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Crisis Averted (sort of)
Author: BobR    Date: 01/02/2013 13:39:25

It appears the crisis has been averted. Well - half the crisis anyway... the other half has been delayed for two months, so we'll get another two months of dickering and posturing before yet another 11th hour deal. At 2:00 AM on New Years Day, the Senate passed a bill to avert the fiscal cliff. It passed with only 8 votes opposing. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) had previously punted on his responsibility to get anything done when he couldn't even get a watered down "Plan B" passed by his own party. He left town saying it was up to the Senate Dems and the president to come up with a deal, and if they did, he'd bring it up for a vote.

From a political perspective, those words came back to bite him. The president and the Senate DID come up with a plan, one that was far more progressive than his "Plan B". It contained a lot of good stuff:

  • Unemployment benefits are extended for an additional year benefiting approximately 2 million out of work Americans.
  • Tax credits for college tuition, created by the 2009 stimulus package, are extended for five year, benefiting some 25 million low income families.
  • The “doctor fix” is included meaning that Medicare providers will not face a serious cut in pay.
  • The Alternative Minimum Tax problem is permanently fixed removing a potential tax danger for middle class families.
  • A number of existing business tax benefits will remain in place for another year, including renewable energy tax credit which is extended for an additional year.
  • The $900 per year salary raise recently signed into existence by President Obama for members of Congress is revoked.

From a revenue perspective, the only real compromises on the president's part were increasing the cut-off income level from $250k/yr to $400k/yr ($450k for families), and letting the temporary Social Security tax holiday expire. That last one means everyone will see their taxes go up 2% in the coming year. For someone making $50k/yr, that amounts to $1000, or $83/month. That will hurt a little, but won't be as devastating as doing nothing would have been.

It also kicks the can containing spending cuts two months down the road.

Republicans in the House were divided, and spent most of the day debating whether to amend the bill. Ultimately - like the "Plan B" idea - they could not muster enough votes amongst themselves to move forward on amendments. At about 11:00, they put the original unamended bill up for a vote, and it passed with most Democrats and 87 Republicans voting for it (here's the roll call). Sadly, my own very liberal House Rep voted against, because (as he tweeted last night) "I voted no on #fiscalcliff bill. Leaves US with 3 more 'fiscal cliffs' - all would put nearly 40% of Northern Va economy on chopping block". Doing nothing would do the same thing, which is the inverse of something Republicans failed to grasp, which is that voting no on tax increases means taxes go up anyway. I am a bit disappointed in him.

As expected, heads in freeperland are exploding. Also expected are the whiners on the left who still consider this "caving". The Dems in the House who voted against the bill mostly did so because they felt it was missing too many vital components. Republicans voted against it because they're against anything the president is in favor of. House majority leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) voted against the bill; Boehner voted for it, as did failed veep candidate Paul Ryan (R-WI). That should make for an interesting dynamic come Jan 03 when the new House reconvenes and has their biennial election for House Speaker. Meanwhile, President Obama - who had to cut short his Christmas vacation to come back to DC to babysit this process, is reuniting with his family in Hawaii.

Some Republicans are trying to convince themselves that since this occurred after midnight on Dec 31, these aren't tax increases at all. They argue that the country did go over the fiscal cliff, and thus - these are actually tax cuts. Grover "Tax Pledge" Norquist himself is trying to make that point. To this, I say - I agree.

Good-bye Bush Tax Cuts.

Hello Obama Tax Cuts.

And finally, a big thank-you to Republicans who painted themselves into a corner and let the clock run out. Not only did the president get nearly all of what he wanted, he also gets the credit, and you get the blame.

Checkmate.
 

117 comments (Latest Comment: 01/03/2013 01:50:35 by TriSec)
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Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 13:45:58
good morning!

I am absolutely amazed at how this all came down.

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 13:53:16
Great blog bobber. One small thing, you said semi-annual. This would mean every six months. What I think you meant was bi-annual meaning every two years.

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 14:07:53
Boner class act, all the way...

'Go cheney yourself' is now old school, now we say Go Boner yourself!

Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 14:10:50
Morning

Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 14:12:32
I think I have what Chris has - just can't shake this freaking cold!

Comment by BobR on 01/02/2013 14:14:20
Quote by Mondobubba:
Great blog bobber. One small thing, you said semi-annual. This would mean every six months. What I think you meant was bi-annual meaning every two years.

actually - bi-annual is the same as semi-annual. What I should have written was biennial.

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 14:16:01
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Great blog bobber. One small thing, you said semi-annual. This would mean every six months. What I think you meant was bi-annual meaning every two years.

actually - bi-annual is the same as semi-annual. What I should have written was biennial.



Even better

Comment by BobR on 01/02/2013 14:19:10
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Great blog bobber. One small thing, you said semi-annual. This would mean every six months. What I think you meant was bi-annual meaning every two years.

actually - bi-annual is the same as semi-annual. What I should have written was biennial.

Even better

Blog corrected.


Comment by BobR on 01/02/2013 14:19:33
in case you were wondering, how much your taxes will go up

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 14:20:55
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Great blog bobber. One small thing, you said semi-annual. This would mean every six months. What I think you meant was bi-annual meaning every two years.

actually - bi-annual is the same as semi-annual. What I should have written was biennial.



This is why EASL is hard.

Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 14:22:11
Morning, comrades.

Ah, a new 2013. Still pondering what a difference a year makes.


Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 14:38:49
So this is sorta interesting.

I kinda hope that stupid Hastert Rule is dead.

Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 14:51:29
In av-dork news, I noticed yesterday whilst mixing cake batter with my stand mixer that when set on '6', the batter makes a "whup-whup-whup" sound not unlike the Bell UH-1 Iroquois. (That's a Huey Helicopter to you.)

Clearly, I need help.



Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 14:58:13
Quote by TriSec:
In av-dork news, I noticed yesterday whilst mixing cake batter with my stand mixer that when set on '6', the batter makes a "whup-whup-whup" sound not unlike the Bell UH-1 Iroquois. (That's a Huey Helicopter to you.)

Clearly, I need help.



"Seek therapy." Ellis Carver to Thomas Hauk, episode 1, season 3 "The Wire."

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 15:01:47
Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 15:21:18
I think any Democratic Congressman going on Fox should just do the "Swinging the Alphabet" song for the Fox Hosts.

"Fox News Hosts are a dope".


(And after stating that "You Nazty Spy" was rarely shown on the TV38 marathon, they did show it this year. Or was it last year?)


Comment by clintster on 01/02/2013 15:21:28
Looking at Yahoo just now, the main story on their from page was "Fiscal Cliff Disaster Averted at 11th Hour"

I have the urge to correct them "Actually, it was about 12:06, and only because the House GOP acted like a bunch of spoiled children."

Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 15:26:45
well, this sucks, just found out my last Great-Aunt died on Friday - its not like we'd had a lot of contact, but still, she was my Grandma's sister

Comment by BobR on 01/02/2013 15:28:16
Quote by clintster:
Looking at Yahoo just now, the main story on their from page was "Fiscal Cliff Disaster Averted at 11th Hour"

I have the urge to correct them "Actually, it was about 12:06, and only because the House GOP acted like a bunch of spoiled children."

It was more like the 13th hour

Comment by BobR on 01/02/2013 15:29:01
Quote by wickedpam:
well, this sucks, just found out my last Great-Aunt died on Friday - its not like we'd had a lot of contact, but still, she was my Grandma's sister



Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 15:35:18
Quote by BobR:
Quote by wickedpam:
well, this sucks, just found out my last Great-Aunt died on Friday - its not like we'd had a lot of contact, but still, she was my Grandma's sister



Thanks. We'd just found out she had Alzheimer's, she was 93 and looked great - she could have passed for someone in her 60's! Have some pretty good memories of going to her house and playing in the back yard on their boat trailer. And also going to the lake and getting to drive the boat, very fast, at age 5


Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 15:36:21
So, in chemo news, my LAST TREATMENT is coming up next Tuesday. (with pump return on 01/10)

The last few cycles since I ditched the Oxalaplatin (aka "Satan's Drool"), the 5FU has decided to kick my ass. And now I hear the flu is rampaging through the store - I have to be careful.

"Neuropathy - not all it's cracked up to be!" (drops priceless vase, trips over own feet.)



Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 15:37:48
Quote by wickedpam:
well, this sucks, just found out my last Great-Aunt died on Friday - its not like we'd had a lot of contact, but still, she was my Grandma's sister
I'm sorry, Mala.


Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 15:39:21
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
well, this sucks, just found out my last Great-Aunt died on Friday - its not like we'd had a lot of contact, but still, she was my Grandma's sister
I'm sorry, Mala.



Thanks

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 15:40:30
Quote by BobR:
Quote by clintster:
Looking at Yahoo just now, the main story on their from page was "Fiscal Cliff Disaster Averted at 11th Hour"

I have the urge to correct them "Actually, it was about 12:06, and only because the House GOP acted like a bunch of spoiled children."

It was more like the 13th hour
Math is hard.

Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 15:44:26
Quote by TriSec:
So, in chemo news, my LAST TREATMENT is coming up next Tuesday. (with pump return on 01/10)

The last few cycles since I ditched the Oxalaplatin (aka "Satan's Drool"), the 5FU has decided to kick my ass. And now I hear the flu is rampaging through the store - I have to be careful.

"Neuropathy - not all it's cracked up to be!" (drops priceless vase, trips over own feet.)



Yay! Last Treatment!


Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 15:45:25
And now listening to KofB. The only way to start a new year.



(Say, we need a piano player emoticon.)


Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 15:53:18
Quote by wickedpam:
well, this sucks, just found out my last Great-Aunt died on Friday - its not like we'd had a lot of contact, but still, she was my Grandma's sister



Well, poop!

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 15:54:01
Quote by TriSec:
So, in chemo news, my LAST TREATMENT is coming up next Tuesday. (with pump return on 01/10)

The last few cycles since I ditched the Oxalaplatin (aka "Satan's Drool"), the 5FU has decided to kick my ass. And now I hear the flu is rampaging through the store - I have to be careful.

"Neuropathy - not all it's cracked up to be!" (drops priceless vase, trips over own feet.)




Will there be a martini and a stogie to celebrate this event?

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 15:54:47
Quote by TriSec:
And now listening to KofB. The only way to start a new year.



(Say, we need a piano player emoticon.)
I'm on it.


Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 15:55:31
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
well, this sucks, just found out my last Great-Aunt died on Friday - its not like we'd had a lot of contact, but still, she was my Grandma's sister



Well, poop!



I'm calling it - 2012 kinda sucked in general

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 15:57:43
How is this?
http://www.buddy-icons.info/img/smile/1353.gif


or this?
http://www.quickchatcafe.com/images/emoticon_sample_pianist.gif


Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 15:58:40
I kinda like the animated one.

piano and piano2 ?

Comment by BobR on 01/02/2013 16:00:09
Quote by Raine:
I kinda like the animated one.

piano and piano2 ?

I think the 2nd one is more attractive, but it seems to have a white background and it's not animated like our other musical emoticons, so I am going to have to go with the 1st one.

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 16:01:37
Quote by BobR:
Quote by Raine:
I kinda like the animated one.

piano and piano2 ?

I think the 2nd one is more attractive, but it seems to have a white background and it's not animated like our other musical emoticons, so I am going to have to go with the 1st one.
Agreed.


Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 16:03:53
Bah, I'm blocked - can't see 'em.

Animation is good, and in keeping with the rest of the musician thingies we have out there.


Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 16:06:01


Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 16:06:57


Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 16:07:18
Quote by Raine:



kind of how i play the piano

Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/02/2013 16:07:22
Quote by wickedpam:
well, this sucks, just found out my last Great-Aunt died on Friday - its not like we'd had a lot of contact, but still, she was my Grandma's sister

My condolences, Mala.

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 16:10:03
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by wickedpam:
well, this sucks, just found out my last Great-Aunt died on Friday - its not like we'd had a lot of contact, but still, she was my Grandma's sister



Well, poop!



I'm calling it - 2012 kinda sucked in general



Yeah! I am totally with you on that. I mean there were some good bits starting around 11/6, but yeah is pretty much sucked.

Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 16:10:05
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by wickedpam:
well, this sucks, just found out my last Great-Aunt died on Friday - its not like we'd had a lot of contact, but still, she was my Grandma's sister

My condolences, Mala.



Thanks Rabbit.

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 16:12:56
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:



kind of how i play the piano



Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/02/2013 16:12:58
My condolences, Mala, on the passing of your Great Aunt. I still have my Great Aunt Gussie alive here in Chicagoland, but she is about 95.

BobR, thanks for a great blog but I am gettting weary of the can be kicked down the road time and time again. This makes our country seem dysfunctional.

As for myself, I am getting ready for my interview at 11:30 Central. So, I will swing by this afternoon. In the meantime, Happy New Year again to everyone here at Four Freedoms!! Your friendship and support means the world to me.

Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 16:17:19
Quote by Will in Chicago:
My condolences, Mala, on the passing of your Great Aunt. I still have my Great Aunt Gussie alive here in Chicagoland, but she is about 95.

BobR, thanks for a great blog but I am gettting weary of the can be kicked down the road time and time again. This makes our country seem dysfunctional.

As for myself, I am getting ready for my interview at 11:30 Central. So, I will swing by this afternoon. In the meantime, Happy New Year again to everyone here at Four Freedoms!! Your friendship and support means the world to me.


Thanks Will. Good luck with you interview!!


Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 16:18:14
Quote by Raine:
Quote by wickedpam:
Quote by Raine:



kind of how i play the piano




music is not my gift to the world - I'll leave that to Bob & Tri

Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 16:22:14
I'd say 2012 was in decent shape right up to Father's Day.

(Was at the RI AIrshow with Javi that day....then a week later, *poof*)


Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 16:26:23
NOW he's mad?

I swear Repubs don't ever give a shirt about things until it affects them personally. House refused to vote on a Sandy relief bill.

Keep in mind, Eric Cantor is in charge of the house vote schedule...


“For the Speaker to just walk out is inexcusable,” Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., told reporters, adding, “It’s wrong and I’m saying that as a member of the Republican party.”

Fellow New York Republican Michael Grimm said the move felt like a “personal betrayal.”

New York Democrat Nita Lowey echoed that sentiment, calling it “a betrayal of the leadership of the Republican party,” while pointing out that the bill had “passed the Senate in a bipartisan way.”



Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 16:32:29
Quote by Raine:
NOW he's mad?

I swear Repubs don't ever give a shirt about things until it affects them personally. House refused to vote on a Sandy relief bill.

Keep in mind, Eric Cantor is in charge of the house vote schedule...


“For the Speaker to just walk out is inexcusable,” Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., told reporters, adding, “It’s wrong and I’m saying that as a member of the Republican party.”

Fellow New York Republican Michael Grimm said the move felt like a “personal betrayal.”

New York Democrat Nita Lowey echoed that sentiment, calling it “a betrayal of the leadership of the Republican party,” while pointing out that the bill had “passed the Senate in a bipartisan way.”

Maybe Peter King is having his Chris Christie moment...
“These Republicans have no problem finding New York when they’re out raising millions of dollars,” King said on Fox News. “They’re in New York all the time filling their pockets with money from New Yorkers. I’m saying right now, anyone from New York or New Jersey who contributes one penny to Congressional Republicans is out of their minds. Because what they did last night was put a knife in the back of New Yorkers and New Jerseyans. It was an absolute disgrace.

King also said he was ready to buck Republican leaders on every issue until the Sandy aid is approved.
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m on my own,” King said. “They’re going to have to go a long way to get my vote on anything.”


Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 16:42:07
What if Dems don't want him?



Vaughn Sterling CNN @vplus
Rep. Peter King just indicated to @CNN he is *not* ruling out switching parties over the GOP refusing to help provide Sandy relief


Comment by livingonli on 01/02/2013 16:54:23
Good morning, all. Since Peter King has voted for most of the GOP shit all these years I wouldn't want him either. The only time he broke ranks was that he did oppose the impeachment of Bill Clinton during the whole Monicagate crap while the rest of the GOP was circling the wagons. I would vote for that first piano emoticon as well.

Comment by BobR on 01/02/2013 16:56:35
Comment by BobR on 01/02/2013 17:00:17
Ari Fleischer tweeted that because he won't be able to deduct as much for charitable contributions, he'll give less (THAT'll show 'em). As if he was giving to the needy to begin with...

Comment by livingonli on 01/02/2013 17:07:29
Quote by BobR:
Ari Fleischer tweeted that because he won't be able to deduct as much for charitable contributions, he'll give less (THAT'll show 'em). As if he was giving to the needy to begin with...

I heard there was such a Twitter backlash on him, but anyone who talked smack on him would get blocked by him on Twitter because obviously he's such a grown man who can take criticism.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/02/2013 17:08:40
Quote by Raine:
What if Dems don't want him?



Vaughn Sterling CNN @vplus
Rep. Peter King just indicated to @CNN he is *not* ruling out switching parties over the GOP refusing to help provide Sandy relief

If King could provide some evidence that can put a high ranking Republitard in prison for life (in deference to those who don't support capital punishment).....maybe. Otherwise he can Cheney himself repeatedly.

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 17:11:06
Quote by Mondobubba:

This is why EASL is hard.
What is EASL?


Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 17:11:52
Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 17:12:49
Quote by BobR:
Ari Fleischer tweeted that because he won't be able to deduct as much for charitable contributions, he'll give less (THAT'll show 'em). As if he was giving to the needy to begin with...
Fornicate Ari Fleischer.


Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 17:16:20
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:

This is why EASL is hard.
What is EASL?



English as a Second Language.

Comment by livingonli on 01/02/2013 17:16:44
Quote by Raine:
Quote by BobR:
Ari Fleischer tweeted that because he won't be able to deduct as much for charitable contributions, he'll give less (THAT'll show 'em). As if he was giving to the needy to begin with...
Fornicate Ari Fleischer.

You're sticking to your New Year's resolution.

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 17:23:41
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by BobR:
Ari Fleischer tweeted that because he won't be able to deduct as much for charitable contributions, he'll give less (THAT'll show 'em). As if he was giving to the needy to begin with...
Fornicate Ari Fleischer.

You're sticking to your New Year's resolution.
By a thread.

Clint, however, gave me a loophole.


Comment by BobR on 01/02/2013 17:25:35
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Raine:
Quote by Mondobubba:

This is why EASL is hard.
What is EASL?

English as a Second Language.

In the school systems, the acronym is ESL

Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 17:26:24
is Ed a best of still?

Comment by livingonli on 01/02/2013 17:29:31
Quote by wickedpam:
is Ed a best of still?

It sounded like it since they were saying it was the last show of the year although he is supposed to be back on his TV show tonight. I am listening to Sam Seder right now instead.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/02/2013 17:31:41
Boston lost another talk station this morning when Greater Media flipped WTKK to Urban Contemporary. Used to be known as the home of major right-wing-nut Jay Severin and continually tried to lure Howie Carr.

Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 17:32:48
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by wickedpam:
is Ed a best of still?

It sounded like it since they were saying it was the last show of the year although he is supposed to be back on his TV show tonight. I am listening to Sam Seder right now instead.



according to their FB page they are having syndication issues and are working on it

Comment by livingonli on 01/02/2013 17:39:39
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Boston lost another talk station this morning when Greater Media flipped WTKK to Urban Contemporary. Used to be known as the home of major right-wing-nut Jay Severin and continually tried to lure Howie Carr.

At least that's a step up since it seems like in '08 a number of progressive talkers have flipped including the demizes of KPOJ in Portland and AM1090 in Seattle.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/02/2013 17:47:10
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Boston lost another talk station this morning when Greater Media flipped WTKK to Urban Contemporary. Used to be known as the home of major right-wing-nut Jay Severin and continually tried to lure Howie Carr.

At least that's a step up since it seems like in '08 a number of progressive talkers have flipped including the demizes of KPTK in Portland and AM1090 in Seattle.

I personally believe having talk on FM is a major waste of spectrum space. But I also see that the FCC cares very little about helping to keep the AM band viable. If they didn't have their heads up their asses, a move to the abandoned lower VHF band would be well underway.

Comment by livingonli on 01/02/2013 17:54:22
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Boston lost another talk station this morning when Greater Media flipped WTKK to Urban Contemporary. Used to be known as the home of major right-wing-nut Jay Severin and continually tried to lure Howie Carr.

At least that's a step up since it seems like in '08 a number of progressive talkers have flipped including the demizes of KPTK in Portland and AM1090 in Seattle.

I personally believe having talk on FM is a major waste of spectrum space. But I also see that the FCC cares very little about helping to keep the AM band viable. If they didn't have their heads up their asses, a move to the abandoned lower VHF band would be well underway.

In Canada, they seem to be abandoning it. Stations seem to be jumping to FM and a few markets actually no longer have any AM stations. I think it started when CBC abandoned their clear channel AM stations (since I was able to get the Toronto and Montreal ones at night) years ago and moved the CBC One stations to FM and then a number of private broadcasters follow suit.

Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 17:56:10
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Boston lost another talk station this morning when Greater Media flipped WTKK to Urban Contemporary. Used to be known as the home of major right-wing-nut Jay Severin and continually tried to lure Howie Carr.


Actually, this is a win.




Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 17:58:13
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Boston lost another talk station this morning when Greater Media flipped WTKK to Urban Contemporary. Used to be known as the home of major right-wing-nut Jay Severin and continually tried to lure Howie Carr.


Actually, this is a win.





He is a nutty as right-wing fruit cake, correct?

Comment by livingonli on 01/02/2013 18:08:02
SiriusXM has got today's Ed Radio show on now so we'll see if the terrestrial affiliates followed suit.

Comment by wickedpam on 01/02/2013 18:10:33
Quote by livingonli:
SiriusXM has got today's Ed Radio show on now so we'll see if the terrestrial affiliates followed suit.



looks like they got it fixed

Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/02/2013 18:18:54
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Boston lost another talk station this morning when Greater Media flipped WTKK to Urban Contemporary. Used to be known as the home of major right-wing-nut Jay Severin and continually tried to lure Howie Carr.

At least that's a step up since it seems like in '08 a number of progressive talkers have flipped including the demizes of KPTK in Portland and AM1090 in Seattle.

I personally believe having talk on FM is a major waste of spectrum space. But I also see that the FCC cares very little about helping to keep the AM band viable. If they didn't have their heads up their asses, a move to the abandoned lower VHF band would be well underway.


In Canada, they seem to be abandoning it. Stations seem to be jumping to FM and a few markets actually no longer have any AM stations. I think it started when CBC abandoned their clear channel AM stations (since I was able to get the Toronto and Montreal ones at night) years ago and moved the CBC One stations to FM and then a number of private broadcasters follow suit.


Yes, they have. AM's major weakness is that propagation varies so wildly from day to night. That used to be a major strength. Except for the big boys, stations lose considerable audience (or all of it) at night. And even that changes due to the seasons.

That and it takes a lot of land for a proper antenna site. Land is valuable. An FM station can rent space on a tower.

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 18:23:06
Is Randi back today?

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 18:26:02
I'm listening to my representative Jim Moran explain why he voted against the deal, (did an interview on WTOP) and it's still confusing as to why he voted against this.




Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/02/2013 18:28:24
Could someone remove one of the dupes for me? Not up to speed posting from the Droid yet.

Comment by livingonli on 01/02/2013 18:32:59
Quote by Raine:
Is Randi back today?

She's supposed to be. Nicole even said that when she did Monday's show.

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 18:33:25
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Could someone remove one of the dupes for me? Not up to speed posting from the Droid yet.
You got it, Rabbit.


Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 18:40:29
Quote by trojanrabbit:


Yes, they have. AM's major weakness is that propagation varies so wildly from day to night. That used to be a major strength. Except for the big boys, stations lose considerable audience (or all of it) at night. And even that changes due to the seasons.

That and it takes a lot of land for a proper antenna site. Land is valuable. An FM station can rent space on a tower.


See now, I find that curious.

We are blessed by one of the "Big Boys" here at WBZ. If memory serves, they broadcast off a 100,000 watt transmitter atop the Prudential Center (New England's second-tallest building)

I myself have heard this station with my own ears while driving down South Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, over 1500 miles away. (psst- Mondo, try it sometime. 1030 am.)


Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/02/2013 18:41:04
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Boston lost another talk station this morning when Greater Media flipped WTKK to Urban Contemporary. Used to be known as the home of major right-wing-nut Jay Severin and continually tried to lure Howie Carr.


Actually, this is a win.





He is a nutty as right-wing fruit cake, correct?

Oh, yeah. "Best and brightest" my ass.

And as far as Howie is concerned, he is OUR local RW guy, for better or worse. Severin was just plain nuts.


Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/02/2013 18:44:26
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by trojanrabbit:


Yes, they have. AM's major weakness is that propagation varies so wildly from day to night. That used to be a major strength. Except for the big boys, stations lose considerable audience (or all of it) at night. And even that changes due to the seasons.

That and it takes a lot of land for a proper antenna site. Land is valuable. An FM station can rent space on a tower.


See now, I find that curious.

We are blessed by one of the "Big Boys" here at WBZ. If memory serves, they broadcast off a 100,000 watt transmitter atop the Prudential Center (New England's second-tallest building)

I myself have heard this station with my own ears while driving down South Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, over 1500 miles away. (psst- Mondo, try it sometime. 1030 am.)

Nope, WBZ AM transmits at 50kW (the legal maximum) from a salt marsh in Hull. The salt marsh is a perfect ground system and that's what enables WBZ to have 38 state coverage. The 100kW Pru station MAY be the WBZ FM (sports) transmitter, and that is only 100kW effective (I'll have to check later).

Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 18:48:39


I feel a decline coming on.

Curious - I've slept over 10 hours the last four days, plus a solid 8 last night. Still don't feel like I've made up any ground.

Cancer Sucks.




Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/02/2013 19:04:05
Hmm... I see it now, for some reason the editing function doesn't seem to work for me.

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 19:08:56
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Hmm... I see it now, for some reason the editing function doesn't seem to work for me.
I'm not able to delete the double post. When BobR returns, I can have him look into it.

Your editing issue, do you think it is a droid thing?


Comment by livingonli on 01/02/2013 19:09:20
Apparently at Christie's press conference (at least according to Twitter reports), he is showing his own disgust with the GOP leadership.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/02/2013 19:10:20
Quote by Raine:
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Hmm... I see it now, for some reason the editing function doesn't seem to work for me.
I'm not able to delete the double post. When BobR returns, I can have him look into it.

Your editing issue, do you think it is a droid thing?

Nope, because I can't do it from Firefox on my laptop either. I'm going to try IE in a sec.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/02/2013 19:12:50
Can't edit from IE8 (64-bit) either.

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 19:15:42
Chris Christie is pissed.

Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/02/2013 19:15:56
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Quote by TriSec:
Quote by trojanrabbit:


Yes, they have. AM's major weakness is that propagation varies so wildly from day to night. That used to be a major strength. Except for the big boys, stations lose considerable audience (or all of it) at night. And even that changes due to the seasons.

That and it takes a lot of land for a proper antenna site. Land is valuable. An FM station can rent space on a tower.


See now, I find that curious.

We are blessed by one of the "Big Boys" here at WBZ. If memory serves, they broadcast off a 100,000 watt transmitter atop the Prudential Center (New England's second-tallest building)

I myself have heard this station with my own ears while driving down South Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, over 1500 miles away. (psst- Mondo, try it sometime. 1030 am.)

Nope, WBZ AM transmits at 50kW (the legal maximum) from a salt marsh in Hull. The salt marsh is a perfect ground system and that's what enables WBZ to have 38 state coverage. The 100kW Pru station MAY be the WBZ FM (sports) transmitter, and that is only 100kW effective (I'll have to check later).


'BZ FM used to transmit from the Pru when they were a music station, now that they've gone sports talk the transmitter moved to the antenna farm on 128/I95, and only at 9kW which explains why I have issues with it when I have to go to Andover.

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 19:20:02
Quote by Raine:
Chris Christie is pissed.

Boner is to meet with King at 3 pm.

Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 19:31:13
Quote by Raine:
Chris Christie is pissed.



It's all fun and games until somebody loses a coastline, isn't it?


Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 19:59:51
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 20:09:21
I have bagged my brain-dead limit for the day. Can I please go home now?

Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/02/2013 20:09:44
I am back from the interview, which I think went very well. The principal and assistant principal said that they enjoyed my positive attitude and enthusiasm.

I am listening to Thom Hartmann while job hunting.

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 20:16:13
Me: Enter the website address in the address bar at the very top of your browser
Her: my version of Firefox doesn't have that.
My Thought Balloon: What the hell are you taking about? Every fricking browser since Mosaic has had an address bar.

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 20:31:01
Steve King is back in love with John Boehner. He settled for a promise of a 60 billion dollar bill to be voted on


On January 15. SMH.

Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 20:32:51
Quote by Mondobubba:
Her: my version of Firefox doesn't have that.


"Oh well. Guess I can't help you, then. Try calling Firefox."



Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 20:39:45
<-- dies.


Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 20:44:35
I am so happy to be hearing Randi again.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/02/2013 20:48:41
Hartmann's program is having a good discussion on history, race, and the film Django Unchained. As a second generation native born American (on both sides of my family), I have taken a lot of time to learn about my country. Hartmann mentioned that the Drudge Report is calling the movie a failure, and Thom suspects because the movie gives a middle finger to the attitude of both slave holders in the South and those who are not far removed from them. Did anyone see the movie? Any thoughts?

Sometimes, I find myself struggling with this nation's history and wondering what I would have done. All I know is that I value the diversity, regional, racial, cultural and religious in this nation and thinks that it makes us stronger. I know good people in many different parts of the country and think that we have it within ourselves to solve the problems in our nation and help solve the problems in our world.

Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 20:56:04
Interesting point, Will.

I fancy myself a stubborn, provincial New Englander. But I too am not the first of my family to be born here, although my forebears only got here in the early 20th century, part of the great immigration of the era.

There are some parts of the country that we can work with, but I also feel that there are some places that are as equally as stubborn as New England and are therefore impossible to work with. (Texas, anyone?)

It continues to astonish me that collaboration, compromise, and the common good are so easy to grasp at the local level, business level, and hell even in Scouts, but when we get to big-picture issues, it's all about one-upmaship and party loyalty. How did we get away from "promoting the general welfare"?


Comment by TriSec on 01/02/2013 21:09:43
Scott Brown continues with the personal attacks.

Funny, since Mitt maintains a storage closet in his son's house as a voting address, where was he during the fall campaign on this issue?


Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/02/2013 21:17:21
CBS reports that singer Patti Page has passed at the age of 85. May she rest in peace.

TriSec, I think that demographic change should make Texas and parts of the South more Democratic and more open to compromise. However, it is a shame before the nation and the world that Congress did not vote to help victims of Hurricane Sandy. I remember how long the recovery has taken for the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina and pray that my friends on the East Coast won't be waiting for years to finish the rebuilding efforts.

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 21:34:06
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Hartmann's program is having a good discussion on history, race, and the film Django Unchained. As a second generation native born American (on both sides of my family), I have taken a lot of time to learn about my country. Hartmann mentioned that the Drudge Report is calling the movie a failure, and Thom suspects because the movie gives a middle finger to the attitude of both slave holders in the South and those who are not far removed from them. Did anyone see the movie? Any thoughts?

Sometimes, I find myself struggling with this nation's history and wondering what I would have done. All I know is that I value the diversity, regional, racial, cultural and religious in this nation and thinks that it makes us stronger. I know good people in many different parts of the country and think that we have it within ourselves to solve the problems in our nation and help solve the problems in our world.



A failure on what level? It is making a pile of money and the word of mouth is positive. The only people who seem to be complaining are Spike Lee and various right wing douche-nozzles. I've seen the picture, it is entertaining as hell. Spike needs to un-clench his butthole a little the right wing, well screw them when has their opinion mattered?

Comment by livingonli on 01/02/2013 21:48:41
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Hartmann's program is having a good discussion on history, race, and the film Django Unchained. As a second generation native born American (on both sides of my family), I have taken a lot of time to learn about my country. Hartmann mentioned that the Drudge Report is calling the movie a failure, and Thom suspects because the movie gives a middle finger to the attitude of both slave holders in the South and those who are not far removed from them. Did anyone see the movie? Any thoughts?

Sometimes, I find myself struggling with this nation's history and wondering what I would have done. All I know is that I value the diversity, regional, racial, cultural and religious in this nation and thinks that it makes us stronger. I know good people in many different parts of the country and think that we have it within ourselves to solve the problems in our nation and help solve the problems in our world.



A failure on what level? It is making a pile of money and the word of mouth is positive. The only people who seem to be complaining are Spike Lee and various right wing douche-nozzles. I've seen the picture, it is entertaining as hell. Spike needs to un-clench his butthole a little the right wing, well screw them when has their opinion mattered?

I guess the Spike Lee like reactions are the reason the N-word is bleeped out when :"Blazing Saddles" is shown on TV because someone might not get the joke that it's the racist characters that are being lampooned in that film.

Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/02/2013 22:06:09
Quote by livingonli:
Quote by Mondobubba:
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Hartmann's program is having a good discussion on history, race, and the film Django Unchained. As a second generation native born American (on both sides of my family), I have taken a lot of time to learn about my country. Hartmann mentioned that the Drudge Report is calling the movie a failure, and Thom suspects because the movie gives a middle finger to the attitude of both slave holders in the South and those who are not far removed from them. Did anyone see the movie? Any thoughts?

Sometimes, I find myself struggling with this nation's history and wondering what I would have done. All I know is that I value the diversity, regional, racial, cultural and religious in this nation and thinks that it makes us stronger. I know good people in many different parts of the country and think that we have it within ourselves to solve the problems in our nation and help solve the problems in our world.



A failure on what level? It is making a pile of money and the word of mouth is positive. The only people who seem to be complaining are Spike Lee and various right wing douche-nozzles. I've seen the picture, it is entertaining as hell. Spike needs to un-clench his butthole a little the right wing, well screw them when has their opinion mattered?

I guess the Spike Lee like reactions are the reason the N-word is bleeped out when :"Blazing Saddles" is shown on TV because someone might not get the joke that it's the racist characters that are being lampooned in that film.



Drudge is the one slamming the movie, so I guess he has his reasons -- which are probably political.

Comment by Mondobubba on 01/02/2013 22:19:44
Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 23:03:43
Hillary Clinton is reported to have left the hospital. to go to another facility to get more tests.

Comment by Raine on 01/02/2013 23:09:56
Quote by TriSec:
Scott Brown continues with the personal attacks.

Funny, since Mitt maintains a storage closet in his son's house as a voting address, where was he during the fall campaign on this issue?
He's a shithead.

Tell ya what, how about Massachusetts keeps him for the gubernatorial campaign so we don;t have to deal with that craphead on a national level ever again?

Come on, we finally got rid of George Macaque Allen -- fair request?


Comment by clintster on 01/03/2013 00:45:10
Oh crap... Al-Jazeera buys Current TV.

Talking Liberally with Danny Bonaduce, anyone?

Comment by livingonli on 01/03/2013 01:04:06
Quote by clintster:
Oh crap... Al-Jazeera buys Current TV.

Talking Liberally with Danny Bonaduce, anyone?

It does seem like things going full circle since before Al Gore bought it and created Current TV, it was NewsWorld International which was an international feed of CBC's News Channel which was operated by the CBC and a US Company that handled its distribution before it was sold with its sister network to NBCUniversal which turned around and sold it to Al Gore since they already had MSNBC going.

Comment by TriSec on 01/03/2013 01:50:08


Nope, I know it. And the first Ibrox, too. (circa 1902)




Comment by TriSec on 01/03/2013 01:50:35
Quote by Raine:
He's a shithead.

Tell ya what, how about Massachusetts keeps him for the gubernatorial campaign so we don;t have to deal with that craphead on a national level ever again?

Come on, we finally got rid of George Macaque Allen -- fair request?


Ed Markey is going to eat him alive.