Patterico's Pontifications

1/22/2017

Announcing A Blog Comment Section That Is Like Being in My Living Room

Filed under: General — Patterico @ 1:11 pm



Big news.

I have decided to create an alternative comment section, for the purpose of creating an environment where people can discuss matters in the way that they might discuss them in my living room.

Over the years, there has always been an undercurrent of discontent among some commenters with the tone of the comments section. The bottom line is: some people like a more rough and tumble and environment, and others prefer a more polite and respectful tone. I have always leaned towards allowing a certain amount of aggression, while trying to encourage a respectful atmosphere.

But for a while I have contemplated the idea of setting aside a separate comments section for those who want to discuss and debate with an absolute minimum of personal rancor and a maximum of respect. The problem was: I was stymied by the logistics of how to create such an area, how to police it, and so forth.

Recently someone reminded me that I have this other moribund blog called The Jury Talks Back. There have been no posts there since 2011. It was originally designed as a place where many commenters could write their own posts. But it fell into disuse, and nobody has posted there since 2011.

So yesterday I thought: why not run a parallel blog there, with the same posts I have here, but an explicitly different ethic? One that emphasizes civility and honest debate?

I ran a little experiment yesterday with a few commenters who I thought might enjoy such an experience. The posts from yesterday were cross-posted there, and a handful of people discussed them. DRJ was there. Machinist was there! I liked the way it worked. The main problem was that there were not enough people. I want more.

I have trashed the posts there from yesterday so we can have a fresh start today, with the involvement of anyone who wants to be involved and can follow the rules. This is something I am going to continue it for a while. I hope for a long time.

Here’s how it’s going to work. Every post I write will be cross-posted at The Jury Talks Back. I’m going to try to get the guest bloggers to do the same, although there may be some logistics involved with that. I will include a link to the Jury version of the post at the end of the post.

It’s a public blog. For right now, everyone is invited, but the guidelines for posting are different.

The basic rule is this: imagine that you have been invited to my house as a guest. You and the other guests are sitting around a living room engaged in a lively and spirited political discussion in which everyone might not agree, but everyone treats everyone else with complete respect.

Before you post, make sure your comment has the same sort of tone it would have if you were saying it in my living room.

That’s pretty much the basic idea. Here are some further thoughts I have that may help illustrate what I am going for:

  • In my living room, people would not mischaracterize other people’s positions. If A characterized B’s position, it would be with great trepidation. A would be very concerned to make sure B agreed with A’s characterization. Strawman arguments would almost never occur. “So you’re telling me your view is” followed by something that sounds ridiculous is not something anyone would ever say.
  • In my living room, people might disagree, but they would always do so in a manner that showed respect for the other person.
  • In my living room, if two people disagreed, they would actually address the points made by the other person. There would be no filibustering while ignoring the points made by another person.
  • In my living room, there would be an adult level of discourse. Words like “slut” or “piggy” or “retard” or “stinkypig” would not be uttered. It would never occur to anyone to even try.

These are not exhaustive requirements, just illustrations.

I realize that there will inevitably be two related criticisms: that I am creating a “safe space” or that I am trying to exclude pro-Trump commentary there.

Let me address the latter criticism first. I speak for myself and I know I speak for other when I say that I want this to be a place where people can actually discuss different views. A polite echo chamber is boring.

But it takes real effort to disagree without being disagreeable, especially on the Internet, where there is no way to hear tone of voice and where misunderstandings cannot necessarily be corrected instantly. So bring your pro-Trump arguments, but bring an extra measure of civility with them, and I expect anti-Trump arguments to be made in the same spirit.

As for the “safe space” argument, I understand that concern. But here’s the thing. Once again, this is not a place to avoid debate. It’s a place to avoid rancor. To me, “safe spaces” are bad because they imply escape from points of view that are too uncomfortable. That is not the purpose of The Jury Talks Back. The purpose is to have discussions about uncomfortable topics in a very respectful and honest manner.

At one point I would have been very nervous about starting something like this, because I would be worried that all the civil commenters would abandon the main platform, with bad consequences for the main platform. It’s not impossible, but yesterday I noticed civil commentary on both boards, with many commenters participating in both parallel threads. And I think this experiment will bring some people back to commenting that may be put off by the tone of the main comment threads.

The point is, you have a choice. You think this is a stupid idea? You don’t want to participate? Then don’t participate. It’s the simplest solution in the world. The bottom line is: this is my blog, and this is something I want to do, so I’m going to do it. If you don’t like comment boards with a “living room” ethic, don’t go to the Jury comment threads. If you can’t abide a blog that even contains such an option, then leave. America still has freedom of choice! Ain’t it great?

As for the physical layout of the Jury blog: it’s not an ideal space. The comments look a little different, as the template has not been updated in years. Recent comments don’t work, although I am trying to contact Admin Guy to see if it is possible to make it work.

Anyone can participate, but I am going to be brutal about enforcing the norms. Brutal. I’m starting this on a Sunday so I can be active in monitoring it on the first day. If I think your comment is not in the spirit of The Jury Talks Back, I’ll just delete it outright. If there is whining about it, I’ll recommend that you simply return to the main comments section.

Another word of warning: I don’t know of a way of moderating people on one blog but not another. So if you venture to the Jury, and you can’t behave there, and it becomes a repeated problem, I may have no choice but to ban or moderate you from both blogs — even if your commentary is the sort of thing that would normally be accepted here.

I hope this is something that people try, even if just for the novelty of a comment board on the Internet with smart and interesting people who are bound and determined to discuss things in a civil manner.

[Cross-posted at The Jury Talks Back.]

257 Responses to “Announcing A Blog Comment Section That Is Like Being in My Living Room”

  1. Ding.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  2. alt comments lol

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  3. i abjure this alt comment section

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  4. Then don’t participate.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  5. i’m leaning that way already I really am

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  6. Good.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  7. well ok then

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  8. “Welcome to my living room, where I will be brutal.”

    Is that a mischaracterization?

    Harkin (dd820b)

  9. I think it is a good idea. I wish you luck in the endeavor. I may even participate, time willing.

    Saxinis (921d82)

  10. “Welcome to my living room, where I will be brutal.”

    Is that a mischaracterization?

    Yup.

    “Welcome to my living room, where I will be brutal in enforcing norms of civility” would be fair.

    Harkin, I don’t think it’s for you. That’s fine. It won’t be for everyone.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  11. I think it is a good idea. I wish you luck in the endeavor. I may even participate, time willing.

    Thanks! I hope you do.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  12. “Harkin, I don’t think it’s for you. That’s fine.”

    I always try to be extra civil, can’t imagine why you’d think that.

    Hope you don’t mind if I stick around and even maybe chime in, I promise not to overindulge on the appetizers.

    Harkin (dd820b)

  13. Just don’t serve bean dip and tell us it’s caviar.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  14. I always try to be extra civil, can’t imagine why you’d think that.

    All I can tell you is that comments like this:

    If you really think the media who were either wrong or lied about Trump almost continually during the campaign are going to report accurately/honestly on his words, you are one gullible dude.

    Are not comments I would tolerate in my living room.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  15. Just don’t serve bean dip and tell us it’s caviar.

    I hate both.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  16. Texas Caviar is a favorite it’s like alt caviar it’s so good

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  17. Well we can avoid contentious subjects, music, favorite books film.

    narciso (d1f714)

  18. i like a lil hominy in mine for texture

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  19. Also, unlike online with silly handles, in a face to face discussion there are things that are just not said, lest noses get punched.

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  20. for the love of pete we just talked about the no hitting rule

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  21. Well we can avoid contentious subjects, music, favorite books film.

    There will be posts about such things, and there will also be posts about contentious subjects. That is the nature of political blogs in general and mine in particular.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  22. Is green bay in hibernation, I attempted middlemarch on recommendations. Of a friend

    narciso (d1f714)

  23. Calling you gullible with a legit. argument is intolerable?

    Not the living rooms or the real world I’m used to.

    Enjoy. Hope everyone gets a trophy.

    Harkin (dd820b)

  24. Calling you gullible with a legit. argument is intolerable?

    Not the living rooms or the real world I’m used to.

    Enjoy. Hope everyone gets a trophy.

    Like I said: it’s not for you. Clearly.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  25. Enjoy. Hope everyone gets a trophy.

    You fundamentally misunderstand what I am trying to do with it. It’s unfortunate because you strike me as a Trumper, and I am looking for Trumpers who could participate.

    But it ain’t you.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  26. i rather suspected Mr. Trump’s election would bring with it the resuscitation of a vibrant salon culture

    but I didn’t expect it this soon

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  27. Calling you gullible with a legit. argument is intolerable?

    And by the way, it’s not intolerable here. Calling me a “putz” as someone did the other day will likely make me reach for the ban button. But “If you really think the media who were either wrong or lied about Trump almost continually during the campaign are going to report accurately/honestly on his words, you are one gullible dude.” is not going to get you banned here.

    But I do see them doing it, with respect to Spicer. They accurately reported what Spicer said, and appear to have given some solid facts showing that Spicer’s “facts” were falsehoods.

    Again: blanket dismissal of everything “the media” says because it comes from “the media” is paranoia and a celebration of ignorance. I criticized Obama for eight years, and the vast majority of my criticism was based on facts I learned from “the media.”

    Patterico (115b1f)

  28. I have to ask… will there be any CNN?

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  29. It’s your blog so I’ll heed your wishes but before I go I have to say:

    You’re wrong about me being a “Trumper” (I’m assuming that means I voted Trump). I did not vote Trump because I considered him unfit for office (same with all presidential candidates from both major parties for over two decades). I may have voted for Scott Walker but he couldn’t even sniff it.
    I’m just curious why a blogger I have read and respected for years all of a sudden got so thin-skinned and priority-challenged over one politician.

    Harkin (dd820b)

  30. ==I am looking for Trumpers who could participate.==

    Just a thought–

    Maybe we might all stop calling people “trumpers and “never-trumpers”. It’s not as if those words actually have a dictionary meaning or litmus test and can reasonably be used as a permanent and legitimate mark of human identity for commenters here. People putting other people in pre-determined boxes like that using lazy short-cuts is not the best way to encourage open conversation, I think.

    elissa (95326c)

  31. If my mom is running it, hell no (that my ex wanted to see CNN one visit was a sign I ignored). Just westerns, 70/80s prime time shows and maybe the occasional L&O marathon.

    urbanleftbehind (847a06)

  32. It’s your blog so I’ll heed your wishes but before I go I have to say:

    You’re wrong about me being a “Trumper” (I’m assuming that means I voted Trump). I did not vote Trump because I considered him unfit for office (same with all presidential candidates from both major parties for over two decades). I may have voted for Scott Walker but he couldn’t even sniff it.
    I’m just curious why a blogger I have read and respected for years all of a sudden got so thin-skinned and priority-challenged over one politician.

    You’re misunderstanding me.

    I want you to stay here in this comment section.

    I am saying that calling someone “gullible” is not something I would tolerate in the Jury Talks Back comments section.

    As for my being thin-skinned and priority-challenged, that’s your opinion. I don’t agree. So I can’t answer the question because I reject your premise.

    If you’d like to back up your assertion with specifics I’ll hear you out.

    Sorry I called you a Trumper. What I meant by that is someone who, whether they voted for him or not, supports him now to the point where they chafe at criticism of him. But maybe that’s not you. How about you stop calling me gullible and I’ll stop calling you a Trumper and if you have specific points you make, you make them?

    Patterico (115b1f)

  33. Maybe we might all stop calling people “trumpers and “never-trumpers”. It’s not as if those words actually have a dictionary meaning or litmus test and can reasonably be used as a permanent and legitimate mark of human identity for commenters here. People putting other people in pre-determined boxes like that using lazy short-cuts is not the best way to encourage open conversation, I think.

    I’ll agree with that. Can I count on you to chide the next person who calls me a never-trumper, or will the chiding be directed only at me?

    Patterico (115b1f)

  34. And, in the end, Hoft is a clown covering another clown.

    Acceptable commentary, or ban-worthy offense? Or does it depend on who is being referred to in the statement?

    Anon Y. Mous (9e4c83)

  35. I have to ask… will there be any CNN?

    I decided to do a random search and pick three posts at random that mentioned CNN and Obama:

    October 2016: ObamaCare Premiums to Skyrocket . . . Again

    CNN Money was cited in that post. Not one commenter took me to task for citing CNN.

    December 2015: People Starting to Openly Curse Obama

    CNN reported the story. Nobody criticized me for citing CNN.

    October 2012: Even CNN Now Wondering How Obama Administration Portrayed Bengazi as a Mob Action

    Some people made fun of CNN in that comment thread. Nobody criticized me for linking to them or embedding their video.

    There is a double standard at work. CNN is OK to cite to criticize Obama, but not OK to cite to criticize Trump.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  36. And, in the end, Hoft is a clown covering another clown.

    Acceptable commentary, or ban-worthy offense? Or does it depend on who is being referred to in the statement?

    If this were not my blog, I might not tolerate myself at the Jury!

    But I find that acceptable commentary there. (Certainly here. You understand I am not talking about banning people HERE for non-living-room-style comments made HERE, right?) Hoft is not going to be commenting there.

    One commenter calling another a clown would not be accepted there. Frankly, it would get a warning here too.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  37. I think this second comments area is a superb idea, though I’m rather biased; those rules are the ones I always endeavor to use. I’ve often made the analogy that commenters are akin to guests at a party in the blog owner’s home.

    To be blunt though, I find it a little sad that it’s needed at all.

    However… seeing as Patterico has declared it his living room, I would be remiss were I to fail to point out that the host of such a gathering is usually expected to provide coffee and snacks. (How, exactly, he would manage to serve hot coffee and snacks over an internet connection is a technical issue in the category of “Not my problem”.) 🙂

    Arizona CJ (191c8a)

  38. Can I count on you to chide the next person who calls me a never-trumper…?

    Yes, of course!

    I have always thought that a really civil discussion could be had online only if someone moderates; you run it roughly like a law and motion hearing, with an arbiter enforcing decorum and guiding the discussion to cover ideas that maybe the commenters haven’t touched upon. Might be too time consuming, but it’s an idea. You can’t just go the way of LGF or even Ace and ban people willy-nilly.

    I tell my (liberal) family that I will only discuss politics in that mode. Everything else devolves to hurt feelings.

    Patricia (5fc097)

  39. == Can I count on you to chide the next person who calls me a never-trumper,==

    No you cannot because I am not a hall monitor here, nor am I on site 24/7. I will happily commit to never using that term myself to refer to you, though.

    elissa (95326c)

  40. No, there was a change in direction at CNN. Jeff Zucker has taken them in a different direction, not that they’ve been thought a paragon of truth for a number of years. Seriously though… how many different examples/instances of their d-baggery are required before some notice is taken?

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  41. One commenter calling another a clown would not be accepted there. Frankly, it would get a warning here too.

    I think I get you. You are going to expect a certain decorum from the commenters as far as how they speak to each other and the mods, but rude remarks directed at public figures are still legit.

    Anon Y. Mous (9e4c83)

  42. So posters in pajamas swigging hot joe from a dirty mug are welcome here but in your living room, you expect a sport coat, tie and sipping Starbuck’s best from a china cup with saucer.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  43. “Even CNN now wondering…” IOW, even CNN has been embarrassed to the point of questioning how the Obama entourage thought they could get away with their Benghazi horsestuff. At least that’s the way I read it.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  44. No you cannot because I am not a hall monitor here, nor am I on site 24/7.

    My point, elissa, was that the attack on labeling people as Trumpers or never-Trumpers sounds even-handed the way you write it, but it’s very difficult for me to imagine you putting your hands on your hips and chiding a Trump supporter for calling me a never-Trumper (if you have ever done so, let me know) while it’s very very easy to imagine you chiding me, because you just did, and because you habitually chide me lately for all sorts of things.

    So it’s not really as even-handed as it sounds when you read it.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  45. Can I count on you to chide the next person who calls me a never-trumper, or will the chiding be directed only at me?

    Is it really a pejorative to refer to a Trump supporter as a Trumper, or to someone who said they would never vote for Trump as a NeverTrumper? It seems like just a verbal shorthand, as long as it is used accurately. Naturally, someone who didn’t declare themselves to be a Trump refusenik would object to the NeverTrumper label, but why would someone who publicly declared that they would absolutely never vote for Trump object to being characterized that way?

    PS: I am a Trumper.

    Anon Y. Mous (9e4c83)

  46. I think I get you. You are going to expect a certain decorum from the commenters as far as how they speak to each other and the mods, but rude remarks directed at public figures are still legit.

    They can be. I think the living room analogy, which I credit to Simon Jester, is the perfect analogy, which is why I rely on it so heavily. I can easily picture someone in my living room calling a public figure a clown.

    But let’s say person A says: “I have great respect for public figure Y” and person B says: “No, public figure Y is a clown.” That sort of abrupt disagreement, with no supporting facts, just a “you’re wrong” . . . that would also be a rude remark directed at a public figure. But it also sounds rude to me, as phrased, towards person A, because it is so dismissive.

    Again: the living room analogy is perfect. It’s like anything else: there are no bright lines and some hypos will be difficult to resolve. I have monitored comments sections for 14 years and it’s not a science. I may get it wrong sometimes, but if people understand the impulse behind this and respect it, and the community helps enforce it, then I think it will work.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  47. ugh it’s a terrible analogy this isn’t a living room

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  48. IT’S CALLED A DANCE FLOOR AND HERE’S WHAT IT’S FOR

    so

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  49. Do I still get to quote the Quran?

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  50. Think about CNN’s coverage of the election cycle, debates, Ferguson, BLM… their on air personalities… you name it, how has CNN’s reputation come out of each of those? Reasonably clean?

    Not in my estimation.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  51. ugh it’s a terrible analogy this isn’t a living room

    This isn’t. The Jury is.

    I get why you don’t like the idea, happy. You haven’t posted a comment in years that would be appropriate for the Jury.

    And I have already deleted one of your comments there.

    That said, many people have called for you to be banned here, and I have resisted it.

    Two different places. One is not necessarily better than the other. The main blog may well end up being more lively. That’s OK.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  52. Who was it who was told they must respect house rules and wear a tie entering some part of the BHCC– Johnny Carson? Who reluctantly complied, donned jacket and tie then removed his shoes and entered barefoot.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  53. ==very very easy to imagine you chiding me, because you just did, ==

    No I most certainly did not. You just took my general observation (yes I used your quote as a jumping-off point as many commenters do as a courtesy to other commenters so they can track the discussion) as a personal slam to you when it was clearly meant for consideration by the community at large– including you– but not exclusively you.

    elissa (95326c)

  54. Think about CNN’s coverage of the election cycle, debates, Ferguson, BLM… their on air personalities… you name it, how has CNN’s reputation come out of each of those? Reasonably clean?

    Not in my estimation.

    I had a lot of problems with a lot of their coverage.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  55. Or, more precisely, do I get to cite the tafsir, the hadith, the sirah, until it is bloody obvious I’m giving you the g** d***ed context?

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  56. No I most certainly did not. You just took my general observation (yes I used your quote as a jumping-off point as many commenters do as a courtesy to other commenters so they can track the discussion) as a personal slam to you when it was clearly meant for consideration by the community at large– including you– but not exclusively you.

    OK. Can you guess why it felt directed at me? I’ll give you one guess and if you can’t get it then I will explain. It’s pretty easy if you re-read your comment. Hint: it’s the same reason that this comment seems to be directed at you.

    [UPDATE: Never mind. I see you acknowledged using my comment as a jumping-off point. If you say it was meant for consideration by the community at large, I’ll accept that, but it sure seemed like it was directed at me and I think the word “clearly” in your comment refers to something that was not as “clear” as you intended it.]

    Patterico (115b1f)

  57. You haven’t posted a comment in years that would be appropriate for the Jury.

    i think this is hyperbole

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  58. but thank you for not banning me

    i got nowhere else to go

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  59. I promise to only cite hasan, or good, hadith.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  60. Or, more precisely, do I get to cite the tafsir, the hadith, the sirah, until it is bloody obvious I’m giving you the g** d***ed context?

    Patterico (115b1f)

  61. I’m taking that as a yes.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  62. Anyway, Steve57, I can see that you’re really upset about this . . .but I don’t know what “this” is.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  63. Oh, I meant hasan or better.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  64. I updated comment 56.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  65. I just posted links to CNN’s highly questionable ethical practices that went to moderation. I’ll stop beating that dead horse, but must say that I’ve been surprised that you would use them for anything.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  66. I think that the reason the “living room” image sticks with me is because Patterico created the site, and pays for it.

    So it’s up to him. It’s odd to me to hear people critique him for what he does with his own site, for which he pays.

    Did I write “for which he pays“?

    I should have.

    Some folks wouldn’t mind a party where someone else pays for the room, the drinks, and the food…and then do whatever they feel like. But the person who pays for it probably does.

    Just my opinion. No one else has to agree with it.

    Simon Jester (c8876d)

  67. Patterico, I hope it works and I hope it makes things more enjoyable for you.

    Gabriel Hanna (61adec)

  68. Pat, I will not befoul your living room.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  69. I just posted links to CNN’s highly questionable ethical practices that went to moderation. I’ll stop beating that dead horse, but must say that I’ve been surprised that you would use them for anything.

    Well then you should have said so back when I was using them to attack Barack Obama.

    But you didn’t, ever, because you’re fine using CNN to attack Barack Obama. It’s not about using CNN in the abstract for you. It’s about using CNN to criticize Donald Trump. So just admit it.

    Your comment has been unmoderated. Comments with 5+ links (I think that is the number) are moderated by the filter because that is common behavior for spammers.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  70. Pat, I will not befoul your living room.

    That’s cool. It’s open for business right now.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  71. i got my own living room

    got a turt turt basking in it right now while alexa plays tim mcgraw

    it’s very clean and cozy because robots and these wonderful alapash throw pillows

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  72. @60-Patterico, are you sure you want to use a murderously malfunctioning IBM computer to illustrate a POV? 😉 Subtle stuff.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  73. …Comments with 5+ links (I think that is the number) are moderated by the filter because that is common behavior for spammers.

    Patterico (115b1f) — 1/22/2017 @ 3:02 pm

    I thought it was three.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  74. Simon,

    I have always thought the living room image is too restrictive for one’s only blog comment section.

    But with a parallel section now open, I love the concept and I thank you for that analogy because it’s PERFECT for what I am trying to achieve there.

    Look: it attracted Machinist and you and DRJ and other people who have not commented here much in a while to come by. I count that as a huge success.

    Meanwhile, nobody can claim they are being OPPRESSED because this board is still open.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  75. I thought it was three.

    Nope. It’s five. I just checked.

    I could change it, but I am going to leave the default number, as I assume the people who made the filter know what they are doing.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  76. My heart limps at the thought I will be alone to mourn death of the Olds 442.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  77. Meanwhile, nobody can claim they are being OPPRESSED because this board is still open.

    certainly not oppressed but I’m starting to wonder but that prissy tsk tskerings won’t be confined to the living room

    that seems asymmetric somehow

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  78. Ok, numbers aren’t my strong point.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  79. Dubai is outlawing Cheetahs.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  80. certainly not oppressed but I’m starting to wonder but that prissy tsk tskerings won’t be confined to the living room

    that seems asymmetric somehow

    There is an asymmetry here, in that one can be an ass or a polite person here, but one can only be a polite person at the Jury.

    Is that the “asymmetry” to which you refer?

    Patterico (115b1f)

  81. bingo

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  82. happyfeet,

    I love the Alapash pillows and style in general. Although their wall hangings look heavily influenced by Escher without giving him props.

    Be polite at the site. Even an ass can use good manners.

    Dana (023079)

  83. @26. It is a tad erudite.

    But go with the flow, happyfeet. Or ‘say the secret word’ and go with the alternative:

    “I don’t want to belong to any club that would accept me as one of its members.” – Groucho Marx’s letter of resignation to the Friars’ Club, 1949

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  84. “But you didn’t, ever, because you’re fine using CNN to attack Barack Obama. It’s not about using CNN in the abstract for you. It’s about using CNN to criticize Donald Trump. So just admit it.”

    CNN “attacking” Obama – or democrats in general – would have been so unusual i’m sure I would thought it an anomaly and continued on my way. Their perfidy and unethical behavior is documented in the Wikileaks emails, along with a plethora of instances also documented on each of the events of the last several years. I’ll take your ongoing catnip approach as an admission of you being a-ok with the whole shebang. But I won’t expect you to admit that. It will have to just be exhibit one, open for consideration.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  85. bingo

    I like that asymmetry. The only way to eliminate it would be a) to do away with the new comment board (which I like, so that’s not happening), or b) create a rule that comments here must be rude, dishonest, or otherwise off-putting . . . which sounds rather bizarre.

    Not all asymmetry is undesirable.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  86. Truth will just have to be satisfied with its 800 lb. gorilla status.

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  87. I’ll take your ongoing catnip approach as an admission of you being a-ok with the whole shebang. But I won’t expect you to admit that.

    I won’t admit that, because I don’t understand what you just said. Can you say it again in English?

    Patterico (115b1f)

  88. Best wishes!

    Colonel Haiku (2601c0)

  89. not complaining just making note really

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  90. @79.Ok, numbers aren’t my strong point.

    The Trump Administration is seeking a fella or gal of just about any race, color or creed w/just that skill set to tabulate crowds, votes and so on. Contact the WH Press office for an application.

    “What’s the count and the amount?!” – ‘Dialing For Dollars’

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  91. Dana – the way the alapash pillows work is they get these amazing rugs from the third whirl and then cut them up and make 6-8 pillows an bolsters of different shapes and sizes.

    But at the store they don’t necessarily keep the pillows together in inventory like a happy little pillow family, so if you want more than one from the same rug you probably want to talk to someone there.

    At first I thought they were just from Peru.

    But no there’s quite a nice handful of different countries they source from.

    Just saying cause if you’re trying to do a country-specific collection of a sort you have to talk to someone knowledgeable there or only go through the website.

    By the time I realized it wasn’t just Peru I was way too far down the mix and match road to back up and try to curate a collection by country.

    I did the extra bed in vibrant god’s eye type colors.

    The living room I’m just pulling colors out of the painting over the couch.

    Not that it matters a whole lot but you should know this before you go cause they’re kinda proud of them pillers.

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  92. pillows *and* bolsters i mean

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  93. I am a Nevertrumper and that is what I am.
    For badgerheaded liars, I do not give a dam’.
    I’m glad I fought agin’em, I only wish we’d won,
    I ain’t askin’ for forgiveness for anything I done.

    And I ain’t jist whistlin’ Dixie, nuther.

    n "the n stands for nevertrump" k (dbc370)

  94. happyfeet,

    I love textiles and design, hence appreciate the discussion. Thanks for the info.

    Dana (023079)

  95. Best wishes!

    To you too! What are you talking about?

    Patterico (115b1f)

  96. I so seldom comment, though I have done so on a few sites; I’m not sure if this is one I’ve commented on before or not. Reading these comments, though, have enlightened me. I’m not a StormTrumper or a never-Trumper but I have found myself concerened about some of the posts re: Trump by Patterico. I think the commets on this thread have clarified that a bit. I would be honored to sit in your living room, if only to observe…and partake of fine libations and music. I think this is a great idea.

    olycon (3aa185)

  97. I so seldom comment, though I have done so on a few sites; I’m not sure if this is one I’ve commented on before or not. Reading these comments, though, have enlightened me. I’m not a StormTrumper or a never-Trumper but I have found myself concerened about some of the posts re: Trump by Patterico. I think the commets on this thread have clarified that a bit. I would be honored to sit in your living room, if only to observe…and partake of fine libations and music. I think this is a great idea.

    Awesome. Comment here or at The Jury Talks Back, or both!

    Patterico (115b1f)

  98. Everybody likes their own brand, don’t they? It’s magic. [YouTube]

    papertiger (c8116c)

  99. I’m pretty impressed with the solution. I hope Trump’s fans and die hard lefties are in abundance and enjoying the conversation on the ‘other side’.

    Dustin (ba94b2)

  100. I’m pretty impressed with the solution. I hope Trump’s fans and die hard lefties are in abundance and enjoying the conversation on the ‘other side’.

    Feel free to chime in there yourself, and thanks. I agree with the sentiment.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  101. Mr. President Trump’s so good you had to add a whole extra comment section his first week in office

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  102. President Mr Donald is making comment sections at blogs great again!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  103. @86. Many of these news directors, managing editors and on air news readers playing ‘journalist’ are in their late 20s, 30s and 40s and may be telegenic or fancy themselves educated but frankly they’re not overly inquisitive- or bright. One of then said on air they had to Google some fella named Tony Orlando, who was entertaining at one of the balls and a long time friend of Trump’s, to find out who he was and what songs were hits. Cringing. You don’t say that on air.

    Trump would be a lot easier for the kids to read if they watched 1967’s ‘How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying’ and perused issues of Playboy from ’65 or ’66. But then, who reads the articles. Trump did. Surprised he never got a cameo on ‘Mad Men.‘ He’d have fit right in.

    “Success is about standing out, not fitting in.” – Don Draper [Jon Hamm] ‘Mad Men’ AMC TV

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  104. and so it began

    on blog after blog

    into the antechambers and the drawing rooms

    nevertrump exiled itself

    already so alienated from american life

    from her culture from her zeitgeist

    they formalized their estrangement

    they slipped the surly bonds of engaged discussion

    and found solace in banal conformity

    someday, we pray, they’ll find their way back

    memory and desire, stirring

    they’ll seek once again the fellowship of their countrymen

    like entwives they’ll return unto us

    and there will be great rejoicing

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  105. #106 Mr happyfeet’s making poetry great again!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  106. nevertrump exiled itself

    Blah blah blah. I am still here.

    But there are more and more people coming out of the woodwork on the Jury blog saying they have never commented before because the forum here was too nasty.

    Fantastic.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  107. Everybody needs a place to rest.
    Everybody wants to have a home.
    Don’t make no difference what nobody says.
    Ain’t nobody like to be a lawn.

    Yes, I meant “lawn”. Think about it.

    nk (dbc370)

  108. On the plus side, what with the victory of Donald Trump, the Old’s Vista Cruiser has become more firmly in reach.

    http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/600401/oldsmobile-vista-cruiser-455-photo-600402-s-1280×782.jpg

    Or maybe the “big block” 1900cc Opel Kadett.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  109. my kingdom for something more pissy than a nevertrump my goodness

    not even astronaut diapers are designed for this

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  110. Dave Burge reports a 1940 Ford went for $32k at Barret Jackson.

    Which if true means the insanity is ending.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  111. I like Negra Modelo with my chips and salsa. The main course is up to you.

    J Cass (5a4596)

  112. V8 1940 Ford.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  113. I like Negra Modelo with my chips and salsa. The main course is up to you.
    J Cass (5a4596) — 1/22/2017 @ 5:59 pm

    You sir, have been over served.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  114. But there are more and more people coming out of the woodwork on the Jury blog saying they have never commented before because the forum here was too nasty.

    Yeah. Reality bites. Even George Will was denied a new boarding pass to the ‘mothership.’

    A place for ideologues to retreat and play hide and seek in a civil manner is needed these days.

    Seriously.

    “It’s a good thing.”- Martha Stewart

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  115. Ifealogues, smidelogues, will could have been beaten by a chimp with a pointer, ed Collins was a little more perceptive.

    narciso (d1f714)

  116. ed C[R]ollins was a little more perceptive

    Not too, when I came to his wife some years back. But that’s a closed chapter for an old book.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  117. I = it

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  118. all I know is the Patriots are stomping the stuffing out of the Steelers, with fluffy balls.

    papertiger (c8116c)

  119. Yeah. Reality bites. Even George Will was denied a new boarding pass to the ‘mothership.’

    A place for ideologues to retreat and play hide and seek in a civil manner is needed these days.

    Being an ass is not equivalent to debating issues with intensity.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  120. Musket balls are just tearing through, like ichabod crane against the headless horseman (btw emerald city is an incoherent mess)

    narciso (d1f714)

  121. The Patriots are already being favored by a field goal over the Falcons.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  122. Yeah, I feel like Mini Me the day Scottie bought Dr. Evil a tank full of sharks with friggin laser beams attached to their heads.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY4Ytj0itGo

    Just a little bit.

    papertiger (c8116c)

  123. Also there’s a sort of spinster aunt covers the furniture with plastic seat covers vibe.

    Don’t let the dog out whatever you do. Buffy’s a flight risk.

    papertiger (c8116c)

  124. Brady is a flava version of Charleton Heston.

    urbanleftbehind (cf3fce)

  125. Every post I write will be cross-posted at The Jury Talks Back.

    That sounds like they’ll be triple posted in some cases, here, The Jury Talks Back and at Red State.

    I ran a little experiment yesterday with a few commenters who I thought might enjoy such an experience. The posts from yesterday were cross-posted there, and a handful of people discussed them. DRJ was there. Machinist was there! I liked the way it worked….I have trashed the posts there from yesterday so we can have a fresh start today..

    Why’d you do that?

    What is this, something like a pre-broadcast television show, or pre-starting date newspaper or magazine, and all those shows not broadcast and all those newspaper artivles not published, just disappear?

    Something like that would show us what you want it to be like.

    I’m guessing that you want discussion of the substance, and not sharply worded conclusions. and no accusations. And no straw men, although for that to happen someone has to actually understand what the other person meant. If someone’s opinion is described, the person being described has got to agree with that characterization.

    Sammy Finkelman (8cff4d)

  126. 105. DCSCA (797bc0) — 1/22/2017 @ 5:16 pm

    Trump would be a lot easier for the kids to read if they watched 1967’s ‘How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying’

    The main character in that movie got promoted very fast. That sounds more like Carly Fiorina’s story, or what she tried to make it sound like.

    Sammy Finkelman (8cff4d)

  127. By all means, try it. I don’t have time to participate, but I will follow it from time to time.

    My only immediate observation is that your ideal “living room” has less rancor than the ones I’ve been in.

    Tom Blumer (edbfb7)

  128. This is good practice for adults who want to graduate to “grownup.” We have millions if the former and a smattering of the latter…and most of them are dying off.

    Dusty Rhoades (ae7cc6)

  129. Hey, I know a gal named Dusty Street. Any relation?

    Kevin M (25bbee)

  130. Patterico, 8 years ago, pretty much exactly, you had a thread to predict what Obama would do during his presidency. It seems to me that you should want to reflect back on that thread and see how the predictions of the commenters lined up to the reality.

    Should also do a similar thread for Trump right now.

    jcurtis (f713ef)

  131. Being an ass is not equivalent to debating issues with intensity.

    Which would be news to the conservative Mr. Hannity, to be sure.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  132. @128- It’s the flavor of the times portrayed, Sammy.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  133. Apollo 11 landing from PDI to Touchdown
    [YouTube]

    AFTER watching that video, anybody, including the Pope, if Ed “Buzz” Aldrin punches you, you deserved that.
    The only correct answer is “Thank you sir. May I have another?”

    papertiger (c8116c)

  134. And Robert Morse became the patriarch of the firm in mad men, somewhat like Paul Newman assumed Jackie gleasons role in the color of money.

    narciso (d1f714)

  135. @40. Correct, Colonel. It was a business decision. And their suits have acknowledged this.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  136. @136- It was no accident the role was offered to Morse. Dovetailed to a perfect fit.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  137. I really like a number of the people who post here. Very clever. On occasion, feelings could be hurt but we are all big boys and I don’t think it gets out of hand. If someone puts my comment down, I usually just ignore it. If people want to go back and forth, then that’s okay. Sometimes it provides some entertainment. This is blog is a big enjoyment of which I am happy to be a part. If Patterico is unhappy, I blame Obama.

    AZ Bob (f7a491)

  138. Almost nearly as long ago. Sigourney weaver has become the face of the nameless corporation in cabin in the woods, and wetland yutanis successor in avatar

    narciso (d1f714)

  139. Hey Dusty Rhoades, any relation to Lonesome Rhoades? (LOL)

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  140. DCSCA, since you quoted Road to Utopia earlier, which (if any) was your favorite Road picture?
    Mine would be a two way tie between Road to Morocco and Road to Utopia, although, if put on the spot to pick a #1, I’d probably have to go with Morocco.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  141. @142- CS- To be sure, ‘Road to Morocco’ is my favorite w/Utopia a close second… although I remain very partial to the opening sequence to ‘Road to Hong Kong.’

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  142. I think you will wind up with at least one echo chamber.

    steveg (5508fb)

  143. #143 DCSCA, Hong Kong is the one I haven’t yet seen. I’ll have to check it out.

    By the way, have you ever seen this footage?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUDGgdT-t2w&t=196s

    It’s a short they did for the Navy called Road to Home. It was a little morale booster for returning servicemen in 1945.
    I had read somewhere they intended to do a feature-length film by the same title, but for whatever reason it didn’t materialize.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  144. @106/@144. Happyfeet/steveg.

    You know what one of the first communication satellites was called?

    Echo 1. It was a big silver balloon filled with gas used to reflect words and pictures back and forth.

    And as an improvement a few years later, Echo 2 was launched. It was more rigid by design, but still a big silver balloon filled with gas to reflect words and images back and forth.

    “Can you hear me now?” – Verizon ad tagline, 2002

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  145. @145- CS, will check it out. Opening ‘Road to Hong Kong’ is a song and dance titled ‘Teamwork’ and it’s routine and lyrics are hilarious.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  146. Should have known it was filled with gas.

    steveg (5508fb)

  147. Hong Kong is thataway.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  148. I think you will wind up with at least one echo chamber.

    Doesn’t seem that way so far.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  149. Pat, will you be accepting guest posts by other people, like me for instance, over in the Jury talks back?

    papertiger (c8116c)

  150. That was the original purpose of that blog.

    I’ll have to muse on that one.

    Patterico (115b1f)

  151. Gee, Pat. Are your initial posts going to follow the guidelines? Or will you continue to “pee in [our] cornflakes”?

    School Marm (5999c1)

  152. I appreciate the “inside voice” and “outside voice” format myself.

    Too often someone’s rudeness takes over a thread and important stuff gets lost in the noise.
    Although what I mean by that hasn’t happened too much recently.

    MD in Philly (f9371b)

  153. “Obama can’t Gymkhana.”

    It becomes obvious earlier, but it is stated flat out around the 2:30 mark.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TshFWSsrn8

    DC SHOES: Ken Block’s Gymkhana THREE, Part 2; Ultimate Playground; l’Autodrome, France

    In keeping with my promise to cite my sources.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  154. I think Hemingway captured what our esteemed host is articulating.

    “Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That’ll teach you.”

    Oh, by the by, I’d never drive that way on a public road.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  155. Actually the full quote is that will “teach you to keep your mouth shut.”

    Which, if I’m not mistaken, is what Pat is saying.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  156. I bet a lot of Pittsburgh Steelers fans wish they could devise an alternative score to last night’s game! (LOL)

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  157. Air we going to get around to the fact that cair and spec were the sponsors of this frau trek, the latter doubted Hirst Ali’s fgm experience

    narciso (d1f714)

  158. Only in a bearded Spock universe.

    narciso (d1f714)

  159. #159 narciso, no, let’s discuss crowds, instead!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  160. Well spice was on point, but he didn’t have all the photographic analysis, sort of with the re’s in Cuba before the u 2flyover.

    narciso (d1f714)

  161. narciso, Roger L. Simon at PJ Media just wrote a column about how these women marchers never marched when Bill Clinton grabbed women by the p*ssy, nor did they march when there’ve been Islamic honor killings on American soil.
    When the Nigerian girls were kidnapped and taken as sex slaves, they did a hashtag — but no march.

    And who could forget the standing ovation the Meryl Streeps of the world gave an absent Roman Polanski when he won the Oscar a number of years ago?

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  162. Speaking of “marchers…”

    …Roger L. Simon at PJ Media just wrote a column about how these women marchers..

    …couldn’t have happened to a nicer bunch.

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4144360/Anti-Trump-protesters-face-10-years-prison.html

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  163. Apparently the DC cops are sick of the (living room rules) uhh, nonsense.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  164. I know I would be.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  165. I want to thank you Pat for reinforcing my vocabulary.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  166. This past Friday, a bunch of people in Washington DC were asked to raise their hand if they admit that living in their Aunt’s basement is prohibiting their ability to get a date …

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4144360/Anti-Trump-protesters-face-10-years-prison.html

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  167. @163, I never did a (expletive deleted) in my entire 20 years of service. So I’m no hero.

    Never in my life have I been so humiliated by our reaction to that kidnapping. Even I would have reacted to that slap in the face.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  168. Actually, this is the specific photo I meant to link to where the perps raised their hands …

    http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/01/20/18/3C548B9000000578-4140776-image-a-159_1484937440227.jpg

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  169. 168. If their parents live in a decent suburb, why not wait it out and get to the point where “your parents live with you”. Japan has love hotels for that activity they could be missing out on. Why give some big city mayor your sales and indirect property tax and live under fear of robbery and assault? Why facilitate demographic replacement when you eventually make the move in the same timeframe your parents head to a warmer clime?

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  170. #171 Steve 57, you mean Michelle’s plea didn’t work?
    I don’t think she followed-up on that issue, either.
    She was much more passionate about barking at school kids to get out and MOVE!

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  171. Sorry for being so hose up, Cruz.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  172. HoseD!

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  173. The other day, Madonna said she felt like blowing up the White House.
    After some men in dark suits, sunglasses, and badges knocked at her door, she decided to publicly walk back those threats.

    This is the second time in recent months she’s walked back a promise to blow something.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  174. Madonna ‘Ought To Be Arrested,’ Says Newt Gingrich

    he just keeps getting weirder

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  175. Mr happyfeet, the material girl crossed the borderline when she expressed herself. She should count her lucky stars that a federal prosecutor hasn’t sent her on a long holiday to la isla bonita where a prison warden by the name of Hilda will be reading her bedtime stories. She may think it’s en vogue to bash President Mr Donald, but Madonna needs to get into the groove and cherish america. (LOL)

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  176. Newt and Giuliani are just shadows of themselves, yet they were the tailor made ticket to fight BHO in 2008.

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  177. yes yes she’s a good pickle

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  178. …and could have been closet Trump voter – I would not be surprised if she admitted as much on her deathbed.

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  179. Some of the women marchers also attended inaugural balls.

    They argue neither event is political.

    http://nypost.com/2017/01/22/hypocritical-marchers-party-at-inaugural-events

    The tickets to the inaugural balls were sold even before the election. The march was ostensibly about women’s rights, not Donald Trump.

    Sammy Finkelman (8cff4d)

  180. This march is
    Like the rally for sanity that Stewart and colbert put on to mock the tea party, consider the case of Donna Hylton.

    narciso (d1f714)

  181. Patterico,

    Is “spokespiehole” for the civil or uncivil blog? I’m not certain at this point what “polite” and “civil” mean in your livingroom.

    Gobblemom (4ecfe6)

  182. 182. the womens and lgb…is mostly a shot against an unscheduled Pence ascension.

    urbanleftbehind (5eecdb)

  183. i love how much good Mr. President Trump is doing today

    he’s tireless in his efforts to rehabilitate the obama-raped economy

    his executive orders have been compassionate and judicious (so far)

    and he’s always got a smile for everyone he meets

    even people who didn’t vote for him are saying he’s doing an awful good job

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  184. Is “spokespiehole” for the civil or uncivil blog? I’m not certain at this point what “polite” and “civil” mean in your
    Gobblemom (4ecfe6)

    It CAN get confusing.

    After telling me I was not welcome for calling him “gullible” (thereby implying it was as bad as “slut”, “piggy”, “retard” etc.), he apologized for calling me a “Trumper”.

    After lurking, the Living Room seems more to be a klatsch where everyone can respectfully agree Trump is the only one to be be subjected to name-calling because you never know, he just might be Hitler v2.0

    Harkin (fabf46)

  185. There is a double standard at work. CNN is OK to cite to criticize Obama, but not OK to cite to criticize Trump.

    Come now, counselor. Does the term “admission against interest” mean nothing to you?

    Milhouse (40ca7b)

  186. One person I wouldn’t let in my living room, aside from Wolf Blitzer, is Ashley Judd. She’d wipe bbq sauce all over my curtains.

    She’s a real sour pickle is what I’m trying to say.

    Pinandpuller (a58f9e)

  187. @189. She’s a real sour pickle is what I’m trying to say.

    It’s obvious what she needs is a pickle tickle, a la Jon Lovitz, in ‘A League Of Their Own.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  188. Love this idea. I’ll definitely return to following more frequently as a result.

    Tom Ryberg (2c5752)

  189. i really liked ashley in ruby in paradise

    she’s gotten kinda weird and skanky since then

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  190. speaking of skanks

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  191. ‘SNL’ writer suspended indefinitely for tweet mocking Barron Trump

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  192. @194- And conservative ideologue Krauthammer hurls a partisan slurs at Schumer on Fox this afternoon for referencing and then belittling the famed Sullivan Ballou letter read at the inaugural. Utterly astonishing. Apparently The Old Kraut hasn’t seen Ken Burns’ ‘The Civil War.’

    Another ideologue overdue to join Will out in the cow pasture.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  193. @145. Cs- that Navy clip was hilarious.

    Here’s the ‘Hong Kong – Teamwork’ opening–

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fab4VcuzXnE

    “That’s quite a stab, from old flab…”

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  194. Pat,

    What positive things, if any has Trump done so far?
    I

    EPWJ (aec63d)

  195. That film with Macgregor where she played a serial killer.

    The irony of schumer citing ballot in the context of Fernando wood.

    narciso (d1f714)

  196. 197.

    Winning.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  197. Chuck Schumer has no class I do not like him and he is no good

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  198. Acvotding to the weekly standard, schemer reneged on a promise to approve pompeo.

    narciso (d1f714)

  199. that should’ve happened today though no?

    brb

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  200. later tonight i guess

    happyfeet (28a91b)

  201. DCSCA, I just watched the opening vaudeville number. That was really good! Thanks!
    Hope’s character in Hong Kong is “Chester Babcock.”
    That happens to be the real life birth name of songwriter Jimmy Van Heusen, who wrote a lot of songs for Bing throughout the years, including the Road pictures’ songs such as Teamwork in that opening sequence.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  202. @204- Yeah, I’m still chuckling…. Aside from bits w/Peter Sellers, it’s also the best part of the film. Yes, it was a good routine but you can tell it had to their last in the series– gettin’ too old.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  203. He has been confirmed, 66 -31.

    narciso (d1f714)

  204. Madonna ‘Ought To Be Arrested,’ Says Newt Gingrich

    I dare anyone to draw a meaningful distinction between Madonna’s words and the ones in Watts v US, which the Supreme Court said were protected speech. The case seems so uncannily on point that it’s as if she read the case before speaking, and tailored her speech to its terms.

    Milhouse (40ca7b)

  205. “What positive things, if any has Trump done so far?”

    There’s a corrupt, dishonest, incompetent, influence-peddling woman sitting in Chappaqua and not the Oval Office.

    That’s extremely positive.

    Harkin (fabf46)

  206. Newt Gingrich should be arrested for adultery and fornication which were also illegal in Watts days.

    nk (dbc370)

  207. Pompeo should do fine.

    Brennan was a bit self-righteous. Stains on his old school tie.

    “What the hell do you think spies are? Moral philosophers measuring everything they do against the word of God or Karl Marx? They’re not! They’re just a bunch of seedy, squalid bast-rds like me: little men, drunkards, qu-ers, hen-pecked husbands, civil servants playing cowboys and Indians to brighten their rotten little lives. Do you think they sit like monks in a cell, balancing right against wrong?” – Alec Leamas [Richard Burton] ‘The Spy Who Came In From The Cold’ – 1965

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  208. He was a rutgers grad, not exactly old school, he burned at least one asset on his watch, his endorsement of unrestrained drone warfare was not a plus.

    narciso (d1f714)

  209. Well NJ if you looked at that way, Washington was a target rich environment, not on jfk but Phil graham among other who were breaking that commandment.

    narciso (d1f714)

  210. @144. It’s trending that way already.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  211. @212- More a reference to his neckwear from the Langley gift shop.

    “My tailor? Saville Row.” – James Bond [Sean Connery] “Dr. No” 1961

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  212. Spy was a little muddled for le care, leamad worked in banking section, which I believe meant disbursements of operations

    narciso (d1f714)

  213. @216. Endearing to me. Was living in London roughly at the periosd of the filming so the traffic, busses and locations are like watching home movies. The employment office, the grocery store, kiosks and library bits are spot on, too. That’s the way it was.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  214. DCSCA (797bc0) — 1/22/2017 @ 8:27 pm

    @128- It’s the flavor of the times portrayed, Sammy.

    I don’t think How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying it’s really the flavor of the times, altjough maybe it could be more accurate tahn Mad Men

    It’s exaggerating and making fun of it, by the way.

    It’s probably not really any more accurate with regard to what makes money and with regard to women than it is with how to gte promoted. The chief character reads a book.

    Sammy Finkelman (8cff4d)

  215. It’s raining or almost raining or raining for part of the day, for the last two weeks more or less.

    Sammy Finkelman (8cff4d)

  216. happyfeet

    Ashley Judd was pretty hawt on ST:TNG. I think her funny half was destroyed in a transporter malfunction. She’s no Maya Anjelou.

    Pinandpuller (5432cc)

  217. @218- I do. I lived it in metro NY then and my late father, who worked in Manhattan, mid-60s said it was spot on. Why do you think it was such a popular play/film, Sammy. MM was accurate as well.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  218. May have been replaced by her mirror universe analogue.

    narciso (d1f714)

  219. @194 happyfeet

    SNL writer suspended indefinitely for not being funny, more like.

    It’s nice that they have a guy who loves the media playing Trump, though.

    Pinandpuller (5432cc)

  220. @222- P&P, you gotta believe most of the women she was shouting at in the crowd had no idea who the heck Susan, Amelia and Eleanor likely was other than the names of some of their cats.

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  221. Rip Gordon kaye, ( rene in ‘allo, allo.)

    narciso (d1f714)

  222. #150
    2 whole hours in.

    187 I am still on the fence

    steveg (5508fb)

  223. @222 narciso

    I was wondering why ScarJo doesn’t go on strike until she makes as much as Chris Pratt. That’s what I would do if I were her.

    Well, that’s not entirely true. My first act as ScarJo would be, “I’ll be in my bunk.”

    Pinandpuller (5432cc)

  224. @224 DCSCA

    I’m the very model of a modern major feminist

    I’ve indignation, abortion, no man and hairy pits

    Pinandpuller (5432cc)

  225. She was the voice of moderation at that shindig such that there was such a thing.

    narciso (d1f714)

  226. How does per say oh oh in mandarin?

    narciso (d1f714)

  227. As it turned politco lied about mnuchin, I know shocker?

    narciso (d1f714)

  228. Gee, Pat. Are your initial posts going to follow the guidelines? Or will you continue to “pee in [our] cornflakes”?
    School Marm (5999c1) — 1/23/2017 @ 12:58 am

    Perfect example of the type of post that is not invited to the other site! Snarky BS at its worst! And since this is the unmoderated side, let me say the following:

    When Pat posted the following:

    Your job, should you wish to accept it, is to minimize Crowley’s plagiarism in the comments below, so as to serve Trump’s partisan interests. Suggested angles of attack include:

    1. There are more important things going on in the world. This one is good because there are always more important things than plagiarism going on in the world. It’s a classic line of attack for scandals where someone is caught red-handed.

    2. It’s not really plagiarism. This is a tough one, but channel Trump. He can lie bald-facedly about anything. You can too. Give it a try!

    3. It’s CNN. Ignore the facts in front of your nose and attack the source.

    4. What aboutism. I call this “You mean like?”ism but that’s not as catchy. Find examples from the other side of people doing the same or worse. Cite them without explaining why it matters.

    5. Attack the blog post. A variant of other maneuvers, in particular #1, this tactic distinguishes itself primarily by the addition of vitriol towards the author of the post that brought this to your attention. Bonus points for using the phrase “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS will do), declaring that the site is no longer worth reading, or other similar cheap personal shots.

    6. It’s old news. Best used in conjunction with #3 and/or other techniques.

    And for those of you too stupid to get it, he was only posting the arguments that were already being used by some commenters in EACH AND EVERY OTHER POST THAT HE WROTE! They are examples of what real debate does not consist of! They are argument ad nauseum, and make me and others want to puke in your cornflakes! But, but, but Obama, but, but, but, Clinton is not debating or a defense for despicable behavior as are none of the others he listed! They are a cop out and are not viable. And for all you little snowflakes that are getting your panties in a wad, piss off!

    I will not be posting this at the other site, because as this is Pat’s house and he has asked us not too, and it is not the civilized conversation that he wants there. BUT, sometimes you have to hit someone with a 2×4 to get their attention. Consider this my 4×8 because some of you just have to be JACKASSES!

    Yoda jr (310909)

  229. And furthermore, this IS Pat’s Place! He pays for it, not you! And he can run it anyway that he sees fit! Just like I pay the bills and payment for my house, I run it the way that I see fit to do, and will invite or un-invite anyone I see fit to. Jeez, I don’t see how Pat puts up with a lot of you whiny little whinges drinking all his beer and eating all of his food with not even the littlest thank you given! It must really be a labor of love for him, as that is the only way that I can see that he puts up with the lot of you! And you know who I’m talking about, you’ll be the first ones to scream “FOUL”!

    Yoda jr (310909)

  230. Now excuse me while I go back to the civilized side that does not have all the carping, and snitty little pot shots!

    Yoda jr (310909)

  231. 3. It’s CNN. Ignore the facts in front of your nose and attack the source.

    This hurts.

    I think maybe Pat will back me up.

    http://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/11/opinion/the-news-we-kept-to-ourselves.html

    The News We Kept To Ourselves

    By EASON JORDANAPRIL 11, 2003

    Once a liar, always a liar.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  232. 3. It’s CNN. Ignore the facts in front of your nose and attack the source.

    This hurts.

    It’s not just CNN, it’s any news source that is used. The trumpanistas attack any and all sources. Personally, since I don’t have a dog in this hunt, it doesn’t really matter. I still do not trust the NY Liberal that he is. Soooooooo, I am going to be a pessimist. I will continue to expect the worst and hope for the best, that way I want be disappointed if he returns true to form. (I sincerely hope that he proves me wrong, but if he doesn’t, Oh well!)

    Yoda jr (310909)

  233. http://ww2db.com/aircraft_spec.php?aircraft_model_id=113

    A-20 Havoc
    Country United States
    Manufacturer Douglas Aircraft Company
    Primary Role Medium Bomber
    Maiden Flight 23 January 1938

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  234. Steve57@237:

    Andy Swan is proving the feminist thesis. In order for women to be considered equal to men, they need to behave like men, including military service in risk laden roles.

    First, I think it would be productive to operate from the premise that men and women are equal and complementary. The latter implies that their service and achievement in contributing roles with disparate risk does not diminish their stature.

    Second, not all women are feminists, not all feminists are chauvinists, all chauvinists are feminists. I tend to overlook the second, but only to demote the perceived need for female bias. The women’s march was led in whole or part by female chauvinists. Most women are neither feminists nor chauvinists.

    nn (6e1d51)

  235. @234. On the other hand, time is money, and to participate, we give it away freely. Which at the price, sort of establishes what we all are. 😉

    DCSCA (797bc0)

  236. To the gobblemoms and Harkins:

    The rules at the Jury are for COMMENTS. I do not set rules for myself on my own posts.

    Also, I had already said that rules for referring to public figures are different from those for fellow commenters on the board.

    I’m deemed unfit for the Living Room but I will keep posting here when so compelled.

    YOU are not deemed unfit. If you can follow the rules you are welcome there. But you should get a handle on them because calling other people gullible violates them, and if you can’t figure out why then you will run afoul of them instantly. Just about everyone there manages to follow them. It is not hard if you actually care about trying.

    Patterico (6880a5)

  237. My sympathy for people bitching about this is zero. Literally everybody is welcome if they can follow the rules. If they can’t, that’s their problem, not mine.

    Patterico (6880a5)

  238. @240, I don’t get your point.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  239. My sympathy for people bitching about this is…

    I don’t bitch since I filled a circle of sweat for Staff Sergeant Norton.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  240. Actually, my father, the sainted Senior Chief, raised me better.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=16&v=2dlXmuYuAYc

    Eternal Father Strong to Save

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  241. Yes, the frigate is French.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  242. Yoda jr,
    I’m going to make a little comment but not pursue the topic further,
    quoted, you did
    minimize Crowley’s plagiarism in the comments below, so as to serve Trump’s partisan interests

    IMO, that assumed that Crowley’s plagiarism was an established fact, and the challenge was to spin the news to make it palatable for Trump’s partisan interest

    on the other site your link (enjoying it, we are!) the claim puts forth that there was no plagiarism with spin to defend.
    The concern, to clarify and not to engage only, was that our host dear was to conclusions jumping wrt things Trumpian.
    All, that is.

    MD in Philly (f9371b)

  243. #233, #234 Yoda,

    I’ve found that a nice cup of hot chamomile tea helps me calm down before bedtime.

    Cruz Supporter (102c9a)

  244. Yes the French get a bad rep because of vichy. But they fought almost as protracted a conflict in indochina as we did, and followed up with the Algerian war.

    narciso (d1f714)

  245. That is the subtext of the day of the jackal, which apparently forsyth was observing as an mi 6 contact.

    narciso (d1f714)

  246. @Milhouse, Madonna needs to be arrested for being a 60 year old piece of gristle.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  247. Yes the French get a bad rep because of vichy. But they fought almost as protracted a conflict in indochina as we did, and followed up with the Algerian war.

    narciso (d1f714) — 1/24/2017 @ 7:34 am

    In the French Navy, Injun country is right over the carrier.

    Plus they have both red an white wine on the lunch table.

    I’ve never been that hard on the French. Or the Italians, for that matter. I worked with some Italians who were at Miramar, back when it was a Navy base, training on Harriers. Good guys. I think if you go back you might find some comments where I appear to do so. But that’s in jest. And I get as good as I give. I recall one Royal Navy officer pointing at the fruit salad on my chest and saying, “What’s that one for, crossing the Atlantic?”

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  248. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/somali-pirates-fire-on-us-warship-lose/

    Somali Pirates Fire on U.S. Warship, Lose

    Sometimes I don’t hate the press.

    Steve57 (0b1dac)

  249. I’ve found that a nice cup of hot chamomile tea helps me calm down before bedtime.
    Cruz Supporter (102c9a) — 1/24/2017 @ 7:22 am

    Then you should drink more yourself, it might take away some of your snark.

    Yoda jr (310909)

  250. Sounds good. Civil discourse.

    Blaise (445965)

  251. @242 Really, Patterico, expecting other people to abide by rules that you do not adhere to yourself is so very…progressive. Perhaps the Simpson’s avatar needs to add a pink pussyhat.

    I love snark, satire, and wit,the more biting the better. I used to find it here at your site, along with your on-the-spot analysis and righteous indignation. Anymore, coming here is like watching the modern SNL–any humor is lost in the pathetic and cheap shots. To quote a certain president #SAD!

    Trump? Meh. But all of this #winning feels so damn good.

    Gobblemom (4ecfe6)


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