have a feeling, though, it’s going to be floated around a lot by big-name GOPers as a ‘conciliation/appeasement offering’ that they want GOP-underlings, Baggys, and sheeple sign-carriers to pick up as an(other) ‘rally cry’ against POTUSs healthcare legislation.
I find it amusing –in a most twisted sort of way– that to some people, $100 is what they’d spend (without batting an eye) on an afternoon of mini-mani, -pedi, touch-up wax, sampoo, and blow dry…and to others, that $100 would have to be stretched to feed the family for a week. And that $250 per tax-filer ‘stimulus’ that came out the end of [what was it?] ’08? To DINKS bringing in $160K a year, it was pocket change…to a family of 4 bringing in $40K a year, it was substantially *more* than that.
A .5% ‘luxury tax’ on a soda wouldn’t be much, penny-wise and in theory… but it would mean something *totally* different to ‘the wealthy’s’ bottom line than it would (and does!) to ‘the poor’s’ bottom line — it’s all about the *percentage* of overall income that that amount represents.
Nah, to me, the idea of a ‘luxury tax’ on everyday items stinks to the core ~
it’s nothing more than a ‘sin tax’ and will *only* hurt those who can’t afford squat in the first place. So thinkest I. beth.
(Aren’t you glad you asked, merrycricket?
b.)
loki… I’d just let it go and agree to disagree. I’ve been baited by righty ‘friends’ (acquaintances really) before and decided to adhere to the old rule: In polite company , never debate religion or politics. Something like that. Facts, opinions and rhetoric are not easy on digestion.
Good luck
beth…. your FM sounds like my sister (she pushed me down the stairs, broke my neck, I am recovering). The whole family walks on eggshells around her. She also has that strained face thing with eyes just looking for the slightest slight. I can’t tell you what to do as my ‘event’ has shattered my family.
Avoidance? Jeez, be careful and I can’t really stress that enough. I know how hard it must be. I imagine the Palin household has that same wonderful eggshell feeling as $arah increasingly looks like she’s just about to blow. Good luck Beth
dreamgirl, you are entirely correct – I was just flustered not to have my stance down when called upon. Essentially we called a truce, and it may never be discussed again; we are very good friends who know better than to debate politics or religion. It has spurred me to learn more so that I can sound like Spouse, who had a chance to really shine with his rational responses in other areas of the discussion. As I told Spouse when we got home: We libruls are known for respecting the opinions of others.
I’ve begun looking into some 9/12 sites – I guess I’ll have to dive into the other side’s sites instead of my usual lefty ones!
loki… I have no idea about the 9/12 thingy is about. But if this is a dear friend sometimes it is better to change the topic instead of ‘proving’ yourself. I think it’s cool tough that this inspired you to more fully inform yourself, on any matter. That’s inspiring.
Water seeks it’s own level…. your friend may never come to see your point of view/facts nor you his.
Don’t feel bad about being flustered or being caught off guard. Happens to the best of us.
dreamgirl @ 158 – (((for the empathy))) – thanks. Ah, yessssss, those wonderful ‘egg shells.’ Know ‘em well. FMs last *major* in-person ‘blow up’ AT family (at no one in particular, but at each one in specific) was on Christmas Day 3 years ago. It was a doozie – left everyone jaw-to-the-floor stunned in total disbelief that they’d all witnessed what they’d just witnessed. Oddly enough, for all these years, FM had *never* ‘gone off’ on any of the rest of us when any one else was around…and as is so true of any family with abuse, none of us mentioned any of it [when FM had 'incidented' with us] to any other family member. We’d all euphemize how FM had been ‘tired’ or ‘was not [FMs] self’ or some such…none of us suspecting -for a moment- that what we were saying to each other was *not* a secret we were each keeping from the other to ‘protect’ FM in *their* eyes. That Christmas Day dinner, though, FM messed up – FM let *everyone” have it. It was out in the open and all the rest of the family finally came out to each other with, “Yeah, FM has done this to me many times before.”
As I said, avoidance is now what we [collectively] do… We all ask [FM} to all of our gatherings/doings/goings on, but [FM] always has an excuse for not showing and/or participating. Which, frankly, is a good thing — we don’t have to egg-shell walk. And we all have a grand time together, even though we do feel bad for our 90+ y-o parent who, obviously, can’t help but miss not having one child milling about with the rest of the brood and sharing laughs, the comaradarie, and in the honest-to-goodness friendship we’ve developed with each other now that we’re all on the far side of 50. As for FM, {FM} is welcomed to join in at any time…the temper, however, is not invited. And therein lies the ‘problem’ for FM…the ugly has become such an all-encompassing and all-consuming part of [FMs] life, that [FM] can’t separate from it any more. It should come as no surprise to anyone that FM is not only a [extreme!] convert to a religion different than the one born into, FM is also a faithful listener to Glenn, BillO, and Michelle Malkin. What a shocker! Not. beth.
Merrycricket and beth@156:
Would that tax include Red Bull? With it’s 250 mg of caffeine per serving? $P would have to do some screechin’ about that. Would it include my morning cup of Joe? That might make me screech.
The question is where would it stop? And what is wrong with paying more into the system if you make more?
Ahh, I guess that is the socialist in little ole me. I do think that these things need to be discussed with civility though.
To be sure, I am not a complete socialist, because I believe that the system is being abused as we speak. I have had patients on Medicaid for whom we (the tax payers) are paying big bucks to keep on the services of my ex-boss and when I would try to discharge them and say “you have a program, you know the program, for $3 you could come and do it independently”. The response is “but then Medicaid wouldn’t pay for my cab to get me here”. There is a small van system, that people can pay for punch cards to use, that is significantly cheaper than cab service where we live (things are quite far apart here). In the next breath, these same people are showing me their $35/week custom, french fingernails (like the ones $P picks fish with). Then I think, hmmmm, “where are your priorities and why do you feel so entitled to this service?”
The problem is compounded by ex-boss saying “these people are our bread and butter, don’t dischrge them”. So the problem is on both sides of the system. Greed on one side, entitlement on the other. The whole system needs some changin’. Perhaps a little dose of helping people to make the right choices (of course those choices need to be reasonably priced and available). And then the people on the other side (like the ex-boss) need to know that we (the tax payers) are not OK with the greed thing. (she has since been audited).
I do agree with beth that the playing field is not even. I have no problem with paying to help people in need but there IS a lot of abuse out there. The system itself does not empower folks. Perhaps the system should pay the (about) $15 to cover the cost of use of the facility and a punch card to get there instead of $150/hour for my services (I didn’t get that much mind you, because I didn’t own the business…. and didn’t have to pay the taxes that go with owning the business either). It’s complicated. If we could just sit down, with a few minds more brilliant than mine, and have a conversation (instead of screechin’), I would bet we could find solutions. Folks get defensive though…
Benlomond2 @151 – Remember this one? “Heh, heh, heh…would you like to see my Walnetto?” Wow, that was racy stuff back then! I always wondered about that, and found out later (like 30 years later) that a Walnetto was a popular candy bar. I saw that you can still buy them from the Vermont Country Store catalog.
I’m eagerly awaiting the changes we’ll see on Mudflats tomorrow! Ahhh…maybe a lovely day without any $P news. She did enough (further) damage today to her perceived “persona”….loving it. I am kinda miffed, however, at Obama for even acknowledging $$arah’s existence. But I have to admit that was a serious, heavy-duty body slam he dished out, and it was oh, so diplomatic. It was downright “elite”, one could say. Man, I just love brains and discretion. Tina Fey on NBC’s Saturday Night Live tomorrow night!! I hear she plans on wearing the nip-zip black leather bikerette jacket.
OMG…..I am awake and loving the new flats!!!!
Also too, waiting for breakfast thatcrowwoman.
Thanks for the input and thoughts folks. I knew you would give me your thoughtful opinions. I do think that we really could find the best answer if a few well informed, compassionate people could put their minds to work on it. It was nice to have a conversation about it without having to listen to the same old tired, meaningless talking points.
Some sad news.
MOSCOW — Polish President Lech Kaczynski and some of the country’s highest military and civilian leaders died on Saturday when the presidential plane crashed as it came in for a landing in thick fog in western Russia, killing 96, officials said.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/10/polish-president-plane-cr_n_532768.html