As we near the New Year, it’s an apt time to take stock in our nation. Unfortunately, the Chinese have cornered the market on that. So, let’s instead consider all that we’ve learned this year, how much we’re grateful for and how the coming year may unfold…or unhinge.

THREE THINGS I LEARNED IN 2010:

1. American voters use voting the same way children use tantrums, to emotionally express how upset they are without regard to how foolish doing so makes them look.
2. Republicans are now Nihlists. They also make great paperweights in The Senate.
3. In case of a flood, Sarah Palin can be cut longways to create two canoes as she is already hollowed out.

THREE THINGS IN 2010 THAT I’M GRATEFUL FOR:

1. The fantastic people here at The Planet.
2. All of Pres. Obama’s accomplishments including HCR, Financial Reforms and DADT repeal.
3. How having two hands means you can eat two Double Downs at the same time (Quadruple Down-Downs?).

THREE THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2011:

1. The Repubs becoming drunk with power in the House and self-destructing in the eyes of the majority of Americans.
2. The economy and job picture improving, along with Obama’s polling and prospects in 2012.
3. Jet cars, transporters and world peace. Okay…I’ll settle for an iPad 2.

Happy New Year to all of you from PlanetPOV!

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choicelady
Member

Happy New Year all!

Thank you, AdLib, for all you give to us, especially these lists that make us laugh. I do agree you could take all the TP people and make a raft. I’m sure they float – all that hot air.

Thanks everyone for the various recipes. I probably will forget them, but they’re tempting to see. I started NYE with friends including the husband of one couple, a self styled “progressive” who, as always, bitched and pissed and moaned over Obama’s ‘failures’ especially in health care. He lost his job and the new one has no benefits, but would he listen for a second to my telling him that when he and his wife were rejected for insurance he actually COULD get much cheaper coverage? Noooo. He would prefer to curse the darkness… He blames Obama for the actions of the private insurance market. Uh huh. He thinks he should not have to sign up for anything – it should just COME to him. Double uh huh.

Anyway, despite the fact I think progressives with whiny attitudes are almost as much a problem as conservatives with whiny attitudes, I think this will be a better year. I read over at the Dark Side that Issa, having called Obama’s administration the “most corrupt ever” has had to walk that back since he had nothing to show why that would be true. We now have gotten to the point where disagreement on policy leadds to charges that the policy and the policy makers are “corrupt”. Turns out a lot of his constituents LIKE the health plan, understand that TARP was Bush’s baby, and that the stimulus did help markedly slow unemployment losses. So Issa is now deciding that Holder has been “corrupt” in not calling Wikileaks “terrorism”. Uh huh.

This from a man who has been, in his life, charged with criminal conduct.

Yes friends – 2011 is shaping up to be a MOST amusing year. Watching the GOP/TP party implode will be my fave spectator sport. Anything I can do to help…

I will say that the possibility of Rep. King’s “investigation” of “Muslim terrorism” is of concern. I rather suspect this will get ugly. On the other hand, it will become apparent that it is yet another witch hunt with NO smoking guns and NO Fifth Column. There is more than a small possibility that my organization could get subpoenaed, and I’ve already checked out that Congress will have to pay my way. I’m thinking of also asking for a speaker’s fee. Whaddya think my chances are here? I’m holding out for $5K… Too little? Too much? I’m open.

So I’m rolling out the new year by doing nothing today, then back to work tomorrow trying to speak truth to power AND to rubes. I’m finding the former easier than the latter. But to all my friends here on the Pwanet, Happy New Year – to siwwy wabbits and evwyone!

bito
Member

Wishing you a HNY, C,Lady! As always, I enjoyed your comment. I saw Mr. Isaa on CNN today and wonder if he even thinks before he speaks, or has prepared to just change them to the audience he is addressing. He is not the the first R I have heard since the elections sounding the “beep-beep-beep” sound as they reverse their statements. I do agree the split between the Regulars and the Militia in the Republican party will be interesting to watch. Campaigning is fun, governing is work and without a cohesive policy (beyond reward the rich and chasing boogymen) may be impossible.

Robert Reich has a interesting post on President Obama, it is an older post, but I just read it to day (hey, I’m slow)
Why Obama should Learn the Lesson of 1936, not 1996

FDR shifted the debate from what he failed to accomplish to the irresponsibility of his opponents. Again and again he let the public know whose side he was on, and whose side they were on. Republicans stood for “business and financial monopoly, speculation, and reckless banking,” he said over and over.
And he made it clear they wanted to prevent him from helping ordinary Americans. “Never before have these forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today,” he thundered. “They are unanimous in their hate for me – and I welcome their hatred.”

If Simple S’arah can get 250,000 for a speech, I say you are worth at least worth twice that much (need an agent 😉 )

choicelady
Member

Happy New Year, bito! How nice of you to double Sarah’s fee for me AND offer to be my agent. You’re ON – and I, being a person of justice, offer 30%, not her measely 10%…the rest will go to my organization to keep being a major thorn in the side of the RW.

I’m glad you saw Issa. He has been a CA horse’s ass for YEARS, and now he’s taking his act national. Poor all of us/U.S. But I think you’re right – the RW in all its glory keeps walking backwards on every utterance.

Someone once said about my former residence, Buffalo, that sure, sooner or later EVERY city shoots itself in the foot. Only Buffalo goes back and reloads. Now, however, it’s the GOPTPers – they keep doing the same things over and over and expecting different outcomes even when the natural result is suicide or at least self mutilation.

I think the only reaction is to keep our sense of humor. Keep an eye on them, naturally, but keep laughing at them. I agree with Reich – we need the 1936 reaction, not the Clinton dive. These people are beyond foolish, and I honestly cannot recall an historical era with this many truly ignorant people present in Congress. Maybe the Know Nothings in the 1850s, but not in my lifetime.

And that’s coming from someone once represented by Elmer Hoffman and later by Charlie Wilson (not the “Charlie Wilson’s War” Charlie – the one from So. CA.) At different points, both of my representatives was voted 435th out of 435 in Congress. So I KNOW stupid. And these two guys look like rocket scientists compared to Issa, Bachmann, King, etc.

I say we pop some corn, settle in front of C-Span, CNN, etc. and prepare to take dictation so we can produce the seminal work of our time: “TP-GOP Bleeps, Bloops, and Blunders”. We can sell it and clean up. How ’bout it, AdLib – a fund raiser for GROW and the Planet?

Something to live for!

AlphaBitch
Member
AlphaBitch

Ah, CL. I live in the land of Louie Gohmert and Joe Barton. Trust me – I KNOW stupid! Difference being, these morons are still in office….

I’m designing my new bumper sticker: You can’t negotiate with crazy. Thought of photos of Sarah and Michelle Bachman. Even if I don’t get the sticker done, I have a new life philosophy. As my dear daddy used to say: Never wrestle with a pig. The pig likes it, and you get filthy.

HNY, and let me say: I’m awfully proud to be on the same Planet as you!

whatsthatsound
Member

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Happy Year of the Wabbit to all you Scwewy Pwanateers!

bito
Member

Happy happiness, WTS!!

whatsthatsound
Member

and the happiest of happy happinesses to you, Bito!

kesmarn
Admin

May you have the vewy best yeaw you’ve had in a wong, wong, time, WTS!

whatsthatsound
Member

Why, thank you vewy indeedy, Kes! And U2!

Khirad
Member

Somehow this doesn’t sound good to me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_%28Zodiac%29#Traditional_Rabbit_attributes_and_associations

I hope the Metal Rabbit knows how to shred a mean guitar though.

whatsthatsound
Member

gotta love the motto, though!
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

Khirad
Member

West Wing Week: “Mailbag Day, New Year’s Edition”

Chernynkaya
Member

Well my friends, I must start the arduous process of making myself presentable for the minor festivities: Chinese food, movies, a little dancing with my sweetie, a couple of French 75’s –all to the accompaniment of the fireworks that go along with my tamale life, (and which will make Zorro pee himself.)

I wish each and every one of you a safe holiday and an exceptionally wonderful 2011. Thanks again to you for all you add to my life!

Kalima
Admin

Pardon my intrusion, but it seems the only place I can catch you all together. My day begins, small bodies begin to move, 5 pairs of eyes in my direction, and one extra pair staring in through our living room window. Front paws stretching in anticipation, it’s feeding time at the K house, some things don’t change.

A very Happy New Year to ALL of you, I really must go. If I come back in one piece, I’m thinking of making a t-shirt saying, “Kiss me quick, I survived the 2011 family gathering with only two red cheeks instead of four.” 🙂

Take care, those in the cold, stay warm, I’ll try to keep an eye on my watch (the other one on hubby) and kampai you as it’s hits midnight on the West Coast and the East. If you are in the middle, just move a few inches to the other side, either left or right.

See you later, and look forward to joining you in your brand new year.

I hear a noise outside, the natives are restless, got to go, be good now.

Cheers to all of you.

Chernynkaya
Member

This year, at my advanced age, I am not gonna write any resolutions. I have finally learned they are futile in my case. I am who I am. I am not thrilled by that, but there is some consolation realizing that I am no better or worse than most people. Or rather, better in some ways and worse in many. Oh, well.

I have learned one thing this year, though, that I found very helpful: I could be wrong. And I mean this in a very specific way– I mean I could make the wrong assumptions. It is a tremendous relief, so I want to pass it on.

When I am stuck in my head, trying to figure out what someone in my life meant by saying or doing something, I used to think I understood the subtext. No more. Now, I say to myself, “But you could be wrong.” In other words, maybe they didn’t mean that!

It’s so obvious, I shudder to write that, but it’s one of those “DUH!” moments for me. Cheers!

Questinia
Member

But we’re thrilled with who you are, Cher!

Chernynkaya
Member

Likewise, Q thank you!–

“But you could be wrong.”

😉

Questinia
Member

As a shrink, I’m NEVER WRONG!! 😉

Khirad
Member

Aum-en.

AlphaBitch
Member
AlphaBitch

Happy New Year, dear leader! Please don’t go Kim Jong Il on our asses this year, k?? I give you one more soon-to-be-new-member, the MO Girl, who will choose her very own nom de plume and avatar, thankyouverymuch. We shared one of Khirad’s postings about No Religious Preference today and both enjoyed it immensely. Thanks for giving us all a planet we can breathe on freely. I still want that Caribbean cruise, so get to work. A week next January, with fellow Planetarians. With cool speakers and Rachel Maddow, with skeet shooting of clay pigeons with Arianna’s face painted on them, and free massages for everyone that wants them, and rock climbing lessons from Pepe and Japanese cooking lessons from Kalima and loads and loads of other fun things I dream about. And nobody but Planetarians on the boat so I don’t get stuck with some lame ass couple that bores me to tears. Is that asking too much?????? Sincerely, AlphaBitch

javaz
Member

Happy New Year, AB!

Your comment made me laugh and I thank you for that!

AlphaBitch
Member
AlphaBitch

Thank you, Javaz! A good laugh is a good way to start the New Year. that and pajamas and cocoa. My champagne days are loooongggg over.

Kalima
Admin

Ha, ha, ha! It’s pronounced “cocking” over here, and we are not having any of that. I’m over my “new bride” well one year old new anyway, Japanese cooking to impress the hubby stage, but for you, anything goes. 🙂

AlphaBitch
Member
AlphaBitch

Tashakor, Kalima-jan! I can teach Boolani 101. My Qabli Pilau skills are untested, and my most excellent teacher (MO Girl) is now a…..GASP…….vegetarian! We’ll find other things to do on board, I do believe. You and I can host the cock-tail hour. (Is it food? Liquor? Your guess!)

Kalima
Admin

Sounds fun, I’ll do the cocktails, but I must warn you, I sway much more than the boat even without a boat. Someone will have to either grab my feet, or strap me into a sturdy harness from the ceiling if they want the cocktail actually in the glass and not on the floor or not have to lick it off my hands.

AlphaBitch
Member
AlphaBitch

Oh my, dear Ms. K! That conjures up all sorts of naughty images…..you in a harness, swaying from the ceiling, whilst eager ones lap from your hands. Tsk, tsk. Perhaps I’d better go do some prayers/ablutions! Any way possible, I want you on my boat. Sway, no sway. Machs nix (sp -from German heritage).

Kalima
Admin

😆 it’s too early for those images for me, and I’ll smack anyone who lays a hand on me, well that depends.

I’ve always wondered if a hammock would be the answer for a good night’s sleep, then I think about my fear of heights, and how long it takes to get out of a normal bed, and the bubble bursts.

javaz
Member

I agree, AdLib!

I’m positive that it’s going to be a very entertaining year in Arizona and quite eventful.

We dropped down to below freezing last night, and Sheriff Joe handed out pink long-johns to the inmates in Tent City.

See?

The New Year’s looking bright in a zany, crazy way already!

javaz
Member

Happy New Year, AdLib, and thank you for all that you do for the Planet.

Wishing you and your family a healthy, prosperous, and the happiest of New Years.

Chernynkaya
Member

I just got this text message:

The change we fought for in 2010 will benefit millions of Americans. I look forward to continuing that work with you next year. Happy new year–Barack.

I have NEVER gotten anything like that from my president–ever!

bito
Member

Add to that this notice:
President Obama Announces Recess Appointments to Key Administration Posts
Some of these appointments have been on “holds” by a single Senator for months.
Makes for a good year ahead!

Chernynkaya
Member

We’ll be trying these tonight:

French 75

Ingredients
French 75

* 2 ounces London dry gin
* 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
* 1/2 ounce lemon juice
* 5 ounces Brut champagne

Glass Type: Collins glass
Instructions

Shake well with cracked ice in a chilled cocktail shaker, then strain into a Collins glass half-full of cracked ice and top off with champagne.

I heard about it from my kid–yikes!

Haruko Haruhara
Member

Do you have any drinks that will keep you warm?

Chernynkaya
Member

Not technically, Haruko. But I think after a couple of these, you won’t care. 🙂

Haruko Haruhara
Member

I actually hope the Republicans hold all kinds of silly hearings (about Obama’s birth certificate, Muslims, etc.) in 2011 just so people are reminded how ridiculous they are.

I think people need to be reminded how insane they’ve become. Voters keep forgetting!

It is supposed to be -13 tonight. We’re going to an old grange hall down the road. It’s an old-fashioned country grange hall, and a lot of older people go there for New Year’s. I just hope it’s heated well! It’s an awfully old building. I promise I won’t be dressing slinky.

Then we are hosting a brunch tomorrow for the Winter Classic. A bunch of hockey parents coming over.

I live such a glamourous life!

Chernynkaya
Member

AdLib– totally ditto about what I learned. Except I didn’t realize that about Sarah and the canoe– good to know!

bito
Member

Happy, Happy, AdLib, The best to you in the New Year.

( can you take one S’arah and one Christine and make a pontoon boat?)