Open Thread – 1/18/2020

Posted by TomCat at 8:51 am Blog News, Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Jan 182020

It’s another crappy day, here in the CatBox, and I ALMOST went back to bed. Oh well, I get the camera in my gut in less than a month now. Tomorrow is a High Holy Day in the Church of the Ellipsoid Orb, the Festival of Conference Finality. May the Orb shine it’s blessed light on your team, if it has survived. I’ll be out of the saddle on Sunday and Monday. Sunday is a WWWendy Day and we have a very stinky TomCat and lots of chores to manage. Please expect no more than a Personal Update or Open Thread. On Monday I have an appt. with my cardiologist. If you remember, a few weeks back, I was telling my PCP about my heartburn, when an acid bubble came up my esophagus. I put up my hand to my chest, winced, and lowered my head in pain. Megan freaked out. She slapped on the EKG stickers, and once she realized I wasn’t having a heart attack, she insisted I make an appointment with Lisa. That was set back a few weeks ago, because TriMet Lift was two hours plus late and could not pick me up until well after my appointment time. So Monday I hope to publish a Personal Update, and an MLK Day article, prepared a day in advance. I hope to be back in the saddle Tuesday. Have a great weekend.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 4:24 (average 4:27). I’m amazed I beat the average. To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Short Takes:

From Alternet: In the past, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine was among the most popular Republicans in New England — a region of the United States that has become increasingly Democratic in recent years. Collins, first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996, was reelected by 17% in 2002, 23% in 2008 and 38% in 2014. But that was before Donald Trump became president, and according to polling by Morning Consult, Collins now enjoys 42% approval and 52% disapproval — making her the most unpopular politician in the U.S. Senate.

During the first quarter of 2017, according to Morning Consult, Collins enjoyed 67% approval in Maine. But the last quarter of 2019 found her overtaking Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in terms of unpopularity.

It could not have happened to a more deserving bitch (apologies to female dawgs)! Maine… Vote Blue!! RESIST!!

From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): President Donald Trump Picks Jeffrey Epstein Lawyers For Impeachment

How much do you want to bet that Barrf and the Republican Reich had Epstein killed to cover up their own crimes? Of course Fuhrer Trump* would pick pervert-friendly lawyers. Birds of a feather… RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past): –

Ah… the memories! RESIST!!

Vote Blue!!

Open Thread – 1/15/2020

Posted by TomCat at 8:57 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Jan 152020

It’s a busy day, here in the CatBox. It’s cold out, and we had a light dusting of snow. WWWendy will come this evening to de-stink the raunchy TomCat, help with chores, and put out my out clothes for tomorrow. Tomorrow is my preliminary appointment with the thoracic surgeon, who will excise my lung tumors. I leave at around 7:00 AM and return around Noon. Therefore, please expect no more than a minimal Personal Update from me tomorrow. Happy Hump Day!

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 4:44 (average 8:29). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Short Takes:

From The New Yorker: Rudolph Giuliani’s offer to act as Donald J. Trump’s defense attorney at the President’s impeachment trial has received unanimous support from congressional Democrats, who are now demanding that he perform such a role.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer told reporters on Tuesday that Giuliani’s participation as Trump’s lawyer during his Senate trial was, as far as they were concerned, “nonnegotiable.”

“Rudy Giuliani has demonstrated over the past three years that he can represent the President as no one else can,” Pelosi said. “If he is not the President’s lawyer in the Senate, that would be a deal-breaker for me.”

Concurring with Pelosi, Schumer added, “My Democratic colleagues in the Senate are prepared to pay Mr. Giuliani’s hourly fees, in cash, to make this thing happen.”

Dang, Andy! That would be wonderful! With Rudy 911 representing his Fuhrer, even Bought Bitch Moscow Mitch might vote to convict and remove! RESIST!!

From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): Shocking New Evidence Rocks Trump Impeachment Before Senate Trial

Marie Jovanovich should be very, very afraid. Robert F. Hyde, the Republican congressional candidate stalking her for Trump*, looks like as vile a Republican pervert as Judge Roy Moore, Injustice Kavanookie, or even the biggest pervert of all, impeached Fuhrer Trump*. RESIST!!

From CBS: [BREAKING] House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has revealed the impeachment managers for President Trump’s upcoming Senate trial, naming the members who will prosecute the case against the president on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

She announced her selections Wednesday morning:

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler
Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
Congresswoman Val Demings
Congressman Jason Crow
Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia

Godspeed, one and all! RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past): Pictures of Matchstick Men

I love the wah wah guitar in this one! Ah… the memories! RESIST!!

Vote Blue!!

Open Thread – 1/14/2020

Posted by TomCat at 8:49 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Jan 142020

It’s an easier day here in the CatBox, but they don’t get much harder than yesterday. Breakfast was touch and go, but I managed to keep everything down since yesterday. I hope you all have a great day.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:33 (average 5:28). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Should we upgrade that charge to treason?

Short Takes:

From The New Yorker: In a positive sign for the former New York mayor, a new poll indicates that an increasing number of Americans would vote for Michael Bloomberg if that would make him stop airing campaign ads.

The poll found that sixteen per cent of those surveyed were “somewhat likely” to vote for Bloomberg if that would convince him to stop airing ads, twenty-one per cent were “very likely” to do so for that reason, and a whopping thirty-three per cent “strongly agreed” with the statement “Seriously, I’ll do whatever he wants—please, just make them stop right now.”

By contrast, only eight per cent said that they would vote for Bloomberg’s fellow-billionaire Tom Steyer if that would make Steyer stop airing his ads.

At Bloomberg campaign headquarters, in New York, the campaign’s chief strategist, Harland Dorrinson, said that the poll numbers made it clear that “Mike’s ads are having exactly their desired effect.”

Dang Andy! If I had a nickel for every time I’ve tuned out a Bloomberg ad, we could both retire! RESIST!!

From YouTube (CNN Channel): Sources: Bernie Sanders told Elizabeth Warren that a woman couldn’t win

The “Bernie Bros” should not be attacking Liz. They should be attacking Trump*. Bernie owes Liz an apology for some of his followers’ Republican-like, anti-progressive behavior, and he needs to muzzle his troops. CNN is useless for their insistence on equalizing both sides! RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past): Psychotic Reaction

Is this an advance reaction to today’s Republican Reich? Ah… the memories!! RESIST!!

Vote Blue!!

Open Thread – 1/13/2019

Posted by TomCat at 10:36 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Jan 132020

It’s a hectic day, here in the CatBox. I tried to refill seven prescriptions at Walgreens (now Alliance) Mail Order Pharmacy and, after trying at the website for three days, called them. I learned that they are no longer the preferred mail order pharmacy. I went to the Providence website and learned that Costco Mail Order Pharmacy is now the one. It took me over three hours to set up my account there, enter all my prescription, call my doctor, and arrange for her to fax them over to Costco. Then Walgreen’s sent me an email that they were processing my order. I called them back. It turns out they assumed I wanted to pay for those prescriptions myself. I told that poor CS gal that they should changer their name again from Alliance to Ulysses. “Why?” she asked. I replied, so customers can call them Useless for short!!” ARGH!!! Needless to say, all that cut into my research time Big Time, so this is my only article today. Oh God, it’s Monday!

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 4:06 (average 6:36). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Short Takes:

From YouTube (NBC News Channel): Defense Sec. Esper Says He ‘Didn’t See’ Intelligence Showing Threat To U.S. Embassies

The threat was so immediate and immanent that impeached War Criminal Trump* and the Republican Reich ordered this murder seven months ago! RESIST!!

From YouTube (FiveThirtyEight Channel): If Joe Biden wins Iowa, ‘he’s off to the races’: Nate Silver

I’ve always respected Nate Silver, but let’s work like hell to make sure that Liz or Bernie wins Iowa for America’s sake! RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past): Heart – “Barracuda”

Ah… the memories! RESIST!!

Vote Blue!!

Open Thread – 1/12/2020

Posted by TomCat at 7:09 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Jan 122020

It’s a queasy/busy day here in the CatBox. I managed to keep the last three very small meals down, but not without discomfort. It’s also another High Holy Day in the Church of the Ellipsoid Orb. WWWendy and I shall be meditating between chores. Good luck to both Pat and Nameless. Please don’t fight, you two. Have a great Sunday.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:49 (average 5:38). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Back in those days, even the Democrats were Republican misogynists!

Short Takes:

From YouTube (Daily Kos Channel): Rep. Steve King blames Democrats and George Soros for his racism on the floor of the House

There’s one and only one reason people accuse Steve King [R-KKK] of racism on the floor of the House. The son of a bitch (apologies to dawgs) is a damn Republican racist! RESIST!!

From YouTube (Elizabeth Warren Channel): Elizabeth Warren: No One Should Go Bankrupt Over Medical Problems

Nobody has to tell me how medical mayhem can drive a formerly prosperous person to economic distraction. Liz could not be more spot-on! RESIST!!

From CNN: Australia’s beleaguered prime minister, Scott Morrison, has admitted there were things he “could have handled much better” in the bushfire crisis and will propose a royal commission into the disaster.

The prime minister has been heavily criticized for his tone-deaf interactions with fire-ravaged communities and inaction over climate change.

From what I have surmised, based on comments from Aussies, the biggest mistake was made by Morrison’s father. He should have worn a condom. Kudos to the firefighters from Oregon and all over the world helping to fight the fires there. RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past): Paul Revere & The Raiders – Indian Reservation HQ Sound

Ah… the memories! RESIST!!

Vote Blue!!

Open Thread – 1/10/2020

Posted by TomCat at 8:59 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Jan 102020

It’s a lazy day, here in the CatBox. Store to Door called mid-nap to deliver groceries, yesterday. I woke up last night because of the high humidity, and could not get back to sleep. Tomorrow and Sunday are High Holy Days in the Church of the Ellipsoid Orb, the Festival of Divisional Resolution. May the Orb shine its Holy light on your team. TGIF!

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:49 (average 6:57). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Short Takes:

From Alternet: The New York City Bar Association has taken the extraordinary step of asking Congress to investigate Attorney General Bill Barr for being too politically biased to faithfully execute his duties as America’s top law enforcement official.

Bloomberg reports that the Bar Association is claiming that Barr’s recent statements and actions indicate that he may be enabling and encouraging “political partisans willing to use the levers of government to empower certain groups over others.”

The association also accuses Barr of disregarding “fundamental obligations in several public statements during the past few months,” including his duty to “act impartially, to avoid even the appearance of partiality and impropriety, and to avoid manifesting bias, prejudice or partisanship in the exercise of official responsibilities.”

Nothing like this has ever happened before. However, there has never been an AG as worthy of disbarrfment as Barrf! RESIST!!

From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): Business Genius Donald Trump Thinks Your 409K Could Be Up 90%

Awww… you can’t blame poor impeached Fuhrer Trump*. He’s confused, because he uses Formula 409 to clean the Russian hooker pee stains from his face. RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past): Redbone – Come And Get Your Love – LIVE 1974 The Midnight Special (Guardians Of The Galaxy)

I remember the music, but never saw it performed before. Fantastic!! RESIST!!

Vote Blue!!

Open Thread – 1/8/2020

Posted by TomCat at 7:40 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Jan 082020

It’s a very tired day here in the CatBox. Last night was so muggy and humid that I kept waking up wet and itchy. I ate a small bowl of soup for lunch yesterday, a small bowl of chili (without the chili), rice and Brussels sprouts for supper, and a small bowl of cheerios this morning. I kept it all down with minimal discomfort. WWWendy comes tonight for some much needed destinking. Happy Hump day to all.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 2:43 (average 4:35). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Short Takes:

From YouTube (MSNBC Channel): Iran Retaliates, Fires Missiles At US Bases In Iraq

Iran could have employed much more accurate missiles in their inventory. This was a very measured response, designed for local propaganda, while stepping back from war. I hope that War Criminal Trump* lets it end here. I fear that he will not. Rachel is spot-on! RESIST!!

From TPM: Former Vice President Joe Biden said that he predicts Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) may become “mildly cooperative” in a post-Trump era.

“I’m not suggesting all of a sudden everyone’s going to project a new sense of courage and political courage,” Biden said at a campaign event in New York. “What I’m suggesting [is] that the dynamic changes when the right vote, as opposed to the vote you don’t agree with, becomes a possibility if you vote for it.”

Biden has gotten in hot water with progressives before for his optimistic vision of a bipartisan future, though he tried to give his perspective more nuance in the most recent Democratic debate.

I think Biden’s eyes used to be blue. However, his belief that Bought Bitch Moscow Mitch will be anything but criminally uncooperative means Joe is so full of shit his eyes have turned brown. RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past): Jefferson Airplane – Somebody to Love (Dick Cavett Show)

Ah… the memories! RESIST!!

Vote Blue!!

Open Thread – 1/7/2020

Posted by TomCat at 8:23 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Jan 072020

It’s still a queasy day here in the CatBox, but I managed to keep a small bowl of soup down last night and six Ritz crackers with peanut butter this morning, so for now, I’m back in the saddle.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:09 (average 4:56). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Cartoon:

Sadly, Monica has too much class to give Trump a BJ to get him convicted!

Short Takes:

From The New Yorker: Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is “completely baffled” as to why he appears to be the only dictator whom Donald J. Trump does not like, the autocrat said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters in Tehran, the long-reigning tyrant expressed puzzlement and dismay that Trump had not given him the adulation that he has showered on seemingly every other totalitarian in the world.

“Trump loves Vladimir Putin and Mohammed bin Salman, and he’s even given Kim Jong Un a cute nickname, but, for some mysterious reason, I leave him cold,” the visibly saddened Ayatollah said. “I just don’t get it.”

Khamenei initially tried not to take Trump’s distaste for him personally, he said, “but when it became clear that he liked even second-tier strongmen like Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of Turkey, and Rodrigo Duterte, of the Philippines, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt.”

I guess Andy is back to straight news. If I were Khamenei, my feelings would be hurt too. RESIST!!

From YouTube (CNN Channel): Huge crowds turn out for Iranian general’s furneral [sic]

I bet that Resident Donald Trump*, aka Fuhrer Drumpfenfarten, has rat-holed this film away, planning to use it to claim these huge crowds turned-out for his inauguration! RESIST!!

From YouTube (a blast from the past): Tommy James and the Shondells – Crystal Blue Persuasion

Ah… the memories! RESIST!!

Vote Blue!!

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