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Open Thread

by John Cole

Well, I guess the day is not a total loss. New Chuck tonight.

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March 15, 2010 5:08 pm Posted in: Open Thread  66 Comments

66 Responses

  1. EthylEster - March 15, 2010 | 5:12 pm · Link

    I really liked No #1 detective agency which you recommended; as soon as it came out on DVD i got it.

    so over the weekend i rented Chuck and started viewing. it seemed…not obvious. then i saw that i had inadvertently gotten vol 1 of season 2. oops.

  2. Napoleon - March 15, 2010 | 5:13 pm · Link

    Just posted this in an earlier thread.

    Cleveland TV news (WKYC Channel 3) reporting that after Kucinich’s trip with Obama on Air Force One today he is not answering questions on how he will vote and Ryan (from the Y-town area, Traficant’s old seat) now is a yes.

  3. demkat620 - March 15, 2010 | 5:13 pm · Link

    Well, its been a loss for me. Shitty day at work and rainy dreary weather.

    Blah, I hate this time of year.

  4. jeffreyw - March 15, 2010 | 5:14 pm · Link

    Yay! Too late for breakfast?

  5. Bootlegger - March 15, 2010 | 5:15 pm · Link

    Balloon Juice NCAA tourney pool is open for business on Yahoo. Don’t forget the “seed bonuses” when you make your picks. You’ll need the group ID# in the group label below.

    BALLOON JUICE GROUP ID# 61659
    “Consistently Wrong Since 2002”

  6. flounder - March 15, 2010 | 5:16 pm · Link

    For all you #dickwhisperer watchers, I think he admitted today that he might actually be prodded into discussing some Republican corruption eventually:

    Q. John Ensign
    How come you are so scared of John Ensign? I thought the new e-mails that came out showing he was trying to hook up his mistress’s husband with illegal jobs would right up your alley? Are Ensign’s parents cutting you a check too?

    A. Dana Milbank writes:
    I’m just worried that this would bring my spine further out of alignment.
    In truth I have not meant to neglect the junior senator from Nevada. As the former congressman from New York would say, thank you for the tickler.
    – March 15, 2010 11:50 AM

  7. ellaesther - March 15, 2010 | 5:17 pm · Link

    Ok, it was all fun and games in the last Open Thread, but I’m afraid I’m going to let my earnest side shine now (I know, I don’t do that nearly enough, do I?)

    There were two sizable discussions here re: the Israel-US tensions over the weekend—I was in the thick of one, and managed to entirely miss the other. I, too, have been blogging about the mess, and today I’ve pulled together three events that I think may prove crucial:

    1) The US military began asking for some pushback on Israeli intransigence back in January
    2) ...which fact clarifies Clinton’s sharp rebuke of Netanyahu on Friday even further
    3) and Congressional Democrats are apparently literally asking George Mitchell to call them, so that they can be in the loop.

    What all of this means to me is that there is a tiny sliver of an opening that something might (emphasis on might) actually change in our relationship with Israel, which could lead to change in Israel/Palestine.

    And that means that if you think that the US should push back against Israeli intransigence (particularly if you’re a Jewish-American), you need to get in touch with the people you’ve elected! In addition to what I’ve described above, I’ve also got links to the contact pages and a sample script for phone calls.

    Please, come, read! (You’ll even find our own Grand Panjandrum in the comments!)

  8. ellaesther - March 15, 2010 | 5:19 pm · Link

    @jeffreyw: Dude. It’s never too late for breakfast. (Though I’d rather have scrambled than fried, if you don’t mind).

  9. gwangung - March 15, 2010 | 5:21 pm · Link

    And that means that if you think that the US should push back against Israeli intransigence (particularly if you’re a Jewish-American), you need to get in touch with the people you’ve elected! In addition to what I’ve described above, I’ve also got links to the contact pages and a sample script for phone calls

    I’m just curious why this is so relatively under the radar for progressives and liberals on the ‘net….

  10. DougL (frmrly: Conservatively Liberal) - March 15, 2010 | 5:22 pm · Link

    Nice sunny day in the 60’s here on the south Oregon coast today so the wife and I went topless. It’s nice being outside and feeling the sun warming you up. It’s supposed to rain late tonight and a bit tomorrow but they are saying we should have a few sunny days in the 60’s afterward. I’m washing and polishing the motorcycle in anticipation of some riding real soon.

    C’mon spring!

  11. ajr22 - March 15, 2010 | 5:23 pm · Link

    @jeffreyw: I love brinner. Pancakes for dinner are a can’t miss.

  12. tigrismus - March 15, 2010 | 5:25 pm · Link

    Well, the pump in the basement’s been running all day, there’s a wet spot on the ceiling, the governor declared a state of emergency and they’re pumping poop into the bay, but yeah, I guess it could be worse.

  13. CMB - March 15, 2010 | 5:29 pm · Link

    I got Versus back on my tv. That makes this a great day.

  14. ellaesther - March 15, 2010 | 5:31 pm · Link

    @gwangung: I think that there is still a powerful sense that if you got out on this limb, you’ll be tarred with the Holocaust, and you know what? Folks have enough fights to fight without adding that tzures into the mix.

    Also, and this is even less scientific than the above hunch, but the progressive movements have always been particular gathering spots for Jewish activists. We are generally represented out of all proportion to our numbers in society—but a) many of those same folks just can’t apply their liberal (to my mind, Jewish) values to the issue of Israel/Palestine, and b) many who might, just avoid the topic like the freaking landmine it is. So, remove the American Jews from the progressive picture, and the noise gets quieter.

    Which is odd, because studies show that fully 75% of the American Jewish public supports a two-state solution, and about 2/3 want to see active American engagement in achieving the compromise necessary to get to that solution. So, I think that the power of the old narrative and the old centers of power are very, very strong, and keeping people from speaking their minds.

  15. ellaesther - March 15, 2010 | 5:32 pm · Link

    @ajr22: My grandmother used to do that for us when we would come to visit—it was like her super-big treat. Pancakes for dinner, man, and life was sweet!

  16. MattR - March 15, 2010 | 5:33 pm · Link

    @tigrismus: At least you still have power. And you don’t have a four day old infant to deal with. On the bright side, now that child has arrived I can finally give my friends the Tunch onesie.

  17. Leelee for Obama - March 15, 2010 | 5:37 pm · Link

    @ellaesther: Hence, my question ‘tother day as to whether Bibi actually knows the Obama Administration has a plan that will find acceptance and he’s trying his hardest to screw the pooch!

    Not Jewish and no one I called would give a fig for my opinion, but it might help if progressive Jews did call and let the Critters know they are OK with forging ahead on a chance to end this mess.

  18. Sentient Puddle - March 15, 2010 | 5:37 pm · Link

    I shall join you all late. I have a batch of beer to bottle tonight.

  19. jeffreyw - March 15, 2010 | 5:39 pm · Link

    @ellaesther:

    Sure thing, Ma’am.

  20. jeffreyw - March 15, 2010 | 5:39 pm · Link

    @ellaesther:

    OK, here ya are: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreyww/4369952645/

  21. John - March 15, 2010 | 5:40 pm · Link

    Adam Baldwin is a lunatic right-winger who hates Sesame Street for saying we’re all equal and for not having the pledge of allegiance on the show. Does his character get kicked in the nads regularly? If not, he should.

  22. jeffreyw - March 15, 2010 | 5:41 pm · Link

    @ajr22:

    Coming right up! http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreyww/4209048008/

  23. demo woman - March 15, 2010 | 5:41 pm · Link

    @flounder: Great question and his answer tells you why he didn’t write about it.
    Wonder what the mention of Vitter’s diapers would do to his spine.

    I’m just worried that this would bring my spine further out of alignment.

  24. Brian J - March 15, 2010 | 5:42 pm · Link

    Does anyone here do yoga of any type? I’ve been thinking of trying it for a few reasons, but I’m not sure if it’s like a class at a gym, where there’s a set schedule, or what good it will do me. So, two questions:

    1. Is it good for muscle toning and soreness issues?

    2. Can you basically start a class whenever you want?

  25. Elisabeth - March 15, 2010 | 5:43 pm · Link

    @Bootlegger:

    Done.

  26. Mark S. - March 15, 2010 | 5:44 pm · Link

    I read this an hour or so ago and I can’t get it out of my mind. It seems Lehman Bros was run a lot like a cult:

    Fuld’s requirement that his executives sacrifice all for the sake of the firm, often put unbearable strains on their families. Karin Jack recalls that her child had a seizure on the day the Jacks were supposed to go on a Lehman outing. Rather than excuse her for the day, they landed Joe Gregory’s private helicopter at her home and waited for her. “Can you imagine the pressure?” she told Ward. “I have this really sick child, but I know that if I don’t get on that helicopter it’s going to hurt Brad.”

    That’s so freaking creepy I don’t have much to say. I hope all that money was worth it, and I hope these guys didn’t get paid in stock options in the company.

  27. Cat Lady - March 15, 2010 | 5:44 pm · Link

    @tigrismus:

    Remember this if you have the urge to go to Wollaston Beach if it ever gets warm. My trip home from work was detoured three times.

  28. RedKitten - March 15, 2010 | 5:44 pm · Link

    Well, I guess the day is not a total loss. New Chuck tonight.

    And…

    I got a new job! w00t!

  29. demo woman - March 15, 2010 | 5:45 pm · Link

    @Brian J: It’s great for muscle toning and soreness but do not start if you are nursing an injury. It’s best to start at the beginning of a session because there are many steps to one exercise and it’s just hard to keep up with all the steps.

  30. WereBear - March 15, 2010 | 5:49 pm · Link

    @RedKitten: How wonderful! Congrats!

    I remember you outlining your dilemma a while back.

  31. ajr22 - March 15, 2010 | 5:50 pm · Link

    @jeffreyw: Those scrambled eggs with mushrooms look so good, make you want to slap yo momma! (Reference to one of the Friday movies forgot which one.)

  32. ellaesther - March 15, 2010 | 5:50 pm · Link

    @Leelee for Obama: There’s definitely an effort to screw the pooch! They always come up with these stupid things, these stupid, destructive ways to forestall progress, whenever America thinks we’re about to make some.

    I don’t know that this time was any different than the times in the past, other than that this Israeli government is much less concerned about the world’s opinion than others have been. In the past, the announcement likely would have been made a few hours after Biden left—I don’t know if they would have gotten away with it (so to speak)—I was already of the impression that Obama was up to something, even before the shit hit the fan—but the response wouldn’t have been so powerful.

  33. WaterGirl - March 15, 2010 | 5:51 pm · Link

    @RedKitten: Yippee! I’d say a perfume purchase is in order. Congratulations.

  34. RedKitten - March 15, 2010 | 5:53 pm · Link

    @WaterGirl: Actually the purchase will have to be for some work clothes. I’ve been living in jeans for the last 6 years, but this new place is business casual, so I need to go buy some more tailored pieces.

    Coincidentally, my mom is visiting next week. Maybe I’ll suggest a shopping trip, as she often refuses to let me pay for stuff when I’m with her. ;)

  35. jeffreyw - March 15, 2010 | 5:53 pm · Link

    @RedKitten: w00t!

  36. Brian J - March 15, 2010 | 5:55 pm · Link

    @demo woman:

    I’m not nursing an injury, but I’m moving all day and do lots of cardio and consistently find myself aching in tons of ways. If I bend down to pick something up, or lean down as if I am a catcher in baseball, I feel like my knees are going to explode. And while I definitely need to work more with weights, because I have the upper body strength of a ten-year-old girl, I don’t really need to get much better. I should probably instead focus on the toning part, as I am already pretty big, or at least not small. That’s why I figured it might be a good idea to try.

    From what you’ve indicated, I should check it out, which is what I will do tomorrow. Thanks!

  37. ellaesther - March 15, 2010 | 5:55 pm · Link

    @jeffreyw: Excellent! Wow. Now I’m kind of regretting what I have planned for dinner tonight….

  38. demo woman - March 15, 2010 | 5:55 pm · Link

    @RedKitten: Congratulations.. When do you start?

  39. jeffreyw - March 15, 2010 | 5:55 pm · Link

    @ajr22: Thanks! I think?

    Just ate this, it was just OK. http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffreyww/4435988397/

  40. ellaesther - March 15, 2010 | 5:56 pm · Link

    @RedKitten: Congratulations! That is terrific news.

  41. Pasquinade - March 15, 2010 | 5:56 pm · Link

    found on Twitter today:

    When asked if she celebrated Pi Day, Sarah Palin said that due to her busy schedule she didn’t get to bake as often as she’d like.

    @John – here’s that Adam Baldwin rant

    ‘Sesame Street’: All Monsters Are Equal?

    http://bighollywood.breitbart......are-equal/

  42. kay - March 15, 2010 | 5:57 pm · Link

    @Brian J:

    You might love it. It’s actually pleasant, as these things go. Don’t start in the middle because they have to teach you how to breathe first. That’s a whole thing by itself. I’m a klutz and I can do it. Once you learn the right way to do it comes natural.
    I do yoga in the winter and swim in the summer (I hate swimming indoors). This year I got talked into weight training instead of yoga and I regretted it. I’m all out of balance and aggressive :)

  43. RedKitten - March 15, 2010 | 6:01 pm · Link

    I start after Easter weekend. So now I just have to firm things up with the daycare provider that I have tentatively selected (and who is less than 1km from my work), and we’re all set.

    I haz a sad to think of SamKitten being away from me all day long, but the idea of getting to go visit him at lunchtime makes it more bearable.

  44. General Egali Tarian Stuck - March 15, 2010 | 6:01 pm · Link

    You do not mess with Nancy.

    Nancy Pelosi said in a meeting with reporters this morning. “We won that fight, and once we kick through this door, there’ll be more legislation to follow.”

    Kicking down doors rhetoric, how cool is that, she gonna make John Boehner cry again trash talking like that.

  45. WaterGirl - March 15, 2010 | 6:04 pm · Link

    @RedKitten: Excellent strategy!

  46. Sentient Puddle - March 15, 2010 | 6:06 pm · Link

    @John: In one of the recent episodes (two back, I think), his character got a tooth pulled. Unsedated. That has to count.

  47. Ming - March 15, 2010 | 6:25 pm · Link

    @RedKitten: so happy to hear of your new job—congratulations and all good wishes!

  48. Comrade Mary - March 15, 2010 | 6:29 pm · Link

    @RedKitten: Yay! Yayyayayayayay! And SamKitten will be a STAH at day care. The kid is charm on two chubby, NOMable legs.

    We had nice, sunny weather today, so I got out on my bike, which does such immense things for my mood, as did getting a couple of small projects from my slowly expanding roster of clients. I’m still hoping for a 6 or 12 month contract that will let me take a breath, pay off some bills, and plump up my emergency fund again, but things aren’t too, too bad right now.

  49. Cat Lady - March 15, 2010 | 6:36 pm · Link

    @RedKitten:

    Great news! Congrats! [happy dancing high fiving]

    Why wouldn’t they want to hire you? Did you tell them everyone at BJ highly recommended you?

  50. SiubhanDuinne - March 15, 2010 | 6:37 pm · Link

    @RedKitten: YAY! Sam has a working mom!!

  51. Betsy - March 15, 2010 | 6:39 pm · Link

    @Brian J:
    1. Yes, it does both. On its own it helps a great deal with soreness and flexibility; combined with some sort of aerobic workout it is awesome for muscle tone. I mean, it will help with muscle tone even without the aerobic exercise, but it’s more effective with it.

    2. Usually – just check with them first to make sure. Any class that’s labeled “beginner” or “level 1” should be fine.

    Good luck! When I first started yoga, I was totally amazed. I felt like I was an inch taller, just from the gentle stretching and re-positioning of my back and neck. I’m not a hard-core yogi by any stretch; I try to go once a week to a moderately difficult class. But even that does a world of good.

  52. SiubhanDuinne - March 15, 2010 | 6:40 pm · Link

    Oh, BTW Red Kitten—did you have a nice winey pajamas-y time with your sister? (I think you said she was coming to visit you this past weekend, but I could be confused. That happens to me now and then.)

  53. Nellcote - March 15, 2010 | 6:41 pm · Link

    TeeVee tip. There’s a new Elmore Leonard created detective show on FX tomorrow (Tues.) nite.

  54. Betsy - March 15, 2010 | 6:43 pm · Link

    @RedKitten:
    Hell yeah Kick ass!! :D Many, many congrats.

  55. freelancer - March 15, 2010 | 6:46 pm · Link

    @RedKitten:

    Awesome news, RK. This place gets so down sometimes, then there’s news like this.

  56. Chris Johnson - March 15, 2010 | 6:48 pm · Link

    Meanwhile, in my studio in Vermont, I inadvertently contributed to the horse thread ;)

    I’m losing my mind with spring-fever over this woman I recently met- with little sign of encouragement to go on- and rather than just read Balloon Juice I got busy and wrote the dirtiest possible clean non-swearing pop song, expressing my feelings.

    And yeah- “like the horse in the pasture my interest does show” :D

    Dunno what you guys think of Balloon Juice reader musicians, but this one came out good enough that I was asked if it was a remix :) guy didn’t realise I could do that. I was provoked beyond endurance, that’s my excuse :)

    http://www.jinxtigr.com/temp/AndIDangle.mp3

  57. WereBear - March 15, 2010 | 6:49 pm · Link

    @Brian J: You might want to check out The Egoscue Method.

    It is amazing how much better it makes you feel. The man’s exercises cured my bad knee. You can get started on the website.

    Nothing against yoga, I used to do it myself. You’re as young as your spine, they say.

    But Egoscue realigned me in a way yoga couldn’t.

  58. Tax Analyst - March 15, 2010 | 6:53 pm · Link

    @RedKitten:

    Well, I guess the day is not a total loss. New Chuck tonight.

    I got a new job! w00t

    Well, that was pretty darn quick! Just last week I think you were picturing raising your child in Debtor’s Prison and having to compete with rats for scraps of rotten and diseased food.

    Glad it’s turning out a little more positively than that. Those poor rats have a hard enough time without having to fight with babies over contaminated eats.

    Congrats!

  59. Annie - March 15, 2010 | 6:53 pm · Link

    @RedKitten:

    Congrats…............

  60. Betsy - March 15, 2010 | 6:59 pm · Link

    On a navel-gazing note – everyone keep your fingers crossed for me! I just found out I’m on the short list for a really great postdoc. I should hear sometime in the next week. (In theory, anyway, assuming they’re not lying overly optimistic about the award date.)

    It pays decently well, it’s in a great town, I have a few good friends there already and so does my fiance, and it would take us across the country, which would be a change of scenery that he could really use right now. It seems too good to be true. I am thus on pins and needles and unable to concentrate on anything, which is not helpful.

  61. WereBear - March 15, 2010 | 7:06 pm · Link

    @Betsy: Fingers and toes! (I can do that.)

  62. ellaesther - March 15, 2010 | 7:08 pm · Link

    @Betsy: Fingers crossed! (And thanks for the visit!)

  63. Max - March 15, 2010 | 7:09 pm · Link

    @Bootlegger: Did my picks. The only thing I know about NCAA hoops is that I fucking hate Duke.

  64. tammanycall - March 15, 2010 | 7:10 pm · Link

    @Pasquinade:

    Speaking of Breitbart (kind of) – Slate called him “telegenic” in its awful, fawning profile today.

    Wha?...

  65. Brian J - March 15, 2010 | 7:14 pm · Link

    @kay:

    You wouldn’t know it when you looked at me, but I am actually quite flexible. Coordinated? Not so much, but definitely flexible. That’s why I am so open to the idea.

  66. Brian J - March 15, 2010 | 7:16 pm · Link

    @General Egali Tarian Stuck:

    That, and taking away the spray tan, would make him cry.


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