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Inside the Beltway
Author: BobR
Date: 2013-09-19 11:01:35
Stereotyping is one of those things that is so easy to recognize in others, and so easy to miss in yourself. It's a shorthand way to dismiss a large group of people based on some shared characteristic by assuming some other shared characteristic. I think about how ignorant this is every time I hear some generalization about "inside the beltway" thinking. For the uninitiated, the "beltway" is I-495 that circles Washington, DC as well as parts of Virginia and Maryland.
Technically, I live inside the beltway, even though I live in Virginia. This part of Virginia is also called NoVa (for northern VA) because it is as different from southern Virginia as DC is. Actually, the part I'm in was once part of the original square of DC before it was returned to Virginia.
This offhand disparaging of the DC area is made by people who assume way too much about the area. To them, it is a teeming cesspool of politicians with no redeeming values. To them, it exists almost beneath a bubble, cut off from the rest of the country, luxuriously appointed with taxpayer dollars, occupied by bureaucrats who care not a whit about anything beyond that mythical beltway.
Even those who visit the nation's capital seldom venture beyond the Mall and the Smithsonian and the various tourist spots. They, perhaps, get an inkling that there is something noble here that goes beyond politics, that these institutions have preceded us, and will be here beyond our eventual passing. This is serious stuff.
However, this is also where people live and work. Sure, there are the 500-something elected officials who meet and argue and pass laws. But there are many many more who call this place home, who live and work and play among the monuments and museums.
The recent shooting at Navy Yard likely surprised the nation that yes - there are military installations here, that are staffed by both soldier and civilian, both serving the same ideals. There was the usual snark about gun laws (as if DC's gun laws had any bearing on a military installation), but the reality is that crime (especially gun crime) has been dropping in DC for years. Despite the federal and military and city government, there are a huge number of people who live here who do not work for the government at all. They live here because it's a great place to live.
We have numerous lively neighborhoods (Adam's Morgan, Dupont Circle, Eastern Market to name just a few) with bars and restaurants and a thriving nightlife. We have parks and public transportation. We have ball teams and historic areas and - yes - museums and arts and theatre. We even have several breweries. It's a real city with real people doing real work. I have lived here for 4 years and have not yet had a job that was government-related. Some of my neighbors do - but it may surprise some that they work in offices doing normal work just like normal people. Others work for regular companies who happen to be located in the area, or teach in the local schools.
It's true that without the federal government here, none of this would have likely happened. However, it did happen, and despite the federal government, there's so much here that has nothing to do with government at all. Using the "inside the beltway" epithet tarnishes an entire city that goes about its collective daily life without revolving around what happens in government. To them, the beltway is simply a highway, not geopolitical border. It's lazy and unfair to most of the people who call DC their home.
It's time to replace "inside the beltway" with "underneath the dome". Place the criticism where it belongs, and leave the rest of us alone.
Technically, I live inside the beltway, even though I live in Virginia. This part of Virginia is also called NoVa (for northern VA) because it is as different from southern Virginia as DC is. Actually, the part I'm in was once part of the original square of DC before it was returned to Virginia.
This offhand disparaging of the DC area is made by people who assume way too much about the area. To them, it is a teeming cesspool of politicians with no redeeming values. To them, it exists almost beneath a bubble, cut off from the rest of the country, luxuriously appointed with taxpayer dollars, occupied by bureaucrats who care not a whit about anything beyond that mythical beltway.
Even those who visit the nation's capital seldom venture beyond the Mall and the Smithsonian and the various tourist spots. They, perhaps, get an inkling that there is something noble here that goes beyond politics, that these institutions have preceded us, and will be here beyond our eventual passing. This is serious stuff.
However, this is also where people live and work. Sure, there are the 500-something elected officials who meet and argue and pass laws. But there are many many more who call this place home, who live and work and play among the monuments and museums.
The recent shooting at Navy Yard likely surprised the nation that yes - there are military installations here, that are staffed by both soldier and civilian, both serving the same ideals. There was the usual snark about gun laws (as if DC's gun laws had any bearing on a military installation), but the reality is that crime (especially gun crime) has been dropping in DC for years. Despite the federal and military and city government, there are a huge number of people who live here who do not work for the government at all. They live here because it's a great place to live.
We have numerous lively neighborhoods (Adam's Morgan, Dupont Circle, Eastern Market to name just a few) with bars and restaurants and a thriving nightlife. We have parks and public transportation. We have ball teams and historic areas and - yes - museums and arts and theatre. We even have several breweries. It's a real city with real people doing real work. I have lived here for 4 years and have not yet had a job that was government-related. Some of my neighbors do - but it may surprise some that they work in offices doing normal work just like normal people. Others work for regular companies who happen to be located in the area, or teach in the local schools.
It's true that without the federal government here, none of this would have likely happened. However, it did happen, and despite the federal government, there's so much here that has nothing to do with government at all. Using the "inside the beltway" epithet tarnishes an entire city that goes about its collective daily life without revolving around what happens in government. To them, the beltway is simply a highway, not geopolitical border. It's lazy and unfair to most of the people who call DC their home.
It's time to replace "inside the beltway" with "underneath the dome". Place the criticism where it belongs, and leave the rest of us alone.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Raine on 09/19/2013 12:14:43
Good morning.
This this this.
Raine on 09/19/2013 12:14:43
Good morning. This this this.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 12:45:00
Raine on 09/19/2013 12:45:00
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 12:53:05
Arrgh! Why didn't Tom Hanks' new movie get released today? Missed marketing opportunity!
Since I failed in the past year to learn either Somali or Malay, I won't be speaking like a (modern) pirate today.
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 12:53:05
Quote by Raine:
Arrgh! Why didn't Tom Hanks' new movie get released today? Missed marketing opportunity!
Since I failed in the past year to learn either Somali or Malay, I won't be speaking like a (modern) pirate today.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 12:53:55
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 12:53:55
Bobber, I couldn't agree with you more on today's blog topic.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 12:55:15
I'm just gonna let the BoF do it for me.
Raine on 09/19/2013 12:55:15
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Arrgh! Why didn't Tom Hanks' new movie get released today? Missed marketing opportunity!
Since I failed in the past year to learn either Somali or Malay, I won't be speaking like a (modern) pirate today.
I'm just gonna let the BoF do it for me.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 13:00:33
BoF? Bank of France?
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 13:00:33
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Arrgh! Why didn't Tom Hanks' new movie get released today? Missed marketing opportunity!
Since I failed in the past year to learn either Somali or Malay, I won't be speaking like a (modern) pirate today.
I'm just gonna let the BoF do it for me.
BoF? Bank of France?
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 13:02:28
Book of face 
Raine on 09/19/2013 13:02:28
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Arrgh! Why didn't Tom Hanks' new movie get released today? Missed marketing opportunity!
Since I failed in the past year to learn either Somali or Malay, I won't be speaking like a (modern) pirate today.
I'm just gonna let the BoF do it for me.
BoF? Bank of France?
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 13:04:29
Good idea!
Meletakkan kira-kira dan bersedia untuk menaiki!
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 13:04:29
Quote by Raine:Book of faceQuote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Arrgh! Why didn't Tom Hanks' new movie get released today? Missed marketing opportunity!
Since I failed in the past year to learn either Somali or Malay, I won't be speaking like a (modern) pirate today.
I'm just gonna let the BoF do it for me.
BoF? Bank of France?
Good idea!
Meletakkan kira-kira dan bersedia untuk menaiki!
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 13:04:50
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 13:04:50
Okay, I used the Google there.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 13:05:20
Raine on 09/19/2013 13:05:20
And speaking of BoF... It's sad that this was even a question.
The appeals court reversed a lower-court judge who said that simply clicking the “Like†button on a Facebook page didn’t amount to “a substantive statement†that warrants constitutional protection.
“Liking a political candidate’s campaign page communicates the user’s approval of the candidate and supports the campaign by associating the user with it,†U.S. Circuit Judge William Traxler wrote. “It is the Internet equivalent of displaying a political sign in one’s front yard, which the Supreme Court has held is substantive speech.â€
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 13:05:47
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 13:05:47
Ia adalah satu perkara yang baik untuk menjadi raja lanun!
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 13:12:44
Raine on 09/19/2013 13:12:44
DEAR bestest ever friends in New England -- *cough* TriSec, *cough* Rabbit.... If you happen across some of this, I believe we can pay for shipping....
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 13:13:12
ermergherdarglebargle.
Raine on 09/19/2013 13:13:12
Quote by Mondobubba:
Ia adalah satu perkara yang baik untuk menjadi raja lanun!
Comment by 
Scoopster on 09/19/2013 13:46:29
Jeebus you can't even buy a case mail-order? I may hafta send our boss or salesperson on a special mission next time they go way up there..
Scoopster on 09/19/2013 13:46:29
Quote by Raine:
DEAR bestest ever friends in New England -- *cough* TriSec, *cough* Rabbit.... If you happen across some of this, I believe we can pay for shipping....
Jeebus you can't even buy a case mail-order? I may hafta send our boss or salesperson on a special mission next time they go way up there..
Comment by 
wickedpam on 09/19/2013 13:48:11
wickedpam on 09/19/2013 13:48:11
Morning 
Finally decided to get up and join the world this morning (thank God and the Unions for vacation days).
Lived in the NoVA for probably 20 years in addition to visiting my fam for 20 years before that who have lived here all my life. For all its pain in the ass qualities I still like this place
But I always forget that people do get to see this place beyond the big marble buildings and monuments. Yeah, its a city, even though it doesn't look like NY or LA, its still full of great people just living their lives.
Finally decided to get up and join the world this morning (thank God and the Unions for vacation days).
Lived in the NoVA for probably 20 years in addition to visiting my fam for 20 years before that who have lived here all my life. For all its pain in the ass qualities I still like this place
But I always forget that people do get to see this place beyond the big marble buildings and monuments. Yeah, its a city, even though it doesn't look like NY or LA, its still full of great people just living their lives.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 13:48:29
that would be AWESOME.
you know, Ben and Jerry's is there as well... (Bob and I are talking about a spring trip just for those two things....)
Raine on 09/19/2013 13:48:29
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:
DEAR bestest ever friends in New England -- *cough* TriSec, *cough* Rabbit.... If you happen across some of this, I believe we can pay for shipping....
Jeebus you can't even buy a case mail-order? I may hafta send our boss or salesperson on a special mission next time they go way up there..
you know, Ben and Jerry's is there as well... (Bob and I are talking about a spring trip just for those two things....)
Comment by wickedpam on 09/19/2013 13:51:47
wickedpam on 09/19/2013 13:51:47
Now I've got t' go find some breaksmartly.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 13:52:28
I don't want all cities to look like LA or NY (or chicago or atlanta... etc)
It's kinda like the assumption that all of NY is the city -- and all of NYC are fancy pants liberal elites or --
WALL STREET.
I'm glad Bobber wrote this today.
His opening was so impressive:
Raine on 09/19/2013 13:52:28
Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
Finally decided to get up and join the world this morning (thank God and the Unions for vacation days).
Lived in the NoVA for probably 20 years in addition to visiting my fam for 20 years before that who have lived here all my life. For all its pain in the ass qualities I still like this place
But I always forget that people do get to see this place beyond the big marble buildings and monuments. Yeah, its a city, even though it doesn't look like NY or LA, its still full of great people just living their lives.
It's kinda like the assumption that all of NY is the city -- and all of NYC are fancy pants liberal elites or --
WALL STREET.
I'm glad Bobber wrote this today.
His opening was so impressive:
Stereotyping is one of those things that is so easy to recognize in others, and so easy to miss in yourself. It's a shorthand way to dismiss a large group of people based on some shared characteristic by assuming some other shared characteristic.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 13:57:34
Perfect.
This passed across my computer screen last night and just cracked me up:
"It all makes sense now. Gay marriage and marijuana are being legalized at the same time.
Leviticus 20:13 says if a man lays with another man, he should be stoned.
We were just misinterpreting it."
Raine on 09/19/2013 13:57:34
Perfect. This passed across my computer screen last night and just cracked me up:
"It all makes sense now. Gay marriage and marijuana are being legalized at the same time.
Leviticus 20:13 says if a man lays with another man, he should be stoned.
We were just misinterpreting it."
Comment by wickedpam on 09/19/2013 13:58:21
That's one of those things I've loved about DC too. There are lots of things I would love to go to NYC and see but I'm rather intimidated by it. DC I just get the nearest metro and travel in. Granted I don't get too far past the Mall ( I love the Smithsonian) but I'm still not scared to come into the city by myself.,
wickedpam on 09/19/2013 13:58:21
Quote by Raine:I don't want all cities to look like LA or NY (or chicago or atlanta... etc)Quote by wickedpam:
Morning
Finally decided to get up and join the world this morning (thank God and the Unions for vacation days).
Lived in the NoVA for probably 20 years in addition to visiting my fam for 20 years before that who have lived here all my life. For all its pain in the ass qualities I still like this place
But I always forget that people do get to see this place beyond the big marble buildings and monuments. Yeah, its a city, even though it doesn't look like NY or LA, its still full of great people just living their lives.
It's kinda like the assumption that all of NY is the city -- and all of NYC are fancy pants liberal elites or --
WALL STREET.
I'm glad Bobber wrote this today.
His opening was so impressive:Stereotyping is one of those things that is so easy to recognize in others, and so easy to miss in yourself. It's a shorthand way to dismiss a large group of people based on some shared characteristic by assuming some other shared characteristic.
That's one of those things I've loved about DC too. There are lots of things I would love to go to NYC and see but I'm rather intimidated by it. DC I just get the nearest metro and travel in. Granted I don't get too far past the Mall ( I love the Smithsonian) but I'm still not scared to come into the city by myself.,
Comment by 
TriSec on 09/19/2013 14:01:42
TriSec on 09/19/2013 14:01:42
Bostonians share your pain.
"Tea Party"
"Minuteman"
"Patriot"
"Paul Revere"
and who knows what else....all hijacked by "outsiders" and the terminology used incorrectly for their own ends. It rankles us.
And don't call it "Beantown"!!
"Tea Party"
"Minuteman"
"Patriot"
"Paul Revere"
and who knows what else....all hijacked by "outsiders" and the terminology used incorrectly for their own ends. It rankles us.
And don't call it "Beantown"!!
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 14:03:17
Raine on 09/19/2013 14:03:17
Quote by wickedpam:
That's one of those things I've loved about DC too. There are lots of things I would love to go to NYC and see but I'm rather intimidated by it. DC I just get the nearest metro and travel in. Granted I don't get too far past the Mall ( I love the Smithsonian) but I'm still not scared to come into the city by myself.,
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 14:09:52
It is a wonderful thing to be a pirate king! In Malay.
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 14:09:52
Quote by Raine:ermergherdarglebargle.Quote by Mondobubba:
Ia adalah satu perkara yang baik untuk menjadi raja lanun!
It is a wonderful thing to be a pirate king! In Malay.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 14:11:24
But...but...cans!
CANS! 
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 14:11:24
Quote by Raine:
DEAR bestest ever friends in New England -- *cough* TriSec, *cough* Rabbit.... If you happen across some of this, I believe we can pay for shipping....
But...but...cans!
CANS!
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 14:12:53
Called it Beantown might be good way to get beaten up by angry displaced former Southie residents who've been priced out of the neighborhood.
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 14:12:53
Quote by TriSec:
Bostonians share your pain.
"Tea Party"
"Minuteman"
"Patriot"
"Paul Revere"
and who knows what else....all hijacked by "outsiders" and the terminology used incorrectly for their own ends. It rankles us.
And don't call it "Beantown"!!
Called it Beantown might be good way to get beaten up by angry displaced former Southie residents who've been priced out of the neighborhood.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 14:14:13
I have a confession to make.
I am no longer anti can.
Raine on 09/19/2013 14:14:13
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
DEAR bestest ever friends in New England -- *cough* TriSec, *cough* Rabbit.... If you happen across some of this, I believe we can pay for shipping....
But...but...cans!
I am no longer anti can.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 14:15:14
Especially regarding pilsners...
Raine on 09/19/2013 14:15:14
Quote by Raine:I have a confession to make.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
DEAR bestest ever friends in New England -- *cough* TriSec, *cough* Rabbit.... If you happen across some of this, I believe we can pay for shipping....
But...but...cans!
I am no longer anti can.
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 09/19/2013 14:17:36
trojanrabbit on 09/19/2013 14:17:36
Looks like Mrs. Rabbit has a job. Part time, but it's a job. Took her for her drug test this morning. Since it's BJ's it sounds like there's room to move around once she's through her "probation" period.
In an hour or so, Lucky is off to the vet so I can be taught the finer points of administering fluids to him. I'll get enough fluids to last a couple of weeks (he gets some every other day) if I finish the pouch, at that point he'll be well on his way to recovery. I do notice he's eating more, and now it's real cat food instead of people food. I know he doesn't like be cooped up in a room, but I can't let the other two cats get into his food. Let's hope I come back from my training session with all my body parts and I haven't lost too much blood.
In an hour or so, Lucky is off to the vet so I can be taught the finer points of administering fluids to him. I'll get enough fluids to last a couple of weeks (he gets some every other day) if I finish the pouch, at that point he'll be well on his way to recovery. I do notice he's eating more, and now it's real cat food instead of people food. I know he doesn't like be cooped up in a room, but I can't let the other two cats get into his food. Let's hope I come back from my training session with all my body parts and I haven't lost too much blood.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/19/2013 14:25:32
Can's are back - Fat Cat is our newest beer and it only comes in cans.
wickedpam on 09/19/2013 14:25:32
Quote by Raine:I have a confession to make.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
DEAR bestest ever friends in New England -- *cough* TriSec, *cough* Rabbit.... If you happen across some of this, I believe we can pay for shipping....
But...but...cans!
I am no longer anti can.
Can's are back - Fat Cat is our newest beer and it only comes in cans.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 14:30:11
Raine on 09/19/2013 14:30:11
Get this shit... from a week ago, right?
Then yesterday we learn that Boner did this: That's right, he's going to try to shut down the government to stop people from getting health care.
So -- let me get this right... They cancelled another DAMN RECESS to shut down Government but could not be bothered to come off of recess to deal with -- SYRIA?
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday bought themselves more time to try to avert a government shutdown at the end of September, canceling a week-long recess that was due to begin on September 23.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor announced that the break had been scrapped after conservatives in the party rejected his plan to temporarily fund the government in the new fiscal year and stage a vote to defund "Obamacare" health reforms.
Then yesterday we learn that Boner did this:
Bad news for anybody hoping to avoid another budget crisis: Late Tuesday afternoon, National Review‘s Robert Costa broke the news that House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) will cave to the Republican Party’s right wing and introduce a continuing resolution that strips funding for Obamacare. Senate Democrats will block this, and then … well, nobody knows for sure. If somebody doesn’t figure out something by Sept. 30, the government will shut down.
So -- let me get this right... They cancelled another DAMN RECESS to shut down Government but could not be bothered to come off of recess to deal with -- SYRIA?
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 14:33:32
I never though you were. I was a little surprised when I found out that there are craft beers being canned.
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 14:33:32
Quote by Raine:I have a confession to make.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
DEAR bestest ever friends in New England -- *cough* TriSec, *cough* Rabbit.... If you happen across some of this, I believe we can pay for shipping....
But...but...cans!
I am no longer anti can.
I never though you were. I was a little surprised when I found out that there are craft beers being canned.
Comment by 
BobR on 09/19/2013 14:36:11
Canning technology is much better than it used to be. Also - since good beer is meant to be poured into a glass, you are not getting that "can smell" in your nose. Cans weigh less and are cheaper to ship, and just as recycle-able as bottles, so they're slightly more "green"
BobR on 09/19/2013 14:36:11
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:I have a confession to make.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
DEAR bestest ever friends in New England -- *cough* TriSec, *cough* Rabbit.... If you happen across some of this, I believe we can pay for shipping....
But...but...cans!
I am no longer anti can.
I never though you were. I was a little surprised when I found out that there are craft beers being canned.
Canning technology is much better than it used to be. Also - since good beer is meant to be poured into a glass, you are not getting that "can smell" in your nose. Cans weigh less and are cheaper to ship, and just as recycle-able as bottles, so they're slightly more "green"
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 14:37:12
I admit to becoming such a beer snob that I gave side-eye to canned beer.
Raine on 09/19/2013 14:37:12
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:I have a confession to make.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
DEAR bestest ever friends in New England -- *cough* TriSec, *cough* Rabbit.... If you happen across some of this, I believe we can pay for shipping....
But...but...cans!
I am no longer anti can.
I never though you were. I was a little surprised when I found out that there are craft beers being canned.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 14:38:13
I am so glad they are replaying this 911 call from georgia. This is SO inspirational.
Raine on 09/19/2013 14:38:13
I am so glad they are replaying this 911 call from georgia. This is SO inspirational.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 14:42:18
Ah I gotcha. The act of pouring lets the volatile aromatics a chance to bloom so the beer smells as well as taste right?
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 14:42:18
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:I have a confession to make.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
DEAR bestest ever friends in New England -- *cough* TriSec, *cough* Rabbit.... If you happen across some of this, I believe we can pay for shipping....
But...but...cans!
I am no longer anti can.
I never though you were. I was a little surprised when I found out that there are craft beers being canned.
Canning technology is much better than it used to be. Also - since good beer is meant to be poured into a glass, you are not getting that "can smell" in your nose. Cans weigh less and are cheaper to ship, and just as recycle-able as bottles, so they're slightly more "green"
Ah I gotcha. The act of pouring lets the volatile aromatics a chance to bloom so the beer smells as well as taste right?
Comment by Scoopster on 09/19/2013 14:42:19
Scoopster on 09/19/2013 14:42:19
I tell you what.. if I had to lug all that beer back to RI and it was in bottles, I'd have been in SERIOUS trouble. 
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 14:47:16
Raine on 09/19/2013 14:47:16
I being a person that likes to know everything found myself amazed and shocked that the Booby is NOT extinct!
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 14:49:02
I do hope you are still enjoying your Burberry Beerberry bag, complete with packing tape.
Raine on 09/19/2013 14:49:02
Quote by Scoopster:
I tell you what.. if I had to lug all that beer back to RI and it was in bottles, I'd have been in SERIOUS trouble.
I do hope you are still enjoying your
Comment by Scoopster on 09/19/2013 14:52:18
Indeed! I've added it to my contingent of reusable shopping bags.
Scoopster on 09/19/2013 14:52:18
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
I tell you what.. if I had to lug all that beer back to RI and it was in bottles, I'd have been in SERIOUS trouble.
I do hope you are still enjoying yourBurberryBeerberry bag, complete with packinig tape.
Indeed! I've added it to my contingent of reusable shopping bags.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 14:54:19
Once again -- you amaze me.
you managed to get that tape off? I am really regretting not taking a picture of it.
Raine on 09/19/2013 14:54:19
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
I tell you what.. if I had to lug all that beer back to RI and it was in bottles, I'd have been in SERIOUS trouble.
I do hope you are still enjoying yourBurberryBeerberry bag, complete with packinig tape.
Indeed! I've added it to my contingent of reusable shopping bags.
you managed to get that tape off? I am really regretting not taking a picture of it.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 15:05:30
I think you are confusing boobies with dodos, which are extict
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 15:05:30
Quote by Raine:
I being a person that likes to know everything found myself amazed and shocked that the Booby is NOT extinct!
I think you are confusing boobies with dodos, which are extict
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 15:09:21
I think you are correct.
Thus proving I am terribel at trying to know everything about
well -- as it turns out, nothing.
Raine on 09/19/2013 15:09:21
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
I being a person that likes to know everything found myself amazed and shocked that the Booby is NOT extinct!
I think you are confusing boobies with dodos, which are extict
I think you are correct.
Thus proving I am terribel at trying to know everything about
well -- as it turns out, nothing.
Comment by BobR on 09/19/2013 15:12:17
So can the appeal verdict be appealed further up-court?
BobR on 09/19/2013 15:12:17
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
GODDAMNIT...
Well that sucks.
So can the appeal verdict be appealed further up-court?
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 15:12:36
Woudn't it be nice if all american enjoyed this:
You know, especially people like I dunno:
Troy Davis?
Raine on 09/19/2013 15:12:36
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
GODDAMNIT...
Well that sucks.
While DeLay was sentenced to three years in prison, he remained free while his case went through the appeals process.
You know, especially people like I dunno:
Troy Davis?
Comment by Scoopster on 09/19/2013 15:16:21
Not sure.. the decision dismissed all prior verdicts and replaced them with a full acquittal. And it's in the Texas judicial system, not federal. So even if it was appealed to the state supreme court that would go nowhere.
I thought all this shit was a federal case..
Scoopster on 09/19/2013 15:16:21
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
GODDAMNIT...
Well that sucks.
So can the appeal verdict be appealed further up-court?
Not sure.. the decision dismissed all prior verdicts and replaced them with a full acquittal. And it's in the Texas judicial system, not federal. So even if it was appealed to the state supreme court that would go nowhere.
I thought all this shit was a federal case..
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 15:24:48
Raine on 09/19/2013 15:24:48
This is a brilliant line of questioning.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 15:31:30
I thought so as well.
what a clusterfuck.
Raine on 09/19/2013 15:31:30
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
GODDAMNIT...
Well that sucks.
So can the appeal verdict be appealed further up-court?
Not sure.. the decision dismissed all prior verdicts and replaced them with a full acquittal. And it's in the Texas judicial system, not federal. So even if it was appealed to the state supreme court that would go nowhere.
I thought all this shit was a federal case..
what a clusterfuck.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 15:33:19
Raine on 09/19/2013 15:33:19
I wonder how Jack Abramoff is feeling today. Ya think he's sending Delay a bottle of champagne for his hot tub?
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 15:38:52
It is still cool that the blue footed booby is hanging out in SoCal.
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 15:38:52
Quote by Raine:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
I being a person that likes to know everything found myself amazed and shocked that the Booby is NOT extinct!
I think you are confusing boobies with dodos, which are extict
I think you are correct.
Thus proving I am terribel at trying to know everything about
well -- as it turns out, nothing.
It is still cool that the blue footed booby is hanging out in SoCal.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 15:49:19
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 15:49:19
Scoop. I needs a new laptop on the cheap. General websurfing, light word processing duties, having my massive music lye-berry available. What should I be looking for in processor, graphics etc?
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 15:50:34
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 15:50:34
Comment by TriSec on 09/19/2013 15:51:21
TriSec on 09/19/2013 15:51:21
Did somebody say boobies?
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 09/19/2013 16:12:28
Chicago was glad that Michael Jordan and the Bulls had their run to put most of the ghosts of Al Capone and the Roaring 20s to rest.
We have very diverse neighborhoods in and outside the city.
TriSec, calling Boston Beantown is so wrong that I might understand if the city council allowed people to throw beans at people who utter that phrase.
Will in Chicago on 09/19/2013 16:12:28
Quote by TriSec:
Bostonians share your pain.
"Tea Party"
"Minuteman"
"Patriot"
"Paul Revere"
and who knows what else....all hijacked by "outsiders" and the terminology used incorrectly for their own ends. It rankles us.
And don't call it "Beantown"!!
Chicago was glad that Michael Jordan and the Bulls had their run to put most of the ghosts of Al Capone and the Roaring 20s to rest.
We have very diverse neighborhoods in and outside the city.
TriSec, calling Boston Beantown is so wrong that I might understand if the city council allowed people to throw beans at people who utter that phrase.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 16:14:09
Oh Ed. Maybe instead of chewing out Richard Wolfe on the the air, you might want to talk to him in person.
Thick skin dude -- get it.
You can kiss my ass too. I remember what you said in 2010 about voting.
Raine on 09/19/2013 16:14:09
Oh Ed. Maybe instead of chewing out Richard Wolfe on the the air, you might want to talk to him in person.
Thick skin dude -- get it.
You can kiss my ass too. I remember what you said in 2010 about voting.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 16:21:08
We said_-one_leg_raised.jpg)
Not
Get your mind out of the gutter.
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 16:21:08
Quote by TriSec:
Did somebody say boobies?
We said
Not
Get your mind out of the gutter.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/19/2013 16:26:08
wickedpam on 09/19/2013 16:26:08
in 
mode - off to enjoy some Dragon Age
mode - off to enjoy some Dragon Age
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/19/2013 16:35:14
Ed also went on once for over a half hour criticizing Sam Seder for supporting Thom Hartmann on Sirius Radio over Ed -- when both were with Air America.
My advice is to talk to people in person.
Will in Chicago on 09/19/2013 16:35:14
Quote by Raine:
Oh Ed. Maybe instead of chewing out Richard Wolfe on the the air, you might want to talk to him in person.
Thick skin dude -- get it.
You can kiss my ass too. I remember what you said in 2010 about voting.
Ed also went on once for over a half hour criticizing Sam Seder for supporting Thom Hartmann on Sirius Radio over Ed -- when both were with Air America.
My advice is to talk to people in person.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/19/2013 16:38:04
Will in Chicago on 09/19/2013 16:38:04
I survived the big storms here last night. I was soaked head to toe moving a car for my sister in law's Dad who had dialysis and whose night vision is getting bad.
Besides loss of power and flooding, a city worker was killed during the storms.
Besides loss of power and flooding, a city worker was killed during the storms.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 16:57:01
Raine on 09/19/2013 16:57:01
Comment by trojanrabbit on 09/19/2013 17:04:49
trojanrabbit on 09/19/2013 17:04:49
Home from the vet.
I THINK I can do this. Grab the scruff of the neck......make a "skin tent"....stick in the needle.....add 100ml of Ringers Lactate. I feel like Squad 51. Lucky took it like a trooper. I guess it doesn't bother cats to get a needle like that anyway.
First thing he did when he got home was bury his face in his food dish and empty it.
Now for me.....I went an hour later than I normally go before I eat lunch. I feel like absolute crap. That candy bar better start working soon.
I THINK I can do this. Grab the scruff of the neck......make a "skin tent"....stick in the needle.....add 100ml of Ringers Lactate. I feel like Squad 51. Lucky took it like a trooper. I guess it doesn't bother cats to get a needle like that anyway.
First thing he did when he got home was bury his face in his food dish and empty it.
Now for me.....I went an hour later than I normally go before I eat lunch. I feel like absolute crap. That candy bar better start working soon.
Comment by TriSec on 09/19/2013 17:08:37
TriSec on 09/19/2013 17:08:37
Getting a little twitchy - my first meeting is in 5 hours!
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 17:10:17
Sounds like Lucky is trusting on you. I know you can do this, Rabbit.
If I could tube feed Brewser -- you can do this.
Raine on 09/19/2013 17:10:17
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Home from the vet.
I THINK I can do this. Grab the scruff of the neck......make a "skin tent"....stick in the needle.....add 100ml of Ringers Lactate. I feel like Squad 51. Lucky took it like a trooper. I guess it doesn't bother cats to get a needle like that anyway.
First thing he did when he got home was bury his face in his food dish and empty it.
Now for me.....I went an hour later than I normally go before I eat lunch. I feel like absolute crap. That candy bar better start working soon.
I know you can do this, Rabbit. If I could tube feed Brewser -- you can do this.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 17:16:12
Oh look at this.. just to bring the point home.
THE FUH?
Raine on 09/19/2013 17:16:12
Quote by Raine:
Get this shit...from a week ago, right?Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday bought themselves more time to try to avert a government shutdown at the end of September, canceling a week-long recess that was due to begin on September 23.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor announced that the break had been scrapped after conservatives in the party rejected his plan to temporarily fund the government in the new fiscal year and stage a vote to defund "Obamacare" health reforms.
Then yesterday we learn that Boner did this:That's right, he's going to try to shut down the government to stop people from getting health care.Bad news for anybody hoping to avoid another budget crisis: Late Tuesday afternoon, National Review‘s Robert Costa broke the news that House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) will cave to the Republican Party’s right wing and introduce a continuing resolution that strips funding for Obamacare. Senate Democrats will block this, and then … well, nobody knows for sure. If somebody doesn’t figure out something by Sept. 30, the government will shut down.
So -- let me get this right... They cancelled another DAMN RECESS to shut down Government but could not be bothered to come off of recess to deal with -- SYRIA?
THE FUH?
Boehner isn't happy that President Barack Obama is willing to compromise with the Russian leader, but won't negotiate with the GOP back home.
A video posted to Boehner's YouTube account asks, "Why is the Obama Administration willing to negotiate with Putin on Syria... But not with Congress to address Washington's spending problem?"
Comment by trojanrabbit on 09/19/2013 17:17:48
If Lucky wasn't eating on his own, that would have been the other course of treatment, a tube.
Fortunately, he went from eating only human food like tuna to cat food again. Good thing I have like 8 different kinds of cat food for him to sample.
trojanrabbit on 09/19/2013 17:17:48
Quote by Raine:Sounds like Lucky is trusting on you.Quote by trojanrabbit:
Home from the vet.
I THINK I can do this. Grab the scruff of the neck......make a "skin tent"....stick in the needle.....add 100ml of Ringers Lactate. I feel like Squad 51. Lucky took it like a trooper. I guess it doesn't bother cats to get a needle like that anyway.
First thing he did when he got home was bury his face in his food dish and empty it.
Now for me.....I went an hour later than I normally go before I eat lunch. I feel like absolute crap. That candy bar better start working soon.
If I could tube feed Brewser -- you can do this.
If Lucky wasn't eating on his own, that would have been the other course of treatment, a tube.
Fortunately, he went from eating only human food like tuna to cat food again. Good thing I have like 8 different kinds of cat food for him to sample.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 09/19/2013 17:20:29
It's quite simple, Boner. Obama doesn't deal with economic terrorists. Putin might be an autocratic tyrant, but he's not a terrorist. Now go away Boner, before Obama sics a drone on you.
trojanrabbit on 09/19/2013 17:20:29
Quote by Raine:Oh look at this.. just to bring the point home.Quote by Raine:
Get this shit...from a week ago, right?Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday bought themselves more time to try to avert a government shutdown at the end of September, canceling a week-long recess that was due to begin on September 23.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor announced that the break had been scrapped after conservatives in the party rejected his plan to temporarily fund the government in the new fiscal year and stage a vote to defund "Obamacare" health reforms.
Then yesterday we learn that Boner did this:That's right, he's going to try to shut down the government to stop people from getting health care.Bad news for anybody hoping to avoid another budget crisis: Late Tuesday afternoon, National Review‘s Robert Costa broke the news that House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) will cave to the Republican Party’s right wing and introduce a continuing resolution that strips funding for Obamacare. Senate Democrats will block this, and then … well, nobody knows for sure. If somebody doesn’t figure out something by Sept. 30, the government will shut down.
So -- let me get this right... They cancelled another DAMN RECESS to shut down Government but could not be bothered to come off of recess to deal with -- SYRIA?
THE FUH?Boehner isn't happy that President Barack Obama is willing to compromise with the Russian leader, but won't negotiate with the GOP back home.
A video posted to Boehner's YouTube account asks, "Why is the Obama Administration willing to negotiate with Putin on Syria... But not with Congress to address Washington's spending problem?"
It's quite simple, Boner. Obama doesn't deal with economic terrorists. Putin might be an autocratic tyrant, but he's not a terrorist. Now go away Boner, before Obama sics a drone on you.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/19/2013 17:28:18
Scoopster on 09/19/2013 17:28:18
Speaker Oompa-Loompa can go screw. Enjoy the remainder of your tenure by the way, because the moment the government shuts down is the first day of the end of it.
Speaker of the House Steny Hoyer.. me likey!
Speaker of the House Steny Hoyer.. me likey!
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 17:28:21
Raine on 09/19/2013 17:28:21
let me see if I have this right...
A week ago, Cantor cancelled a week-long recess due to start 9/23 in order to deal with the debt ceiling issue.
Yesterday we learn that Boehner added a provision to defund Obamacre to a continuing resolution -- in effect saying they will shut down government.
Congress refused to come back to DC over the summer break to deal with the Syria situation...
Today it is Obama's fault for NOT GOING TO WAR and for not negotiating with congress when they were not in session to deal with this over the summer?
(do I have this wrong?)
A week ago, Cantor cancelled a week-long recess due to start 9/23 in order to deal with the debt ceiling issue.
Yesterday we learn that Boehner added a provision to defund Obamacre to a continuing resolution -- in effect saying they will shut down government.
Congress refused to come back to DC over the summer break to deal with the Syria situation...
Today it is Obama's fault for NOT GOING TO WAR and for not negotiating with congress when they were not in session to deal with this over the summer?
(do I have this wrong?)
Comment by TriSec on 09/19/2013 17:31:41
TriSec on 09/19/2013 17:31:41
Go ahead assholes, shut it down.
I TRIPLE-DOG-DARE YOU!!!!
Their penises are so small, they won't.
I TRIPLE-DOG-DARE YOU!!!!
Their penises are so small, they won't.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/19/2013 17:32:55
Their brains are smaller, and they have the curse of repeating history on their side.
Scoopster on 09/19/2013 17:32:55
Quote by TriSec:
Go ahead assholes, shut it down.
I TRIPLE-DOG-DARE YOU!!!!
Their penises are so small, they won't.
Their brains are smaller, and they have the curse of repeating history on their side.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/19/2013 17:36:47
It's a shame tho, really. For a short while there he had great promise as a journalist.
Scoopster on 09/19/2013 17:36:47
It's a shame tho, really. For a short while there he had great promise as a journalist.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 17:39:15
Namaste, vegans! NAM-AS-TE! :finger:
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 17:39:15
Quote by Raine:
Namaste, vegans! NAM-AS-TE! :finger:
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 17:40:18
PLEASE PLEASE tell me that someone tweeted this to him.
(agreed it is a shame -- He was really good in 2008 in how he broke down numbers and polling. HE really was a decent sort -- until perhaps we got to know him? )
Raine on 09/19/2013 17:40:18
Quote by Scoopster:
PLEASE PLEASE tell me that someone tweeted this to him.
(agreed it is a shame -- He was really good in 2008 in how he broke down numbers and polling. HE really was a decent sort -- until perhaps we got to know him? )
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 17:40:21
Nah, still be Nancy Pelosi, she is the Minority Leader.
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 17:40:21
Quote by Scoopster:
Speaker Oompa-Loompa can go screw. Enjoy the remainder of your tenure by the way, because the moment the government shuts down is the first day of the end of it.
Speaker of the House Steny Hoyer.. me likey!
Nah, still be Nancy Pelosi, she is the Minority Leader.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/19/2013 17:41:55
I thought she recently said she didn't want to be Speaker again?
Scoopster on 09/19/2013 17:41:55
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
Speaker Oompa-Loompa can go screw. Enjoy the remainder of your tenure by the way, because the moment the government shuts down is the first day of the end of it.
Speaker of the House Steny Hoyer.. me likey!
Nah, still be Nancy Pelosi, she is the Minority Leader.
I thought she recently said she didn't want to be Speaker again?
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 17:45:52
Raine on 09/19/2013 17:45:52
zOMG -- I just learned that Chuck Todd's goatee has not just one but TWO twitter accounts.
and also -- the is a black Chuck Todd.
and also -- the is a black Chuck Todd.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 17:47:53
She did. I'd like to see her return as well, but she doesn't want it.
Raine on 09/19/2013 17:47:53
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
Speaker Oompa-Loompa can go screw. Enjoy the remainder of your tenure by the way, because the moment the government shuts down is the first day of the end of it.
Speaker of the House Steny Hoyer.. me likey!
Nah, still be Nancy Pelosi, she is the Minority Leader.
I thought she recently said she didn't want to be Speaker again?
Comment by trojanrabbit on 09/19/2013 17:53:22
That got shared
trojanrabbit on 09/19/2013 17:53:22
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:
PLEASE PLEASE tell me that someone tweeted this to him.
(agreed it is a shame -- He was really good in 2008 in how he broke down numbers and polling. HE really was a decent sort -- until perhaps we got to know him? )
That got shared
Comment by TriSec on 09/19/2013 18:18:55
TriSec on 09/19/2013 18:18:55
Avast.
Ahoy.
Yarr.
There. I talked like a pirate.
Ahoy.
Yarr.
There. I talked like a pirate.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 18:26:04
:rofl: No, that's backwards, Chuck Todd likes to be banged by donkeys.
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 18:26:04
Quote by Scoopster:
:rofl: No, that's backwards, Chuck Todd likes to be banged by donkeys.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/19/2013 18:45:07
Yes, but not as much as enjoys elephants doing the same to him.
Will in Chicago on 09/19/2013 18:45:07
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Scoopster:
Yes, but not as much as enjoys elephants doing the same to him.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 19:05:55
Raine on 09/19/2013 19:05:55
I know it a bit of a drop in the bucket -- and JAmie *jazz hands* Dimond isn't in jail but....
JP Morgan Chase told to refund 309 million dollars.
JP Morgan Chase told to refund 309 million dollars.
U.S. regulators on Thursday ordered JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM.N) to refund about $309 million to credit-card customers who were billed for identity-theft protection services that they did not receive.
JPMorgan, which was fined $920 million by regulators earlier on Thursday over separate trading issues, also must pay a $20 million penalty to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and $60 million to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 19:20:27
Tri di mana adalah semangat lanun anda? Anda akan mendapat cara untuk grumpy di dotage anda rakan saya.
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 19:20:27
Quote by TriSec:
Avast.
Ahoy.
Yarr.
There. I talked like a pirate.
Tri di mana adalah semangat lanun anda? Anda akan mendapat cara untuk grumpy di dotage anda rakan saya.
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 19:21:37
Do not abuse your toy....
Raine on 09/19/2013 19:21:37
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Avast.
Ahoy.
Yarr.
There. I talked like a pirate.
Tri di mana adalah semangat lanun anda? Anda akan mendapat cara untuk grumpy di dotage anda rakan saya.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 20:10:07
Raine, saya membuat komitmen untuk melakukan semua jawatan Antarabangsa bercakap seperti lanun sehari saya dalam Bahasa Melayu. Ada sebab saya disimpan mereka untuk sekurang-kurangnya, saya tidak mahu memecahkan mainan saya!
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 20:10:07
Quote by Raine:Do not abuse your toy....Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Avast.
Ahoy.
Yarr.
There. I talked like a pirate.
Tri di mana adalah semangat lanun anda? Anda akan mendapat cara untuk grumpy di dotage anda rakan saya.
Raine, saya membuat komitmen untuk melakukan semua jawatan Antarabangsa bercakap seperti lanun sehari saya dalam Bahasa Melayu. Ada sebab saya disimpan mereka untuk sekurang-kurangnya, saya tidak mahu memecahkan mainan saya!
Comment by BobR on 09/19/2013 20:13:50
Mecca lecca hi, mecca hiney ho
BobR on 09/19/2013 20:13:50
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Do not abuse your toy....Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Avast.
Ahoy.
Yarr.
There. I talked like a pirate.
Tri di mana adalah semangat lanun anda? Anda akan mendapat cara untuk grumpy di dotage anda rakan saya.
Raine, saya membuat komitmen untuk melakukan semua jawatan Antarabangsa bercakap seperti lanun sehari saya dalam Bahasa Melayu. Ada sebab saya disimpan mereka untuk sekurang-kurangnya, saya tidak mahu memecahkan mainan saya!
Mecca lecca hi, mecca hiney ho
Comment by Raine on 09/19/2013 20:14:21
Raine on 09/19/2013 20:14:21
Arrgh --- lble bargle. I say again.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 21:29:26
Mondobubba on 09/19/2013 21:29:26
Comment by 
livingonli on 09/19/2013 21:38:00
livingonli on 09/19/2013 21:38:00
Finally back online. Roomie forgot to pay the Verizon bill so we were without internet for a day and a half. At least, I still had TV with my DirecTV.