You know what works really well? Tossing people off the blog. As I skim over the comments, and notice people debating, forcefully but with at least a veneer of politeness, occasionally I'll tell myself: "Boy, I really don't miss Jerry B. Or Al-non-Anon." Or any of the other blowhards who occasionally get squelched.
And here's the funny thing. I don't have to push back very hard. A post or two over the line removed and they flounce off in a huff. Because bullies are not only cowards—they crumble whining at a touch—but they also have enormously fragile egos. Imagine the kind of open wound of a person who would derive satisfaction out of terrifying some poor cowering schoolmate? Once they realize that this isn't all about them. That some asshat, the blog host, apparently, is suggesting that it's actually his blog, and not just a frame to put around their precious selves, they're history.
So let's pause to savor that. And as a reward, here's a new room to occupy. Usually I'm prompted to add one, but this time I managed to post this one on my own initiative after noticing that the old one is filling up. Thanks for staying within the bounds of comity, and obeying the only general rules for comment I have: Don't be a relentless asshole. Don't pour contempt upon your indulgent, benevolent, overworked and, at least in this gig, poorly-paid host.
That said, thanks for reading. And commenting. I do believe the comments add significantly to the whole Every Goddamn Day experience, provided that those who make themselves annoyances get swatted. Have fun. I sure am.
Thanks for the new digs, Mr. S. Yes, there is more to discuss and debate, within reason.
ReplyDeleteInteresting column by Telander today in Sports on the Rose situation. He's not blaming victims but wondering what type of women these guys are hanging around with.
This has gone on forever. If you have read any sports books you would know that there are always women hanging out at the hotels where players are staying. I am sure it is pretty hard to refrain from taking advantage of the situation. No doubt that is how Magic probably contracted aids. If athletes want to have sex there must be a better way of finding women and not get in to trouble. By the way what was Patrick Kane thinking about. No doubt alcohol was involved. He risks his career, reputation such as it is after the stuff he did to get in trouble a few years ago. Even if he is not indicted he is liable to be suspended, could be traded. Some of the athletes are just so stupid.
DeleteGood points, Sanford.
DeleteAnd what the hell does this mean? from a net news headline
ReplyDeleteMiley Cyrus Comes Out As Pansexual
I think it means she will have sex with not just anyone but anything. The girl seems to need some serious help in dealing with her sexuality.
ReplyDeleteindeed
DeleteAn older quote from Bernie, but good for him.
ReplyDeleteSen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) quickly smacked down the Saudi government’s demand that the U.S. send ground troops to fight ISIS.
Yesterday, Prince Saud al-Faisal, the Saudi foreign minister, demanded the United States lead a coalition of boots on the ground to fight ISIS.
In a statement, Sen. Sanders issued a blistering response:
I find it remarkable that Saudi Arabia, which borders Iraq and is controlled by a multi-billion dollar family, is demanding that U.S. combat troops have ‘boots on the ground’ against ISIS. Where are the Saudi troops? With the third largest military budget in the world and an army far larger than ISIS, the Saudi government must accept its full responsibility for stability in their own region of the world.
Should people get drug tested if on welfare? People do at some work places . Some states already do that. If you want govt money shouldn't one prove they aren't on drugs?
DeleteThanks for the friendly remarks about us hoi polloi, NS, and the comfortable new quarters. I still miss the Rocket Motel, alas. "Don't be a relentless asshole." There's the loophole I've managed to squeeze through, for the most part. I sometimes relent!
ReplyDeleteWill there be a big bash celebrating the rapidly approaching millionth page-view? Balloons and streamers all over the blog, spotlights sweeping the motels? Or perhaps just a silent contemplation of what NS hath wrought? : )
Nah, Jakash, you're good. Don't underestimate the value of the occasional pause for breath. Yeah, the millionth view looms. I don't want to do anything too dramatic. Kim Kardashian can flop out a tit and get a million views. I did think of making a new poster, "ONE MIIILLLLION VIEWS!" but figured the irony would be lost and I'd be out $500. I'll probably tweet it and maybe make a little humble remark and that's it. Save victory speeches for, you know, victory. This is just a good start.
DeleteThe word "tit" sounds so low end. How about breast or boob?
DeleteConsidering the source of said tit, low end words seem appropriate.
DeleteI prefer tit. As George Carlin said, "It's such a friendly word." To me, "boob" is more low end, "breast" too high.
DeleteI suggested to NS that he should celebrate when the big 1,000,000 hits. Perhaps a party room is in order here on the blog LOL. It's funny; I never thought I'd be commenting on these hotel/motel pages, but it's a blast ---> (nod to the Rocket Motel) !
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a Million Visitor Party. We could have it here, in the Comfort Inn. A virtual tub filled with beer and soda. A few bowls of chips. Let's see. We're about .... seven thousand away from a million. At about 2,000 hits a day, lately, that's sometime Tuesday. Good day for a party. Let's plan it for Tuesday, 7 p.m., here. Freewheeling comment. Maybe some music. Nothing lengthy. Say an hour. I could be up for that.
DeleteSounds fun!
DeleteWe can advertise it on the main blog.
Delete"Virtual beer" is not my favorite style, but I guess there's a first time for everything...
DeleteYet another tale of CAPTCHA woe... Twice now, I've had "cabbage" as the item to be clicked on. In both instances, I didn't really recognize ANY cabbage in the photos, but tried guessing a few. Wrong both times and sent back to the drawing board. I'm sure y'all will find that fascinating. : (
The latest captcha's I have are with burritos. Yes, some of those pics are hard to tell apart.
Delete(no apostrophe in captcha)
DeleteJak, I'm not a craft or any type of beer lover, but if you like specialties and want to ride way out to the southwest burbs, TapHouse in Plainfield.
DeleteWe don't really even get out in that direction very often, but thanks for the tip. Given that I think the last count I saw was something like 60 craft breweries either operating or planned in Chicago and the suburbs, it's hard to keep up. At a number of the great beer bars around, you can easily choose from several beers you've never had before every time you head out, if you're just occasional patrons like we are...
DeleteP. S. Just got the "cabbage" CAPTCHA again -- gave it a good shot, with what I thought were 3 clear choices, but ... NOPE! D'oh!
As for the captcha's Jak, perhaps you aren't as wise as you think. ;)
DeleteI thought by that time you'd have to open another hotel room.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, sounds good.
AG
I just noticed the statue in front of the hotel. I was going to ask about it, but my friend Google suggests this is by the Virginia Horse Center?
ReplyDeleteYes, it's in Virginia.
DeleteTrump or his handlers are getting clever indeed. Now he's playing the "he's anti hedge fund and Wall Street " line while stating that Hillary and Jeb are too close too with that bunch.
ReplyDeletePerhaps so about the latter 2, but isn't he as well? Now he's trying to appeal to moderates, but wonder if this will burn some Big Business/ WS bridges for him.
I don't care for the conserve. writer Mona Charen but this time,she's got him pinpointed right on personality disorders. He's probably not religious enough for her. I don't know why the ST features her columns.
(the word too should not have been in that sentence)
ReplyDeleteOh no...it's The Grammar Police.
DeleteSandy, it's on my own post, I was showing a correction. There seems to be no way to edit.
ReplyDeleteOh, sorry Anon, I thought it was a smart ass doing the corrections (the comment at 11:55 as well). Glad to know it wasn't.
Deleteno prob, I should be writing " self correct"/ I do it often
DeleteGood to see Ms. Mitchell tell it like it is that the newsroom shooter was black and committed a hate crime. Few would even bring it up-heaven forbid if it was the other way around. Where's the equal reporting? As she says, whites can be victims of race crimes as well.
ReplyDeleteYes, Ms. Mitchell deserves credit for acknowledging that.
Delete"Few would even bring it up..." You just must not pay enough attention to right-wing media. PLENTY are bringing it up there. Does it make you happy to find yourself on the same page with Pat Buchanan and Rush L. when it comes to your concern about the horrible, inexplicable bias against white people in this country?
One thing to consider, though. While there clearly appears to have been a racial component to this terrible crime, this guy did have PERSONAL grievances, however deluded, against people at the TV station. The guy shooting up the church in S. C. was just looking for any convenient black people he could find.
As for "equal reporting" -- if it hasn't been reported, how did I, you, Ms. Mitchell, Pat, Rush and the others find out about it?
Even Ms. Mitchell said that "few have the courage to bring it up." She noted even the President didn't mention it.
ReplyDeleteBut no I don't know what goes on at the Faux News network nor do I read many conserve. columns. I wasn't making a list of which is more racist or less racist.
And my point, Mr. Jakash, was that it isn't being reported as a race crime as much as some other incidences.
See, Jak, Im trying to curb my temper. Rather than say you are being a condescending and anal jakash, I responded nicely.
DeleteAnd remember what Mamma Maria told us long before others figured it out-too much soda is bad for you and use olive oil and don't deep fry, wink.
Yes, I noticed and appreciated that, but figured that the less we discussed this further, the better!
Deletewell next time don't twist my words and hope you see my point or I'll give you a paddling
Deletecome out and play, Coey and Nikki
Forget Rush and Pat.
ReplyDeleteI was reading in the travel section about bucket list restaurants one must try. Can't recall the name but one was a Lincoln Park one, where they distill foods. I thought that was just for liquids. Then the food is served in some plastic bubble container for one to open at the table. Talk about pretentious and I'm guessing overpriced. They claimed this was modern. Probably those who visit there would feel very smug about themselves as well. ;)
ReplyDeleteI feel really bad about always being tossed off. Not tech-savvy enough to understand all those choices under Comment drop-down, so click Anonymous & then whole comment-text disappears. Can't tell whether NS didn't like what I said or me, or whether some electronic impulses admonished me for not choosing the correct sign-in.
ReplyDeleteI always click on the "Name/URL" category of the drop-down box, where you can put in whatever fake name you want, leave the URL part empty, and post your comment. After you click "Publish", you do need to "prove you're not a robot" by clicking in the box next to where it says that, then solving the CAPTCHA by clicking on the requested pictures, then clicking "Verify", and then clicking "Publish" again before it will go through. But that's always a breeze! Ahem. : )
DeleteNot necessarily. Sometimes something will just strike me the wrong way and I'll think, "Fuck that."
Delete;), I guess I shouldn't have spoken for you
Deletewatch it, you are in mixed company, we have some delicate, lady flowers here, cough
DeleteGoodness, what happened to the days when a man stood up when a lady came in the room?
DeleteI'm not sure what the issue is. I just type in the white box at the bottom, hit "Publish" and it gets posted. Maybe you need to log in.
ReplyDeleteThe non- blog owners have to do a select profile if not logged in, Mr. S.
ReplyDeleteanon at 10:05, follow Jak's instructions.
Jak, weren't you the one mentioning tart cherry pie on the other side of the blog over the weekend? Anyhow, since no one would see it there since many days passed, here's a tip if you want that taste in no fat (even if you don't need to watch it) At Mariano's, Califia brand tart cherry juice mixed with lemon, qt. size, where they would have their refrigerated lemonade section. It's prob better than the nonrefrig. juice bottles. Some other brands will sell small bottles refrig near produce sections at various stores.
I was concurring with our host, who first mentioned sour cherry as one of his favorites. Oh, I watch fat, all right. I've plenty to see, too! You know how I hate to nitpick ; ) but, intrigued by your suggestion, I googled that juice. It's basically just flavored sugar water, alas. 13% juice, with more sugar than anything besides water. I watch sugar, too, though it's not as entertaining. I appreciate the thoughtful suggestion, regardless, as I certainly don't just have a piece of cherry pie whenever I feel like it...
DeleteBut regular sugar isn't as bad as high fructose and some of the artificial sweeteners have bad side effects and are lab concoctions, look that up. Sorry, I mentioned it.
DeleteThere's sugar in pie too you know and those sugar free desserts with sorbital not as bad as aspartame but can give you some stomach problems, ahem.
Well since you said you go biking, I figured you were on the fit side.
DeleteFrankly, only diabetics should be having artificial sweeteners. My pharmacist pal and doctor bro, keep me in the know on some of that junk.
DeleteWhen we were kids, some kids drank pop all day, didn't gain wt. Yes, they were more physically active outside, less indoor things to do, but the high fructose they add in many drinks now, not just pop, have cause stomachs and diabetes to go on the rise, more than natural sugar would do. That doesn't mean one doesn't have to watch cane sugar at all.
(correction, caused, not cause)
DeleteI'll get this blog past a million yet. ;)
(sorbitol. not sorbital) self correction
Deletewhy didn't I see this in the edit box first? maybe the print is smaller
I was (mainly) joking about being fat -- just not in the same shape (visibly) as I used to be, while still relatively fit. I've never been on board for artificial sweeteners, regardless. I appreciate your giving me a pass on the giant inconsistency revealed on this thread -- griping about sugar content, while earlier having put in a plug for all the swell beers in town! ; )
Deleteyes, it's easier to watch fat and chlolesterol than sweets
DeleteIn a Presidential elections, one needs the Hispanic vote to win, in the upcoming and past couple of elections-thus Trump will get no where. There may be some established Hispanics that are anti illegals but they won't be as large in number. Most with that group have been offended by DT.
ReplyDeleteI notice the one or 2 posters here that are always quick to come to the defense when someone dares to say a person of color may be wrong against a cop or aren't always victims and are quick to reprimand those who say that, or think them racist- are strangely silent at the Tx cop who got it in the back of the head as he exited a store, from a person of color, just last week. While he was down, the perpetrator shot the cop some more, see USA today/ ST. Where's the big media hoopla on that, anyhow?
ReplyDeleteScram, you're in the wrong place. That's the kind of bully-whining-that-he's-a-victim bullshit that we're here trying to avoid. I don't see any posters "quick to come to the defense when a person" blah blah the rest of the bullshit that is rattling around your brain. Take it somewhere else.
DeleteJust giving an opinion.
DeleteCheer up Anon 5:03 PM. It hasn't taken cops in Texas long to even the score. Watch very carefully, at 0:58 in this video Gilbert Flores has his hands in the air, but still gets shot by deputies Greg Vasquez and Robert Sanchez, for his effort at being cooperative.
DeleteI understand there's a manhunt in Fox Lake now for some cop killers.
DeleteBernie, you need to move to the Austin neighborhood or Engelwood and put your money where your mouth is.
Bernie, It isn't always that way or always about the cops being the bad guy.
DeleteAnonymous, what you said in your first post is not really an "opinion." You made a statement that is either true or not true. Can you give some examples of what you are claiming about other posters? And I don't recall anyone ever saying that cops are always the bad guy; quite the opposite, in fact.
DeleteViewer,
DeleteI'm not sure what the point is you are trying to make. Do you believe if I live in a high crime neighborhood for a while, I would turn to the darkside, and begin to think like Anon 5:03PM? Never! But seriously, I recall Fox Lake, especially the police very fondly. Years ago I was giving rides for teenagers, who were volunteering to restore a nature preserve in the area. A more friendly community you couldn't imagine. They certainly don't deserve living through the tragedy of having a good guy like Lt. Joe Gliniewicz murdered. When the murderer is caught, tried, and convicted, I wouldn't mind him receiving the death penalty.
Anon 8:17PM,
Of course there are good cops. But combinations of substandard leadership, sloppy hiring practices, and poor training, will lead to the inevitable bad outcomes that are an all to frequent occurrence these days. The ubiquitous availability of recording devices means bad practices that were easily concealed in the past, by impeaching witnesses, or doctoring crime scenes, cannot withstand the glare public scrutiny. I'll leave you with what is, in my opinion, a good example of a world class police department. Orland Park, under the direction of Police Chief Tim McCarthy, is one of the most professional police departments in the Chicago area.
Poster Coey-
DeleteRegretfully, the time cannot be spared to research past posts in the various rooms here. Your tone is a "holier than thou" one. Make an attempt to cease sounding as if you are overly full of yourself.
Good Day to you, Sire.
And to you as well, Anonymous. This is why I generally choose not to "come out and play" with you much. You make an unsubstantiated statement, then become indignant when asked to back it up. And your recent habit of posting under varying aliases does not disguise this.
DeleteWe missed having Sandy and you at the party last night, Coey. That was a nice tribute to Neil that you posted under the balloons, though. We certainly could have used a holier-than-thou, prissy, cheerleader-type to class up the joint! ; )
DeleteCurious about this Anon today, both here and on the main page. Either it's a different person than we're used to dealing with, or she's purposefully attempting to non-romantically Catfish us by pretending not to know that you're a Ms., not a Mr.
But if I had ended up with a lampshade on my head, my carefully cultivated persona would have been for naught.
DeleteAnyone who wishes to call me Sire is welcome to do so! I've never been able to get anyone to do it at home.
Methinks you should be shooting for Duchess, but to each her own...
DeleteCoey, I can assure you I'm not the one playing games here. Sorry to say but you are wrong in your guesses. At least Jak gave me the benefit of the doubt.
DeleteIt appears I'm the one being" catfished " and there are more anons out there than you think.
I even complimented your party post yesterday with a well said.
If you can honestly say that you do not semi-frequently post under various aliases (I don't specify, in case you wish to continue doing so), then you have my sincere apology. The rest of my comment stands. The fact that you can make nice when you agree with someone does not, for me, mitigate your discourtesy when you do not. For example, how many times now have you suggested someone move to an area of high criminal activity? That is why it may be best that we no longer directly engage. And, as I suggested before, if you find my tone so insufferable, you are free to skip over my comments. Life's too short to subject yourself to unnecessary annoyances.
DeleteSorry Coey, I have no way to prove that to you. If you prefer to think I'm the only poster here who gets naughty, so be it. Perhaps you can skip over posts that bother you then or not react to them. Thanks for your time.
DeleteSome message boards have a way to track a poster's ips, even if they come under different names. That would be nice but it doesn't apply to blogs, I guess.
DeleteIf you say that it is so, I will take you at your word.
Deleteoops, meant isp
DeletePlease allow me to sincerely compliment you on your writing style, Coey.
Meow- Cat fight!
DeleteBy the same token, Coey, you also lecture anyone who doesn't agree with your opinion. You give some a wider berth than others.
DeleteThanks, Coey. You are a clever poster here and we need more women posters.
DeleteAs to the Asswipe at 4:00 pm, someone is yanking my chain and yours. Wish I could see you in person, anon at 4pm, you'd be sorry.
As a devotee of the blog, I of course found this exchange intriguing. (Even Big Boy's out-of-left-field sexist snark.)
DeleteAside from NS checking the IP addresses of the various commenters, which I very much doubt he'd be inclined to do, were it even possible, I don't know how this can actually be resolved.
I must admit that I'm confused as well about some of these names, though. Italian-American anonymous woman of the SW burbs, I'll take your word for it if you state it explicitly, as well. You've never posted as "Reader", "Viewer", "Mrs. G" or "A."? If not, my credentials as Ace Ventura, blog detective will have to be surrendered to the Sheriff.
Regardless, look at the 10:05 a.m. comment from yesterday. That was clearly not from a usual suspect. Perhaps they figured out how to post an alias and have come out swinging today. Perhaps not. But several of the comments on the jury post sure don't seem like they're from our Ital. buddy.
In any case, evidently, (and AMAZINGLY!), our frequent sparring partner is not the ONLY one who finds Coey and even, WHO?? ME? pretentious and condescending. I'm shocked, SHOCKED! that such should be the case, but there you have it...
This would be so less confusing if the annonymice would just pick something to go by. You don't have to log in or have an account, just type in qwerty, 23#1, imatool, or whatever strikes your fancy. Just please choose something!
DeleteDearest Jak, Yes, it seems some of your credentials are slipping on who is who, but you are right about some one else coming out swinging.
DeleteAll rightee, then, Lady Anonna, I'll switch back to the pet detective racket...
DeleteNikki,
I got a nice chuckle out of your suggesting "23#1", but then you went and followed it with "imatool", which was redundant, since it still refers to MJ. ; )
Jakash, since that was not, in fact, an explicit denial, I'd say your credentials are in no danger yet. Or that you can at least claim Encyclopedia Brown-level skills.
DeleteHee. Hoped someone would catch that.
DeleteSorry folks, I'm not on trial here and don't have to justify anything. Think what you will.
DeleteTry not to peg people-J.
DeleteOdd how it's assumed that I'm the only person changing name handles, though I'm not saying I did. Oh ye stone casters...
DeleteLady Anonna, good one.
DeleteMistress coey/
DeleteIt is not for you to decide what does or does not constitute an opinion. Who elected you overseer? If you feel that is not an opinion, guess what-that is merely your opinion.
Just a scheduling note. I was going to have the party here, but realized the introductory remarks would skew the framework, so I'm creating a new Party Room at 7 p.m. We'll be gathering there. See you in a bit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder, NS.
ReplyDeleteI understand that Cheney has a book out and much of it is supposedly based on the bad deal made with Iran recently. He wants more foot soldiers on the ground there. Interesting coming from the man who asked for 3 deferments so he could avoid service in the Nam era.
It's sickening what Rauner tried to pull with not paying social agencies through his overpaid henchwoman, while paying less impt' bills. Glad they are getting sued. Also maddening is teachers having to spring for school supplies while CPS admins get overpaid.
ReplyDeleteWell looks like Brady and the Patriots got away with plenty and can do whatever....
ReplyDeleteMaybe Goodell should resign and say put a marionette in as commissioner.
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/judge-offers-final-ruling-on-tom-brady-suspension-in-deflate-gate-221425352.html
It was surprising that Trump signed that Republican pledge.
ReplyDeleteDon't divvy bike in this weather. Too sticky, especially if in office clothes.
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite story of the week, about the lost sheep found carrying around 30 sweaters-worth of extra wool. The photo is priceless.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/09/03/437209105/woolly-mammoth-shearer-saves-hugely-overgrown-sheep
That picture was too funny. It looks like Shirley from Shaun the Sheep.
DeleteIs Shaun the Sheep one to check out? I have enjoyed other movies I've seen from those creators.
DeleteI haven't seen the movie yet, but the show is extremely funny. Definitely worth checking out. Fun fact: the animators are the same guys that did Peter Gabriel's Slegehammer video.
DeleteGabriel has some interesting music.
DeleteOh yeah, love Peter Gabriel's stuff. My kids were amazed when I told them Solsbury Hill wasn't a happy little tune but a big bugger off to Genesis, which made them even more impressed w him.
Deletepoor thing, good thing someone noticed it
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of movies, I saw an excellent documentary, Rosenwald, about Julius Rosenwald, long-time head of Sears, Roebuck and a major philanthropist in his time. When I learned what he accomplished, I was surprised I'd barely heard of him before. Among other things, he contributed to building over 5000 schools for black children in the rural Jim Crow south and donated millions to get the Museum of Science and Industry going.
ReplyDeleteThe down side is that, as far as I know, it's only showing at the Century Cinema on the north side, but maybe it will be available on demand soon.
I see now that Lynn Sweet wrote about it in yesterday's ST. It was my birthday, so I didn't read the paper;)
DeleteWell, belated Happy Birthday, Coey! You certainly seem to get an early jump on the good movies. We saw a trailer for "Rosenwald" last weekend. It's also showing at the Landmark theater in Highland Park, FWIW. Looked very interesting, indeed.
DeleteWe used to see free previews at the Century rather often, but got tired of getting there 45 minutes early and lining up. Well, we pay for movies there, too...
As for the animators, Wallace and Gromit should be much bigger stars than they are, IMHO! : )
Since the last time we were there, they've added a lovely bar area adjacent to the theater.
DeleteIf your religious beliefs do not allow you to serve alchohol then you should not be a flight attendant.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cnn.com/2015/09/05/travel/muslim-flight-attendant-feat/index.html
Take note, Coey and Jakash. There are certainly some Anon bloggers on the Israeli post on the main page (and there have been on other pages) that certainly aren't me.
ReplyDeleteWell isn't this interesting-from the Keith Olbermann page
ReplyDeleteWell, here you have it, folks. Why the KOCH brothers want to beat the government and where it all began?
It all began in Corpus Christi, Texas. A grand jury indicted Wichita, Kans.-based Koch Industries and four of its employees of 97 felony counts. Apparently, the company was accused of covering up the emission of a cancer-linked chemical called benzene from its Corpus Christi, Tex., refinery. Immediately after the indictment, Koch spokesmen swore the government got it wrong, maintaining that this isn’t the end of the fight. And then George W Bush comes into play as he enters the race for the presidency and the Koch Brothers fund GW's campaign with lots of goodies.
Just pay off the politician and you are good to go. And the Texans love the creep. NOT all but enough to name highways and byways after him. There is very little regulation in Texas. And plenty of republicans bought and paid for at the expense of your health.
Glad that beast who attacked the woman so brutally in Willowbrook was caught. Guess he didn't want to work for his money.
ReplyDeleteSince you're probably going to delete this too, I should probably direct this post to you and not any readers who might see it in the interim. It's one thing to decide to change the rules about commenting and ban me, it's another to call me a coward for following your rules! About a month before you banned me, you wrote to someone else that you were ok with my posts because your philosophy was to have your say and then let readers have theirs as they stayed "within the bounds of comity." I acknowledged that post and said I'd seek to comply. There was no "don't be a relentless asshole" rule, in fact a few weeks later you said you enjoyed my posts (albeit for a backhanded reason). Then all of a sudden you ban me and tell the person who asked that I didn't say anything that wasn't in the bounds of comity - you just were sick of the endless criticism.
ReplyDeleteI didn't cross the line, you re-drew it. And then when you deleted my attempts to say goodbye to the handful of people who had said nice things, and didn't even tell them I had said goodbye, and I stopped and didn't try to "slip one by" while you were on vacation or whatnot. (And for the record, I haven't posted here since - e.g., under some other moniker or "anonymous").
Hey, as you say, it's your blog, but how in the world is it "cowardly" to actually observe your rules? And you're likening yourself to a cowering school kid? Zeesh. I don't know who this other person is you're lumping me in with, but uncool - had you announced your sensitivities ahead of time I'd have complied with them or not posted in the first place.
PS Great idea with the online party - you should consider doing something in person. My favorite dj's growing up did that, and the Sun-Times once had a "meet the writers on the plaza" thing I went to - don't recall if you were there or if there was too big of a line, a la the one for Richard Roeper - the only person I'm sure I talked to was Jay Mariotti - I think I talked to Lynn Sweet too, in from D.C. Anyway, I give you my word I won't attend so don't let that dissuade you - you may think I'm an [explitive - hey, *I* stay in the realm of comity, man!] but I never lied to you.
Hi Anon., nice to see you back. Well, it appears that you haven't been booted for that entry. I'm pretty sure if you don't be super scoldy, you can hang out w us again. Not all that you wrote was facepalm worthy. ;). Not that I'm keeper of the comments here, just saying howdy!
DeleteHey Nikki - thanks, howdyhollerback! Yeah, I'm a little surprised to see it still posted, though it looks like between the holiday and maybe a hangover from NS' "party" there hasn't been a lot of posting here the last couple days so maybe he hasn't noticed. I dunno, I think he's genuinely happier (or at least more relaxed) without me around and one thing I totally agree with him is that nobody should ever 0have to *pay* for unhappiness - it's funny how we (i.e., those of us with big enough egos and/or thin enough skin) feel compelled to defend the honor of their anonymous monikers!
DeleteANA-why are you twisting words? Get over yourself? Still brooding???? You didn't just disagree but you put the blog host down in rude ways. NS put up with it more than most would have. It's a shame because sometimes you had something good to say.
DeleteAnyhow, face facts about what you really did. You must be some kind of nut.
Nor are you the only one who suggested the author/ blog host meet his fans with books.
Oh no, that stalker is back.
DeleteNice to hear from you, A-n-A. I never found you to be a relentless asshole -- much more of an intermittent one, if you ask me! ; ) Rather like myself in that regard, though much more knowledgeable about many more topics than I am.
DeleteI always thought that -- within certain bounds, of course -- bracing, civil disagreements made sites such as this more interesting, but this ain't my blog and I can certainly understand our host not wanting to put up with disagreeable posts if he doesn't feel like it.
Gotta disagree about the in-person party, though. The online thing was fun, in part, because of how low-key and serendipitous it was. It was pretty easy to show up for. And, if people want books signed by Neil, it's not like he's a hermit. I've seen him in person, myself, about 4 times over the last number of years at various appearances he's made.
Ditto J - very glad to have had the opportunity to touch-base again. Completely agree with the second paragraph, only semi-disagree with the first as I suspect you are equating some of my glibness with knowledge :-)
DeleteAnon-not-anon
DeleteWhat are your thoughts about Trump and his campaign?
To be honest, I'm kinda tired, and not that interested in processing or rehashing the stuff that is still on A-N-A's mind. It isn't so annoying, though, that it merits removal. Maybe his hiatus has mellowed him.
ReplyDeleteSo Huckabee claims that Kim lady is jailed for her religion? Really? Is that why? Talk about an attention desperate politician twisting the facts.
ReplyDeleteFor those keeping score at home, there are currently seventeen Republicans in the running for President. Of these, only three candidates have openly criticized Kim Davis for her arbitrary and capricious actions. Back in 2007 when the Tea Party started, one of the platforms was reigning in the ability of petty bureaucrats to lord it over the common citizen. The three sticking to these principles are Donald Trump, John Kasich, and Carly Fiorina.
DeleteThanks for that report, Bernie. I don't plan on keeping score, myself, until the 17 candidates have been winnowed to 1, and then only as much as good citizenship requires. ; ) Gotta say though, from what little I know, Kasich is the one that scares me as the most viable possibility for putting a Republican in the White House. Not surprised to see that he'd be on the right side of this issue.
DeleteGood, let Russia do some of the fighting against ISIS.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/russia-says-planes-carrying-military-goods-syria-113410492.html
Not a Jindal fan, but he nails it with his comments on Trump.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/bobby-jindal-calls-trump-unstable-narcissist-n425071
NS-did you happen to see in the Sunday Sun-times, some reader wrote in under the opinion section about your article on McDonald's? Bet he's got clogged arteries.
ReplyDeleteYes, I heard from a number of McDonald's fans, who took my criticisms personally, and wondered why I didn't balance the piece with praise. I had to point out that McDonald's spends billions of dollars plumping its image and products, and society can tolerate the hoarse croak of an occasional dissent.
DeleteFresh Thyme Markets (various locales) carry some nice challah bread, fresh baked.
ReplyDeleteRecall trying some Mogen David wine, years back, just out of curiosity -too sweet.
Good article from M. Mitchell today in the ST. She says on the "black lives matter" statement, that black lives have to matter to blacks as well. She brings up quite a few examples of why they don't seem to.
ReplyDeleteIs Dr. Carson, an Uncle Tom?
ReplyDeleteAt the moment Dr. Carson is the only one who can save the Republican Party, and our Nation from Donald Trump. In that regard he is The Great White Hope.
DeleteU sho enuff got a point, man.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone harbors any doubts that the limit of stupidity of police in Texas is approaching infinity, I will dispel those doubts by directing your attention to this story.
ReplyDeleteoh yes, he looks very threatening (NOT)-perhaps the name Ahmed made them nervous
DeleteIt's appalling that this child had to go through that, but nice too see this result:
Deletehttp://m.dailykos.com/story/2015/09/16/1421874/-President-Obama-invites-homemade-clock-making-science-whiz-kid-to-the-White-House?detail=facebook
*to
DeleteOf course, the Muslim President is going to celebrate this kid! ; )
DeleteGotta say, I'm glad things are working out all right for him, but I do find it pretty annoying how so many little, local stories get blown up into international incidents by the twitterization and celebrification of the current America. Looking at old newspapers, I realize it has actually long, if not always, been so, but the immediacy and quantity of the responses these days seems to make it even worse. Thanks, Obama! ; )
(And please, faithful readers, disregard the fact that my last post contained two links responding to a little, local story that demonstrate that I'm being wildly inconsistent with regard to my annoyance...)
I know what you mean about local stories getting much more play than they ever could or would have before. While in some cases it does seem like a bit much, I can see some benefit in bringing attention from a broader spectrum of observers. For instance, in this case, if not for the reaction outside of the community, would it even have occurred to the school authorities and the police that their reaction was disproportionate and, quite possibly, racist?
DeleteGreat, now the ghost is channeling Stepin Fetchit.
ReplyDeleteAnd who knows if it's only one "ghost"? Can never be sure of those things.
Deleteor Mr. Bojangles
ReplyDeleteLooks like Ms. Mitchell got bombed in today's paper from readers who didn't like her saying it's not really rape for a sex worker as much as for someone who is randomly attacked.
ReplyDeleteWell, she had already been taken to task promptly and extensively on Twitter and in many other online forums. As this Huffington Post writer puts it, "She seems to have missed the memo that sex without consent is always rape."
Deletehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sun-times-mary-mitchell-rape-sex-worker_55f6bb73e4b042295e36b959
Or, a shorter, perhaps pithier take-down:
http://jezebel.com/chicago-sun-times-writer-says-sex-workers-cannot-be-rap-1730391491
Thanks for the info, Jak and Coey.
ReplyDeleteAnyone interested in discussing the Republican debate on Wed. evening?
ReplyDeleteMr. S, would love to read your thoughts on the debate.
DeleteI watched it. I'm not sure I can scrape together cohesive thoughts. Rand Paul sounded more coherent than I remember him to be. Trump is the same, mugging like Mussolini. Chris Christie was trying to position himself as a man of the people, despite his Squiggy hairdo. Ted Cruz is a frightening demagogue. Forget president, it's depressing that he could become a senator, even in Texas. Kasich is trying to carve out the aw-shucks Jimmy Stewart corner for himself. I cam away stunned at how lame the whole thing was. Ben Carson couldn't even defend vaccines in a strong fashion. He seemed drugged. How could he be at the top of the polls?
DeleteThanks -good to see Fiorini stand up to Trump and succeed. Trump showed he had no substance and depth, when it came to details.
ReplyDelete(Fiorina)
ReplyDeleteBernie, if you see this-since you post here at times, perhaps you can repeat your interesting debate comments from last night here, incase no one is re-checking the old Trump blog.
ReplyDeleteI didn't watch the debate, but I did enjoy this campaign coverage from Colbert the other night:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cbs.com/shows/the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert/video/49092941-FF20-8648-A833-D406C73DA1B8/the-hungry-for-power-games/
That was pretty funny. Colbert does a good Caesar impression.
DeleteWhat are your thoughts on Colbert's new gig? I was hoping for more, but I'll give him time to get into the swing.
DeleteWell, Coey, I wasn't wild about the first show, but I think there's been plenty to like and a lot for me not to like, by this point. I don't agree with even the premise behind Eric Zorn's fantasy that Colbert was going to completely reinvent the nightly network talk show -- if he did so, he'd likely reinvent the concept of such a show getting good ratings, given the nature of the network audience, IMHO -- but I do agree with some of his thoughts. (Assuming that you read his column about the show.) I've long been annoyed by the wasted time given over to pandering to the folks in the room at the beginning of all these shows, and Colbert is certainly wallowing in the adulation of his pumped-up studio audience. I don't know why these TV savants don't realize that that does nothing for the home viewer, whom they're trying to appeal to. I'd cut out the "Stephen" chants pronto. I felt like Jon Stewart was about the best at that. He'd let the people go crazy, briefly, but then would just start talking, whether they'd stopped cheering or not, and they'd stop.
DeleteAnyway, sorry about that rant. Essentially, I'm put off by his silly dancing at the beginning and stuff like his whistling with Paul Simon, if you saw that. Did you hear when he said something to Bush like "I used to play a narcissistic conservative pundit -- now I'm just a narcissist."? That seems to be ringing a bit too true sometimes, for my taste. (Though the idea of Simon being "Al" from the cover-band "Troubled Waters" was a winner, in my book.) I think he is very sharp, and that comes through in all the interviews, at one point or another. I like his political coverage so far. So, a mixed bag. I find Fallon unwatchable -- he seems like a kid in a candy store, not a talk-show host. From what I've seen, he couldn't come even close to the interviews Colbert did with Biden or Tim Cook. I've watched a lot of Colbert so far, out of curiosity, but I don't often watch any of the shows. All in all, I'd say I've enjoyed about half of what I've seen, but I suppose it's a show I'll enjoy on a random night if I tune it in or record it, which I generally only do if there's a guest I really am interested in.
Some woman at "The Atlantic" had what I thought was an interesting observation, though a bit over-the-top. She said that maybe Colbert isn't the new David Letterman -- he's the new Charlie Rose.
There. Sorry you asked what I thought yet? Imagine the tone-deafness required for me to call HIM a narcissist! : )
As long as you weren't basking in the applause after your response, I'll give you a pass. And that opening cheering and chanting was the only thing that consistently irritated me on the old show. Thank goodness for the jump-ahead-30-seconds button. So yes, there was no need to carry that over and add dancing to the mix. I like that he seems happy to be there, but there are limits.
DeleteZorn's take was harsh but was, as you say, based on unrealistic expectations. I don't expect Colbert to turn the late night show format on its head, but I think he can bring a level of sophisticated freshness. I like both of the Jimmies (sp?), but have never watched either of their shows regularly, relying on YouTube clips. Having given up on Larry Wilmore not too long ago (ratio of misses to hits was too high), I'm willing to give Colbert more time to figure out what does and doesn't work. Which must come as a huge relief to him.
Sadly, I agree about Larry Wilmore and the hit-to-miss ratio. I've watched parts of maybe a dozen of his shows. The first part of the show is often entertaining, but I've yet to see a panel discussion that I found worth the time.
DeleteI think all the guys are funny, themselves, including the Jimmies. I just am not wild about Fallon's show, due to his giddiness as an interviewer and many of the YouTube-ready gimmicks they come up with. I understand that that qualifies me as an old fogey.
"Sophisticated freshness" should be a blurb that they use. : )
"...a huge relief to him." Wait, are you suggesting that nobody cares what we write here? Perish the thought! I'm still waiting for the cease and desist order to come from Michael's lawyers...
Bernie,
ReplyDeleteYesterday you asked Bitter Scribe "Do you have a theory for the rise in popularity of Dr. Ben Carson?" Columnist Dawn Turner addresses that very question in today's Trib. In case the link below doesn't take you past the paywall, the core of the piece is:
"White Republicans genuinely like Carson because he's a genuinely likable guy. They connect with him because he's got one of those uplifting rags-to-riches tales that we Americans find so seductive.
But Republicans in particular love a good bootstraps story — especially the kind that's accompanied by the fairy tale of rugged individualism, whose twin conclusions are 'I did this all by myself,' and — their favorite, as it pertains to African-Americans — 'He did it, why can't the rest of you?'
Carson's feel-good story allows Republicans to feel good about themselves. They can vote for a black guy (whose name isn't Obama) and maintain the myth that race is no longer a hindrance in this country and the only thing black folks have to do is work hard (as if many blacks don't already) and they too can achieve the American Dream."
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-ben-carson-white-republicans-dawn-turner-20150915-column.html
Jakash,
DeleteDawn Turner's column makes sense, and describes much of Carson's popularity. There is a sentiment I've noticed over the years, often appearing in letters to the editor, some people desire a candidate who doesn't name call, bicker, and isn't argumentative. To the best of my recollection Dr. Carson is the most polite gentleman to run for president in decades. As a pediatric doctor the moderators provided Ben a sledgehammer with which to smash Trump. Anyone else would announce in a voice slightly tinged with self righteousness, Trumps's irresponsible statements about vaccines resulted in the death of children. The Reaganites in the audience would have eaten it up. Instead Dr. Carson notes, no medical studies have ever linked autism to vaccinations.
I recall several months ago you said something like "Bush is an ass." A simple statement that still held true last night. Bush didn't bother to hide the scorn in his voice when he said as president he would eliminate sequestration, and implied he would open the floodgates of spending for the military in particular. As much as the mainstream Republicans disdain the Tea Party, the sequestration agreement they reached with President Obama, has kept our nation from going over the fiscal cliff.
May I recommend scenic Galena, IL for a quick weekend outing- if you like mid 19th century historical bldgs or antiques.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that Walker has bowed out of the race.
ReplyDeleteWise and realistic quote from a Rabbi- "Bruce Jenner is a man. There should be no dispute."
ReplyDeleteThen I guess that will be the final word on the subject, at least for those who accept all life guidance offered by anonymous rabbis who agree with what they already think.
Delete"Morality is not a moving target or truth becomes a moving target"
DeleteWho does have the last word on the subject? All have their own biases.
That is true about biases , including in myself, of course. But in some ways truth, or at least our perception of it, IS a moving target. The world is not flat, the sun doesn't revolve around the earth, people who have epilepsy aren't possessed by demons. As we gain more knowledge, our views often evolve.
DeleteThou canst operate away DNA and genetics.
ReplyDeleteThere is help for mental illness notions.
http://www.seraphicpress.com/we-are-the-transworld/
ReplyDeleteAh, so he actually is not even a rabbi. He's a conservative Republican screenwriter and NRA member. Thanks for the additional info.
DeleteIt is a Rabbi who had the link!
ReplyDeleteThat is link from conservative Jewish writers.
DeleteWell according to a USA pol. poll, Trump is on the wane, so some can draw a breath now.
ReplyDeleteInteresting article today in the paper from Roger Simon, who finds Carson and his "heretic" talk, most disturbing.
ReplyDeleteNS-I presume you know Simon quite well.
Never met the man.
Deletesome tidbits
ReplyDeleteA bit surprised to read that Boehner is resigning. (no loss imo)
It sounds like Kaner will be exonerated and perhaps rightfully so.
As for those who play the IL lottery, I feel sorry for them if they won and have to sue to collect their $.
Can a padded cell be too far off?
ReplyDeleteWASHINGTON – Sen. Ted Cruz was in rare form Friday morning at the Value Voters Summit, calling President Barack Obama a communist, gloating over Speaker John Boehner’s sudden resignation, and threatening the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader.
Now that Monday article on the last of the old ferris wheel ride at Navy Pier, from Roeper (not a fan) was one I thought would have been suggested to NS.
DeleteIs this man for real? Carson says it's okay to fly the Confederate flag???????????
DeleteToo bad his ancestors can't come and knock some sense into him.
http://news.yahoo.com/racing-legend-petty-appears-carson-nascar-country-154553267--politics.html#
I understand that Safeway is appealing to lower the award that they owe to Jordan.
DeleteCurrent topics/ events discussion, anyone?
DeleteMr. S, you can sleep better now, Trump is slipping even more in the polls.
DeleteNeil,
ReplyDeleteI thought maybe you'd appreciate this, and I can't imagine that you read the comments on other folks' blogs, so I'm shouting this out. Your buddy Nancy Nall posted a link and recommendation for your wacky letter post on Friday. One of her finest commenters, a writer himself, then posted the following on Saturday:
"In case he reads these over the weekend: my apologies to Neil Steinberg, on not having read 'You Were Never in Chicago' until last night. I got it when it came out, then just never got to it, but was reminded by way of Nancy’s link on this post, and after the game got home and picked it up. If you have a connection to Chicago, if you have written for a living at all, if you like good writing in any way, you will enjoy this narrative/memoir/travelogue. And I’m really sorry I didn’t read it sooner to plug it earlier!"
That's very nice of you to pass along, Jakash. I like Nancy Nall very much.
ReplyDeleteICYMI: I see that, for now at least, the Secretary of State will no longer be mailing out reminders to renew your vehicle registration (i.e get a new sticker for your license plate). All part of our lovely budget impasse. You can either renew online at cyberdriveillinois.com, where you can also sign up for email reminders, or you'll have to do it in person at the DMV (no thanks).
ReplyDeleteI don't generally pass along what I know you can read yourself, but missing this bit of info could hit you where it hurts!
DeleteP.S. That Facebook thing is a hoax! ;)
DeleteThanks, Coey. That IS important info, and I certainly had missed it. But I signed up for the email notification option a couple years back. Coincidentally, I just received a driver's license renewal letter from Mr. White recently...
DeleteCherish it. It could be your last.
DeleteWell, that sounds rather ominous, Coey...
DeleteI have it framed, hanging next to my EGD poster and Ernie Broglio baseball card. ; )
Thank you for the update.
ReplyDeleteWhy would any woman in her right mind, be a member of a religion that treats her as a 2nd class citizen? whether it's born again fund.. evang, Roman Catholic, east orthodox Christian, Islam or
Deleteultra orthodox Jewish? Perhaps it's guilt, family pressure, tradition that keeps things going. I wonder if some of the Middle Ages minded Cardinals would change if no women were in their pews Sunday and if these women didn't bring their kids their either or use parochial schools? In some nations women would have no choice but they do in the west, in general. (outside of certain areas of Brooklyn)
Presbyterians, Episcopals, Lutherans and some other mainstream Protestants allow women ministers and don't obsess over contraception. If one is spiritual that would seem to be a better choice. Or Reformed Judaism as another example, with female rabbis shows open mindedness.
As to the ST editorial today about illegal guns and crime and the police are over extended as it is. There is also no funding for more. It's too bad that 24/ 7 day in and day out National Guard presence in parts of the city is seen as a no no in principle. One would think stopping some of the crime and gunrunning or stopping grandma's from getting killed would be more important.
correction-there not their
Deletegrandmas, no apostrophe
DeleteAnd how many inner city churches are about ministers living large and not about real ministry? Just ask columnist John Fountain.
DeleteIn response to Anon's request yesterday for current topics, I'll throw this out there.
ReplyDeleteCertainly many folks have projected onto Pope Francis a willingness to shake things up in the Church that he is only partially capable of, even if he wanted to really shake it up. But he's the Pope. Nothing he's done indicates a break with traditional Catholic doctrine -- just that he's a lot better at PR than the last one, from a liberal American's perspective. Or HAD BEEN, up until the news of his meeting with the Kentucky criminal broke.
However. Women as priests? He stated clearly: "That door is closed."
Not a lot of "Who am I to judge?" nuance on that one. He's not going to be backing gay marriage, or lessening the opposition to abortion, needless to say. At the White House, he chose to talk about Climate Change. The single most significant thing that he could do, as Pope, to help the world with regard to climate change, would be to encourage the 1.2 billion Catholics he supposedly represents to use contraception. He COULD do that, but will he even consider it?
Anyway, I gotta say, I wasn't too impressed with the PR thinking behind meeting with Davis. "Somebody" was fully aware what meeting with her represented, and that's why the meeting was secret. She was raised Catholic, left the Church and has been married 4 times. Her current church certainly doesn't recognize the authority or encourage recognition of the influence of the Pope, so it can hardly be compared to his meeting with nuns, or even Mark Wahlberg, who is allegedly a devout Catholic.
The Pope can meet with whomever he wants. He's here to help the sinners, not the saints, after all. If Davis were seeking forgiveness, that would be one thing. But a pat-on-the-back for dodging her responsibilities and judging others by deciding that she, not the folks involved, nor even the Supreme Court, should determine who may get married? Disappointing, indeed. Seems to me that the nature of this behind-the-scenes, "don't tell 'til I've hightailed it out of here" meeting with such an inflammatory figure goes a long way toward undermining the "can't we all just get along" speeches he seemed intent on making the main message of his visit.
And when, as a religious figure, you find yourself cruising in the draft of Mike Huckleberry, you might wanna consider driving on a different course. IMHO, that is.
Don't forget he also spent time with prisoners. And Congress.
DeleteIn all seriousness, though, I was surprised and disappointed; initially incredulous, in fact. But I feel confident he didn't initiate the meeting.
DeleteCorrect on all points, Mr. Jakash-especially about the better PR part.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a38440/pope-francis-swindled-kim-davis-meeting/
ReplyDeleteNot sure how accurate this source is, but it hints that one of the conserve. Cardinals ushered a quick meeting without fully filling in the Pope on all the info.
At a reader request, I've added a new cabin where the conversation can be relocated, if you like.
ReplyDeleteTime for a new hotel perhaps, Mr. S?
ReplyDelete