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Drowning in the Shallow End of the Pool
Author: BobR
Date: 12/18/2008 13:34:27
With just over a month left in the Bush Regime, the retrospectives on his Administration will be flying fast and furious over the next few weeks. Once Obama takes over, the last eight years will fade like a nightmare upon wakening, as the country and the pundits continue their tradition of second guessing and arm chair quarterbacking the current resident of the White House.
So how will History treat Bush? Kindly is certainly not likely.... But what will be the overall theme? Arrogance?... Policy over reality?.... Incompetence?...
That last one certainly seems most likely. The Bush Administration has succeeded in being able to stoke fresh outrage to a level one wouldn't think possible after the previous outrage. Every few months it seems there's yet another incident or revelation, leaving the country asking: "Okay - can we impeach him NOW?"....
The crown jewel in the Tiara of Incompetence will likely be the stunning mismanagement of FEMA during the NoLa Katrina disaster. Michael "heckuva job" Browning did his best impression of Marie Antoinette, fussing over ties, while a city - not to belabor the metaphor - drowned. Meanwhile, Bush - half a country away - fiddled with a guitar and ate birthday cake.
Others have already voiced their opinion of Bush competency. While discussing the recent shoe-throwing incident (an embarrassment that eclipses his father's vomiting on the Japanese Prime Minister), Mark Morford lists 12 other things that we can throw at Bush. SourceWatch has a page dedicated to the Bush Administration's incompetence.
If one were to view the Administration incompetence as a song, the introduction would be 9/11. It was a spectacular splashy monument to Bush's inability to listen to the intelligence provided him. Paradoxically, it actually made him more popular, but one can excuse that as a Shock Doctrine reaction. So taking this to the logical conclusion, one has to wonder if the coda has been written yet.
The most recent incredulity is the SEC's failure to notice a $50B ponzi scheme happening right under their noses. Like every watchdog group in this Administration, they either limp along with their hands tied, or they simply don't pay attention:
There's also the military looking to arm local Afghan militias in an attempt to improve security. I am SURE nothing can go wrong with THAT.
So perhaps we will get yet another surprise ending, not unlike a Haydn symphony.
Grover Norquist famously said of government that he'd like to "reduce it to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub." Instead, the Bush Administration finds itself drowning in the shallow end of the pool, weighed down by its own incompetence.
With just over a month left, here's hoping the passing will be swift.
So how will History treat Bush? Kindly is certainly not likely.... But what will be the overall theme? Arrogance?... Policy over reality?.... Incompetence?...
That last one certainly seems most likely. The Bush Administration has succeeded in being able to stoke fresh outrage to a level one wouldn't think possible after the previous outrage. Every few months it seems there's yet another incident or revelation, leaving the country asking: "Okay - can we impeach him NOW?"....
The crown jewel in the Tiara of Incompetence will likely be the stunning mismanagement of FEMA during the NoLa Katrina disaster. Michael "heckuva job" Browning did his best impression of Marie Antoinette, fussing over ties, while a city - not to belabor the metaphor - drowned. Meanwhile, Bush - half a country away - fiddled with a guitar and ate birthday cake.
Others have already voiced their opinion of Bush competency. While discussing the recent shoe-throwing incident (an embarrassment that eclipses his father's vomiting on the Japanese Prime Minister), Mark Morford lists 12 other things that we can throw at Bush. SourceWatch has a page dedicated to the Bush Administration's incompetence.
If one were to view the Administration incompetence as a song, the introduction would be 9/11. It was a spectacular splashy monument to Bush's inability to listen to the intelligence provided him. Paradoxically, it actually made him more popular, but one can excuse that as a Shock Doctrine reaction. So taking this to the logical conclusion, one has to wonder if the coda has been written yet.
The most recent incredulity is the SEC's failure to notice a $50B ponzi scheme happening right under their noses. Like every watchdog group in this Administration, they either limp along with their hands tied, or they simply don't pay attention:
The SEC chairman said he was "gravely concerned by the apparent multiple failures" of SEC staff to look into claims about Mr Madoff.
Mr Cox said: "Credible and specific allegations regarding Mr Madoff's financial wrongdoing, going back to at least 1999, were repeatedly brought to the attention of SEC staff, but were never recommended to the commission for action."
This meant staff had to rely on data voluntarily produced by Mr Madoff's firm, rather than use a subpoena to obtain information, he said.
Mr Madoff, who was arrested on Thursday, ran a fund that paid annual interest of about 10% but prosecutors say it was, in effect, similar to a pyramid scheme, with money from new investors paying off old ones.
There's also the military looking to arm local Afghan militias in an attempt to improve security. I am SURE nothing can go wrong with THAT.
So perhaps we will get yet another surprise ending, not unlike a Haydn symphony.
Grover Norquist famously said of government that he'd like to "reduce it to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub." Instead, the Bush Administration finds itself drowning in the shallow end of the pool, weighed down by its own incompetence.
With just over a month left, here's hoping the passing will be swift.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
BobR on 12/18/2008 13:41:38
BobR on 12/18/2008 13:41:38
Here's a bonus click to today's blog: I was trying to figure out a way to work it in, but couldn't
Neocon pundit says soldiers had to die despite us knowing Saddam had no WMD.
Disgusting asshole pig.
Neocon pundit says soldiers had to die despite us knowing Saddam had no WMD.
Disgusting asshole pig.
Comment by 
TriSec on 12/18/2008 14:27:39
TriSec on 12/18/2008 14:27:39
Wow.
Reading the list of Bush incompetence. Nothing new, but seeing it all in one place just reinforces the enormity of it all.
Reading the list of Bush incompetence. Nothing new, but seeing it all in one place just reinforces the enormity of it all.
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 12/18/2008 14:39:14
velveeta jones on 12/18/2008 14:39:14
Morning. Why is there always some RW tool on the line when I log on? Is it me? :blink:
Comment by velveeta jones on 12/18/2008 14:48:44
Wow.
I don't even know how to respond to this without my blood pressure building up and blowing out my brains......
velveeta jones on 12/18/2008 14:48:44
Quote by BobR:
Here's a bonus click to today's blog: I was trying to figure out a way to work it in, but couldn't
Neocon pundit says soldiers had to die despite us knowing Saddam had no WMD.
Disgusting asshole pig.
Wow.
I don't even know how to respond to this without my blood pressure building up and blowing out my brains......
Comment by 
Raine on 12/18/2008 14:49:25
Raine on 12/18/2008 14:49:25
Good morning...
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 14:54:02
To paraphrase:
If you start listening to a radio program and you can't figure out who the right-wing tool is after the first five minutes....it's you.
TriSec on 12/18/2008 14:54:02
Quote by velveeta jones:
Morning. Why is there always some RW tool on the line when I log on? Is it me? :blink:
To paraphrase:
If you start listening to a radio program and you can't figure out who the right-wing tool is after the first five minutes....it's you.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:01:19
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:01:19
Paul Weyrich has passed away...
For those to whom the name does not right a bell... He said the following (and those that listen to Thom should remember this):
For those to whom the name does not right a bell... He said the following (and those that listen to Thom should remember this):
"Now many of our Christians have what I call the goo-goo syndrome — good government. They want everybody to vote. I don't want everybody to vote. Elections are not won by a majority of people, they never have been from the beginning of our country and they are not now. As a matter of fact, our leverage in the elections quite candidly goes up as the voting populace goes down."
Comment by 
Scoopster on 12/18/2008 15:09:19
Scoopster on 12/18/2008 15:09:19
Following the cries against Rick Warren, here's more outrage at some folks headlining at the inaugural.
Aaaand good morning! :coffee2:
Aaaand good morning! :coffee2:
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:12:09
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:12:09
Uh oh... disgruntled upstater...
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:12:56
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:12:56
Uhm... Maurice Hunchey anyone?
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:15:29
Damn you YoYo Ma!!!
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:15:29
Quote by Scoopster:
Following the cries against Rick Warren, here's more outrage at some folks headlining at the inaugural.
Aaaand good morning! :coffee2:
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:17:32
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:17:32
... jazz hands -- spirit fingers... -Yo.
Comment by 
livingonli on 12/18/2008 15:17:55
livingonli on 12/18/2008 15:17:55
Good morning everyone. :yawn:
I hope Paul Weyrich is burning in hell about now and learning that his policies aren't in the true spirit of Jesus.
I hope Paul Weyrich is burning in hell about now and learning that his policies aren't in the true spirit of Jesus.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 12/18/2008 15:25:06
wickedpam on 12/18/2008 15:25:06
Morning :hug:
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:27:29
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:27:29
Comment by livingonli on 12/18/2008 15:27:29
livingonli on 12/18/2008 15:27:29
Who remembers listening to Coming to America on the New Haven stream?
Comment by wickedpam on 12/18/2008 15:27:43
DIAMONDIZED!
wickedpam on 12/18/2008 15:27:43
Comment by BobR on 12/18/2008 15:27:50
BobR on 12/18/2008 15:27:50
There's just something about Neil Diamond. You know it's cheese and you want to hate it, but you just can't help but sing along...
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:27:58
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:27:58
We've been Diamondized!
Comment by wickedpam on 12/18/2008 15:28:16
wickedpam on 12/18/2008 15:28:16
Great minds think alike! :lol:
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:28:35
mala!
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:28:35
mala!
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:31:28
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:31:28
The Volt plant is put on hold...
No need to kill the electric car again... they just put it into a coma.
No need to kill the electric car again... they just put it into a coma.
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 15:32:15
TriSec on 12/18/2008 15:32:15
Neil Diamond!
:jams pencil in eardrum:
:jams pencil in eardrum:
Comment by livingonli on 12/18/2008 15:36:30
Besides proximity, that's why you chose the Boston stream over the New Haven one back in those days?
livingonli on 12/18/2008 15:36:30
Quote by TriSec:
Neil Diamond!
:jams pencil in eardrum:
Besides proximity, that's why you chose the Boston stream over the New Haven one back in those days?
Comment by livingonli on 12/18/2008 15:39:18
livingonli on 12/18/2008 15:39:18
Listening to Dennis Miller makes me want to stick a pencil in my ear.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:41:05
Are the wingers aware that Fitzy is a *ush appointment?
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:41:05
Are the wingers aware that Fitzy is a *ush appointment?
Comment by livingonli on 12/18/2008 15:44:14
Don't bother them with details. Facts interfere with the spouting of RW talking points. Then again it's not like Fox ever let facts get in the way of its bloviating.
livingonli on 12/18/2008 15:44:14
Quote by Raine:
Are the wingers aware that Fitzy is a *ush appointment?
Don't bother them with details. Facts interfere with the spouting of RW talking points. Then again it's not like Fox ever let facts get in the way of its bloviating.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/18/2008 15:46:23
selective memory
wickedpam on 12/18/2008 15:46:23
Quote by Raine:
Are the wingers aware that Fitzy is a *ush appointment?
selective memory
Comment by wickedpam on 12/18/2008 15:49:28
wickedpam on 12/18/2008 15:49:28
Do people not remember that DC is only about 3miles around?
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 15:51:59
Here's an AK-47. Now aim it at your foot and pull.
Gee, how long until Toyota, VW, or even a Chinese manufacturer puts an electric car on our shores?
Is it really 3 million jobs at risk? I'm starting to think that if the Big 3 can't figure out how to save their industry, then let them die and make room for someone else who can.
TriSec on 12/18/2008 15:51:59
Quote by Raine:
The Volt plant is put on hold...
No need to kill the electric car again... they just put it into a coma.
Here's an AK-47. Now aim it at your foot and pull.
Gee, how long until Toyota, VW, or even a Chinese manufacturer puts an electric car on our shores?
Is it really 3 million jobs at risk? I'm starting to think that if the Big 3 can't figure out how to save their industry, then let them die and make room for someone else who can.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:54:12
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:54:12
Well yesterday Chrysler announced they were shutting down all plants until Jan 19-- It seems to me that washington really needs to act NOW... not soon.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:55:00
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:55:00
:grumble: my Pheoix stream is dropping in and out.. I REALLY want to hear about this Rick Warren thing.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 15:57:44
Raine on 12/18/2008 15:57:44
Gracias Ms. Mala.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/18/2008 16:02:05
wickedpam on 12/18/2008 16:02:05
no prob :)
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 16:08:08
Raine on 12/18/2008 16:08:08
Faye Shout out on Momma! 
Comment by livingonli on 12/18/2008 16:08:58
livingonli on 12/18/2008 16:08:58
You go Faye.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 16:19:56
Raine on 12/18/2008 16:19:56
I LOVED Mousetrap!
Comment by wickedpam on 12/18/2008 16:19:56
wickedpam on 12/18/2008 16:19:56
I was disappointed in Mouse Trap - too easy
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 16:28:27
TriSec on 12/18/2008 16:28:27
Say, we need a new Festivus Poll around here.... (look left.)
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 16:30:05
Raine on 12/18/2008 16:30:05
Not pleased with the Choice of Warren. I had hoped among hopes that this was not Obama's doing, but it becomes increasingly clear that he played a large part in this choice.
Comment by BobR on 12/18/2008 16:30:23
luxury.
We were so poor, we had to play Rat Trap. Our parents gave us a real rat trap loaded with a tiny square of stale chocolate. If you could get the chocolate out without snapping off a finger, you could eat it.
BobR on 12/18/2008 16:30:23
Quote by Raine:
I LOVED Mousetrap!
luxury.
We were so poor, we had to play Rat Trap. Our parents gave us a real rat trap loaded with a tiny square of stale chocolate. If you could get the chocolate out without snapping off a finger, you could eat it.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 16:36:13
Raine on 12/18/2008 16:36:13
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
I LOVED Mousetrap!
luxury.
We were so poor, we had to play Rat Trap. Our parents gave us a real rat trap loaded with a tiny square of stale chocolate. If you could get the chocolate out without snapping off a finger, you could eat it.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 16:38:39
Raine on 12/18/2008 16:38:39
I think Everyone on the national mall should simply turn their backs during the invocation.
Comment by 
starling310 on 12/18/2008 16:41:13
I noticed Kevin hadn't been calling, but I DIDN'T MENTION IT!!!!
starling310 on 12/18/2008 16:41:13
I noticed Kevin hadn't been calling, but I DIDN'T MENTION IT!!!!
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 16:45:29
We could all kiss a person of the same gender at that time.
TriSec on 12/18/2008 16:45:29
Quote by Raine:
I think Everyone on the national mall should simply turn their backs during the invocation.
We could all kiss a person of the same gender at that time.
Comment by BobR on 12/18/2008 16:52:19
*edges away from TriSec...*
BobR on 12/18/2008 16:52:19
Quote by TriSec:
We could all kiss a person of the same gender at that time.
*edges away from TriSec...*
Comment by livingonli on 12/18/2008 17:02:39
Until that call, I didn't even notice but then again those calls were creeping me out too.
livingonli on 12/18/2008 17:02:39
Quote by starling310:
I noticed Kevin hadn't been calling, but I DIDN'T MENTION IT!!!!
Until that call, I didn't even notice but then again those calls were creeping me out too.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 17:26:27
I like this idea... alot. That is really a great idea.
Raine on 12/18/2008 17:26:27
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
I think Everyone on the national mall should simply turn their backs during the invocation.
We could all kiss a person of the same gender at that time.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 12/18/2008 17:38:02
Did he say with tongue??
Mondobubba on 12/18/2008 17:38:02
Quote by BobR:Quote by TriSec:
We could all kiss a person of the same gender at that time.
*edges away from TriSec...*
Did he say with tongue??
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/18/2008 17:44:58
Mondobubba on 12/18/2008 17:44:58
Okay I'm late to the party, fashionably late I might add, but late none the less. Reading the 12 thing to throw at Bush I find my favor to be:
3) Birth control pills
Turns out those little pink plastic saucer things actually soar quite well when hurled like little Frisbees o' Female Empowerment.
It's a nice way to thank Bush for sucking the sour teat of the sexist religious right and Catholic church, front-loading the nation's courts with misogynist judges and stabbing at the heart of women's rights for nearly a decade.
Alternative: Load individual RU-486 pills into a large straw and blast them at Bush's head like Divine Spitwads of Cervical Righteousness.:rofl: It's more sustained fun, and might get you in less trouble overall. Don't forget to aim a few at Jenna, in the honest hope she will never, ever breed. Hey, it's for her own good. Didn't you know her husband is secretly gay? I swear I just read that somewhere.
3) Birth control pills
Turns out those little pink plastic saucer things actually soar quite well when hurled like little Frisbees o' Female Empowerment.
It's a nice way to thank Bush for sucking the sour teat of the sexist religious right and Catholic church, front-loading the nation's courts with misogynist judges and stabbing at the heart of women's rights for nearly a decade.Alternative: Load individual RU-486 pills into a large straw and blast them at Bush's head like Divine Spitwads of Cervical Righteousness.:rofl:
It's more sustained fun, and might get you in less trouble overall. Don't forget to aim a few at Jenna, in the honest hope she will never, ever breed. Hey, it's for her own good. Didn't you know her husband is secretly gay? I swear I just read that somewhere.
Comment by 
Random on 12/18/2008 17:46:02
Random on 12/18/2008 17:46:02
Random is busy.
Random is checking in.
Yes Random is still alive.
さようなら
Random is checking in.
Yes Random is still alive.
さようなら
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/18/2008 17:50:31
Mondobubba on 12/18/2008 17:50:31
Alcia Sacramone, member of the women's Olympic Gymnastic team decks drunken frat boy.
I posted this last night but nobody was around. It is priceless.
I posted this last night but nobody was around. It is priceless.
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 17:56:11
Let ye amoungst thou who is not without stone to cast the first slings and arrows of a thousand white-hot suns all going supernova at the same time.
Or something like that.
TriSec on 12/18/2008 17:56:11
Quote by BobR:
*edges away from TriSec...*
Let ye amoungst thou who is not without stone to cast the first slings and arrows of a thousand white-hot suns all going supernova at the same time.
Or something like that.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 18:01:24
ooOOOoo Random going international.
Raine on 12/18/2008 18:01:24
Quote by Random:
Random is busy.
Random is checking in.
Yes Random is still alive.
さようなら
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 18:09:42
TriSec on 12/18/2008 18:09:42
Just seen on Facebook:
Paul Rieckhoff is launching the all new www.IAVA.org today. Check it out. 14 minutes ago - 3 Comments
Paul Rieckhoff is launching the all new www.IAVA.org today. Check it out. 14 minutes ago - 3 Comments
Comment by wickedpam on 12/18/2008 18:13:03
international? Is Random abroad?
wickedpam on 12/18/2008 18:13:03
Quote by Raine:ooOOOoo Random going international.Quote by Random:
Random is busy.
Random is checking in.
Yes Random is still alive.
‚³‚悤‚È‚ç
international? Is Random abroad?
Comment by Random on 12/18/2008 18:14:19
Random is learning Japanese, and going to start teaching it.
Maybe teaching my blog.
Random on 12/18/2008 18:14:19
Quote by Raine:ooOOOoo Random going international.Quote by Random:
Random is busy.
Random is checking in.
Yes Random is still alive.
さようなら
Random is learning Japanese, and going to start teaching it.
Maybe teaching my blog.
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 18:27:43
TriSec on 12/18/2008 18:27:43
You knew this was coming...
: ducks incoming shoe :
: ducks incoming shoe :
Comment by wickedpam on 12/18/2008 18:30:40
ohhh - how cool - the litte Japanese characters did not show up on my work computer so I was wonding what Raine was refering too :)
wickedpam on 12/18/2008 18:30:40
Quote by Random:Quote by Raine:ooOOOoo Random going international.Quote by Random:
Random is busy.
Random is checking in.
Yes Random is still alive.
‚³‚悤‚È‚ç
Random is learning Japanese, and going to start teaching it.
Maybe teaching my blog.
ohhh - how cool - the litte Japanese characters did not show up on my work computer so I was wonding what Raine was refering too :)
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 18:40:17
TriSec on 12/18/2008 18:40:17
eeep! WGBH just played some snippets of the "It's a Wonderful Life" soundtrack....
Does that affect my status as never having seen as much as one second of this film?
(one of the many that I wear as a badge of honor; see also "The Godfathers" and many others.)
Does that affect my status as never having seen as much as one second of this film?
(one of the many that I wear as a badge of honor; see also "The Godfathers" and many others.)
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/18/2008 18:49:29
WHAT? Have never seen the The Greatest Two Films of the Seventies?
But then I've never seen a second of "Rocky" and I intend to keep it that way.
Mondobubba on 12/18/2008 18:49:29
Quote by TriSec:
eeep! WGBH just played some snippets of the "It's a Wonderful Life" soundtrack....
Does that affect my status as never having seen as much as one second of this film?
(one of the many that I wear as a badge of honor; see also "The Godfathers" and many others.)
WHAT? Have never seen the The Greatest Two Films of the Seventies?
But then I've never seen a second of "Rocky" and I intend to keep it that way.
Comment by Random on 12/18/2008 18:51:51
I put Sayounara
Random on 12/18/2008 18:51:51
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Random:Quote by Raine:ooOOOoo Random going international.Quote by Random:
Random is busy.
Random is checking in.
Yes Random is still alive.
‚³‚悤‚È‚ç
Random is learning Japanese, and going to start teaching it.
Maybe teaching my blog.
ohhh - how cool - the litte Japanese characters did not show up on my work computer so I was wonding what Raine was refering too :)
I put Sayounara
Comment by Random on 12/18/2008 19:28:51
You've never seen "It's a Wonderful Life?"
Dear lord...how the hell can you not have seen that movie?
Random on 12/18/2008 19:28:51
Quote by TriSec:
eeep! WGBH just played some snippets of the "It's a Wonderful Life" soundtrack....
Does that affect my status as never having seen as much as one second of this film?
(one of the many that I wear as a badge of honor; see also "The Godfathers" and many others.)
You've never seen "It's a Wonderful Life?"
Dear lord...how the hell can you not have seen that movie?
Comment by livingonli on 12/18/2008 19:30:27
livingonli on 12/18/2008 19:30:27
At least it's not like in the 80's when the movie was on every day on almost every channel.
Comment by Random on 12/18/2008 19:35:58
That's hardly the movies fault. It was one of the few christmas movies that didn't have any copyright in the 80's
Random on 12/18/2008 19:35:58
Quote by livingonli:
At least it's not like in the 80's when the movie was on every day on almost every channel.
That's hardly the movies fault. It was one of the few christmas movies that didn't have any copyright in the 80's
Comment by livingonli on 12/18/2008 19:42:37
livingonli on 12/18/2008 19:42:37
These days there aren't that many stations that run public domain films I guess because they can use infomercials instead and get paid for that air time.
Comment by Random on 12/18/2008 19:43:31
I wish they did. I love it's a wonderful life. Course i love Jimmy Stewart.
Random on 12/18/2008 19:43:31
Quote by livingonli:
These days there aren't that many stations that run public domain films I guess because they can use infomercials instead and get paid for that air time.
I wish they did. I love it's a wonderful life. Course i love Jimmy Stewart.
Comment by livingonli on 12/18/2008 19:51:44
livingonli on 12/18/2008 19:51:44
OK, I have to go head off to the post office and then to the salt mine.
Talk to y'all later.
Talk to y'all later.
Comment by livingonli on 12/18/2008 19:53:17
Except for the loophole that took It's a Wonderful Life out of the public domain. Even if that were the case, it would still only get the 2 showings on NBC.
livingonli on 12/18/2008 19:53:17
Quote by Random:Quote by livingonli:
These days there aren't that many stations that run public domain films I guess because they can use infomercials instead and get paid for that air time.
I wish they did. I love it's a wonderful life. Course i love Jimmy Stewart.
Except for the loophole that took It's a Wonderful Life out of the public domain. Even if that were the case, it would still only get the 2 showings on NBC.
Comment by Scoopster on 12/18/2008 19:57:26
Scoopster on 12/18/2008 19:57:26
Well.. the madness has started. They've already announced school closings in several districts here for tomorrow.
Of course, there's a reason for the madness. And it's not the Blizzard of 78 either! After the mess last year when the entire state was paralyzed by an under-forecast storm and school kids didn't get home until around 9PM, they're not taking any chances.
Of course, there's a reason for the madness. And it's not the Blizzard of 78 either! After the mess last year when the entire state was paralyzed by an under-forecast storm and school kids didn't get home until around 9PM, they're not taking any chances.
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 20:01:25
TriSec on 12/18/2008 20:01:25
I have word that a box from North Carolina has arrived at the secretive TriSec lair this afternoon....
And WCVB is reporting that Waltham Public is closing at 12:15 tomorrow. Thus cancelling the holiday concert and wreaking havoc with my Cub Scout meeting tomorrow night. We have Toys for Tots, an active-duty Marine visiting, GI care packages to collect and ship, the Scoutmaster presenting an award, and a musically-inclined den performing a couple of Christmas Carols.
This pretty much wrecks everything.
And WCVB is reporting that Waltham Public is closing at 12:15 tomorrow. Thus cancelling the holiday concert and wreaking havoc with my Cub Scout meeting tomorrow night. We have Toys for Tots, an active-duty Marine visiting, GI care packages to collect and ship, the Scoutmaster presenting an award, and a musically-inclined den performing a couple of Christmas Carols.
This pretty much wrecks everything.
Comment by BobR on 12/18/2008 20:04:44
No, he's a guy.
BobR on 12/18/2008 20:04:44
Quote by wickedpam:
international? Is Random abroad?
No, he's a guy.
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 20:05:14
TriSec on 12/18/2008 20:05:14
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/18/2008 20:06:45
Its not a copyright issue, it is a assignment of rights issue, which NBC currently hold for broadcast. I just looked it up. I am an intellectual property geek.
Mondobubba on 12/18/2008 20:06:45
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Random:Quote by livingonli:
These days there aren't that many stations that run public domain films I guess because they can use infomercials instead and get paid for that air time.
I wish they did. I love it's a wonderful life. Course i love Jimmy Stewart.
Except for the loophole that took It's a Wonderful Life out of the public domain. Even if that were the case, it would still only get the 2 showings on NBC.
Its not a copyright issue, it is a assignment of rights issue, which NBC currently hold for broadcast. I just looked it up. I am an intellectual property geek.
Comment by wickedpam on 12/18/2008 20:08:16
wickedpam on 12/18/2008 20:08:16
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
international? Is Random abroad?
No, he's a guy.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 20:18:25
Raine on 12/18/2008 20:18:25
Randi just said a great thing about the Rick Warren controvery. 'He is doing great things to cure people from AIDS in africa, the problem is he is also working to cure people from Homosexuality'.
Now -- I understood what Thom was saying (about bringing all the Rick Waren fans to watch the inauguration thus possibly opening minds) but Randi really nailed the Rick Warren issue on the head with that statement.
Will Barack Obama include DAvid Duke as well? I am not trying to be all red herring about this... but Warren is just NOT a good choice for inclusivness.
Now -- I understood what Thom was saying (about bringing all the Rick Waren fans to watch the inauguration thus possibly opening minds) but Randi really nailed the Rick Warren issue on the head with that statement.
Will Barack Obama include DAvid Duke as well? I am not trying to be all red herring about this... but Warren is just NOT a good choice for inclusivness.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 20:22:13
I have to agree with Random... you call yourself American, sir?
Raine on 12/18/2008 20:22:13
Quote by Random:Quote by TriSec:
eeep! WGBH just played some snippets of the "It's a Wonderful Life" soundtrack....
Does that affect my status as never having seen as much as one second of this film?
(one of the many that I wear as a badge of honor; see also "The Godfathers" and many others.)
You've never seen "It's a Wonderful Life?"
Dear lord...how the hell can you not have seen that movie?
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 20:23:51
They show up here on the Safari browser and the Mac and the flaven.
Raine on 12/18/2008 20:23:51
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Random:Quote by Raine:ooOOOoo Random going international.Quote by Random:
Random is busy.
Random is checking in.
Yes Random is still alive.
‚³‚悤‚È‚ç
Random is learning Japanese, and going to start teaching it.
Maybe teaching my blog.
ohhh - how cool - the litte Japanese characters did not show up on my work computer so I was wonding what Raine was refering too :)
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 20:25:11
Raine on 12/18/2008 20:25:11
Of course, when I quoted it... I saw this: ‚³‚悤‚È‚ç
When Random wrote it, it looked Japenese. VERY cool.
When Random wrote it, it looked Japenese. VERY cool.
Comment by Scoopster on 12/18/2008 20:48:58
Scoopster on 12/18/2008 20:48:58
Interesting to see some of the wingnut reaction to the Rick Warren thing...
Hmm..
I think the reason we're having a more negative reaction to this than the wingnuts is that from our perspective, despite his efforts to combat truly difficult problems like AIDS and poverty, he has openly advocated simple-minded discrimination against his fellow man, and he has done so in his capacity as a religious leader. It's both the fact that his views from the pulpit breed hatred, and that they are directly hypocritical to the philosophical teachings of Jesus.
I can understand what Obama is trying to do here. I can see how it fits into the grand themes of the campaign, and those that he wants to carry beyond the campaign. But it's a damned difficult pill to swallow.
Hmm..
I think the reason we're having a more negative reaction to this than the wingnuts is that from our perspective, despite his efforts to combat truly difficult problems like AIDS and poverty, he has openly advocated simple-minded discrimination against his fellow man, and he has done so in his capacity as a religious leader. It's both the fact that his views from the pulpit breed hatred, and that they are directly hypocritical to the philosophical teachings of Jesus.
I can understand what Obama is trying to do here. I can see how it fits into the grand themes of the campaign, and those that he wants to carry beyond the campaign. But it's a damned difficult pill to swallow.
Comment by Scoopster on 12/18/2008 20:50:56
Scoopster on 12/18/2008 20:50:56
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 20:52:15
Oh, FINE! Stab me in the back the first chance you get?
:storms off:
I DO hate 'murrica, so there!
TriSec on 12/18/2008 20:52:15
Quote by Raine:
I have to agree with Random... you call yourself American, sir?
Oh, FINE! Stab me in the back the first chance you get?
:storms off:
I DO hate 'murrica, so there!
Comment by Random on 12/18/2008 20:52:26
あれいがとう
well i have a word processor that translate into japanese, so i just copy and paste.
Random on 12/18/2008 20:52:26
Quote by Raine:
Of course, when I quoted it... I saw this: ‚³‚悤‚È‚ç
When Random wrote it, it looked Japenese. VERY cool.
あれいがとう
well i have a word processor that translate into japanese, so i just copy and paste.
Comment by TriSec on 12/18/2008 21:03:32
TriSec on 12/18/2008 21:03:32
Heading to the store in a little while. Going to play my least-favorite holiday game..."How many minutes will I be on the sales floor before hearing Paul McCartney?"
Which a friend declared the "worst Christmas song ever."
Which a friend declared the "worst Christmas song ever."
Comment by BobR on 12/18/2008 21:07:20
There's a lot of stiff competition (and I do mean stiff) for that dubious honorarium.
BobR on 12/18/2008 21:07:20
Quote by TriSec:
Heading to the store in a little while. Going to play my least-favorite holiday game..."How many minutes will I be on the sales floor before hearing Paul McCartney?"
Which a friend declared the "worst Christmas song ever."
There's a lot of stiff competition (and I do mean stiff) for that dubious honorarium.
Comment by 
clintster on 12/18/2008 21:21:16
clintster on 12/18/2008 21:21:16
Five down and one final to go. I think I just might survive my first semester as a teacher. 
BTW, Blogger Joe is a go!
BTW, Blogger Joe is a go!
Comment by clintster on 12/18/2008 21:27:00
You know, you'd think that one half of the greatest songwriting duo in rock history could come up with something better...
Oh wait, he did:
Happy Christmas (War is Over)
Now Sir Paul, on the other hand...
And he didn't even have the "unidexter slag" to blame it on.
clintster on 12/18/2008 21:27:00
Quote by BobR:Quote by TriSec:
Heading to the store in a little while. Going to play my least-favorite holiday game..."How many minutes will I be on the sales floor before hearing Paul McCartney?"
Which a friend declared the "worst Christmas song ever."
There's a lot of stiff competition (and I do mean stiff) for that dubious honorarium.
You know, you'd think that one half of the greatest songwriting duo in rock history could come up with something better...
Oh wait, he did:
Happy Christmas (War is Over)
Now Sir Paul, on the other hand...
And he didn't even have the "unidexter slag" to blame it on.
Comment by Random on 12/18/2008 21:52:08
So the song sucked. No one is perfect.
Random on 12/18/2008 21:52:08
Quote by clintster:Quote by BobR:Quote by TriSec:
Heading to the store in a little while. Going to play my least-favorite holiday game..."How many minutes will I be on the sales floor before hearing Paul McCartney?"
Which a friend declared the "worst Christmas song ever."
There's a lot of stiff competition (and I do mean stiff) for that dubious honorarium.
You know, you'd think that one half of the greatest songwriting duo in rock history could come up with something better...
Oh wait, he did:
Happy Christmas (War is Over)
Now Sir Paul, on the other hand...
And he didn't even have the "unidexter slag" to blame it on.
So the song sucked. No one is perfect.
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 22:32:46
Teacher Clint!!!
Raine on 12/18/2008 22:32:46
Quote by clintster:
Five down and one final to go. I think I just might survive my first semester as a teacher.
BTW, Blogger Joe is a go!
Teacher Clint!!!
Comment by Raine on 12/18/2008 22:40:21
This Diary, coupled with what you have said Scoop is just, well Wow.
I am still conflicted. VERY conflicted... how do I support my glbt Brothers and sisters while at the same time be a good liberal -- which means I am inclusive?
A bitter pill indeed.
Raine on 12/18/2008 22:40:21
Quote by Scoopster:
Interesting to see some of the wingnut reaction to the Rick Warren thing...
Hmm..
I think the reason we're having a more negative reaction to this than the wingnuts is that from our perspective, despite his efforts to combat truly difficult problems like AIDS and poverty, he has openly advocated simple-minded discrimination against his fellow man, and he has done so in his capacity as a religious leader. It's both the fact that his views from the pulpit breed hatred, and that they are directly hypocritical to the philosophical teachings of Jesus.
I can understand what Obama is trying to do here. I can see how it fits into the grand themes of the campaign, and those that he wants to carry beyond the campaign. But it's a damned difficult pill to swallow.
This Diary, coupled with what you have said Scoop is just, well Wow.
I am still conflicted. VERY conflicted... how do I support my glbt Brothers and sisters while at the same time be a good liberal -- which means I am inclusive?
A bitter pill indeed.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/19/2008 00:39:50
Mondobubba on 12/19/2008 00:39:50
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/19/2008 01:47:26
Mondobubba on 12/19/2008 01:47:26
Star Trek killed the blog!
Comment by clintster on 12/19/2008 02:06:46
clintster on 12/19/2008 02:06:46
Quote by Mondobubba:
Star Trek killed the blog!
Comment by livingonli on 12/19/2008 02:47:48
livingonli on 12/19/2008 02:47:48
My blogger Joe gift was sent out from the post office today priority mail. Just hope it doesn't do the round robin like last year's did.
Comment by Mondobubba on 12/19/2008 03:04:43
The Birds Barbie.
Mondobubba on 12/19/2008 03:04:43
The Birds Barbie.
Comment by Scoopster on 12/19/2008 04:22:25
Oh wow..
Well at least she's together with Gene and they're making some stars shine a lil brighter tonight.
Scoopster on 12/19/2008 04:22:25
Quote by clintster:
Sad day... Majel Barrett-Roddenberry has passed on.
Oh wow..
Well at least she's together with Gene and they're making some stars shine a lil brighter tonight.