Mid-Morning Open Thread

A studio idyll
Carl Larsson

Apparently lutefisk is quite the impetus to get the hell away from the dining room table and out to the studio.

As usual, here is a fine artist I had never heard of. Thanks to grammie winger.

Posted by: CBD at 09:30 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Dare I claim "first?"

Posted by: Fox2! at March 24, 2017 09:24 AM (brIR5)

2 Nice

Posted by: MAC-SOG at March 24, 2017 09:24 AM (QPdNE)

3 The kid's napping.

Thank God.

Posted by: *Mikey NTH - Spring Sale! Get Your Vernal Vituperations at the Outrage Outlet! at March 24, 2017 09:25 AM (hLRSq)

4 Is that a painting or a photo?

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 24, 2017 09:25 AM (mpXpK)

5 Ah yes, an expression that says "Seriously, I wasn't aware that a smell like that was even possible."

Sniper: outside the window.

Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 24, 2017 09:26 AM (RD7QR)

6 I like it.

Posted by: gapoz at March 24, 2017 09:26 AM (thyJJ)

7 Lovely picture, CBD, thank you. And thanks to grammie too!

One can never go wrong with pictures of pretty mamas and their pretty babies.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 09:26 AM (sBOL1)

8
Hopefully a female orgasm wasn't involved in the procreation process.

Cosmo

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 09:27 AM (ZFUt7)

9 Why is Winston Churchill laying on that woman?

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 09:27 AM (B+qrE)

10 We must not allow Putin to flouridate my orgasms.

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at March 24, 2017 09:27 AM (vRcUp)

11 Nice selection CBD and Grammie!

Posted by: Lizzy at March 24, 2017 09:27 AM (NOIQH)

12 She's got eyebrows 'til Tuesday!

Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 09:27 AM (7HtZB)

13 Looks like a hippie chick.

Posted by: tu3031 at March 24, 2017 09:28 AM (qJhUV)

14 >>> Hopefully a female orgasm wasn't involved in the procreation process.

Does that make kids dumb?

Posted by: fluffy at March 24, 2017 09:28 AM (jw2Xw)

15 CBD - Bluebell sent me an email just as I was leaving!! Thank you Thank you! Carl Larsson is my favorite. Most of his work centers around scenes from his home life. I haven't looked closely (rushed) but in all likelihood this is his wife Karin and one of his many children. He most often featured his daughter Britta but this looks like one of his sons.

Posted by: grammie winger at March 24, 2017 09:28 AM (lwiT4)

16 Picture in the background? Baby Hitler.

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 09:29 AM (57R5r)

17 Well then, his wife is hawt.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 24, 2017 09:29 AM (mpXpK)

18 White privilege!

Posted by: Roland THTG at March 24, 2017 09:29 AM (QM5S2)

19 Quite a beautiful lass.

Posted by: Max Power at March 24, 2017 09:30 AM (QCc6B)

20 16 Picture in the background? Baby Hitler.
Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 09:29 AM (57R5r)

Wow, I actually can see that.

Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 09:30 AM (72PAC)

21 Yay, grammie! As soon as I saw this I had to email you because you had said at the end of the last thread you were leaving. Glad you caught it!

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 09:30 AM (sBOL1)

22
The kid is clawing Mom's blouse away to free up the lunch counter.

Funny thing, 20 years later he was doing the same thing with his girlfriend.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 24, 2017 09:30 AM (XWkhW)

23 That infidel shiksa is not wearing a burqa! This is an outrage!

Posted by: Mahmoud Mohammed Muhammad at March 24, 2017 09:31 AM (vRcUp)

24 If I had a nickel for every time a woman gave me the hairy eyeball like that. . .

well, anyway, a helpful tip for the Horde: "idyll" is pronounced "eye-d'll," coming as it does from the Greek eidullion.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 24, 2017 09:31 AM (X6fMO)

25 Many people who are not familiar with Carl Larsson may indeed be familiar with Carl Larsson. Look at this, one of his more famous paintings:

http://tinyurl.com/k8bhccv

Brita as Iduna

Posted by: grammie winger at March 24, 2017 09:31 AM (lwiT4)

26
I'm glad we all came to unanimous consensus in the last thread.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 09:31 AM (ZFUt7)

27
I saw Hairy Eyeball open for Oingo Boingo at the Cow Palace back in '89.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 24, 2017 09:32 AM (XWkhW)

28 That's the exact same look I have when I'm pondering which condiments I want with my dinner.

Posted by: Blake Lively's Racist Booty at March 24, 2017 09:32 AM (2qHjF)

29 I've got 30 or so minutes free. Can someone link to the Phase III Obamcare-repealacement legislation, please? I'd like to read it.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 09:32 AM (/f1mm)

30 Wtf? I thought scandi chicks were always topless...mundane at best.

Posted by: Some moron art critic at March 24, 2017 09:32 AM (1G2ms)

31 Posted by: *Mikey NTH - Spring Sale! Get Your Vernal Vituperations at the Outrage Outlet! at March 24, 2017 09:25 AM (hLRSq)
----------------

Can I get a bulk discount on vernal vituperations? I'm feeling particularly vituperative today because the weather is not very vernal. I'm cold and cranky.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 09:32 AM (sBOL1)

32 aww cute baybee!!!!

The mom is looking at you - message in her eyes is I am trying to get the baby to nap DO NOT get her excited.

Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale at March 24, 2017 09:32 AM (Om16U)

33 Yay, grammie! As soon as I saw this I had to email
you because you had said at the end of the last thread you were leaving.
Glad you caught it!

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 09:30 AM (sBOL1)
=================

Thank you bluebell! Mom is going to have to cool her heels a bit longer.

Posted by: grammie winger at March 24, 2017 09:32 AM (lwiT4)

34 OT daily mail has a nice puff piece about Eric & Lara Trump's adopted rescue beagle

http://preview.tinyurl.com/mn9sun8

on topic - Lara is preggers with their first

Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale at March 24, 2017 09:32 AM (Om16U)

35 TRUMP REGRETS: SHOULD HAVE DONE TAX CUTS FIRST
DRUDGE

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 09:33 AM (57R5r)

36 Oh, newest Amy Lynn book by oldsailorspoet is now in paperback

link in nic

Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale at March 24, 2017 09:33 AM (Om16U)

37 The kid's fat. Too much sugar.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at March 24, 2017 09:33 AM (8fypK)

38 Best orgasm ever with the conception of both of mine and both are very smart and genetically superior to the parents. I highly recommend conceptual orgasm to be the goal for future parents.

Posted by: TMI but true at March 24, 2017 09:33 AM (x3LiV)

39 Great, anti-breastfeeding art

Posted by: Rick in SK at March 24, 2017 09:33 AM (FZYNt)

40 This woman knows she is guilty of white privilege. That is why she voted to have me emigrate there to grope her, as reparations.

Posted by: Mahmoud Mohammed Muhammad at March 24, 2017 09:34 AM (vRcUp)

41 OT daily mail has a nice puff piece about Eric & Lara Trump's adopted rescue beagle

You know who else loved dogs, don't you?

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at March 24, 2017 09:34 AM (oVJmc)

42 The mom is looking at you - message in her eyes is I am trying to get the baby to nap DO NOT get her excited.
Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale

But when the baby is asleep then it's "mommy-daddy time"

Posted by: Rick in SK at March 24, 2017 09:35 AM (FZYNt)

43 She's got eyebrows 'til Tuesday!

Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 09:27 AM (7HtZB)

She's part Vulcan

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 24, 2017 09:35 AM (493sH)

44 OT daily mail has a nice puff piece about Eric & Lara Trump's adopted rescue beagle

You know who else loved dogs, don't you?
Posted by: Mr. Peebles

Yeah. Barky. Medium rare.

Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 09:36 AM (eauMe)

45 41 OT daily mail has a nice puff piece about Eric & Lara Trump's adopted rescue beagle

You know who else loved dogs, don't you?
Posted by: Mr. Peebles at March 24, 2017 09:34 AM (oVJmc)

Great with waffles.

Posted by: Barky O'bama at March 24, 2017 09:36 AM (7HtZB)

46 You know who else loved dogs, don't you?
Posted by: Mr. Peebles

love them BBQ'd

Posted by: B.Obama at March 24, 2017 09:36 AM (FZYNt)

47 That desk is a mess.

Posted by: Uhmm at March 24, 2017 09:36 AM (x3LiV)

48 Took the day off today so that I can do the things I don't want to do instead of Her Majesty giving me a list of things I don't want to do.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at March 24, 2017 09:36 AM (5p/Pr)

49 24 If I had a nickel for every time a woman gave me the hairy eyeball like that. . .

well, anyway, a helpful tip for the Horde: "idyll" is pronounced "eye-d'll," coming as it does from the Greek eidullion.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 24, 2017 09:31 AM (X6fMO)

Right, otherwise it makes Idylls of the King sound like you're tuning up the monarch.

Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 24, 2017 09:36 AM (RD7QR)

50 http://tinyurl.com/k8bhccv

Brita as Iduna

Posted by: grammie winger at March 24, 2017 09:31 AM (lwiT4)
---------------

Funny, that's exactly as I picture you as a young girl! Minus the burning hair for St. Lucia.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 09:36 AM (sBOL1)

51
38 Best orgasm ever with the conception of both of mine and both are very smart and genetically superior to the parents. I highly recommend conceptual orgasm to be the goal for future parents.
Posted by: TMI but true at March 24, 2017 09:33 AM (x3LiV)

Word!

Conception and the act of trying to conceive brings out the best and strongest orgasms. It's a fetish for sure.

Posted by: Blake Lively's Racist Booty at March 24, 2017 09:37 AM (2qHjF)

52 >>> You know who else loved dogs, don't you?

Good thing he never got pregnant.

Posted by: fluffy at March 24, 2017 09:37 AM (jw2Xw)

53 TRUMP REGRETS: SHOULD HAVE DONE TAX CUTS FIRST
DRUDGE

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 09:33 AM (57R5r)

File that in the no shit Sherlock category

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 24, 2017 09:37 AM (493sH)

54 That desk is messy. Say what you like about Rothko, but he never forces you to look at a messy desk.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at March 24, 2017 09:37 AM (vRcUp)

55 Venting:

SEVEN YEARS to prepare an Obamacare repeal package.

We won World War II in less than four.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 09:38 AM (B+qrE)

56 at first glance....it's a beautiful painting.....but the pin on the mother's blouse looks like it's about to attack the resting baby.....

Posted by: phoenixgirl..spring training at March 24, 2017 09:38 AM (0O7c5)

57 Funny, that's exactly as I picture you as a young girl! Minus the burning hair for St. Lucia.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 09:36 AM (sBOL1)
==================

Not me, but a striking resemblance to my daughter. We only set her hair on fire once. After that, we went to battery operated fire.

Posted by: grammie winger at March 24, 2017 09:38 AM (lwiT4)

58 Trump is going to have to deal with the same idiots on tax reform. Whether he did that first or not the result would have been the same. There are some in this Congress who believe it exists solely for the advancement of their own predilections. I can think of nothing more infuriating to the American people.

It may settle on Trump, but the real blame will once again correctly be on Congress. Good luck with that. democrats are already trying to make the argument this Congress can't get anything done. That's going to become their rallying cry.

Posted by: Marcus T at March 24, 2017 09:38 AM (OFxPz)

59 TRUMP REGRETS: SHOULD HAVE DONE TAX CUTS FIRST
DRUDGE

Posted by: Under Fire

Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption

Posted by: The Donald at March 24, 2017 09:39 AM (FZYNt)

60 34 OT daily mail has a nice puff piece about Eric & Lara Trump's adopted rescue beagle

http://preview.tinyurl.com/mn9sun8

on topic - Lara is preggers with their first
Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale at March 24, 2017 09:32 AM (Om16U)

Gotta hand it to the Trump men, they have some attractive mates.

Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 24, 2017 09:39 AM (RD7QR)

61 Looks like Ryan care will go down in flames. Probably a good thing. Trump will shrug it off and move on to tax reform.

Another thing Trump should focus on in the interim is de-fanging the deep state.

Posted by: Independent George at March 24, 2017 09:39 AM (BDZWU)

62 Faugh! That dress, it is rendered badly.

Posted by: Auguste Toulemouche at March 24, 2017 09:39 AM (vRcUp)

63 I'm glad we all came to unanimous consensus in the last thread.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 09:31 AM (ZFUt7)

Outrage and Denunciations.

I'm happy to assist if anyone needs a topping off. We have fresh enormities and the latest in monstrosities and condemnations. Or perhaps you would like to try the latest in our "wounded pride" line?

Posted by: *Mikey NTH - Spring Sale! Get Your Vernal Vituperations at the Outrage Outlet! at March 24, 2017 09:39 AM (hLRSq)

64
But when the baby is asleep then it's "mommy-daddy time"

Posted by: Rick in SK at March 24, 2017 09:35 AM (FZYNt)

The illegitimate child is one thing, but her husband is going to be super pissed off if he ever finds out she's still interested in having sex.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 09:40 AM (/f1mm)

65 What time is the vote scheduled for?

Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 09:40 AM (72PAC)

66 HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa! F*^k all you motherf*^kers!!

Posted by: The Swamp, still full of fetid water and human filth at March 24, 2017 09:41 AM (ty7RM)

67 So...ACA Replacement bill, right back to it:

I think that perhaps the biggest reason that I'm now rooting for it to fail is something that's just been lurking in my thoughts about it instead of up front. Congress has gotten too used to passing whatever it comes up with first as a solution. There's wheeling and dealing back and forth, of course, but once a bill is in legislative language, there's an assumption and an expectation that it will pass.

It's been right for a very long time, and it seems to have fed the hubris of leadership across the aisles.

I feel that a visit from Nemesis could help the overall environment of Washington D.C..

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 09:42 AM (mC1ZI)

68 58 Trump is going to have to deal with the same idiots on tax reform. Whether he did that first or not the result would have been the same. There are some in this Congress who believe it exists solely for the advancement of their own predilections. I can think of nothing more infuriating to the American people.

It may settle on Trump, but the real blame will once again correctly be on Congress. Good luck with that. democrats are already trying to make the argument this Congress can't get anything done. That's going to become their rallying cry.
Posted by: Marcus T at March 24, 2017 09:38 AM (OFxPz)

===================

Objection:

The Chamber of Commerce wants lower tax rates on their money.

Trump will not see these same problems.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 09:42 AM (mC1ZI)

69 Lady, ditch the kid, we have "work" to do.

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at March 24, 2017 09:42 AM (ty7RM)

70 sock off

Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 09:43 AM (7HtZB)

71 Well, unfortunately I have to run. There is a nice book put out by the Carl Larrson descendents that contains many of his works. They are large enough that you can cut them out from the book and frame them as art for your walls.

I gave the book to my late father-in-law many years ago, and he would often sit late at night and look at the beautiful paintings. He was from Sandviken, and lived in a little red cabin much like the Falun home, which was the Larsson residence.

Posted by: grammie winger at March 24, 2017 09:43 AM (lwiT4)

72 Wow, she's very convincing. Her parents must have started her on hormone therapy when she was young. Wonder where she got the baby from.

Posted by: Caitlyn Jenner at March 24, 2017 09:43 AM (vRcUp)

73 At Drudge: We have to pass it to find out what's in it.

Of course. Make a shit bill, lard it up with gimmes that no one it allowed to read in a "managers amendement", force a vote, and ram it through.

Republicans are an improvement on Democrats how?

Posted by: Damiano at March 24, 2017 09:44 AM (n3oGs)

74 I really hope PT is working the long con against the GOPe. It's all I got so I'm sticking with it.

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 09:44 AM (57R5r)

75 Bye, grammie. Thanks for this nice artist. I hope you have a good visit with your mom and dad. I was praying for him at Mass this morning. I'm sure it will do them both good to see you today.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 09:44 AM (sBOL1)

76 Nice art for a friday!
thanks Grammie!

Posted by: IP at March 24, 2017 09:44 AM (hUtue)

77 65 What time is the vote scheduled for?

--

I heard tomorrow morning. Not sure if that's true

Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale at March 24, 2017 09:45 AM (Om16U)

78 I'm happy to assist if anyone needs a topping off. We have fresh enormities and the latest in monstrosities and condemnations. Or perhaps you would like to try the latest in our "wounded pride" line?
Posted by: *Mikey NTH - Spring Sale! Get Your Vernal Vituperations at the Outrage Outlet! at March 24, 2017 09:39 AM (hLRSq)
---------------

Yes yes yes that's all well and good, but where's my bulk discount on vernal vituperations? Still waiting. And drumming my fingers vituperatively.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 09:45 AM (sBOL1)

79 Somebody said on the last thread that companies should tell you how much they spend for you health insurance. Well the ACA requires just that. Look on your W-2, there is a box - 12 for it.

Posted by: MAGA at March 24, 2017 09:45 AM (A4HOq)

80 I don't envy that hairdo. Blech.

O/T...who wrote about John Wick last week? I'm hoping the hype was ironic. I watched the first agonizingly boring ten minutes until they killed the dog. Movie went in the trash.

I guess I'll have to take the AoSHQ movie comments with a *bigger* grain of salt!

Posted by: squeakywheel at March 24, 2017 09:46 AM (dzorZ)

81 >>It's been right for a very long time, and it seems to have fed the hubris of leadership across the aisles.

This process has not been anything like the way Democrats moved legislation recently nor how Republicans did it for much of the Bush years for that matter. It has gone through the relevant committee process after many, many hearings last year and then through negotiation and amendments.

Some Reps are just going to have to decide whether they are willing to make the perfect the enemy of the good and hold out for things they won't get. Nothing wrong with high stakes negotiation but you do have to know when to say yes and move on or you get squat.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 09:46 AM (/tuJf)

82 Kinda awful but on-point cartoon about the London attack

http://preview.tinyurl.com/lhqjxfd

Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale at March 24, 2017 09:46 AM (Om16U)

83 "Ability to govern"

Sure, Republicans are having a lot of trouble governing, but I honestly don't think that Democrats are as good as Republicans.

Democrats are really good at whipping their caucuses in order to pass bad bills. If that's the definition of governing, then sure, Democrats are MUCH better at it than Republicans.

But that's not how I would define governing.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 09:47 AM (mC1ZI)

84 80 I don't envy that hairdo. Blech.

--
I just now noticed it.
Funny how the front top is pulled back.

Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale at March 24, 2017 09:48 AM (Om16U)

85 I interned for a State Senator. he was nominally conservative. The most eye opening part of watching the sausage being made: No legislator, even at the medium sized state level, writes their own bills. Literally, virtually every bill is written by lobbyists and attorneys. That's a massive proceedural reason the Republic was sold out to corporate and special interest groups long ago. The real battle in DC is between rival factions of lever pullers. This means: no change. Don the knee-pads and assume the position.

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at March 24, 2017 09:48 AM (ty7RM)

86 So ... big picture ... what's our next move ?

Vote Dem - kill the GOP - see what takes its place ?

Primary all the incumbants ?

I have no idea. But it seems to me that the GOP has proven yet again that they ain't the party of smaller government.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 24, 2017 09:49 AM (/BTP8)

87 Democrats are really good at whipping their caucuses in order to pass bad bills.

Stupid and lazy is less dangerous than stupid and industrious.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at March 24, 2017 09:49 AM (8fypK)

88 Kinda awful but on-point cartoon about the London attack

http://preview.tinyurl.com/lhqjxfd

Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale at March 24, 2017 09:46 AM (Om16U)

Do you mean the "auto attack" by British born terrorist" as Fox News Radio call it and him. Yeah British born, he was a regular Bertie Wooster, wot ho.

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 24, 2017 09:49 AM (493sH)

89 81 This process has not been anything like the way Democrats moved legislation recently nor how Republicans did it for much of the Bush years for that matter. It has gone through the relevant committee process after many, many hearings last year and then through negotiation and amendments.

Some Reps are just going to have to decide whether they are willing to make the perfect the enemy of the good and hold out for things they won't get. Nothing wrong with high stakes negotiation but you do have to know when to say yes and move on or you get squat.
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 09:46 AM (/tuJf)

==================

No, this isn't an argument against process, but against expectation and entitlement.

"We worked REALLY hard, so you have to take it, even though Mike Lee made us look like idiots and showed the world that we were operating on false assumptions. I mean, if we're going to write legislation around the idea of what the Senate Parliamentarian would accept or not, you're not expecting us to try to reach out to the person, are you? Doesn't matter, though. We have a bill, and you have to accept it."

That's not just hubris, that's idiocy.

Maybe some very tangible chastisement in the form of their master plan burning to the ground will sharpen them a bit.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 09:49 AM (mC1ZI)

90 He was like a Swedish Norman Rockwell, with an Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts twist. Lots of pictures of his wholesome family having wholesome fun.

Posted by: Pete in Texas at March 24, 2017 09:50 AM (Cfkqc)

91 87 Democrats are really good at whipping their caucuses in order to pass bad bills.

Stupid and lazy is less dangerous than stupid and industrious.
Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at March 24, 2017 09:49 AM (8fypK)

===================

THIS!!!!!eleventy!!!!!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 09:50 AM (mC1ZI)

92 The Republicans had the past two years to come up with a replacement plan and also a transition plan. But noooo, they were too busy caving in to Obama on everything.

Posted by: MAGA at March 24, 2017 09:50 AM (A4HOq)

93 CBD, Thanks for introducing me to another wonderful artist. Carl Larsson reminds me of a proto-Norman Rockwell in his scenes and techniques. Today's painting is of the artist's wife and their first child. I like the use of earth tones, very relaxing, and the detail of the pair, the clothing, and the chair. These focus the viewer's attention. The rest of the scene is much less distinct but recognizable and contributes to the homey atmosphere.

What catches my eye is his wife's expression. She is quiet but that direct eye contact shows the concerns a first time mother might have. (Or maybe she didn't want to just sit there when there were things to do.) It adds depth to what ight otherwise be a trite image.

Check out Carl Larsson's wiki page for other paintings, which are delightful. I especially like the watercolors. A good number of his works remind me of highest-level magazine illustrations, the kind that people collect and display. That is a compliment.

Larrson wrote an autobiography which is still in print although not especially cheap. However, there are several collections of his paintings on Kindle for 2 or 3 bucks. I expect I'll download those. I find his paintings a bit romantic and idealized and very enjoyable.

Posted by: JTB at March 24, 2017 09:51 AM (V+03K)

94
Today is National Cheesesteak Day. Celebrate responsibly.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 09:51 AM (ZFUt7)

95 @ Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 09:42 AM (mC1ZI)

Your lurking thoughts are exactly right, however, I think we've moved beyond that.

Now we get "He's a stupid idea that is unconstitutional! But, if redirects income to D.C.!" The back in forth that used to derail things (feature, not a bug) has become adding in whatever bullshit and pork necessary to line up the requisite votes at the trough. Then everyone pats themselve on the back for having "done something".

Like everything else, nothing in today's world is permitted to fail. Failure is no longer and option because we've entirely forgotten that failure is a good thing. Once you erase failure you get shit like RyanCare and Women's Studies PhDs.

Posted by: Damiano at March 24, 2017 09:51 AM (n3oGs)

96 No, there are some issues on tax reform that caucus is already complaining about. This will repeat itself again with similar results.

Remember the number one issue with voters was healthcare. It won't end up falling on Trump. He's pushing th bill hard.

It's congress that isn't getting it done. The blame will. E on them, whether in that caucus or not.

If this fails, get ready to see some retaliation against those caucus member. Remember who hold the leadership and the fact that other members who are vulnerable will be gunning for them as well. This eventually ends. Adult for them. And deservedly so.

Posted by: Marcus T at March 24, 2017 09:51 AM (OFxPz)

97 92 The Republicans had the past two years to come up with a replacement plan and also a transition plan. But noooo, they were too busy caving in to Obama on everything.
Posted by: MAGA at March 24, 2017 09:50 AM (A4HOq)

===================

They could have developed a plan, extracted promises from every member of the caucus:

"If we ever have the chance to pass this bill with a president that will sign it, I will vote for it as is. If not, I will give up all committee posts and forfeit all claims to party money in the next election cycle. If I do not cooperate, leadership will do these things for you."

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 09:52 AM (mC1ZI)

98 With a collar like that, that poor hungry whippersnapper ain't getting any nipple action too soon.

Posted by: Fritz at March 24, 2017 09:52 AM (2Mnv1)

99 Dem caterpillars. I mean eyebrows.

Posted by: Rusty Nail at March 24, 2017 09:52 AM (S2VsH)

100 I know this whole healthcare debacle is terrible and entirely predictable, most notably because of what COULD and SHOULD have been. We have all three branches.

But, it would be good to remember, today of all days, no matter what happens, today is yet another day Hillary isn't president.

Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 09:52 AM (72PAC)

101 *salivates* Never too late to harvest the organs.

Posted by: Planned Parenthood at March 24, 2017 09:52 AM (vRcUp)

102 Stupid and lazy is less dangerous than stupid and industrious.
Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at March 24, 2017 09:49 AM (8fypK)

===================

THIS!!!!!eleventy!!!!! Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 09:50 AM (mC1ZI)
=====

THIS^^^^^

Posted by: mustbequantum at March 24, 2017 09:52 AM (MIKMs)

103 The Republicans had the past two years to come up with a replacement plan and also a transition plan.

Two?

You need a higher number.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 09:53 AM (B+qrE)

104 I haven't heard much about CAL-GONE lately.

Is it being kept secret now?

Posted by: *Mikey NTH - Spring Sale! Get Your Vernal Vituperations at the Outrage Outlet! at March 24, 2017 09:53 AM (hLRSq)

105 Her eyebrows are a menace.

Posted by: Dang, twiddling his outrageous moustache at March 24, 2017 09:53 AM (8b+oT)

106 >>"We worked REALLY hard, so you have to take it, even though Mike Lee made us look like idiots and showed the world that we were operating on false assumptions. I mean, if we're going to write legislation around the idea of what the Senate Parliamentarian would accept or not, you're not expecting us to try to reach out to the person, are you? Doesn't matter, though. We have a bill, and you have to accept it."

Eh, not really. There is always going to be negotiating and claims by people who want other things. That's normal and because the process they are using is pretty unique with it's own set of rules that really nobody fully understands, not even Mike Lee, it's easy to make big claims. The claim that the House members were given a take it or leave it is obviously false and was a negotiating technique because they have been making changes all week.

And it's far easier to write an entitlement bill that gives free shit away than trying to surgically repeal it while keeping the plane in the air.

If you think this is something watch the fighting if and when this gets to the Senate. Nobody bloviates like Senators, it's in the job description.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 09:54 AM (/tuJf)

107 95 Like everything else, nothing in today's world is permitted to fail. Failure is no longer and option because we've entirely forgotten that failure is a good thing. Once you erase failure you get shit like RyanCare and Women's Studies PhDs.
Posted by: Damiano at March 24, 2017 09:51 AM (n3oGs)

===================

Failure is about to be an option again.

Yeah, I understand horse trading in legislation. It's been happening since the dawn of the idea of laws.

However, this problems that people like the HFC seem to have with this bill aren't about small give aways for their district, but actual principle.

If leadership understands that they can't get through a bill without addressing those principles, it may take a few months or even years to get back to it, but leadership will most likely consider that principle more than before.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 09:54 AM (mC1ZI)

108 He was like a Swedish Norman Rockwell, with an Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts twist. Lots of pictures of his wholesome family having wholesome fun.
Posted by: Pete in Texas at March 24, 2017 09:50 AM (Cfkqc)
----------------

You and JTB are right, he is kind of like the Swedish Norman Rockwell. I've just been looking at some of his pictures and they looked familiar; then I saw "Breakfast Under the Big Birch" and I realize we have a small print of that somewhere that my in-laws gave us years ago. I wonder what happened to it.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 09:55 AM (sBOL1)

109 Morning horde....

I can't decide if I want the house to pass the healthcare bill or not and I blame the effing GOP (I'm lookin' at you Paul Ryan) for that indecision.

Posted by: Tami at March 24, 2017 09:55 AM (Enq6K)

110 Yeah, "badly".

Never walk and type.

Posted by: Marcus T at March 24, 2017 09:56 AM (OFxPz)

111 They could have developed a plan, extracted promises from every member of the caucus:

But they had one, remember ? HR 3762. Eight pages long. Passed both the House and Senate.

Oh ... that's right. Jack explained this all yesterday. That was a "practice" bill. They was just "foolin' about". Meant nothin' by it.

You really, really have to be on Team GOP to believe anything these cocksuckers say at this point.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 24, 2017 09:56 AM (/BTP8)

112 Why not "discover" the favorite daughter of Charles Dickens, who went under her married name of Katie Perugini?

She was an excellent artist!

Posted by: Tiny Timmie at March 24, 2017 09:56 AM (SJ184)

113 If Joncelli is around-can you e-mail me? I can't find the paper I wrote your address on. Mine Fenelon17Spoke@ gmail.com. After today I will probably not be on the board until Easter (I need a break) except for the book thread-maybe. I would like you and FenSpouse and I to get together, but April is a not a good month because of Lent and Easter. Perhaps if you have time sometimes in June?

God bless.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 24, 2017 09:57 AM (fDdVG)

114 The bile is strong with the Horde today. As AtC has noted, we haven't had actual legislative sausage-making in so long that we don't know what it looks like any longer. Remember reconciliation with the Senate, which is going to remove and change a lot of what we object to. It's too early to make a run on Bilious Denunciations at the Outrage Outlet.

And now I'm going to read about Gregory the Great and get away from politics for a while.

Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 24, 2017 09:57 AM (RD7QR)

115 Thanks to grammie for suggesting this painting. I wonder if Larrson had any influence on Beatrix Potter or even Disney. I can see a similar approach, even coloration, in their less cartoonish art. (Potter did some excellent botanical sketches. It wasn't just Jemima Puddle Duck.)

Posted by: JTB at March 24, 2017 09:57 AM (V+03K)

116 Old and Busted: We see a problem. Let's debate whether or not attempting to solve the problem is within our allotted power and th merits and drawbacks of potential solutions.

New hotness: Everything is our right, our entitlement, and within our power. We need to pass something to shut the proles up and claim to have done something. Let's make a bill that doesn't accomplish anything and lard it up with more shit on addendums, amendments, and other shit tacked on a table the last minute to buy whatever votes we need, let no one read it, and never debate or even consider the consequences of such actions.

Posted by: Damiano at March 24, 2017 09:58 AM (n3oGs)

117 Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 09:51 AM (ZFUt7)

Really? I love cheesecake. I guess there will be a big crowd at "The Cheesecake factory"?

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 24, 2017 09:58 AM (fDdVG)

118 106 Eh, not really. There is always going to be negotiating and claims by people who want other things. That's normal and because the process they are using is pretty unique with it's own set of rules that really nobody fully understands, not even Mike Lee, it's easy to make big claims. The claim that the House members were given a take it or leave it is obviously false and was a negotiating technique because they have been making changes all week.

And it's far easier to write an entitlement bill that gives free shit away than trying to surgically repeal it while keeping the plane in the air.

If you think this is something watch the fighting if and when this gets to the Senate. Nobody bloviates like Senators, it's in the job description.
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 09:54 AM (/tuJf)

==================

The biggest problem isn't that the parliamentarian might bend or break rules to allow for a more expansive bill to pass, but the fact that the House didn't even bother to find out.

And once it was found out didn't decide to take a significant step back and try to reassess their entire strategy, since the base assumption about how the parliamentarian would treat the bill could be wrong.

Instead of, "In light of this new information, we're going to put a hold on for a week to discuss things. We'll get back to you," we're getting, "We're throwing in some stuff, but you'd better vote for it! Or else!"

The content of the bill is less important to me now, than the fact that House leadership seems to be incapable of being humbled by anything short of a humiliating defeat.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 09:58 AM (mC1ZI)

119 Really nice painting.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 24, 2017 09:58 AM (fDdVG)

120 Trump labor pick thinks the current H1B visa program is just perfect.

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 09:58 AM (57R5r)

121 I realize they had 7 years, but I went with two because the membership is virtually the same over the past two years and also the Presidential nominee could have had some input.

Posted by: MAGA at March 24, 2017 09:59 AM (A4HOq)

122 I think we don't know how this healthcare situation will play out. A lot of unknowns, but I agree that it won't go away for long. There will be consequences.

Posted by: Max Power at March 24, 2017 09:59 AM (QCc6B)

123 If this fails, get ready to see some retaliation
against those caucus member. Remember who hold the leadership and the
fact that other members who are vulnerable will be gunning for them as
well. This eventually ends. Adult for them. And deservedly so. Posted by: Marcus T at March 24, 2017 09:51 AM (OFxPz)
=====

They shut down the Government!!! Republicans will lose everything, everything, in the future!!! Those wacko-birds will pay!!!

Posted by: mustbequantum at March 24, 2017 09:59 AM (MIKMs)

124 Congress is a dog-and-pony-show. I think God is going to replace it with another system. Trump is blowing a hole in the dyke. (lesbian joke inserted here)

Posted by: Ok at March 24, 2017 10:00 AM (K2SnJ)

125 118 Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 09:58 AM (mC1ZI)

==================

Addendum:

I won't be pissy if the bill does pass. In the spectrum of believing leadership that the 3 phase process will happen, I lean towards believing that they mean it.

I just think House leadership's behavior is indicative of larger problems with how D.C. operates.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:00 AM (mC1ZI)

126 113 If Joncelli is around-can you e-mail me? I can't find the paper I wrote your address on. Mine Fenelon17Spoke@ gmail.com. After today I will probably not be on the board until Easter (I need a break) except for the book thread-maybe. I would like you and FenSpouse and I to get together, but April is a not a good month because of Lent and Easter. Perhaps if you have time sometimes in June?

God bless.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 24, 2017 09:57 AM (fDdVG)

Hi Fenelon. Thanks for your address, I'll drop you an email when I get some time.

Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 24, 2017 10:00 AM (RD7QR)

127 I think we don't know how this healthcare situation will play out. A lot of unknowns, but I agree that it won't go away for long. There will be consequences.
Posted by: Max Power at March 24, 2017 09:59 AM (QCc6B)

Yup. There is a lot we don't know. Many people we don't trust. Be forever vigilant

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 24, 2017 10:01 AM (KlI/a)

128 I don't know if I am more afraid of the Bill passing or failing?

Hey how about them Knicks?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 24, 2017 10:01 AM (KlI/a)

129 123 They shut down the Government!!! Republicans will lose everything, everything, in the future!!! Those wacko-birds will pay!!!

Posted by: mustbequantum at March 24, 2017 09:59 AM (MIKMs)

=================

The fact that this fight is playing out so early in this Congress is the HFC's saving grace.

A lot is going to happen between this bill passing or not. This bill is going to be a distant memory, most likely, by the time the next election rolls around.

Killing legislation is not punished in the same way as passing bad legislation is.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:01 AM (mC1ZI)

130 Really? I love cheesecake. I guess there will be a big crowd at "The Cheesecake factory"?
Posted by: FenelonSpoke

Cheese steak. You know, a Philly thing. Now cheesecake after cheese steak is perfectly acceptable.

If you like your Type Two diabetes you get to keep your Type Two diabetes.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 10:01 AM (ZFUt7)

131 I hope the bill goes down in flames. Ryan needs to own this crap.

Posted by: spypeach at March 24, 2017 10:01 AM (u/r83)

132 lutefisk has the power to repel everyone but my father.

I like the faces in this one.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at March 24, 2017 10:01 AM (xJa6I)

133 Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 24, 2017 10:00 AM (RD7QR)

Thanks.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 24, 2017 10:02 AM (fDdVG)

134 CBD, I may have to post in a Christmas food thread this year!
I married a man whose mom is a professional (half) Swede, and she gave me her mom's Swedish cookbook, full of delightful old standbys like Herring Pudding and such.
The Lutefisk recipe, IF you want to serve it as part of a Christmas Eve Smorgasbord, begins with taking a dried ling cod and weighting it down in a barrel of lime water on December 8th...
I imagine yes, it DOES do something to get one out of the kitchen!

Posted by: barbarausa at March 24, 2017 10:02 AM (Elk67)

135 >>> ...we haven't had actual legislative sausage-making in so long that we don't know what it looks like any longer.
......

I remember well what it looks like. My objection is and always has been being force fed lips and assholes, being told it's a delicacy because they called it something different, having to pay 5X as much for it, then being mugged on my way out of the restaurant because I'm allegedly now a racist and hate children because I don't like overpriced lips and assholes.

Posted by: Damiano at March 24, 2017 10:02 AM (n3oGs)

136 Is it just me or does anyone else think the HQ seems a bit subdued today.

Posted by: IP at March 24, 2017 10:03 AM (hUtue)

137 Eh, not really. There is always going to be negotiating and claims by people who want other things.

Jack ... the Chicken called. It loves you very much, but wonders if maybe today you two could just "cuddle". Maybe settle for a wing job ?

See Jack ... they passed a bill on 1/7/16. I know ... that was, like, almost fifteen months ago. So an eternity. But back then ... seems like they had all this negotiatin' settled.

Oh shit ... that's right. I forgot. They was just testing the waters. Kicking the tires, so to speak. They didn't really mean that eight pages of bullshit.

But we're supposed to believe 'em now. Got it.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 24, 2017 10:03 AM (/BTP8)

138 Cheese steak. You know, a Philly thing. Now cheesecake after cheese steak is perfectly acceptable.

If you like your Type Two diabetes you get to keep your Type Two diabetes.
Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 10:01 AM (ZFUt7)

That's a Type 5 situation.

Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 10:03 AM (7HtZB)

139 Obamacare is like a moonless night and you are forced to walk blindfolded through a cemetery with freshly dug graves all around, and Paul Ryan is a banana peel salesman.

Posted by: Muldoon at March 24, 2017 10:03 AM (wPiJc)

140 Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 10:01 AM (ZFUt7)

Oh, I prefer "Cheese cake" to cheese steak, but don't eat it very often. I believe that there are sugar free varieties of cheesecake.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at March 24, 2017 10:03 AM (fDdVG)

141 >>The biggest problem isn't that the parliamentarian might bend or break rules to allow for a more expansive bill to pass, but the fact that the House didn't even bother to find out.

No, the biggest mistake is some people seem to think that the conservatives are the majority in the Republican caucus and nobody else's concerns or demands are either valid or would be considered.

The Republican caucus is much more diverse than the Democrats these days. There are no more conservative Dems or Blue Dogs do getting them to consensus is not that big a deal. But the Republicans have some very liberal members from blue or bluish states and they want things that are diametrically opposed to the conservatives.

Trying to find a consensus with a group this big on legislation that can pass the Senate rules and beyond that the Senate is not that easy, obviously.

But it would be idiotic to let this opportunity pass. Begin to dismantle Obamacare and then go back for more later. That's what the Democrats learned that Republicans have still not come to grips with.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:03 AM (/tuJf)

142 Rep. Chris Collins said Thursday.

"In my district, right now there's a lot of misunderstanding as to what it is we're doing," the New York Republican said on MSNBC. "And once we get it done, and then we can have the chance to really explain it."
-The Hill

====================

Yeah...I'm suddenly leaning a bit more heavily into wanting this thing dead.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:04 AM (mC1ZI)

143 136 Is it just me or does anyone else think the HQ seems a bit subdued today.
Posted by: IP

are you suggesting we need to throw a controversial topic out there?

Posted by: Rick in SK at March 24, 2017 10:04 AM (FZYNt)

144 131
I hope the bill goes down in flames. Ryan needs to own this crap.

Posted by: spypeach at March 24, 2017 10:01 AM (u/r83)

The problem with that is that it won't be just Ryan owning the crap...it will be all R's....including Trump.

Posted by: Tami at March 24, 2017 10:05 AM (Enq6K)

145 Is it just me or does anyone else think the HQ seems a bit subdued today.

Posted by: IP at March 24, 2017 10:03 AM

I know this week wiped the floor with me. Can't speak for others.

Posted by: Rusty Nail at March 24, 2017 10:05 AM (S2VsH)

146 are you suggesting we need to throw a controversial topic out there?
Posted by: Rick in SK at March 24, 2017 10:04 AM (FZYNt)

Longbows>Crossbows

Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 10:05 AM (72PAC)

147 >>Obamacare is like a moonless night and you are forced to walk
blindfolded through a cemetery with freshly dug graves all around, and
Paul Ryan is a banana peel salesman.

Your tangled fishing line/Obamacare analogy was good.

Posted by: Lizzy at March 24, 2017 10:05 AM (NOIQH)

148 When did the Horde trade in their sunny boners for cloudy outrage? Must be lots of outrage flying on the radio tubes. It's been 60 days. The Legislavtive Branch has had over 6 years.

Also, what piece of major legislation has the Freedom Causus passed? I can't think of any.

This shit show is 100% on Congress. All factions within are guilty. All members are guilty.

Headed to the sands of the Gulf Coast, where there will be 1000's and 1000's of cute tanned girls making highly questionable decisions Today through Monday.

Stay Frosty Horde!

Posted by: Blake Lively's Racist Booty at March 24, 2017 10:05 AM (2qHjF)

149 "As AtC has noted, we haven't had actual legislative sausage-making in so long that we don't know what it looks like any longer."

The Democrats had a super-majority in the house and senate and still had to bribe their own caucus (cornhusker kickback, for example) to get what they had to pass, and even then they had to fall back on reconciliation and not complete the conference committee work to reconcile the house and senate versions because Scott Brown got elected. (I forget which version - house or senate - they had to adopt as the legislation because of that.) It took them over a year to do this too, and it cost them plenty immediately afterwards.

So no, I am neither amazed nor dismayed that the GOP repeal is not a stronger repeal. That they got anything together in this short of time is actually interesting.

Posted by: *Mikey NTH - Spring Sale! Get Your Vernal Vituperations at the Outrage Outlet! at March 24, 2017 10:05 AM (hLRSq)

150 141 No, the biggest mistake is some people seem to think that the conservatives are the majority in the Republican caucus and nobody else's concerns or demands are either valid or would be considered.

The Republican caucus is much more diverse than the Democrats these days. There are no more conservative Dems or Blue Dogs do getting them to consensus is not that big a deal. But the Republicans have some very liberal members from blue or bluish states and they want things that are diametrically opposed to the conservatives.

Trying to find a consensus with a group this big on legislation that can pass the Senate rules and beyond that the Senate is not that easy, obviously.

But it would be idiotic to let this opportunity pass. Begin to dismantle Obamacare and then go back for more later. That's what the Democrats learned that Republicans have still not come to grips with.
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:03 AM (/tuJf)

===================

I understand that.

And yet, is there no consensus to be found about repealing regulations that may be found and permissible by the Senate rules?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:06 AM (mC1ZI)

151 Cheese steak. You know, a Philly thing.

******

Although with Netanyahu in office now cheesesteak has largely been usurped by au jus.

Posted by: Muldoon at March 24, 2017 10:06 AM (wPiJc)

152 Longbows>Crossbows
Posted by: What's a Seawolf?

Ginger<Maryanne

Posted by: Rick in SK at March 24, 2017 10:06 AM (FZYNt)

153 THE 'strategy' with the House healthcare bill involved giving Ryan and his fellow GOPe bootlicks and whores a battering ram to deter/defeat the unruly--i.e. The House Freedom Caucus.

RYan SO wants to be Speaker Maximus.

Unfortunately for him he has No leader DNA and the Freedom Caucus has some true warriors.

I do NOTwant PDT get screwed in this Ryan power play (Ryan could give jackshit about the people and their healthcare)...he fights .We need him.
Still,PDT sure picked a buttfuck POS in tacitly backing Ryan.

Posted by: 'Cold Civil War'. That seems apt. at March 24, 2017 10:06 AM (oBuXO)

154 Here's a challenge; If anyone can tell me what is in the final bill, make a case for the changes on their own merits, and demonstrate that those changes have been made with due consideration of the consequences and impact to the stated intent of the bill, I will forego calling them an imbecile.

What? No one has seen the final bill? They are scheduling a vote on something no one has read and has been altered behind closed doors?

Damn. I should have increased my wager.

Posted by: Damiano at March 24, 2017 10:07 AM (n3oGs)

155 Longbows>Crossbows
Posted by: What's a Seawolf?

Ginger
Posted by: Rick in SK

.45 v 9mm

Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:08 AM (eauMe)

156 The problem with that is that it won't be just Ryan owning the crap...it will be all R's....including Trump.
Posted by: Tami at March 24, 2017 10:05 AM (Enq6K)

Then so be it, because this isn't a game, and they were all voted in on the promise of Repeal, if they can't get that done then they deserve the scorn they have coming to them.

Posted by: spypeach at March 24, 2017 10:08 AM (u/r83)

157 >>And yet, is there no consensus to be found about repealing regulations that may be found and permissible by the Senate rules?

Well that's what we are about to find out. Freedom Caucus got a lot of what they want. Will they take the win and come back for more later or blow it up? Will the moderates accept the changes or will they blow it up?

The only thing about this I find unusual is that some Republicans seem to think there won't be any consequences to failure here.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:09 AM (/tuJf)

158 155 Longbows>Crossbows
Posted by: What's a Seawolf?

Ginger
Posted by: Rick in SK

.45 v 9mm
Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:08 AM (eauMe)

================

Carrots in chili.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:09 AM (mC1ZI)

159
Trump and Ryan has always been a marriage of convenience. It will stay that way until the bitter end.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 10:09 AM (ZFUt7)

160 Lutefisk has been described as "fish marinated in lye." Years ago I saw a bumper sticker: "Legalize Lutefisk."

The local Norwegian Seamen's Church sells it, tinned that is. I've never had the nerve to try it. Apparently it won't kill you. Maybe my cats would like it.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at March 24, 2017 10:09 AM (9xaT+)

161 157
Well that's what we are about to find out. Freedom Caucus got a lot of what they want. Will they take the win and come back for more later or blow it up? Will the moderates accept the changes or will they blow it up?

The only thing about this I find unusual is that some Republicans seem to think there won't be any consequences to failure here.
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:09 AM (/tuJf)

==================

What was that Coolidge said?

Better to kill a good bill than pass a bad one?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:09 AM (mC1ZI)

162 Your tangled fishing line/Obamacare analogy was good.
Posted by: Lizzy at March 24, 2017 10:05 AM (NOIQH)

I take it you didn't see my rusty dildo / Hope Solo masterpiece ...

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 24, 2017 10:09 AM (/BTP8)

163 She reminds me of Jennifer Morrison from House.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at March 24, 2017 10:10 AM (9xaT+)

164 Carrots in chili.

Let's not get blasphemous.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 10:10 AM (B+qrE)

165 Designated hitter?

Posted by: The Mouse that Roared at March 24, 2017 10:10 AM (7N6ox)

166 If nobody knows what's in the bill, then what have they been arguing about?

Posted by: Eskimo at March 24, 2017 10:10 AM (ZYNmu)

167 158 155 Longbows>Crossbows
Posted by: What's a Seawolf?

Ginger
Posted by: Rick in SK

.45 v 9mm
Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:08 AM (eauMe)

================

Carrots in chili.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:09 AM (mC1ZI)
===

The Reuben is one of the great all time sandwiches, provided it is made with Thousand Island dressing.

Posted by: Independent George at March 24, 2017 10:10 AM (BDZWU)

168
O/T...who wrote about John Wick last week? I'm hoping the hype was ironic. I watched the first agonizingly boring ten minutes until they killed the dog. Movie went in the trash.

I guess I'll have to take the AoSHQ movie comments with a *bigger* grain of salt!

Posted by: squeakywheel at March 24, 2017 09:46 AM (dzorZ)

Congratulations. You threw away the movie just before the weapons-grade industrial-strength badassery started.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 24, 2017 10:11 AM (XWkhW)

169 165 Designated hitter?
Posted by: The Mouse that Roared at March 24, 2017 10:10 AM (7N6ox)

One of the worst things in sports. Nay, the world.

Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 10:11 AM (72PAC)

170 But it would be idiotic to let this opportunity pass. Begin to dismantle Obamacare and then go back for more later. That's what the Democrats learned that Republicans have still not come to grips with.
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:03 AM (/tuJf)

I'm "inclined" to lean in that direction and I "Think" it will pass but who knows.

My biggest worry is if and when this passes, we will own it as unfair as that may be, and while we will see improvements in "Part 2" ( those that Price can change administatively) "Part 3" will never come about and that is the crucial part to lowering Premiums and improving healthcare.

You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you might find
You get what you need

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 24, 2017 10:12 AM (KlI/a)

171 168
O/T...who wrote about John Wick last week? I'm hoping the hype was ironic. I watched the first agonizingly boring ten minutes until they killed the dog. Movie went in the trash.

I guess I'll have to take the AoSHQ movie comments with a *bigger* grain of salt!

Posted by: squeakywheel at March 24, 2017 09:46 AM (dzorZ)

Congratulations. You threw away the movie just before the weapons-grade industrial-strength badassery started.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 24, 2017 10:11 AM (XWkhW)

===================

Wasn't me. I haven't seen it.

I'm very behind on new movies.

I do want to see it, though. So much that I'm thinking about doing a quick reorder of my Netflix queue in order to get it sooner. I don't think you realize how big of a deal that is for me.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:12 AM (mC1ZI)

172 And yet, is there no consensus to be found about repealing regulations that may be found and permissible by the Senate rules?

Well ... supposedly they had one last year.

But you called it ... that was bullshit then. Which is why I really can't figure out why we're to believe their bullshit now.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 24, 2017 10:12 AM (/BTP8)

173 One of the worst things in sports. Nay, the world.

An abomination.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 10:12 AM (B+qrE)

174 Whoa! Speaking of eyes that follow you...

That lady has some haunting peepers.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at March 24, 2017 10:12 AM (ZO497)

175 151 Cheese steak. You know, a Philly thing.

******

Although with Netanyahu in office now cheesesteak has largely been usurped by au jus.
Posted by: Muldoon at March 24, 2017 10:06 AM (wPiJc)

Oh Muldoon, goyim and sin no longer.

Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 24, 2017 10:12 AM (RD7QR)

176 i want the obamacare gone.....i'm suspicious of both sides of the gop right now......mike lee was an angry never trumper iirc..... and was almost indignant that trump was considering him for his list of scj's i don't know....i trust no one any longer after the election shit show......trump claimed to have supported ryancare...bannon is trashing it.....i detest ryan......i put all my smod stuff away....might be time to take it back out .......

Posted by: phoenixgirl..spring training at March 24, 2017 10:13 AM (0O7c5)

177 I do want to see it, though. So much that I'm thinking about doing a quick reorder of my Netflix queue in order to get it sooner. I don't think you realize how big of a deal that is for me.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:12 AM (mC1ZI)

John Wick's on Netflix?

Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 10:13 AM (72PAC)

178 Someone explain to me how solving the problem of affordability by adding trillion in cost and making the next 20 generations pretend to pay for it by printing more money and taking on new debt to cover interest payments is an improvement?

Posted by: Damiano at March 24, 2017 10:13 AM (n3oGs)

179 Very nice painting, but the enlarged view is all pixelated. Shirley, he did not paint it that way. Must be an artifact of the digital imaging process.

Very pretty girl.

Posted by: Floyd Heyrube at March 24, 2017 10:13 AM (c8saO)

180 166 If nobody knows what's in the bill, then what have they been arguing about?
Posted by: Eskimo at March 24, 2017 10:10 AM (ZYNmu)

Dude, the Horde would argue about what the best day of the week is.

Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 24, 2017 10:14 AM (RD7QR)

181 177
John Wick's on Netflix?
Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 10:13 AM (72PAC)

==============

Disc queue.

I still get discs in the mail.

Because I actually am 31 years old and yet not really a Millennial.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:14 AM (mC1ZI)

182 Oreos vs. Hydrox

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at March 24, 2017 10:14 AM (8fypK)

183 One of the worst things in sports. Nay, the world.

Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 10:11 AM (72PAC)

Just had to add to the great controversies of the day. It's gonna be an early night.

Posted by: The Mouse that Roared at March 24, 2017 10:15 AM (7N6ox)

184 Longbows>Crossbows
Posted by: What's a Seawolf?

Ginger
Posted by: Rick in SK

.45 v 9mm
Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:08 AM (eauMe)

================

Carrots in chili.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
===

The Reuben is one of the great all time sandwiches, provided it is made with Thousand Island dressing.
Posted by: Independent George

======
The War Of Northern Aggression

Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:15 AM (eauMe)

185 The only thing about this I find unusual is that some Republicans seem to think there won't be any consequences to failure here.
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:09 AM (/tuJf)

=====

There never have been before and they are perfectly comfortable there. Don't want PDT to hitch his wagon to this snipe hunt created by the swamp things. Guaranteed fail and the blame will end up on him.

Posted by: mustbequantum at March 24, 2017 10:15 AM (MIKMs)

186 Dude, the Horde would argue about what the best day of the week is.

Roll Tide. Saturday.

Anyone who thinks otherwise is a rat bastard commie.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 10:16 AM (B+qrE)

187
Saltines v Ritz crackers.
First fight on my honeymoon.
Still unresolved.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 10:16 AM (ZFUt7)

188 Hopefully a female orgasm wasn't involved in the procreation process.
Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 09:27 AM

The involvement of such, along with sugar and spice, is what leads to girls.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at March 24, 2017 10:16 AM (DMUuz)

189 By the way I am NOT in favor of no pre-existing conditions and kids on their parents insurance till 26 not matter what the reason. Those 2 things, especially the pre-existing condition thing, are budget busters and we should NEVER have bought into them.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 24, 2017 10:16 AM (KlI/a)

190 Dude, the Horde would argue about what the best day of the week is.
Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 24, 2017 10:14 AM (RD7QR)

Funday.

Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 10:16 AM (72PAC)

191 The only thing about this I find unusual is that some Republicans seem to think there won't be any consequences to failure here.

Define "failure."

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 10:16 AM (B+qrE)

192 Dude, the Horde would argue about what the best day of the week is.
Posted by: joncelli

Best day of the week is whichever day you get a hummer.

Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:16 AM (eauMe)

193 184 The War Of Northern Aggression
Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:15 AM (eauMe)

================

The rebellion of Democratic love of keeping black people in chains?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:17 AM (mC1ZI)

194 WTF is actually in a fish taco?

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 10:17 AM (57R5r)

195 182 Oreos vs. Hydrox
Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at March 24, 2017 10:14 AM (8fypK)

Oreos and anyone who thinks differently is so clearly not human they need to be probed.

Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 10:17 AM (72PAC)

196 Dude, the Horde would argue about what the best day of the week is.

******

#Tomorrow

Posted by: Muldoon at March 24, 2017 10:17 AM (wPiJc)

197
Rhode Island v Gilligan's Island

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 10:18 AM (ZFUt7)

198 IIRC you usually end up with a house bill and then you get a different senate bill. Then a conference committee comes together to reach a compromise bill which goes back to the house and senate to be voted on. And that can lead to further conferences if the original committee did not get all groups on board with the compromise they crafted. Then once voted on you have the proposed law.

It is cumbersome on purpose and really, a pen and a phone are so much easier.

Posted by: *Mikey NTH - Spring Sale! Get Your Vernal Vituperations at the Outrage Outlet! at March 24, 2017 10:18 AM (hLRSq)

199 ~~Roll Tide.~~ Hook 'em, Horns! / Gig 'em, Aggies! Saturday.

Anyone who thinks otherwise is a rat bastard commie.
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 10:16 AM

FIFY.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at March 24, 2017 10:18 AM (DMUuz)

200 196 Dude, the Horde would argue about what the best day of the week is.

******

#Tomorrow
Posted by: Muldoon at March 24, 2017 10:17 AM (wPiJc)

=================

It's always a day away.
*singing*

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:18 AM (mC1ZI)

201 Because I actually am 31 years old and yet not really a Millennial.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:14 AM (mC1ZI)
-----------

Gah. I'm old enough to be your mother's much younger friend.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 10:18 AM (sBOL1)

202 "Oreos and anyone who thinks differently is so clearly not human they need to be probed."

Hydrox: the Kaboom of cookies.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at March 24, 2017 10:18 AM (K2ygU)

203 Great painting. Not really an art fan, but this is a nice, peaceful moment captured well.

As for RYNO-care, what a disappointment. I'm not surprised, really, as the GOPe has played this game for years, but I had hoped PDT would help put a stop to it. Leave it alone and let it fail so people are demanding change, or completely overhaul it and accept the results. Tinkering with the edges but not changing things substantively is the worst long-term solution. Sure, you get to crow about some legislative win, and avoid directly being linked to kicking people off of healthcare plans, but now the GOP will own it, and we know it's going to fail. So dumb.

Posted by: Grimaldi at March 24, 2017 10:19 AM (V/f/L)

204 201 Because I actually am 31 years old and yet not really a Millennial.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:14 AM (mC1ZI)
-----------

Gah. I'm old enough to be your mother's much younger friend.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 10:18 AM (sBOL1)

=================

So...you're 29, right?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:19 AM (mC1ZI)

205 >>> Saltines v Ritz crackers.

When I was a kid I preferred Wheat Thins but my mother usually bought Triscuits.

I now prefer Triscuits, mostly because you can melt shredded cheese into them.

Posted by: fluffy at March 24, 2017 10:19 AM (jw2Xw)

206 184 Longbows>Crossbows
Posted by: What's a Seawolf?

Ginger
Posted by: Rick in SK

.45 v 9mm
Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:08 AM (eauMe)

================

Carrots in chili.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison
===

The Reuben is one of the great all time sandwiches, provided it is made with Thousand Island dressing.
Posted by: Independent George

======
The War Of Northern Aggression
Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:15 AM (eauMe)

If we could somehow get a thread on rebellious southern 9mm-carrying crossbowmen cooking up bean-and-carrotless chili and tossing Reubens with thousand island at .45-carrying northern longbowmen munching Reubens with russian dressing and cooking up carrot-and-bean-infested chili the fabric of the universe would tear and reptoids would rampage through the galaxy.

Posted by: joncelli, Longbow Afficianado and Phalangist at March 24, 2017 10:19 AM (RD7QR)

207 Rhode Island v Gilligan's Island

Gilligan's Island. They had Ginger & Maryanne!

Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:19 AM (eauMe)

208 So...you're 29, right?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:19 AM (mC1ZI)
--------------

Yes.

There's some convoluted math involved, but that's not really important right now.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 10:20 AM (sBOL1)

209 Oreos vs. Hydrox
Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at March 24, 2017 10:14 AM (8fypK)
_____________________________

Gasp!
ok, ok, I didn't mean to get this out of control.

Posted by: IP at March 24, 2017 10:20 AM (hUtue)

210 Can someone link to the Phase III legislation, please? I'd like to read it.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (/f1mm)

211 Obamacare, Ryancare and a taxpayer are like two twenty-something immigrants and a 14-year-old girl voting on whether the sex in the school bathroom is consensual.

Posted by: Muldoon at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (wPiJc)

212 "Oreos and anyone who thinks differently is so clearly not human they need to be probed."

Hydrox: the Kaboom of cookies.
Posted by: Kodos the Executioner

*golf clap*

Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (eauMe)

213 208 So...you're 29, right?
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:19 AM (mC1ZI)
--------------

Yes.

There's some convoluted math involved, but that's not really important right now.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 10:20 AM (sBOL1)

==================

Is math ever important?

*prepares crossbow for hidden mathematicians in the Horde*

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (mC1ZI)

214 I saw Rampaging Reptoids open for Air Supply at the Citrus Bowl in '83.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (B+qrE)

215 Still,PDT sure picked a buttfuck POS in tacitly backing Ryan.
Posted by: 'Cold Civil War'. That seems apt. at March 24, 2017 10:06 AM (oBuXO)

Hoping this is that this episode is Trump's "liberal who got mugged" moment. He needs to understand that the GOP-e are part of the swamp that those who voted for him want flushed, and that to them it wasn't just a throwaway line for the cameras.

Posted by: random ~~lurker~~ commenter at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (+tRIN)

216 "today is yet another day Hillary isn't president.

Posted by: What's a Seawolf?"

Sometimes it's really necessary to take a step back and get the big perspective on things. Thank you !

Yay !

Posted by: sock_rat_eez, they are gaslighting us 24/7 at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (KGH7Z)

217 Today is National Cheesesteak Day. Celebrate responsibly.
Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 09:51 AM (ZFUt7)

Friday in Lent. Genius at work.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (joFoi)

218 Rhode Island v Gilligan's Island

Gilligan's Island. They had Ginger & Maryanne!
Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:19 AM (eauMe)
--------------

Yes, but Rhode Island has JackStraw and something called coffee milk ice cream cabinets.

Rhode Island for me. Plus, you can leave Rhode Island but you can never leave Gilligan's Island.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (sBOL1)

219 I have long enjoyed Larsson's work. He was an interesting person who had a lot of disappointment in his career, coming as he did when the art world was collapsing into modernism. Arthur Rackham and Norman Rockwell were his successors.

Posted by: Brunnhilde at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (aW5/6)

220 I know this week wiped the floor with me. Can't speak for others.

Posted by: Rusty Nail at March 24, 2017 10:05 AM (S2VsH)

Not so much wiped as angry. And depressed. I feel like walking out and getting comatosely drunk, but at the same time I don't want to do that.

But, yeah, this week bit the wax tadpole, AFAIC.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 24, 2017 10:22 AM (X6fMO)

221 210 Can someone link to the Phase III legislation, please? I'd like to read it.
Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (/f1mm)

The Phase IV legislation gives ants super-intelligence.

Posted by: Insomniac - sin valor at March 24, 2017 10:22 AM (0mRoj)

222 210 Can someone link to the Phase III legislation, please? I'd like to read it.
Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (/f1mm)

====================

I may be wrong, but I don't think it's been released.

Which could account for some of the base's unwillingness to believe House leadership.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:22 AM (mC1ZI)

223 All we have to do is vote in 2018. if we can just get 300 republicans in the House and about 70 in the Senate, then we can pass a perfect Health Care bill (if we can get 218 and 60 to agree). Fingers crossed.

Posted by: Eskimo at March 24, 2017 10:22 AM (ZYNmu)

224 And Rhode Island has Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse!

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at March 24, 2017 10:22 AM (8fypK)

225 Meet the New Trump GOP; same as the Old Boehner GOP.

Posted by: gm at March 24, 2017 10:22 AM (K0tm3)

226 Can someone link to the Phase III legislation, please? I'd like to read it. Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (/f1mm)
=====

You couldn't possibly understand the exquisite penumbras and permutations involved. Shut up and eat your Kaboom.

Posted by: mustbequantum at March 24, 2017 10:22 AM (MIKMs)

227
Gah. I'm old enough to be your mother's much younger friend.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 10:18 AM (sBOL1)

Ha. I'm well into middle age and we had our kids late. Cashiers often ask if they're my grandkids. I had never thought much about it, but if someone started right out of high school (or earlier) and their child did, too, then yeah, I can see why they'd wonder.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:23 AM (/f1mm)

228 Is math ever important?

Not if you are one of those people.

And by that, I mean Kostards and AGW fraudsters.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 10:23 AM (B+qrE)

229 Today is National Cheesesteak Day. Celebrate responsibly.
Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 09:51 AM (ZFUt7)

Friday in Lent. Genius at work.
Posted by: SandyCheeks

Now made with fish!

Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:23 AM (eauMe)

230 Can someone link to the Phase III legislation, please? I'd like to read it.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (/f1mm)

Phase III?

Man, have you actually seen the combined house and senate version of Phase I yet? Because I haven't. All I have heard are various competing proposals that haven't even been voted on in either chamber, let alone gone to conference.

Posted by: *Mikey NTH - Spring Sale! Get Your Vernal Vituperations at the Outrage Outlet! at March 24, 2017 10:23 AM (hLRSq)

231
And Rhode Island has Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse!
Posted by: Kodos the Executioner

The Rhode Island reds.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at March 24, 2017 10:23 AM (IqV8l)

232 Because I actually am 31 years old and yet not really a Millennial.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:14 AM (mC1ZI)

31? No one here is over 29. Have the AoSHQ Sandmen shown up yet?

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 24, 2017 10:24 AM (493sH)

233 Eh, not really. There is always going to be negotiating and claims by people who want other things. That's normal and because the process they are using is pretty unique with it's own set of rules that really nobody fully understands, not even Mike Lee, it's easy to make big claims.

TL;DR - procedural games make it impossible for representative democracy to work

Let us not pass this by.

For all the screaming about Low Information Voters and the like, there is the fact, and it is a fact, that even those of us who pay very close attention indeed to all of this find it nigh to impossible to comprehend the manner in which our legislative process works.

I'm just a bill, I'm only a bill . . . .

Does anyone understand the arcane rules by which legislation is prepared, then sent to committee, then passed out of committee, then sent to floor of the House for debate, then when the vote is scheduled, then how the vote is taken and then what happens under Senate rules? Anyone? Is there any single person on the planet who can sit down and present, with clarity, the manner in which legislation is to be passed? As far as I can tell, the answer is no.

I am weary of the treatment of extra Constitutional House and Senate rules being treated as if they were handed down by God Himself. Fine. Senate and House can make their own rules. Okay, that's fine by me and it is. But how do I, as a citizen, know what those rules are, how they will be implemented and, most importantly, how do I have a say in changing them?

Telling me that the Senate Parliamentarian, a person whose name I don't know readily and I pay close attention to these matters, is the person who decides what may and may not be included in a bill sits very poorly with me indeed. That person is not elected. That person cannot be removed by me at the next election. Under the guise of Senate rulemaking, some extra layer of requirements for passage of a bill has been created. The same for the arcane rules of committee presentation in the House. The same for the filibuster and the de facto amendment of the Constitution to require 60 votes for certain matters.

This all serves to insulate the legislative process from the people in whose benefit legislation is to be made.

It rather calls into question the notion of representative democracy when those who hold reins of power cannot be removed by direct representative vote and when additional hurdles for passage of legislation are put into place.

Posted by: alexthechick - rrraaawwwrrr at March 24, 2017 10:24 AM (mf5HN)

234 232
31? No one here is over 29. Have the AoSHQ Sandmen shown up yet?
Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 24, 2017 10:24 AM (493sH)

==================

I'm running.

Found a nice old man in a big empty building covered in vines. Also saw some bewbs...

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:25 AM (mC1ZI)

235 Obamacare is like the British Army at Dunkirk. Paul Ryan is a leaky rowboat.

Posted by: Muldoon at March 24, 2017 10:25 AM (wPiJc)

236 Can someone tell me how no computers in check on but only in bags under the plane can stop it from exploding? What's the point?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 24, 2017 10:25 AM (KlI/a)

237 Nunez speaks.

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 10:25 AM (57R5r)

238 I was sure that wasn't the mother, too young and small breasted, so I was making up all sorts of versions of whose kid that was and why she was holding the whelp. Then I looked it up. Hmmm.

Now I'm just mad at this Larsson fella. That kind of painting skills and that pert little Scandi as a subject and he has her dressed right up to her chin?

I call that a missed opportunity.

Posted by: Bandersnatch, gentleman cad at March 24, 2017 10:25 AM (gIRsn)

239 Friday in Lent. Genius at work.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (joFoi)

I thought there was a Papal dispensation for cheese steaks in Lent.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at March 24, 2017 10:25 AM (QsIDL)

240 >>Rhode Island for me. Plus, you can leave Rhode Island but you can never leave Gilligan's Island.

Aren't you nice. But no, you can never leave.

>>And Rhode Island has Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse!

There's no getting around this one. We have some of the worst politicians in the country.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:25 AM (/tuJf)

241 219
I have long enjoyed Larsson's work. He was an interesting person who had
a lot of disappointment in his career, coming as he did when the art
world was collapsing into modernism. Arthur Rackham and Norman Rockwell
were his successors.

Posted by: Brunnhilde at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (aW5/6)

He was rocking some sweet face lettuce, without a dippy man bun. Good on him. I also see from the wikipedia collection, his primary concern was getting his son skates. Those Swedes are pretty good hockey players even if they like to double up the consonants far too often.

Posted by: The Mouse that Roared at March 24, 2017 10:25 AM (7N6ox)

242
I may be wrong, but I don't think it's been released.

Which could account for some of the base's unwillingness to believe House leadership.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:22 AM (mC1ZI)

I know the (R)s are making sure lottery winners are going to be made ineligible for Obamacare's extended welfare benefits beginning in 2022 or so, but I'd like to read the rest, too.

They're going to release the Phase III proposals before today's vote, right?

Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:26 AM (/f1mm)

243 if someone started right out of high school (or earlier) and their child did, too, then yeah, I can see why they'd wonder.
Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:23 AM (/f1mm)
____________________________________

Well, at 50 I married into four grown kids, ages between 23-30 and 6 grandkids from 2-8.
My kids are still teens. We just make it work somehow.

Posted by: IP at March 24, 2017 10:26 AM (hUtue)

244 Argh. Pixy-banned IP block, I guess. Try #2...

Hi, folks. Nice pic today. I actually understood it.

Overcast but pleasant temperatures here in NEOK this morning. Good to see some much-needed rain in the forecast. We've had too many days thick with the smoke of raging grass fires around these parts.

Last week my little sister, and her left-coast adult son, came to Tulsa for a few days. Left-coast son unfortunately brought in some alien flu and was bed-bound most of the visit. After they left, our nonagenarian mother came down with it. Apparently, his brand of alien flu was not covered by her annual flu shot this year.

She's tough. But she's 96. But tough. But 96.

So, a whisper or two of prayer for here would not be unwelcome, if you feel so inclined.

Now, I'm a'gonna roll back and check the morning report.

Posted by: mindful webworker - ultimate edition at March 24, 2017 10:26 AM (jqZ8a)

245 Can someone link to the Phase III legislation, please? I'd like to read it.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (/f1mm)

I've heard that Phase One in which Doris gets her oats

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 24, 2017 10:26 AM (493sH)

246 There's no getting around this one. We have some of the worst politicians in the country.

That's what you get for pretending to be a state.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 10:26 AM (B+qrE)

247
Friday in Lent. Genius at work.
Posted by: SandyCheeks

I hadn't thought about that. Yes, every eight years that happens.

You can always jury nullify by agreeing with the whispered perception that this Pope really isn't Catholic. Or be 60 years of age or older.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 10:26 AM (ZFUt7)

248 240 >>Rhode Island for me. Plus, you can leave Rhode Island but you can never leave Gilligan's Island.

Aren't you nice. But no, you can never leave.

>>And Rhode Island has Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse!

There's no getting around this one. We have some of the worst politicians in the country.
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:25 AM (/tuJf)

=====================

How many conservatives would it take to suddenly move into Rhode Island and turn it deep red?

20? 30?

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:26 AM (mC1ZI)

249 There's no getting around this one. We have some of the worst politicians in the country.
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:25 AM (/tuJf)

yeah but yoos got nice beaches and restaurants and a decent Navy base

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 24, 2017 10:26 AM (KlI/a)

250 It's ~~turtles~~ phases all the way down.

Posted by: Muldoon at March 24, 2017 10:27 AM (wPiJc)

251 >>How many conservatives would it take to suddenly move into Rhode Island and turn it deep red?

>>20? 30?

The number is 42.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:27 AM (/tuJf)

252 This painting clearly requires Trump's impeachment.

Posted by: Maxine Waters, Keepin' It Real at March 24, 2017 10:27 AM (97XyN)

253
Dude, the Horde would argue about what the best day of the week is.
___________________________

Pay day.

Posted by: Kudzu King at March 24, 2017 10:27 AM (HSmrB)

254 222
210 Can someone link to the Phase III legislation, please? I'd like to read it.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (/f1mm)

====================

I may be wrong, but I don't think it's been released.

Which could account for some of the base's unwillingness to believe House leadership.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:22 AM (mC1ZI)
why can't the vote on phase three 1st......like star wars?

Posted by: phoenixgirl..spring training at March 24, 2017 10:28 AM (0O7c5)

255 The number is 42.

Yeah, but then the whole thing would capsize.

Like Guam.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 10:28 AM (B+qrE)

256 236 Can someone tell me how no computers in check on but only in bags under the plane can stop it from exploding? What's the point?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 24, 2017 10:25 AM (KlI/a)

Because shut up and please step to this side of the line for a brief inspection, Mrs. Elderly White Woman in a Wheelchair

Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:28 AM (/f1mm)

257 Can someone link to the Phase III legislation, please? I'd like to read it.
Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (/f1mm)

Phase 1: Reaffirrm and Relabel Obamacare
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit

Don't worry, you'll hear much more about Phase 2 and 3 in forthcoming fundraising letters in the form of, "Donate now so we can finish the important work we started together".

Posted by: Damiano at March 24, 2017 10:28 AM (n3oGs)

258 You know what else has phases?

Del Boca Vista condominiums.

Posted by: Muldoon at March 24, 2017 10:28 AM (wPiJc)

259
Duke's/Hellmann's

Geeze, I feel queasy just typing 'Hellmann's'

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at March 24, 2017 10:28 AM (ZO497)

260 >>yeah but yoos got nice beaches and restaurants and a decent Navy base

All true. When are you coming this way again?

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:29 AM (/tuJf)

261 251 >>How many conservatives would it take to suddenly move into Rhode Island and turn it deep red?

>>20? 30?

The number is 42.
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:27 AM (/tuJf)

==================

A reference!

I got that reference!

It's sort of like an in joke except that millions of people get it instead of a small group of good friends.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:29 AM (mC1ZI)

262 That Larsson Painting has a pretty intriguing subtext. See that picture directly behind the pretty woman's head? That's "Malle Babbe" by Frans Hals. I'm thinking that Larsson had mixed feelings about his model and he chose to express them in a very subtle, perhaps even passive-aggressive fashion.

http://www.artble.com/artists/frans_hals/paintings/malle_babbe

Posted by: Papa Rod at March 24, 2017 10:29 AM (EEAs2)

263 All true. When are you coming this way again?
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:29 AM (/tuJf)

I hope soon, but my present Duties take me to DC and Portsmouth VA mostly

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 24, 2017 10:29 AM (KlI/a)

264 Set your phasers on "3".

Posted by: Paul "Tiberius" Ryan at March 24, 2017 10:29 AM (wPiJc)

265 258
You know what else has phases?

Del Boca Vista condominiums.

Posted by: Muldoon at March 24, 2017 10:28 AM (wPiJc)

You owe me a keyboard.

Posted by: Tami at March 24, 2017 10:30 AM (Enq6K)

266 the mother? is giving us the eye, (shh i'mtrying to put the baby down for a nap)

re terrorists in UK France, illegals here raping and etc. in another universe I would think this is aiding and abetting, why is it not?

from the media to our presidents and legislators?

Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:30 AM (R7cwD)

267 At this point Ryan is just trying to save phase.

Posted by: Paul at March 24, 2017 10:30 AM (wPiJc)

268 Nobody has Dukes in western NY.

I make do with Hellmans.

But not that new, "organic", egg-free Hellmans. That's just wrong.

Posted by: WhatWhatWhat? at March 24, 2017 10:30 AM (ul9CR)

269 Longbows>Crossbows

Ginger

.45 v 9mm

Carrots in chili.

The Reuben
The War Of Northern Aggression

Nope. It was "female orgasm" that shut everybody up.
Works every time.

Posted by: Stringer Davis at March 24, 2017 10:31 AM (H5rtT)

270 229 Today is National Cheesesteak Day. Celebrate responsibly.
Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 09:51 AM (ZFUt7)

Friday in Lent. Genius at work.
Posted by: SandyCheeks

Now made with fish!
Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:23 AM (eauMe)

Chickie's & Pete's serves lobster cheese steak.

Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 10:31 AM (7HtZB)

271 /leaky rowboat sock off

Posted by: Muldoon at March 24, 2017 10:31 AM (wPiJc)

272 I'm not hearing anything new from Nunes but I missed the first part. Anyone else hear anything new?

Posted by: Tami at March 24, 2017 10:31 AM (Enq6K)

273 >>I hope soon, but my present Duties take me to DC and Portsmouth VA mostly

Well let me know. If you like seafood, I'll take you to a restaurant that will make CBD weep with envy.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:31 AM (/tuJf)

274
There's no getting around this one. We have some of the worst politicians in the country. Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:25 AM (/tuJf)
=====

I'm from Illinois.

Posted by: mustbequantum at March 24, 2017 10:31 AM (MIKMs)

275 Star Wars episode II sucks more then episode I!!!

Posted by: Independent George at March 24, 2017 10:32 AM (BDZWU)

276 'Morning, Horde. Beautuful picture, CBD. How is Larsson not famous?

Totally OT...does anyone know anythkng about leghold traps? Think my momma cat got caught in one. Big puncture wound on the outside of her leg.

Posted by: creeper, the unfortunate at March 24, 2017 10:32 AM (uh5kC)

277 Is math ever important?
*prepares crossbow for hidden mathematicians in the Horde*
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM

Assume n hidden mathematicians in the Horde, where n > 1.

You fire your crossbow. There is a 0.76552397 percent probability you hit a hidden mathematician, because they're hidden.

Therefore, it is probably you are now hit with n arrows. Should you have gotten lucky, and hit one of the Hidden Horde Mathematicians, you will now be hit with n - 1 arrows.

I can't rightly remember whether there are n or n - 1 Hidden Horde Mathematicians, so you need to ask yourself "Is math ever important?"

Well, is it?

Posted by: Duncanthrax at March 24, 2017 10:32 AM (DMUuz)

278 Posted by: alexthechick - rrraaawwwrrr at March 24, 2017 10:24 AM (mf5HN)

*stands up and applauds*

Posted by: Damiano at March 24, 2017 10:32 AM (n3oGs)

279 RE: Congratulations. You threw away the movie just before the weapons-grade industrial-strength badassery started.

Well, illtempereddoggie, you have an apt name. I guess my being a chick who likes guns and alpha males isn't trumped by my being a chick who loves dogs and can't stand the gratuitous doggie murder. Why couldn't they have just knocked off the wife? Wouldn't that suffice to unleash the badassery?

Posted by: squeakywheel at March 24, 2017 10:33 AM (dzorZ)

280
Well let me know. If you like seafood, I'll take you to a restaurant that will make CBD weep with envy.
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:31 AM (/tuJf)

Will do

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 24, 2017 10:33 AM (KlI/a)

281 I will gladly repay you Tuesday for a shitburger today.

Posted by: Paul "Wimpy" Ryan at March 24, 2017 10:33 AM (97XyN)

282 I'm from Illinois.

Posted by: mustbequantum at March 24, 2017 10:31 AM (MIKMs)
-------------

The state where former governors frequently wind up in the hoosegow.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 10:33 AM (sBOL1)

283 Chickie's & Pete's serves lobster cheese steak.

Weirdly, that sounds good actually.

Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:33 AM (eauMe)

284 Nunes going weak kneed. Par for this Fvcking course.

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 10:33 AM (57R5r)

285 *is* trumped. Typing too fast.

Posted by: squeakywheel at March 24, 2017 10:33 AM (dzorZ)

286 Can't believe Trump is letting Ryan make him a lame duck not even half-way into his first year. I suspect that every Trump promise will turn into a complete sellout like Rynocare. Or completely fail. Like Rynocare.

Posted by: gm at March 24, 2017 10:34 AM (K0tm3)

287 I know the (R)s are making sure lottery winners are going to be made ineligible for Obamacare's extended welfare benefits beginning in 2022 or so, but I'd like to read the rest, too.
------------

Is there an Octomom carve-out?

Posted by: Cosmetic surgeon at March 24, 2017 10:34 AM (ZO497)

288 Is math ever important?

*prepares crossbow for hidden mathematicians in the Horde*
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:21 AM (mC1ZI)

As a math and public policy major, I can mathematically prove it is not.

Math is super important in reality. (You need an apple to live. You have 0 apples. You do not live.)

We clearly live in a world where reality no longer matter. (You need an apple to live. Steal Bob's three apples. Call Bob a racist and throw him jail.)

Therefor, math does not matter.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

*slowly backs away from crossbow*

I unfortunately have have work to do for the first time in a while, have a good one horde and try not to go too stir crazy over the kabuki today.

Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 10:34 AM (72PAC)

289 Damiano, what's your plan with working with less than 60 votes? What alternative would pass for real, and please don't cite some fake legislation that was passed as a gimmick with the knowledge it would be vetoed.

Posted by: Max Power at March 24, 2017 10:34 AM (QCc6B)

290 284
Nunes going weak kneed. Par for this Fvcking course.

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 10:33 AM (57R5r)

was this a case of pme?

Posted by: phoenixgirl..spring training at March 24, 2017 10:35 AM (0O7c5)

291
Nunes asking for more whistleblowers to come forward.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 10:35 AM (ZFUt7)

292 Why couldn't they have just knocked off the wife? Wouldn't that suffice to unleash the badassery?

Nah. You can always get another wife.
Hell, I got two ex's you could knock off and I wouldn't shed a tear.

Touch my dog........

Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:36 AM (eauMe)

293 alex I have thought many of the bills prepared by congressional underlings have not even been read before they are passed.
someone like Pelosi or reid etc just go around promising some graft if you pass it.

am I in error and cynical or is that reality? lol

Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:36 AM (R7cwD)

294 290
His vaguery seems to indicate yes.

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 10:36 AM (57R5r)

295 Why do we need 60 votes....?

Leadership involves questioning assumptions, doesn't it?

Posted by: VA GOP Sucks at March 24, 2017 10:36 AM (3WL0y)

296 Nunes just said "....as we move into phase 2 of this situation".

Phases....the new DC buzzword.

Posted by: Tami at March 24, 2017 10:37 AM (Enq6K)

297 Looks like Rockville wasn't a rape-rape. Time to move on folks.

Posted by: Whooping Cough Goldberg at March 24, 2017 10:37 AM (qYCgM)

298 Think my momma cat got caught in one. Big puncture wound on the outside of her leg.
Posted by: creeper, the unfortunate at March 24, 2017 10:32 AM (uh5kC)
___________________________________

Trapped as a kid, when you could still make decent money in it.
Most leg holds on small legged mammals tent to break the leg, not puncture. They're designed for larger and more "muscular" animals.
Cats are good about getting abscesses from fights. Dirty claws + puncture wounds = yuck!
Good luck and hoping the kitty can get well!

Posted by: IP at March 24, 2017 10:37 AM (hUtue)

299 Nobody has Dukes in western NY.

I make do with Hellmans.

But not that new, "organic", egg-free Hellmans. That's just wrong.
Posted by: WhatWhatWhat?
-----------

*ponders emergency airdrop of mayonnaise into W. NY*

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at March 24, 2017 10:37 AM (ZO497)

300 CSPAN says vote on Ryanscare "expected this afternoon".

Posted by: Meremortal at March 24, 2017 10:37 AM (3myMJ)

301
Nunes;
Asking Comey and Rodgers to come back in.

So it begins.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 10:37 AM (ZFUt7)

302 anyone else sick of being tired?

it's like being older has jumped me from behind and won't let me get back up.

Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:37 AM (R7cwD)

303 Packed up the car and made it to the end of the driveway where I remembered who the girl in the painting looks like.... The psychopath from season 4 of The Walking Dead who had to be put down after killing her little sister.

That actually would have bothered me and ruined my vacation. Later Rons and Ettes.

Posted by: Blake Lively's Racist Booty at March 24, 2017 10:37 AM (2qHjF)

304 AtC @ 233...

Thunderous applause.

Posted by: creeper, the unfortunate at March 24, 2017 10:38 AM (uh5kC)

305 She's got eyebrows 'til Tuesday!

Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 09:27 AM

Exactly....

Posted by: Wednesday Aadams at March 24, 2017 10:38 AM (p+Wdc)

306 Duke's/Hellmann's

Cain's.

And Morticia > Lily.

And the way I feel right now, the best day of the week is the last one.

Ziegfeld Girl Sue Conroy:

http://tinyurl.com/zc6gegl

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 24, 2017 10:38 AM (X6fMO)

307 Nobody has Dukes in western NY.

I make do with Hellmans.

Amazon ships it.

Posted by: rickb223 at March 24, 2017 10:38 AM (eauMe)

308 Morning Horde.

Math is 2x more important than a decade ago.

Great picture! Kid's going to grow up to be a 'ron for sure.

Go Zags!

Posted by: Diogenes at March 24, 2017 10:38 AM (0tfLf)

309 275 Star Wars episode II sucks more then episode I!!!
Posted by: Independent George at March 24, 2017 10:32 AM (BDZWU)

If we're looking at the two movies independently in a vacuum (without the context of the OT), you're correct. But Ep 1 was a worse Star Wars movie because it actively brings down the rest of the saga.

The worst parts of the prequel trilogy: midiclorians undermining the mystical nature of the Force and Jar Jar Binks as a comic relief character were present almost entirely in Ep 1. The worst part of Ep2, Anakin and Padme's relationship, is made worse by the information you know from Ep1, specifically the fact Padme was a teenager and knew Anakin when he was 10, and she still fell in love with him. Compound that with the fact that because all the best characters in Ep1 die at the end anyway (Qui Gon and Darth Maul), and the main characters are introduced again in Ep 2 with drastically different personalities (Obi Wan and Anakin), the series is actually improved by just ignoring Ep 1 in it's entirety.

Posted by: joe, living dangerously at March 24, 2017 10:39 AM (KUaJL)

310 Touch my dog........
Posted by: rickb223

I won

Posted by: B.Obama at March 24, 2017 10:39 AM (FZYNt)

311 The Constitution doesn't require 60 votes in the senate. The GOP does. You can be sure that the next time the Democrats need there to not be a 60 vote requirement, there won't be one.

Posted by: gm at March 24, 2017 10:39 AM (K0tm3)

312 >>> We clearly live in a world where reality no longer matter. (You need an apple to live. Steal Bob's three apples. Call Bob a racist and throw him jail.)
.......

Next you'll insist that if I have zero dollars, want to spend a trillion dollars, but only spend a half a billion, I did not save half a billion dollars which I can now spend on something else.

Posted by: Damiano at March 24, 2017 10:39 AM (n3oGs)

313
Asking them to come back in voluntarily. Closed session.

Not gonna hold my breath on that one.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 10:39 AM (ZFUt7)

314 279 Well, illtempereddoggie, you have an apt name. I guess my being a chick who likes guns and alpha males isn't trumped by my being a chick who loves dogs and can't stand the gratuitous doggie murder. Why couldn't they have just knocked off the wife? Wouldn't that suffice to unleash the badassery?

Posted by: squeakywheel at March 24, 2017 10:33 AM (dzorZ)

===================

I haven't seen the movie and I know it's a long revenge flick because the dog died.

You get some retribution on the guys who did it.

All while knowing that no dog was actually harmed while making the film.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:40 AM (mC1ZI)

315 I can't spend much time here today, but I would urge everyone to read Sundance's entry at Conservative Treehouse called 'Healthcare?Vote" just three articles from the top of the page.

It goes into detail as to why ObamaCare has to be dismantled in the way Ryan has set up this bill, it also uses very strong language in ripping the Freedom Caucus(author accuses all of being Never Trumpers originally) in being so obstinate and is a good educational , yet easy read into details of why this needs to be done this way.

Remember, the Democrats planned and wrote this bill for years, setting bombs in it and making it very difficult to dismantle without totally wrecking a lot of important institutions along the way.

https://theconservativetreehouse.com/

Posted by: Jen at March 24, 2017 10:40 AM (9z842)

316 "Rhode Island has Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse!
Posted by: Kodos the Executioner

The Rhode Island reds."

RI Red decamped to Gilligan's Isle, aka New Hampshire.

*First cut-and-paste. Hoping The Barrel is not awaiting*

Posted by: RI Red at March 24, 2017 10:40 AM (xMAUf)

317 She's got eyebrows 'til Tuesday!
Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 09:27 AM

Shag, baby!

Posted by: Austin Powers at March 24, 2017 10:40 AM (DMUuz)

318
Pres. Trump says Paul Ryno should stay on as Speaker even if the health bill fails. I was hoping if it failed it would be a weight to put around Ryno's neck to sink him

Posted by: TheQuietMan at March 24, 2017 10:41 AM (493sH)

319 FBN:

Video of Trump on the keystone pipeline...asked by press if the HC bill fails will paul ryan stay on as speaker? Trump replied, yes.

Posted by: Tami at March 24, 2017 10:41 AM (Enq6K)

320 Hand in glove is like Dick in cooter right Ed Henry?

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 10:41 AM (57R5r)

321
alex I have thought many of the bills prepared by congressional underlings have not even been read before they are passed.
someone like Pelosi or reid etc just go around promising some graft if you pass it. am I in error and cynical or is that reality? lol Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:36 AM (R7cwD)
=====

Watch Feinstein be embarrassed by the poor job her staffers did in researching Gorsuch opinions.

Posted by: mustbequantum at March 24, 2017 10:41 AM (MIKMs)

322 Nunes is a silly punk bitch.

Posted by: Kreplach at March 24, 2017 10:42 AM (Gh/jd)

323
Some reporter just asked Trump if Ryan would still be Speaker if vote fails.

Where do they get these idiots?

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at March 24, 2017 10:42 AM (ZFUt7)

324 309 Compound that with the fact that because all the best characters in Ep1 die at the end anyway (Qui Gon and Darth Maul),
Posted by: joe, living dangerously at March 24, 2017 10:39 AM (KUaJL)

=====================

Objection:

Darth Maul was not a character.

He was a visual designed to sell toys.

You may continue.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:42 AM (mC1ZI)

325 304 AtC @ 233...

Thunderous applause.

*******

It's how we got sequestration. It was written as a joke because the authors figured nobody in their right minds would be so stupid as to pass it.
The damage has been tremendous.

Posted by: Diogenes at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (0tfLf)

326 319 FBN:

Video of Trump on the keystone pipeline...asked by press if the HC bill fails will paul ryan stay on as speaker? Trump replied, yes.
Posted by: Tami at March 24, 2017 10:41 AM (Enq6K)

===================

I suppose Ryan has told him this, because Trump has no say.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (mC1ZI)

327 "It goes into detail as to why ObamaCare has to be dismantled in the way
Ryan has set up this bill, it also uses very strong language in ripping
the Freedom Caucus(author accuses all of being Never Trumpers
originally) in being so obstinate and is a good educational , yet easy
read into details of why this needs to be done this way"

I wouldn't call Louis Gohmert a 'Never Trumper"....quite the opposite.

Posted by: Tami at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (Enq6K)

328 Objection:

Darth Maul was not a character.

He was a visual designed to sell toys.

You may continue.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:42 AM (mC1ZI)

I concede the point.

Posted by: joe, living dangerously at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (KUaJL)

329 The Constitution doesn't require 60 votes in the senate. The GOP does. You can be sure that the next time the Democrats need there to not be a 60 vote requirement, there won't be one.
Posted by: gm at March 24, 2017 10:39 AM (K0tm3)

The Constitution has nothing to do with it. It is a Senate Rule.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (KlI/a)

330 mustbequantum , well you know feinsten must have her nap times, much like Ginsburg.
we just pay them to find the best deals for their personal nest eggs.

Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (R7cwD)

331 Everything after Return of the Jedi He was a visual designed to sell toys.

FTFY

Posted by: IP at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (hUtue)

332 Objection:

Darth Maul was not a character.

He was a visual designed to sell toys.

You may continue.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison

thanks for that clarification

Posted by: Senator Jar-Jar at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (FZYNt)

333 Why couldn't they have just knocked off the wife? Wouldn't that suffice to unleash the badassery?

---------

His wife died earlier, before the unpleasantness at the gas station that started it all. Wick got his dog as a dying gift from her.

Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (7HtZB)

334 Moron banhammer avoidance learned behavior

http://cheezburger.com/9019766528

due to unavailable technology #HTML5twoweeks

http://cheezburger.com/9019765760

Posted by: DaveA at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (FhXTo)

335 Nunes just said he's dragging Comey and Rogers back into committee next week. Said it will be closed meeting because open meeting would worthless.

Posted by: WisRich at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (hdpay)

336 it's like being older has jumped me from behind and won't let me get back up.

Phrasing!

Posted by: Insomniac - sin valor at March 24, 2017 10:44 AM (0mRoj)

337 >>The Constitution doesn't require 60 votes in the senate. The GOP does. You can be sure that the next time the Democrats need there to not be a 60 vote requirement, there won't be one.

The filibuster is sort of a red herring. The Republicans have 52 votes so their margin is 2. As Trump said the other night no matter what the Republicans offered they aren't getting any Democrat votes.

But it is a mistake to think that just because they have 52 they will all vote in lockstep anymore than they are in the House. There is an equally diverse group in the Senate ranging from the Collins Murkowski wing to the Cruz Lee wing. You still have to come up with legislation that all of them will support or at least 50.

So forget the filibuster, it's being used to often as an excuse. Show me a bill that will get 50 Republican votes in the Senate.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:44 AM (/tuJf)

338 I'll take you to a restaurant that will make CBD weep with envy.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:31 AM (/tuJf)

CBD lives in a fvcking restaurant wasteland. I have to go to NYC for good food.

And my little town is "famous" for its restaurants.

Don't get me started! Damned soccer moms care only that they don't have to do the dishes. That is the measure of a good restaurant meal.

See? You got me started!

Bastard.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 24, 2017 10:44 AM (rF0hx)

339 325 AtC @ 233...

Thunderous applause.

*******

It's how we got sequestration. It was written as a joke because the authors figured nobody in their right minds would be so stupid as to pass it.
The damage has been tremendous.
Posted by: Diogenes at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (0tfLf)

====================

Can we get some low level staffer of a Republican to insert a provision somewhere in some bill guaranteed to pass that makes tax withholding by a company for its employees illegal?

That could be fun.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:44 AM (mC1ZI)

340 I bet Andrew Wyeth was inspired by Larsson. Similar muted, scrubby colors. I see the Rockwell connection too.

Posted by: JoeF. at March 24, 2017 10:44 AM (7uYFy)

341
Watch Feinstein be embarrassed by the poor job her staffers did in researching Gorsuch opinions.

Posted by: mustbequantum at March 24, 2017 10:41 AM (MIKMs)

That was a thing of beauty.

Posted by: Infidel at March 24, 2017 10:44 AM (uKRys)

342 328
I concede the point.
Posted by: joe, living dangerously at March 24, 2017 10:43 AM (KUaJL)

=================

That's not how we do things around here...

I'm now both scared and confused.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:45 AM (mC1ZI)

343 Kate at Small Dead Animals links to a rather disturbing article about the private animal rescues in this country.

The problem is rescues and shelters have run out of product. The only abandoned dogs in the US tend to be pit bull mixes. So they're importing dogs from Third World countries - there are actual pipelines with dogs from Mexico and Korea going to California and dogs from as far away as Turkey and Aruba ending up on the East Coast. Many end up in shelters in the south before being shipped up north so if you ask the worker where the dog is from, he or she will say "from an overcrowded shelter in Tennessee" rather than "from Turkey." And a lot of those dogs are diseased, with distemper, heartworm, rabies and mange, which gets spread to domestic dogs.

Rescues have also been involved in stealing pets and reselling them in shelters which are sometimes hundreds of miles away.

Wise County Texas has reported dozens of lost pets. A dog "lost" in Arizona turned up in a shelter in Wisconsin. A dog "lost" in Iowa was resold in Kansas City.

Supply and demand. It seems unscrupulous people have figured out that there are big bucks to be made here and so are exploiting the compassion of dog lovers for their own ends.

Posted by: Donna and V. (sans ampersands at the present time) at March 24, 2017 10:45 AM (s7vJs)

344 317 She's got eyebrows 'til Tuesday!
Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 09:27 AM

That's when she has her salon appointment.

Posted by: Insomniac - sin valor at March 24, 2017 10:45 AM (0mRoj)

345 Video of Trump on the keystone pipeline...asked by
press if the HC bill fails will paul ryan stay on as speaker? Trump
replied, yes. Posted by: Tami at March 24, 2017 10:41 AM (Enq6K)
=====

President Trump does not select the Speaker. He is exactly correct.

Posted by: mustbequantum at March 24, 2017 10:46 AM (MIKMs)

346 Is this phase one of lumpy gravy?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at March 24, 2017 10:46 AM (IqV8l)

347 insomniac, bah phrasing, that would require me to parse my comment ten ways before typing, I just cannot hold a thought that long ,. haha really!

Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:46 AM (R7cwD)

348 337 The filibuster is sort of a red herring. The Republicans have 52 votes so their margin is 2. As Trump said the other night no matter what the Republicans offered they aren't getting any Democrat votes.

But it is a mistake to think that just because they have 52 they will all vote in lockstep anymore than they are in the House. There is an equally diverse group in the Senate ranging from the Collins Murkowski wing to the Cruz Lee wing. You still have to come up with legislation that all of them will support or at least 50.

So forget the filibuster, it's being used to often as an excuse. Show me a bill that will get 50 Republican votes in the Senate.
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:44 AM (/tuJf)

=================

See, I don't buy this argument very well, because McConnell can be fairly ruthless when he wants to be.

If McConnell wanted the bill passed, he knows how to apply pressure and could keep 50 votes for the bill in place.

But that's predicated on the idea that McConnell would want the bill passed.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:46 AM (mC1ZI)

349 it's like being older has jumped me from behind and won't let me get back up.
Posted by: willow
---------

Aging is an insidious thing.

One day you look in the mirror and ask yourself, "When in the hell did that happen?"

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at March 24, 2017 10:47 AM (ZO497)

350 MOAR EXTREME ENRAGED SCREAMING

Posted by: the guy who likes extreme enraged screaming at March 24, 2017 10:47 AM (KgpWR)

351 The shit necked manatee Rove is dissing the Freedom Caucus now on FNC.

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 10:47 AM (57R5r)

352 That's not how we do things around here...

I'm now both scared and confused.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:45 AM (mC1ZI)

Be careful. That's the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to Suffering.

Posted by: joe, living dangerously at March 24, 2017 10:47 AM (KUaJL)

353 One day you look in the mirror and ask yourself, "When in the hell did that happen?"

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at March 24, 2017 10:47 AM (ZO497)
----------

Been there.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 10:47 AM (sBOL1)

354 IP @ 298

The leg is not broken but you're dead on about infection. This is a tiny cat...8 lbs. Skinny bones may have saved her. No corresponding injury on the back side of the leg so I figure it was caught in the V of the opposite jaw. Do critters ever get out of traps by themselves?

Posted by: creeper, the unfortunate at March 24, 2017 10:47 AM (uh5kC)

355 347 insomniac, bah phrasing, that would require me to parse my comment ten ways before typing, I just cannot hold a thought that long ,. haha really!
Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:46 AM (R7cwD)

You have either the tremendous fortune or tremendous misfortune of being among folks who are both quick-witted and lewd.

Posted by: Insomniac - sin valor at March 24, 2017 10:47 AM (0mRoj)

356 >>See? You got me started!

>>Bastard.

Well you can come along. If you're good, we can go out for coffee milk ice cream for dessert but any acting up and you get nothing!

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:47 AM (/tuJf)

357 She's got eyebrows 'til Tuesday!
Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 09:27 AM

That's when she has her salon appointment.
Posted by: Insomniac
------------

They are tattoos.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at March 24, 2017 10:48 AM (ZO497)

358 Are we really going to have a Star Wars discussion the moment I have to leave?

Ok fine, very quick hits.

All the prequels suck. Ep. II is (surprisingly) by far a worse movie than I. However, as mentioned above, in terms of damage to Star Wars as a whole, Ep. I is far worse.

Ep. I also can be entirely ignored for the reasons mentioned above and should have just been skipped. Darth Maul, as TJM so correctly pointed out, is not a character and I can't stand when he is mentioned as one. He is a toy selling ballerina with a fancy gadget. That's it.

The novelization of Ep. III by Matt Stover is actually fantastic. The movie still sucks.

And for all the prequels utter blasphemy and horridness, ep 7 is still worse.

I'm out for real this time.

Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 10:48 AM (72PAC)

359 352
Be careful. That's the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to Suffering.
Posted by: joe, living dangerously at March 24, 2017 10:47 AM (KUaJL)

===================

"Be completely emotionless and suppress all feeling while we sit in our literal ivory tower and dictate to the galaxy how to live their lives."

-Holy shit...the jedi really WERE the bad guys!

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:48 AM (mC1ZI)

360 The shit necked manatee Rove is dissing the Freedom Caucus now on FNC.
----
In other words a Day ending with a Y

Posted by: EVLINC! at March 24, 2017 10:49 AM (y3aQB)

361 Sorry for the length of this, which was meant for the "Morning Report," but took too long.

We're going to see a series of "limited-modified-hangouts" on the
"wiretapped" business. If the narrative continues to unravel the one
they hope to be the final admission will be that there was interception
of some of the Trump transition team communications and it was "
incidental" and the unmasking was the only crime and it was done by some
mid-level people at most.

What is important to keep hidden and
only allowed to be considered at all as a crazy conspiracy theory is
that some political people in the intelligence agencies have been
collecting material on everyone of importance and using it as blackmail
to get compliance when needed to advance the Progressive agenda.

Since
the rise of all-digital everything and now with the Utah collection
database of everything-digital which can be searched, we're all subject
to blackmail if we get important enough to be useful. Information is
power and that database is THE honeypot to all the power seeking flies
that are addicted to controlling all others. Thinking that they wouldn't
find a way to drink at that well is the real crazy, wishful, belief
system.

This is not new, as there has always been available, to
various intelligence/investigative agencies, pots of information that
could be used to control politicians and others in powerful positions.
It's just that in the past the pot was limited and perhaps we had people
of better character both the politicians and in the intelligence
agencies. Or at least people who had freedom and prosperity for
Americans as their guide-star.

Community organizing is just a
nice name for gaining power and money by blackmail and extortion. BAMN
came to Washington and the inexplicable actions of people there have
gone hyperbolic with it. Is this the only way to control politicians? No
money and voters have a say too but when the chips are down blackmail
usually wins out now.

Actions, real actions, not kabuki theater
ones, are the only thing I have to judge politicians on anymore. Unless
their words align with their actions their words are useless as a guide
or predictor of what they will do in the future.

Posted by: geoffb5 at March 24, 2017 10:49 AM (d3wbb)

362 The shit necked manatee Rove is dissing the Freedom Caucus now on FNC.
Posted by: Under Fire
----------

That shit is pissing me off.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at March 24, 2017 10:49 AM (ZO497)

363 -Holy shit...the jedi really WERE the bad guys!
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:48 AM (mC1ZI)

There is an argument for that.

Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale at March 24, 2017 10:49 AM (Om16U)

364 The novelization of Ep. III by Matt Stover is actually fantastic.

------

James Luceno's novels before & after that one make for an excellent trilogy.

Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 10:49 AM (7HtZB)

365 358
The novelization of Ep. III by Matt Stover is actually fantastic. The movie still sucks.

And for all the prequels utter blasphemy and horridness, ep 7 is still worse.

I'm out for real this time.
Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 10:48 AM (72PAC)

===================

I foolishly defended Episode 1 for years, until I actually watched it again about 10 years after its release and I realized how much of a shit show it really was.

I still defend 3. I think it's solid, entertaining, and with enough of an emotional effect to justify itself.

It's still poorly acted and stiffly directed, but there's a lot of other good stuff going on.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:50 AM (mC1ZI)

366 any acting up and you get nothing!

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:47 AM (/tuJf)

Okay...I laughed.

But...is there room enough to turn around in RI, or do you have to go through to Massachusetts and then hang a U-turn?

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 24, 2017 10:50 AM (rF0hx)

367 Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at March 24, 2017 10:48 AM (72PAC)

===================

I foolishly defended Episode 1 for years, until I actually watched it again about 10 years after its release and I realized how much of a shit show it really was.

I still defend 3. I think it's solid, entertaining, and with enough of an emotional effect to justify itself.

It's still poorly acted and stiffly directed, but there's a lot of other good stuff going on.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:50 AM (mC1ZI)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Posted by: Insomniac - sin valor at March 24, 2017 10:50 AM (0mRoj)

368 President Trump does not select the Speaker. He is exactly correct.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 24, 2017 10:46 AM (MIKMs)

True, but he could have said that's not up to me to decide, which leaves it open. But he didn't do that, it's clear he is behind Ryan at this point, which is very disappointing.

Posted by: spypeach at March 24, 2017 10:50 AM (u/r83)

369 364 The novelization of Ep. III by Matt Stover is actually fantastic.

------

James Luceno's novels before & after that one make for an excellent trilogy.
Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 10:49 AM (7HtZB)

======================

I always loved the Timothy Zahn books.

I might decide to revisit them at some point just to see if I still think so.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:51 AM (mC1ZI)

370 I think perhaps Carlsson's wife has her puppies strapped down in this drawing, as I'm guessing she could also be the model for his "Outdoor Studio".

http://bit.ly/2mYAyKY

I disagree quite a lot about the Andrew Wyeth comparison. Carlsson paints shapes and colors them in. Wyeth built shapes from painstakingly tiny lines and splatters.

There's a superficial similarity to N.C. Wyeth, but I think that's just that they were roughly contemporaries.

Posted by: Bandersnatch, gentleman cad at March 24, 2017 10:51 AM (gIRsn)

371 Mike Hammer, I cannot decide if it's passing the 29 mark (HA) (yes I said it!) or Knowing I have, anyway I do now feel the best of life has passed me by now.
I should have a midlife crisis but i'm too tired .

Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:51 AM (R7cwD)

372 JackStraw, that seafood restaurant wouldn't perhaps be Hemenways? If so, I'll met you guys at the bar. After a 4 hour drive.

Posted by: RI Red at March 24, 2017 10:51 AM (xMAUf)

373 367
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Posted by: Insomniac - sin valor at March 24, 2017 10:50 AM (0mRoj)

====================

Bad moment in an otherwise good film.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:51 AM (mC1ZI)

374 Darth Maul was not a character.

He was a visual designed to sell toys.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:42 AM (mC1ZI)

Yet he was the best character in the movie.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 24, 2017 10:51 AM (rF0hx)

375 if I had video editing skills, I'd do a "Godfather II" cut of Jedi & the prequels. Cut out the crap & weave the four together into a prequel/sequel, the way that Godfather II was both a prequel & a sequel to The Godfather.

Posted by: josephistan at March 24, 2017 10:52 AM (7HtZB)

376 >>But...is there room enough to turn around in RI, or do you have to go through to Massachusetts and then hang a U-turn?

Well I guess you didn't want ice cream, did you?

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:52 AM (/tuJf)

377 374 Darth Maul was not a character.

He was a visual designed to sell toys.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:42 AM (mC1ZI)

Yet he was the best character in the movie.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 24, 2017 10:51 AM (rF0hx)

================

Funny because it's true.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:52 AM (mC1ZI)

378 http://www.artble.com/artists/frans_hals/paintings/malle_babbe
Posted by: Papa Rod at March 24, 2017 10:29 AM (EEAs2)

fascinating, thank you!

Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale at March 24, 2017 10:52 AM (Om16U)

379 Creeper, not many escape. Those that do often lose the limb in the process of two jaws slamming shut at considerable force.
(I haven't seen the V-jawed traps in forever, most are flat jaws or wire snare.)
I won't say it couldn't happen, but I wouldn't suspect it above a Cat/dog/Possum/ critter fight

Posted by: IP at March 24, 2017 10:52 AM (hUtue)

380 insomniac I've seen signs stating eyebrow threading and wondered first, what is it? and why?

Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:52 AM (R7cwD)

381 I should have a midlife crisis but i'm too tired .
Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:51 AM (R7cwD)
----------

*fistbump*

Hey, what happened to your new nic, you thieving chica?

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 10:52 AM (sBOL1)

382 Heh. Shit necked manatee.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at March 24, 2017 10:52 AM (S7y6x)

383 WTF is actually in a fish taco?

Step into my office.

Posted by: Madam Cankles at March 24, 2017 10:53 AM (QM5S2)

384 374 Darth Maul was not a character.

He was a visual designed to sell toys.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:42 AM (mC1ZI)

Yet he was the best character in the movie.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 24, 2017 10:51 AM (rF0hx)

I found it unbelievable for Obi-Wan to have defeated him. Darth Maul clearly would have beat his ass if not for plot armor.

Posted by: Insomniac - sin valor at March 24, 2017 10:53 AM (0mRoj)

385 293 alex I have thought many of the bills prepared by congressional underlings have not even been read before they are passed.
someone like Pelosi or reid etc just go around promising some graft if you pass it.

am I in error and cynical or is that reality? lol
Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:36 AM (R7cwD)

Close.

Bills are prepared by lobbyists and similar unelected groups. Congressional underlings get together with said 3rd parties and figure out what to title the bill so it can sound like something people want and check off campaign promises.

From there it goes to Committee who has not read it but was assured by their staff that the title checks a sufficient amount of boxes. The Committee, followed by several other processes serve to add random shit to the bill that has absolutely nothing to do with it to buy the required votes. This is also done by congressional underlings while the congress critters go on TV and make a fuss about not voting for it, leaving out that the price of their vote is turtle bridges, cowboy poetry, or whatever else their staff told them their biggest donor wants. Representatives from the opposing party meet and discuss whether lock step opposition for the sake of keeping up appearances outweighs the missed opportunity at the trough and reviews this strategy with their largest donors. Well, their staff does this while they go to cocktail parties and fact finding missions at exclusive resorts.

Eventually, the Bill to Do Stuff for the Benefit of the American People, Especially Woman, Children, and LGBT People (but actually contains a laundry list of graft and new taxes that are not ever called taxes) comes up for a vote. The elected officials confer with leadership and their staff to see if their graft got it. Then they push a button and go for drinks to celebrate while their staff sends out fundraising letters about how they did something.

Posted by: Damiano at March 24, 2017 10:53 AM (n3oGs)

386 Well I guess you didn't want ice cream, did you?
Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:52 AM (/tuJf)
-------------

I'll take it, thanks.

Posted by: bluebell at March 24, 2017 10:53 AM (sBOL1)

387 384 I found it unbelievable for Obi-Wan to have defeated him. Darth Maul clearly would have beat his ass if not for plot armor.
Posted by: Insomniac - sin valor at March 24, 2017 10:53 AM (0mRoj)

===================

Plot Armor.

I like that. I may use it in a future movie thread...

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:53 AM (mC1ZI)

388 Yet he was the best character in the movie.

Definitely the best acting performance.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 24, 2017 10:53 AM (B+qrE)

389 I found it unbelievable for Obi-Wan to have defeated him. Darth Maul clearly would have beat his ass if not for plot armor.
Posted by: Insomniac - sin valor

Han shot first

Posted by: Rick in SK at March 24, 2017 10:54 AM (FZYNt)

390 Fear leads to Anger, Anger leads to Hate, Hate leads to Me Whuppin' Yo' Punk Ass.

--Proverbs of Cavil

Posted by: Brother Cavil, keeper of the Deplorable Unicode Character at March 24, 2017 10:54 AM (9krrF)

391 385 Eventually, the Bill to Do Stuff for the Benefit of the American People, Especially Woman, Children, and LGBT People (but actually contains a laundry list of graft and new taxes that are not ever called taxes) comes up for a vote. The elected officials confer with leadership and their staff to see if their graft got it. Then they push a button and go for drinks to celebrate while their staff sends out fundraising letters about how they did something.
Posted by: Damiano at March 24, 2017 10:53 AM (n3oGs)

====================

It's ultimately our fault for putting up with it.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:54 AM (mC1ZI)

392 >>JackStraw, that seafood restaurant wouldn't perhaps be Hemenways? If so, I'll met you guys at the bar. After a 4 hour drive.

I'm kind of partial to the Matunuck Oyster Bar but there are so many. This place either grows or harvests just about everything on the menu.

http://www.rhodyoysters.com

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 10:55 AM (/tuJf)

393 I still defend 3. I think it's solid, entertaining, and with enough of an emotional effect to justify itself.

It's still poorly acted and stiffly directed, but there's a lot of other good stuff going on.
Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:50 AM (mC1ZI)

The worst part about 3 is that Lucas got to the end and realized that he wrote himself into a corner and couldn't figure out a way to kill off Padme once Anakin turned to the dark side. That and the NOOO at the end really brought the whole thing down.

The stuff about Palps manipulating the senate and the Jedi council like puppets was pretty great.

Posted by: joe, living dangerously at March 24, 2017 10:55 AM (34w2E)

394 nood

Posted by: Independent George at March 24, 2017 10:55 AM (BDZWU)

395 The leg is not broken but you're dead on about infection. This is a tiny cat...8 lbs. Skinny bones may have saved her. No corresponding injury on the back side of the leg so I figure it was caught in the V of the opposite jaw. Do critters ever get out of traps by themselves?
Posted by: creeper
-----------

I'm really dubious about the trap theory. I mean, who even has, let alone sets out steel traps anymore?

About the 'V' thing, small animal steel traps (that I have used) do not have teeth, but smooth jaws. Nonetheless, escape is really, really difficult

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at March 24, 2017 10:55 AM (ZO497)

396 *ponders emergency airdrop of mayonnaise into W. NY*

*watches sky with hope in my eyes*

Posted by: WhatWhatWhat? at March 24, 2017 10:55 AM (ul9CR)

397 Nood.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 24, 2017 10:55 AM (WDdjT)

398 I should point out that the reason I've revised my assessment of Mrs. Larsson's breasts is that she (if it is indeed she) is nekkid in "Outdoor Studio".

http://bit.ly/2mYAyKY

Posted by: Bandersnatch, gentleman cad at March 24, 2017 10:56 AM (gIRsn)

399 I found it unbelievable for Obi-Wan to have defeated him. Darth Maul clearly would have beat his ass if not for plot armor.

Posted by: Insomniac - sin valor

Amazingly Maul got a comeback in the Clone Wars & Rebels animations (which, amusingly, are current canon). This led recently to a rematch between a cyborged Maul and an in-exile-on-Tatooine Obi Wan.

Let's just say, it wasn't even close this time.

Posted by: Brother Cavil, keeper of the Deplorable Unicode Character at March 24, 2017 10:56 AM (9krrF)

400 One day you look in the mirror and ask yourself, "When in the hell did that happen?"

*******

Good news is your vision gets worse as you age.

Posted by: Muldoon at March 24, 2017 10:56 AM (wPiJc)

401 Damiano, that's pretty much as I thought, but morer -thorough

Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:56 AM (R7cwD)

402 new post

Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:57 AM (R7cwD)

403 http://bit.ly/2nLVFEL
----
Judicial Watch Sues to Force Damage Assessment of Hillary Clinton's Mishandling of Classified Emails

Posted by: EVLINC! at March 24, 2017 10:57 AM (y3aQB)

404 >>> Wise County Texas has reported dozens of lost pets. A dog "lost" in Arizona turned up in a shelter in Wisconsin. A dog "lost" in Iowa was resold in Kansas City.
......

Where the fuck is my order? Dammit! When the address was 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. my orders were at the top of the list. I'm friggin starving over here and these people from flyover country and getting their orders filled?

Posted by: Barack Obama at March 24, 2017 10:58 AM (n3oGs)

405 Nice to see The Glorious Leader of The Resistance, OlberDouchenFuhrer Queef, back in the sidebar news.

Rumor is he is working on his comb over and growing a little mustache.

That is, when he is not playing in the tub with his rubber ducky (nicknamed "Ms. Braun").

Posted by: Sharkman at March 24, 2017 10:58 AM (CoI9f)

406 Re: Darth Maul

My favorite part was the two dudes running super lightning speed fast to escape killer robots at the beginning of the movie, and the one guy having to watch the two other guys dance and jump around because he had to wait to get through the force fields on the walkway.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 10:58 AM (/f1mm)

407 393 The worst part about 3 is that Lucas got to the end and realized that he wrote himself into a corner and couldn't figure out a way to kill off Padme once Anakin turned to the dark side. That and the NOOO at the end really brought the whole thing down.

The stuff about Palps manipulating the senate and the Jedi council like puppets was pretty great.
Posted by: joe, living dangerously at March 24, 2017 10:55 AM (34w2E)

==================

I swear, how hard is, "Accelerated child birth with twins killed her"?

Instead, he wanted something, "emotional" without realizing what it was.

He really should have just handed some outlines to some establish writers and up and coming directors, and used a hands off approach as producer.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:59 AM (mC1ZI)

408 The last time I saw a copy of Time was at the dentist office it was sitting next to a molested copy of Highlights. Who the fvck buys Time anyway?

Posted by: Under Fire at March 24, 2017 11:00 AM (57R5r)

409 352
That's not how we do things around here...

I'm now both scared and confused.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at March 24, 2017 10:45 AM (mC1ZI)

Be careful. That's the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to Suffering.

Posted by: joe, living dangerously at March 24, 2017 10:47 AM (KUaJL)

I picked a bad week to quit sniffing glue.

Posted by: The Mouse that Roared at March 24, 2017 11:01 AM (7N6ox)

410 Now that I think about it, it may be a tie with Lucas deciding to make Yoda dance and jump around, too. He didn't understand that what made Yoda special was he was a tiny little weakling that shouldn't match up physically with bigger creatures. That's what the midochondralidians in his blood test were for.

Posted by: Moron Robbie at March 24, 2017 11:01 AM (/f1mm)

411 399 I found it unbelievable for Obi-Wan to have defeated him. Darth Maul clearly would have beat his ass if not for plot armor.

Posted by: Insomniac - sin valor

Amazingly Maul got a comeback in the Clone Wars & Rebels animations (which, amusingly, are current canon). This led recently to a rematch between a cyborged Maul and an in-exile-on-Tatooine Obi Wan.

Let's just say, it wasn't even close this time.
Posted by: Brother Cavil, keeper of the Deplorable Unicode Character at March 24, 2017 10:56 AM (9krrF)
===

Yeah that showdown with exiled Obi Wan and cyborged Maul was pretty anti-climactic. Maybe they wanted it to be though, who knows.

Posted by: Independent George at March 24, 2017 11:02 AM (BDZWU)

412 367,
"I foolishly defended Episode 1 for years, until I actually watched it
again about 10 years after its release and I realized how much of a shit
show it really was."

I even bought it on Japanese Laser-disc at a rather huge price because I had so much hope that it would be great. Hope was squashed.

Posted by: geoffb5 at March 24, 2017 11:03 AM (d3wbb)

413 >>>Some reporter just asked Trump if Ryan would still be Speaker if vote fails.<<<

When people ask stupid shit like this, he should take one more question and then walk away. Get smart or GTFO. And quit wasting valuable time.

Posted by: Fritz at March 24, 2017 11:03 AM (2Mnv1)

414 JackStraw, concur on Matunuck Oyster Bar. I still keep my boat in RI, as well as doctors and dentists, so I do get back there regularly. Good place for a SNE MoMe.
And I don't miss Seldom Righthouse at all. I was on a panel with him once. Good grief.

Posted by: RI Red at March 24, 2017 11:05 AM (xMAUf)

415 'Preciate the info, IP. The injury is about 4" up the leg, which is why I suspected a leghold trap. Anyway, she will recover and I now know a lot more than I did. Thanks much.

Posted by: creeper, the unfortunate at March 24, 2017 11:06 AM (uh5kC)

416 his all serves to insulate the legislative process from the people in whose benefit legislation is to be made.

It rather calls into question the notion of representative democracy
when those who hold reins of power cannot be removed by direct
representative vote and when additional hurdles for passage of
legislation are put into place.

Posted by: alexthechick - rrraaawwwrrr at March 24, 2017 10:24 AM (mf5HN)

Thank you Alex!
Our representatives are hiding behind rules that are perfectly within their power to change.

Posted by: redbanzai at March 24, 2017 11:06 AM (f5uaD)

417 I just had to engineer for about forty-five minutes.

It was awful. Math was involved. Then I had to talk to people about it. Real, live people ... like four feet away from me.

I hope to never repeat that shit again. I'm closing my door and not coming out until Happy Hour.

Posted by: ScoggDog at March 24, 2017 11:06 AM (/BTP8)

418 >>JackStraw, concur on Matunuck Oyster Bar. I still keep my boat in RI, as well as doctors and dentists, so I do get back there regularly. Good place for a SNE MoMe.
And I don't miss Seldom Righthouse at all. I was on a panel with him once. Good grief.

Where do you keep your boat? Mine's in Newport.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 11:11 AM (/tuJf)

419 I cannot decide if it's passing the 29 mark (HA) (yes I said it!) or Knowing I have, anyway I do now feel the best of life has passed me by now.
I should have a midlife crisis but i'm too tired .

Posted by: willow at March 24, 2017 10:51 AM (R7cwD)

**hugs willow**

I'm so sorry you feel that way. It hurts, I know.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 24, 2017 11:13 AM (X6fMO)

420 Wickford shipyard, if you're still on this thread, JS.

Posted by: Despicable RI Red at March 24, 2017 11:26 AM (8INHl)

421 >>Wickford shipyard, if you're still on this thread, JS.

Nice place. Literally right around the corner.

Posted by: JackStraw at March 24, 2017 11:34 AM (/tuJf)

422 And in case this week didn't suck enough, one of the greats (AFAIC), Tomas Milian, passed away. Drinking is looking like a sensible act at this point.

Posted by: Rusty Nail at March 24, 2017 11:37 AM (S2VsH)

423 Trump is already making stops in Kentucky; add Maine and Alaska to the mix and you'll be a lot closer to getting 50, if that's all you want. But they don't.

Posted by: gm at March 24, 2017 12:20 PM (fyTqI)

424 That's a tree? Seems etiolated.

Posted by: It's Chelsea! at March 24, 2017 01:45 PM (CPk08)

425 Off, hideous sock! Off.

That aside, the conventional wisdom is that episodes I-III of Star Wars are essentially a sort of chancrous discharge. They are irredeemably bad, and on top of that, they suck in all ways: direction, casting, sets, effects...there is nothing about them worth watching. They are shit. But that is merely the conventional wisdom.

I have given this some thought, and decided that the conventional wisdom in this case, is both justified and certainly correct.

Posted by: Alcoholic Asshole Shut In at March 24, 2017 01:52 PM (CPk08)

426 If you enjoy Carl Larsson, check out his contemporary, Anders Zorn, especially his watercolors. That is a guy who can make watercolor sit up and BEG! Toured his house, Zorngarten, in central Sweden while visiting the brother-in-law, who married a Swede. While there, we picked up a great print of of Larsson's "Midvinterblod" (Midwinter Sacrifice), which we framed and hung up in our dining room. Strangely enough, this scandalized our parents when they came over for Christmas. Hey, who wouldn't want to check out an uncircumcised guy who's shortly going to have his heart out out and hung in the trees as a sacrifice to Thor, all while enjoying a nice holiday meal? I mean, it was good enough for the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, so it was good enough for us!

Posted by: tabkascribe at March 24, 2017 01:53 PM (7IaMC)

427 Carl Larrson, the favorite artist of every nostalgic swedish-american

Posted by: Dave at March 24, 2017 02:10 PM (nb9Wr)

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