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From the Department of Curiouser and Curiouser, over at TPM Horse’s Mouth we see that one of the (literal) fellow travelers on Pollack and O’Hanlon’s Green Zone Sandals Tour™ came away with a very different impression of the war on the ground.
Everyone sees Iraq differently. As one leading US official in Iraq put it, “the current situation is like playing three dimensional chess in the dark while someone is shooting at you.” It is scarcely surprising that my perceptions of a recent trip to Iraq are different from that of two of my traveling companions and those of several other recent think tank travelers to the country.
Doesn’t the phrase “think tank travelers” say it all about the circumstances under which Pollack and O’Hanlon experienced Iraq?
Here are some visual aids, though, just in case you’re having trouble imagining it:
I like to call this photo, “Tony, I just threw up in my mouth. Can I have your helmet?”
The title of this one would have to be, “Are you sure this outfit doesn’t make me look like Michael Dukakis?”
This one’s called, “Retail Therapy with St. John McCain.”
I can’t wait to read what Michael O’Hanlon had to say in his interview with Glenn Greenwald.
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Good Evening!
hey TRex
Hey there!
zed
boing forward dive straight position
bah humbug – who the fork cares if there was a splash or not
Dream Ticket!
I love me some lolcats.
Hey, gang.
How is everyone?
Suzanne @ 5
Bad day, Suzzane?
Hi Trex – ever get that phone part you needed?
well, I’m OK TRex – how are you?
Stewart on Kos again.
TRex @ 8
it’s fun to be working first shift and reading late nite in real time instead of 3 am CDT
hi pups! (waves wildly)
Gotta love those Green Zone VIP tours…”Everything’s great, we’re upbeat, good news, things are improving” and blah blah blah…
I must have just missed that, Loo Hoo. Turned it on about a minute late–thought it would be a rerun again tonight.
they certainly look like a bunch of CLOWNS in those outfits!
LoudounLib @ 14
Looks to me like their thinkers are tanked.
Hi hi hi hi hi! I am home!!!!!
hey, welcome back Cassie!
OldCoastie @ 16
They might BE clowns. Let’s try to stuff ‘em all into a Ford Escort and see what happens.
SnarKassandra @ 18
Welcome back. Did you have fun in the sun?
Christy, just saw your Saturday night conference, that was a class act, all the way around.
Maybe is doesn’t have to be live, but you should consider a video event like that once a month betwen now and the election, (or longer) focusing on the issues likle you all did Saturday.
The blogs could provide the dialogue and interaction between video projects, the video could be the “encapsulation”.
Sonething like that would go a long way towards helping the progressive Dems forge their talking points for 2008.
Just food for thought.
Great show!
LoudounLib @ 19
Hi, Cassie. Great to have your cheerful self back in these parts.
Suzanne @ 5
Was there a splash?
newdealfarmgrrrlll @ 13
((( TRex )))
((( NDFG )))
EvilDrPuma @ 21
Tons of fun!! But I am glad to be home.
SnarKassandra @ 18
Hi Cassie! Did you have a good time?
Suzanne – what’s up? you always care about the splash!
Here’s a great kitty pix site
Trex, didn’t mean to spin past you there, that was blogrude of me, I posted directly to Christy, assuming she would be here right after the replay of the program from Saturday night… oops!
Ooh luck, like I bet I could win the lotto. Luck, eh?
newdealfarmgrrrlll @ 13
Hey! Isn’t it fun to be in realtime? I’m back to work soon…
Comments so far btw are blocked for this item.
My overall view of this Iraq situation boils down to one thing: If things are as good as, or as bad as, some would have us believe, are the dollars going to that? The answer is yes.
The DNC, despite its concern about the war, are still putting dollars there; and the GOP cannot be blamed for what the DNC is choosing to do: Put money in the accounts. I reject the assertion that the DNC is being forced to do anything. It appears, despite the “views” of what is going on the ground, the GOP and DNC are in perfect harmony: The agree the funding should continue; and the GOP and DNC are not serious about adjusting. This isn’t a political issue in terms of who’s right or wrong; but whether the DNC and GOP will accept that their blaming isn’t working as a credible excuse.
The dollars say the US government wants to keep doing what the DNC would have us believe otherwise. That lowers confidence in the DNC message. They’re not stuck. They do have options. They refuse to use them for one reason: They support the continued operations in Iraq. Their asserted skepticism isn’t translating into budget cuts, not a decision to end funding by a given date. Watch the dollars, not their “skeptical” lips.
Suzanne @ 5
Fear not Suz, I am here to cheer you up … and CTuttle will be along soon … *g*
In the 60’s and 70’s it was said “we are the unwilling, being lead by the unqualified, to fight for the ungrateful” by many in the military, now as citizens we are the unwilling our government is the unqualified which sees us all as the ungrateful,misguided, untrustworthy possible criminals. I see the pictures above and think the fools guild is having a parade and they brought the elephants.
Hi TRex:
Is it you who is the Amy Winehouse fan? She’s not doing too well at the moment, and is in hospital, I believe.
Suzanne @ 5
A perfect 10.0 from the apathetic judge.
Hi Cassie! You have a wonderful auntie.
TRex @ 8
It’s all good T, thanks for asking. Trying to stay cool.
petedownunder @ 10
Sigh.
No, not yet. I’m opening a dispute through paypal and ebay tomorrow.
So which one of y’all broke the congress while I was gone?
N=1 @ 37
Exhaustion, eh ?!! She musta met a Tantric guy … *g*
Petrocelli @ 35
(eyebrow arched) does that mean you men will give me permission to be cheerful?
Petrocelli @ 43
What kind of Fuckery is this??
SnarKassandra @ 42
Not me
TRex @ 41
Sorry to hear it. Let me know if you want to ship to me and I’ll take it Oz and get it done and ship it back.
SnarKassandra @ 42
That wasn’t us!
I am freakin’ exhausted too.
((((( petro !! ))))) is this a moment of escape from the
pestsguests or do you get to play with us for a while?TRex-did anyone get some video of the audience roaring for you? Wish i could have been there, it must have been awesome.
Suzanne @ 5
well, it looked like a pretty small splash from here … any smaller and I’d have needed a magnifying glass. Seen bigger ones by fish, and they were in the water the whole time.
Suzanne @ 44
Oh … you still remember that, huh ?!!
(ducks under desk)
Is this english, does any one understand what it means?
Everyone sees Iraq differently. As one leading US official in Iraq put it, “the current situation is like playing three dimensional chess in the dark while someone is shooting at you.”
Oh, great. Amy Winehouse hospitalized for “exhaustion” and “dehydration”, which for the rest of us means, “Overdose”. I love her, but I have this awful feeling that she’s going to be our Janis Joplin, gone too soon.
Hi TRex!
I think a more accurate caption for that Lieberman photo would be “Senator Lieberman makes unannounced poopie in pants.” That is the most unflattering picture EVER. Makes Dukakis look manly.
suzanne at 5 says-”boing forward dive straight position
bah humbug – who the fork cares if there was a splash or not”
BAILED!!!!!!!!
have had no outgoing email all week….server thing…..will be sending music/surprise package soon…was out of town and then the weather turned when i got home…in the high 90’s here, heat index in the 100’s…….haven’t wanted to venture out past 10am, and i’m not that motivated before then……….
had a really great email for you, but it wouldn’t send……oh well……
yay late nite, loved your caddy stories……….i had a 69 ford falcon in the late 70’s……..with a flag sleeping bag on the driver’s seat……also covered up the hole in the floorboard……..we would cash in pop bottles for gas………fun times………
newdealfarmgrrrlll @ 50
The
pestsguests have gone elsewhere for Dinner … I’m enjoying The Sounds of Silence …sandman @ 53
I think it means they’re clueless (and that people are shooting at them).
Maybe they thought they should not do too much heavy lifting bad back don’t you know.
Petrocelli @ 52
But, you’re so much fun to tease.
sangemon @ 45
We keep going and going … *g*
Sandman @ 53
Actually, I find that revealing. Anybody who thinks this war was ever an exercise in sophisticated, premeditated strategy is in desperate need of psychiatric treatment.
They didn’t let you be cheerful suzanne?
Hey, did Eli go to YearlyKos? Has anyone seen him today?
TRex @ 64
He wasn’t at the beach.
TRex @ 54
This is one time I hope you’re wrong, TRex … we’ve lost too many to drug abuse already.
Couple links to play with, for anyone who’s interested.
Warning sign generator.
Photoshopped street signs
Sandman @ 53
playing a game where you are unsure of the rules and the game requires multilevel thinking. where you have no clue as to where you are on the board and have no idea what the other player is doing and someone is going to get badly hurt?
demi @ 60
… tee hee … the long arm of the law can’t reach to Toronto or Hawaii …
Cordesman was on the same trip as O’Hanlon and Pollack (married to Andrea Koppel) and was more pessimistic. Cordesman is often pretty good about describing how bad things are in Iraq but like most defense types feels we must persevere there somehow someway.
Anyway the synopsis of his report is here:
http://www.csis.org/index.php?…..mp;id=3994
and the pdf of the report is here:
http://www.csis.org/media/csis…..tience.pdf
Renee in Ohio @ 67
Those are really cool!
Hey Petro. Enjoy the peace and quiet. I know you love your guests (pests), but it’s nice to be alone sometimes.
evening people…
seldom do I post but I just wanted to throw a bouquet to T-Rex and his merry band of readers… you people make me laugh and think… the thinking part I could do without sometimes…
what I would like to ask is, in light of the thunderous acclaim Kucinich received for vowing to scrap NAFTA, how many people (U.S.-based, please) support him in that?…
I know I do… and would like to hear what this cadre of concerned citizens thinks…
Evening all. Almost a pleasant day today. Mild temps (highs in the mid-80s) and less smoke than ususal. Cooler temps and calmer winds have dampened down the fires a bit, but they are currently predicting that several of the larger ones will burn for another month and a half unless we get significant rain (not predicted and unlikely).
demi @ 29
Steven Colbert’s favorite site is http://kittenwar.com/
EvilDrPuma @ 62
B-b-but, there were surgical strikes, smart bombs, laser guided missiles,
Don Rumsfeldnever mind …My semester is over, and I’m not sure what to do. Perhaps I shall go to the beach.
Dan in Canada @ 73
Hey, Dan. Well, Kucinich is smart and funny, but in America, we just don’t think he’s electable. Although other commenters are free to disagree.
I like his spirit, though, and would like to see him highly placed in the Edwards administration.
cleter @ 77
You should come to Athens, GA and visit me.
Sandman @ 53
The Surge is a Success! The Iraqi people now love us for giving them freedom. Thank God for Karl Rove. God also wants us to free Iran.
Dan in Canada @ 73
Nafta sucks. The number of semi’s rolling through Texas is mindboggling, polluting, and who knows what is in them.. NAFTA is the opening for the “North American Union”. A question for you is, how would you feel to be part of the “Homeland”????
Loo Hoo. @ 72
((( Loo Hoo ))) Are you all rested up from YKos ?
Hugh @ 70
Doesn’t he say though, we could just get lucky? What a sad statement.
Dumb and dumber.
Evening all.
Colbert just said the Chinese economy is on the rise: we can tell from the finer grade of anti-freeze in their toothpaste.
After seeing its effects, and who it has been implemented, I do not think I will shed tears if it goes. But I know it should not disappear with out planning and diplomacy (what a soft headed child I am).
Thanks eCAHN,
I got the other link from my 13-year old son and I just saved yours for him. He LOVES Colbert.
What is wrong with these people? Don’t they know about dog & pony shows? Have they no pride? Oh, forget I asked. But I just have to sometimes.
argosfalcon @ 86
Dan in Canada @ 73
preview is my friend
Sandman @ 53
It’s pretty traightforward. 3D chess is a reference to Star Trek and those who do most of the shooting there are Klingons. So the take home message is “Beware of Klingons.”
TRex @ 79
can I come?
TRex @ 54
kurt cobain
hank williams
jimi hendrix
jim morrison
judy garland
elvis
brain jones
keith moon
mama cass
stevie ray vaughn
sid vicious
bob marley
eddie cockran
richie valens
buddy holly
patsy cline
steve goodman
lennon
T-Rex @ 78
that is kind of disappointing, isn’t it?… he is smart and funny but unelectable?… and if he does fail to earn the nomination (as seems highly probable, as you state) he would be a great choice for Sec. of Labor… just as Richardson would be a fine choice for Sec. of State I think…
Dan in Canada @ 73
Hi Dan, drop by often!
I think NAFTA’s been a disaster for all parties. I’d like to see it scrapped and something else put up — worker-friendly and people-powered. If capital can be free and borderless, why not labor?
The Iraq of G.W Bush is full of Potemkin Villages visited by idiots who while very willing to be deceived into thinking that we’re winning in Iraq.
They seem more concerned with how bad it would LOOK if America leaves Iraq than with actually winning in Iraq or running Iraq.
For example G.W can’t seem to find over a 100,000 machine guns that he gave the Iraqis but despite the majority of American deaths being caused by Iraqis he is not worried at all.
The Iraqis want the freedom we bring them he says.
Quite the contray Mr President the Iraqis seem to think that we want to free them from their oil. They seem to think we want to free them from their religon, ideas and beliefs and make them all into cookie cutter subarban (brrr!) Americans.
G.W rants constantly about Iran when the majority of foreign fighters captured are Saudi.
G.W wants to fight Al Quieda in Iraq so he doesn’t have to fight them in America (huh?) I’m with Obama on this lets fight Al Quieda where their at PAKISTAN!
Jim Kramer (a certifiable nut) is on Colbert.
I wrote a really cool post the other day about all the stuff that the contractors lost, and how different the govt treats that from the stuff that individual soldiers are losing or breaking. Link here.
Petrocelli @ 82
Well yes, hey! Laundry all done and organized for the rest of the week.
SnarKassandra @ 71
Heh. But Cassie…do you know the pop culture reference for “The owls are not what they seem?” Strikes me as maybe being a bit before your time.
OT, but, what kind of fuckery is this?
AT&T CENSORS PEARL JAM’S LOLLAPALOOZA SET BECAUSE A SONG MENTIONED BUSH
(from Howie)
Suzanne. Cheer up. I hold the title of site manic depressive, and I don’t take kindly to someone else trying to horn in. Now just get out of the pool and do it again! And smile. Things are not as bad as I say they are!
TeddySanFran @ 94
I’m with Teddy on this. I think there are benefits to free (and fair) trade, but NAFTA and similar agreements don’t really establish that and give to much power to corporations. As it exists, it is an absolute disaster for everyone involved. Really needs to have labor and environmental standards and curbs on corporate excesses.
Suzanne @ 5
Usually a more elaborate dive. I hope you are feeling well this evening. BTW, how deep is the water under the diving board?
EvilDrPuma @ 99
yeah. what is it?
TRex @ 79
really?
Valley Girl @ 100
Well little boots is a sensitive little dictator and his minions know that.
Yeah, why not?
Are you saying the owls ARE what they seem?
Good evening dear friends. Fruit anyone?
LS @ 81
I once drove a semi… and I can say that many of those semis steaming across the countryside are carrying small loads… the grand idea of many chain retail shops is they will offer next-day service on their goods… they have little else to offer than service or immediacy procurement…
so they have these expensive shuttle services from centralized warehouses… and many of these semis are making nightly pin-to-pin appointments so that a living room suite will be there on time…
so it comes down to our own unrealistic demands driving the machinery… if we could wait a few days longer then perhaps more manufacturers and retailers would utilize the railways which is far less damaging to the infrastructure… but…
Snarkcassandra @ 97. I read that earlier in the evening. Good work. Even better work on the bridge story.
Fraid they didn’t lose em. I’ll bet they either sold em to the enemy, or shipped em out of the country and sold em to the Columbian cartels. That’s what was happening in nam, and it was whole pallets disappearing off the runways. And if you reported it to the provo martial, you’d either be in trouble yourself, or someone who was just trying to do a good job would tell you. “look, I like my job. I don’t want to be found dead one night. Let it alone, PLEASE.” That’s how serious that stuff is.
It’s amazing how many good economic policies, like free(r) trade have been trashed under Ws watch. Very unfortunately, he’s given good economics a bad name. I never imagined how much such things could be abused by the korporate kleptokracy. Silly me.
Dan, I am with you and Kucinich. NO to Nafta.
Not sure the US is ready to elect a short man, which is rather shortsighted of them, but the bigger issue may be that he is a rep and not a senator or governor.
cleter @ 108
aspects of Athena the goddess of wisdom, no wonder little boots hates them.
TexBetsy @ 109
MMMM. Tasty and refreshing. How you doing, Betsy? Seems you have your whole brood back in the nest again.
argosfalcon @ 114
Owls are actually quite stupid, I learned at a ranger talk in some western national park. Their eyes take up so much space, there’s no room left for brains.
eCAHNomics @ 112
Ho, Ho we’re in the gilded era. I think we need fair trade.
I wish Kucinich was electable, but for some reason he gets the “nut” treatment. Besides, he’d have to compete with Joe Biden’s hairplugs and minty fresh smile.
SnarKassandra @ 104
It refers to a very odd TV show called “Twin Peaks” that aired a year or two before you would have been born. You can probably find it on DVD by now. More information here.
TexBetsy @ 113
Do you think he could exit the WTO if he became President ? I thought that was a heckuva bold statement.
cleter @ 108
What do YOU think?
The owls in my neighborhood are very…randy. Lots of owl partying and so forth. Hooting at all hours. It’s weird.
Last one arrives home Friday Dr. D. Along with my dad. Will be crowded and wonderful around here!
TeddySanFran @ 94
thanks… actually, I am a nightly reader and enjoy the quality of the commentary, hence I labor through my horrendous typing skills to pipe up once in a rare while…
Dr.Dick @ 102
I concur. I fail to see how these trade agreements have been good for the bulk of the citizenry of Canada, the U.S., Mexio… and the list goes on… what I do see is more protection for multinationals and less for the working class…
just a side note: why does Suzanne refer to you as Dr.(pause) Dick… I think I missed an episode…
Trex, I spent a couple of summers in Athens, pre-central air. It was excruciating.
TexBetsy @ 109
Mmm … Pineapple … fruit of the Gods …
Thanks Betsy !
eCAHNomics @ 116
Apart from the visual cortex, no doubt. That has to be pretty damned deathless.
eCAHNomics @ 116
Must be why the Macedonians took over the Mediterranean you would not find Alexander following some stupid bird.
Anyone here familiar with Monterey? We’re going there Sunday for a few days and would love to know some good places to eat.
EvilDrPuma @ 120
The folks I work with hold that many of them are witches, just waiting to eat your soul. Same word for horned owl and witch (Stekene).
He has been pretty nutty in the past. I remember him ranting about a Peace Dept. He also gets tarred for being an incompetent mayor of Cleveland, like firing police chief on 6 o’clock news. He’s got some handlers who’ve smoothed him over, but in this toobz era he can’t escape his past.
Lea-no uh, newspaperbrat lives on that side of Monterey bay – she usually visit late nite and hopefully will see your question.
cleter @ 121
Indians would say that is not a good sign.
cleter @ 121
Curiously, I’ve never heard an owl at my country house, though I read in my gazebo til fairly late at night.
DrDick @ 129
Interesting. I wonder whether David Lynch knew anything about that.
EvilDrPuma @ 120
DrDick @ 132
Well, it’s not a good neighborhood.
Lea-no uh @ 128
commenter newspaperbrat is there. keep an eye out for newspaperbrat’s handle in comments (sometimes later than now on late nite) i’m sure you’ll get some great tips
Thanks Suzanne!
SunnyNobility @ 124
Yeah, especially lately with temps breaking the 100 degree mark and heat indexes of 112.
I go outside every morning and hug my air conditioning unit.
DrDick @ 132
We hear bats all night.
Dan in Canada @ 123
It is a pop culture reference to the old Moonlighitng TV show.
Dr (pause) Dick comes from the old 80s tv show, Cybil, wherein the character Maryanne, undergoing the divorce from hell from her husband, dr dick, would always insert a pause while spitting out his name.
Owls are amazingly good at their mission in life. Not just visual, but auditory. They can find a live mouse buried in snow. They are predators. And, some are on the verge of becoming extinct. (Come to my lecture in the middle of September.) ;)
Bats are very important. They eat lotsa bugs.
Email me cleter and we’ll discuss.
df530 at bellsouth dot net.
eCAHNomics @ 130
Hmmm, I think one other commenter (Iforget who) was familiar with Kucinich from Cleveland and thought he wasn’t that bad and pretty electable.
SnarKassandra @ 137
I’m not surprised. I hear Austin is famous for bats. I just wasn’t out late enough to see or hear many when I was down there.
Mui @117
“I wish Kucinich was electable, but for some reason he gets the “nut” treatment. Besides, he’d have to compete with Joe Biden’s hairplugs and minty fresh smile.”
and new facelift I think. OTOH, Kucinich is benefiting from his light tan. Yeah, I’m kinda shallow!
EvilDrPuma @ 146
They only live here in the summer. You came in winter when they live in Mexico.
TexBetsy @ 109
yummy! Hope you are feeling better.
Valley Girl @ 142
… added … it’ll be Hoot !!! *g*
EvilDrPuma @ 134
Probably. There are a lot of similar beliefs in Native North America and these are widely known in popular culture. On the Northwest Coast it is believed that they are harbingers of death. When they start hooting outside your house, someone is going to die.
Other than that it would be nice if we could boycott At&T, SBC and all other Chimpenfuhrerlickers.
Nafta seems to be a reverse of the Eurpean Union to become an EU member you have to work at getting your laws food quality, human rights, enviroment etc into at least a minimal compliance with the rest of the EU who have higher standards than most.
In NAFTA on the other hand we export jobs and factories to places with much lower wages than the new EU countries worst enviromental laws, and to be fair I think WE have the worst geneiticaly modifed, pesticide treated tasteless food in fact if not law. If thats not bad enough we import poison cat food.
The EU lifts up profits and people NAFTA lifts up only profits? I’m uncertain about even that point because the Euro money is doing real good compared to the dollar right now.
Could be substance vs. appearance. But you can’t go for the gold ring if you don’t have appearance. Anyhoo, it’s great having him in the race because he presses the others from the right side.
I live two blocks from where the Angeles Forest starts…no pines, but very beautiful and we hear a single owl, each night.
And, I would guess Lynch did know the connection. Just a guess. He’s so weird. Good weird, tho.
SnarKassandra @ 148
That would be why, yes.
Petrocelli @ 150
And, I will certainly use that line in my intro! I am somewhat of a stand-up comedienne when it comes to lecturing! Yes, I pander.
Heading out.
Anybody need anything from the store?
SunnyNobility @ 147
I don’t know. Kucinich looked pretty sallow at the MSNBC Olbermann debate.
Joe Biden had a facelift? Wonder if he’s got detectable staples along the hairline, underneath the hair plugs.
TRex @ 158
one winning lotto ticket and world peace please
argosfalcon @ 106
What is funny, but sad as well, is that they cut out part of “Daughter”. Eddie was just making up a few lines in the middle of the song. From what I know, they didn’t do “Bu$hleaguer”, which is really about the Decider.
Bats in the attic story. Had ‘em. Took a couple of years to figure out how toget rid of them (watch where they come out at twilight & patch the holes so they can’t get back in). Later on, neighbor comes by & conversation turns to bats – he sez he never had ‘em before. I started to tell him how we got rid of ours, but my late husband kicks my ankle, and I shut up. The guy, who was not the brightest light on the road, never figured out that ours moved next door.
Valley Girl @ 157
Pandering is good, many people tell me I should do stand up comedy when I’m tired of teaching meditation.
Humor is my most effective tool in teaching meditation.
TRex @ 158
I just stocked up today, but thank you anyway.
TRex @ 158
Just finished the last of my Dewars. Plz bring back a large. Thx.
Suzanne @ 160
Nicely done, Suz !
eCAHNomics @ 154
Makeover time.
Le No Uh:
As long as you stay away from the boardwalk, (they took the good places out unless NeilDeVons is still there…that was a long time ago. There are some charming places, if they’re still there. Better still, it’s worth the dirve over the hill (if you want to spend some money) to Carmel. Almost any place that looks good in Carmel is good. (I’m talking about old Carmel) But some of them are a teensy bit pricy. There’s also a modern shopping center in the “newer carmel” Just keep driving under the huge light standard and miss the old part of town, to the shopping center. There is almost zero atmosphere, but the food is good. And while you’re at it…..if you pick a good time of the day, the walk down the Carmel beach is absolutely spectacular when it isn’t foggy. Also, if you want to travel a little bit Capitola has some surprisingly good places, but that’s way far north of where you’ll be staying, though if you’re coming from San Jose, it’s on the way.
I miss California.
mui @ 146
Dennis did some pretty good things as mayor .. some of them only became apparent after he left office.
LoudounLib @ 164
Some of that gas station coffee that I live off of.
mui @ 167
I’ve said this before, and I hate to sound shallow, but if anyone could use a $400 haircut, it’s Dennis.
Joe Klein’s conscience @ 169
Funny how the Bushies say almost the opposite about Clinton: that he did some pretty bad things as president, some of which only became apparent after Bush was in office.
Thanks, Cynic! Carmel is on our list to see.
Petro- I teach undergrads! I never imagined that meditators would have something in common with undergrads. But, it might be hard to tell the difference when their eyes are closed ;)
things come undone @ 153
thanks for that. I was wondering if anyone would make mention of the EU model. I personally feel the world is inevitably going to need a world government and that will need a planned economy. To that end we will need universal standards and any nation wishing to participate will be required to meet said standards.
Dr. Dick and Suzanne: thanks. Now I can rest easy. ;)
demi @ 171
Ithink you’re right. Some progressive hairstylist should do him a favor for free, so he can avoid the publicity of a $400 haircut.
Joe Klein’s conscience @ 161
When I read the report I knew it was in complete, I was like the story today that the Chinese freshwater dolphin is believed to be extinct, and a number of other stories, some more complete than others.
mui @ 152
I, quite smartly, got rid of my landline with AT&T. Then I left my Sprint phone charger in Chicago.
Interestingly, when I was finally able to get hold of an AT&T person, I explained that I wanted to discontinue the service because they had been spying on American citizens. She said yes, and took the info she needed to disconnect service.
Two years ago, I wrote them an email about how I felt about their domestic spying and they totally denied it. Interesting…
Valley Girl @ 174
Everyone loves jokes … my one liners are legendary … and most of the time,
the jist of the matter is conveyed more effectively than with an hour long lecture …
But, surely, someone, somewhere at sometime has had the makeover conversation with Mr. K.
But, still…any fabulous stylists out there?
Joe Klein’s conscience @ 169
I think some nutty people are geniuses. Seriously all the people in my family who got to the top of their profession were crazy as coots.
Loo Hoo. @ 178
Actually, one of the few good things that I can say about my provider, QWest, is that they refused to cooperate. Just don’t ask me about their customer service. ;-)
sitemeter SAYS!
57,529
hmmm … 57,529, eh?
(pssst! there are a LOT of lurkers here
… like a thousand times (500 times?) as many non-lurkers!)
Hello kind, appreciated Silent Masses out there:
1) commenting is good, but not commenting is fine, too.
2) 10 out of 10 commenters began as lurkers.
3) every writer here thanks you for your readership,
without which this would Not be the community it is.
but you knew all that.
4) there is an FDL facebook group.
and an FDL Late Night FirePups group.
so, at least in theory, you could continue to lurk here, while facebooking there.
(just offering options everyone here is welcome to take.)
demi @ 180
How about a photoshop contest to show Dennis how stylin he could look if he just put in the effort.
This nation is starting to smell like Chile in the 70’s.
-GSD
mui @ 181
Ya hear that Suz, mui says oim a bloody genius … *g*
Lea-no uh
One more and I’m gone. If you want to see old Carmel, and you don’t have trouble walking, park your car at the head end of town (if you look, you can find streets without meters) and then walk all the way down to the beach. Of course, there is always the walking back up, but if my wife and I can do it, and she doesn’t walk very well, most people can. It’s pretty, especially at night, when it’s not foggy, and it’s safe, at least it was six months ago. They’re very careful.
Have a good trip. I almost wish we could join you, but we moved 3000 miles away. Huge mistake. And except for the famous tree, the 17 mile drive is a ripoff. There is a much better (and more spectacular) view down the road apiece at a state beach, I forget the name….I just know how to get there. They have a big parking lot, trails, coves, huge rocks, and a lot of violent ocean on one side and a “pirate cove” on the other side. I cannot remember the name of the stupid place, but they don’t allow overnight camping, so if you’re just coming in to park and walk around and have a picnic, it’s not that crowded. The Pacific is a cold, Violent ocean, but my father, I, and my kid have always loved it, and since we’re very sane, (don’t cross ropes) we’ve never gotten hurt. Have a great time
Suz, I’m having trouble submitting a comment (not quoting another one, trying to put up a new one) — have tried 2x and get the spinning wheel, then an error message saying the comment I was trying to quote does not exist in the database…
Dan in Canada @ 175
but lets meet the higher EU standards
I just finished a new post and now I am going to sleep. But i will be on tomorrow. :)
things come undone @ 189
Yes. The EU model really is free trade done right, with plenty of protections for everyone.
Night Cassie. Welcome back, we missed you.
LoudounLib @ 188
1. hard refresh of page -
2. try clearing your cache – the spinning wheel (when not telling ya of a new post upstairs) usually means to clear cache
3. if that doesn’t work, exit your browswer and reload the browser (ie firefox)
sleep well Cassie :-)
Loo Hoo. @ 178
This reminds me of a conversation I had with an SBC cable guy.
thank you Suz, will try again :-)
Hi gang,
Ten days with in-laws, parents and sibs in beautiful Chadds Ford, PA. Porch sittng with baby brother and lots of Dem politics with MY family. Failed miserably with in-laws, both elderly and Repubs (after a wonderful relationship of over 35 years). Feel terrible with hubby: with us all settled in Cleveland (land of Dems and Dennis, ) but not enough to vote for him). I just can’t visit my husband’s relative anymore. I’m sad.
hey Petro…here’s a yoga-related pic for you ;-)
ha! it worked this time!
mui @ 184
Super Idea!
yellowdog jim @ 183
I’ve been wrestling with the idea of facebook.
GSD @ 185
Huh. I took a class in college named Revolution and Social Change in Chile.
Petrocelli @ 186
At least somebody does…!!! ;-)
LoudounLib @ 198
looks like that did the trick, ll
Petrocelli @ 186
You or me. I never claimed to be nutty or a genius.
cynic @ 187
Thank you so much! It’s a place we’ve both always wanted to visit and we’re very much looking forward to it. I’ll take pictures!
mui @ 200
I enjoy it. Great way to keep in touch with all sorts of people.
Christine Edmonson @ 197
Yep. It is reaching the point of departure with these people.
As we know, it must have happened in other times throughout history.
I had a friend who worked at Fox News. But after badgering him he snapped at me and I haven’t talked to him since.
-GSD
Also, does anyone know anything about a hush-hush meeting between Admiral McConnell and the Red Dog Democrats that helped to turn almost the entire caucus into lapdogs?
Dennis seriously needs to do something about his cuffs. They are huge on him. People don’t want a president that looks like a little kid.
Perhaps the LapDog Democrats?
-GSD
TRex @ 158
A Pint of Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk for Suzanne, s’il vous plait.
An unshredded US Constitution.
-GSD
burnspbesq @ 210
I knew I forgot something at the store today…
mui @ 159
LOL
I feel sorry for Kucinich, he’s generally so pale his skin has a bluish cast. Dunno about a hair cut.. I’ve been assuming it was a toupe – whatever, it needs help. Either Biden’s plugs did what they were supposed to (spread and look natural) or he’s done repair work. They were disgustingly grotty for a loooong time.
burnspbesq @ 210
Ask, and ye shall receive.
LoudounLib @ 198
You went to all that trouble for me ?!!
Thanks LL, that’s a great pic. !
Can I borrow a mop, please? I puked after reading this article, and I need to clean it up.
Christine Edmonson @ 197
Oh dear, Christine. I can totally relate. I have not been able to return calls from my republican friends that still supported Bush in ‘04. I just feel like we are on such different waves. I’m hoping that soon, I will feel confident enough about our victory that I can call them again and never mention the shift, or that they will call and say that I was so right. We’ll see. Betcha that I call after our victory, though.
Petrocelli @ 215
you’re welcome! I thought you’d get a kick out of it ;-)
I lost my best friend over Rush Limbaugh hating Clinton. Now that I’m losing my in-laws, I’m rather bereft. At least my 83 year old mother still loves me and the Democatic Party. Now I’m trying to get her to log on to FIREDOGLAKE.
CTuttle @ 202
Where’ve you been Dood … Suz needs to be cheered up …
burnspbesq @ 210
i’m allergic to chocolate – can tolerate it in small amounts only
demi @ 199
Umm, conversely, it could have ugly, ugly potential… just trying to imagine, at this moment, Kucinich in an Elvis pompadour and sideburns…. :)
mui @ 200
no cost.
no obligation: just blow it off if you don’t like it.
every little blue “f” facebook icon beside a commenter name is a link to the commenter’s facebook page.
((WARNING: click on my “f” and you could see my face! this is the only warning you’ll get.))
mrs. ydj and i are owned by a fine eight year old boy: i know about wrestling.
let your wrestling be more gentle than ours.
LoudounLib @ 212
There has to be a Giant or Safeway near you that’s open 24 hours.
Howie Klein’s looking for some help for Steve Cohen of Tennessee, a freshman Blue American who’s getting primaried from the right.
As Howie points out, Steve is exactly the kind of Congressman we want every Blue American to be:
Help Steve Cohen here.
Petrocelli @ 215
Oh my, I am a huge I can has cheezburger fan, but haven’t checked recently. thx for that!
Christine Edmonson,
Being a southerner, I have had plenty of experience breaking all ties with wonderful people who are also racists. I didn’t just disappear without an explination, I told them why, so we both had a choice.
It is indeed necessary and somewhat liberating to stand up for the most important principals, imo
I have never made such choices or demands for political reasons, until recently. I think it’s time.
And don’t worry, if you can’t vote for Kucinich, then don’t do it, But thanks to your district for giving me the chance to.
burnspbesq @ 216
That is pretty sick-making…
Petrocelli @ 220
Watching my Cardiac Sox, all tied at six in the sixth! Why’s Ma Cheri in a funk?
burnspbesq @ 210
Quick … make her one of your famous sundaes …
Suzanne @ 221
Suz,
I’ve got a (partial) quart of 31 Flavors, Pecan Praline in the freezer I’d be happy to share.
burnspbesq @ 216
Has the stick up Cheney’s ass worked its way up to where it is forcing his chin to his chest or did he have his neck surgically removed?
Suzanne @ 221
Oh, crap — I’m so sorry.
cynic, I’m sorry that you moved and now regret it. If you don’t mind, how did that happen? Just thinking I don’t want to make the same mistake myself.
marymccurnin @ 208
It’s true. His outfits are oversized somehow or disproportiate. They overwhelm him. Also there’s got to be away to tone down the elfen ears.
gee, petrocelli, does that mean you are giving me permission to eat?
burnspbesq @ 224
I think the Giant in Sterling is still open 24 hours (lightbulb!)
Loo Hoo. @ 217
Oh Loo Hoo, I hope you are right. It made me cry like a baby when my 86 year old father-in-law hissed at me in October about Kerry “not being the right person”. Thank you for your support. Go Firedoglake.
Chris
hi firepups, i’m home. and thanks yellowdogjim if you’re here for checking on me.
i’m just entering the lake after a long absence. was gone for a couple a weeks. had a nice hike up sacramento way with mary mccurnin (spelling? i’m too tired to go check). then exhausted when i got back.
now hugely busy putting together the food for a spiritual gathering later this month. i thought it was put together but some details have reared their cute little heads.
and i got way off balance from the recent fisa obscenity.
but i’m taking the plunge back in. maybe not nearly so stylish and graceful as a suzanne quality dive, but it’s what i got tonight.
Suzanne @ 203
Lordy! That cat is an expert.
CTuttle @ 229
… ahem … see comments # 5 & 44 … hint … Flak Jacket … *g*
greenwarrior @ 239
good to hear your voice!
Chris and Loo Hoo, that reminds me of the time I showed up at my dad’s house with my Kerry/Edwards bumpersticker on my car, and my stepmom rolled her eyes and half-jokingly asked me to back my car into the drive.
hi greenwarrior :-)
greenwarrior @ 239
so glad to have you back my friend!
Lea-no uh @ 232
evidence from watertiger
Hi Petro! How’s it goin’, eh?
Suzanne @ 44
No! I forbid you from being grouchy!!! *g*
things come undone & Dr.Dick –
yes. as I see it we need to demand more protection for the workers and the environment. As I understand it the EU model forbids movement into another nation of the EU to take advantage of lower standards. That is a good start. Perhaps an international body could improve that baseline. And the inclusion of any nation would be contingent upon meeting that baseline.
But that baseline should always be pegged at the better levels. If Sweden has a standard whereby parents are afforded 6 months leave due to a new child, why cannot any nation wishing to do business with Sweden not be compelled to do as much?… same with universal healthcare… education… contributions to international relief agencies?
As ever, I believe it’s a matter of political will and visionary leadership. In my heart of hearts, I feel that the vast bulk of humanity given the choice will do the right thing. Now how do we get the visionaries into office?… especially when they might be short or have an unfortunate nose?
Suzanne @ 236
Um … that was CT’s comment …
( ducking under Metal Desk )
Lea-no uh @ 232
You say that like those two things are mutually exclusive …
TeddySanFran @ 225
Steve Cohen of TN? He’s definitely a keeper. I hope Howie keeps pushing for the mojo hard. Seriously, we can’t afford to lose him.
Suzanne @ 236
“allowing me to eat”
the word is “allow”
Oh good, I was hoping this wrangle would start up again!
*(sits in corner)*
TeddySanFran @ 246
heh! That first pic is great…like Cheney is saying “damn it, do what I say!”
Eureka Springs @ 227
Eureka Springs,
My BIG brother is a Southerner (and that’s another story). Thanks for your support. I have a great story about a Yankee (ME) in Chatanooga.
Chris
Lea-no uh @ 232
Just looks that way because he’s never stuck his neck out in his life….
TeddySanFran @ 253
Dang, Teddy, this ain’t a Soap!!! ;-)
Green Woman!!!! Welcome back. How was the camping?
yellowdog jim @ 242
check your facebook mail, ydj
TeddySanFran @ 253
thanks teddy – allow is the proper quote, thank you
mui @ 252
It would be tragic if we did and he’s being targeted not by Karl Rove but by Harold Ford and the DLC.
CTuttle @ 248
be grouchy.
be Suzanne.
be Moderatrix Supreme.
be proud.
we adore you.
from afar.
Alicia @ 247
Hi Alicia !!!
… waving from inside Bomb shelter ... *g*
Hey Teddy, thanks for the link to Howie’s post about Steve Cohen. Howie is so “on the money” about candidates. Oh, I emailed Howie with a head’s up. Replied that he is just getting ready to fly to DC. Well, that should be an INTERESTING REPORT!
Petrocelli @ 263
C’mon you wussy, take it like a Man!!! *g*
greenwarrior @ 259
that’s a big 10/4 there good buddy!
LoudounLib @ 244
hi back achoo. oh sorry, didn’t mean to sneeze on you. just happy to see you.
Valley Girl @ 264
Congress is on recess. I’m just going to visit some poodles.
Suzanne @ 221
Like I say, Suz, cheer up. In my bad moments (and I’ve aired plenty of those in this forum) I think about the police state, the King, and our former Constitution. But right now, I’m thinkin…wait a minute. There’s more of us than there are of them, and we vote, and we now have to go and explain things to our so-called lawmakers. Nancy and Harry (sounds like a kids book) have to be personally contacted by a lot of people. So do some of the other folks. They have to be told what we want, in the way you have to tell it to children (which is what they are). They need money, and they want to get elected. We have control over both. Cheer up Suzanne. If you don’t you’ll hit your head on the side of the pool. And don’t anyone dare tell Christy that I can be an optomist too. I have an image to keep up with her. CHEER UP, SUZANNE. Here is a gift certificate for whatever will make you feel better. Use it. Tonight.
This was on crooks and liars today. It is a hoot!
President Bush Vows To Protect Us..
Petrocelli @ 263
Worried about ‘friendly fire’?
greenwarrior @ 267
Likewise :-) Oh, and when you’re next on Facebook, we’ve extended an invitation to you for our Late Nite Firepup group.
TexBetsy @ 245
Too, too cool that you got to go to YKos and give us such great photos. Glad you’re home too.
TeddySanFran @ 253
Please … you’re just making her modder … *g*
Howie! Thanks for taking the time, amidst your packing to drop by. Long story, but (not my fault) I have no debit/ credit card at present, or I would def. give $$ to Steven Cohen. And, other BA candidates. You are AWESOME, m’dear.
howieklein @ 268
What’s the Difference…??? ;-)
howieklein @ 261
& probably Rahm Emanuel that destructive m%th&rf*cker. What’s rahm doing this August, do you know Howie?
And you know what, I think we can beat Harold Ford. But it takes getting into high gear right away.
You can joke about needing a flak jacket all you want but it certainly does not disguise how condescendingly patriarchal and demeaning your statements have been.
CTuttle @ 276
The poodles are awesome– AND SMART!!!
Who likes Mark Fiore?
LoudounLib @ 243
Hi LL,
I still have a sticker on my doorbell” ProKerry, ProEdwards, ProChoice. I will keep it there until it fades from sight.
Alicia @ 271
Yup … unfriendly fire too … *g*
If anyone here does not know who Howie Klein is, and what he has done by way electing PROGRESSIVES, then, please know soon!
Christine Edmonson @ 281
Good for you! I still have my stickers and other items on display.
I actually sent money to Harold Ford after hearing about the dirty tricks the repugs were pulling. But as I continued to watch him I became disheartened. He doesn’t like gay folk and is just way too uptight.
howieklein @ 268
Howie, please ask them whether they sought advice from Constitutional Lawyers (Bruce Fein, Jonathan Turley, etc.) before pissing away the Constitution !
howieklein @ 268
With Rahm Emanuel prowling around in TN probably?
Suzanne,
You really are down tonight. You passed up my offer to share Pecans and Pralines ice cream. I hope you’re not mad at me, too.
CTuttle @ 265
No way … I’m allergic to pain … *g*
Alicia @ 280
Fantastic!
marymccurnin @ 258
Yay on that! They fed me 3 healthy delicious meals a day and all I had to do was wash my own plate, visit with new and old friends, splash around in the creek and attend whatever classes suited my fancy under the tall trees.
One day, I went on the 8 mile roundtrip waterfall hike, splashed around in pools above the waterfall and then got righteously baptized in the waterfall. A couple other days, I took shorter hikes through the trees to the reservoir for full body immersion swimming in the beautiful blue green water.
Lovely people.
How do you be?
burnspbesq @ 216
If Bush had been president in 1932, he would have said that the Great Depression was really a good thing, just a normal market correction for the excesses of the ’20s. What a moron.
“Just When I Thought That I Was Out, They Pull Me Back In.”The new version of the old “Uncle Sam Wants You” poster I photographed in the window of a storefront was covered with dead and dying flies sandwiched between the sign and the window. It was addressed to military veterans and seemed to be a recruiting poster for the Naval Reserves that played on their concerns about collecting their benefits.
It just about says it all about the Forever War — and what our country seems to think of the veterans who have already given more than should have been asked of them. And the fact that the sign stays up in this condition, attracting flies that are, well, dying like flies, says even more. The war drags on and on, and few seem to care — it’s somebody else’s problem, and if they have to keep reenlisting just to get by, well — that’s their problem. It’s an attitude that reeks of callousness, contempt and unspeakable indifference.
TexBetsy @ 290
Hi TexBetsy! Recovered from Y2K yet? Wish I could have gone, but your pix were great.
LoudounLib @ 284
Sadly,I even have my KerryEdwards lawn sign. BUT, I keep it on my back door for everyone to see. How pathetic am I?
My congresscritter, Mazie Hirono, is visiting the Hilo Farmer’s Market on Aug. 25th, I’ll be paying her a visit, I can’t quibble about her voting record, but, I’ll ask about pending FISA fixes and impeachment!!!
Oh, here is a link to give $$ to Howie’s and Blue America Candidates.
http://www.actblue.com/page/blueamerica08
And, one of the most impressive things about Howie is that he does his research.
http://www.mydd.com/story/2006/8/15/105630/565
above title “Why Howie Klein is a netroots hero”
Well, I’m headed to bed. Take care and enjoy the snark. Hope you get to feeling better, Suzanne.
Forbes richest man 2007 Carlos Slim Helu a Mexican of Ottoman Turkish origin Mexico does have the money to pay their workers more I think we should put a tarrif on goods from countries that don’t pay their workers enough.
Japenese and European goods would be exempt but we can stop the export of good paying jobs to low wage countries if we push this point.
Labor and Human rights people would like it plus we could force these countries to pay their workers more while helping American workers.
Not only that we could steal this issue from the GOP and not be racist about it.
greenwarrior @ 291
Good. Good. Trying to figure out how to get in to see Pelosi’s staff during the recess in SF.
I need a constituent though. Here constituent!!!
g’night DrD, sleep well.
CTuttle @ 296
She’s one of the 2 or 3 best in the whole Congress– and she replaced a Blue Dog swine
Thanks, Howie. Just got the spin bar on refresh, so it looks like a new post is up. Have a great time in DC.
Loo Hoo. @ 234
Loo Hoo.
1. We moved, because we lived in Palo Alto, and we were sitting on over a million bucks. We’re not, now, but we have some money….though I’m a liberal from way, way, back. So the money doesn’t make that much difference.
2. My wife took care of my parents until they passed away, now it’s my turn, and she’s from New jersey.
3. If you don’t have to move, don’t NJ is hell. It’s expensive, it’s beautiful where we live, and the people are nice, but there’s storms most of the year, snow to deal with humidity like I’ve never seen, and even though there is nothing to go back to in California, I lived there since 1949, and I don’t feel like NJ is home. Actually, my wife of nearly 20 years ocassionally says to me (can we go home now?).
If you’re moving for a job, think about it. Maybe….don’t. If your’re moving for the love of your life, you don’t have much choice (or at least, I wouldn’t, and didn’t…we took vows, and we’re old fashioned).
But if you must move, you need to get the advice of someone who has lived here (and has nothing to gain by advising you to move here). I can’t help it. I hate the place. Not that I’m leaving, and if you move anywhere near West Long Branch, look me up, it’d be nice to have some friends.
Now you know.
GabrielOak @ 292
I, too, felt puke-a-licious after reading that. The anti-Midas, the arch-destroyerwhose touch turns gold into sh**, who has failed spectacularly at everything his grubby mitts turn to – lectures condescendingly about other people reading the fine print? Hell, he can’t even read the big print!
Makes me pig-biting mad.
TRex is upstairs
greenwarrior @ 259
right back atcha!
A local blog (leans blue) I read based out of Little Rock has one post with a small thread on the fact the airport is now allowing folks to pay 100.00 dollars extra, have an eye scan, fingerprints, and other info on file for faster boarding service.
I am amazed at how many people have no problem with this.
LoudounLib @ 244
So glad to see you, greenwarrior!
Loo Hoo. @ 309
yoo too loo hoo!
Suzanne @ 260
Allowing me permission?
howieklein @ 302
I guess you know Jane is trying to put together a calendar of events for FDLers for Pelosi, reid, Clyburn, Emanuel and Hoyer. I think this actually serves as good exercise as well to trace what exactly congresscritters are doing during their time of in August. Like we know Hoyer is supporting Maffei in Syracuse. Pelosi is coming to CT for Murphy. Clyburn is going to a golf tournament. I should be a pretty good chronicle if the calendar is completed.
My comment at 9:53 was an unnecessary and uncivil over-reaction on my part for which I apologize.