I hope that when and if you have the time, MB will be the place for you to catch up with friends before you leave for work or start your new day. A place to relax and take a break from serious topics and discussions during your day.
You are free to talk about anything here. Introduce your favourite news stories, videos, photos, funny stories or recipes. Think of it as your space, whether you wake up with the birds or chose to have a lay in, MB is open 24/7, from 5 am EST-2 am PST.
Please feel free to drop in anytime, you are always welcome here.
H A P P Y 4 T H O F J U L Y
E V E R Y O N E !
Keep it safe and sober 😉
Off to work now. Serena won her 4th Wimbledon championship, Germany tool Argentina, and football hasn’t started yet so all is right with the world. When football DOES start, it’ll be STEELERS all the way!! Hope your cookouts are terrific. BTW, where’s Kquark these days…haven’t seen him in awhile.
Later
Happy 4th to you Vegas Babe!
Happy 4th of July everyone!!! Tomorrow right?
Goodness, Kalima, what are you doingup in the middle of the night?
No idea bito, it’s hot.
Good morning everyone, been missing, so sorry.
Really odd story, can’t get my head around this one can you?
Religious ‘marriages’ for gays, minister indicates
Homosexual couples could be allowed to
I don’t find this collection of pics as good as Kalima’s Guardian link, but you may like to have a look.
http://www.citydailyphoto.com/portal/themes_archive.php?tid=47
Funny bito, so much better than mine. Thank you. 🙂
I missed 2 days, please forgive me.
Good afternoon.
UK firm Octel bribed Iraqis to keep buying toxic fuel additive
Exclusive: Officials in Iraq were bribed to overlook effects of leaded petrol on children’s health
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jun/30/octel-petrol-iraq-lead
One result of you missing, Kalima, is that I miss my world tours from your links. So glad you now have your AC fixed and you are enjoying a good nights rest.
Some news from Israel on the Gaza Blockade. Seems that they will soon be able to buy head lights for their non-running cars, windshield wipers too. Engine parts? Nope.
“Chocolate and ketchup flow into Gaza, but still no cement”
Cool, now they will have big screen TVs available to dream about placing in their bombed out living room that has no electricity. Soon they can think about buying new draperies, if they ever get a paycheck or job, for their glassless windows.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/chocolate-and-ketchup-flow-into-gaza-but-still-no-cement-1.299408
Awful news, gosh I’m sorry for the Gulf Coast, what is going to happen now?
I feel sick.
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/06/30/hurricane.alex/index.html?fbid=TAJAQDZx8TL
Yeppers, beyond petroleum.
http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/blog/climate/bps-wins-coveted-emerald-paintbrush-award-worst-greenwash-2008-20081218
Thank you bito. I was going to say “why are you still awake,” it’s me I got our times mixed up, sorry.
I’m a naturalized Brit, I feel so bad.
BP may have started out in the UK, but they are like any multi-national. They have no allegiance to any country-just money.
No A/C, in a daze, forgive me please.
National Gallery: an art exhibition where nothing is what it seems
A fascinating new show examines the controversial question of fakery, forgeries and mistaken identities in art.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2010/jun/29/24-hours-in-pictures
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/jun/29/national-gallery-art-exhibition-fakery
I was just getting ready to call the police, then realized I couldn’t speak Japanese. Hope you don’t melt away. Time to go and spend the day some where that has AC, WiFi, comfy seats, and a snack bar. Any ideas? 🙂 Good to see you.
bito you made laugh big time, I loves you muchly, thank you. So sad a K.
That is very funny – both of you!
I love you too
I feel so bad for you Kalima – it’s hard to cope in that kind of weather with no relief from AC. Listen to Bito’s wise words and find somewhere with AC to spend a few hours of relief.
They are here and at it, please no worries about me, I have a little fan. 😆
I bow my head to the floor, your floor, I add at least nice pictures.
24 Hours in Pictures
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2010/jun/27/24-hours-in-pictures
Senator Byrd passed away.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37959947/ns/politics-capitol_hill/
The ecstasy one day, and agony the next…
RIP
He remains a powerful testament to the power for a man to change what’s in his heart and to the power of redemption.
Such a wonderful voice at times, I’m sad.
And there was this happy side of Byrd that not every one knew about, either:
So glad that you posted that kes,
Music and art can really open you mind.
Senator Byrd proved that.
That is some serious skill he has there.
My daughter, the violinist, has some fiddler friends.
It’s a lot harder then you might think.
They are playing mainly by ear.
You’re welcome, Patsy. I love old time Appalachian folk music (among many other genres). Byrd was something of a working man’s good ole boy who evolved into a real statesman without losing touch with the best part of his roots.
And, yes, anyone who’s ever picked up a violin or a fiddle knows it’s not an easy thing to master. Kudos to your dear daughter. It must be a pleasure to listen to her practice.
I love that music too kes, especially in those old recordings that sound as if they are coming out of an old tube radio.
You are right, next year I will miss all that practice!
She will be off to school.
Ouch! Empty nest. I hear you.
A little consolation:
Or, better yet: Gid Tanner and the Skillet Lickers!!!
Thats fun kes, thanks!
The nest has two more to go and of course, the dogs!
I may never be alone.
I wonder if Greta Garbo had all these kids and dogs?
Just about the time the last one leaves, the first one comes back.
And yes, there are times, too, when “I vant to be alone…” resonates.
All righty then… Love those Skillet Lickers! Morphine was cheep!
How did they keep up with the dancing?
This is why I was in a really good mood today.
httpsh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3RPV0uXeho
Alright, so it was really 4-2. Still, Germany dominated.
My hubby asked, I was elated, so my mother country won. Hey!!
Either way, I guess you would have won. 🙂
Just no rounds of Humba T
Good morning everyone. Our A/C is broken, can hardly breathe, forgive me please.
24 Hours in Pictures
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2010/jun/26/24-hours-in-pictures
Good morning everyone!
Will be a little busy for a few days so will wish you all a great weekend. Take care and be safe.
Gosh I’m missing so many of you, where on earth are you?
We ALL have probs, Mother EARTH calling, come home please.
To live or let live. To moderate or not to moderate, even when insulted. To ban or not to ban, a huge disagreement between this bull and your leader we are so lucky to have. Disagreements happen, in the middle of one that could change my internet life, I’ll keep you posted. I care, that’s all we need to know right now. As KQ said often. “Peace.”
Can this get any worse?
“BP accused of killing endangered sea turtles in cleanup operation”
Environmentalists press Obama administration to put a halt to BP’s ‘burn fields’ to dispose of oil from the Gulf spill
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/25/bp-accused-of-killing-turtles
When most people say that they are going to do something, they usually do it. When will Israel stop pussyfooting around and actually DO something useful for the Palestinians?
“Gazans wait for Israel’s easing of the blockade to make a practical difference”
Factories are still starved of raw materials as Israel drags its heels over what will be let through
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/25/gaza-israel-blockade
This has to be wiped out. There is NO honour in killing.
“Triple murder in India highlights increase in ‘honour killings’
New custodians of age-old prejudices behind increase in ‘honour killings’ in India.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/25/triple-murder-india-honour-killings
24 Hours in Pictures
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2010/jun/25/1
#6 It’s already been a year. #12. They look exactly how I feel.
Kalima, like you, I miss our posters who have taken (I hope temporary) leave. Please, at least let us know how you’re doing. We do miss you.
And if I have said anything offensive to anyone, please accept my humble apologies. I haven’t meant to post anything insulting. If something came across that way, it was truly not intended.
It’s always a balancing act to keep discussions free and candid, while at the same time avoiding hurt feelings. The Planet seems to have kept that balance much better than any place else. Or at least that has been my impression.
If anyone has felt wounded, I would hope that you could bring that into discussion and I really believe it could be worked out.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
I second that kes!
Morning Patsy, May I “third” that? When I spent the month without the internets, I was wondering where so many people disappeared to when I returned. I do miss so many of the posts and comments. Is it something to do with summer or k’es and Patsy and their sarcastic attitude? 😆
Hi bito,
Well I hope it’s not my sarcastic attitude
but you never know… am I really that sarcastic?
Can’t we just blame bp? 😉
Hey Patsy, I have no idea, and no you aren’t sarcastic enough.
I think I should take the blame, I want to take the blame. No one ever gives me credit for anything ❗ 😉
Well your name starts with a b..
but no p … darn
Hey you have the credit for the Always popular Off Topic thread!
And You win the prize, Patsy, for being 9’001st comment on OT ❗ (AdLib was 9,000, so he’s disqualified. 😛
Well now I am the lucky one today!
Should I wait at the door for my prize?
Is it a pony?
Free house cleaning for a year?
A year of free membership
to the cheese of the month club?
A Winnebago?
California Winnebagos…..
they’re giving em away!
Oh gosh, no you haven’t kes, I was just thinking out loud. Just about everyone here has done a wonderful job of being able to discuss issues without going off the deep end. I’m just wondering where everyone is, that’s all.
For me, the freedom here is not to be taken for granted, neither is the genuine caring, thoughtfulness or the opportunity to say what we really feel, and I feel blessed to be here. I was hoping that most people felt the same.
I was hoping that most people felt the same.
I can’t speak for others, Kalima, but I sure feel the same way!!
There are a lot of MIA’s – KQuark, Cher, TRP to name but 3 – I just hope they’re enjoying their summer and nothing untoward has happened.
Yes, Mw and thank you for your response.
It is a 30C+ day here and our A/C has broken down, excuse my meanderings.
Oh no!! I’m surprised you’re only meandering – I’d be totally witless and in a quivering puddle on the floor!
I’ve been wondering the same. That’s why I always let you guys know when I’m too occupied.
By the way, the last pic for me. I want some Taybeh beer!
I want some Taybeh beer for you too. Drinks are on the house! 🙂
Good morning to all of you. I’m sure that there are many who are glad that it’s Friday again, So TGIF!
Trouble in coalition paradise?
“Budget cuts: top Lib Dems fire warning to Tories”
Simon Hughes warns that curbs to pensioners’ allowances may threaten coalition
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/24/budget-cuts-lib-dems-warning
Oh these people are just so bloody “cheap.” Even now they are still more concerned about their image than the disastrous mess they have created.
“BP clean-up contractors told to ignore workers’ pay claim ‘fraud’
#5 reminds me of the Salem Witch Trials.
#8 breaks my heart.
Good morning everyone, hope things are well with you all.
About wanting to export some rain, better take a “rain check” it was sunny today, but still a sauna.
Two views from the Guardian and the Beeb.
“Barack Obama sacks Afghan war commander Stanley McChrystal”
Obama says McChrystal ‘undermined’ conflict, but there will be no change in strategy
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jun/23/barack-obama-stanley-mcchrystal-afghanistan
Such a show of pure incompetence should leave no doubt that deep water drilling has to stop. Heard it’s fixed again.
“Gulf oil spill flow increases after accident forces BP to remove cap”
‘Top hat’ damaged by robot vehicle shortly after US interior secretary had praised device
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/23/bp-gulf-oil-spill-cap-gusher
What an absolutely ridiculous and gormless statement to make.
“Budget will hit poor harder than rich, according to IFS report”
Thinktank challenges claim of ‘tough but fair’ measures and predicts poorer families will suffer in second half of parliament
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jun/23/budget-welfare-poor-ifs-report
Well done! My father just told me that she’s originally a Welsh woman, he seemed rather proud of that
“Kevin Rudd dumped as Julia Gillard becomes Australian prime minister”
Australia has its first female prime minister after Kevin Rudd stood down on Thursday, handing the leadership to his deputy Julia Gillard.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/7850711/Kevin-Rudd-dumped-as-Julia-Gillard-becomes-Australian-prime-minister.html
24 Hours in Pictures
http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2010/jun/23/24-hours-in-pictures
Hello, I’m back! I’ll bet you didn’t even know I was missing.
My internet connection went poof from 3:30am P/ 6:30am E. I was so upset that I couldn’t sleep. Felt as if I was on a desert island somewhere waiting for my rescue ship. It just came back and is only the second time in 3 years that I’ve ever lost my connection.
What did I miss? 🙂
Mightywoof was in an earthquake! Other than that, not much! 😆
Glad you’re back, Kalima!
Glad to be back kes, missed you all. 🙂
Earthquakes in Canada?
I was going to ask if she was ok, but found her comment on O/T, so I know that she is.
I can tell you who I missed!
😳 🙂 😳
I’ve finally got some information about the high risk insurance pool that will be available to the pre-existing condition folks (Gawd I hate that) until the insurance exchange is up in 2014. I’m very optimistic about it based on what they describe. Here’s what is happening in Colorado (it will be administered by the states except for 20 or so states who opted out):
———————————————–
The CoverColorado website will be updated within the next week, as more information on the Federal pool becomes available. A link to the Federal pool
The more people learn about the benefits of HCR, the more positive they’ll feel about it’s having passed, I think, e’cat. They’ll get a chance to see how this improves health care without being subjected to endless RW spin (we hope, at least) while they’re evaluating it for themselves.
One can be of the opinion that some of the expenses be less but one would have to be an ideological fool not to recognize what an amazing accomplishment this and other aspects of HCR are and will be.
I can only imagine how the first recipients of SS and Medicare felt, knowing that many in the nation aggressively opposed it while it began to benefit so many.
Future generations will be bewildered to learn that so many opposed these HCR benefits for Americans, they will take them for granted.
Meanwhile, we can marvel at how wonderful it is that this has become the law of the land and we were and are witnesses to history.