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Hemispheres
Author: BobR
Date: 2013-11-21 11:40:25
The problem with constantly being surrounded by people like you and familiar stuff is that it becomes so much a part of the fabric of your life, you cease to question it or examine it for what it is. This is true in politics, in racial or economic strata cultures, or - in a broader sense - our common American experience.
It's always interesting and educational to step outside those boundaries, and look in from the outside. It's good to see what others consider normal and abnormal in their circle of life versus yours. I was reminded of this once again as I read this link about things that non-Americans find odd about America. Surprisingly, our health care "system" wasn't a common theme.
What I did find interesting is things I've noticed as well: there's sugar in everything. The common complaint was that our bread was sweet. There was also the observation that sodas were huge and refills were free, American chocolate is crap, and we have way too many flags and guns. I would absolutely agree with all of that.
I've been lucky enough to travel in Europe, although it's been over 10 years since my last visit. Here are some things I noticed over there that I found interesting compared to my American "norm":
Quality and craftsmanship is preferred over cheap and crappy. This goes for food, housing materials, domestic goods, etc. They have less of a selection than we do, but it's all good stuff.
These are just some of my own personal observations. Realizing that the way we've "always" done things isn't necessarily the best way is one of the best benefits of stepping outside and into another sphere. Our sphere could improve if we can take the best of all the spheres out there and combine them. We just need to break our addiction to our bad products and habits, and recognize that those who market those inferior ideas and products are doing so only to benefit themselves.
It's always interesting and educational to step outside those boundaries, and look in from the outside. It's good to see what others consider normal and abnormal in their circle of life versus yours. I was reminded of this once again as I read this link about things that non-Americans find odd about America. Surprisingly, our health care "system" wasn't a common theme.
What I did find interesting is things I've noticed as well: there's sugar in everything. The common complaint was that our bread was sweet. There was also the observation that sodas were huge and refills were free, American chocolate is crap, and we have way too many flags and guns. I would absolutely agree with all of that.
I've been lucky enough to travel in Europe, although it's been over 10 years since my last visit. Here are some things I noticed over there that I found interesting compared to my American "norm":
- There's nudity on broadcast TV - in the commercials.
- People not only drink alcohol during the lunch break at work, they drink it in the office. I remember visiting a customer there, and a woman had a glass of wine at her desk. Having a beer or a glass of wine during lunch was normal - no one got soda or tea. In France, the typical lunch prix fixe menu included a glass of wine as part of the deal.
- Restaurant menu prices were what you paid - no taxes, no tips. Also - no 14.95; they don't like to deal with the small change.
- If you buy something at a store (like a bakery), they hand you your change back on a little tray instead of putting it in your hands.
- Being smart and informed is expected. Being proud and stupid is frowned upon.
- People are quietly religious in their private lives, not in their public ones.
- People smoke everywhere (that may have changed)
- Cash is preferred. A lot places (at least back in the late 90s) did not take credit cards. Compare that to America where we pay for a $2.30 cup of coffee with our checkcards.
- Guns are nearly non-existent, but the people do not fear their government. On the contrary, if they want something, the entire country goes on strike, and the government caves.
Quality and craftsmanship is preferred over cheap and crappy. This goes for food, housing materials, domestic goods, etc. They have less of a selection than we do, but it's all good stuff.
These are just some of my own personal observations. Realizing that the way we've "always" done things isn't necessarily the best way is one of the best benefits of stepping outside and into another sphere. Our sphere could improve if we can take the best of all the spheres out there and combine them. We just need to break our addiction to our bad products and habits, and recognize that those who market those inferior ideas and products are doing so only to benefit themselves.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Raine on 11/21/2013 13:57:30
Good morning.
Raine on 11/21/2013 13:57:30
Good morning.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 13:58:53
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 13:58:53
Morning.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 11/21/2013 14:11:20
wickedpam on 11/21/2013 14:11:20
Morning 
I was looking at that too - I've never noticed that our bread was sweet. Wonder if that's the same for sourdough (my fave).
I like this getting change back on trays - seems classier. And in doing wine lists for a lot of accounts that are owned by people not originally from here - I get the pricing thing.
I was looking at that too - I've never noticed that our bread was sweet. Wonder if that's the same for sourdough (my fave).
I like this getting change back on trays - seems classier. And in doing wine lists for a lot of accounts that are owned by people not originally from here - I get the pricing thing.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 14:17:19
I had forgotten abut this incident --
Raine on 11/21/2013 14:17:19
Quote by Mondobubba:
An interesting article on Georgie Zizzy.
Then in late October, she claimed her estranged husband nailed a marksman target with “17 bullet holes†to a wall in her parents’ home. Ostensibly he did so as a threat of what he is capable of doing – and an eerie reminder of the 17-year-old boy he killed.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 14:20:13
Raine on 11/21/2013 14:20:13
Thanks for that article, Mondo. It's really frightening how many domestic abusers are allowed to keep walking the streets.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 14:22:34
It is so nice to see Florida is leading the nation in letting them out of jail! I
my state!
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 14:22:34
Quote by Raine:
Thanks for that article, Mondo. It's really frightening how many domestic abusers are allowed to keep walking the streets.
It is so nice to see Florida is leading the nation in letting them out of jail! I
my state!
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 14:38:34
That was why I wrote yesterdays post -- real consequences happen when these things aren't taken seriously by the court system.
Raine on 11/21/2013 14:38:34
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Thanks for that article, Mondo. It's really frightening how many domestic abusers are allowed to keep walking the streets.
It is so nice to see Florida is leading the nation in letting them out of jail! I
Comment by 
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 14:42:09
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 14:42:09
Mornin' all.. 
I don't know why I try to suggest anything to help boost sales at the office. They just come back at me and say it's a hassle.
I don't know why I try to suggest anything to help boost sales at the office. They just come back at me and say it's a hassle.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 14:43:03
Raine on 11/21/2013 14:43:03
And can honestly say that the 17 year old is lucky to be alive after surviving that night.
So is the woman -- and, yes, even the man.
So is the woman -- and, yes, even the man.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 14:43:25
I am totally on the same page with you.
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 14:43:25
Quote by Raine:That was why I wrote yesterdays post -- real consequences happen when these things aren't taken seriously by the court system.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Thanks for that article, Mondo. It's really frightening how many domestic abusers are allowed to keep walking the streets.
It is so nice to see Florida is leading the nation in letting them out of jail! I
I am totally on the same page with you.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 14:44:39
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 14:44:39
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 14:48:15
That looks like a very good org.
Raine on 11/21/2013 14:48:15
Quote by Mondobubba:
When Mrs Mondo died, I donated all of her clothes to the Hubbard House.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 14:50:14
and please let me add:
Raine on 11/21/2013 14:50:14
Quote by Raine:That looks like a very good org.Quote by Mondobubba:
When Mrs Mondo died, I donated all of her clothes to the Hubbard House.
and please let me add:
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 15:00:10
They are. They do a whole lot of good. When I was working at AOL we would do a clothing and gift drive for them at Xmas.
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 15:00:10
Quote by Raine:That looks like a very good org.Quote by Mondobubba:
When Mrs Mondo died, I donated all of her clothes to the Hubbard House.
They are. They do a whole lot of good. When I was working at AOL we would do a clothing and gift drive for them at Xmas.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/21/2013 15:10:43
wickedpam on 11/21/2013 15:10:43
wow - callers are really being assholes today
Comment by wickedpam on 11/21/2013 15:13:14
wickedpam on 11/21/2013 15:13:14
Nice Chris!
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 15:13:31
They have a very interesting approach today.
Let me talk, let me finish.
Raine on 11/21/2013 15:13:31
Quote by wickedpam:
wow - callers are really being assholes today
Let me talk, let me finish.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 15:14:51
Raine on 11/21/2013 15:14:51
Oh, Chris, that wasn't cool. There are a lot of Stephanie Trussell on the BoF
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 15:16:01
Mrs Mondo had a ton of clothes. A lot of them she had never worn. I wanted them to go to woman who really needed them. They we excited to get plus sized clothes.
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 15:16:01
Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:That looks like a very good org.Quote by Mondobubba:
When Mrs Mondo died, I donated all of her clothes to the Hubbard House.
and please let me add:
Mrs Mondo had a ton of clothes. A lot of them she had never worn. I wanted them to go to woman who really needed them. They we excited to get plus sized clothes.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/21/2013 15:19:41
I get his frustration though. Some of these trolls need outing as professional callers
wickedpam on 11/21/2013 15:19:41
Quote by Raine:
Oh, Chris, that wasn't cool. There are a lot of Stephanie Trussell on the BoF
I get his frustration though. Some of these trolls need outing as professional callers
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 15:19:52
I know he mentioned public page -- but that is assuming that people understand what that means.
Also -- that just gives the troll more attention. I;m sure she's going to dee her likes go WAY up now.
Raine on 11/21/2013 15:19:52
Quote by Raine:
Oh, Chris, that wasn't cool. There are a lot of Stephanie Trussell on the BoF
I know he mentioned public page -- but that is assuming that people understand what that means.
Also -- that just gives the troll more attention. I;m sure she's going to dee her likes go WAY up now.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 15:21:00
That part is true, I agree.
That said -- I think it would be better for the call screeners to know this information and not let them on the air. (this is information that could be passed around. Just saying.)
Raine on 11/21/2013 15:21:00
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Oh, Chris, that wasn't cool. There are a lot of Stephanie Trussell on the BoF
I get his frustration though. Some of these trolls need outing as professional callers
That said -- I think it would be better for the call screeners to know this information and not let them on the air. (this is information that could be passed around. Just saying.)
Comment by wickedpam on 11/21/2013 15:22:17
True. It probably should have been internal info.
wickedpam on 11/21/2013 15:22:17
Quote by Raine:That part is true, I agree.Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Oh, Chris, that wasn't cool. There are a lot of Stephanie Trussell on the BoF
I get his frustration though. Some of these trolls need outing as professional callers
That said -- I think it would be better for the call screeners to know this information and not let them on the air. (this is information that could be passed around. Just saying.)
True. It probably should have been internal info.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 15:28:00
Raine on 11/21/2013 15:28:00
Dumbest people on TV.
Hassleback is actually the least dumbest among them this time.
Hassleback is actually the least dumbest among them this time.
“I don’t know that Barack Obama could have been elected president if he was living in a racist nation,†co-host Steve Doocy opined. “Are there racists out there? Absolutely. Is it a majority of people? No. A majority of the people, according to the polls, simply don’t like his policies.â€
“And certainly throwing around racist accusations, calling someone a racist certainly for disagreeing when they are indeed not, would undermine racism when it does occur,†Hasselbeck chimed in.
“That’s right,†Doocy agreed.
“There’s so much rude stuff toward 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in my lifetime,†Kilmeade said. “Reagan was dumb, remember. George Bush was incompetent and illegitimate. Bill Clinton, we know where he ended up with the Monica Lewinski stuff. Where was the racism there? This, to me, is a situation where you’ve gone six years with almost no criticism of the president.â€
“But this is someone as powerful as Oprah instilling fear in those that may come to critique policy under a cloak of racism when it may not be there,†Hasselbeck declared. “So again, it undermines racism when it does occur.â€
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 15:29:59
Raine on 11/21/2013 15:29:59
I want Angry Black Lady to debate Angry black conservative lady.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 15:40:23
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 15:40:23
Jon Stewart, you little scamp!
With all due respect to the Chicago area blogger.
It seems that Jon Stewart angered Chicago when he “may have implied that deep dish pizza tastes like a string cheese that had been baked for two hours inside of Mike Ditka’s ass..
With all due respect to the Chicago area blogger.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/21/2013 15:41:07
wickedpam on 11/21/2013 15:41:07
Good lord
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 15:42:07
That caller was a damn hot mess.
Raine on 11/21/2013 15:42:07
Quote by wickedpam:
Good lord
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 15:43:26
Raine on 11/21/2013 15:43:26
Ahh A caller asking about the cost of the healthcare.gov website.
TROLL ALERT.
TROLL ALERT.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 15:44:51
Totally. Sheesh.
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 15:44:51
Quote by Raine:
Ahh A caller asking about the cost of the healthcare.gov website.
TROLL ALERT.
Totally. Sheesh.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 15:45:03
Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 15:45:03
Good morning, bloggers!!
I have never been outside the U.S. (The closest was being one exit away from the Mexican border in El Paso back on Thanksgiving, 2009 as I was moving back from Phoenix.)
However, a friend has said that many other countries have qualities that we could emulate. I know people from Democracy Interactive who live in countries like Canada, Sweden and the Netherlands and are amazed and disturbed by our health care system. My friend Elyse, who just came back from New Zealand, says that the people there are generally polite and very well read.
Similarly, many other countries have vibrant, multi-party democracies that we could learn from. While I want a peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians and I am unhappy that Netanyahu's Likud cobbled a coalition together when they got less votes than the Kadima party, I think the Israelis have the right attitude about political parties. If a party does not fulfill its promises, that party vanishes. New parties form in response to the public.
A wise person is willing to learn from others. The same can be said for wise nations.
I have never been outside the U.S. (The closest was being one exit away from the Mexican border in El Paso back on Thanksgiving, 2009 as I was moving back from Phoenix.)
However, a friend has said that many other countries have qualities that we could emulate. I know people from Democracy Interactive who live in countries like Canada, Sweden and the Netherlands and are amazed and disturbed by our health care system. My friend Elyse, who just came back from New Zealand, says that the people there are generally polite and very well read.
Similarly, many other countries have vibrant, multi-party democracies that we could learn from. While I want a peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians and I am unhappy that Netanyahu's Likud cobbled a coalition together when they got less votes than the Kadima party, I think the Israelis have the right attitude about political parties. If a party does not fulfill its promises, that party vanishes. New parties form in response to the public.
A wise person is willing to learn from others. The same can be said for wise nations.
Comment by wickedpam on 11/21/2013 15:47:11
she's a conservative with liberal views?
That makes you a Libertarian, hon.
wickedpam on 11/21/2013 15:47:11
Quote by Raine:That caller was a damn hot mess.Quote by wickedpam:
Good lord
she's a conservative with liberal views?
That makes you a Libertarian, hon.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 15:48:01
Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 15:48:01
Harry Reid is speaking. Harry, it is time to give them HELL and go nuclear.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/21/2013 15:49:25
DOOOOOOOOOO EEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 15:49:25
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Harry Reid is speaking. Harry, it is time to give them HELL and go nuclear.
DOOOOOOOOOO EEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 15:53:45
GOOD.
Are they going to try to filibuster this a point of order?
Raine on 11/21/2013 15:53:45
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Harry Reid is speaking. Harry, it is time to give them HELL and go nuclear.
DOOOOOOOOOO EEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!
GOOD.
Are they going to try to filibuster this a point of order?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 15:55:13
Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 15:55:13
It sounds like they are going to do it.
Enough of the obstructionism.
Enough of the obstructionism.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 15:56:36
Now that I think about it -- she did sound a little high... 
Raine on 11/21/2013 15:56:36
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:That caller was a damn hot mess.Quote by wickedpam:
Good lord
she's a conservative with liberal views?
That makes you a Libertarian, hon.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 15:57:52
I don't want the filibuster to do away. I want the silent filibuster to go away. You feel that strongly about something? Go all Wendy Davis. Stand up and talk, you whiny little turds.
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 15:57:52
Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Harry Reid is speaking. Harry, it is time to give them HELL and go nuclear.
DOOOOOOOOOO EEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!
GOOD.
Are they going to try to filibuster this a point of order?
I don't want the filibuster to do away. I want the silent filibuster to go away. You feel that strongly about something? Go all Wendy Davis. Stand up and talk, you whiny little turds.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 16:05:19
That's been my opinion for a long time.
I do however believe that when it comes to presidential nominees, we need to do something.
Holds are NOT acceptable. Allowing these nominations to never come up for a vote is not acceptable.
Filibuster laws, not presidential appointments. This silent hold shit is something I find reprehensible.
Raine on 11/21/2013 16:05:19
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Harry Reid is speaking. Harry, it is time to give them HELL and go nuclear.
DOOOOOOOOOO EEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!
GOOD.
Are they going to try to filibuster this a point of order?
I don't want the filibuster to do away. I want the silent filibuster to go away. You feel that strongly about something? Go all Wendy Davis. Stand up and talk, you whiny little turds.
I do however believe that when it comes to presidential nominees, we need to do something.
Holds are NOT acceptable. Allowing these nominations to never come up for a vote is not acceptable.
Filibuster laws, not presidential appointments. This silent hold shit is something I find reprehensible.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 16:09:30
Yes, present your case to the American people.
Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 16:09:30
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Harry Reid is speaking. Harry, it is time to give them HELL and go nuclear.
DOOOOOOOOOO EEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!
GOOD.
Are they going to try to filibuster this a point of order?
I don't want the filibuster to do away. I want the silent filibuster to go away. You feel that strongly about something? Go all Wendy Davis. Stand up and talk, you whiny little turds.
Yes, present your case to the American people.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 16:11:17
I find silent holds cowardly.
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 16:11:17
Quote by Raine:That's been my opinion for a long time.Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Harry Reid is speaking. Harry, it is time to give them HELL and go nuclear.
DOOOOOOOOOO EEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!
GOOD.
Are they going to try to filibuster this a point of order?
I don't want the filibuster to do away. I want the silent filibuster to go away. You feel that strongly about something? Go all Wendy Davis. Stand up and talk, you whiny little turds.
I do however believe that when it comes to presidential nominees, we need to do something.
Holds are NOT acceptable. Allowing these nominations to never come up for a vote is not acceptable.
Filibuster laws, not presidential appointments. This silent hold shit is something I find reprehensible.
I find silent holds cowardly.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 16:16:01
Raine on 11/21/2013 16:16:01
NO CALLER -- there is no TRILLION dollars that cost to build the healthcare.gov website.
You are not only a troll, you are stupid. you give trolls a bad name.
You are not only a troll, you are stupid. you give trolls a bad name.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 16:19:58
Raine on 11/21/2013 16:19:58
I'm actually stunned that a caller (RW) claimed that healthcare dot gov cost a TRILLION dollars. 
Comment by Scoopster on 11/21/2013 16:22:37
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 16:22:37
OH SHUT THE FUCK UP MITCH MCCONNELL... 
He's on the Senate floor crying about "they did it first" (referring to the ACA, which did NOT breaking cloture at all it passed the 60-vote mark and was tweaked via the budget reconciliation rule which allows for a simple majority) and appointments to "a court that doesn't even have enough work to do." referring to the DC Circuit, which is the second busiest court in the country!
He's on the Senate floor crying about "they did it first" (referring to the ACA, which did NOT breaking cloture at all it passed the 60-vote mark and was tweaked via the budget reconciliation rule which allows for a simple majority) and appointments to "a court that doesn't even have enough work to do." referring to the DC Circuit, which is the second busiest court in the country!
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 16:23:22
One... Hundred... BILLION DOLLARS!
Raine on 11/21/2013 16:23:22
Quote by Raine:
I'm actually stunned that a caller (RW) claimed that healthcare dot gov cost a TRILLION dollars.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/21/2013 16:26:41
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 16:26:41
Welp here we go.. looks like the Senate will first do a normal cloture vote on Millet's nomination. I'm guessing Harry Reid thinks maybe the Republicans will be scared shitless into voting for cloture just to avoid the rule changes.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 16:27:25
Mitch -- is a consummate disnformationist. Seriously, he is. I'll give him credit for this, he a better politician than he is an elected representative. He's a terrible legislator. He's a professional politician.
Raine on 11/21/2013 16:27:25
Quote by Scoopster:
OH SHUT THE FUCK UP MITCH MCCONNELL...
He's on the Senate floor crying about "they did it first" (referring to the ACA, which did NOT breaking cloture at all it passed the 60-vote mark and was tweaked via the budget reconciliation rule which allows for a simple majority) and appointments to "a court that doesn't even have enough work to do." referring to the DC Circuit, which is the second busiest court in the country!
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 16:28:48
Oh he means the court he doesn't want to see with a liberal majority. Dick.
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 16:28:48
Quote by Scoopster:
OH SHUT THE FUCK UP MITCH MCCONNELL...
He's on the Senate floor crying about "they did it first" (referring to the ACA, which did NOT breaking cloture at all it passed the 60-vote mark and was tweaked via the budget reconciliation rule which allows for a simple majority) and appointments to "a court that doesn't even have enough work to do." referring to the DC Circuit, which is the second busiest court in the country!
Oh he means the court he doesn't want to see with a liberal majority. Dick.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 16:29:14
This is getting interesting --
SERiously.
Raine on 11/21/2013 16:29:14
Quote by Scoopster:
Welp here we go.. looks like the Senate will first do a normal cloture vote on Millet's nomination. I'm guessing Harry Reid thinks maybe the Republicans will be scared shitless into voting for cloture just to avoid the rule changes.
SERiously.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/21/2013 16:31:25
57 Yeas, 40 Nays, 3 Abstain
Reid has the votes there to avoid going nuclear.. He just has to do a little more nudging.
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 16:31:25
Quote by Raine:This is getting interesting --Quote by Scoopster:
Welp here we go.. looks like the Senate will first do a normal cloture vote on Millet's nomination. I'm guessing Harry Reid thinks maybe the Republicans will be scared shitless into voting for cloture just to avoid the rule changes.
SERiously.
57 Yeas, 40 Nays, 3 Abstain
Reid has the votes there to avoid going nuclear.. He just has to do a little more nudging.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 16:32:16
Now there is a move by McTurtle to adjourn the Senate until 5 PM Eastern. Is it me, or could this be called the Battle of the Blands?
Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 16:32:16
Quote by Raine:This is getting interesting --Quote by Scoopster:
Welp here we go.. looks like the Senate will first do a normal cloture vote on Millet's nomination. I'm guessing Harry Reid thinks maybe the Republicans will be scared shitless into voting for cloture just to avoid the rule changes.
SERiously.
Now there is a move by McTurtle to adjourn the Senate until 5 PM Eastern. Is it me, or could this be called the Battle of the Blands?
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 16:41:25
I know that rabbit thinks he's a wimp (many times I do as well) but Reid is pretty much holding a (toy) gun to their heads.
Reid is a senatorial rules historian/monster.
The GOP doesn't want to have the rules changed. Harry is basically saying -- approve these nominees or your sh*t will be fucked up.
(that is, btw a pretty big gamble, IMO. This assumes the Dems will stay in control of the Senate -- on the other hand, it also means he is looking to make the senate WORK in the future. )
That the Senate is the most functional part of the legislative branch is amazing.
Raine on 11/21/2013 16:41:25
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:This is getting interesting --Quote by Scoopster:
Welp here we go.. looks like the Senate will first do a normal cloture vote on Millet's nomination. I'm guessing Harry Reid thinks maybe the Republicans will be scared shitless into voting for cloture just to avoid the rule changes.
SERiously.
57 Yeas, 40 Nays, 3 Abstain
Reid has the votes there to avoid going nuclear.. He just has to do a little more nudging.
Reid is a senatorial rules historian/monster.
The GOP doesn't want to have the rules changed. Harry is basically saying -- approve these nominees or your sh*t will be fucked up.
(that is, btw a pretty big gamble, IMO. This assumes the Dems will stay in control of the Senate -- on the other hand, it also means he is looking to make the senate WORK in the future. )
That the Senate is the most functional part of the legislative branch is amazing.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/21/2013 16:48:22
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 16:48:22
Motion to Adjourn DEFEATED. 
Now we're back to the traditional 60-vote cloture motion for Millett's nomination.
Now we're back to the traditional 60-vote cloture motion for Millett's nomination.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/21/2013 16:49:29
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 16:49:29
Wow seriously? This is the chart McConnell had on the Senate floor. Of course, you can't be rejected if you never come to a confirmation vote....
Comment by 
BobR on 11/21/2013 17:06:07
Did you mean one... thousand... BILLION dollars?
BobR on 11/21/2013 17:06:07
Quote by Raine:One... Hundred... BILLION DOLLARS!Quote by Raine:
I'm actually stunned that a caller (RW) claimed that healthcare dot gov cost a TRILLION dollars.
Did you mean one... thousand... BILLION dollars?
Comment by Scoopster on 11/21/2013 17:15:16
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 17:15:16
And here we go.. this is the rule change vote, right now.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/21/2013 17:19:58
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 17:19:58
NOTE : the 'Nay' votes are the ones which count on this vote.
Comment by 
TriSec on 11/21/2013 17:37:15
TriSec on 11/21/2013 17:37:15
Troubled equipment redeeming itself on Leyte
Yes, that's the highly ambivalent V-22 "Osprey" at work. Maybe it's finally found a mission that it was not designed for, but excels at anyway.
Yes, that's the highly ambivalent V-22 "Osprey" at work. Maybe it's finally found a mission that it was not designed for, but excels at anyway.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/21/2013 17:40:10
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 17:40:10
And that's that.. tho it's a little tricky to understand. On a 48-52 vote the ruling of the chair regarding the rules of the Senate was overturned, thereby changing the rules regarding cloture votes on executive & judiciary nominations to a simple majority vote.
Now McConnell files a motion to appeal the chair's new ruling according to the new rules. And we have another vote.
Now McConnell files a motion to appeal the chair's new ruling according to the new rules. And we have another vote.
Comment by TriSec on 11/21/2013 17:42:03
TriSec on 11/21/2013 17:42:03
Well played, JP Morgan.
Yep, the same week they get fined, all the puff pieces come out, too. Wonder which one will get bigger coverage?
Yep, the same week they get fined, all the puff pieces come out, too. Wonder which one will get bigger coverage?
Comment by Scoopster on 11/21/2013 17:42:41
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 17:42:41
Oh one more thing - the rule change does not apply to Supreme Court nominations. They remain at a 60-vote cloture threshold.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 17:47:31
Besides falling out of the sky?
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 17:47:31
Quote by TriSec:
Troubled equipment redeeming itself on Leyte
Yes, that's the highly ambivalent V-22 "Osprey" at work. Maybe it's finally found a mission that it was not designed for, but excels at anyway.
Besides falling out of the sky?
Comment by Scoopster on 11/21/2013 17:53:25
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 17:53:25
Sen. McConnell spokesman: "I'm looking forward to President Rubio stacking the courts."'
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 11/21/2013 17:55:06
Yes, I do believe Harry is a wimp, that he prefers things the way they are to give him an out.
I don't understand how anyone can't believe that if this TeaDerpy version of the Rethugs gain control of the Senate the FIRST thing they will do is eliminate the 60 vote requirement.
trojanrabbit on 11/21/2013 17:55:06
Quote by Raine:I know that rabbit thinks he's a wimp (many times I do as well) but Reid is pretty much holding a (toy) gun to their heads.Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:This is getting interesting --Quote by Scoopster:
Welp here we go.. looks like the Senate will first do a normal cloture vote on Millet's nomination. I'm guessing Harry Reid thinks maybe the Republicans will be scared shitless into voting for cloture just to avoid the rule changes.
SERiously.
57 Yeas, 40 Nays, 3 Abstain
Reid has the votes there to avoid going nuclear.. He just has to do a little more nudging.
Reid is a senatorial rules historian/monster.
The GOP doesn't want to have the rules changed. Harry is basically saying -- approve these nominees or your sh*t will be fucked up.
(that is, btw a pretty big gamble, IMO. This assumes the Dems will stay in control of the Senate -- on the other hand, it also means he is looking to make the senate WORK in the future. )
That the Senate is the most functional part of the legislative branch is amazing.
Yes, I do believe Harry is a wimp, that he prefers things the way they are to give him an out.
I don't understand how anyone can't believe that if this TeaDerpy version of the Rethugs gain control of the Senate the FIRST thing they will do is eliminate the 60 vote requirement.
Comment by Scoopster on 11/21/2013 18:30:57
CAPTION TIEM!
Scoopster on 11/21/2013 18:30:57
CAPTION TIEM!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 18:40:17
YES, we are eunuchs and there is that much space between Ted Cruz's ears.
Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 18:40:17
Quote by Scoopster:
YES, we are eunuchs and there is that much space between Ted Cruz's ears.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 18:45:12
Raine on 11/21/2013 18:45:12
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 18:53:01
?
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 18:53:01
Quote by Raine:
?
Comment by 
livingonli on 11/21/2013 18:53:01
livingonli on 11/21/2013 18:53:01
Good day, folks. Still want to go to Europe someday since I've only been to Canada and took a day trip to Tijuana when I was vacationing in LA. Will be disappearing for a bit since I have an eye doctor appointment at 3 PM.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 19:02:14
I hope that my caption did not cause the remark. I thought of saying "Yes, this is how much we physically love our financial backers" but decided against it.
Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 19:02:14
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
?
I hope that my caption did not cause the remark. I thought of saying "Yes, this is how much we physically love our financial backers" but decided against it.
Comment by BobR on 11/21/2013 19:05:33
McConnell: Big brass ones... that's what Harry's got.
Cornyn: Ohhhh shit - no he di'int
BobR on 11/21/2013 19:05:33
Quote by Scoopster:
McConnell: Big brass ones... that's what Harry's got.
Cornyn: Ohhhh shit - no he di'int
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 19:11:46
No, Will. It wasn't you.
I'm just stressing out about a few things -- and would rather not people be upset with me for trying say something to comfort them.
And I'm a little irritated that people I care about sometimes don't realize that I actually have a life of my own.
This involves no one here on the blog.
Raine on 11/21/2013 19:11:46
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
?
I hope that my caption did not cause the remark. I thought of saying "Yes, this is how much we physically love our financial backers" but decided against it.
I'm just stressing out about a few things -- and would rather not people be upset with me for trying say something to comfort them.
And I'm a little irritated that people I care about sometimes don't realize that I actually have a life of my own.
This involves no one here on the blog.
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 19:18:30
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 19:18:30
Comment by TriSec on 11/21/2013 19:47:58
TriSec on 11/21/2013 19:47:58
Me want cookie.
Comment by BobR on 11/21/2013 19:51:12
BobR on 11/21/2013 19:51:12
Quote by TriSec:
Me want cookie.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 20:20:35
Raine, I understand. I have been there with some family and friends. My sister in law's Dad acts like that at times.
I think that the blog could use something to cheer people up.
SF Morphs Into Gotham City for "Batkid" Battling Leukemia.. Yes, I know it cost some real money to do this, but this story helps restore a person's faith in humanity.
Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 20:20:35
Quote by Raine:No, Will. It wasn't you.Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
?
I hope that my caption did not cause the remark. I thought of saying "Yes, this is how much we physically love our financial backers" but decided against it.
I'm just stressing out about a few things -- and would rather not people be upset with me for trying say something to comfort them.
And I'm a little irritated that people I care about sometimes don't realize that I actually have a life of my own.
This involves no one here on the blog.
Raine, I understand. I have been there with some family and friends. My sister in law's Dad acts like that at times.
I think that the blog could use something to cheer people up.
SF Morphs Into Gotham City for "Batkid" Battling Leukemia.. Yes, I know it cost some real money to do this, but this story helps restore a person's faith in humanity.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 20:26:06
Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 20:26:06
Comment by 
clintster on 11/21/2013 20:33:40
clintster on 11/21/2013 20:33:40
Meanwhile, in the High Country, the efforts to ban a book by Isabel Allende has caught the attention of... Isabel Allende.
I find myself in the unusual and awkward position of having to “defend†my novel The House of the Spirits that risks being banned from a high school in Boone, North Carolina. Banning of books is a common practice in police states, like Cuba or North Korea, and by religious fundamentalist groups like the Taliban, but I did not expect it in our democracy.
No student is forced to read the book. Teachers like to teach it because they believe it gives the students insights into Latin American literature, history, politics, social issues, and customs. They usually offer their students other options but most students choose the book, they enjoy it and often they write to me. Their comments prove that they have understood the story and they are curious to learn more. The novel seems to open their minds to other places and peoples in the world.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 20:51:50
This is one of the reasons I worry about large chunks of our country. There are people who seem so insecure that they fear anything that challenges their world view.
Will in Chicago on 11/21/2013 20:51:50
Quote by clintster:
Meanwhile, in the High Country, the efforts to ban a book by Isabel Allende has caught the attention of... Isabel Allende.I find myself in the unusual and awkward position of having to “defend†my novel The House of the Spirits that risks being banned from a high school in Boone, North Carolina. Banning of books is a common practice in police states, like Cuba or North Korea, and by religious fundamentalist groups like the Taliban, but I did not expect it in our democracy.
No student is forced to read the book. Teachers like to teach it because they believe it gives the students insights into Latin American literature, history, politics, social issues, and customs. They usually offer their students other options but most students choose the book, they enjoy it and often they write to me. Their comments prove that they have understood the story and they are curious to learn more. The novel seems to open their minds to other places and peoples in the world.
This is one of the reasons I worry about large chunks of our country. There are people who seem so insecure that they fear anything that challenges their world view.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 22:01:48
Raine on 11/21/2013 22:01:48
I know Bob has said this before, but it's worth mentioning again:
Did you ever thing you'd see the day when the senate wrks better and QUICKER than the house?
Did you ever thing you'd see the day when the senate wrks better and QUICKER than the house?
Comment by Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 22:04:42
It has in the past. When LBJ was the Majority Leader that place was a model of efficiency.
Mondobubba on 11/21/2013 22:04:42
Quote by Raine:
I know Bob has said this before, but it's worth mentioning again:
Did you ever thing you'd see the day when the senate wrks better and QUICKER than the house?
It has in the past. When LBJ was the Majority Leader that place was a model of efficiency.
Comment by BobR on 11/21/2013 22:08:41
If you have to reach back to the 60s, my point has been made.
BobR on 11/21/2013 22:08:41
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
I know Bob has said this before, but it's worth mentioning again:
Did you ever thing you'd see the day when the senate wrks better and QUICKER than the house?
It has in the past. When LBJ was the Majority Leader that place was a model of efficiency.
If you have to reach back to the 60s, my point has been made.
Comment by Raine on 11/21/2013 22:10:27
Ah...
Mansplaining.
Raine on 11/21/2013 22:10:27
Quote by Mondobubba:
Brian Lowery, you aren't familar with Sarah Silverman's standup are you?
Mansplaining.