May 07, 2012
— Gabriel Malor Happy Monday.
Markets are in full freak-out mode all over the world as a result of the French presidential election. The Frenchies have elected their first socialist leader in seventeen years. His signature quote: "my real enemy is the world of finance."
City dwellers may be aware of the relatively new car service, Uber, currently taking up the slack from dirty, abusive, over-regulated cabbies that never seem to want to get you where you want to go. Of course cabdrivers hate it and those with assets riding on the prevailing taxi system are trying to regulate Uber out of existence.
The Avengers made box-office history this weekend with a total domestic haul of about $200 million. As someone said on twitter (Jonah Goldberg, I think, but don't really know), now that Joss Whedon is king of Hollywood, can he bring Firefly back?
Posted by: Gabriel Malor at
02:50 AM
| Comments (346)
Post contains 150 words, total size 1 kb.
http://is.gd/FLKFY9
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 02:52 AM (YdQQY)
http://is.gd/htC1ie
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 02:52 AM (YdQQY)
http://is.gd/1Amiot
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 02:53 AM (YdQQY)
"The Frenchies have elected their first socialist leader in seventeen years."
and they're not going to be getting the free money they think they just elected him to dole out because that train left the station a few years ago.
Posted by: Gmac at May 07, 2012 02:53 AM (TG5ad)
http://is.gd/t6nYxT
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 02:53 AM (YdQQY)
Posted by: kelley in virginia at May 07, 2012 02:54 AM (Y1JCQ)
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 02:55 AM (YdQQY)
http://tinyurl.com/7bwdotz
Posted by: Matt in Maine at May 07, 2012 02:55 AM (gWLRb)
A lot of the firms here in HSV are making plans for sequestration. Whats that you ask? The next wave of lay offs coming to a defense contractor near you!
http://tinyurl.com/ceore74
Posted by: Gmac at May 07, 2012 02:57 AM (TG5ad)
Good Morning kelly
I think that will be a pickup. But let me clarify that 5 seat pickup. What I meant was a 5 seat majority in the Senate.
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 02:57 AM (YdQQY)
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 02:58 AM (YdQQY)
Can I just say it?
Liberals are idiots.
Posted by: Bill Mitchell at May 07, 2012 03:01 AM (hlUJY)
Look at the prices and keep in mind that these are the "Quick Check markets of the day.
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 03:04 AM (YdQQY)
Posted by: Gmac at May 07, 2012 03:05 AM (TG5ad)
Posted by: toby928© at May 07, 2012 03:08 AM (NG097)
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 03:09 AM (YdQQY)
Posted by: toby928© at May 07, 2012 03:10 AM (NG097)
Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 07, 2012 03:14 AM (SeGk7)
Posted by: BurtTC at May 07, 2012 03:15 AM (Gc/Qi)
Posted by: Dave C at May 07, 2012 03:18 AM (uULZC)
Posted by: Dave C at May 07, 2012 07:18 AM (uULZC)
That Macaca crap really isn't what cost him that election in 2006. That was a preview of 2008. Bush and the big spending Republicans in congress cost him that election.
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 03:22 AM (YdQQY)
Posted by: San Antonio Rose at May 07, 2012 03:24 AM (bcwQD)
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 03:24 AM (YdQQY)
Saw the Avengers last night at the IMAX theater - my first IMAX film. Good, senseless entertainment that washes over your skull producing pleasant sensations and from which you will learn absolutely nothing.
Which is what a good movie should be.
Mark Ruffalo sucked as Bruce Banner, as expected - I'll make sure to tell him that later on Twitter. It's been a while since I've insulted him and apparently he can't figure out how to block me.
Jeremy Renner's scenes could easily have been replaced with more shots of Cobie Smulders' ass walking around in that spandex uniform and not missed a beat. Hawkeye? Seriously? The fucking Wonder Twins would have been more useful in a fight, even if they transformed into a purple marmot and a bucket of cocktail onions. Did anyone notice that he was almost the same height as Scarlett Johansson? Someone get that tiny, wooden bitch off the screen. No, the other one.
Minor gripes aside, it was a good ensemble superhero film, and ALL the characters got a chance to shine.
Posted by: Empire of Jeff at May 07, 2012 03:26 AM (JDIKC)
Posted by: small town girl at May 07, 2012 03:31 AM (ETCgz)
Aren't they on the euro? Will the rest of Europe go along with that?
Posted by: nickless at May 07, 2012 03:32 AM (MMC8r)
Gabe's link on Uber was very interesting. That Atlantic writer almost sounds like a free market fan; he'll never get invited to join the MBM with stuff like that on his resume.
The whole medallian system like NY uses is nothing more than a gubmint imposed monopoly. What does it create? Filthy cabs, poor service, abused drivers and passengers, and a few unchallengeable fat cats at the top of the heap.
Posted by: GnuBreed at May 07, 2012 03:33 AM (cHZB7)
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 03:38 AM (KxyHe)
Yeah. The problem is that the rest of the EU will get what's coming to the French, too, and that's going to affect us more than a little.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 03:42 AM (KxyHe)
Posted by: Justamom at May 07, 2012 03:42 AM (Sptt8)
Dang it, Vic, now I want a real Dr. Pepper, and I don't know any store that carries them around here. And I certainly don't want to drive down to Waco or Dublin to buy one.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 03:43 AM (KxyHe)
Posted by: Dave C at May 07, 2012 03:44 AM (uULZC)
http://cbsn.ws/J8M9OJ
If we had a real American president and not a dog-eating traitor, I would hope he'd tell the terrorist scum that harming an American -- even a stupid one who voluntarily lived in Pock-eee-stohn -- would result in the brutal extermination of Muzzie terrorists and their supporters throughout the world.
Instead, we're all in a fuss about some Chinese dude.
Posted by: MrScribbler at May 07, 2012 03:49 AM (MQc8e)
Posted by: dripping venom at May 07, 2012 03:50 AM (zZJJp)
From what I understand, now that France is a European state it cannot issues currency but the European Central Bank can, like our Fed. That is the fight from the Euro states not in this dilemma. It makes them pay for other states follies. Like when California's debt is absorbed by the Fed.
Posted by: Panzer Trout at May 07, 2012 03:51 AM (cYQg0)
Posted by: Empire of Jeff at May 07, 2012 07:26 AM (JDIKC)
Really? You're like the first people that I've heard say that.
Posted by: Robert at May 07, 2012 03:51 AM (4ixH5)
I think we need 50 more debates from the MFM.
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 03:52 AM (YdQQY)
Posted by: moki at May 07, 2012 03:52 AM (dZmFh)
Greece? Well they just elected Neo-Nazi's. That will help make things better. Right.
Large parts of the EU are done. In fact, I think the EU is done. The German people aren't going to put up with this either. That will be the coup de grace.
Posted by: Exile at May 07, 2012 03:52 AM (O0lVq)
Posted by: moki at May 07, 2012 07:52 AM (dZmFh)
Doing good. Will be going for more rad treatments this week. Going to have to find a back way to Florence though. The normal route goes right by the Darlington racetrack and they are having the Southern 500 this week.
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 03:55 AM (YdQQY)
Posted by: David Axelrod at May 07, 2012 03:56 AM (c3mby)
Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 07, 2012 03:56 AM (hRq+2)
I have to say... I mostly disagree with EoJ. Renner as Hawkeye wasn't bad- it didn't help that he basically plays a tin soldier for the first half of the movie, and by the time he's "back in the fold" there are so many characters he never really got a chance to show off his bad-assery.
Ruffalo as Bruce Banner was an interesting take. I liked it, but I can see why others might not. He's a complete departure, for instance, from either the all angsty, woe-is-me Banner from the Eric Bana Hulk movie, as well as from the "just leave me alone, I must find a cure!" Banner from the Ed Norton movie.
The big three, of course, were solid in their rolls. RDJ definitely stole the show, despite everyone getting more-or-less equal time to show off. Partly, I think it's because he's the best actor of the group. Partly, I think the Tony Stark level of snark and sarcasm just fits in so well with Joss Whedon's dialog.
All in all, I give it an A. It certainly made me look forward to the second one (Is there any doubt, here?).
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 03:58 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 07, 2012 03:59 AM (hRq+2)
Posted by: Samuel Adams at May 07, 2012 04:00 AM (ZOf1l)
Oh. Great. WWIII. Because the Greeks and French won't "tolerate" anyone taking "their" benefits away- even though they're not the ones paying for them.
Anyone think we can sit this one out?
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:00 AM (8y9MW)
Could be. I don't think either of them really add anything, unless you use Ant-Man as a way to introduce that killer robot thing (I can't remember it's name right now), they way they did in the Avengers cartoon.
You're almost better off adding Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:03 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Robert at May 07, 2012 07:51 AM (4ixH5)
Ed Norton rescued the Hulk franchise. Not the CGI Hulk part, Ed Norton's Bruce Banner. He was sympathetic, tortured, brave and heroic.
Mark Ruffalo brought the same qualities to the role as he brings to EVERY role - that of a befuddled, middle-aged pothead whose eyes can't seem to focus, has a voice hovering on the edge of serious speech impediment, and seems to *cringe* when delivering dialogue. If you'll notice, he kind of half turns away when he's speaking, like he's remembering an alcoholic dad who constantly smacked him for opening his yap.
And that's what this Bruce Banner is like: a simpering coward who is constantly whining and apologizing. The brilliance of Ed Norton's character was that yes, he was horrified by the damage he caused as the Hulk, but he also admitted that when he transformed, he *liked* it.
Or, if that's too wordy, Mark Ruffalo's a bitch.
Posted by: Empire of Jeff at May 07, 2012 04:04 AM (JDIKC)
Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 07, 2012 04:05 AM (SeGk7)
If he hadn't killed off Wash and Rev. Book, maybe.
Posted by: DanInMN at May 07, 2012 04:05 AM (vXj94)
Breitbart comes out strong with a number of articles concerning the ongoing disinformation campaign against Palin and the weak-minded who believed the meme.
Posted by: jwest at May 07, 2012 04:05 AM (ZDsRL)
Posted by: dripping venom at May 07, 2012 04:06 AM (zZJJp)
Posted by: Case at May 07, 2012 04:06 AM (VtU/3)
Posted by: nickless at May 07, 2012 04:06 AM (MMC8r)
Posted by: Joe Jackson at May 07, 2012 04:07 AM (e8kgV)
Although kind of facetious, I think we should take Germany's side this time.
Posted by: Samuel Adams at May 07, 2012 04:08 AM (ZOf1l)
Posted by: dripping venom at May 07, 2012 04:08 AM (zZJJp)
Posted by: Dave C at May 07, 2012 07:44 AM (uULZC)
Allen got caught in the 2006 clusterfuck that fat fuck Rove brought in with that great "compassionate conservatism" (ie. spending money just like the fucking donks except doing it for "our" constituents) as part of his permanent Repub majority. That's worked out well. Whether or not he deserves to be stained by association with that, he was a fucking stumblebum on how he handled the admittedly over the top brouhaha that the WaPo brought over the macaca incident. This isn't something you get participation trophies for, no matter how much Repuke central wants it to be for one of their fresh faced underachievers. Go Radke.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 07, 2012 04:11 AM (HfgvZ)
Posted by: Empire of Jeff at May 07, 2012 04:12 AM (JDIKC)
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:17 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 07, 2012 04:19 AM (HfgvZ)
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:19 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:21 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: JDTAY at May 07, 2012 04:22 AM (sFP59)
Avengers worked pretty well, though the first half was a bit slow.
AntMan should have been introduced in a TV miniseries, and segued into the movie.
And its increasingly apparent that 3-D adds absolutely nothing of value to any movie.
Posted by: nickless at May 07, 2012 04:22 AM (MMC8r)
Who's the man who cringes from adversity/
B-A-R-A-C-K-O-B-A-M-A
Who's the SCOAMT who f*cks us over every single day?
B-A-R-A-C-K-O-B-A-M-A
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:24 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Joe Jackson at May 07, 2012 08:07 AM (e8kgV)
I think it was always doomed to fail, starting with that none of the initial signing countries ever adhered to the financial requirements proving that it was just a big power grab by the enlightened bureaucracy. Mature countries just don't give up their financial autonomy as easily as they did no matter how much of a bullshit sales job they were given.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 07, 2012 04:25 AM (HfgvZ)
Burn, Heretic.
And its increasingly apparent that 3-D adds absolutely nothing of value to any movie.
I didn't even bother with 3-D. Even if it "added something," it doesn't add $2/ticket worth.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:26 AM (8y9MW)
74EoJ, did you kill the thread?
That's the problem with regard strength. I was just trying to hug the thread and it kept wigglin and i squeezed too hard. Sorry.
Posted by: Empire of Jeff at May 07, 2012 04:26 AM (nTJrq)
Who killed the thread......
Could have been the Kate Upton bikini video I mentioned. Well worth a look see.
Posted by: Case at May 07, 2012 04:26 AM (VtU/3)
So you're saying that you're Lenny.
Should we get you a pet mouse?
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:27 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Jean at May 07, 2012 04:29 AM (3FXA5)
*snort* something like that.
Make no mistake- when you're desperate, and you're willing/able to blame some "other power" for the problems you have, it doesn't take all that long to build your military back up.
And France and Greece have been more-or-less peaceful (on the world stage, at least) for so long, I doubt anyone would bat an eye if they started shoring up their militaries.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:31 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: AuthorLMendez, Liberterian For Romney Channeling French Voters at May 07, 2012 04:32 AM (yAor6)
There goes the neighborhood.
Do you think anyone would notice if I just went back to bed and pulled the covers over my head. This week is not starting out well for lovers of Liberty.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:33 AM (8y9MW)
can he bring Firefly back?
Oh, I so wish. But it would be worthless without the original actors. And he killed Wash. Suppose he could do a reboot.
Posted by: katya, the designated driver at May 07, 2012 04:34 AM (bMLFV)
Who is fronting the blind Chinese dissident and last week's diplomatic episode? No one is admitting the exact demands (shifting?) that the dissident made of the US diplomats. No one is broadcasting who this guy really is, but that his complaint regards social conservative sympathy against forced abortion timed to play the media during the US elections.
Posted by: Fear and loathing corruption in the Republican Party at May 07, 2012 04:34 AM (lpWVn)
Posted by: Jean at May 07, 2012 04:35 AM (3FXA5)
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:36 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Fear and loathing corruption in the Republican Party at May 07, 2012 04:36 AM (lpWVn)
Posted by: Fear and loathing corruption in the Republican Party at May 07, 2012 04:38 AM (lpWVn)
Don't forget: this is Joss Whedon. He laughs at your love of characters. He could bring back FireFly. You don't have Wash or Book, but you do still have everyone else, and the dynamics would have changed enough to make things very, very interesting.
I'm not sure how he'd do it with Wash, but he could bring back Book (occasionally) by doing those historical flash-backs he does every now and again. You could learn some of Book's history, and the Crew of Serenity would have to deal with it. Could be really cool.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:39 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Jean at May 07, 2012 04:39 AM (3FXA5)
If you wake up in the morning and don't feel like slitting your wrists that day, reading Zerohedge will fix that for you.
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 04:40 AM (sbV1u)
Posted by: jwest at May 07, 2012 08:05 AM (ZDsRL)
Whoever assumed the mantle after AB's death is doing a bangup job.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 07, 2012 04:40 AM (HfgvZ)
Posted by: Learflyer at May 07, 2012 04:42 AM (kheK+)
I wish I could be as sanguine. The fact is that the EU is a powder-keg waiting for an errant spark. All it would really take (and can you say that Greece and France wouldn't do this right now?) is for one or two of those countries to nationalize the appropriate industries.
Republican/Democratic countries really don't go in for wars of conquest- there are too many competing interests at home for them to work very well. However, France and Greece are well on their way to *not* being Republican/Democratic countries anymore.
Add Russia and China into the mix (if nothing else, I suspect both would prefer the US be busy in Europe instead of being able to keep an eye on Asia), and you not only have a powder keg, you have someone threatening to strike a match.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:43 AM (8y9MW)
The WH now goes to stir up the gays after race (Trayvon) and women (Fluke).
Posted by: nickless at May 07, 2012 04:45 AM (MMC8r)
Wait. What?
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:46 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Jean at May 07, 2012 04:46 AM (3FXA5)
If there were nothing else, nothing at all, to prove Obama's utter incompetence, then the selection of Joe Biden as VP would be the QED clincher.
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 04:48 AM (sbV1u)
Posted by: nevergiveup at May 07, 2012 04:48 AM (i6RpT)
Amen. But it's the charts that make me want to slit my wrists.
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 04:49 AM (sbV1u)
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 04:51 AM (YdQQY)
Posted by: Museisluse at May 07, 2012 04:52 AM (q2H2p)
Posted by: Lincolntf at May 07, 2012 04:53 AM (HethX)
Posted by: Jean at May 07, 2012 04:53 AM (3FXA5)
Paul Crudman is crowing in his latest op-ed, of course.
It shows you how political he is and what a terrible economist he is.
The election in France proved nothing economically. Just the opposite, in fact. It proved that electorates can be ignorant little children when it comes to economic issues.
Posted by: AmishDude at May 07, 2012 04:56 AM (J5tI6)
Yeah. Right now. I'm pretty sure the professional military in Germany in the early 20s felt the same way.
My point isn't that they could do something right now- it's that it won't take them very long to get back to where they could do something. Also, since we share much of our technology with them (they're are allies, after all), what they can do with a relatively small force is much worse than in WWII, even dismissing nuclear weapons.
Throughout history- especially post industrial revolution- any country that has wanted to gear up for war has been able to do so very, very quickly. Don't make the mistake of thinking that just because they haven't means they can't.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:56 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Beefy Meatball at May 07, 2012 04:58 AM (mxnUd)
Yeah the Republican Party is doing its damnedest to alienate its base again. They nominated a candidate that 75% of the base does not like.
I'm really sick of this. Look, it was a wide-open primary. "The Republican Party" didn't nominate anybody. The weakest of candidates were shoved to the forefront and found wanting. There was a choice and Romney was the least worst.
Posted by: AmishDude at May 07, 2012 04:58 AM (J5tI6)
I hope not.
I'd heard that one of the distribution facilities was getting closed for that reason. I hadn't heard that the plant was. I really hope I didn't misunderstand.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 04:59 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: nickless at May 07, 2012 08:45 AM (MMC8r)
You notice how they say something divisive and outlandish and Axelrod immediately distances the Prez from the fray with a contrary position?
Clintonian triangulation
Posted by: Panzer Trout at May 07, 2012 04:59 AM (cYQg0)
Exactly. The House just inserted a requested for $183M to keep the Lima, OH tank plant open. In the FY 13 budget the Army had proposed to let it go dark for 4 years.
Because we all know that when we want to build and upgrade armor vehicles in 4 years that the workforce will just have been hanging around for 4 years waiting for the lights to go back on. /sarc
Good article in the Weekly Standard recently about what an overrliance on airpower, while cutting procurement for the most sophisticated airframes, is going to do to us. Evidently the Obama Administration thinks that anyone we're likely to go up against in the next 10 years won't have air defenses - just like the Taliban.
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 05:00 AM (sbV1u)
Posted by: katya, the designated driver at May 07, 2012 05:00 AM (bMLFV)
Strangely enough, today's morning post at my place addresses that very thing- if obliquely.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 05:02 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: AuthorLMendez, Liberterian For Romney Channeling French Voters at May 07, 2012 05:04 AM (yAor6)
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 05:04 AM (sbV1u)
Posted by: AuthorLMendez, Liberterian For Romney at May 07, 2012 05:04 AM (yAor6)
Ah, but that makes it worse- who are they going to use for their military except those "disaffected yoots?" You know, the ones from the immigrant class who have been having kids?
You see where this is going, right? The main reason we've had nothing to fear from the ME (despite their posturing) is that they neither have, nor could really maintain, a modern army. Those majority Muslim "yoots" will be the ones conscripted (drafted, whatever) for military service.
Great.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 05:05 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: The French at May 07, 2012 05:05 AM (AzwZn)
Posted by: Nash Rambler at May 07, 2012 05:06 AM (HLv97)
Oh, I'm seeing it up close and personal inside of the Five-Sided Squirrel Cage. I know how bad it is on this end. Out beyond the Beltway where the people who make it all happen work, you can multiply the suck factor by 10.
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 05:06 AM (sbV1u)
Katya, I do not begrudge you your enjoyment of the superhero stylings of Jeremy Renner. I celebrate our diversity.
Overall, it was great entertainment.
Posted by: Empire of Jeff at May 07, 2012 05:07 AM (nTJrq)
I don't think Hollande has a majority in the Parliament at this time, so he probably can't enact a lot of his policies. Parliamentary elections are in June, I think.
I have this suspicion that Hollande expects (hopes?) not to get a majority. If he were a US Democrat, I'd figure that he wants to make promises he never intends to keep.
I think he wants a Bad Cop to rail against. Whether that's Parliament or the EU, it doesn't matter much.
Posted by: AmishDude at May 07, 2012 05:07 AM (J5tI6)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 07, 2012 05:07 AM (Ho2rs)
France is not nearly as far departed from the days of Napoleon as we'd like to think.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 05:07 AM (8y9MW)
At the moment, where is the world of finance not the world of tax payers' enemy?
Like the rest of Europe after WWI destruction of monarchies, France went commie v. fascist, taking turns leading the peasant revolts with bribes and promises to be cared for by Big Brother either way. (Not much different in the US.) So they're back with what has come of the French Resistance, propagandized today as "social democrat" which at this point is certainly no stranger in America, currently abusing the highest federal powers, dissolving America's Constitutional Republic. "Hate" the rich with 70% taxation to support new civil service jobs in a country laden with rampant unemployment. Meanwhile, the rich French relocate as physically close to the City of London as possible into the most expensively elite British real estate. The EU crumbles even as NATO devours sovereignty of nations.
In America, the richest social democrats simply don't abide laws or pay taxes and their political opponents don't prosecute, given "common values" and shared special interests. Neither does Paulson. If that's not so, then why isn't Obama impeached or BEING impeached? Would Mitt Romney's campaign against Obama demand proceeding immediately with Obama's impeachment? No. Mitt doesn't even have the common decency to denounce the TSA for Abuse of America.
Aside from those at the top of the global financier industry, there are tax payers around the world who agree with Hollande's assessment against the pirates of "investment bailouts" -- the most grotesquely inane purchase of debt in which the global financiers never lose their own losses when there are investors to defraud, mutual funds or central banks of victimized countries to usurp. I ask of Europeans why their communists remain the only ones there willing to attack globally CORRUPTED corporatism since there is no reason to dash all corporations on account of authoritarian corruption, as if only corporatists are authoritarian or only corporatists are corrupt. And as an American, I wonder why the hell we should favor either communism or fascism, there or here, as Americans having our Constitutional Republic to sustain.
Why does someone like Mitt Romney refuse to attack corrupt responsibility in Congress for removing the legal limitations of power that originally balanced the Federal Reserve and FDIC from fraudulent opportunism, and in Wall Street for bribing Congressional legislation enabling piracy of mutual funds via fraudulent derivatives, and in the US Treasury Office of Secretary granted autonomy by George W. Bush via executive order enabling global economic fraud greater than the world has EVER known? Because Romney is just another "Repo Men" candidate that will never bite the hand feeding him, lest he be the dog they eat. He WANTS to wield authoritarian powers and even believes that he deserves to do so, being endowed by God Almighty to do so.
So which American candidate actually stands against the corruption, the only candidate against authoritarianism, and the only campaign platform for constitutional integrity protecting American Liberty? Insane to claim Mitt who, like Jeb Bush, eschews the Tea Party movement allowed only to be "usurped". Mitt, aka Obamalite, won't go contrary to the Bush policies of open borders, NAFTA enabling human/drug trafficking, amnesty for global fraud AND fraudulent economic bail-outs like TARP.
Don't stay self deluded, stuck on stupid preferring deceit, lies and illogic. Don't repeat the drunkard's defense attacking all Libertarians as if they smoke. I don't do either, and find the finger pointing beneath juvenile antics. The '12 Platform matters more than ever if America expects to maintain any semblance of Constitutional Integrity.
I don't expect "Promise them anything, just get their votes" Mitt Romney to keep any promises. But I'd demand he make them, none the less.
ABO need not be another Repo Men POTUS except by due process. And so far, aside from having abandoned the traditional Republican platform, maintaining Republican Party official rules is neither Mitt's nor the Republican Leadership's forte.
Posted by: Fear and loathing corruption in the Republican Party at May 07, 2012 05:08 AM (lpWVn)
126I guess someone forgot to turn on the spam filter<<<
No, Sean. AllenG is a regular commenter.
Posted by: Empire of Jeff at May 07, 2012 05:08 AM (nTJrq)
If he runs out of domestic boogeymen then he'll start in on us again with all the hyperpuissance bullshit they were slinging a few years ago.
Socialism always requires an enemy - an "other" - in order to function.
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 05:10 AM (sbV1u)
Posted by: martybegan at May 07, 2012 05:10 AM (WYrtq)
Shut up, Hater!
Gimme free stuff.
Posted by: fluffy at May 07, 2012 05:10 AM (z9HTb)
TL;DR. Was the movie good?
No, Sean. AllenG is a regular commenter.
Well played, sir.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 05:10 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Hedgehog at May 07, 2012 05:11 AM (3jGS1)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 07, 2012 05:12 AM (Ho2rs)
Posted by: Jean at May 07, 2012 05:12 AM (3FXA5)
I would say so. I can't think of anything really scary or gratuitous in it. There is one scene the primary focus of which is Scarlett Johansson's butt (seriously: center of the screen for like 90 seconds or more).
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 05:13 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Waterhouse at May 07, 2012 05:13 AM (G18kV)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 05:13 AM (5H6zj)
And here I didn't think I could want to see that movie anymore than I already do...
Posted by: BCochran1981 at May 07, 2012 05:14 AM (da5Wo)
That's certainly true where I work. I have no idea why they hired me anymore. I'm also staggered by the lack of understanding of basic economics around me.
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 05:15 AM (sbV1u)
Hedgehog,
My Master race are all under eight and they loved it. Not too gory, didn't notice any bad language, and no sexual themes.
Posted by: Empire of Jeff at May 07, 2012 05:15 AM (nTJrq)
The election in France proved nothing economically. Just the opposite, in fact. It proved that electorates can be ignorant little children when it comes to economic issues.
Posted by: AmishDude at May 07, 2012 08:56 AM (J5tI6)
We call them 'Temper Tantrums'
Posted by: THE MFM at May 07, 2012 05:15 AM (FIDMq)
Posted by: Museisluse at May 07, 2012 08:52 AM (q2H2p)
It might be that gigantic melon that he has on top of his neck that merits having it's own area code and satellites caught in its gravitational pull.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 07, 2012 05:15 AM (HfgvZ)
Posted by: nickless at May 07, 2012 05:15 AM (MMC8r)
Violation. All cultures are equal.
Posted by: Diversity Czar at May 07, 2012 05:16 AM (MJ76f)
I saw it in 2D and never once thought, "Oh, man, that would have been awesome in 3D!" The general consensus of my social circle seems to be save yourself the money.
Frankly, the first movie I think will be "worth it" to see in 3D might (but only might) be the new Spider-Man movie.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 05:16 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: nevergiveup at May 07, 2012 05:16 AM (i6RpT)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 05:17 AM (5H6zj)
Posted by: Hedgehog at May 07, 2012 05:18 AM (3jGS1)
Well now if that were they case, they'd all be equally successful, wouldn't they?
When you try to explain that to a liberal their knee-jerk reaction is "institutional racism" despite that fact that there is no "institution" responsible for creating a culture.
Liberalism really is a mental defect.
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 05:18 AM (sbV1u)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 05:19 AM (5H6zj)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 07, 2012 05:20 AM (Ho2rs)
>>>Well now if that were they case, they'd all be equally successful, wouldn't they?<<<
Violation. Logic is racist.
Posted by: Diversity Czar at May 07, 2012 05:20 AM (MJ76f)
We need to get this out there. The more we can say (with absolute honesty) that SCOAMT = Carter, the more likely we oust him in November.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 05:20 AM (8y9MW)
It might make the evening news when they saw his head off live on Al-Jazeera.
You would think, just maybe, that after Daniel Pearl and Nick Berg the liberal do-gooders might think twice about moving to a Muslim country for a while.
But, no.
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 05:21 AM (sbV1u)
Posted by: Y-not channels Obama's base at May 07, 2012 05:22 AM (5H6zj)
Posted by: Y-not channels Obama's base at May 07, 2012 05:22 AM (5H6zj)
Violation: I can't be racist because I am a Black-Hispanic-Native American-White Person.
Game. Set. Match.
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 05:23 AM (sbV1u)
I celebrate our diversity.
Well I can tell you're not a liberal.
Overall, it was great entertainment.
Absolutely.
I saw it in 2D. I was very glad I hadn't seen it in 3D. I think my brain would have exploded. And not in a good way.
Posted by: katya, the designated driver at May 07, 2012 05:23 AM (bMLFV)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 05:23 AM (5H6zj)
Does he sell gross stupidity?
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 05:23 AM (sbV1u)
Posted by: Joltin' Joe Biden at May 07, 2012 05:24 AM (hiMsy)
Posted by: Joey B. at May 07, 2012 05:25 AM (MMC8r)
Posted by: nevergiveup at May 07, 2012 05:25 AM (i6RpT)
Posted by: nevergiveup at May 07, 2012 05:26 AM (i6RpT)
Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 07, 2012 05:26 AM (hRq+2)
Now why didn't we think of that!
Be right back, I have a new movie to shoot.
Posted by: Al Gore's Third Chakra at May 07, 2012 05:26 AM (sbV1u)
yeah, you get cheap-o plastic glasses that will fit even over eyeglasses
That cost you an extra $3 then they want you to donate back to them so they can "recycle" them. I always keep mine. I'll never use them for anything but I paid for them and they're not getting them back.
Posted by: katya, the designated driver at May 07, 2012 05:26 AM (bMLFV)
Posted by: AmishDude at May 07, 2012 08:58 AM (J5tI6)
I'm 100% behind Romney even though he wasn't my first choice; and have been very pleased with him ever since the JEF's surrogates started attacking Ann like the clueless malignant fuckheads they are. That doesn't mean that the Repuke party isn't toploaded with toadies and cocksuckers who all should be tossed on a giant funeral pyre and immolated. Reince Priebus is a step in the right direction imo but there's still an internal cleansing that has to happen. The prolonged campaign season is unhealthy imo and prevents qualified candidates who actually have a real life from entering the fray and serves the dickweeds who love to be kingmakers. And empowers the MFM. Fuck that shit.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 07, 2012 05:27 AM (HfgvZ)
Yeah, I just don't see a shooting war in Europe either. Under what circumstances? And to what end?
Posted by: Waterhouse at May 07, 2012 05:28 AM (G18kV)
I dunno, I think he's actually been doing the housecleaning. I am really impressed with what he's done so far.
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 05:28 AM (sbV1u)
saw it in 2D. I was very glad I hadn't seen it in 3D. I think my brain would have exploded. And not in a good way.<<<
Like I said, it was my 1st IMAX film. Just never got around to it, which is odd seeing as I work just down the street from their headquarters.
Now I get it. It's 3D, just *bigger*. Great clarity, but I don't like wearing the glasses.
Posted by: Empire of Jeff at May 07, 2012 05:31 AM (nTJrq)
I'm worried about you chemjeff. You knew where to find that.
Where's the part where they naked?
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 05:31 AM (sbV1u)
He's a dead man Y-not. All Al Queda wants in exchange for his release is for the US to stop all airstrikes in Pakistan, Afghan, Yemen, and Somalia.
Posted by: GnuBreed at May 07, 2012 05:32 AM (cHZB7)
http://tinyurl.com/38wsfh6
Not gonna lie, that kinda did it for me.
Posted by: BCochran1981 at May 07, 2012 05:32 AM (da5Wo)
Posted by: nevergiveup at May 07, 2012 05:34 AM (i6RpT)
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 06:52 AM (YdQQY)
.
So history does repeat, only this time the supreme being is the self.
Posted by: Vashta Nerada at May 07, 2012 05:35 AM (GfHSl)
It has always been so! Where have you been mon ami??
Posted by: Jean-Jacques Rousseau at May 07, 2012 05:38 AM (sbV1u)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 07, 2012 05:39 AM (Ho2rs)
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 09:28 AM (sbV1u)
I agree but I think he'll really have the wind at his back if the Tea Party makes more gains in November. After the disaster of Steele (who I think was well intentioned but just kept making Biden-esque gaffes on the air whenever he was pressured by libs, which I think was a partial result of coming from a very blue state like Maryland) he's been a very good breath of fresh air. I was cautiously optimistic considering what he did in Wisconsin.
Richard Mourdock is on Laura Ingraham now; if you listen closely you can hear Peggy Noonan sobbing loudly.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 07, 2012 05:39 AM (HfgvZ)
"Voters in France elected François Hollande as president, giving the country a Socialist leader who has pledged to shift the burden of hardship onto the rich and resolve the euro-zone debt crisis by softening the prescription of austerity."
So, France chooses Michael Scott to manage them.
Always. The wrong call.
Posted by: Michael Rittenhouse at May 07, 2012 05:39 AM (2Oas0)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 07, 2012 05:40 AM (Ho2rs)
Posted by: t-bird at May 07, 2012 05:40 AM (FcR7P)
Posted by: maddogg at May 07, 2012 05:40 AM (OlN4e)
But, the world doesn't grasp how big the US economy is, so France gets attention. Which is a good thing, anything that wakes the masses up to the failure of the socialist command-style economies.
Posted by: jimmuy at May 07, 2012 05:42 AM (kSaUf)
Posted by: nevergiveup at May 07, 2012 05:44 AM (i6RpT)
Posted by: da Zero, man of gutsy calls at May 07, 2012 05:45 AM (OlN4e)
The reason there won't be a European war is because of all the US military bases in Europe. Those bases were created to keep the Soviets out and to keep the Germans down. As long as we maintain a military presence there won't be a shooting war in Europe, but (a) how long can we continue to pay for the military bases there when we have serious fiscal issues at home, and (b) is it even our problem in the first place?
Posted by: Ghost of Lee Atwater at May 07, 2012 05:48 AM (JxMoP)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 05:49 AM (5H6zj)
Posted by: maddogg at May 07, 2012 05:49 AM (OlN4e)
My bunk is only a mile from the theater.
Posted by: DaveA at May 07, 2012 05:50 AM (ZYrSB)
http://tinyurl.com/c8zhzja
Posted by: Lady in Black at May 07, 2012 05:52 AM (OpijJ)
From Mediaite: "New York Post columnist Michael Goodwin appeared on Fox & Friends on Monday, where he said that he expects Vice President Joe Biden to be replaced on President Barack Obama’s ticket by Sec. Hillary Clinton if the race continues to be close heading into the summer. Goodwin told Fox co-host Brian Kilmeade that “Hillary Clinton will be on the ticket and Joe Biden will be sleeping with the fishes.”
Same old speculation, but now time is running short. I don't know if it'll happen, but it does make sense in a mercenary kind of way.
Posted by: Lincolntf at May 07, 2012 05:52 AM (HethX)
Posted by: nevergiveup at May 07, 2012 05:54 AM (i6RpT)
This is a glimpse of their real thought processes; a world in which honor and integrity and consistency and strength fall by the wayside in service of the progressive ideal.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at May 07, 2012 05:54 AM (nEUpB)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 05:55 AM (5H6zj)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 05:56 AM (5H6zj)
It would be properly seen as desperation. There's no other reason to consider it. If they were to decide to go that way, I expect the reasoning would be thus: Announcing Hillary with only a few months before the election means that the MSM/Dems would have a brand new potential "historic first" to cover until Election Day. The last thing they want is a Romney vs. Obama storyline. They need a hook, and Hillary probably comes with at least a few million female votes that would otherwise stay home. Still not likely, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Posted by: Lincolntf at May 07, 2012 06:00 AM (HethX)
Posted by: Lady in Black at May 07, 2012 06:00 AM (OpijJ)
Posted by: t-bird at May 07, 2012 06:02 AM (FcR7P)
Posted by: Lincolntf at May 07, 2012 06:03 AM (HethX)
Then, you see the '80s with movies like Rocky where the US is kicking ass against all odds. Or the Eastwood and Bronson movies where the individual takes control, fights back and wins.
The '90s and '00s we started to see a lot of torture porn--Scream, Saw--along with the lame "we all die" zombie movies. Which I see as representing more of the terrorist undercurrent; you're going to be killed by someone who just wants you to suffer and die.
Now, we're seeing the return of the super man, the hero who doesn't give up but fights and wins.
Bottom line: The presidential candidate who frames himself as the superhero, they guy who is going to risk it all to fight, will win in a landslide.
Posted by: jimmuy at May 07, 2012 06:04 AM (kSaUf)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 06:04 AM (5H6zj)
Maddog,
IÂ’m in Russia a couple of times a year. You want me to pick something out and bring it back for you?
Posted by: jwest at May 07, 2012 06:05 AM (ZDsRL)
In grad school I took a throw away elective because I was writing my thesis at the same time, I needed a "gut" course. So I took "Generations In Film."
Same kind of theory but it was based on the book "The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy - What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America's Next Rendezvous with Destiny" by William Strauss.
Since then he's created a whole cottage industry out of "profiling" the generations. A lot of what he had to say still holds true. It's uncanny. Pick up one of his later books, "Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069" if you're interested.
Posted by: Sean Bannion at May 07, 2012 06:12 AM (sbV1u)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 06:12 AM (5H6zj)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 06:14 AM (5H6zj)
Posted by: Sam I Am at May 07, 2012 06:15 AM (AzwZn)
I say that's motivation.
Posted by: grognard, SMOD-Squad at May 07, 2012 06:19 AM (NS2Mo)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 07, 2012 06:19 AM (Ho2rs)
Re: Hillary as VP pick
1. Wouldn't this be seen as an admission of weakness on his part? He had his chance to pick Hillary four years ago but instead chose the submoron Biden because he didn't want anyone to overshadow him. If he were to select Hillary now he'd be saying that he couldn't do it on his own. I don't think his ego would allow it.
2. If he were to select Hillary and if Hillary were to win he would owe her and her people a ton of favors. It might not be worth it.
3. This all presumes Hillary were willing to accept the offer. While she would definitely be owed favors I don't really see much upside for her. The best case scenario for her is that she takes the job, Obama wins, the economy takes off like a rocket, and she cruises to a presidential win in 2016. There are some problems with that. Historically, since the 22nd Amendment was ratified only once has a party held the White House for three consecutive terms (Reagan, Reagan, GHW Bush). Also, this assumes that the economy is going to take off (though I suppose it really doesn't need to do that because even marginal improvement after eight years of Obama would be spun as massive improvement). Hillary is a very calculating individual and it seems to me that a better bet for her would be to hope that Romney wins and then run against whatever cuts he is forced to make (a la the recent French election).
Posted by: Ghost of Lee Atwater at May 07, 2012 06:20 AM (JxMoP)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 06:22 AM (5H6zj)
Goddammit I can't escape this dumbassery. It's everywhere.
Posted by: Darth Chipmunk at May 07, 2012 06:23 AM (niW49)
Posted by: Charles Bark Lee at May 07, 2012 06:23 AM (0It32)
Hillary's going to the World Bank after Barry loses. Mark it down.
Posted by: toby928© at May 07, 2012 06:23 AM (NG097)
Posted by: Empire of Jeff at May 07, 2012 07:26 AM (JDIKC)
Really? You're like the first people that I've heard say that.
Posted by: Robert at May 07, 2012 07:51 AM (4ixH5)
On behalf of the five 30-somethings I went with to see the movie with last night (I'm 64), survey says EOJ is 100% correct.
Posted by: jwb7605 at May 07, 2012 06:24 AM (Qxe/p)
Posted by: NukeBoy at May 07, 2012 06:26 AM (ycLIF)
You'd be amazed at how well we can multi-task.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 06:27 AM (8y9MW)
On behalf of the five 30-somethings I went with to see the movie with last night (I'm 64), survey says EOJ is 100% correct.
Even setting aside my bias against Ruffalo I have to agree. I thought he sucked as Bruce Banner and really have never been impressed by him as an actor (and this includes seeing him before I knew he was a complete douche). The guy just isn't a very good actor.
Posted by: Ghost of Lee Atwater at May 07, 2012 06:29 AM (JxMoP)
Avengers rocked. Saw it twice. Probably the only thing I've ever seen with Ruffalo in it so I'll withhold judgement on that count, but I'm giving Renner a pass for Hawkeye. I'm impressed that Black Widow came off so well either, but this is Whedon we're talking about (who got the obligatory "Curse you, Whedon!" at a given plot point, which I shall not discuss further for spoiler purposes).
As for Europe, while France is getting the headlines, Greek also had a dysfunctional election, and the pro-bailout parties weren't able to seal the deal. Add that the deadline for the current deals is on the 15th, and that the odds of the Greeks putting a functional government together in that window closely resemble nil, and I'm thinking that's going to get interesting, in the bad, Chinese way. (And yes, that's where the folks at Zerohedge are looking. Go for the useful economic insights, stay for the antisemitic conspiracy theorists.)
Posted by: Brother Cavil, New Caprica City DMV at May 07, 2012 06:31 AM (GBXon)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 06:33 AM (5H6zj)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 06:33 AM (5H6zj)
She could definitely say "No" if asked. That would be a great story if it ever happened then leaked out. All the negatives of the desperation, and none of the positives of "woman on the ticket eleventy!!!".
But another argument in favor of it, from the hypothetical Obama point-of-view, is that they'd get "Most Popular President Ever" Bill Clinton fully aboard the campaign train. His image among the braindead middle is still good, plus he still has the imprimatur of a succesful economy in the Nineties.
Posted by: Lincolntf at May 07, 2012 06:33 AM (HethX)
Posted by: Jean at May 07, 2012 06:35 AM (WkuV6)
but this is Whedon we're talking about (who got the obligatory "Curse you, Whedon!" at a given plot point, which I shall not discuss further for spoiler purposes).
Not sure what part you're referring to and won't ask. I did notice one thing at the end, during the montage of all the news broadcasts there was one bottom ranked news network shown twice and one top ranked news network that was conspicously absent from the montage altogether.
Posted by: Ghost of Lee Atwater at May 07, 2012 06:35 AM (JxMoP)
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 07, 2012 06:36 AM (lrvnD)
Posted by: dagny at May 07, 2012 06:36 AM (JoL4S)
Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 07, 2012 06:37 AM (hRq+2)
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 07, 2012 06:39 AM (lrvnD)
Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 07, 2012 06:39 AM (hRq+2)
How horrible. This Moron's condolences to the family.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 06:40 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: thunderb at May 07, 2012 06:40 AM (Dnbau)
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 07, 2012 06:40 AM (lrvnD)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 07, 2012 06:41 AM (Ho2rs)
Posted by: Justamom at May 07, 2012 06:42 AM (Sptt8)
Posted by: Brother Cavil, New Caprica City DMV at May 07, 2012 06:42 AM (GBXon)
Posted by: thunderb at May 07, 2012 06:43 AM (Dnbau)
Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 07, 2012 06:43 AM (hRq+2)
Posted by: BlackOrchid at May 07, 2012 06:43 AM (SB0V2)
Wheddon is pretty good about keeping his personal politics out of his movies and TV. Also, one of the characters is a confirmed Conservative (Tony Stark) and at least one of the others is pretty Libertarian (Banner).
Actually, if anything, it took a couple of quick digs at Liberals. My favorite scene was during the "clean up" when some Democrat Senator d-bag is blaming the Avengers for all the destruction- as though they hadn't just saved the world from destruction.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 06:43 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Y-not at May 07, 2012 06:43 AM (5H6zj)
Posted by: Jimbo at May 07, 2012 06:44 AM (O3R/2)
"There's only one God, and I'm pretty sure he doesn't dress like that," was the line, I believe. Yes, it was refreshing.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 06:45 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Gmac at May 07, 2012 07:05 AM
Hmmmm.... If you start a pool on that, I'm in for a few squares.
Just sayin'.
Posted by: Terry at May 07, 2012 06:45 AM (x2bTX)
Posted by: dagny at May 07, 2012 06:46 AM (JoL4S)
Posted by: Joey B. at May 07, 2012 06:46 AM (MMC8r)
@256
MT= Modified Tweet, usually meaning you had to truncate it BC it was too long to retweet with your response. Lets people know it's not verbatim.
Posted by: Empire of Jeff at May 07, 2012 06:46 AM (nTJrq)
Posted by: naturalfake at May 07, 2012 06:49 AM (XBdI0)
Posted by: Justamom at May 07, 2012 10:42 AM (Sptt
No they didn't. I don't know the origin of that image, but it sure as hell isn't a Star Wars movie. Probably some irritated fan photoshop of some Jar-Jar death pron. If Iran used that, it's still stupid, but it's not a clip from a movie.
Best explanation is that someone is playing a practical joke (OMG IRAN teh STUPIDS) and that blogger fell for it.
Posted by: grognard, SMOD-Squad at May 07, 2012 06:49 AM (NS2Mo)
It was wonderful. They just did the school mass this morning in their outfits which I went too as well. He is very proud. They do such a nice job and he is beautifully catechized. The bug didn't set until 1 am for me and my oldest.
Posted by: dagny at May 07, 2012 06:49 AM (JoL4S)
They should've made Atlas Shrugged with Tony Stark-- you know, updated it for the kiddies.
Posted by: nickless at May 07, 2012 06:49 AM (MMC8r)
Oh, geez.
Most of the people I've known who had to bury loved ones specifically chose places other than "their" church, so they wouldn't associate the church they go to regularly with such bad memories.
And I'm sorry about the Episcopalians, too.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 06:51 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 07, 2012 06:51 AM (hRq+2)
Posted by: Chairman LMAO at May 07, 2012 06:51 AM (eHjV7)
Posted by: Jimbo at May 07, 2012 06:53 AM (O3R/2)
He seems fairly conservative. Well, fiscally so, anyway. But he doesn't seem to have any problem with charity (Rand despised the notion), or with the military in general- he just won't make weapons any more (in this continuity) because he couldn't control where they went. Specifically, he wouldn't let "our boys" be "killed by the very weapons [he] had designed to protect them."
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 06:54 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 07, 2012 06:54 AM (lrvnD)
Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 07, 2012 06:55 AM (hRq+2)
I hope your son's First Communion was still nice?
Posted by: BlackOrchid
We survived first communion this weekend as well, felt lucky we didn't have a trip or fumble.
A family up 7 in our neck of the woods just had the same thing happen, except the dad was 40 w/o plans in place, so there are money problems. There is fundraiser at the Lebanese Taverna's for them.
Posted by: Jean at May 07, 2012 06:55 AM (WkuV6)
I just cannot detect a word of actual thanks there.
How about "Thank you Lord for the meal."
Posted by: Jimbo at May 07, 2012 06:55 AM (O3R/2)
I just know the "priest" will be some broad with a dykey haircut. I bailed on them for a reason in the late 80s and that was one of them.
Posted by: dagny at May 07, 2012 06:55 AM (JoL4S)
He plays it pretty close to the vest (which is refreshing, actually). From his chosen associates and writing, I suspect he's one of the few true moderates, or even conservative. Certainly a good portion of the cast of Buffy are all conservative.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 06:56 AM (8y9MW)
@AllenG,
Re: "One God" line.
Capt. American is quickly becoming one of my favorites in the movie overall because of that classic late 40s early 50s charm they've imbued him with. Yes, RDjr is all swagger and funny, but Cap consistantly delievers the best "paragon of virtue" moments.
Posted by: tsrblke at May 07, 2012 06:56 AM (22rSN)
Posted by: nevergiveup at May 07, 2012 06:57 AM (i6RpT)
Posted by: Jean at May 07, 2012 06:57 AM (WkuV6)
They all brought their own to it. Yes, I love Cap as an anchor of traditional values. And it helps to remember that much of Stark's swagger is a coping mechanism- and better than some he could have chosen.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 06:59 AM (8y9MW)
"...Puny god!"
I didn't even hear the line my first viewing, everybody was laughing their butts off from what lead to it...
Posted by: Brother Cavil, New Caprica City DMV at May 07, 2012 06:59 AM (GBXon)
Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 07, 2012 07:01 AM (hRq+2)
*nods*
Posted by: palin steele at May 07, 2012 07:01 AM (NG097)
Posted by: thunderb at May 07, 2012 07:01 AM (Dnbau)
Unfortunately, one way to do a bad job in making a movie is to let the audience know how you vote, especially if you throw in a random seat-kicking moment unrelated to the actual story. I gather that Joss Whedon understands that much, at least. He wants to make a good product and knows that irrelevant (and quickly dated) political asides are counterproductive.
I can live with that.
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 07, 2012 07:02 AM (lrvnD)
That was awesome. As was the almost casual Thor punch.
I loved Captain America's line "Hulk... ... ... smash." You can just see as he's contemplating "What order can I give the Hulk that he'll actually obey?"
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 07:02 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: chemjeff at May 07, 2012 10:56 AM (7FadD)
Rand is updated Nietschze complete with the naturallistic fallacy baked in and a sprinkling of economic theory Nietschze lacked. Thusly, I hold the same opinion I do about Nietschze as Rand. "Great description of a dickwad, and I should always assume people are dickwads because that tend to be the case, not much to actually build a morality on now is there?" I have the same problem with "evolutionary morality" attempts.
@AllenG,
Wikipedia claims he's a Femisist, Atheist, Humanist (not in that order.) So yeah, moderate for hollywood? 
Posted by: tsrblke at May 07, 2012 07:03 AM (22rSN)
Posted by: Joffen, fucking sunshine patriot at May 07, 2012 07:04 AM (hRq+2)
Posted by: Chairman LMAO at May 07, 2012 07:04 AM (eHjV7)
My italian new york mother in law and I had the conversation this weekend--she says gay is perfectly accepted. I say people that say that have been pressured to say that. I don't believe that everyone everywhere is walking around thinking gay is jim-dandy---not the person but the act.
Posted by: dagny at May 07, 2012 07:04 AM (JoL4S)
Feminist (!?) Atheist and Humanist. Also absurdist. Turdist? Tardist.
Posted by: Clutch Cargo at May 07, 2012 07:05 AM (Qxdfp)
Yes. I'm sure that Wikipedia is the ultimate source. FWIW, I'm pretty sure that, for all that, he's a FiCon. Again, not that it matters- he tends to have his characters have political leanings that are organic for that character- when such things come to light at all.
And what, by the way, is a 'Femisist?'
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 07:07 AM (8y9MW)
Ridley Scott seems to have obtained that ship, looking at the Promethius trailers.
Posted by: jwb7605 at May 07, 2012 07:07 AM (Qxe/p)
Bwahaha. In encore at the Weird Al show last night, all the Storm Troopers on stage hi-fived at "some Gungans died."
>>Ugh... Came to work this morning and one of my co-workers has an American Flag in his work station that has replaced the stars with corporate logos and across one of the bars it says "End Corporate Personhood"
If you work for a corporation in an industry with lobbyists, and you have an "ethics" department/committee, they might like to know your cow-orker is actively agitating against your company's interests. Anonymously, of course.
Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at May 07, 2012 07:07 AM (/kI1Q)
I don't actually care about Whedon's own politics. He could be a goddamned Cannibal Maoist or something -- as long as he keeps that shit out of the movies he makes, I'm happy.
He's big on the strong female leads, which some people like to say is "Feminism" (not so sure about that per se, espcially considering several of them have severe "need a guy" issues.)
So if you're in that boat of people, then he doesn't play that "close to the vest" as it were. (I'd imagine were Whedon not director, we'd have seen less of Black Widow in this movie. She definitely matches his style.)
Posted by: tsrblke at May 07, 2012 07:08 AM (22rSN)
what, by the way, is a 'Femisist?"
That is my crappy typing skills and lack of proof reading. (Never buy a cheap keyboard. This thing misses keystrokes all the freaken time, it sounds like I type with a jackhammer, and it's response rate is pretty slow.)
So in that particular looks like it missed the "n" and picked up the S twice out of order. That's actually suprisingly not that bad. I've got a tweet to Adam Baldwin out there somewhere where I spelled "Dissertation" "disertaton" because I was typing so fast, my keyboard missed about every other stroke. He mocked me for 5 tweets on that one (rightfully so I suppose.)
Posted by: tsrblke at May 07, 2012 07:11 AM (22rSN)
Posted by: Max Power at May 07, 2012 07:12 AM (+wxCD)
Posted by: Max Power at May 07, 2012 07:13 AM (+wxCD)
So if you're in that boat of people, then he doesn't play that "close to the vest" as it were. (I'd imagine were Whedon not director, we'd have seen less of Black Widow in this movie. She definitely matches his style.)
Posted by: tsrblke at May 07, 2012 11:08 AM (22rSN)
If he's responsible for the portrayal of the relationship between Tony :: Pepper, I say more power to him. I liked the way Stark kept his word with Pepper at the end of the movie.
Posted by: jwb7605 at May 07, 2012 07:13 AM (Qxe/p)
Posted by: Brother Cavil, New Caprica City DMV at May 07, 2012 07:14 AM (GBXon)
Indeed, though it felt fairly organic. For instance, Cap's problem with same seemed to be more that he'd been lied to (if by omission) than that they were doing it. And Nick Fury never once apologizes for it.
Posted by: AllenG (Dedicated Tenther) SMOD 2012 at May 07, 2012 07:14 AM (8y9MW)
Posted by: And Irresolute at May 07, 2012 07:15 AM (RC3M9)
Posted by: Trimegistus at May 07, 2012 07:15 AM (lrvnD)
It's funny because I didn't know who Mark Ruffalo was until I read that, now I know exactly who you're talking about.
Posted by: eleven at May 07, 2012 07:16 AM (KXm42)
Posted by: Jimbo at May 07, 2012 07:17 AM (O3R/2)
Charles Barkley To Romney: "We're Going To Beat You Like A Drum"
Race trumps all, I guess. http://is.gd/myFKgP
Posted by: toby928© at May 07, 2012 07:17 AM (NG097)
After the disaster of Steele (who I think was well intentioned but just kept making Biden-esque gaffes on the air whenever he was pressured by libs, which I think was a partial result of coming from a very blue state like Maryland)
Well intentioned? He seemed pretty good as a Sunday pundit talking head (even under pressure) right up until he took over the RNC, then turned into a stuttering clusterfuck of a miserable something or other every time a camera started rolling. Can't help thinking that he purposefully tanked the party.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at May 07, 2012 07:17 AM (ofIpS)
Given the context, it's understandable--the question of why a nominal espionage and peacekeeping outfit would need that kind of firepower was altogether reasonable. (As was the answer to said question, honestly...) It also reflected a certain running ambivalence regarding SHIELD from the source material. So really, there wasn't much politics in play there.
Posted by: Brother Cavil, New Caprica City DMV at May 07, 2012 07:19 AM (GBXon)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at May 07, 2012 07:20 AM (Ho2rs)
And if you notice the implied violence, you're a racist trafficking in stereotypes.
Posted by: HeatherRadish™ at May 07, 2012 07:20 AM (/kI1Q)
http://is.gd/WheLGj
Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 06:52 AM (YdQQY
the "mars" groups...."moms' and "carter" are taking him to lunch.....
Posted by: CeeCee at May 07, 2012 07:21 AM (oZfic)
Posted by: Vashta Nerada at May 07, 2012 07:22 AM (GfHSl)
Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at May 07, 2012 07:25 AM (X3lox)
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at May 07, 2012 07:29 AM (i0App)
Mornin' y'all.
Here's my little contribution to teh blog: another wonderful dissertation by Lord Christopher Monkton where he pulls the mask off of today's environmental movement and finds Totalitarianism.http://tinyurl.com/canarnt
Posted by: BackwardsBoy at May 07, 2012 07:31 AM (d0Tfm)
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at May 07, 2012 11:17 AM (ofIpS)
At least he had the good sense to keep his yap shut and not join in some of Rove's bitching when his mancrush candidates got their clocks cleaned in 2010 primaries; and the party made huge gains. By that time his fate was decided and rightly so; but if he was out to tank the party he could've done a lot more.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 07, 2012 07:32 AM (HfgvZ)
Posted by: izoneguy at May 07, 2012 07:52 AM (hbRed)
Posted by: SurferDoc at May 07, 2012 07:56 AM (6H6FZ)
Posted by: MTF at May 07, 2012 08:00 AM (JOnLy)
Made in China aborted babies turned into powdered human capsules were purchased by South Korean consumers as a medicinal cure-all.
The story breaks in support of the blind Chinese dissident's protest against forced abortions.
...not to mention Obama's erroneous positions looking to China as America's economic/ethics model, and recalling Obama's refusal to provide water or food to aborted babies that refused to die in that medical procedure. /Who is to say that ObamaCare wouldn't embrace the use of powdered baby flesh for sale. I certainly haven't read ObamaCare to see what's in it.
Posted by: Fear and loathing corruption in the Republican Party at May 07, 2012 08:13 AM (lpWVn)
Posted by: Chairman LMAO at May 07, 2012 08:19 AM (eHjV7)
Posted by: whome? at May 07, 2012 08:24 AM (xP8Aq)
Maybe there's some potential moron comedy there.
Romney - So clean the only time he was arrested he was swimming.
Mitt - I gotza da fiddy - Im ona boat.
obviously i got norymes
Posted by: DaveA at May 07, 2012 08:27 AM (ZYrSB)
The blasphemer must be burned. BURNED.
Posted by: BCochran1981 at May 07, 2012 08:31 AM (da5Wo)
Posted by: And Irresolute at May 07, 2012 08:59 AM (RC3M9)
http://tinyurl.com/86ytop9
Posted by: mightyeskimo at May 07, 2012 01:01 PM (MrgeP)
Posted by: steevy at May 07, 2012 02:06 PM (7W3wI)
Posted by: jmp at May 07, 2012 03:17 PM (mzAX+)
Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at May 07, 2012 03:25 PM (BQF27)
Posted by: TallDave at May 09, 2012 04:13 PM (lNW+B)
Posted by: Stolen Prey iBooks at May 10, 2012 05:58 PM (uNx8J)
Posted by: A Life Without Limits ePub at May 10, 2012 07:08 PM (hUZ3y)
Posted by: The Columbus Affair iBookstore at May 10, 2012 08:55 PM (D5J83)
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Posted by: Vic at May 07, 2012 02:52 AM (YdQQY)