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Bitter Battle Book
Author: BobR
Date: 04/16/2008 12:39:41
Bitter side up!
Bitter side down!
(apologies to the late Dr. Seuss...)
On April 6th, Barack Obama said these words during a fundraiser in San Francisco:
It should seem obvious to anyone reading this in context that when he referred to guns or religion, he was referring to the voters' fear that government would interfere with them as a fake source-point for frustration. To me, it does not read as if Obama is saying people find refuge in guns or religion. Yet that seems to be how everyone that is criticizing him is interpreting it.
Perhaps it should be taken as a note of encouragement that if this is the worst they can come up with to smear him, then they've got nothing. Who is "they"? That would be anyone that doesn't want him to get the nomination (ie: Senators Clinton and McCain and their supporters) and the right-wing. The meme they are trying to push is that Obama is "elitist". It worked to make Kerry and Al Gore seem unlikeable, so why not try again? There's also the media trying to ride this into popcorn territory.
Obama has commented on all of the hoopla by saying anyone that doesn't see the bitterness is out of touch. He drove the point specifically at Senator Clinton, saying "Shame on her", and then pointing out her pandering to voters with her calculated stories of hunting as a child and comparing her to Annie Oakley.
One sort of expects the campaigns to engage in this sort of nit-picking and fake outrage. What's aggravating is when the media gets into the ring and tries to fan a spark into a flame. You KNOW that FAUX News is going to jump at every chance to smear a Democrat, and they did not miss a beat on this one. They discussed the issue with Karl Rove, who pushed the "elitist" meme into deeper territory:
What's aggravating though is when the mainstream media tries to provoke controversy (instead of - you know - reporting the news?). An AP reporter did just that:
It's gotten to the point now where the news is reporting on the reactions to the spin on the story.
Even Tim Russert wades into the muck:
As posted in the comments of yesterday's blog, at least Rachel Maddow is trying to point out the stupidity of it:
Perhaps we should take it as a good sign then that the race seems to be relatively unchanged because of this whole flap. Perhaps voters are finally getting frustrated (bitter?) that they are being told what to think about a candidate's comments, and are finally thinking for themselves. That makes me hopeful that people might actually be voting on issues that really matter, instead of distractions like off-hand comments... or guns... or religion...
Bitter side up?
Bitter side down?
Who cares ?!?!?!
Bitter side down!
(apologies to the late Dr. Seuss...)
On April 6th, Barack Obama said these words during a fundraiser in San Francisco:
...But the truth is, is that, our challenge is to get people persuaded that we can make progress when there's not evidence of that in their daily lives. You go into some of these small towns in Pennsylvania, and like a lot of small towns in the Midwest, the jobs have been gone now for 25 years and nothing's replaced them. And they fell through the Clinton administration, and the Bush administration, and each successive administration has said that somehow these communities are gonna regenerate and they have not. So it's not surprising then that they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations...
It should seem obvious to anyone reading this in context that when he referred to guns or religion, he was referring to the voters' fear that government would interfere with them as a fake source-point for frustration. To me, it does not read as if Obama is saying people find refuge in guns or religion. Yet that seems to be how everyone that is criticizing him is interpreting it.
Perhaps it should be taken as a note of encouragement that if this is the worst they can come up with to smear him, then they've got nothing. Who is "they"? That would be anyone that doesn't want him to get the nomination (ie: Senators Clinton and McCain and their supporters) and the right-wing. The meme they are trying to push is that Obama is "elitist". It worked to make Kerry and Al Gore seem unlikeable, so why not try again? There's also the media trying to ride this into popcorn territory.
Obama has commented on all of the hoopla by saying anyone that doesn't see the bitterness is out of touch. He drove the point specifically at Senator Clinton, saying "Shame on her", and then pointing out her pandering to voters with her calculated stories of hunting as a child and comparing her to Annie Oakley.
One sort of expects the campaigns to engage in this sort of nit-picking and fake outrage. What's aggravating is when the media gets into the ring and tries to fan a spark into a flame. You KNOW that FAUX News is going to jump at every chance to smear a Democrat, and they did not miss a beat on this one. They discussed the issue with Karl Rove, who pushed the "elitist" meme into deeper territory:
ROVE: I don’t find a lot of people in rural America, I certainly don’t find the dominant view to be — “I’m so bitter that I’m going to hold on to my gun or I’m gonna” — You know, it was almost Marxian in this they cling to their religion. I mean, you know, it’s sort of like it’s the opiate of the masses.
What's aggravating though is when the mainstream media tries to provoke controversy (instead of - you know - reporting the news?). An AP reporter did just that:
At the April 14 Associated Press annual meeting luncheon, referring to comments Sen. Barack Obama made on April 6, AP political writer Ron Fournier repeatedly asked Sen. John McCain whether he thinks Obama is an "elitist." Fournier asked: "You made a vague reference in your speech to Senator Obama's comments recently about working-class voters. Do you think the senator is an elitist?" McCain replied in part: "Oh, I don't -- no -- I don't -- I think those comments are elitist." When Fournier followed up by asking, "If those remarks were elitist, which you say they are ... does that make him an elitist?" McCain responded, "I don't know, because I don't know him very well." Fournier then asked: "You served with him for a couple of years. Did you ever see elitist behavior from him?"
It's gotten to the point now where the news is reporting on the reactions to the spin on the story.
Even Tim Russert wades into the muck:Listen to this morning’s “Meet the Press” if you want an example. Tim Russert, one of the smartest guys on television, interviewed four political consultants - Carville and Matalin, Bob Schrum, and Michael Murphy. Political consultants are paid huge sums to help politicians spin words and avoid real talk. They’re part of the problem. And what do Russert and these four consultants talk about? The potential damage to Barack Obama from saying that lots of people in Pennsylvania are bitter that the economy has left them behind; about HRC’s spin on Obama’s words (he’s an “elitist,” she said); and John McCain’s similarly puerile attack.
Does Russert really believe he’s doing the nation a service for this parade of spin doctors talking about potential spins and the spin-offs from the words Obama used to state what everyone knows is true? Or is Russert merely in the business of selling TV airtime for a network that doesn’t give a hoot about its supposed commitment to the public interest but wants to up its ratings by pandering to the nation’s ongoing desire for gladiator entertainment instead of real talk about real problems.
As posted in the comments of yesterday's blog, at least Rachel Maddow is trying to point out the stupidity of it:
Perhaps we should take it as a good sign then that the race seems to be relatively unchanged because of this whole flap. Perhaps voters are finally getting frustrated (bitter?) that they are being told what to think about a candidate's comments, and are finally thinking for themselves. That makes me hopeful that people might actually be voting on issues that really matter, instead of distractions like off-hand comments... or guns... or religion...
Bitter side up?
Bitter side down?
Who cares ?!?!?!
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by right wing hater on 04/16/2008 12:58:16
I've changed my name over on Crooksandliars to 'Bitter for Obama (aka right wing hater)'. I changed it from 'Hussein Lover (aka right wing hater)'...
The reason is very simple, every time the infotainment Corporate Media decides to make a mountain out of a mole hill and dedicate more than 3 hours to an idiotic non-story....we have been changing our posting names over there to reflect how much we don't care...and we're still voting for him...no matter how hard they try to manufacture controversy
The reason is very simple, every time the infotainment Corporate Media decides to make a mountain out of a mole hill and dedicate more than 3 hours to an idiotic non-story....we have been changing our posting names over there to reflect how much we don't care...and we're still voting for him...no matter how hard they try to manufacture controversy
Comment by 
m-hadley on 04/16/2008 13:01:53
m-hadley on 04/16/2008 13:01:53
BobR,
Excellent post, although I am somewhat dismayed that fully ten days after uttering these honest words, they are still so much in the news.
I do however appreciate Karl Rove making the commentary as absurd as it should be by calling it "Marxian!"
What a joke Since when did an honest observation about the American psyche become "Marxian"? I've said it before and I'll say it again ,"Hell yeah I'm bitter, and if you aren't then you are not paying attention!"
Cheers,
mfaye :D
Excellent post, although I am somewhat dismayed that fully ten days after uttering these honest words, they are still so much in the news.
I do however appreciate Karl Rove making the commentary as absurd as it should be by calling it "Marxian!"What a joke
Since when did an honest observation about the American psyche become "Marxian"? I've said it before and I'll say it again ,"Hell yeah I'm bitter, and if you aren't then you are not paying attention!"Cheers,
mfaye :D
Comment by 
BobR on 04/16/2008 13:09:32
Those that post on the SMS live blog take note!
BobR on 04/16/2008 13:09:32
Quote by right wing hater:
I've changed my name over on Crooksandliars to 'Bitter for Obama (aka right wing hater)'. I changed it from 'Hussein Lover (aka right wing hater)'...
The reason is very simple, every time the infotainment Corporate Media decides to make a mountain out of a mole hill and dedicate more than 3 hours to an idiotic non-story....we have been changing our posting names over there to reflect how much we don't care...and we're still voting for him...no matter how hard they try to manufacture controversy
Those that post on the SMS live blog take note!
Comment by BobR on 04/16/2008 13:10:58
Thanks.
Re: Rove, he also repeated the meme that people "cling to their religion", which is a complete (and likely deliberate) misinterpretation of what Obama said.
EDIT: So are you saying my commentary on the media's commentary on the spin on the remark (thus keeping the story going) is full-circle irony? :rofl:
BobR on 04/16/2008 13:10:58
Quote by m-hadley:
BobR,
Excellent post, although I am somewhat dismayed that fully ten days after uttering these honest words, they are still so much in the news.
What a joke
Cheers,
mfaye :D
Thanks.
Re: Rove, he also repeated the meme that people "cling to their religion", which is a complete (and likely deliberate) misinterpretation of what Obama said.
EDIT: So are you saying my commentary on the media's commentary on the spin on the remark (thus keeping the story going) is full-circle irony? :rofl:
Comment by m-hadley on 04/16/2008 13:15:12
Why yes, yes I am BobR :D
Cheers,
mfaye
m-hadley on 04/16/2008 13:15:12
Quote by BobR:Quote by m-hadley:
BobR,
Excellent post, although I am somewhat dismayed that fully ten days after uttering these honest words, they are still so much in the news.
What a joke
Cheers,
mfaye :D
Thanks.
Re: Rove, he also repeated the meme that people "cling to their religion", which is a complete (and likely deliberate) misinterpretation of what Obama said.
EDIT: So are you saying my commentary on the media's commentary on the spin on the remark (thus keeping the story going) is full-circle irony? :rofl:
Why yes, yes I am BobR :D
Cheers,
mfaye
Comment by 
TriSec on 04/16/2008 13:15:16
TriSec on 04/16/2008 13:15:16
Well, if Rove is an expert on anything, it would be Marxism...
Comment by 
starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:34:18
starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:34:18
FAYE!!! 
Comment by 
livingonli on 04/16/2008 13:39:31
livingonli on 04/16/2008 13:39:31
Good morning everyone. 
I was getting myself up and missed faye's call.
I was getting myself up and missed faye's call.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:39:38
starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:39:38
What is wrong with being "The Elite?" Part of being elite is having Superior Intellect. In the words of, I believe it was Raine, "I kind of want my President to be smarter than me."
:star:'s moment from last night; Nora O'Donnell saying it's a light newsweek. Really Nora? Are our Soldiers and Marines still getting blown up in Iraq? That's news. Are homes still being foreclosed? That's still news. Recession development? Still news. What's going on in China? Africa? Tibet? Italy? I'd like to hear about that. Any new Environmental Acts being signed into law? I'd like to hear about that. Wow...I could have filled an hour with those stories, Nora.
There's no such thing as a slow news week, these days. Don't sell me that B*llshit.
:grumble:
:star:'s moment from last night; Nora O'Donnell saying it's a light newsweek. Really Nora? Are our Soldiers and Marines still getting blown up in Iraq? That's news. Are homes still being foreclosed? That's still news. Recession development? Still news. What's going on in China? Africa? Tibet? Italy? I'd like to hear about that. Any new Environmental Acts being signed into law? I'd like to hear about that. Wow...I could have filled an hour with those stories, Nora.
There's no such thing as a slow news week, these days. Don't sell me that B*llshit.
:grumble:
Comment by 
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 13:41:04
I feel that way about cake sometimes myself.
Morning :hug:
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 13:41:04
Quote by BobR:
Your cute kitty link-of-the-day...
I feel that way about cake sometimes myself.
Morning :hug:
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:41:10
starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:41:10
Mmm....Kashi, Plain Yogurt with Raw Honey and Raspberries.
:drool:
:drool:
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:42:06
:rofl:
starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:42:06
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by BobR:
Your cute kitty link-of-the-day...
I feel that way about cake sometimes myself.
:rofl:
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 04/16/2008 13:43:39
velveeta jones on 04/16/2008 13:43:39
Morning everyone.
Day 5 of my walking death crud. I'll mostly be in bed. Also, I will be figuring out if I can now afford the DC trip. Between me being sick, and my wife sick a few weeks ago, and my vet bills................. all unexpected............ things look bleak, trip wise.
:(
Day 5 of my walking death crud. I'll mostly be in bed. Also, I will be figuring out if I can now afford the DC trip. Between me being sick, and my wife sick a few weeks ago, and my vet bills................. all unexpected............ things look bleak, trip wise.
:(
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 13:44:10
that actually sounds good. Promised myself I would make my own fruit yogurt this summer I'll have to try this one.
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 13:44:10
Quote by starling310:
Mmm....Kashi, Plain Yogurt with Raw Honey and Raspberries.
:drool:
that actually sounds good. Promised myself I would make my own fruit yogurt this summer I'll have to try this one.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:47:07
The Raw Honey is good because it contains no sugar, but sweetens up the Plain yogurt a bit.
starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:47:07
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by starling310:
Mmm....Kashi, Plain Yogurt with Raw Honey and Raspberries.
:drool:
that actually sounds good. Promised myself I would make my own fruit yogurt this summer I'll have to try this one.
The Raw Honey is good because it contains no sugar, but sweetens up the Plain yogurt a bit.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 13:48:55
Healing vibes. Has the doctor found out how to treat your condition?
I do want to see the two of you in DC. If I had the money, I would make sure you guys can come up, but I had to make sure I had the money for myself. Ah, living in the Bush economy.
livingonli on 04/16/2008 13:48:55
Quote by velveeta jones:
Morning everyone.
Day 5 of my walking death crud. I'll mostly be in bed. Also, I will be figuring out if I can now afford the DC trip. Between me being sick, and my wife sick a few weeks ago, and my vet bills................. all unexpected............ things look bleak, trip wise.
:(
Healing vibes. Has the doctor found out how to treat your condition?
I do want to see the two of you in DC. If I had the money, I would make sure you guys can come up, but I had to make sure I had the money for myself. Ah, living in the Bush economy.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:50:08
starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:50:08
The guy who called Thom from Paris yesterday said "Yeah, I am taxed 50% but the income is more to start and I walk outside my flat onto clean streets and can take Public Transport anywhere I want to go."
Sounds good to me.
:shrug:
Sounds good to me.
:shrug:
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 13:50:20
We would hate to miss you but you and your family's health comes first
Plus I'm sure there would be another meet up, this is our third one so I'm sure there would be a fourth :D
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 13:50:20
Quote by velveeta jones:
Morning everyone.
Day 5 of my walking death crud. I'll mostly be in bed. Also, I will be figuring out if I can now afford the DC trip. Between me being sick, and my wife sick a few weeks ago, and my vet bills................. all unexpected............ things look bleak, trip wise.
:(
We would hate to miss you but you and your family's health comes first
Plus I'm sure there would be another meet up, this is our third one so I'm sure there would be a fourth :D
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:53:20
starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:53:20
Daily Thoughts by Jack Handy:
Sometimes when I see a person fall, I laugh
But, then I think
"What if I were an ant and they fell on me?"
Then it wouldn't be so funny.
Sometimes when I see a person fall, I laugh
But, then I think
"What if I were an ant and they fell on me?"
Then it wouldn't be so funny.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:55:21
starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:55:21
HEY! Gas is up to $3.54 near my house. Isn't that fantastic? The drive to DC keeps getting more expensive every day.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 13:55:27
To repeat what I posted in the SMS Live blog; 213.
Actually until Reagan’s tax cuts and compounded with the Bush II tax cuts, 90% of Americans paid less in taxes. The tax policies of the cons shifted the tax burden from the rich to the middle class by the fact that the income tax cuts were offset by increases in sales taxes, property taxes, and service fees which are paid more heavily by those with lower incomes (not to mention the cap at 90,000 on Social Security tax).
livingonli on 04/16/2008 13:55:27
Quote by starling310:
The guy who called Thom from Paris yesterday said "Yeah, I am taxed 50% but the income is more to start and I walk outside my flat onto clean streets and can take Public Transport anywhere I want to go."
Sounds good to me.
:shrug:
To repeat what I posted in the SMS Live blog; 213.
Actually until Reagan’s tax cuts and compounded with the Bush II tax cuts, 90% of Americans paid less in taxes. The tax policies of the cons shifted the tax burden from the rich to the middle class by the fact that the income tax cuts were offset by increases in sales taxes, property taxes, and service fees which are paid more heavily by those with lower incomes (not to mention the cap at 90,000 on Social Security tax).
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:56:28
starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:56:28
DELISH!
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/16/2008 13:58:12
velveeta jones on 04/16/2008 13:58:12
Thanks Liv, but save your money. I'm not out yet, let me count my pennies.
Star, the yogurt with Kashi and honey sounds GREAT. Have you tried the greek yogurt? I'm addicted to it, with honey, banana and pecans.
BTB: be sure not to splurge and waste that cereal.
New Energy Order.....
Star, the yogurt with Kashi and honey sounds GREAT. Have you tried the greek yogurt? I'm addicted to it, with honey, banana and pecans.
BTB: be sure not to splurge and waste that cereal.
Take the food riots now spreading across the planet because the prices of staples are soaring, while stocks of basics are falling. In the last year, wheat (think flour) has risen by 130 percent, rice by 74 percent, soya by 87 percent, and corn by 31 percent, while there are now only eight to 12 weeks of cereal stocks left globally. Governments across the planetary map are shuddering.
New Energy Order.....
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:58:20
Yeah. My point, though, is that I'd be willing to pay more on two conditions:
1) Everyone paid more, wealthy people included and
2) We got something in return, like the ability to take Public Transport to work, free education, health care, etc, etc, etc.
starling310 on 04/16/2008 13:58:20
Quote by livingonli:Quote by starling310:
The guy who called Thom from Paris yesterday said "Yeah, I am taxed 50% but the income is more to start and I walk outside my flat onto clean streets and can take Public Transport anywhere I want to go."
Sounds good to me.
:shrug:
To repeat what I posted in the SMS Live blog; 213.
Actually until Reagan’s tax cuts and compounded with the Bush II tax cuts, 90% of Americans paid less in taxes. The tax policies of the cons shifted the tax burden from the rich to the middle class by the fact that the income tax cuts were offset by increases in sales taxes, property taxes, and service fees which are paid more heavily by those with lower incomes (not to mention the cap at 90,000 on Social Security tax).
Yeah. My point, though, is that I'd be willing to pay more on two conditions:
1) Everyone paid more, wealthy people included and
2) We got something in return, like the ability to take Public Transport to work, free education, health care, etc, etc, etc.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 13:58:33
livingonli on 04/16/2008 13:58:33
:star: Gas is between 3.41 and 3.49 here. I believe Jersey is still cheaper.
At least we're not paying what Californians pay?
Or those wacky Canadians who now pay up to $1.16 a litre in some provinces.
At least we're not paying what Californians pay?
Or those wacky Canadians who now pay up to $1.16 a litre in some provinces.
Comment by 
jd_in_ny on 04/16/2008 13:58:51
word.
jd_in_ny on 04/16/2008 13:58:51
Quote by starling310: There's no such thing as a slow news week, these days. Don't sell me that B*llshit.
:grumble:
word.
Comment by 
Raine on 04/16/2008 14:01:42
Raine on 04/16/2008 14:01:42
Good morning!
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:02:20
livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:02:20
Good morning, Raine, jd and Mala.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:03:03
WHAT?!?! I am going to go stock up on "Go Lean." Dammit.
I love Greek Yogurt! I can't get it at my local store though. . . have to drive to Trader Joe's. So, I usually just go with the Plain Non-Greek.
:(
starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:03:03
Quote by velveeta jones:
Thanks Liv, but save your money. I'm not out yet, let me count my pennies.
Star, the yogurt with Kashi and honey sounds GREAT. Have you tried the greek yogurt? I'm addicted to it, with honey, banana and pecans.
BTB: be sure not to splurge and waste that cereal.Take the food riots now spreading across the planet because the prices of staples are soaring, while stocks of basics are falling. In the last year, wheat (think flour) has risen by 130 percent, rice by 74 percent, soya by 87 percent, and corn by 31 percent, while there are now only eight to 12 weeks of cereal stocks left globally. Governments across the planetary map are shuddering.
New Energy Order.....
WHAT?!?! I am going to go stock up on "Go Lean." Dammit.
I love Greek Yogurt! I can't get it at my local store though. . . have to drive to Trader Joe's. So, I usually just go with the Plain Non-Greek.
:(
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:04:20
Mmm...we're not far from CA. CT tends to usually be right on their heels. That's why people get the impression that everyone living in CT is rich.
The $3.54 is one of the lower prices....near where I work it's around $3.69 and that is for Regular. Premium is over 4 bucks.
starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:04:20
Quote by livingonli:
:star: Gas is between 3.41 and 3.49 here. I believe Jersey is still cheaper.
At least we're not paying what Californians pay?
Or those wacky Canadians who now pay up to $1.16 a litre in some provinces.
Mmm...we're not far from CA. CT tends to usually be right on their heels. That's why people get the impression that everyone living in CT is rich.
The $3.54 is one of the lower prices....near where I work it's around $3.69 and that is for Regular. Premium is over 4 bucks.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:09:52
livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:09:52
Momma did finally post on her own blog. 
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:10:27
livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:10:27
And now it's not loading. I think she broke it.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 14:11:37
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 14:11:37
Hey Liv, Raine, jd, everyone!
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 14:13:07
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 14:13:07
Frank talks? More like talks about Frankenberry.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:13:29
starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:13:29
Regarding Gas Prices:
In the UK and Canade they pay a great deal more than we do. However, they have duties included in that. Those duties are spent on things like Infrastructure, are they not? Also, they drive smaller cars and have a better Public transportation system, negating the need for cars for most people.
Just as I am not opposed to higher taxes, I would be supportive of a higher gas price, if it included a tax that could be used to better our Country and make us less independent on Oil.
Oh yeah, and if MOBIL wasn't making a 623738% profit!
In the UK and Canade they pay a great deal more than we do. However, they have duties included in that. Those duties are spent on things like Infrastructure, are they not? Also, they drive smaller cars and have a better Public transportation system, negating the need for cars for most people.
Just as I am not opposed to higher taxes, I would be supportive of a higher gas price, if it included a tax that could be used to better our Country and make us less independent on Oil.
Oh yeah, and if MOBIL wasn't making a 623738% profit!
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:16:11
starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:16:11
My name is Starling. And, I am a "tax and spend" Liberal.
I suppose it's better than Spend and Spend and Spend and Spend with no idea how to pay for it 'Conservative.'
I suppose it's better than Spend and Spend and Spend and Spend with no idea how to pay for it 'Conservative.'
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:18:53
livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:18:53
I can comment about Canada, can't about the UK. The taxes do help to pay infrastructure and other expenses can be attributed to the fact that they also have to pay Federal and Provincial Sales Taxes on most items as well. While many of the large cities in Canada have good public transportation systems like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. There are still huge chunks of rural areas where you can't get around without a car. Even when I was in Ottawa, it only has a small subway system which I think only goes around the main city although they do have bus lines for the subways. And most of Canada doesn't even have expressways, outside of the urban areas, the only freeways are the Quebec autoroutes and the 401 and some adjacent freeways that get around Southern Ontario.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:23:20
starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:23:20
I guess I just think about what Thom says sometimes. He basically says let's jack up the cost of gas, but make it worth our while. And, let's get it to the point where people get sick of paying and we start investing in other energy, or giving up our cars.
I don't know. It's a painful theory, but maybe it would work.
:shrug:
I'm just bitter!
I don't know. It's a painful theory, but maybe it would work.
:shrug:
I'm just bitter!
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:28:04
livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:28:04
Mrs. McCain made worst person last night on KO with the plagaraizing (outright stealing) of the Rachel Ray recipes.
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 14:29:32
Raine on 04/16/2008 14:29:32
F8cking MCain... comments like this scare me. HE should know this stuff.
Comment by TriSec on 04/16/2008 14:37:01
TriSec on 04/16/2008 14:37:01
*grunt*
I suppose I should be thankful that this fair commonwealth hasn't cracked $3.40 gas yet. It's still 3.35 back in Watertown Square...
I can speak for the Maritime provinces...most of the "highways" there are two-lane country roads. But they are generally well-maintained. The so-called big cities in St. John, Frederickton, and Halifax/Dartmouth only have limited bus routes for public transit.
It's the GST (goods and services tax) that is really crushing up there...it's a tax on a tax, and works out to about 18% on everything. This is what they use to pay for their healthcare system. The hospitals in Halifax are just as good as Boston....but if you get more than an hour away from the city, good luck.
Papa TriSec has always stated that we should pick an arbitrary figure, say $5/gallon, and adjust the taxes to maintain that particular figure. That way the price wouldn't fluctuate, and the additional revenue could be used for other things.
Oh, and we could do this. Do you think that would help?
I suppose I should be thankful that this fair commonwealth hasn't cracked $3.40 gas yet. It's still 3.35 back in Watertown Square...
I can speak for the Maritime provinces...most of the "highways" there are two-lane country roads. But they are generally well-maintained. The so-called big cities in St. John, Frederickton, and Halifax/Dartmouth only have limited bus routes for public transit.
It's the GST (goods and services tax) that is really crushing up there...it's a tax on a tax, and works out to about 18% on everything. This is what they use to pay for their healthcare system. The hospitals in Halifax are just as good as Boston....but if you get more than an hour away from the city, good luck.
Papa TriSec has always stated that we should pick an arbitrary figure, say $5/gallon, and adjust the taxes to maintain that particular figure. That way the price wouldn't fluctuate, and the additional revenue could be used for other things.
Oh, and we could do this. Do you think that would help?
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:38:09
livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:38:09
Republicans just want to let the roads collapse so that they can go on with their mantra that government doesn't work. I noticed how road work has spiked up here in New York (and we have a lot of potholes over the last few years) since we've gotten a Democrat back as Governor.
Edited for clarification.
Edited for clarification.
Comment by m-hadley on 04/16/2008 14:41:19
m-hadley on 04/16/2008 14:41:19
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:43:41
livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:43:41
So for those of you who check out the SMS blog. Who thinks that Clay is paid by the HRC campaign to troll there?
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:45:07
starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:45:07
I may have to go to StickerJunkie and make a
BITTER VOTER 4 OBAMA
Bumper Sticker.
You have to order in quantities of 100. Would anybody want 1?
Bumper Sticker.
You have to order in quantities of 100. Would anybody want 1?
Comment by TriSec on 04/16/2008 14:45:55
TriSec on 04/16/2008 14:45:55
hah.
All I know is the quality of roads in and around the town of Belmont, MA dramatically improved after Herr Mitt got in the running. The rest of this state is still hardly better than rutted dirt tracks...
All I know is the quality of roads in and around the town of Belmont, MA dramatically improved after Herr Mitt got in the running. The rest of this state is still hardly better than rutted dirt tracks...
Comment by TriSec on 04/16/2008 14:46:53
Ooooh, I might take one or two there!
TriSec on 04/16/2008 14:46:53
Quote by starling310:
I may have to go to StickerJunkie and make aBITTER VOTER 4 OBAMA
Bumper Sticker.
You have to order in quantities of 100. Would anybody want 1?
Ooooh, I might take one or two there!
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 14:49:06
Love that! Mind if I steal it for my cafepress shop?
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 14:49:06
Quote by starling310:
I may have to go to StickerJunkie and make aBITTER VOTER 4 OBAMA
Bumper Sticker.
You have to order in quantities of 100. Would anybody want 1?
Love that! Mind if I steal it for my cafepress shop?
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:49:48
Oh really!? Fabulous.
I may do it. . . i happen to have extra cash this month.
Should I put quotes around the Bitter so people get it.
"BITTER" VOTER FOR OBAMA
starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:49:48
Quote by TriSec:Quote by starling310:
I may have to go to StickerJunkie and make aBITTER VOTER 4 OBAMA
Bumper Sticker.
You have to order in quantities of 100. Would anybody want 1?
Ooooh, I might take one or two there!
Oh really!? Fabulous.
I may do it. . . i happen to have extra cash this month.
Should I put quotes around the Bitter so people get it.
"BITTER" VOTER FOR OBAMA
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 14:50:28
Raine on 04/16/2008 14:50:28
I want a bumper sticker! Yes
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:52:13
Oh that might be better! CafePress lets you buy 1 at a time, right?
Sticker Junkie makes me order 100 at a time. . . I don't know 100 people.
Mala, do you want to put it up at CafePress and send us the link?
Can you do Black background with White letters, All Caps? Quotes around the Bitter?
starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:52:13
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by starling310:
I may have to go to StickerJunkie and make aBITTER VOTER 4 OBAMA
Bumper Sticker.
You have to order in quantities of 100. Would anybody want 1?
Love that! Mind if I steal it for my cafepress shop?
Oh that might be better! CafePress lets you buy 1 at a time, right?
Sticker Junkie makes me order 100 at a time. . . I don't know 100 people.
Mala, do you want to put it up at CafePress and send us the link?
Can you do Black background with White letters, All Caps? Quotes around the Bitter?
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:52:44
Count me in. Maybe you can get them in time for the DC trip.
livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:52:44
Quote by TriSec:Quote by starling310:
I may have to go to StickerJunkie and make aBITTER VOTER 4 OBAMA
Bumper Sticker.
You have to order in quantities of 100. Would anybody want 1?
Ooooh, I might take one or two there!
Count me in. Maybe you can get them in time for the DC trip.
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 14:53:01
Raine on 04/16/2008 14:53:01
:rofl: The polls have been all over the place! 
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:53:36
starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:53:36
WOH! Custom Bumper Sticker at CafePress are 100 bucks for 50!?!?!?
Sticker Junkie is $40 for 100.
Sticker Junkie is $40 for 100.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:55:04
starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:55:04
Mala, you can steal it, but I will make the 100 on my end. It's way cheaper!
Quotes are the bitter, folks? Yay, or nay?
Quotes are the bitter, folks? Yay, or nay?
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 14:59:21
Sure, let me work on the layout and I'll post a link
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 14:59:21
Quote by starling310:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by starling310:
I may have to go to StickerJunkie and make aBITTER VOTER 4 OBAMA
Bumper Sticker.
You have to order in quantities of 100. Would anybody want 1?
Love that! Mind if I steal it for my cafepress shop?
Oh that might be better! CafePress lets you buy 1 at a time, right?
Sticker Junkie makes me order 100 at a time. . . I don't know 100 people.
Mala, do you want to put it up at CafePress and send us the link?
Can you do Black background with White letters, All Caps? Quotes around the Bitter?
Sure, let me work on the layout and I'll post a link
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 14:59:30
Raine on 04/16/2008 14:59:30
We will take a few we have some friends down here that would LOE that sticker!
we have some friends down here that would LOE that sticker!
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:59:38
livingonli on 04/16/2008 14:59:38
There will be a special post-debate edition of Countdown at 9 :30 PM tonight.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:59:47
starling310 on 04/16/2008 14:59:47
YAY!!! I ordered them!
I will bring them to DC!!!
I will bring them to DC!!!
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:00:50
starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:00:50
I will send a few to Momma and the Mooks too!
I may be able to get rid of 100 without a problem. Huh.
I may be able to get rid of 100 without a problem. Huh.
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:04:50
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:04:50
Tonites' debate is going to be very interesting, personallyI think (since the debates have become such a mockery) that is would be HILARIOUS, if Barck strolled out on stage and plunked down a bottle of Crown Rayle and two whiskey glasses, then turns to Hills and says, *hills, let talk, come on, you didn't really mean that did you?* 
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:06:28
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:06:28
IT's easy to get rid of a hundred Bumper stickers.
Comment by TriSec on 04/16/2008 15:06:40
Oh, I see. I see. :kick:
PM me there, and I can grovel to have one mailed out.
TriSec on 04/16/2008 15:06:40
Quote by starling310:
YAY!!! I ordered them!
I will bring them to DC!!!
Oh, I see. I see. :kick:
PM me there, and I can grovel to have one mailed out.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 15:06:44
Thanks Star :D
I put it in the quotes.
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 15:06:44
Quote by starling310:
Mala, you can steal it, but I will make the 100 on my end. It's way cheaper!
Quotes are the bitter, folks? Yay, or nay?
Thanks Star :D
I put it in the quotes.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:08:16
I will send 1 to your Tri and you will be missed in DC.
starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:08:16
Quote by TriSec:Quote by starling310:
YAY!!! I ordered them!
I will bring them to DC!!!
Oh, I see. I see. :kick:
PM me there, and I can grovel to have one mailed out.
I will send 1 to your Tri and you will be missed in DC.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 15:09:25
livingonli on 04/16/2008 15:09:25
I mentioned that Grampa Simpson quote on the SMS blog.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:10:31
starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:10:31
Ha! I could have said "Bitter Sexist" for Obama.
:rofl:
:rofl:
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:11:02
starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:11:02
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:13:59
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:13:59
Some dogs eat thier poop!!! oh 
you slay me!
oh you slay me!
Comment by TriSec on 04/16/2008 15:15:31
TriSec on 04/16/2008 15:15:31
Oh, starling. You're a New Englander, but I don't think we ever established where. (I know it's CT.)
Would it be the part of Connecticut that's closest to Boston, or Route 84, perchance?
Ya know, it's only an hour's drive to the state line from here.
Would it be the part of Connecticut that's closest to Boston, or Route 84, perchance?
Ya know, it's only an hour's drive to the state line from here.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:15:36
starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:15:36
It's going to be 'uuuuge. It's going to be spectacular.
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:16:06
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:16:06
'uuuUUUge!
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:17:49
I am about 20 minutes South of Hartford. . . .it's about a 2 hour drive to Boston. . . if I drive fast.
starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:17:49
Quote by TriSec:
Oh, starling. You're a New Englander, but I don't think we ever established where. (I know it's CT.)
Would it be the part of Connecticut that's closest to Boston, or Route 84, perchance?
Ya know, it's only an hour's drive to the state line from here.
I am about 20 minutes South of Hartford. . . .it's about a 2 hour drive to Boston. . . if I drive fast.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:21:11
starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:21:11
BUSH MADE ME BITTER.
OBAMA WILL MAKE IT BETTER.
OBAMA WILL MAKE IT BETTER.
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:26:54
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:26:54
Someone needs to send Momma some serious beer for when Chris comes to visit.
Comment by m-hadley on 04/16/2008 15:27:29
I'd bet good money that you are right on with that speculation!
Cheers,
mfaye
m-hadley on 04/16/2008 15:27:29
Quote by livingonli:
So for those of you who check out the SMS blog. Who thinks that Clay is paid by the HRC campaign to troll there?
I'd bet good money that you are right on with that speculation!
Cheers,
mfaye
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:31:39
starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:31:39
I just listened to AZ's drop from the other day. . .
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:35:56
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:35:56
Faye! they mentioned your story!!!
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:37:22
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:37:22
Didn't hillary Vote to make the IRanian Guard a terrorist group? 
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:38:26
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:38:26
You would need an administration that believes in the Constitution first...
Comment by m-hadley on 04/16/2008 15:38:47
Raine,
Thanks I sent it to Steph and Chris as soon as I saw it and I threw together a little Photoshop for my blog too - please feel free to check it out and comment if you'd like - I love me some BOSSSS...
Cheers,
mfaye
m-hadley on 04/16/2008 15:38:47
Quote by Raine:
Faye! they mentioned your story!!!
Raine,
Thanks I sent it to Steph and Chris as soon as I saw it and I threw together a little Photoshop for my blog too - please feel free to check it out
and comment if you'd like - I love me some BOSSSS...Cheers,
mfaye
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:39:15
starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:39:15
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 15:40:42
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 15:40:42
Thanks Star :D
Comment by BobR on 04/16/2008 15:41:17
Speaking of Faye, I just read this hi-larious post on her blog: Recipes from Momma's Kitchen
BobR on 04/16/2008 15:41:17
Quote by Raine:
Faye! they mentioned your story!!!
Speaking of Faye, I just read this hi-larious post on her blog: Recipes from Momma's Kitchen
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:41:24
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:41:24
:thud: those people were Clinton campaign workers from New JErsey?
What next, will we find out that the Clinton protesters were paid too?
What next, will we find out that the Clinton protesters were paid too?
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:42:18
starling310 on 04/16/2008 15:42:18
Gawd, her voice really is grating.
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:45:24
:rofl:
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:45:24
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
Faye! they mentioned your story!!!
Speaking of Faye, I just read this hi-larious post on her blog: Recipes from Momma's Kitchen
Comment by m-hadley on 04/16/2008 15:51:04
Ah, thanks for noticing guys - you all really rock my world (just like Michelle Obama and Da Bosssss...) Thanks again! :D
Cheers,
mfaye
m-hadley on 04/16/2008 15:51:04
Quote by Raine::rofl:Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
Faye! they mentioned your story!!!
Speaking of Faye, I just read this hi-larious post on her blog: Recipes from Momma's Kitchen
Ah, thanks for noticing guys - you all really rock my world (just like Michelle Obama and Da Bosssss...) Thanks again! :D
Cheers,
mfaye
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:51:24
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:51:24
Howard Dean tomorrow?
I would LOVE to call him up and ask him what he thinks of a democratic Candidate endorsing McCain... Harumph.
I would LOVE to call him up and ask him what he thinks of a democratic Candidate endorsing McCain... Harumph.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 15:53:50
But where's the recipe for Microwaved Yam? That was a big hit a while back.
livingonli on 04/16/2008 15:53:50
Quote by m-hadley:Quote by Raine::rofl:Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
Faye! they mentioned your story!!!
Speaking of Faye, I just read this hi-larious post on her blog: Recipes from Momma's Kitchen
Ah, thanks for noticing guys - you all really rock my world (just like Michelle Obama and Da Bosssss...) Thanks again! :D
Cheers,
mfaye
But where's the recipe for Microwaved Yam? That was a big hit a while back.
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:55:20
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:55:20
Michael Kinsley should head up the Department of health and Human Services when a DEM takes over the White house!
Comment by 
shelaghc on 04/16/2008 15:56:04
shelaghc on 04/16/2008 15:56:04
Looks like I might be on UC next week when we get together in DC. If so, I might leave in the morning instead of afternoon.
I'm around four hours away from the hotel. Is anyone going to be at the hotel between Noon and 3:00PM? (Allowing for traffic and other delay.)
I'm around four hours away from the hotel. Is anyone going to be at the hotel between Noon and 3:00PM? (Allowing for traffic and other delay.)
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 15:57:56
Raine on 04/16/2008 15:57:56
Steph mom sounds a lot like my mother. I am making shite up, until she sees it on the news... 
Comment by BobR on 04/16/2008 16:00:07
UC?
BobR on 04/16/2008 16:00:07
Quote by shelaghc:
Looks like I might be on UC next week when we get together in DC. If so, I might leave in the morning instead of afternoon.
I'm around four hours away from the hotel. Is anyone going to be at the hotel between Noon and 3:00PM? (Allowing for traffic and other delay.)
UC?
Comment by m-hadley on 04/16/2008 16:03:11
Good one Liv,
Mind if I add it - I think it goes something like this:
Wrap a yam in aluminum foil
Put it in the Microwave
Turn on Microwave
Blow up the office (or home)
Call Fire Dept
Make out with Hunky Fireman
Screw the yam (not literally, unless you are into that sort of thang )
Cheers,
mfaye
m-hadley on 04/16/2008 16:03:11
Quote by livingonli:Quote by m-hadley:Quote by Raine::rofl:Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
Faye! they mentioned your story!!!
Speaking of Faye, I just read this hi-larious post on her blog: Recipes from Momma's Kitchen
Ah, thanks for noticing guys - you all really rock my world (just like Michelle Obama and Da Bosssss...) Thanks again! :D
Cheers,
mfaye
But where's the recipe for Microwaved Yam? That was a big hit a while back.
Good one Liv,
Mind if I add it - I think it goes something like this:
Wrap a yam in aluminum foil
Put it in the Microwave
Turn on Microwave
Blow up the office (or home)
Call Fire Dept
Make out with Hunky Fireman
Screw the yam (not literally, unless you are into that sort of thang
)Cheers,
mfaye
Comment by shelaghc on 04/16/2008 16:10:01
Unemployment Compensation - right now I don't even have a temp job and don't know if I will.
shelaghc on 04/16/2008 16:10:01
Quote by BobR:Quote by shelaghc:
Looks like I might be on UC next week when we get together in DC. If so, I might leave in the morning instead of afternoon.
I'm around four hours away from the hotel. Is anyone going to be at the hotel between Noon and 3:00PM? (Allowing for traffic and other delay.)
UC?
Unemployment Compensation - right now I don't even have a temp job and don't know if I will.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 16:11:58
Yes, she did vote for Kyl-Lieberman. Obama for some strange reason didn't vote at all and the other Democratic candidates in the Senate voted against it.
livingonli on 04/16/2008 16:11:58
Quote by Raine:
Didn't hillary Vote to make the IRanian Guard a terrorist group?
Yes, she did vote for Kyl-Lieberman. Obama for some strange reason didn't vote at all and the other Democratic candidates in the Senate voted against it.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 16:13:55
I'm shooting for late morning. With traffic I want to get into DC before rush hour. I just have to make a stop in Brooklyn to pick up one of our other participants. I might not have a firm arrive time until the day of.
livingonli on 04/16/2008 16:13:55
Quote by shelaghc:
Looks like I might be on UC next week when we get together in DC. If so, I might leave in the morning instead of afternoon.
I'm around four hours away from the hotel. Is anyone going to be at the hotel between Noon and 3:00PM? (Allowing for traffic and other delay.)
I'm shooting for late morning. With traffic I want to get into DC before rush hour. I just have to make a stop in Brooklyn to pick up one of our other participants. I might not have a firm arrive time until the day of.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 16:18:07
I can be, want to head there before rush hour. I'll PM you my cell number.
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 16:18:07
Quote by shelaghc:
Looks like I might be on UC next week when we get together in DC. If so, I might leave in the morning instead of afternoon.
I'm around four hours away from the hotel. Is anyone going to be at the hotel between Noon and 3:00PM? (Allowing for traffic and other delay.)
I can be, want to head there before rush hour. I'll PM you my cell number.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 16:19:12
livingonli on 04/16/2008 16:19:12
Why is Air America continuing to run this ad for Ben Stein's book? :puke:
Well, it's not as bad as the promos for Glenn Beck were.
Well, it's not as bad as the promos for Glenn Beck were.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 16:19:55
livingonli on 04/16/2008 16:19:55
Mala, are you working that Friday or are you taking the day off?
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 16:21:09
I have taken the day off! :dance:
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 16:21:09
Quote by livingonli:
Mala, are you working that Friday or are you taking the day off?
I have taken the day off! :dance:
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 16:24:55
Raine on 04/16/2008 16:24:55
Oh the Dilemma of the afternoon, gardening or painting?!?!?
I actually can listen to thom with both, since the windows are open and the weather is just loverly. :)
I actually can listen to thom with both, since the windows are open and the weather is just loverly. :)
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 16:28:30
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 16:28:30
I would pick gardening cause without a garden would you have painting inspiration?
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 16:30:11
I'll have to get your contact info and I will give you my number so I can touch base with you when me and HBK arrive. I still have to coordinate with HBK so I definitely will push for a morning departure and I should hopefully reach the DC afternoon by Mid-Afternoon.
livingonli on 04/16/2008 16:30:11
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
Mala, are you working that Friday or are you taking the day off?
I have taken the day off! :dance:
I'll have to get your contact info and I will give you my number so I can touch base with you when me and HBK arrive. I still have to coordinate with HBK so I definitely will push for a morning departure and I should hopefully reach the DC afternoon by Mid-Afternoon.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 16:36:45
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 16:36:45
Paging Liv and Shelagh, Paging Liv and Shelagh, PM's sent :D
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 16:41:43
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 16:41:43
Don't lay the blame on video games Thom, I have played them since the first Atari came out and I'm didn't and don't beat the tar out of people.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 16:44:40
Replied.
livingonli on 04/16/2008 16:44:40
Quote by wickedpam:
Paging Liv and Shelagh, Paging Liv and Shelagh, PM's sent :D
Replied.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/16/2008 16:45:22
wickedpam on 04/16/2008 16:45:22
Ugh - I too was a latchkey kid coming home to no one but I had neighbors who would watch out for me. We've lost a lot of that. There is no real community anymore, people don't watch out for each other that often and they don't respect each other either.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 17:31:46
livingonli on 04/16/2008 17:31:46
It's a nice day today and I better get some stuff done.
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 17:37:37
The fact that people don't seem to WANT to know there neighbors is a big issue I have these days, I kinda joke that I am a little like Alice Kravits around here, but People in our apartment complex, and now our neighboirs know that I am looking out for our little community, As the months go by we are all starting to know each other a little bit more and more. When we take our walks we alwyas say hello, and introduce ourselves.
Raine on 04/16/2008 17:37:37
Quote by wickedpam: Ugh - I too was a latchkey kid coming home to no one but I had neighbors who would watch out for me. We've lost a lot of that. There is no real community anymore, people don't watch out for each other that often and they don't respect each other either.
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 17:39:46
Raine on 04/16/2008 17:39:46
This bacteria that Thom is talking about (not the genetically modified one) was something I used in my garden in NY. It was a product called roots (smelled horrific) and it was amazing.
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 17:40:37
Raine on 04/16/2008 17:40:37
BAck to gardeing and painting... as always, I will be floating in and out of the blog today... :D
as always, I will be floating in and out of the blog today... :D
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/16/2008 17:53:43
velveeta jones on 04/16/2008 17:53:43
Raine is floating? Is that code for................ 
Anywho, here's the poop. After a nap (still having trouble getting out of bed) I've decided I'm too sick to decide about the DC trip. Can I afford it? NO. But has that ever stopped me before? NO.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? ............
Ah, anyway. I'm going to wait till I see how much it costs to fix my car.
Anywho, here's the poop. After a nap (still having trouble getting out of bed) I've decided I'm too sick to decide about the DC trip. Can I afford it? NO. But has that ever stopped me before? NO.
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? ............
Ah, anyway. I'm going to wait till I see how much it costs to fix my car.
Comment by shelaghc on 04/16/2008 17:55:47
shelaghc on 04/16/2008 17:55:47
This just sucks rocks. I didn't work last week and waited until this week to contact unemployment to reopen my claim in case I wound up with work by the end of the week.
When I talked with the agent about it she said since I didn't call last week the claim wouldn't start until *this* week nullifying last week completely.
I asked if they could make an exception since I didn't know I had to call last week instead of this week. Now she's sending me a form to fill out and fax back, then I have to go through a phone interview to determine if they can backdate my claim to the beginning of last week. Currently they're booked up on interviews until April 25th!
In the meantime, I won't get *any* unemployment money until the interview process is completed - which could take until sometime in May.
It's a damn good thing I still have *something* in savings otherwise I wouldn't have money for my rent come the beginning of next month.
The worst was the positively cheerful voice on the other end of the phone at the UC center. I almost expected her to say "Have a nice day," before we got off the phone.....
When I talked with the agent about it she said since I didn't call last week the claim wouldn't start until *this* week nullifying last week completely.
I asked if they could make an exception since I didn't know I had to call last week instead of this week. Now she's sending me a form to fill out and fax back, then I have to go through a phone interview to determine if they can backdate my claim to the beginning of last week. Currently they're booked up on interviews until April 25th!
In the meantime, I won't get *any* unemployment money until the interview process is completed - which could take until sometime in May.
It's a damn good thing I still have *something* in savings otherwise I wouldn't have money for my rent come the beginning of next month.
The worst was the positively cheerful voice on the other end of the phone at the UC center. I almost expected her to say "Have a nice day," before we got off the phone.....
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/16/2008 18:00:26
velveeta jones on 04/16/2008 18:00:26
Don't know if anyone mentioned this yet, sorry if it was:
Comment by TriSec on 04/16/2008 18:00:54
TriSec on 04/16/2008 18:00:54
Wha?
Joe Lieberman is making one of the speeches at the Republican convention?
Joe....just put an "R" there and be done with it, you tool!
Joe Lieberman is making one of the speeches at the Republican convention?
Joe....just put an "R" there and be done with it, you tool!
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/16/2008 18:03:56
velveeta jones on 04/16/2008 18:03:56
Sorry Shelagh. :(
BTW, I hope to be in DC in the afternoon of Friday (shooting for 3-4) if I am still coming. I'll know by the weekend. And if so, I'll pm you my cell phone #.
BTW, I hope to be in DC in the afternoon of Friday (shooting for 3-4) if I am still coming. I'll know by the weekend. And if so, I'll pm you my cell phone #.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 18:05:13
starling310 on 04/16/2008 18:05:13
For lunch, egg salad from my friend's chickens!!! :)
Comment by velveeta jones on 04/16/2008 18:06:49
Should I fein surprise? It does take energy I'm trying to save.
TOOL!
velveeta jones on 04/16/2008 18:06:49
Quote by TriSec:
Wha?
Joe Lieberman is making one of the speeches at the Republican convention?
Joe....just put an "R" there and be done with it, you tool!
Should I fein surprise? It does take energy I'm trying to save.
TOOL!
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 18:10:27
starling310 on 04/16/2008 18:10:27
Poor Factory Animals. 
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 18:44:11
starling310 on 04/16/2008 18:44:11
I love love love that Thom talks about topics beside the Primary.
He has a special place in my :star::heart:
He has a special place in my :star::heart:
Comment by TriSec on 04/16/2008 19:27:51
TriSec on 04/16/2008 19:27:51
Say now, the next time I make it down to the family compound in Lake Worth, who should I be stalking?
a) Rush Limbaugh [I know where he lives]
b) mAnn Coulter [I think she's in the same building as Rush]
c) Randi [I have no idea where she is, but could probably find the studio]
a) Rush Limbaugh [I know where he lives]
b) mAnn Coulter [I think she's in the same building as Rush]
c) Randi [I have no idea where she is, but could probably find the studio]
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 19:36:07
starling310 on 04/16/2008 19:36:07
Hmm..guess I should send Randi a "BITTER" bumper sticker too.
Comment by TriSec on 04/16/2008 19:42:12
TriSec on 04/16/2008 19:42:12
Betty Botter was a voter,
but, she said, this voter’s bitter;
If I vote for more of Bush
it will make my country worser,
but a bit of better candidate
will make my country better.
So she heard a bit of Obama
he was better than the other,
and she put him on her ballot
and the voter was not bitter.
So 'twas better Betty Botter
heard a bit of better candidate.
but, she said, this voter’s bitter;
If I vote for more of Bush
it will make my country worser,
but a bit of better candidate
will make my country better.
So she heard a bit of Obama
he was better than the other,
and she put him on her ballot
and the voter was not bitter.
So 'twas better Betty Botter
heard a bit of better candidate.
Comment by IzzyBitz on 04/16/2008 19:46:35
IzzyBitz on 04/16/2008 19:46:35
Rush and mAnn in the same building?! That's frightening and leaves me speechless.
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 19:47:13
starling310 on 04/16/2008 19:47:13
TRI ------->
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 19:50:43
starling310 on 04/16/2008 19:50:43
What I learned on the Thom Hartmann show today:
Jim Webb has personally invited Senator John McCain ( "the war hero" ) to vote for the new G.I. Bill that would restore many of the Veteran Benefits promised by the GI Bill of post-WWII and John McCain ( "the war hero" ) said .
That makes me........hm.........a bit bitter.
Jim Webb has personally invited Senator John McCain ( "the war hero" ) to vote for the new G.I. Bill that would restore many of the Veteran Benefits promised by the GI Bill of post-WWII and John McCain ( "the war hero" ) said .
That makes me........hm.........a bit bitter.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 04/16/2008 20:02:35
I thought Rush and mAnn both had compounds? :shrug:
Heyyy you could stalk both Rush and mAnn catch the she-male servicing Rush and end two career dead in their tracks!
Mondobubba on 04/16/2008 20:02:35
Quote by TriSec:
Say now, the next time I make it down to the family compound in Lake Worth, who should I be stalking?
a) Rush Limbaugh [I know where he lives]
b) mAnn Coulter [I think she's in the same building as Rush]
c) Randi [I have no idea where she is, but could probably find the studio]
I thought Rush and mAnn both had compounds? :shrug:
Heyyy you could stalk both Rush and mAnn catch the she-male servicing Rush and end two career dead in their tracks!
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 20:11:02
starling310 on 04/16/2008 20:11:02
We have the right to be angry!
Stand up and FIGHT the enemy.
It's a do or die situation.
We will be invincible!!!
Stand up and FIGHT the enemy.
It's a do or die situation.
We will be invincible!!!
Comment by TriSec on 04/16/2008 20:18:47
TriSec on 04/16/2008 20:18:47
Ah, I've done some additional digging.
Rush appears to have a compound after all, but it's at the "cheap" end of the island on North Ocean Boulevard (near the inlet), whereas Ms. Coulter lives in an ordinary neighborhood on Seaview Ave (near the Breakers Hotel).
Neither of which is near anyone important, nor in a desireable area of the island.
(Old Palm Beach hand here. My grandpa was a 'musician to the elites' and spent decades in Whitehall and the Everglades Club, the two most exclusive private clubs in all of South Florida.)
Rush appears to have a compound after all, but it's at the "cheap" end of the island on North Ocean Boulevard (near the inlet), whereas Ms. Coulter lives in an ordinary neighborhood on Seaview Ave (near the Breakers Hotel).
Neither of which is near anyone important, nor in a desireable area of the island.
(Old Palm Beach hand here. My grandpa was a 'musician to the elites' and spent decades in Whitehall and the Everglades Club, the two most exclusive private clubs in all of South Florida.)
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 20:20:52
starling310 on 04/16/2008 20:20:52
Oh...hello Mondo!
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 20:39:42
starling310 on 04/16/2008 20:39:42
Randi just said what I said the other day; I don't think Bill Clinton wants Hils to win.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 21:01:14
Well we know that mAnn has to watch her credit card limits or she won't get her booze at the supermarket.
livingonli on 04/16/2008 21:01:14
Quote by TriSec:
Ah, I've done some additional digging.
Rush appears to have a compound after all, but it's at the "cheap" end of the island on North Ocean Boulevard (near the inlet), whereas Ms. Coulter lives in an ordinary neighborhood on Seaview Ave (near the Breakers Hotel).
Neither of which is near anyone important, nor in a desireable area of the island.
(Old Palm Beach hand here. My grandpa was a 'musician to the elites' and spent decades in Whitehall and the Everglades Club, the two most exclusive private clubs in all of South Florida.)
Well we know that mAnn has to watch her credit card limits or she won't get her booze at the supermarket.
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/16/2008 21:16:59
:tips hat to Miz ambles down the plank sidewalk, spurs jingling:
Mondobubba on 04/16/2008 21:16:59
Quote by starling310:
Oh...hello Mondo!
:tips hat to Miz
ambles down the plank sidewalk, spurs jingling:
Comment by starling310 on 04/16/2008 21:17:44
:: cat call ::
starling310 on 04/16/2008 21:17:44
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by starling310:
Oh...hello Mondo!
:tips hat to Miz
:: cat call ::
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 21:23:57
livingonli on 04/16/2008 21:23:57
Quote by starling310:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by starling310:
Oh...hello Mondo!
:tips hat to Miz
:: cat call ::
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/16/2008 21:29:44
I feel so objectified! :breaks down crying:
I will get over it. Seinfeld, "The Contest" comes on in less than a minute.
Mondobubba on 04/16/2008 21:29:44
Quote by starling310:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by starling310:
Oh...hello Mondo!
:tips hat to Miz
:: cat call ::
I feel so objectified! :breaks down crying:
I will get over it. Seinfeld, "The Contest" comes on in less than a minute.
Comment by shelaghc on 04/16/2008 21:38:32
shelaghc on 04/16/2008 21:38:32
How would one go about finding out if a company is owned by or a part of another company?
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 21:43:55
Try googling it and see what happens. There might be a link to a site that mentions the ownership structure (or maybe if that company has an article in the Wiki).
livingonli on 04/16/2008 21:43:55
Quote by shelaghc:
How would one go about finding out if a company is owned by or a part of another company?
Try googling it and see what happens. There might be a link to a site that mentions the ownership structure (or maybe if that company has an article in the Wiki).
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 21:44:20
My windows are open... a woman was walking by the house, with a loverly dog... I said to her, I think your dog is cute, and then without thinking, I pressed this audicon...
Bob said that was very bad timing...
Raine on 04/16/2008 21:44:20
Quote by livingonli:
Bob said that was very bad timing...
Comment by BobR on 04/16/2008 21:47:26
:bow: :bow:
BobR on 04/16/2008 21:47:26
Quote by TriSec:
Betty Botter was a voter,
but, she said, this voter’s bitter;
If I vote for more of Bush
it will make my country worser,
but a bit of better candidate
will make my country better.
So she heard a bit of Obama
he was better than the other,
and she put him on her ballot
and the voter was not bitter.
So 'twas better Betty Botter
heard a bit of better candidate.
:bow: :bow:
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/16/2008 21:47:50
Mondobubba on 04/16/2008 21:47:50
Pasta from Pizza hut.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 21:52:46
Good thing I didn't use this one.
livingonli on 04/16/2008 21:52:46
Quote by Raine:My windows are open... a woman was walking by the house, with a loverly dog... I said to her, I think your dog is cute, and then without thinking, I pressed this audicon...Quote by livingonli:
Bob said that was very bad timing...
Good thing I didn't use this one.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 21:56:41
I guess you saw that commercial. What New Yorker is even going to think that Pizza Hut Pasta could taste better than what they serve at Italian restaurants.
livingonli on 04/16/2008 21:56:41
Quote by Mondobubba:
Pasta from Pizza hut.
I guess you saw that commercial. What New Yorker is even going to think that Pizza Hut Pasta could taste better than what they serve at Italian restaurants.
Comment by 
Shane-O on 04/16/2008 22:00:11
Shane-O on 04/16/2008 22:00:11
Hey all, I've been a bad 4F member of late - life has been a little crazy!
I just wanted to pop in to say, in case a batch email doesn't go out, Steph will be on Larry King Live tonight, 9:30 EST - after the ABC debate.
I just wanted to pop in to say, in case a batch email doesn't go out, Steph will be on Larry King Live tonight, 9:30 EST - after the ABC debate.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 22:01:21
livingonli on 04/16/2008 22:01:21
Now Momma's up against Keith.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 22:11:06
livingonli on 04/16/2008 22:11:06
Since Rachel's not on I'm checking out Jeff Farias.
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/16/2008 22:11:27
Mondobubba on 04/16/2008 22:11:27
So, how much does the Pope Hat weigh? Anybody?
MSNBC has Benny & the Jets doing Vespers from the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It is riveting! :sleeping:
MSNBC has Benny & the Jets doing Vespers from the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. It is riveting!
:sleeping:
Comment by shelaghc on 04/16/2008 22:23:43
I've tried both of those. No soap. What this is about is when I was at Costco yesterday one of the women demonstrating a product said she believed the company she worked for was owned by Costco and that it sucked because she didn't get the same benefits as someone who actually worked directly for Costco. I was curious and she gave me her phone number asking if I could let her know when I found out whatever I could find out.
The demonstration company is called Club Demonstration Services which is owned by Daymon Worldwide (www.daymon.com).
That's as much as I've been able to find.
I'd be pretty upset if I found out Costco was pulling a Walmart essentially.
shelaghc on 04/16/2008 22:23:43
Quote by livingonli:Quote by shelaghc:
How would one go about finding out if a company is owned by or a part of another company?
Try googling it and see what happens. There might be a link to a site that mentions the ownership structure (or maybe if that company has an article in the Wiki).
I've tried both of those. No soap. What this is about is when I was at Costco yesterday one of the women demonstrating a product said she believed the company she worked for was owned by Costco and that it sucked because she didn't get the same benefits as someone who actually worked directly for Costco. I was curious and she gave me her phone number asking if I could let her know when I found out whatever I could find out.
The demonstration company is called Club Demonstration Services which is owned by Daymon Worldwide (www.daymon.com).
That's as much as I've been able to find.
I'd be pretty upset if I found out Costco was pulling a Walmart essentially.
Comment by Mondobubba on 04/16/2008 22:32:50
Mondobubba on 04/16/2008 22:32:50
Taking advantage of the multiple PBS channels and watching last night's Frontline. Gebus H Christ on Crutch, our health care system blows chunks.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 22:32:52
livingonli on 04/16/2008 22:32:52
Costco had a better rep because they always treated their employees better than Wal-Mart. This may require deeper investigation.
Comment by shelaghc on 04/16/2008 22:38:54
shelaghc on 04/16/2008 22:38:54
Is Rachel on MSNBC tonight? There's nothing about it on her blog and I don't remember her mentioning it last night.
Anytime someone from AA is missing unexpectedly l get worried now.
Anytime someone from AA is missing unexpectedly l get worried now.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 22:43:12
They are doing a post-debate edition of Countdown tonight at 9:30. I would have a good hunch she will be on that.
livingonli on 04/16/2008 22:43:12
Quote by shelaghc:
Is Rachel on MSNBC tonight? There's nothing about it on her blog and I don't remember her mentioning it last night.
Anytime someone from AA is missing unexpectedly l get worried now.
They are doing a post-debate edition of Countdown tonight at 9:30. I would have a good hunch she will be on that.
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 23:04:24
livingonli on 04/16/2008 23:04:24
Watching The Simpsons episode with the "In the Garden of Eden" bit.
"Hey Marge, I remember when we used to make out to this hymn."
"Hey Marge, I remember when we used to make out to this hymn."
Comment by BobR on 04/16/2008 23:04:36
The weight of 2000 years of tortured souls?
BobR on 04/16/2008 23:04:36
Quote by Mondobubba:
So, how much does the Pope Hat weigh? Anybody?
The weight of 2000 years of tortured souls?
Comment by Raine on 04/16/2008 23:08:06
Raine on 04/16/2008 23:08:06
Harumph... I will discuss this more tomorrow.
btb, Costco is indeed known as a good corp... I assume they DO bring in other companies to say show the sampling of the wares...
Costco pays a living wage. I have long assumed that the people demonstrating products were brought in by the companies doing the demonstration...
The company may have been hired by costco, but the demonstrator might be an employee of the company.
I see where the disturbance might be.
Off to cook dinner before the big HillBama debate.
I would like t look more into this later or tomorrow,
Comment by IzzyBitz on 04/16/2008 23:45:29
IzzyBitz on 04/16/2008 23:45:29
The debate isn't on until 8 pm out here. WTF!
Comment by livingonli on 04/16/2008 23:59:21
ABC obviously wanted to keep it in prime time and chose not to have the west coast affiliates take it live. So, Momma will have to comment on it without seeing it unless she watches it in the green room.
livingonli on 04/16/2008 23:59:21
Quote by IzzyBitz:
The debate isn't on until 8 pm out here. WTF!
ABC obviously wanted to keep it in prime time and chose not to have the west coast affiliates take it live. So, Momma will have to comment on it without seeing it unless she watches it in the green room.
Comment by livingonli on 04/17/2008 00:01:11
livingonli on 04/17/2008 00:01:11
Izzy, too bad DirecTV doesn't allow you to get the New York channels.
Comment by Raine on 04/17/2008 00:06:10
Raine on 04/17/2008 00:06:10
so should we start a debate blog?
(Just got done with dinner...)
(Just got done with dinner...)
Comment by livingonli on 04/17/2008 00:07:24
livingonli on 04/17/2008 00:07:24
They already went to commercial break. How many commercials will they have in this thing?
Comment by BobR on 04/17/2008 00:08:32
DEBATE LIVE BLOG HERE!
BobR on 04/17/2008 00:08:32
Quote by Raine:
so should we start a debate blog?
(Just got done with dinner...)
DEBATE LIVE BLOG HERE!
Comment by Raine on 04/17/2008 00:12:06
:beer: good news! Of to the new bloggie!
(shane-0, you are a fine member... NEVER apologize.)
Raine on 04/17/2008 00:12:06
Quote by Shane-O:
Hey all, I've been a bad 4F member of late - life has been a little crazy!
I just wanted to pop in to say, in case a batch email doesn't go out, Steph will be on Larry King Live tonight, 9:30 EST - after the ABC debate.
:beer: good news! Of to the new bloggie!
(shane-0, you are a fine member... NEVER apologize.)
Comment by IzzyBitz on 04/17/2008 00:36:04
IzzyBitz on 04/17/2008 00:36:04
I could get NY channels on Directv if I paid extree. Feh.
Top Chef and Lewis Black are on tonight during the debate hour. Harumpf!
Top Chef and Lewis Black are on tonight during the debate hour. Harumpf!