MyDD :: Open Thread

No laughing matter. And I do so wish we had the nous to have called it 'global climate change' rather than 'global warming,' that would have been far more accurate. Unusually severe winter weather in some places is as much a symptom of 'global warming' as melting ice caps.

by Shaun Appleby on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 10:30:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

Agreed. There was actually snow falling about 30 minutes from me up in the Cascades within the past couple of days. Very odd indeed.

by JustJennifer on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 12:24:24 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

Here in Australia we've had severe drought and bush-fires followed by unusually heavy floods. Rainforests are experiencing semi-draught in some areas, torrential rains in others. Watercourses have disappeared in some areas and once-a-century lakes appearing elsewhere. It raises hell with the wildlife, pastoralists and farmers. We are living in a tangibly higher risk world.

by Shaun Appleby on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 02:27:04 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

Second that weather comment. You've heard, perhaps, of the Wisconsin Dells? It's a bunch of resorts and stuff built around a lake. Lake's gone.

Yes, I'm aware there's a possible misogynist reading of the myth. Sorry.

by Endymion on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 11:28:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

There's always Tommy Bartlett's Robot World.

by rfahey22 on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 11:30:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

We had several tornados touch down in Kansas last night, reading the headlines off the Wichita web site this morning:

One dead in Chapman (Dickinson county) as town takes a direct hit.

Tornado damage in Manhattan Kansas and Kansas State University.

Oh, yeah, and we had a big grass fire southwest of us that started yesterday and another one that started Tuesday is just about contained that burned about 1000 acres 15 miles east of us.

"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC

by skohayes on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 07:13:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

I noticed breaking news on the MSNBC site today, saying that the energy department had just said that the price of gas would remain around 4.00 through next year. I just read the headline, and not the story but...

That struck me as one of the stupidest statments coming from govt. that I have ever heard. How do they know what the price of gas will be through next year? We have been fed the information that the price of gas is very sensitive to global events and last some stations raised it following something said in Israel about possibly bombing Iran if they needed to, or something. That made the stock market fall 400 points and the price of oil skyrocket. What an assinine statement from the energy department. That tells me that either they do have control of the price of gas, and have not been doing anything about it, or they have been lying to us about what causes it to go up and are in partnership with the oil companies, or they are trying to keep the economy from tanking from worries about gas going up indefinitely. The last is the one i would choose because it would be the most typical of the govt we have now.

Anyone else have an opinion about what the heck they were talking about, or should I have read the story behind the headline before commenting?

by Scotch on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 10:11:42 PM EST

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

At least some of the reasons for $4 gasoline won't change quickly.

In this case, one of the reasons why gasoline is so expensive is that we have to buy it from other countries. The dollar is weak against foreign currencies these days, and is likely to remain so throughout the first several months of Obama's term as other countries assess how the 'new guy' is on the economy.

On the other hand, I also suspect that a Democratic congress combined with a Democratic DOJ will, ahem, incite oil companies to sell gasoline at a lower profit margin, so we should get some relief but not much in 2009.

by osterizer on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 10:55:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Well... (none / 0)

...if the past is any indicication, whatever they say will be wrong.

Gas for the last several years has always ALWAYS gone up in the spring. I never even heard of "spring reformulation" until a couple years ago when that is when the prices would spike up.

So it'll probably be 4.50-5 dollars this time next year.

by DawnG on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 11:09:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Fox Smears Michelle Obama with Sexist/Racist Slur (none / 0)

Someone should do a diary on this item I found over on dailykos. It is rather over the top even for Faux News.

"The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good." Samuel Johnson

by MS01 Indie on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 10:16:14 PM EST

Re: Fox Smears Michelle Obama with Sexist/Racist (none / 0)

Speaking of dailykos; did y'all read the front page tidbit that they're now an immigration blog?

That their fundraising strategy now is to support pro-immigration candidates in Western states, and maybe throw a few bones to other candidates here or there?

by osterizer on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 10:58:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

which tidbit are you referring to? (none / 0)

becuase I go there every day and have heard no such declaration that it's a "pro immigration" blog. If anything Markos has been adamant against single issue endorsements so I'd be interested to see what the heck you're talking about and whether it's real or some bizarre projection on your part.

by DawnG on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 11:11:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It is this one (none / 0)

I was surprised by it too:

While we all share concerns over the war in Iraq and civil liberties, Open Left focuses a great deal on Net Neutrality and gravitates toward hitting "Bush Dogs" and Republicans representing Kerry/Blue districts. Daily Kos is concerned about immigration issues and is more drawn toward Western candidates, Swing State Project loves to sniff out winnable races ignored by establishment forces.

linky:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/11/ 1601/04564/554/533381

From Markos' description I fit in on the Open Left side but their site is so slow...

Student Guy=JoeMentum. No really Student Guy=JoeMentum, after all JoeMentum was an embarrassment so is Student Guy. This sig is FAIL!!

by Student Guy on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 01:43:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Fox Smears Michelle Obama with Sexist/Racist (none / 0)

being concerned about immigration issues is a bit different then saying it is now an immigration blog.

nor did he say that he would "support pro-immigration" candidates.

although there would be NOTHING wrong with any of this if that's what he meant because immigrants have played a vital role in our country's past and present. Do you have problems with immigrants?

by alex100 on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 02:07:33 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

Did you guys hear about the unicorn deer?

his name is ------------->

wait for it--------------->

unicorn.

by alyssa chaos on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 10:18:19 PM EST

dont cha jus hat tha franch? (2.00 / 1)

Or is that envy?

Taken from here:

Veto-Proof Amtrak Bills Pass Both Houses!
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/6/11/ 205029/559/623/534337

I had to get the video from YouTube because the metacafe one would not embed.

Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 10:42:18 PM EST

Re: dont cha jus hat tha franch? (2.00 / 1)

that was badass. man that thing goes super fast!!

[totally jealous]

by alyssa chaos on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 10:46:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

There are (none / 0)

lots of videos on youtube about the French trains, the Japanese trains and even the Chinese (German?) MagLev trains.

Do you notice something missing in this list?

Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 10:54:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: There are (2.00 / 1)

http://thedisneyblog.com/2008/06/07/mag- lev-train-from-las-vegas-to-disneyland-m oving-forward/

by werd2406 on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 11:40:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: There are (2.00 / 1)

Better link:

http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/08/anahe im-vegas-maglev-train-project-gets-45-mi llion-infusion/

by werd2406 on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 11:41:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

google news with fox on top? (none / 0)

will this continue, fox getting firsties with the headlines, negativing obama for yesterday's news?
i'm curious: anyone counting?

by greenbird on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 10:56:41 PM EST

Re: Open Thread (2.00 / 1)

Metal Gear. Only a few hours away...

by rfahey22 on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 11:22:56 PM EST

Re: Open Thread (1.00 / 3)

I hope it's as awsome as it's been in my dreams.

Mooseburgers? Careful Sarah. Moose bite back!

by spacemanspiff on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 11:35:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

A friend of mine is playing it. In Chicago. On his PS3. Which doesn't help me since I'm on the east coast and I have a 360 :/

by randomscientist on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 01:59:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Is it true? (none / 0)

Does mccain really respect osama bin laden? I read this! I heard it from someone that said it is true and that it is on tape!

'They' are calling it the "I respect terrorist" tape.

Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 11:35:51 PM EST

I was just coming on to talk about... (none / 0)

...a MagLev project!!

Bush does have one accomplishment in office and that's approving the 45 million for beginning the maglev train project between Las Vegas and L.A.

This maglev train can go from LV to LA in under 2 hours and can go about 300mph. The road between Vegas and LA is one of the most congested, a 8 hour drive on the weekends and nothing but cars,trucks, and suvs passing their smog everywhere..

This maglev project would be GREAT and can then be used as a model nation wide. Imagine people stopping using their smoging cars or fewer huge CO2 airplanes contributing to global warming and polluting the environment. Not as many people relying on foreign oil and having a clean source of transportation...oh man I can't wait.

Also parents can now drop their kids off at Disneyland and go to Vegas for the day and come back to pick them up by closing ;)

by werd2406 on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 11:38:27 PM EST

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

Dude, Stephanie won Top Chef.

I picked the winner!!! I picked her from the very beginning!! I feel so accomplished.

[she's the first woman to win too.]

by alyssa chaos on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 12:03:07 AM EST

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

Damn. I haven't watched the finale yet (comes on in 30 minutes here). Now I know who won.

Shouldn't have read this thread.

by JustJennifer on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 12:26:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

so sorry. i hate it when that happens to me.

by alyssa chaos on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 12:27:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

Yeah, she deserved to win, too. I was a little worried when Gabrielle was eliminated last week and Lisa stayed.

"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC

by skohayes on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 07:06:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Justice of a sort (none / 0)

That puppy-tossing Marine is getting booted from the Corps at long last:

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jXW62 DXGVxozBUULAPxALmKgdKhgD9189AKO0

by Michigoose on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 01:28:00 AM EST

Re: "Hanging to their Constitutions.. (none / 0)

Anybody see McCain make a fool of himself in Pennsylvania trying to hammer Obama on the bitter and hanging to religion and guns" It was Hilarious. McCain claimed Obama said hanging to their constitution! Damn he is so lost sometimes.

by nzubechukwu on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 01:33:18 AM EST

Re: "Hanging to their Constitutions.. (none / 0)

Srsly, how could you f*ck that one up?

"He says they get bitter and cling to their....their, uh...er...CONSTITUTION!"

"My friends, we need to deliver hot water to dehydrated babies."

by animated on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 01:42:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: "Hanging to their Constitutions.. (none / 0)

I think he was talking about the second amendment, trying to unambiguously telegraph his opinion on guns. I mean, sure he's deranged sometimes, but no functioning US Senator could confuse a gun for the Constitution, could they?

[ Donate to Barack Obama ]

by semiquaver on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 02:55:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Democrat/Democratic -- what's the diff? (none / 0)

Spotted this in an article:

McConnell also used the phrase "Democrat nominee" _ a grammatical turn of phrase the GOP has used for years to needle Democrats.

I recall someone getting berated for using the term Democrat instead of Democratic here on the this blog, though I don't remember exactly when or where.

What's the diff between "Democrat" and "Democratic"? Why does this phrase "needle" Democrats?

by Michigoose on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 01:33:19 AM EST

Re: Democrat/Democratic -- what's the diff? (none / 0)

It'd be like saying McConnell is from the Republic Party instead of the Republican Party. It's bad grammar and it rankles people who know better.

by Hammy on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 01:52:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Democrat/Democratic -- what's the diff? (none / 0)

Wait, so it's a stupid GRAMMAR issue?

Cheez wiz, folks -- the way you respond to that kind of third-grade behavior is to ignore it completely. Any other response just encourages it.

by Michigoose on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 12:37:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

"What should McCain do about Cheney?" (none / 0)

Saw this as an article header on Politico and my immediate response was "Cut off his head, then salt and burn the body to be sure."

by Michigoose on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 01:35:29 AM EST

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

Is it just me or has a calm descended on the universe of political RSS feeds across the land? The manic pursuit of the latest little nugget of news, the subtlest nuanced significance of same and it's instantaneous proliferation across the Internet has seemed to have come off the boil, not just here but everywhere, even on the wire services. Even Drudge seems sluggish.

Is everyone just having a well-earned holiday or is this just the eye of the hurricane? I am having a mixed reaction of relief and a serious 'jones.' Maybe I need to find a hobby, this has been a frantic sixteen months.

by Shaun Appleby on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 02:53:25 AM EST

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

yeah I totally get what you mean. But then again it always gets slow around this hour.because the uneasy cam that has settled I have picked up a new hobby to combat the lack of 'news':

'you tubing' for vintage shows that I used to watch.

by alyssa chaos on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 03:13:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

Usually at this time of the morning EST I am prowling around for the lead stories on the NYT, WaPo and the wires and checking Tapper, Halperin and Drudge for the latest snippets. Since the end of the primaries nada. I guess some journalists are getting some sleep at last. Maybe I should too, guess I'll go back to modelling another Warhammer 40K army or something. Sigh.

by Shaun Appleby on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 03:36:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

OHHHHH (none / 0)

ALL THAT

damn, so classy. these 2000 babies dont know what they missed----

by alyssa chaos on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 03:10:36 AM EST

Re: Open Thread (none / 0)

Bill O'Reilly has a new book out. It's an autobiography. The title is, well, uh, kind of strange:

A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity

wtf bill.

I have that readiness.

by Jess81 on Thu Jun 12, 2008 at 04:38:19 AM EST

You are not logged in.

In order to post a comment, you must be logged in. If you have a member account, please log in to comment.

If not, you can make an account right here. It's quick and free.