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DOING FINE RIGHT HERE

How about you?

Posted by Tim B. on 11/16/2006 at 12:44 PM
  1. Better than last Wednesday! 

    As I watch the Democrats quickly destroy their victory, I have hope for our friends in Iraq.

    Posted by Patricia on 2006 11 16 at 12:47 PM • permalink

  2. Just grindin’ out some power chords on the ol’ electric. A little Priest, a little Sabbath…

    Posted by Dave S. on 2006 11 16 at 12:51 PM • permalink

  3. Crowded House on the stereo, a beer in hand and about to leave to watch the Borat movie…

    Life is good.

    Posted by Villeurbanne on 2006 11 16 at 12:55 PM • permalink

  4. Ready to hit the sack- I’m a renowned insomniac here in my Chez Aussiemagpie

    Even all the cats are sleeping - and the lefty lawyer (my partner) who unfortunately loves Algore, votes Labor, hates PM Howard and Pres Bush and he’s all for carbon credits - a total waste of a human been I reckon

    And I just had my 3am snack - Vegemite on toast with plenty of butter - mmmm

    Posted by aussiemagpie on 2006 11 16 at 01:02 PM • permalink

  5. Yep. Great.  Just having a laugh over at Anonymous Lefty‘s*.

    You?

    I feel like a pint with some like minded individuals.

    How about a London blogger pissup?  Anyone?

    *Oh god he does look like Edmund Blackadder…pity for him that he’s got the mental capacity of Baldrick.

    Posted by murph on 2006 11 16 at 01:02 PM • permalink

  6. Pretty good, thank you. The weather is dismal - grey, wet, cold - but fortunately, Al Gore is down under, so we’re not having really bad weather. I don’t know what he did to piss of Gaia, but it must have been really bad.

    On another note, Newt Gingrich has a commentary in today’s (11/16) Wall Street Journal. It’s must reading for anyone interested in the future of the GOP, or winning the GWOT. In brief, he says that Dubya can take either of two courses in dealing with the Democratic majority: he can reach out to the liberal leadership, or he can reach out to the conservative rank-and-file. If he does the former, he splits the GOP and hamstrings the GWOT. If he does the latter, he splits the Democrats and builds support for the GWOT.

    My guess is that he’ll do the former: because he’s whipped and has lost the stomach for any sort of fight. Not that I blame him, but there it is. I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t think so. The next couple weeks will tell the tale.

    Posted by Urbs in Horto on 2006 11 16 at 01:03 PM • permalink

  7. Just woke up, what’d I miss?

    Posted by Grimmy on 2006 11 16 at 01:04 PM • permalink

  8. aussiemagpie,

    Yes. That is me, Murph of London (sometimes).  And Kangaroo Point, Queensland (other times).

    Posted by murph on 2006 11 16 at 01:04 PM • permalink

  9. Big Storm coming here in DC.

    Trees will be downed. The lawn will be buried under a ton of leaves.

    The dog will tremble for the next eight hours.

    But if the winds sweep those democrats off the streets,  I’m going out for a walk.

    Posted by lumberjack on 2006 11 16 at 01:06 PM • permalink

  10. Dave S:  I never knew there was such a thing as “a little Sabbath.” That’s like “a tiny volcano!”

    Ozzy, Tony, Geezer and Bill: Forever!

    PS: I’m doing fine, right here.

    Posted by Bill Spencer on 2006 11 16 at 01:09 PM • permalink

  11. Geez…don’t any of you guys have jobs?

    Posted by Dave Surls on 2006 11 16 at 01:14 PM • permalink

  12. I’ve got more than half the workday to get through then beer tonight. Sharing the storm that lumberjack is getting - lots of rain and wind - but the temps are unseasonably warm so please keep the Gorebot a bit longer, will you?

    Posted by Retread on 2006 11 16 at 01:16 PM • permalink

  13. #8 murph

    Thanks! I enjoy your posts too

    Talking about Kangaroo Point - we stayed at a dreadful motel there on our way to Noosa - our fault as we didn’t book anywhere but it was Christmas holidays and there were no vacancies from Sydney to Brissie - so we ended up in this dive right near the bridge at Kangaroo Point

    Sorry - no point to this tale except it brought back memories of a bad smelling room, two tired cranky kidlets and an extreme need for a drink or four at around 4am

    But Noosa was there later that morning thank heavens

    Posted by aussiemagpie on 2006 11 16 at 01:16 PM • permalink

  14. Breaking down the Viking range for a good cleaning before the holidays.

    Or must we eat the pumpkin raw?

    Posted by Janis Gore on 2006 11 16 at 01:18 PM • permalink

  15. I just had this nightmare that the Democrats took over Congress and Rumsfeld resigned.

    Glad I’m awake now.

    Posted by Rittenhouse on 2006 11 16 at 01:19 PM • permalink

  16. Oh, shat.

    Posted by Rittenhouse on 2006 11 16 at 01:20 PM • permalink

  17. Hmmm #8

    UK part of the year and QLD for another part of the year.

    Just a question.  Is there special seating places at the cricket grounds for you bi-continental types this time of the year?

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 01:29 PM • permalink

  18. Quite warm, very rainy, with a tornado watch and flood warning in place here in Virginia.  I’m running out now to buy some carbon credits in the hope that Gaia will direct any twisters and flooding away from my place.

    Posted by Polish Frizzle on 2006 11 16 at 01:30 PM • permalink

  19. Did James Waterton just say he had a birthday yesterday?  Happy birthday, James.

    I have no other news, but that’s a good thing, right?

    Posted by RebeccaH on 2006 11 16 at 01:30 PM • permalink

  20. Fine, fine.  Getting ready for the Match of the Century, pitting the fine lads of the #1 team of the land, Ohio State University Buckeyes, vs. the #2 punk asses, the University of Michigan Wolverines. 

    Even if OSU was #359 and Michigan was #401, it would still be a major battle.  Being that Michigan lies to the north of Ohio and we hate them and they hate us.  At least during college football season.

    Please wear clothes that are scarlet and gray and eschew any clothes that are dull navy blue and that revolting maize.  And feel free to frequently shout, even if in an important business meeting, SCREW THE BLUE!

    Go Bucks!

    Posted by wronwright on 2006 11 16 at 01:31 PM • permalink

  21. I had read in the paper that Al Gore was coming to town, so I assured myself that the snow shovels were handy, and I enrolled Bogan in dog-sled school. Sheila made a point of leaving fur coat catalogues lying around the office. Politicians are an expensive habit.

    Just how expensive, I was about to find out. The intercom buzzed.

    “Paco, there’s a . . . gentleman here to see you. Says he might have some important work that would be right up your alley.”

    “Send him in.”

    The door to the office opened and a large, elderly fellow lumbered in. He had a shock of white hair atop a face that looked like a big ball of red Playdo some kids had left out on the sidewalk on the hottest day of august. But fat as he was, his eyes had a shrewd, hungry look.

    “Detective Paco, I’m Representative Jack Murtha. Glad to meet you.”

    We shook hands, and then I furtively checked to make sure I still had my ring and wristwatch. “Take a chair. Er, I mean to say, please sit down.”

    He stopped feeling behind the cushion in a fruitless search for loose change - I had already been over that ground - and parked himself.

    “Detective Paco, I’ll get right down to business. I’ll be taking over as leader of the House shortly, and as part of my plan to root out corruption, I need a man to help me find out where all the skeletons in the closets are.”

    I almost choked on my unfiltered Camel. Murtha’s own closet must resemble the one from that movie, The Lady from Shanghai , with a whole Democratic Caucus-full of skeletons in place of the infinitude of Rita Hayworths. But I figured I’d play him along.

    “So who are your primary targets, Congressman?”

    “Well, the obvious ones, of course: Karl Rove, Donald Rumsfeld, the President. But there’s also a lotta small fry, people like Tom Davis, Mike Pence, John Boehner, and so forth.”

    “Uh huh. I seem to see a common thread here. The guys you mentioned are all Republicans.”

    Murtha gave me his patented angry stare. “Naturally. That’s where the rot is.”

    He was getting warm and he fished a white handkerchief out of his coat pocket to mop his face. Unbeknownst to him, several c-notes fluttered to the floor.

    “Pardon me, Congressman” – I pointed at the bills scattered on the floor – “but your principles are showing.”

    He was old and fat, but he snatched up the bills with the alacrity of a large iguana in a small terrarium shooting his tongue out to catch crippled flies.

    “I tell you what, Jack. Now’s your chance to try out your cut and run strategy on a very personal basis.”

    “Whaddaya mean?”

    “You leave now – and take that onyx ashtray out of your coat pocket and put it back on my desk – and I’ll give you a hundred-yard start.”

    “You can’t talk to me that way! I’m a veteran!”

    “So was Benedict Arnold.”

    “Hah! I’ve got you there! He actually took the money!”

    I picked up my “letter opener”, pushed the button, and when the blade flicked open began to casually open a letter.

    “Jack, I’ve got a letter here from a Mr. Abramoff. Hmm, wonder what it’s about? Says here, he wants to cut some kind of deal, maybe less prison time if he spills a few more names of high-profile bribe takers. Says maybe I can serve as go-between with the Feds.”

    Oh, he didn’t like it. He didn’t like it at all. The color drained from his face and he rose from the chair, silently placing the ashtray back on my desk. Without a word, he turned and stomped off, like a disgusted bear at Yellowstone Park who had encountered a group of tourists who took seriously the signs saying, “Please don’t feed the animals.”

    I got Sheila on the intercom. “Say, baby, I’ve got a note here from the dog-sled school. Bogan’s been expelled for getting too friendly with the lady huskies. Better swing around and pick him up.”

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 01:32 PM • permalink

  22. Not so hot.  Installed new clutch in a Peterbilt, now it sounds like shit.  Think I got the flywheel side facing backward, a true rookie move.  So gotta climb back under and wrestle out a half ton gearbox just to flip the damn thing.  Also Gaia is sure pissed off here in Central Virginia, word is her boytoy is down carousing in Oz.  So, rain and tornados til Al gits back.

    Posted by stokes on 2006 11 16 at 01:43 PM • permalink

  23. “Hail to the Victors, Hail Vicory.”

    Oh! Sorry Wron!

    Dot the what?

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 01:44 PM • permalink

  24. yojimbo

    Unfortunately I’ve missed the boat as far as the Richie Benaud lifestyle.  Having to give up my seat for first day of the first Ashes test at the Gabba members because of work commitments was tough to swallow.

    Anyhow, at least I’ll be in a target-rich gloating environment when we stuff the Poms.  C’MMMMOOOORRRNNN PIDGE!!!!

    Posted by murph on 2006 11 16 at 01:45 PM • permalink

  25. Dang! I was hoping to get that story in before the vote on Murtha was completed. Looks like he lied to Detective Paco about being House Leader. The swine!

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 01:46 PM • permalink

  26. Er, that should be “..Hail Victory.”

    Although Vicory might work, you never know!

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 01:47 PM • permalink

  27. Two comments following up another brilliant detective Paco story:

    First-the Dems have elected Steny Hoyer as majority leader (screw you Murtha!!!).

    Second-despite the above-this is how Nancy Pelosi will deal with the “culture of corruption”:

    So, we have a major land transfer with the Army and Navy spending money to rehabilitate the land as a result of major contamination. And there is Nancy Pelosi on the front end involved in the land transfer – her son in the middle involved with zoning – and a nephew bringing up the rear with the developer. Coincidence? And how much pressure did Pelosi exert on the military to put money into this, or grant concessions on the land?

    Posted by 68W40 on 2006 11 16 at 01:53 PM • permalink

  28. #25 The Paco Enterprises Time Shifting Modulator got a htch in its giddyup does it.

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 01:53 PM • permalink

  29. I’m starting to get a bit suspicious of our Mr. Tim.

    All too often, when I click on one of his linkies in his lead posts, it’s to some bizarro leftiod whackanutter site.

    Could it be that our Mr. Tim is a slick con working to drive more hit traffic to the irrationazis?

    Posted by Grimmy on 2006 11 16 at 01:59 PM • permalink

  30. Also-Milton Friedman has died.

    Posted by 68W40 on 2006 11 16 at 02:03 PM • permalink

  31. #27 91B30: Thanks for the links link; an interesting story with which I had been completely unfamiliar. Ah, the hills are alive with the sound of ethics!

    #28 yojimbo: Yeah, I’ve been meaning to get that thing fixed.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 02:05 PM • permalink

  32. SSDD

    Posted by mojo on 2006 11 16 at 02:16 PM • permalink

  33. I’ve been better. But thanks for asking.

    Posted by Latino on 2006 11 16 at 02:21 PM • permalink

  34. Things are pretty much back to normal around here. Little Billy had to use his club foot to stop persons of no description from going through with that sacrifice in the microwave, or whatever it was. Mary’s still in Colorado waiting for the Pacific Ocean to make her condo beachfront, and don’t you believe that paco person; I was NOT screaming “Self pollution is the devil’s phone booth” when the mead still exploded.
    Other than that, how’r you?

    Posted by Gary from Jersey on 2006 11 16 at 02:31 PM • permalink

  35. Does this sound legitimate to ya’ll? I’m skeptical.

    To: Paco-at-PacoEnterp.pac
    From: cccvx!!ool778@scammo.lagos.com
    Message: Urgent Reply Requested Lukrative Businesses

    Dear Friend:

    My name is Al Gore and until recently I was President of the United States. However, unethical Republicans led by George Bush, Karl Popper and Jake Murtha stormed the white House at the head of an army of cowboys and I had to leave. However, OUR GREAT PRESIDENT Bill Clintoon, feeling in his heart great sadness at how I was treated, gave me a cigar factory in Cincinatti, florida, very first rate worth at least $100 million U.S. But I now have found a job with Congressman Hastings and am filled with ethics so I must sadly dispose of it. Although the cigar factory is worth at least $100 million or maybe even $300 million, I am willing to transfer it to you for only $100 thousand dollars in carbon credits. please reply most confidential for satisfactory business.

    Your sincerest servant,

    Al Gore

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 02:41 PM • permalink

  36. #30: That is a great loss. It’s hard to think of an economist who played such a large role in energizing conservatives and providing so many cogent arguments in favor of the free market.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 02:46 PM • permalink

  37. Also doing fine, thanks for asking.

    Posted by tabitharuth on 2006 11 16 at 02:56 PM • permalink

  38. Alright, stop with the backchannel shit.  I can’t help it that Gaia lives in Washington DC,  if you’d read Arriana Huffington once in a while, you’d know it too. 

    To quote:  “Gaia is a thin, demure, middle-aged Bennington grad (1978: Art History/French).  She lives in a modest walkup in Adams-Morgan, and works as the assistant benefits coordinator for a leading eco-foundation.  Her twin daughters, Bitch and Fertility, attend the National Cathedral School.  Close friends have trouble telling them apart, but note that Bitch has a new nose ring, while Fertility has perkier tits.  Gaia maintains a chic but restrained personal style, and shows a strong preference for established designers and quality fabrics.  Her only risque choice are boyfriend Al Gore’s balls, which she wears as earrings to set off more conservative evening ensembles.  Small and delicate, the jewels hang on a pendant and resemble the sort of arty trinket one might find on a vendor’s table at an urban street festival.  Gaia is quite publicity shy, but does make conference appearances for a modest fee and private jet transport (G-V or Citation X with synthetic seatcovers STRONGLY preferred).”

    So now you know.

    Posted by stokes on 2006 11 16 at 02:56 PM • permalink

  39. Tim, you’re trying to change the subject. When do you start at Fairfax and what is your title?

    Posted by Some0Seppo on 2006 11 16 at 03:07 PM • permalink

  40. Steny Hoyer just stated that Jack Murtha is now Chairman of the House Defense Appropriation Committee. 

    No comment necesary.

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 03:13 PM • permalink

  41. Doing pretty crappy, and the news is not helping. Friedman dead, Pelosi in da hizzy, and Tim Blair going to work for the enemy.

    Posted by SoberHT on 2006 11 16 at 03:30 PM • permalink

  42. In case anyone missed his comment at the Crusader Dog Blog thread, Hu’lesh Krt[indin] has opened comments at his place.  I was getting thirsty for some mead, too.

    Posted by RebeccaH on 2006 11 16 at 03:31 PM • permalink

  43. #35, Paco, wuzzi you, I’d be cautious.  A cigar factory in Florida?  What next?  Snow in Australia?  That name, al-Gore… dunno, sounds Nigerian to me.

    Posted by RebeccaH on 2006 11 16 at 03:36 PM • permalink

  44. Oh, and Al-Jihad, Al-The Time is being shown in the U.S.

    If our side used suicide bombers, I’d sign up now.

    Posted by SoberHT on 2006 11 16 at 03:36 PM • permalink

  45. In re: #41 - Hey, everybody check out Mark from Monroe’s blog. Some prime stuff, there!

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 03:38 PM • permalink

  46. 19 RebeccaH

    Did James Waterton just say he had a birthday yesterday?

    Well hell, a belated Happy to ya’ Mr. Waterton. 

    So did I and so did my granddaughter…I’ll be damned. AND yes, having a birthday, beats the alternative. At least until I see the alternative.

    27 91B30

    Second-despite the above-this is how Nancy Pelosi will deal with the “culture of corruption”

    Yeah well, first she has to pass the William Jefferson $90,000 found in his freezer SMELL test.

    Milton Friedman, Rest in Peace.

    As to me, I’m just finer then Frog’s hair, especially since those storms last night caused no damage to property nor me.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 16 at 03:45 PM • permalink

  47. It’s five hours until happy hour. Life is good!

    Posted by swassociates on 2006 11 16 at 03:59 PM • permalink

  48. Well, with Paco and Stokes, I’m waiting out Gaia’s temper tantrum in Central Virginia. Being sick as a dog for a week with a sinus infection that the little brats grandchildren gave me makes me appreciative of finally getting up enough strength to come in to work. 

    But, I’ve got a business proposition for all ya’ll down under.  I’ll guarantee at least $20.00 for a bribe an incentive for you to keep Algore. 

    Now, if someone will lend me $20.00? 

    Elizabeth
    Imperial Keeper

    Posted by Elizabeth Imperial Keeper on 2006 11 16 at 04:29 PM • permalink

  49. #48 Elizabeth is that $20.00 US or OZ?

    If they promise to keep him til after Christmas, I’ll do a matching bribe, er, incentive.

    Posted by Retread on 2006 11 16 at 04:33 PM • permalink

  50. OK thus far.  Just finished a trip to Boise, attended a disaster exercise (the exercise was about a disaster, not a disaster in and of itself.  Fortunately).

    Lovely drive back through the Blue Mountains, just an occasional rain shower.  But lots of blue sky, and great views of the snow covered mountains.  Said snow being early, since Algore was in Seattle a few weeks back.  Heck, we had unusual flooding and snowfall all through the northwest since then!  I’m hold off on thanking him, as a wet winter is always appreciated around here.  But that won’t be known until next spring.

    Looking forward to the weekend, truth be told.

    Posted by The_Real_JeffS on 2006 11 16 at 04:33 PM • permalink

  51. AAAW! GEEEZ!

    A made for Tim Blair thread. (Via cnbc/cndc)

    Some bimbo from Yale is on with a new obesity study.  Are you ready!

    Increase in fuel usage in the Upper 48 is DUE to the increase in the obesity of people in said Upper 48.

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 04:36 PM • permalink

  52. I haven’t slept for two days. Thanks for asking. Nice story paco.

    Posted by Daniel San on 2006 11 16 at 04:37 PM • permalink

  53. Just heard of the death of Paul Rigby. Doubt if anyone in Australia, let alone anywhere else, remembers him, but I rate him as Australia’s greatest satirical draftsman and political cartoonist.  His only rival to the title might be Bruce Petty (despite what you might think of his politics).  The rest, nowhere (look at poor old Pryor in the Canberra Times!!).

    BTW, Rigby as a stylist was clearly the inspiration for Adelaide born Pat Oliphant (described by Wikipedia as the most widely syndicated cartoonist in the world), even down to the trademark little figure in the corner making a sarcastic aside (Oliphant’s is a penguin, Rigby’s was a dog). As far as I know, Oliphant has never acknowledged this.

    Posted by Consuela Potez on 2006 11 16 at 04:39 PM • permalink

  54. Hey, we’ll take algore here in Tucson around next June for a very modest price on your part.  Bring him on!

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 04:40 PM • permalink

  55. That’s US dollars. 

    Elizabeth
    Imperial Keeper

    Posted by Elizabeth Imperial Keeper on 2006 11 16 at 04:50 PM • permalink

  56. Well, now that you ask.

    I was sitting in McDonald’s at lunch today reading the newspaper (although you can’t call the Atlanta Journal Constitution much of a newspaper) when I overhead a couple of Nation Of Islam types talking about the weather machine that the U.S Government has in Alaska that caused Hurricane Katrina to miss Miami (because of the Jews, they nodded in agreement)and to hit New Orleans.

    You just can’t make this stuff up.

    Well, Paco and Wronwright can, but you know, they’re Paco and Wronwright so you kinda expect it.

    Posted by joe bagadonuts on 2006 11 16 at 05:04 PM • permalink

  57. Fine here thank you,Tim Tam you hunk of spunk! Well, my second golf game went OK, I lost two balls, last week I lost 4.  My swing is good, my outfits are sexy and could reach a par 3. I didn’t win a BBQ, it must be rigged!

    Belinda Emmett’s family our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Posted by 1.618 on 2006 11 16 at 05:31 PM • permalink

  58. I’m wondering whether I should hit the boss for another raise. Chances are small, considering that he’s just spent five thousand dollars on a new whizzbang scanner gun for the storeroom; said toy not really being much use until we buy a new label printer to replace the 1980’s model we’re using now. That’s probably another $2K. Still I might give it a shot. If nothing else I’ll have the unworthy pleasure of watching his eyes bug out of his head.
    Major plans for the weekend include going to see THE PRESTIGE and reading some more of JOURNEY TO THE END OF NIGHT. Celine reminds me of LLL with his endless rambling, but he throws in a few sharp lines now and then.

    Posted by SwinishCapitalist on 2006 11 16 at 05:36 PM • permalink

  59. Pretty good. Just moved onto a new team at work. It’s going to be an interesting challenge, made more so by the fact that my brother - “the smart one” - is a former member of the team. Brilliant bunch of people, I’m going to have to do a good bit of expectations-dashing.

    Posted by bovious on 2006 11 16 at 05:36 PM • permalink

  60. Could be better.

    I was hoping to celebrate making 1,000 posts by treating myself to an apostrophe, but can’t seem to manage it. Ain’t life a bitch?

    Re #39

    I don’t think Tim will mind if I let the Timbonauts in on his little secret.

    On Monday he starts as the new Dating Blogger with Fairfax. The blog is to be known as “Tim and the City” in which he explores love, sex, romance, flirting, and all that stuff.

    The first topic will be “Plastic turkeys: does size matter?” soon to be followed by “Speed dating - I went waaaay over the limit”. I understand that he welcomes further suggestions…

    Posted by Margos Maid on 2006 11 16 at 05:39 PM • permalink

  61. #54: yojimbo - You live in Tucson? Man, that is practically my favorite city in the world. I lived in Arizona for a couple of years, but got down to Tucson occasionally. Absolutely love it.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 05:43 PM • permalink

  62. Tim, you’re now working at “Faifax, the fun starship?” 

    I’m first for a date with Tim B.

    Andrea, I saw him first.

    Sex Tart, Georgia Lewis Radar, is in Dubai, so she won’t get a go, so it’s me first!

    Posted by 1.618 on 2006 11 16 at 05:44 PM • permalink

  63. #39

    Tim, you’re trying to change the subject. When do you start at Fairfax and what is your title?

    Crikey.com.au has the lowdown, but you’d need to subscribe…

    Posted by Dan Lewis on 2006 11 16 at 05:46 PM • permalink

  64. It’d be funny if 1.618 was actually Margo Kingston.

    Posted by wronwright on 2006 11 16 at 05:49 PM • permalink

  65. JEEEZUS, wronwright!

    Posted by SwinishCapitalist on 2006 11 16 at 05:55 PM • permalink

  66. Bloody hell!

    Posted by Dan Lewis on 2006 11 16 at 06:08 PM • permalink

  67. 58 SwinishCapitalist

    I’m wondering whether I should hit the boss for another raise.

    Well, don’t hit the bastard until he says NO to the raise. Should he do that, then beat the living shit out of the bloke…LOL.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 16 at 06:13 PM • permalink

  68. #64: Interesting hypothesis, but I doubt there’s anything to it. 1.618 has a certain indefinable . . . something, a sort of exhuberant charm, a non-euclidian view of the world that is quite striking, albeit a bit baffling at times. Margo is only too dreary and predictable. And I’m not just saying this on the chance that 1.618 may look like the young Lana Turner and we may bump into each other some day and she might be the sort of girl who’s turned on by fedoras. I’m not. Honestly.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 06:14 PM • permalink

  69. I’ll say another thing positive about the storm that passed through last night having already mentioned, no harm to property or me.

    Looking down onto the Gulf of Mexico from my upper deck, the residual effect of the storm has produced some of the most stunning waves and breakers, I’ve ever seen.

    Unreal, beautiful and awesome.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 16 at 06:20 PM • permalink

  70. #69 El Cid: You’ve got two decks? Looking out over the Gulf of Mexico? Sweet!

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 06:22 PM • permalink

  71. Hello everybody.  I am not a very regular poster but just want to say to everybody thanks for a great read.  Every so often at lunch time I get strange looks over the partition as I burst out laughing after reading some post.

    As to a little anonoyance.  A bit pissed off because Battlestar Galatica is not on but I donot think the season (2) has finished.  Or if it is on, I cannot find it.  Only thing I can cling to is that we finally get a SciFi channel on FOXTEL (cable).  As a close to 40 y.o. who likes Star trek (loved NG, has fallen a bit since then, still the child) It is bit like being a Human induced Global warming sceptic, feeling like I am the only one.

    But to all the much more quick witted and sacrastic than I ....keep it up.  It helps.

    Posted by The Big Fish on 2006 11 16 at 06:25 PM • permalink

  72. #39 Tim, you’re trying to change the subject. When do you start at Fairfax and what is your title?

    The title of this post tells me he’s not.

    Posted by J F Beck on 2006 11 16 at 06:26 PM • permalink

  73. Great picture of the Democratic triumvirate over at Confederate Yankee, post-announcement.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 06:36 PM • permalink

  74. #53 Consuela

    I remember Paul Rigby. He was funny.
    Rigby cartoon: Segovia.
    Australian cartoonist, Rigby, depicted Massie’s sensational assault on the English batsmen (scroll down to cartoon)

    Vietnam.

    I can’t find any more. I remember his cartoons from the newspapers and that he was funny, and I remember the little dog in his cartoons.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 16 at 06:44 PM • permalink

  75. #56 Joe Bagadonuts

    Yes, you can’t make this up! If they’re so smart how come they didn’t invent the weather machine?

    By the way, what kinda donuts? Are they Krispy Kreme?

    Just wonderin’.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 16 at 06:50 PM • permalink

  76. #48 Alright Imperial Keeper, a little arm twisting and subtle intimidation round the shop has established a credit line not exceeding US$17.50 for the purposes of bribing the Aussie nation to keep and maintain Al Gore in the style to which he is accustomed.  If we can cook this deal before the snoozers down under wake up it might avoid some backpedaling and carping from his new owners.  So, first step, you get hold of Rupert Murdoch to grease the headline writers, I’ll call INS and have ‘em yank the passport.  Later.

    Posted by stokes on 2006 11 16 at 06:54 PM • permalink

  77. Life’s shithouse, but at least it’s short.

    Posted by Habib on 2006 11 16 at 06:57 PM • permalink

  78. Doing fine here in NJ, Tim. The weather’s a bit icky…50+mph gusts and rather warm (I hope AlGore gets back from Oz soon and cools us down). Heading out in a few minutes to choir practice and then after that I’ll head to Basil T’s Brew Pub in Red Bank and down quite a few ales. Yum!

    Posted by Mr. Bingley on 2006 11 16 at 07:24 PM • permalink

  79. It’s getting better all the time, now that the people have spoken and democracy has come to save America from it’s renegade boy President.

    Posted by Miranda Divide on 2006 11 16 at 07:25 PM • permalink

  80. I am thinking of starting a petition to require getup.org to spend any money they make out of this project on something more worthwhile.

    Posted by Margos Maid on 2006 11 16 at 07:27 PM • permalink

  81. #74 Kae.  Thanks.  Rigby and Petty. Every Australian political cartoonist now drawing derives their style in one way or another from either of these two greats.  No Petty, no Leunig.

    Posted by Consuela Potez on 2006 11 16 at 07:27 PM • permalink

  82. I’m broke as usual and frustrated because I can’t do things I want to right away (patience was never one of my virtues), but I’m in a pretty good mood nonetheless. This probably has to do with the fact that we’re going to have some nice cold, New Australian-style weather tomorrow. Well, no snow, but at least it will be nice and chilly. Yay!

    Posted by Andrea Harris, Administrator on 2006 11 16 at 07:34 PM • permalink

  83. #81

    Petty, you bastard.

    Posted by Margos Maid on 2006 11 16 at 07:34 PM • permalink

  84. Sick.
    In bed.
    Sniffle,sneeze,cough.

    Posted by gubbaboy on 2006 11 16 at 07:37 PM • permalink

  85. Just caught a glimpse on Fox of a news conference with Nancy announcing Hoyer is the man. What struck me was the forced smile which continued while walking past the press and others.

    As an outsider trying to figure out US politics I can’t help but suspect the lady is thinking “how the hell did I talk myself into this job”.

    Posted by Spag_oz on 2006 11 16 at 07:42 PM • permalink

  86. Remember, don’t feed the trolls.

    Posted by Forbes on 2006 11 16 at 07:42 PM • permalink

  87. Re #80

    Here’s a good cause.

    I wonder if they could use $61,000?

    Posted by Margos Maid on 2006 11 16 at 07:46 PM • permalink

  88. Ahhh… what a weekend of decisions. I was going to go and get arrested for screaming socialist slogans at the ‘neo-liberal capitalists’ with the Stop G20 crowd.

    Then I remembered that I am a neo-liberal capitalist, so I think I’ll go to a weekend drinking session at a former catholic nunnery in vineyard country instead.

    Life is good when you’re with the Illuminati.

    PS. Great tale detective Paco

    Posted by pache on 2006 11 16 at 08:00 PM • permalink

  89. Not bad, since you ask.

    I’m in central Mexico at the moment. The Gore Effect has cut in here, too, despite the fact that he probably wouldn’t darken the sidewalk. They’ve had so much rain that there are beginning to be serious worries about the brush when the dry season fires start.

    Fortunately my contract was prepaid, so the fact that no Government official in Mexico can spend a dime until Dec. 1st (when the new President is inaugurated) doesn’t affect me.

    The sky is clear, temperature around 18-20C, the room is comfortable, the food is good. I have such companionship as my personality has earned, but I’m used to that. Saturday, back to the salt mines.

    I’m pretty sure I can stretch the expense account to the extent of contributing another $20 US to the “Oz keeps Al” campaign. The return address on the envelope gives me a bit of pause, but perhaps “paco & wronwright charities LLP” refers to somebody else…

    Regards,
    Ric

    Posted by Ric Locke on 2006 11 16 at 08:02 PM • permalink

  90. I’m a bit sad to hear about Paul Rigby passing.

    Rigby was a great friend of Australa’s military men, especially in the 60’s and 70’s, and drew many cartoons both funny and political in support of Australian soldiers in the face of widespread anti-Vietnam protests directed at the Diggers.

    His watering hole was the Ocean Beach Hotel (the ‘OBH’) in Cottesloe, also a favourite waterhole for the SAS soldiers as it is close to their barracks at Swanbourne just up the road, and he was an honorary member of the SAS Officer’s Mess.
    The saloon bar walls were covered with murals drawn by Rigby.
    Rigby went on to international fame as a syndicated cartoonist and was based in the US for many years.

    RIP Paul.

    Posted by Pedro the Ignorant on 2006 11 16 at 08:11 PM • permalink

  91. Well, I had the day off today, so that’s good.

    My car just failed its smog check for the third time after spending $700 to fix it. Not so good.

    But the mechanic told me that if I drove it around for a while to settle things down it would probably pass, so I took myself off to Pasadena for lunch at Pie ‘N’ Burger. Excellent.

    Overall the glass is still half full.

    Posted by Dr Alice on 2006 11 16 at 08:24 PM • permalink

  92. #67 - El Cid, yeah, absolutely right.
    I never was one for getting things in the right order. I was seven years old before I realised that ‘put your shoes and socks on’ is not a phrase to be taken literally.

    Posted by SwinishCapitalist on 2006 11 16 at 08:28 PM • permalink

  93. A cool and overcast morning here in Hong Kong, which is welcome after a long, hot and humid summer. Pollution is at the “Cut with Knife” level and as usual I can hardly see Victoria Harbour from my balcony let alone the Tsing Ma Bridge (of which I sometimes get a decent view - or did, until someone plonked a 50-story building in my line of vision).

    Saddened to hear of Paul Rigby’s death. When I was boy he drew a great cartoon for our school magazine; a generous gift given his fame at the time (mid-70s). I grew up looking for the little dog in his cartoons and always admired the detail he could pack into a small space. One of the absolute greats and an Aussie who made it big in the US long before anyone had heard of Hogan, Gibson, Men at Work…

    RIP Mr Rigby.

    Posted by Hanyu on 2006 11 16 at 08:31 PM • permalink

  94. 85 Spag_oz

    Just caught a glimpse on Fox of a news conference with Nancy announcing Hoyer is the man. What struck me was the forced smile which continued while walking past the press and others.

    Ummm, Spag, if I may call you that, all or most all of us in the U.S. have seen that forced smile, over and over and over again. Kind if like, when you have to go, say to take a shit, and you just can’t get to a crapper.

    As an outsider trying to figure out US politics I can’t help but suspect the lady is thinking “how the hell did I talk myself into this job”.

    Ahhh, this one is simple. No one has figured out US politics. The closest was a person that had American blood coursing his veins, but wasn’t. Sir Winston Churchill, who once said….You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they’ve tried everything else.

    Paco, yes have two decks…one looks onto the Gulf, the other the Sand Dunes.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 16 at 08:41 PM • permalink

  95. Apparently pollution has its upside.

    Similarly, I’d imagine, a few carefully managed nuclear winters. Is there no environmental problem that the nuclear industry cannot solve?

    Posted by Margos Maid on 2006 11 16 at 08:42 PM • permalink

  96. #1 Patricia, I know what you mean. The first battle was Pilosi NOT getting Murtha. This is good abd bad. Good for the country but had he been there, he would have exacerbated the Demos self-destruction.

    Whatever happens politically in the US, the war must still be fought.

    Posted by Wimpy Canadian on 2006 11 16 at 08:49 PM • permalink

  97. Went out with a girl named Fine once. Didn’t work out. Everywhere I went, people told me they were doing her.

    Posted by Infidel Tiger on 2006 11 16 at 08:50 PM • permalink

  98. 92 Swinish, my fine friend…you mean like kinda’ this…redro thgir eht ni sgniht gnitteg rof eno saw reven I.

    Welcome to our world SC, there are a hell of a lot of us that yaw…:).

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 16 at 08:50 PM • permalink

  99. Aussiemagpie, leave him for me - I’ll be there in a month. Unless, of copurse, you are in some terrible place like Melbourne, with all those lefties. How about a trip to Darwin?

    Posted by Wimpy Canadian on 2006 11 16 at 08:51 PM • permalink

  100. #5, I see this man “Admitted to practice” on 6 Nov 2002. What was his penalty for the plea bargain? Later, I see he performs vandalism on 10 Nov 2005 when he “signed the bar roll”.

    And you allow these people out on the street in Oz? Maybe PNG will be safer :-)

    Posted by Wimpy Canadian on 2006 11 16 at 08:54 PM • permalink

  101. #17 Yojimbo, if you are considering a visit to the ashes, if I go, I will carry a Canadian gflag on a hockey stick as a flag pole so all can reckognise and avoid me.

    Posted by Wimpy Canadian on 2006 11 16 at 09:00 PM • permalink

  102. Wimpy, PNG’s not safer than anywhere, outside the middle east at least.

    Posted by Olrence on 2006 11 16 at 09:01 PM • permalink

  103. I was feeling ok until I read this hilarious piece frome yesterday’s Ozcomparing how respectively big Kimbo and the Algore are exactly the same.

    Yeah, they are both losers.

    Posted by The Prez on 2006 11 16 at 09:11 PM • permalink

  104. Pretty good.  I’m taking a hillbilly vacation.  I took the last half of the week off to relax and hang out with my sister who is in town from Germany.  I’m reripping all of my CDs because they were only 128kbps.  I ripping them all in lossless.  Went and drank some mead and beers at the local brewery with a friend and then had some Guiness and legs at BWs last night.  Got back from yoga an hour ago, going again in the morning.  Michigan:Ohio State game Saturday.  Saturday night my friend is singing at a bar downtown so I will probably go see her (Buzz Bar, downtown Detroit, Greektown area).

    Posted by aaron_ on 2006 11 16 at 09:16 PM • permalink

  105. #38 Stokes, wasn’t that a typo and shouldn’t it have read:


    “.....the jewels hang on a pendant an

    Posted by Wimpy Canadian on 2006 11 16 at 09:16 PM • permalink

  106. #105 Rats, the joke should ahve been “hanging on a PEDANT

    Posted by Wimpy Canadian on 2006 11 16 at 09:17 PM • permalink

  107. #91 Pie and Burger, Dr. Alice? It may be like screwing a cork into your aorta, but - That. Sounds. Awesome!

    Got a letter from Paco, Jr., today. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was actually starting to enjoy boot camp. He’s run the obstacle and confidence courses, qualified in martial arts (tan belt), qualified for swimming (levels 4 & 3, and is set to qualify for combat swimming), and is undefeated in the pugil stick matches. They got a huge feast on the Marine Corps birthday. He says his senior DI is “awesome” (not sure what that means in this context). As to the combat swimming, it sounds like he’s got to stay afloat with more stuff than I could push in a wheelbarrow down a gentle incline. The Corps must be having a good effect on him; he’s become a lot more communicative - a lot more recognizably human - than the rebel with an attitude I knew a month ago.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 09:20 PM • permalink

  108. #88 Then I remembered that I am a neo-liberal capitalist, so I think I’ll go to a weekend drinking session at a former catholic nunnery in vineyard country instead.

    I don’t know why, but that just strikes me as the ideal day.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 09:24 PM • permalink

  109. Can’t wait for displays of apoplexy caused by this article from straight-shootin’ John Stone.

    Islamists: But nooooooooo!
    Warmists: But yeeeeeeeees!

    Posted by Henry boy on 2006 11 16 at 09:29 PM • permalink

  110. A hilarious example of Democratic amity at Wuzzadem.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 09:31 PM • permalink

  111. Also, forest fires may not only prevent bears, but global warming.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 09:34 PM • permalink

  112. #91 Pie and Burger, Dr. Alice? It may be like screwing a cork into your aorta, but - That. Sounds. Awesome!

    Yes and yes. My personal opinion: the best burgers in the L.A. area, bar none. Even better than In-N-Out. Of course that is a completely subjective rating.

    I do love me a burger. I predict I will die young but happy.

    Posted by Dr Alice on 2006 11 16 at 09:40 PM • permalink

  113. Oh my god Kim Beazley is such a dufus:

    wrong Rove

    Mr Beazley began a press conference in Sydney today by expressing his sympathy - but to the wrong Rove.

    “The first thing I want to say is this - today, our thoughts and the thoughts of many, many Australians will be with Karl Rove as he goes through the very sad process of burying his beloved wife,” Mr Beazley said.

    “And I just want him to know that my thoughts and the thoughts of my colleagues are very much with him today.”

    Kim is toast.

    Posted by rbresca on 2006 11 16 at 09:43 PM • permalink

  114. #113 - Karl Rove, you magnificent bastard! And they said mind control didn’t work!

    Posted by Infidel Tiger on 2006 11 16 at 09:48 PM • permalink

  115. #113: Wronwright, you are a genius.

    I wonder if Beazley also sent condolences to Mrs. Kinky “Freedman”?

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 09:54 PM • permalink

  116. Mr Beazley went on to offer his condolences to the family of Paul Rigby, saying he had for many years enjoyed his “Believe It Or Not…”

    Posted by SwinishCapitalist on 2006 11 16 at 09:58 PM • permalink

  117. Tim just doesn’t want to admit he’s migrating the blog over to Huffington.

    Posted by richard mcenroe on 2006 11 16 at 09:59 PM • permalink

  118. It’s a beautiful day here in Brisbane and I’m counting the hours until I’m sitting by the pool with an icy cold beer (five to go). However, I was up in Toowoomba yesterday where it was absolutely freezing. Until then I wasn’t aware Al Gore had been visiting Australia’s most conservative city.

    Posted by Pirate on 2006 11 16 at 10:04 PM • permalink

  119. Thanks for asking, Tim. And since you ask: not so good. I’ve got this pain in my shoulder. Well,it started when I benched 250 for 4 sets. I was feeling real good at breaking my record, when this awful spasm of pain suddenly hit my shoulder. I was in agony!I went to the doctor, but did he help, well did he help? No such luck. It was: take one of these tablets three times a day; and Nurse! next patient please.

    So, then I went to the physio and she was much more accommodating. Well extremely accommodating, really.

    What’s that, Tim? Youv’e gotta go? Bbut I haven’t finished yet, I…..

    Gee, the bugger’s pissed off. What a wimp, pretending to be interested!

    Posted by mr magoo on 2006 11 16 at 10:07 PM • permalink

  120. damn, rbresca beat me to it.  But it’s worth re-iterating:

    Bomber Beazley’s Big Bungle - Beautiful!

    Even ABC radio is playing it!

    Posted by Stop Continental Drift! on 2006 11 16 at 10:11 PM • permalink

  121. Pirate, you’re lucky you weren’t in ‘Woomba last nite - it was even freezinger.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 16 at 10:12 PM • permalink

  122. #109

    Great article, thanks for the link.
    Number of non-Muslims killed by Global warming to date: Zero.

    Enough said.

    Posted by Dan Lewis on 2006 11 16 at 10:15 PM • permalink

  123. General Abizaid administers a karate chop to Hillary Clinton . Er, the Danish bikini video ain’t bad either, but definitely NSFW.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 10:23 PM • permalink

  124. I liked the Danish video.  Very much.

    Posted by wronwright on 2006 11 16 at 10:31 PM • permalink

  125. Is there any chance we’ll ever get a thread dedicated exclusively to gratuitous islamofascist bashing?

    Posted by Grimmy on 2006 11 16 at 10:32 PM • permalink

  126. Sitting in an airport terminal in Texas where my flight has been delayed.  And they won’t let me on my connecting flight because I lost my passport.

    Posted by Perry on 2006 11 16 at 10:37 PM • permalink

  127. Testing!

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 10:39 PM • permalink

  128. #125, my vote’s for a thread dedicated to Danish bikini vidoes.

    Posted by Art Vandelay on 2006 11 16 at 10:39 PM • permalink

  129. and videos too.

    Posted by Art Vandelay on 2006 11 16 at 10:40 PM • permalink

  130. Paco #54

    Yeah, we’re still in Tucson.  We discussed this once.  You went to college in Phoenix and you loved our Palo Verde trees.  You can still have it.

    Bye the way, Vanguard of the C is from Tucson.

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 10:41 PM • permalink

  131. Speed Control Bikini Bandits. Hmmph. All we got are stupid metal signs.

    I Brake For Boobs!

    Posted by Infidel Tiger on 2006 11 16 at 10:42 PM • permalink

  132. Pay no attention to Wronwright as he is in pre-fustration mode as he knows that the Maize and Blue are going to dot his I on Saturday.  Heh!

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 10:43 PM • permalink

  133. Er, fustration is much worse than frustration.  That should tell you how bad he is going to feel.

    El Cid Are you still at the beach?  I thought you lived in Tennessee?

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 10:45 PM • permalink

  134. #130: Sorry. But I am closing in on the age when one starts to repeat oneself.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 10:47 PM • permalink

  135. Wimpy Canadian at #101.  Not going to the Ashes.  What makes you think that a Canadian flag on a hoockey stick would   make you stand out at a cricket match!  Heh!

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 10:47 PM • permalink

  136. Paco.  You’re just getting their, I’ve been there and past it!  Heh!

    And just one more thing.  What on earth is a “neo-liberal capitalist”!? (#88)

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 16 at 10:50 PM • permalink

  137. #135 - Things that would stand out at a cricket match:

    A sober Pom.

    A Pom wearing a shirt and sun burn cream.

    A Pom who couldn’t eat an apple through a picket fence.

    A Pom who didn’t wish his fore father’s had been petty thieves.

    Posted by Infidel Tiger on 2006 11 16 at 10:52 PM • permalink

  138. I went to a Canadian match at the Rugby World Cup in Melbourne a couple of years ago.

    I supoorted the Canadians, too.  But the other Canadian supoporters seemed to be a bit miffed at my warcry:

    Je me souviens

    and my waving the ‘ol bleu-and-white fleur de lys.

    No pleasing some people.

    Posted by Stop Continental Drift! on 2006 11 16 at 11:02 PM • permalink

  139. Geez…don’t any of you guys have jobs?

    Is there any chance we’ll ever get a thread dedicated exclusively to gratuitous islamofascist bashing?

    No.  My company was bought by a huge multinational and it was decided a couple of weeks ago that my department was extra to the needs of the company.  Forkers.

    No.  It’s too high class around here.  For that we go to f***france.com.  I post as trainer.

    Posted by trainer on 2006 11 16 at 11:13 PM • permalink

  140. I think I have tragically hip dysplasia.

    Posted by Carl H on 2006 11 16 at 11:19 PM • permalink

  141. Pay no attention to Wronwright as he is in pre-fustration mode as he knows that the Maize and Blue are going to dot his I on Saturday.

    Hmf.  I think not.

    he’s become a lot more communicative - a lot more recognizably human - than the rebel with an attitude I knew a month ago.

    It’s amazing how much more likeable children become when they have to put on that new maturity suit.  And it almost never happens until after they’ve left the nest, which makes it somewhat bittersweet.

    Posted by RebeccaH on 2006 11 16 at 11:26 PM • permalink

  142. Not that anyone else cares, or even should, but this is a personal news thread, so:

    I have persuaded tight-fisted Mr. H to spend a little more money on our plane tickets to Vegas in April (mid-afternoon departure from Cincinnati, direct flight with no layover, four hours in transit, as opposed to cheaper oh-dark-thirty departure from Dayton, mad dash through Atlanta International, seven hours in transit).  Yay me.

    Posted by RebeccaH on 2006 11 16 at 11:31 PM • permalink

  143. 142

    It’s worth the money. You may quote me to Mr. H. Oh, and enjoy Vegas - April is a nice time to go.

    Posted by Dr Alice on 2006 11 16 at 11:38 PM • permalink

  144. 133 yojimbo

    El Cid Are you still at the beach?  I thought you lived in Tennessee?

    Ummm, let’s see now…

    Question one, answer yes.

    Question two, answer, A caveat, yes.

    AND there are diametrically opposed reasons, as to why, both are answered, yes.

    One, is save money by having property taxes capped and insurances lessened (to a degree), both went straight through the friggin’ roof after 2005 (need three separate insurance policies casualty, windstorm and flood) as an in residence, resident of my property in Florida OR… Two, piss everything I have away, in divorce proceedings.

    I’m cheap…OK, OK… not cheap, but ‘thrifty’, yeah thrifty, sounds much better. Although, divorces….ahhh, never mind…:).

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 16 at 11:46 PM • permalink

  145. El Cid, you might be cheap thrifty, but I’ll bet you’re not easy.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 16 at 11:48 PM • permalink

  146. #142 rebecca: put a couple hundred carbon credits down for me on number 7 at the roulette wheel. And if a guy named Vinnie the Blade asks for me, tell him I moved to Bosnia. Thanks.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 16 at 11:53 PM • permalink

  147. 145 kae

    El Cid, you might be cheap thrifty, but I’ll bet you’re not easy.

    That my dear Lady, depends (no not those depends) on what the situation person before me, looks like…:).

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 16 at 11:59 PM • permalink

  148. #146, Paco, will do.  As for the other thing, um… Paco who?

    Posted by RebeccaH on 2006 11 17 at 12:01 AM • permalink

  149. #143, thanks, Doc.  I intend to drink some fruity drinks, throw a few quarters at the slots (might as well, I never win anything by sticking quarters in them), and watch some feathered weirdos cavort on an 80 degree-tilted stage.

    Posted by RebeccaH on 2006 11 17 at 12:05 AM • permalink

  150. #147

    Well, I’m right outta luck then, aren’t I? I’m not the person I was ten years ago, let’s just say I’ve appreciated somewhat - and then there’s the grey hair…

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 12:05 AM • permalink

  151. paco

    And if a guy named Vinnie the Blade asks for me, tell him I moved to Bosnia. Thanks.


    No, No, the family our associates, stopped that stuff a long time ago. We are musicans politicians now.

    Hey, it’s much better than what Capone’s business cards read…used furniture dealer. More money, less hassle…lol.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 12:08 AM • permalink

  152. It’s that time of year again. If the channel bill cuckoo (click on the soundfile) will just shut up at night so I can get some sleep.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 12:10 AM • permalink

  153. 150 kae

    Well, I’m right outta luck then, aren’t I? I’m not the person I was ten years ago, let’s just say I’ve appreciated somewhat - and then there’s the grey hair…

    Nah, I didn’t mean to come off so superfically, it’s what’s on the inside, that counts.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 12:13 AM • permalink

  154. Damn, lovely but cool evening here…glass doors are open, can smell the salt air, hear the breakers. Life is good, time for a martini.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 12:16 AM • permalink

  155. #153

    Oh, the insides aren’t real good. Hypertension, you know, getting old stuff.

    Good Oh, we should talk. Somehow.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 12:19 AM • permalink

  156. #151: El: I think I read somewhere that Al was a good Republican, too. I know he was a close pal of Big Bill Thompson, Republican mayor of Chicago (when Big Bill died, they found something like a couple of million bucks in his strong box; Chicago really pays its mayors well).

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 17 at 12:24 AM • permalink

  157. kae

    Good Oh, we should talk. Somehow.

    Excellent idea…lol.

    paco

    El: I think I read somewhere that Al was a good Republican, too

    Yeah, wonder what he’d think of a paisanoa, Pelosi?

    Chicago really pays its mayors well

    Always did, always will, Chicago is kinda’, sorta’ like Allstate Insurance, the “good hands people”, as long as those hands are filled with cash, you are in good hands.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 12:37 AM • permalink

  158. #157: Yeah, wonder what he’d think of a paisanoa, Pelosi?

    She’d be sewing upholstery in Al’s furniture store.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 17 at 12:41 AM • permalink

  159. #157
    I’ll talk email with anyone. There are so many interesting people out there in the world. I like broadening my horizons, and circle of acquaintances.

    So, what do I have to do to be a mayor and have a couple of million smackers stashed away (but while I’m alive) of disposable income?

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 12:45 AM • permalink

  160. A cliche - but I really do feel like a new woman!

    2 days post-op, still with all the various tubes etc connected (I was 5.5 hours in theatre) but Finally things feel right at last.

    Posted by Zoe Brain on 2006 11 17 at 12:53 AM • permalink

  161. Love the thread, sad and depressing that there are people who have died, some so young either through terrible disease, fighting terrorists, or death by unnatural cause, it is to deal with on a serious basis, but humans need good things in life as well, humor, banter, waking every morning, company of others, real or virtual and a good martini…all keep one, well….healthy and SANE, usually.

    My martini olive, just hit my nose, so goodnight all. May your tomorrow bring you more of life’s good things, then your today.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 12:53 AM • permalink

  162. #150
    Been following your blog, Zoe. Hope you’re feeling 100% real soon.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 12:59 AM • permalink

  163. kae, my dear lady

    So, what do I have to do to be a mayor and have a couple of million smackers stashed away (but while I’m alive) of disposable income?

    Run for election. You would have my vote. Hands down. Didn’t sound, that way I wanted…I’d pull the lever for you...shit, that sounded just as bad, as it looked…lol.

    Ummmm, I’d place my X on the line, next to your name….GOD finally, no innuendo. This time for real…night.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 01:00 AM • permalink

  164. paco

    She’d be sewing upholstery in Al’s furniture store.

    She’d probably be THE upholstery. Last one promise, done, fini, over…night.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 01:03 AM • permalink

  165. #163
    LOL
    nothing wrong with innuendo.
    shame you have to go horizontal, night night.
    I’ll be home in about 3 hours, then the weekend can start!

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 01:04 AM • permalink

  166. My Beccy Cole CDarrived today, and I am listening to it now…..good stuff!!!!

    Posted by The_Real_JeffS on 2006 11 17 at 01:09 AM • permalink

  167. Channel Bill Cuckoo!

    You have Howard Dean outside your window!  I’ll alert the media.

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 17 at 01:13 AM • permalink

  168. #79 Ah, in the immortal words of Kim Bensley, Carmen Miranda (aka Miranda Divide), would look great with a bowl of fruit on her stupid head. She could even go ‘bananas’.. with a pineapple shoved where the sun don’t shine, sucking a lemon.  Haw haw haw - boofhead laugh emanating from deep inside the Kimster.

    Miranda Divide henceforth known as Carmen Miranda, “The Ultimate Fruitloop”.

    Posted by Bonmot on 2006 11 17 at 01:37 AM • permalink

  169. Wasn’t a mayor tied in with the Jimmy Hoffa ‘elimination’?

    Even in Oz we heard of Mayor Daley - enough to give the Irish a bad name.

    Posted by Bonmot on 2006 11 17 at 01:44 AM • permalink

  170. Nu? How am I, you ask?

    Not so good.

    My wit has lost its edge of late, to my eternal embarrassment.

    The scholarship of my posts suffers from haste, as paid work presses so and access to my library is limited thereby.

    I haven’t had sex in nine years, despite (or perhaps because of) being married for ten.

    The femoral head in my hip joint is necrotic, so titanium and teflon will soon become an integral part of my physiology.

    I am surrounded by idiots who can’t tell a digital signal from an analog, informing me a valve is closing when I’ve asked them for a pressure reading.

    After a salary review, a %4 raise leaves me %5.5 worse off than this time last year (this insult to a man who could take down the power grid, cause sewers to run backward and blow every gas compressor in Southeastern Australia and parts of Southern Queensland with a few keystrokes).

    Finally, some twat dressed as a clown accosted me today on Collins St., burbling inanities about “the dangers and lies of capitalism” as 16 kilos of computer equipment dug its strap into my shoulder, slowly turning me into a hunchback (said clown was knocked on his ass by said bag of capatilist-enabling technology).

    I could go on…

    Next time you ask, Tim, may I have better news.

    Posted by MentalFloss on 2006 11 17 at 04:24 AM • permalink

  171. Mental,

    The femoral head in my hip joint is necrotic, so titanium and teflon will soon become an integral part of my physiology.

    Look on the bright side, at least the shit won’t stick.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 05:23 AM • permalink

  172. #160, Zoe Brain:

    Good to hear things are working out ok. It must be a true relief to finally get the outsides to match your inner self.

    I’ve been keeping my fingers crossed for you.

    Posted by Grimmy on 2006 11 17 at 05:56 AM • permalink

  173. Good for you Zoe, did you get all the citizenship stuff worked out?. *hands over bunch of grapes*

    Posted by Daniel San on 2006 11 17 at 05:57 AM • permalink

  174. I guess every cloud has a titanium lining, kae. Thanks.

    Posted by MentalFloss on 2006 11 17 at 07:00 AM • permalink

  175. Busy as hell and trying not to get killed. Less than 3 weeks to go. In the past 24-hours I was nearly vaporized by a rocket of large caliber AND shot at by AK-47.  Its like the bastards KNOW I’m leaving and are feeling the time crunch to get the job done.
    Other than that, I’m just peachy.

    Posted by Texas Bob on 2006 11 17 at 07:31 AM • permalink

  176. G’day, Texas
    take care

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 07:32 AM • permalink

  177. Thanks for the good wishes all. I never did get an Australian passport, still refused, but I managed to find another way home. I’ll see anyway just before Xmas.

    I just wish OBL had had the same experience I had about 55 hours ago. I suspect he wouldn’t be quite so happy as I am.

    “Free at last, Free at last, Thank G_d I’m Free at last!” The body fits now, and I’m already starting to enjoy feeling normal for the first time in my life.

    Hugs to all well-wishers, and a special one to Mental Floss, may his troubles decrease.

    Posted by Zoe Brain on 2006 11 17 at 07:41 AM • permalink

  178. #170 Mentalfloss, dear fellow. You write, “The scholarship of my posts suffers from haste”. I ask you, now: how would we know? I continue to be amazed at how I never read one of your comments without learning something new.  Also, you write, “My wit has lost its edge of late, to my eternal embarrassment.” Pardon me, but the “lickety-split” joke would have used up six months of my wit reserves.

    “I am surrounded by idiots who can’t tell a digital signal from an analog.” Er . . .yes, yes, of course, exactly; that’s the kind of thing that sets me off, too. That same thing happened to me in traffic the other day. A guy in a truck carrying a load of timber cut me off, and I gave him a digital signal, and he shouted something suggesting the painful introduction of a log into my nether regions, and then I gave him two digital signals and . . . well, I can see how that could make anybody angry.

    I do hope you rouse yourself from the doldrums. Try whistling and rubbing the backstays; that’s what Patrick O’Brian’s characters always do when becalmed and trying to raise the wind.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 17 at 09:22 AM • permalink

  179. #177: Zoe, I am delighted to hear that you made it back - even if it is without your passport. Incidentally, if you snuck in on a leaky cattle boat, make sure you don’t come down with a case of the west indian dry gripes. It’s the next big global disaster, you know.

    Best of luck to you.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 17 at 09:25 AM • permalink

  180. #175 Texas Bob: remember that you are Gary Cooper. He made it all the way through High Noon; you will, too. Good luck.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 17 at 09:26 AM • permalink

  181. Wow.  May all your troubles decrease, all of you.

    Congrats, Zoe, and welcome to the world of feeling right.  Sympathies for your hip troubles, Mental, I can see that in my future.  Texas Bob, keep your head down and your trigger finger ready, and come home safe.

    Meanwhile, it’s another day here in the Great Satan, so I’m just going to feel grateful that the sun is out for the first time in days.

    Posted by RebeccaH on 2006 11 17 at 10:02 AM • permalink

  182. Texas Bob

    Please do take care. I mean the Texas Bob Beer Fund is now over 30 bucks.

    Besides what the hell would I do with all that money, if say I had to do something rash?

    Then, I’d have do something more rash, if ‘they’ (to read, the law) tried taking it. Then I really would be in deep shit, you’d be home and I would have no way, well…to do anything.

    No sireeeee Bob…Sorry, no sireee Texas Bob. So it behooves both of us that you be safe there and return here, the same way.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 10:03 AM • permalink

  183. Zoe Brain

    It is obvious that you are a fighter and survivor. You will be fine and may I add my best wishes for your continued well being.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 10:12 AM • permalink

  184. 170 MentalFloss

    I am surrounded by idiots

    HEY! I resemble that remark, thanks a lot Bud…:).

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 10:16 AM • permalink

  185. Great, thanks.  Slogging through “The Fatal Shore” by Robert Hughs.  It actually is pretty interesting.  Young socialist son is finishing up his finals and looking forward to the Thanksgiving break.  Hubby is pleased with his 82 round, which means that we’re all happy! Princess had the lead in the play yesterday and did quite well.

    Thanksgiving reminds me that I am thankful for this blog and the erudite posters here.  Tim and Andrea as well. Lucky me for having discovered this jewel.

    Posted by Kathy from Austin on 2006 11 17 at 10:51 AM • permalink

  186. #76

    Cool!  From what I’ve read, he’s still down there.  Have one of the lower level minions™ let the air out of his airplane tires while we negotiate. 

    Elizabeth
    Imperial Keeper

    Posted by Elizabeth Imperial Keeper on 2006 11 17 at 11:03 AM • permalink

  187. #185: Thanksgiving reminds me that I am thankful for this blog and the erudite posters here.  Tim and Andrea as well. Lucky me for having discovered this jewel.

    What Kathy from Austin said. And how!

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 17 at 11:09 AM • permalink

  188. I’ll second or third what Kathy Jayhawk said.  I shot an 82 once.  Then I got to the second hole and then I ran out of clubs and balls and had to leave.

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 17 at 11:32 AM • permalink

  189. On the thread topic: Doin’ just fine.

    Aside to Zoe: I must confess to having had at one time a less than charitable opinion of people in your predicament. That has changed, due to your posts, for which I thank you. Dittoes to El Cid’s post above. I add my congratulations and best wishes, and I’m sure that I speak for the whole gang here.

    Posted by ErnieG on 2006 11 17 at 11:32 AM • permalink

  190. Zoe,

    Congratulations and best of luck. Glad you’re home, too.

    Posted by Dr Alice on 2006 11 17 at 11:58 AM • permalink

  191. 188 yojimbo

    I shot an 82 once

    Well me too. But my attorney managed to convince the prosecutor, that he fired first and I was cleared of all charges.

    Seriously, love the game and I did in fact shoot that score, but now I don’t practice nearly enough to even be at a driving range (beside the fact that when I do go, ‘they’ get pissed, because I burn a donut or two, while driving, especially when it’s wet).

    Oh and I have a collection of 15 (OK, OK 20) or so putters….something tells me, that it’s ME, not those putters, that don’t work well.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 01:51 PM • permalink

  192. Thanksgiving reminds me that I am thankful for this blog and the erudite posters here.  Tim and Andrea as well. Lucky me for having discovered this jewel.

    Mega ditto’s to what Kathy from Austin, posted.

    Especially this coming Thanksgiving, for I will be spending this one alone. AND I don’t fly, arms get to tired.

    Driving, well I think Florida has installed a shut off switch on my vehicle, so the attempt at crossing the State line will fail. That’s just to make sure I fulfill every last word and part of Florida’s Homestead Act.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 02:09 PM • permalink

  193. El Cid

    It’s you , not the putters.

    Not at all, Not at all.  The NEXT one.  The Next one.  Trust me.  Heh!

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 17 at 02:13 PM • permalink

  194. El Cid

    Just one more thing.

    You won’t be spending Thanksgiving alone as you have all of us turkeys(plastic and otherwise!).  So just pass the cranberry sauce.

    Posted by yojimbo on 2006 11 17 at 02:19 PM • permalink

  195. Doin’ pretty good; gotta laugh at seeing Pelosi get bitch-slapped by her own party.

    Well, in my neck of the woods, its OSU-UM weekend.  Thankfully I don’t have a dog in that fight, being from more southern climes.

    Thanksgiving!!  Stuffing myself with turkey and watchin’ them Cowboys - boo-yah!!

    Posted by Tex Lovera on 2006 11 17 at 02:34 PM • permalink

  196. 193/194 yojimbo

    Yeah, the putters…damn things. It really is getting to be, like a busy NYC Deli…NEXT!

    You won’t be spending Thanksgiving alone as you have all of us turkeys(plastic and otherwise!).  So just pass the cranberry sauce.

    Thanks, my friend. You got it, on the cranberry sauce…and a finer bunch of us, there could never be…Well next to and along with, ALL the brave men and women protecting us and making sure we do have, A Thanksgiving Holiday.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 03:03 PM • permalink

  197. Tex Lovera

    Well, in my neck of the woods, its OSU-UM weekend.

    I just read that Bo Schembechler died. Regardless the side of the coin you are on, a grand person and coach, has passed.

    Rest in Peace, Sir.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 03:10 PM • permalink

  198. You guys know the Danish bikini thing is a spoof, right?

    Posted by Dave S. on 2006 11 17 at 03:46 PM • permalink

  199. #198: I didn’t. Maybe I should go back and watch it a few more times to look for evidence of spoofiness. I find the idea of, er, Danish speed bumps to be quite consistent with their “anything goes” culture.

    Posted by paco on 2006 11 17 at 04:04 PM • permalink

  200. #191:  Can identify with the golf toy thing.  For Pete’s sake, how many gadgets and rejects are possible??  We must have two full EXTRA bags of clubs that are in the penalty box for some real or imagined slight.  Well, on the flip side, gift giving is pretty easy.  Dull, but easy.

    Posted by Kathy from Austin on 2006 11 17 at 05:03 PM • permalink

  201. #74 I remember the little dog in his cartoons

    Kae, Wasn’t it Pat Oliphant [an Aussie ex-pat in the US] with the dog?  Pat used a little penguin anyway.

    Both are funnny

    Posted by Barrie on 2006 11 17 at 05:32 PM • permalink

  202. After a salary review, a %4 raise leaves me %5.5 worse off than this time last year (this insult to a man who could take down the power grid, cause sewers to run backward and blow every gas compressor in Southeastern Australia and parts of Southern Queensland with a few keystrokes).

    MentalFloss, all I can say is I am glad you ar in charge.  Hand over to a VERY good Austrlalian, pleeease!
    Oh, and I understand why the pseudonym is essential.

    Posted by Barrie on 2006 11 17 at 05:39 PM • permalink

  203. Morning all.
    #188, #191
    I played golf once. At the Bulimba Golf Course. They had browns, not greens. They had potholes. They had a concreted spoon drain near one tee. One of my balls went into the spoon drain and fired back at me.
    I don’t play golf.

    (But I’d learn… maybe.)

    My father used to win trophies at golf. I wrote to him of my game of golf. He loved the letter.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 06:06 PM • permalink

  204. Not fussed on turkey, may I have roast pork with apple sauce and gravy?
    Or lamb with mint sauce and gravy?

    I’ll cook if you like!

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 06:21 PM • permalink

  205. #204, kae:  No turkey???  Are you kidding me?  Has to be:  turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, green bean cassarole, waldorf salad and….rolls!

    Does Australia have a Thanksgiving holiday?

    Posted by Kathy from Austin on 2006 11 17 at 07:08 PM • permalink

  206. Vicki my Doberman 8mo pup shows the secret of boomerang return

    Posted by rhhardin on 2006 11 17 at 07:47 PM • permalink

  207. 200 Kathy from Austin

    We must have two full EXTRA bags of clubs that are in the penalty box for some real or imagined slight.

    Welcome to the club…Oh my a play on words, is that?

    OH and mine extra’s are in for a REAL slight slice.

    203 kae

    Mornin’.

    They had browns, not greens.

    I’ll tell Mr. Norman, (Greg) should I ever get to meet him, when he’s in town for a big deal at his course up the road, that you don’t like his course…LOL.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 07:49 PM • permalink

  208. HI Kathy
    No, we don’t have thanksgiving (Thanks Mother England for transporting us? Nah, don’t think so - but maybe we should; thanks for being born in Australia! as an aside, my family isn’t descended from convicts - not that there’s anything wrong with that). We never used to have Halloween, either, but it’s catching on.
    For Christmas dinner we may have turkey (sorry, I think it’s overrated I tend to pass on turkey - maybe our turkey cookers can’t cook it well, it can be dry). We may also have all kinds of summer dishes. Remember, Christmas over here is in the summer! (And it can be over 40 degrees F here!)
    Our family tradition was to have lunch on Christmas day, Mum’s family all together (three pairs of aunts and uncles, their seven kids, Mum’s mum (grandad died many years ago), Dad’s mum (Nanna M - Dad was an only child and we were Nanna M’s only family). The aunts used to take it in turns to host and would share the cooking. Then after Christmas lunch the uncles and aunts and their kids would spend the evening Christmas day meal with their other family outlaws inlaws.
    It’s sort of fallen by the way now, but up until recently, I moved away in 1986, the rest carried on. Most of my cousins are in their 30s now (I’m, the eldest), some are married with kids. It’s changed slightly.

    For Christmas lunch we have a smorgasboard of seafood, roast meats, salads, etc. You’d be surprised at the similarities - and the differences!
    Oh, we do have Christmas in July in some places where some people get together and have the really traditional Christmas hot dinner by a fire. A lot of resorts where the climate is cold cater for this. I also know that the Sydney Speleological Society has a “Christmas party” BBQ in July because there are usually fire bans on at Christmas, and it gives everyone an excuse to have a piss up by a roaring outdoor fire!

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 07:59 PM • permalink

  209. El Cid, I think the greens at Bulimba were supposed to be green, but were brown and dead looking.
    It was a hoot having a hit and giggle.
    I thought it amusing that the bloody golf course fired back at me (when the ball came flying back out of the spoon drain at me).

    I have to go now, take back the video which won’t play (grrr), and start hoiking shit very valuable treasures which clutter up occupy space in my house. Have to get it ready for sale and I am a hoarder… inherited that from my Grandma, she lived thru the depression and the family calls it a genetic thingy trait that skips a generation (my mother is an avowed chucker-outer of most stuff, she’s even chucked out/given away some of my treasures!).

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 08:08 PM • permalink

  210. Sorry for dumping on y’all like that, but it’s been a bad decade for me and Friday was the bitter end of a bitter week.

    I look back on the past ten years with pride in but one thing: my little girl and her seemingly unending supply of energetic goodness, simple but thoughtful wisdom and artless, uncontrived humour.

    I must have done something right.

    You guys and gals are the greatest! Thank you for your good wishes and heartening comments. I’ve told Tim before how much this place means to me, and now I’m telling you: Thanks so much, one and all. I can’t imagine a day without you—my friends.

    And a special shout-out to Zoe! May good health and happiness be yours forever.

    Posted by MentalFloss on 2006 11 17 at 08:09 PM • permalink

  211. Don’t be down, Mental, you have lots of friends here.
    What a shame we can’t get together and party in real life - it’d be a blast!

    Now I really have to go.
    Catch yez.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 08:17 PM • permalink

  212. On a mug with some turkeys drawn on it:

    “How can I soar like an eagle when I am surrounded by turkeys?”

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 08:18 PM • permalink

  213. Floss

    I must have done something right.

    You are wrong. You’ve done many things “right”. One of which is fathered a lovely child.

    My silly life philosophy has been and always will be.

    When I open my eyes in the morning, I’ve already won.

    To me, that is all that is necessary, the rest is the bullshit, we all muddle through.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 09:04 PM • permalink

  214. Every morning at the local post office, under a big, shady tree, sit a group of men.
    Some have those little electric motorised chair things, others get around as best they can on shank’s ponies.
    When I used to pick up my morning paper I would always say “Hello, lovely day, isn’t it.”
    One of the wags replied “Any day you wake up is a good day”.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 09:10 PM • permalink

  215. #212 oops
    this was in reference to Mental’s work colleague quality problems.
    Not about us we turkeys!

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 09:12 PM • permalink

  216. Mental Floss: you’ve done more than fathered an excellent child.  You’ve given us endless hours of wonderful humor and analysis.  You, by breathing air and sharing your thoughts are a gift to us.

    kae:  thanks!  Great to hear about your traditions.  Traditions often define a culture and their peoples.  After an embarassing post a year or so ago (I wondered aloud that God had given such articulate, funny and smart people a whole freakin’ continent to inhabit that they had only managed to come up with 30 mil or so.  I was informed that water was a huge issue with Australia.), I committed to learn Australian history with more detail than the paragraph they included in World History.  I am a history major and it seemed ridiculous that a country I respect the most outside of my own was essentially foreign to me, save the Geico commercials, Steve Irwin, “Finding Nemo”, “Lost” and finally this blog.

    So I am reading a long book on Australian history.  Tough start for your colony, very harrowing.  Pretty tragic, but like our Pilgrims you rose above that.  Sounds like had we Yanks not thrown the bastards out Australia might have been French.  Brrrrr.  That made my blood run cold.

    Posted by Kathy from Austin on 2006 11 17 at 09:41 PM • permalink

  217. Ha Kathy, there’s only about 20 million-odd Aussies (no, we’re not odd, it’s a number!).

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 09:55 PM • permalink

  218. kae

    You’re back, I see.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 10:13 PM • permalink

  219. Hi El Cid
    In and out er back and forth. Just ducked up the road to a neighbour to drop off some ice cream I bought that I don’t like. Her hubby will like it. She gave me eight (home laid chicken) eggs. I’ll miss that when i sll my house and I move closer to work.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 10:45 PM • permalink

  220. sll = sell

    pimf

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 10:46 PM • permalink

  221. kae:  20 million is too little.  Get to work, girl!  Go forth and prosper!

    Posted by Kathy from Austin on 2006 11 17 at 10:50 PM • permalink

  222. #221
    Hmm. I think at my age I’m past it - kids I mean… I never had any, and I wanted them, too.
    But I still have all my bits, so who knows what can happen in the future… (maybe I’ll just have to settle for going forth and having some fun.. except for one, minor, tiny, technical hitch. It takes two to tango.)

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 11:07 PM • permalink

  223. kae

    In and out er back and forth

    You little devil, you…:).

    to drop off some ice cream

    She gave me eight (home laid chicken) eggs

    Right neighborly of you folks. I imagine that those kinds of things still happen in our land, in rural area’s…obviously to include farms and farmers. I’m sure that will be missed. I know I would.

    Tradin’, swappin’ and just being nice to each other, doesn’t sell newspapers, nor does it make stars of complete nincompoops, such as A Katie Couric.

    But Katie sure can sell a death, rape or misfortune, “with a gleam in her eye” as Don Henly said with his “Dirty Laundry” tune.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 11:08 PM • permalink

  224. I have good neighbours, mostly. Across the street are a pensioner couple who are very helpful. One day I accidentally backed the Cox ride-on mower into the dogyard gate, popped the little latch thingies outside the fence post. My neighbour came over and pushed the gate back through and straightened the latch tongue things.

    Yeeargh, just remembered, I have to clean out the gray water pump before it gets dark. Yucky, yucky job. Procrastination’s not so bad in this situation. Thank heaven I remembered to buy more disposable rubber gloves yesterday.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 17 at 11:15 PM • permalink

  225. Thank heaven I remembered to buy more disposable rubber gloves yesterday.

    Great sign (message) hanging in a proctologist’s office, kae….:).

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 17 at 11:56 PM • permalink

  226. Proctologist.

    An ugly job, but someone has to do it.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 18 at 12:10 AM • permalink

  227. #199 - Paco, the “men on the street” are way too “actory.” Same for the girls. Something hinky about the filming and editing, as well - looks a bit too “polished” for a newscast. Just my 2 cents.

    Posted by Dave S. on 2006 11 18 at 12:23 AM • permalink

  228. An ugly job, but someone has to do it.

    Sure as hell is, I couldn’t do it, nor would I want too. I see way to many assholes, in everyday situations. No gloves needed.

    Posted by El Cid on 2006 11 18 at 12:38 AM • permalink

  229. MentalFloss @210
    “It could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others.”
    “No matter how great and destructive your problems may seem now, remember, you’ve probably only seen the tip of them.”
    When encouragement is just not enough.

    Cheers

    Posted by J.M. Heinrichs on 2006 11 18 at 12:42 AM • permalink

  230. Hmm

    Do Ansell still make condoms?

    Just took out the second rubber glove from a pack of 24.
    It’s got holes in it.
    I hope their quality control is better on their condom production line.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 18 at 01:28 AM • permalink

  231. #99 Wimpy Canadian

    You don’t want to come to Darwin. 33, wet, thunderstorms, 80 to 90% humidity. Bloody global warmening. I swear it hasn’t been like this since the wet season last year!!!

    Posted by Justin on 2006 11 18 at 01:38 AM • permalink

  232. I’m watching a video I taped during the week. A programme on ABC about Europe and the ice age. The narrative held a few interesting snippets of information.

    Why did neanderthal die out? Was it disease? Was it competition with homo sapiens? Was it an inability to cope with climate change?

    My thought was “Damned industrialised homo sapiens, all that CO2 they emitted caused the extinction of neanderthal.” And then this:

    Temperatures rose rapidly. As much as 10 degrees in 100 years, melting the ice which had been frozen for thousands of years.

    So, where are all the factories, cars, farting and belching cows?

    The world didn’t end with this natural phenomena.

    Some people still don’t get it.

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 18 at 01:50 AM • permalink

  233. Poop. Now I’m not feeling OK.
    I knew there was a reason that I was procrastinating about sorting out the grey water pump.
    As I was undoing the pipe it cracked and the blue goop on the PVC pipe let go. Now I have to get a plumber. He can’t come until Monday. Grrr. Ah well. Postpone the washing, etc. I’m going to get him to put the new pump in.
    *sigh*

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 18 at 04:13 AM • permalink

  234. #232 The Stone Age didn’t end because we ran out of stones, either…nyuk nyuk.

    Posted by MentalFloss on 2006 11 18 at 05:51 AM • permalink

  235. Get away Mental, we still have Stones.

    They’ll never die. (Unfortunately.)

    (Which one are you? Larry, Mo or Curly-Joe?)

    Posted by kae on 2006 11 18 at 06:06 AM • permalink

  236. MentalFloss,

    I hope you know, you’re one of the reasons I come to this blog.  I look for your comments.  Tim is a great host and a brilliant and witty poster.  But he simply doesn’t post as much as I wish he could.  Yet there is brilliance in that scarcity of posts.  He allows others to fill the void.

    Although I’m very happy for him, I hate the idea of crittenden opening up his own blog and posting here less. If several others were to similarly go away, I would probably do the same.  I include you on that list.

    Posted by wronwright on 2006 11 18 at 11:46 AM • permalink

  237. Wronwright, you are too kind—also prescient.

    Look in the very near furtue for a new blog (like there weren’t enough already) with the (still tentative) title “View from Ararat”.

    Nothing could stop me making trouble here, though. I credit this site with waking me from a very long sleep…

    Posted by MentalFloss on 2006 11 18 at 06:21 PM • permalink

  238. ...and if you ain’t got no “furtue” handy, look in the very near “future”...

    Posted by MentalFloss on 2006 11 18 at 06:23 PM • permalink

  239. Well, I only go to one blog.  Tim Blair’s.  I used to go to 10 or more, but I don’t have time for it.  I’ll probably be a regular visitor to crittenden’s blog.  And if you open doors to one, I’ll come to yours each day. 

    But I can’t see me starting a blog.  I’m a visitor, not a proprietor.

    Posted by wronwright on 2006 11 18 at 09:08 PM • permalink

  240. Page 1 of 1 pages

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