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Monday Afternoon Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Mon May 03, 2010 at 01:32:12 PM EST
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Busy. Anyone know if Joe Arpaio is going to run for Governor in Arizona? He is supposed to announce today.

Open Thread.

< Bill Russell's Daughter Urges Boycott Of Arizona | Monday Night Open Thread >

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    British Petroleum blow casts a pall (5.00 / 2) (#13)
    by KeysDan on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:46:12 PM EST
    over the Offshore Oil Conference being held in Houston.  The 65,000 attendees were apparently in a funk by thoughts that the US government may reconsider their pet project of opening new waters to oil and gas exploration indicating, perhaps, that in their hurried travels to Houston they missed President Obama's reassurances yesterday.  Conference participants no doubt were also saddened by cancellation of the 'Safety Awards Luncheon' hosted by the US Minerals Management Services (Dept of Interior), the federal oversight agency for offshore drilling. Meanwhile, oil continues to pour into the sea at the rate of at least 5000 barrels per day, and all efforts to stop the gusher have been unsuccessful. BP is still working to activate the failed, fail safe device, the blowout preventer (BOP). Another tact, construction of big boxes to fit over the gusher is underway, by a company called WildWell Control. BP did not build these containment devices before the blow because, as BP spokesman said, it seemed inconceivable that the BOP would fail. And, no one foresaw these circumstances. The goal, of course, is to get rid of visible signs of black oil, toxic dispersants are colorless, and cause the oil to sink to the bottom.  Then, when out of sight, it will be out of mind, the tv talking heads will become distracted with some movie stars new diet.  And, once again, it will be drill baby drill. (culled from AP and WSJ, May 3).

    Update: The US Mineral and Management Awards (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by KeysDan on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:32:32 PM EST
    Luncheon, scheduled for today during the oil industry's Offshore Oil Conference in Houston, was postponed.  So, we will have to wait with bated breath to discover and congratulate the winners.  The Awards program is divided into four categories, in the High OCS (outer continental shelf) activity category, the finalists are l. BP Exploration and Production 2. Emi operating Co, and 3. Exxon Mobil Co.  And, the envelop please.....      (From MS industry Awards Website, Dept of Interior)

    Parent
    It was 'inconceivable' for the Titanic to sink (5.00 / 1) (#114)
    by FoxholeAtheist on Mon May 03, 2010 at 08:44:58 PM EST
    BP did not build these containment devices before the blow because, as BP spokesman said, it seemed inconceivable that the blowout preventer (BOP)would fail.

    It's, likewise 'inconceivable' for a nuclear power plant to spring a leak or melt down.


    Parent

    And BP saying something like that (none / 0) (#133)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 04, 2010 at 06:47:58 AM EST
    is B.S.  I spent a day looking at tech stuff, and BOP failure is not uncommon.  It is just easier to deal with in shallow drilling.  How can anyone "not expect" BOP blowouts in deep sea drilling with the pressures they are trying to harness.  What a bunch of lying a-holes.  Oddly enough though, the reports and abstracts on the many different BOP failure reports are redacted, like people are hiding sh*t or something.  It was implied that tech advances could be being protected, but I say that's a lot of bull.....big oil works with big oil.  BP punched this hole and Halliburton was pouring the concrete to establish the permanent well, they all hang together...protecting tech advances my behind.  And here was Australia's deep sea blowout from November", notice that their "spill" was also compared to the Exxon Valdez.  So many Exxon Valdezes, so little technology to deal with them.

    Parent
    A group of techie engineering types (none / 0) (#130)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 04, 2010 at 06:30:06 AM EST
    at Dkos have said that the BOP is probably completely blown out now.  I've been reading tech info instead of emotional stuff, because the emotions aren't going to get better anytime soon but I really do want to know what can be done.  Anywho, according the techie engineering geeks, the BOP is designed to slam shut and wasn't designed to withstand the type of erosion that goes hand in hand with a flow at this pressure.  They all say the BOP is completely shot now, will never work.

    Parent
    Something spoken of (none / 0) (#131)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 04, 2010 at 06:33:21 AM EST
    though that could perhaps work in the world's favor, the erosion the flow is causing could cause the hole to collapse in on itself and slow the leak.....making capping possible.  Something spoken of that could perhaps be an even worse outcome for all of us....some suspect that the wellhead itself is leaking now and could also blowout and then the flow rate could increase like four fold or more.

    Parent
    Many of you... (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by kdog on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:05:30 PM EST
    will be happy to know the anti-smoking education campaign is working like a charm...I was at an outdoor communion party yesterday, and I lost count of how many kids told me I was gonna die while I got my fix on...with some staring like they expected me to drop dead on the spot.

    Meanwhile, all the adults pounding beers were spared a lecture from the little ones, and no kids were seizing car keys...I guess there is still work to be done with alcohol education.

    But, Dog (5.00 / 2) (#73)
    by Zorba on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:33:28 PM EST
    What was it exactly that you were smoking?  ;-)


    Parent
    Hey now... (none / 0) (#136)
    by kdog on Tue May 04, 2010 at 08:35:31 AM EST
    I'm a degenerate, but not an animal Z...we took a long walk for that kinda smoke:)

    Parent
    Yup (none / 0) (#26)
    by Raskolnikov on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:32:44 PM EST
    Smoking is no longer "cool".  I noticed that changing as I was leaving high school and coming into college, its snapped pretty fast and now you're something of an outcast (especially in Iowa after they banned smoking inside).  In Iowa City, they're even trying to ban smoking within the pedestrian mall, and its outside!  Absurd in my opinion.  The alcohol education really does need to change, we need to encourage responsible consumption, not temperance followed by binge drinking upon getting to college or turning 21.

    Parent
    100% right about alcohol... (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by kdog on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:37:57 PM EST
    my family has taken it upon ourselves to violate drinking laws, for the good of our teenage family members...teach 'em how to do it responsibly before they leave the nest and start funneling with reckless abandon with the other teens who have no experience with alcohol.

    Parent
    But were you taught (5.00 / 3) (#32)
    by Cream City on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:45:09 PM EST
    that hypocrisy is cool?  That rudeness is cool?

    I don't get this trend to teach children to be rude little hypocrites -- to grow up just like the adults who behave this way toward smokers, and outdoors, for pity's sake.

    This was brought home to me by the best riposte by a friend who was treated so rudely this way.  She said to the Puritan:  Ah, but even if I quit smoking, how will that you make you a better person?  You still will be a rude ___.

    Parent

    I have a lot more patience for the kids... (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by kdog on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:53:51 PM EST
    at least they mean well...the adults I'm with ya Cream, I have none.  Mind your business and your manners, please.

    Parent
    I like to say (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by lilburro on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:18:38 PM EST
    when people quit smoking, they become addicted to telling you how they quit smoking.

    Parent
    Do that in NYC (none / 0) (#82)
    by nycstray on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:55:31 PM EST
    and you'd get cited for excessive noise, lol!~

    Parent
    $350 for sounding horn seems (none / 0) (#105)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 07:21:51 PM EST
    a tad steep.

    Also, re NYPD surveillance camera atop a lifeguard-type tower in front of half price theatre ticket book.  Wonder if it caught anything?  I stood w/i its range for about an hour Friday night.  Many tourists standing next to mounted NYPD officer for photo ops.  

    Parent

    I'm sure (none / 0) (#134)
    by lilburro on Tue May 04, 2010 at 07:49:55 AM EST
    it is a decision of that quality...but can't I make ten to twelve little bad but tasty decisions today?  :P

    Parent
    I would rather have (none / 0) (#138)
    by jbindc on Tue May 04, 2010 at 08:58:31 AM EST
    A can of something really smelly and acridy that I could spray around smokers so they get the same feelings non smokers get.

    Parent
    Hahah (none / 0) (#135)
    by lilburro on Tue May 04, 2010 at 08:00:54 AM EST
    I used to be one of those "rude little hypocrites"...extremely concerned about smoking, telling other people not to smoke...

    ...and guess what I do today?

    A pretty simple truism...if young kids are zealous about not doing something at 10, they'll probably be doing it at 20.

    Parent

    It was a sad day... (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:56:03 PM EST
    ...when you couldn't smoke in the Deadwood (referred to by my friends as the smokiest bar in the World) or Tuck's or the Hilltop, but banning smoking on the PedMal?  That ain't right.  

    What's next, no tailgating along Melrose on Fall Saturdays?  

    Parent

    A truly sad day (none / 0) (#129)
    by Raskolnikov on Tue May 04, 2010 at 03:41:12 AM EST
    when they banned smoking at the Deadwood.  Of course, now the smokers just congregate outside and fill the sidewalk with smoke!  Also, there are cigarette butts all over downtown Iowa City now because the city didn't install receptacles for them.

    The Ped Mall ban is being pushed by the Downtown Association which wants the people who regularly hang out in the ped mall to leave with the theory that they're frightening away potential customers to local businesses.  Quite frankly, its part of Iowa City culture, and I for one hope that our ped mall remains as interesting and sometimes bizarre as it always has been.

    They have been moving toward pushing tailgating into only a few designated areas...compared to ten or even five years ago its a different scene.  Kinnick still sells out of course, there's just a lot more arrests and citations.

    Parent

    I've been unavoidably downwind (none / 0) (#39)
    by andgarden on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:00:03 PM EST
    from similar areas supposedly "outdoors." My perspective is that if I can be anywhere (indoor or out) and identify your tobacco smoke with my nose, I will support banning its use in that area. That means on the sidewalk, inside of most apartment buildings, and in front of buildings.

    Parent
    That is absurd -- (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by Cream City on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:33:42 PM EST
    to say inside apartment buildings, especially.  I will oppose anyone who wants to go that far in this country, as some do.  Sure, restrict them to nonsmoking tenants.  But visitors get a say-so?  Absurd.

    So how do you live in a city that spews vehicular exhaust, far worse for you, far more?  So what really is your problem with the smoke?

    Parent

    My experience with creeping indoor tobacco smoke (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by andgarden on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:42:49 PM EST
    is that it's pretty much guaranteed to give me a headache.And the research I'm familiar with says that indoor secondhand smoke, even from floors away, is quite toxic.

     Outdoor exhaust simply doesn't have the same immediate effect on me. And unlike cigarette smoke, it is (for now) essential for commerce.

    Parent

    Plus the NYC buses claim to (none / 0) (#69)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:17:52 PM EST
    be environmentally up-do-date.

    Parent
    Exhaust particulate pollution (none / 0) (#71)
    by andgarden on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:21:56 PM EST
    has apparently become much less of a problem over the past 30 years.

    Still have to deal with the CO2, though.

    Parent

    A very severe case of (5.00 / 1) (#123)
    by gyrfalcon on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:17:30 AM EST
    moral superiority?

    That'd be my guess, anyway.

    Parent

    Years ago I lived in an apt building in Tucson, AZ (none / 0) (#54)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:44:04 PM EST
    Dude in the apt beneath mine smoked like a chimney. It's hot in AZ, at night everyone has their windows open. I had to break my lease to get out of that apt, and what a hassle that was in addition to having to move to another apt and go through all that attendant aggravation as well...

    Parent
    One New York Court (none / 0) (#60)
    by andgarden on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:50:01 PM EST
    has found wafting second hand smoke to be violative of the warranty of habitability (even if not caused by the landlord).

    Parent
    Do you have the citation? (none / 0) (#109)
    by BackFromOhio on Mon May 03, 2010 at 08:03:32 PM EST
    Would appreciate same....


    Parent
    Poyck v. Bryant (none / 0) (#111)
    by andgarden on Mon May 03, 2010 at 08:19:09 PM EST
    13 Misc. 3d 699 (2006).

    Parent
    Belated thanks (none / 0) (#161)
    by BackFromOhio on Sun May 09, 2010 at 12:44:45 PM EST


    Parent
    An Iowa employer announced recently (none / 0) (#80)
    by Farmboy on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:50:56 PM EST
    that they will terminate employees who smoke anywhere, 24/7, including in their homes.

    Parent
    Then they should do the same with (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by nycstray on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:46:47 PM EST
    cleaning supplies. I think (as does my nose) they smell vile and there is a second hand effect on my (and everyone's) health. And that means on the sidewalk, inside of most apartment buildings, and in front of buildings.  ;)


    Parent
    Unlike cigarettes, cleaning supplies (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by andgarden on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:48:56 PM EST
    have important uses for which there is no substitute. However, I would absolutely support moving to safer ones, assuming they were similarly effective.

    Parent
    There are safer altenatives that are (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by nycstray on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:05:16 PM EST
    similarly effective (better perhaps?)  ;) Although I think you'd be up against some mighty big ($$$) opposition in trying to get them used instead . . .

    Parent
    Nonsense again. (5.00 / 1) (#74)
    by Cream City on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:35:25 PM EST
    There are many safe substitutes for the chemicals in cleaning supplies.  People just don't want to go the trouble of mixing it up themselves and prefer to buy a glitzy bottle off the shelf.

    Parent
    It's not "nonsense" (none / 0) (#78)
    by andgarden on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:42:31 PM EST
    it just all depends on what you're talking about. For example, do you have a substitute in mind for bleach?

    Parent
    Lemon juice, vinegar (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by nycstray on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:45:23 PM EST
    vodka, etc  :)

    Parent
    I'll take a vodka and lemon juice, please. (5.00 / 5) (#83)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:59:41 PM EST
    I'm feeling kind of stained.

    Parent
    Not a vodka fan, but I (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by caseyOR on Mon May 03, 2010 at 07:19:49 PM EST
    do like a spot of gin in my lemonade. Freshens me right up.

    Parent
    Hah! (5.00 / 1) (#124)
    by gyrfalcon on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:19:30 AM EST
    Love it!  Thanks for a belly laugh, Jeff.

    Parent
    Yep (5.00 / 3) (#102)
    by Zorba on Mon May 03, 2010 at 07:05:07 PM EST
    You can also treat with white vinegar or lemon juice and set out in the sun (if available, and you're not living in the Pacific Northwest).  Oddly enough, hydrogen peroxide is also safe to use because it breaks down into oxygen and and water when put into the sewers, septic systems, etc- although use judiciously, and I would only use it on white clothing.  The other thing is- don't be so worried if your underwear and gym socks are not "whiter than white."

    Parent
    Whitens your teeth, too. (5.00 / 2) (#103)
    by caseyOR on Mon May 03, 2010 at 07:17:32 PM EST
    According to my dentist, hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective teeth whitener, and has none of the adverse effects of bleaching. She told me to mix a little water with a good swig of HP, swish it around in my mouth for about a minute, then spit it out. Repeat every night.

    And if you have thrush, the HP rinse is just as effective as the expensive prescription drugs at a fraction of the price and, once again, without the nasty side effects.

    Parent

    Hydrogen peroxide, (5.00 / 2) (#108)
    by Zorba on Mon May 03, 2010 at 07:54:36 PM EST
    a bit of table salt, and some baking soda also makes an effective toothpaste.

    Parent
    No need for any toxic cleaning product, (5.00 / 3) (#92)
    by caseyOR on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:32:38 PM EST
    not even bleach. If you have lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda and salt you've pretty much got all you need.

    As an example, an excellent method for cleaning a blocked drain in your sink is to pour baking soda and vinegar (I prefer white vinegar) in the drain; plug it up with a rag or a drain plug; let it sit for 30 minutes; pour a tea kettle's worth of boiling water in the drain. The clog is gone. No need for caustic chemicals such as Drano. Do this once a month to your drains as a clog-preventive.

    Cleaning chemicals are not just toxic; they are expensive as well.

    Parent

    I use (5.00 / 3) (#101)
    by Zorba on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:57:12 PM EST
    the baking soda and vinegar plus boiling water method all the time on my drains, casey.  I'm unwilling to use the caustic stuff because we have a septic tank.  Works like a charm.  Water, white vinegar, and just a dab of liquid dish soap is great for cleaning windows.  (Use a couple cups of water, about a quarter cup of white vinegar, and no more than 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap- just a few drops, really.  The dish soap removes any waxy or greasy scum that the vinegar doesn't take care of.)

    Parent
    Yes, it is nonsense -- (none / 0) (#93)
    by Cream City on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:33:17 PM EST
    as you clearly have not even googled for the most basic research on this.

    Try it.

    Parent

    Please CC (none / 0) (#106)
    by andgarden on Mon May 03, 2010 at 07:31:36 PM EST
    You must know that replacement suitability is complicated. But if there are situations where the only tradeoff involves price (within reason--subject to discussion), I'm all for banning the toxic originals.

    You don't hear me insisting on nitrate film, for example.  

    Parent

    Okay, I'll do the work for you: (5.00 / 1) (#117)
    by Cream City on Mon May 03, 2010 at 11:16:57 PM EST
    Use borox instead of bleach.  Better for you, better for others around you, better for anything to which it is applied unless the situation is so egregious that, well, the previous tenant (because you would not be so nasty) ought to pay the landlord for the cleaning.

    If doing your own cleaning, with such a sensitive nose or whatever it is, see many, many sources of advice on cleaning supplies on the internet -- it is not complicated at all, if you actually look.  I became a convert to vinegar instead of Windex, for example -- and got far fewer skin flare-ups.

    Parent

    You must know that you haven't covered (5.00 / 1) (#139)
    by andgarden on Tue May 04, 2010 at 11:47:05 AM EST
    the entire range of toxic household cleaners. But read above again: if they can all be replaced, they should be.

    Parent
    Smoke/ most cleaners aren't as far from each other (5.00 / 1) (#107)
    by Ellie on Mon May 03, 2010 at 07:47:36 PM EST
    ... as you might think, eg

    The irritants in tobacco smoke (burnt plant resins) have parallels in cleaning supplies (chemical surfactants, corrosives, burnt plant resins).

    Smoke is anti-bacterial and you get bod/laundry soap and other lye-based stuff from ash. You shouldn't have to be hocking up the stuff in an enclosed space though.

    Charring carcass and veggies on the bbq can be quite nasty on the lungs too.

    Parent

    Yes, I just cracked up at comments (5.00 / 2) (#118)
    by Cream City on Mon May 03, 2010 at 11:20:19 PM EST
    on a story about Schwarzenegger vetoing a new attempt at a ban in California on outdoor smoking.  A commenter did quite a hilarious riff on fools getting huffy about cigarette smoke yards away -- while they fired up a massive grill that filled the air with pollutants. And, of course, they had brought it in their massive SUV.  

    And then they left behind beer bottles. . . .

    (The new law was argued as needed because of cigarette butts.  As the governor pointed out, there already is a littering law -- and a law for just about any other point that the Puritans make.  So we know what all this really is about.)

    Parent

    yikes (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by nycstray on Mon May 03, 2010 at 11:41:24 PM EST
    I missed that bit of goings on here! MY BIL steps outside to smoke so he doesn't smoke around his new son . . . I'll be doing the same while watching the lil' tyke a couple times a week. Good to know we won't be breaking the law, lol!~

    Parent
    The Governator smokes cigars and (5.00 / 1) (#120)
    by oculus on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:02:45 AM EST
    owns multiple Humvees.

    Parent
    Yes, but is it possible (5.00 / 1) (#121)
    by Cream City on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:11:56 AM EST
    that he also is correct on principle -- again, there are laws already covering the concern alleged.  On a legal blog, that ought to matter, hmm?

    Not to mention, as many commenters there do, that the California legislature really could be dealing with a few larger problems there.

    Parent

    I wish (5.00 / 2) (#89)
    by Zorba on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:15:10 PM EST
    they'd do something about women who drench themselves in perfume, or men who do the same with aftershave or men's cologne.  There are times I get a headache when exposed to such overpowering fragrances.  I can handle subtle scents, but I can't handle overpowering ones.

    Parent
    Yep. So do we get to be rude (5.00 / 2) (#94)
    by Cream City on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:34:28 PM EST
    to them and tell them they are bad people?

    (I'm one who gets a reaction to some scents.  So I move away from such people, without a word unless some polite lie is needed to explain my move.)

    Parent

    A man on elevator with my friend sd. he (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:37:14 PM EST
    liked her perfume.  She sd.:  I'm not wearing any perfume.  Think maybe previous occupant of elevator perhaps overdid it a bit?

    Parent
    Nope. (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by Zorba on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:48:51 PM EST
    I've never been rude, myself, and like you, I try to move away without calling attention to anything, C.C.  But I dearly wish people would be more judicious in their use of scents.  

    Parent
    One olfacto-ffender got a pass for sheer audacity (none / 0) (#110)
    by Ellie on Mon May 03, 2010 at 08:06:32 PM EST
    Once I was on the elevator headed way up to an ivory tower at Corporate HQ, and an obnoxious courier got on at a lower floor. He (shall we say) released the Kracken, got off at the next floor, and jauntily waved adieu to the huddled mass that had to ride with it for the next few dozen floors.

    Ack.

    Parent

    Oy veh! n/t (none / 0) (#113)
    by Zorba on Mon May 03, 2010 at 08:25:53 PM EST


    Parent
    So take up chewing tobacky to get your fix. (none / 0) (#49)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:37:17 PM EST
    Or nicotine patches. Or whatever.

    Seriously, smoking cigs is completely voluntary, the smell is absolutely vile, and they stink the joint up from a looong way off, indoors and out. No sympathy from me on this one...

    Parent

    But, to address kdog's point (none / 0) (#77)
    by Cream City on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:41:49 PM EST
    I hope that you do not consume alcohol.  If you do, I say to you:  So drink milk to get your fix.

    Alcohol is far more destructive to people -- including, as antismokers like to say, in its secondhand effects to those of us who do not consume it but have to put with fools who do.

    Now I know that I get to just be rude to drinkers  and tell them to go away, to take it outside . . . but away from any buildings.  And I better not smell alcohol inside any buildings, either.

    Parent

    Well, when milk has alc in it like beer does, (none / 0) (#84)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:00:21 PM EST
    similar to how chewing tobacco and nicotine patches have nicotine in them like cigs do, I'll take your point.

    But for now, I reserve the right to comment on how offensive the nasty smell of cig smoke is to many - if not most - others.

    I'm not surprised the kids were disgusted with the smell of his smoke and tried to make him stop.

    Parent

    You're welcome to (5.00 / 1) (#126)
    by gyrfalcon on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:28:43 AM EST
    comment on the nasty smell.  You're also welcome to step away from whatever offends your so delicate sensibilities.

    Parent
    Yep. And I used to smoke cigars. Alot. (none / 0) (#140)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 04, 2010 at 11:55:36 AM EST
    On the beach, at parks, outdoor resturants, freind's houses, my own backyard, etc. Used to bring Cubans back with me when I went to Mexico on business. I can taste the Ramon Allones right now. In fact, I cleaned out a kitchen cupboard just last week and found a stack of dried out Cubans. But at some point about 5 years ago I realized how offensive the smell is to most other poeple, so I stopped.

    Since it apparently wasn't clear, I meant I reserve the right to "comment" as in comment here on TL about the smell, not as in comment to some random smoker.

    Though I guess I might comment to some random smoker, if they were being complete arses about where/when they were smoking. Dunno. Haven't been in that situation yet. I'll be sure to let you know if I do, of course.

    Parent

    For the record... (5.00 / 1) (#137)
    by kdog on Tue May 04, 2010 at 08:57:16 AM EST
    the kids didn't smell sh*t, or at least didn't comment on the smell...they were just staring and commenting, seemingly out of genuine concern for my life, and thats it.

    Lest it appear I walk up to kids blowing smoke in their face...not my style:)  I reserve that for rabid whiny adult anti-smokers who protest too much:)

    Parent

    Fair enough. (none / 0) (#141)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:02:33 PM EST
    When you said the kids were telling you stuff I assumed they were close enough to smell you.

    I think smokers may underestimate just how gross and far-reaching the smell is to many/most non-smokers.

    Parent

    Probably... (5.00 / 1) (#144)
    by kdog on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:46:15 PM EST
    smokers are immune to the smell.

    What we need is common courtesy and tolerance all around...people bothered by the smell need to remember freedom means fouls smells at times, especially in public outdoor areas...ya just gotta deal.  And smokers need to be courteous towards non-smokers who are bothered when possible.

    Unless you're an arsehole about it, I'll step away or put it out, even in smoking permitted outdoor areas to accomodate a fellow human being who is bothered by it...common decency, we need more of it.  It's the people who think others were born to accomodate them that I can go arsehole for arsehole with...I'm sure you know the type I'm talking about.

    Parent

    I do. But I also, now, understand that (none / 0) (#145)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 04, 2010 at 01:14:23 PM EST
    there's more of an onus on the person making the air foul for others to breath to accommodate those others, than there is on the people who's air is being befouled to accommodate the befouler.

    Parent
    There are many ways to befoul.... (5.00 / 1) (#146)
    by kdog on Tue May 04, 2010 at 01:18:44 PM EST
    though...chronic complainers befoul.  

    Parent
    No question. Separate issue though... (none / 0) (#148)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 04, 2010 at 01:20:49 PM EST


    Parent
    Not really... (5.00 / 1) (#150)
    by kdog on Tue May 04, 2010 at 01:30:46 PM EST
    a free society means being befouled, in numerous ways.  Foul smells, foul sights, foul sounds, foul behavior.  And foul is in the eye of the beholder...some people love the aromatic smell of a tobacco pipe, some people can't stand the smell of roses.  Some are allergic to flowers.

    Parent
    Well, if and when it becomes commonplace (none / 0) (#151)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 04, 2010 at 01:39:55 PM EST
    for people to crush roses near others thereby subjecting them to such unwanted smells, I assume there will be some policy enacted to curb such behavior. The rose-crushers will be cause our society to become a little less free...

    Parent
    Sh*t man... (none / 0) (#152)
    by kdog on Tue May 04, 2010 at 01:44:43 PM EST
    they don't have flower hawkers out in Cali sticking roses in your grill?

    We gots 'em...annoying because if you're with a lady you feel like a cheapskate if you don't buy an overpriced rose, and feel like a sucker if you do...but its a free country so I deal:)

    Parent

    Not that I've ever seen in Cali. (none / 0) (#154)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 04, 2010 at 01:53:54 PM EST
    btw, I'd bet your rose hawkers are either licenced or illegal, ie., not a free society...

    Parent
    Not a question... (none / 0) (#157)
    by kdog on Tue May 04, 2010 at 02:00:11 PM EST
    I would even think to ask...grow a flower, buy a flower, sell a flower...endowed by our creator inalienable basic human rights:)

    Parent
    My brother gave up cigs and pipe and (none / 0) (#147)
    by oculus on Tue May 04, 2010 at 01:19:57 PM EST
    loves his cigars.  Is very thoughtful as to where he chooses to light them.  But I do worry about his health.  

    Parent
    Pipe is probably the least offensive to others, (none / 0) (#149)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 04, 2010 at 01:23:10 PM EST
    from what I've seen.

    Parent
    My sister is... (none / 0) (#153)
    by kdog on Tue May 04, 2010 at 01:45:49 PM EST
    anti-smoking as one can get, and even she digs the smell of pipe tobacco.

    Parent
    I have a friend, a non-smoker, (none / 0) (#155)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 04, 2010 at 01:54:59 PM EST
    who sprinkles pipe tobacco on his dash board because he loves the smell.

    Parent
    btw, a driver just walked in to my office. (none / 0) (#156)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 04, 2010 at 01:57:10 PM EST
    He's a smoker. My eff'n office reeks now. It's cool though, I'll deal. I always do.

    Parent
    You and my sister should hang out... (none / 0) (#158)
    by kdog on Tue May 04, 2010 at 02:01:36 PM EST
    when I pop back in her house after a smoke on the porch, she asks if I smoked that cig or made love to it.

    Parent
    I'm pretty sure we're not alone. (none / 0) (#159)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 04, 2010 at 02:20:04 PM EST


    Parent
    For sure... (none / 0) (#160)
    by kdog on Tue May 04, 2010 at 02:37:33 PM EST
    lucky for me I manage to hang with many who don't mind my stinky habits...or they have the tolerance of saints and are too nice to say no.  Either way, I am blessed.

    My sister has been known to be a ball-buster, and that trait we tolerate...pursue that happiness sis:)

    Parent

    Sorry, it is just ignorant (none / 0) (#98)
    by Cream City on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:39:30 PM EST
    to suggest a parallel.  You think snorting coke and injecting coke are the same, too?  And you think spitting tobacco -- perhaps in the lobbies of the buildings andgarden visits -- is better for society?  Apparently you are unaware of the massive anti-spitting campaign of a past century. . . .

    Or perhaps you are being evil and do know that chewing tobacco and snuff are far worse for causing cancers (of the mouth, jaw, etc., not the lungs).

    Parent

    Ignorant? When you have chewed tobacco for (1.00 / 1) (#116)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon May 03, 2010 at 10:09:35 PM EST
    a couple decades - like I did - then I will then consider you not ignorant. Until then, you have defined yourself very well...

    Parent
    Ugh. So you quit (none / 0) (#122)
    by Cream City on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:12:47 AM EST
    but tell others to take it up.

    Uh huh.

    Parent

    Uh huh. (none / 0) (#142)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:03:25 PM EST
    Or nicotine patches. Or whatever.


    Parent
    Geez, CC, I guess I won't invite you to my (none / 0) (#85)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:03:43 PM EST
    fourth of July beer, barbecue, and bluesfest.

    No offense intended. Just a big three keg two pig bash, with lots of local blues men and women. This year we're adding mountain blues, since I've moved, and still getting folks who are interested.

    Funny what can happen when you say, "Let's do something, and see what happens." We party till the fireworks, then put the kiddies to bed to start some REAL blues music.

    Parent

    If they are polite people (none / 0) (#95)
    by Cream City on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:36:23 PM EST
    who allow others to enjoy themselves, too, I have a great time at such events.  But alas, I will be enjoying just such an event here, Jeff.  Have fun at yours, as it sounds like fun is the intent -- not an occasion to act superior to others, like some here.

    Parent
    Sorry (none / 0) (#125)
    by gyrfalcon on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:27:14 AM EST
    not at all voluntary for addicts.

    Parent
    Well, I chewed tobacco for about 20 years. (none / 0) (#143)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:10:49 PM EST
    Very much addicted. Still am, in fact, despite voluntarily choosing to stop. Though, truth be told, talking about it in this thread IS making me yearn for all over again.

    My Dad smoked for about 30 years, then he voluntarily chose to stop.

    My Mom did not choose to stop and smoked for about 65 years, up until about the middle of this past March when her lung cancer was diagnosed.

    Parent

    Porkchop in every can :) (none / 0) (#132)
    by Militarytracy on Tue May 04, 2010 at 06:34:09 AM EST


    Parent
    Wow, what a drama (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by brodie on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:38:03 PM EST
    queen.

    Most libs finally woke up to this odd dude back in 1998 when he asserted himself and some dubious evidence into the Starr investigation into Clinton's private life.  Funny thing though, it didn't affect his standing with the (curious) then-publisher of The Nation magazine, who kept him on.  I guess that was as good an indication as any of how weak and tenuous Bill's support was in certain lofty quarters of the lefty-left during the MonicaMadness.

    And, no, I don't believe a thing he has to say about the Clintons or Kennedys or much of anything else for that matter ...

    Except (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by gyrfalcon on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:31:23 AM EST
    you can't really get him on that score because he freely admits it.

    He would be just as much of a scumbag, IMHO, stone cold sober.

    Parent

    Yes, Donald, Hitchens is a drunk. (none / 0) (#99)
    by caseyOR on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:41:57 PM EST
    His drinking is such a well-known secret that in a story about him that I read somewhere a few years ago, the writer mentioned more than once that Hitchen's constantly had a drink at hand.

    I was never a Hitchen's fan, but it does seem that his ability to reason and think has become, shall we say clouded, over the past number of years. I've watched more than one member of my family go down that road. Hitchen's appears to be hewing very closely to the downward spiral script of advancing alcoholism.

    Parent

    How many times (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by jondee on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:45:45 PM EST
    did he mention that Salman Rushdie is a friend of his? Or did they finally give him a medal and he's stopped bringing it up at every opportunity?

    Hitchens has that same everything-I-think-is-interesting disease Camille Paglia had for a few years. I dont know why so many people seem to want to encourage it.

    If I want edgy and insightful from across the pond, I always go Terry Eagleton, personally. But, to each his own.

    A Hitchens Paglia Sullivan Insufferable Bore-athon (5.00 / 3) (#62)
    by Ellie on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:56:00 PM EST
    ... on cable would take a huge weight off the young shoulders of LGBTs who are okay with their orientation but stressed about being witty and charming enough.

    Parent
    Hah! (none / 0) (#128)
    by gyrfalcon on Tue May 04, 2010 at 12:32:27 AM EST
    Ten points for that one.

    Parent
    Anyone else have Creeping Unexpected Gigantism (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by Ellie on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:14:28 PM EST
    ... from the ongoing shrinkage of everyday packaged items, apparently done to hide obscenely soaring price hikes?

    I do a fairly routine order for home/office and either this is a way to keep people from dropping into a dead faint over the grocery tab OR I've turned into Godzilla (by size more than personality, which I already admit.)

    The Consumerist calls this (5.00 / 2) (#68)
    by andgarden on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:17:34 PM EST
    the "grocery shrink ray".

    Parent
    The tactics are so devious, eg reshaped packaging (none / 0) (#97)
    by Ellie on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:38:05 PM EST
    ... a small diminishing here, an inch or two there. The print on the size/amt of the contents seems to have shrunk &/or blurred too.

    Great site. I bookmarked it.

    Parent

    I hope Sheriff Schmoe... (none / 0) (#1)
    by kdog on Mon May 03, 2010 at 01:53:46 PM EST
    runs, and I hope he wins...if thats what the people of AZ want...and it appears they do.

    "Give The People What They Want"

    "Well, it's been said before, the world is a stage
    A different performance with every age.
    Open the history book to any old page
    Bring on the lions and open the cage."



    the problem is that (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon May 03, 2010 at 01:59:08 PM EST
     Joe Arpaio is very popular in much of Maricopa County-- Sun City, Sun City West, Mesa, and other cities there-- that have had tremendous population growth (Tempe and Scottsdale, not so much). The rest of the state? not popular. But the Valley of the Sun is the population center.

    Parent
    If nothing else... (none / 0) (#4)
    by kdog on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:06:42 PM EST
    if the Schmoe does run, it will be an excellent litmus test to figure out exactly where the people of AZ stand..."Jackboot" Brewer was not elected by the people.

    Parent
    Yes, she was. She was elected as SoS, (none / 0) (#17)
    by Joan in VA on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:58:35 PM EST
    which is the #2 state office and why she became Gov when Napolitano left. There was discussion at the time of the wisdom of sending Napolitano to DC and leaving her seat to a Repub. Brewer was elected to other offices prior to SoS as well. Don't know if the voters expected her to sign such horrible legislation if she ended up in the top spot but they did also elect the legislature that authored it.

    Parent
    I stand corrected.... (none / 0) (#18)
    by kdog on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:00:13 PM EST
    Thanks Joan.

    Parent
    Retirees? (none / 0) (#5)
    by denise k on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:07:48 PM EST
    Where is the population influx from?  I had an aunt and uncle who retired there from the Midwest.  They were VERY Republican and very anti-Mexican, anti-bilingual education, anti-Spanish signage, etc.  I was wondering from your comment if they might be typical of the Mesa crowd you are talking about?  

    Parent
    The Mesa has a very large percentage of (none / 0) (#11)
    by jeffinalabama on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:21:40 PM EST
    Latter-Day-Saints, who tend to be very conservative. When I lived there it wasn't racially motivated, and I'd find it difficult to believe that LDS Mesans have become that way. Tremendous influx of people from the midwest and California-- and the folks from California tended to be conservative caucasians who were economic migrants.

    Again, not all of the migrants were of one sort or another, but many conservatives and libertarians moved from wherever they were to Arizona. Libertarian Republicans used to be very powerful within the state government, but it's been 10 years since I followed it closely.

    Folks that couldn't afford to live in California (or couldn't compete well, based on age, education, etc.) began pouring in in the late 90s as property prices in Cali went up.  

    Parent

    I have to head out (none / 0) (#3)
    by Kimberley on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:05:26 PM EST
    But I wanted to make sure everybody saw Neiwert's extremely disturbing post over at Crooks & Liars: Next up from Arizona: How about Governor Joe Arpaio?

    I hope he doesn't run. If he were to get elected, it would be tragic. He's trouble enough as a big fish in a small pond.

    Disgusting.

    It would be tragic... (none / 0) (#6)
    by kdog on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:12:13 PM EST
    tragic for truth, justice, and the real american way...but how else are these people gonna learn except by forcing them to face the consequences of their ideas and decisions?

    Parent
    On a lighter note, (none / 0) (#7)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:14:33 PM EST
    I saw John Mayall the other night.

    Parent
    Nice... (none / 0) (#10)
    by kdog on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:21:19 PM EST
    we need some lighter notes:)

    Is he still calling the band The Bluesbreakers?  And how'd they sound?

    In addition to The Feat this Saturday, Peter Wolf is coming this way..never seen him live and really looking forward to that.

    In addition to lighter notes, how about some brightside...if we lived under the taliban we'd risk a stoning to listen to all this great music out there, so we've got that going for us:)

    Parent

    Yep, The Bluesbreakers. (none / 0) (#21)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:20:18 PM EST
    Sounded great, left me wanting more. Dude's 76 y/o! Turns out he's another local. Lives only a few miles fom my home...

    Parent
    They all gotta keep pace... (none / 0) (#23)
    by kdog on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:29:11 PM EST
    with Chuck, still doing the duck walk at 83!

    Long may they run!

    Parent

    Unbelievable. Back in the days before GWB got wood (none / 0) (#12)
    by Ellie on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:46:10 PM EST
    ... off the Innernetz, a disturbing trend HRW groups were tracking was how the flagrantly hardcore bigots from skinhead/ neo-nazi groups were being hot-housed and prepped to enter the mainstream.

    Law enforcement was the on ramp for thugs to the fast-track of certain churches and, of course, media and government. To say so -- in front of gawd and Limbaugh and everyone -- was dismissed as "humorless" political correctness (naturally).

    Jeez, now that vile movement isn't even bothering with nudges and winks, or using familiar ass-pats anymore.

    Parent

    What a battleground (none / 0) (#8)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:16:01 PM EST
    Makes my head swim.

    Oh yeah, and a poster at Orange (none / 0) (#9)
    by Militarytracy on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:18:35 PM EST
    doesn't worry so much cuz the ocean is big :)

    Don't drink the water... (none / 0) (#14)
    by CST on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:46:55 PM EST
    a pipe is leaking, so there is a "boil water" until further notice for the greater boston area
    Hard to decide (none / 0) (#16)
    by Yman on Mon May 03, 2010 at 02:56:51 PM EST
    More "oil rigs generally don't cause spills", or a gradual backtracking in an attempt to save face?

    Arpaio is not running... (none / 0) (#24)
    by Tony on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:29:21 PM EST
    for governor, thank goodness(I guess), reports Greg Sargent.

    What kinda mother... (none / 0) (#28)
    by kdog on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:35:14 PM EST
    calls the fuzz on her own underage drinking kid...her 2 year old underage drinking deviant kid?

    All kidding aside, it appears she was either worried about the kid (unneccesarily I might add, Caucasians were teething meds at my house, one sip ain't gonna hurt:), or looking to drop a dime on the poor restaraunt owner...whatever the reason, she's lucky they didn't take her kid away.  Zero tolerance and all.

    I'm wondering if she calls 911 when the kid craps his pants...people are shot.

    Good lord, those parents are idiots (5.00 / 0) (#34)
    by Cream City on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:49:11 PM EST
    and I hope that they read the comments to that story that tell them so.

    Parent
    Unreal right? (5.00 / 0) (#35)
    by kdog on Mon May 03, 2010 at 03:52:05 PM EST
    Speaking of addiction problems, what can we do about all these dolts addicted to dialing 911?  

    We even had to set-up a seperate number here in NY for all the bullsh*t, 311, so real emergency calls can get through to 911.

    Parent

    Oh tell me about it. Cabbie from JFK (none / 0) (#41)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:11:43 PM EST
    sd. he couldn't do VISA.  Form handed to me by cab dispatcher sd. call 3-1-1.  So I did.  Woman who answered seemed really surprised, promised to e mail me a complaint form.  Didn't.  This trip I noticed I could anonymously report construction site safety violations by calling--you guessed it--3-1-1-.  

    Parent
    311 worked well ime (none / 0) (#51)
    by nycstray on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:41:56 PM EST
    I used them for noise complaints (jackhammers on 4 sides all day and then work crews continuing into the night) Building violations are important. Cranes, scaffolding etc tend to take dives. Also, in my old 'hood (going through gentrification), they would do building work without getting lead and asbestos clearance (dust you don't want in your home) . . . 311 made it easy to report, ask questions etc, especially if you didn't know who to call. I certainly wasn't going to call the cops about noise, but I was happy to register a complaint about too many permits being issued in one area for jack hammers, pipe drivers etc (and that weren't in compliance with the noise regs) on any given day. Kinda hard to work if every room in your apt sounds like there's a construction crew in it ;) And they called me back a couple times to check and see if the problem was controlled to my satisfaction, lol!~


    Parent
    I'm thinking taxis aren't top priority. (none / 0) (#55)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:46:16 PM EST


    Parent
    311 For Taxi Complaints (none / 0) (#61)
    by squeaky on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:53:50 PM EST
    Is about the same as pushing the button at the crosswalk to make the light turn green.

    Parent
    Actually, I think they are (none / 0) (#63)
    by nycstray on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:02:10 PM EST
    ya got slighted with that one via 311. There's all kinds of things they need to comply with for the 'convenience' of the rider.

    Parent
    Taxi driver to JFK yesterday sd. he (none / 0) (#65)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:09:16 PM EST
    wouldn't take credit card, was reluctant to acknowledge set price plus toll, tried up up the toll, didn't put luggage in trunk, and argued when we arrived.  No, I didn't call 3-1-1.  Time to negotiate the AirTrain.

    Parent
    I would have gotten his (none / 0) (#81)
    by nycstray on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:53:47 PM EST
    # off the back of the seat and filed a complaint with 311 and the Taxi Comm. after I arrived where I was headed. I have little patience when it comes to that type of BS.

    Parent
    That's what I tried to do last time but (none / 0) (#86)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:06:56 PM EST
    complaint form never arrived.  Woman on phone was quite surprised I had all the necessary info to proceed.  Muttered something about my having to come back to NY to testify; then sd. could do sworn declaration.

    Parent
    Blaming the waiter is the worst part (5.00 / 2) (#42)
    by ruffian on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:13:10 PM EST
    Puts all the drinks in the middle of the table - then he's supposed to watch their kid?

    Idiots.

    Parent

    This is the result of (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by Zorba on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:40:38 PM EST
    "not my fault; never my fault" people having kids.  I'm betting a lawsuit will follow, and the 911 call will be used as evidence for how traumatized the family was.  This is the parents' fault, period.  If they don't want this kind of thing to happen, either they need to watch their kid better, or they need to not have drinks when the kid is around.

    Parent
    I found a great local one-man electronics shop (none / 0) (#40)
    by andgarden on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:04:00 PM EST
    this afternoon. I needed to have my watch battery replaced, and  the proprietor did it on the spot and with a smile.

    I love those experiences.

    I noticed a shop advertising umbrella (none / 0) (#43)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:13:33 PM EST
    repairs.  

    Parent
    Heh (none / 0) (#46)
    by andgarden on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:24:35 PM EST
    You know something, I'm really not happy with the umbrella market. Apparently there's been a race to the bottom in price, and as a consequence they're all really cheap and also disposable.

    I tried to go a level up in price last year, but the handle detached in the wind.

    Parent

    This is what happened to my friend's (none / 0) (#50)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:39:18 PM EST
    Met Museum umbrella last week.  I had a really sturday umbrella bite the dust in Dec. storm in Manhattan.  May as well buy cheap and often I guess.

    Parent
    A couple observations. (1) Sat. (none / 0) (#53)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:44:03 PM EST
    lata afternoon I take subway from Manhattan to Brooklyn to see 7:30 p.m. performance at BAM.  But when I arrive, I learn play has been cancelled.  No explanation.  Wait for BAM bus, get off at 3rd Ave. @ 50th Street.  Walk to 51st between 8th and 9th.  Reading news on Blackberry while eating dinner.  Now it is about 9:30 p.m.  Lean of SUV incident near Times Square, occurring at about 6:30 pm.  Odd, eh?

    (2)  Can read Talk Left on 3G Blackberry in and around Manhattan.  But cannot comment.  Why is that?

    Re #2: I still don't feel (5.00 / 2) (#70)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:18:58 PM EST
    sorry for R. Polanski.

    Parent
    Yeh, what's up with that (none / 0) (#76)
    by MKS on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:41:11 PM EST
    I can access but not comment--or even rate comments....

    Parent
    I could do all of the above in Osaka. But (none / 0) (#87)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:07:48 PM EST
    none of the above in Manhattan.

    Parent
    On your Blackberry? (none / 0) (#88)
    by MKS on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:09:32 PM EST
    So, it's the network, not the device?

    Parent
    Yes. I had a "data package" from (none / 0) (#90)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 06:32:01 PM EST
    ATT (international) for Japan.  Supposedly don't need that in U.S. as unlimited data.  I can do all this stuff on my Blackberry in CA, just not in NY.  

    Parent
    Sarah Palin's VP pick? (none / 0) (#57)
    by Mitch Guthman on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:47:40 PM EST
    He may not run for governor but right now Joe Arpaio is probably the leading candidate to run for vice-president on the Republican ticket with Sarah Palin for president.  

    There campaign song (none / 0) (#67)
    by KeysDan on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:16:02 PM EST
    will be "Tomorrow Belongs to Us".  Scary.

    Parent
    Palin as VP candidate--again. (none / 0) (#72)
    by MKS on Mon May 03, 2010 at 05:28:12 PM EST
    Palin said she would run with Mitt--a Romney/Palin ticket.  She gave a thumbs up to some reporter who suggested it.

    Actually, it makes sense from a "Palin" perspective.  She can give speeches from afar, and make oodles of money, without the two year grind of being a formal candidate.  Then, she can be VP candidate again and only have a month or two of really running.  If Romney wins, she is VP and on her way to being President--without having to break a sweat. And, if Mitt fails, she continues on her publicity tour of money and fame....

    Palin is unconventional; so, no reason to assume a conventional approach to anything....

    She thinks she can Twitter her way to the Presidency....the easy way.  

    Parent

    Adrian Gonzales, Padres All-Star (none / 0) (#59)
    by oculus on Mon May 03, 2010 at 04:49:07 PM EST
    first baseman, says he will boycott All-Star game in AZ.  (According to TL sidebar.)

    That's a big name (none / 0) (#115)
    by CoralGables on Mon May 03, 2010 at 09:35:25 PM EST
    to start with. I'd prefer Albert or Derek for wow factor. I'm assuming there is no Diamondback that can speak up without damaging his career.

    Parent
    Most overrated American actor and (none / 0) (#112)
    by observed on Mon May 03, 2010 at 08:20:51 PM EST
    actress.
    Actor: Denzel Washington.
    Competent, but has a limited range of roles.
    Actually I think part of his problem is that the roles he likes---where he plays the hard-boiled, world weary detective/policeman/bodyguard cum ex-assassin one more time---tend to  come in really awful movies.
    Boring voice.

    Actress: Meryl Streep.
    Do you ever NOT know with every fiber of your being that she  is ACTING!!!!? Not that I've noticed.
    I think she is probably a better stage actress. Her kind of histrionics are more suited to live performance, where I know she has gotten rave reviews.
    Also, boring and somewhat unpleasant voice.

    Flame away.

    By the way, I saw the horror/slasher movie The Orphan yesterday. I found it an interesting take on the "bad child" idea. The nature of the bad child was quite a shock, although there were some important clues---in particular something involving Tschaikowsky.

    Monday Afternoon Open Thread | 152 comments (152 topical)

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