• AdLib : BTW, thanks for reminding that it was Daniels in IN who sold off his state’s highways to foreigners. Night!

  • funksands : 9 going on 22? Seen that! Have a good weekend mister!

  • AdLib : Cool. Mine just turned 9, or so she says.

  • funksands : The two boys. 13 and almost 8. The eight year old is a handful. Great kiddos though.

  • AdLib : How many do you have?

  • AdLib : Yep, just the one but she keeps me hopping, I am amazed at all parents who handle more!

  • funksands : Thanks man. Enjoy the weekend with your daughter. Just one right?

  • AdLib : Funk – Great fun tonight! Have a wonderful weekend with both ladies…er…yo ur lovely wife!

  • AdLib : AB – Same here, Confederacy of Dunces is still one of my faves. Night AB!

  • funksands : Ad, I think I’m out too. Gotta go take care of the little lady. Perhaps my wife too. Thanks for the conversation.

  • AlphaBitch : Night Funk! Y’all come down now (well, not now -it’s July. Wait until November or December), hear? You can reach me via AdLib. Bye!

  • funksands : Night AB!

  • AlphaBitch : And it is why the Blov (from IN) married the gal from TX. OK, nite y’all. See you soon and thanks for the recommendations. AdLib: Confederacy of Dunces (Ignatius J. Reilly) is my favorite book -or at least in the top 10.

  • AdLib : But whatever you do, don’t eat a Lucky Dog unless you’re feeling lucky.

  • funksands : Ad, Indiana may the most famous one. 75 years to a Spanish/Australi an consortium «link»

  • AlphaBitch : John Besh has been to our PBS station. I do love softshell crab though and found the best in Galveston of all places at a place called Clearys. Softshell crab and champagne. Yum!

  • AdLib : Funk – TX has done that, haven’t they?

  • funksands : AB, check out Angelo Brocato for ice cream. I think they’re still there.

  • AdLib : AB – It’s not cheap but if you’re going to spring for that one expensive meal in NO, not a bad choice.

  • AdLib : Here’s their menu: «link» .

  • AlphaBitch : Will do, chief. Thanks. Where is it? You go to Mid-City Bowling Lanes?

  • AdLib : AB – Try August, it was fantastic.

  • funksands : AB, it is now.

  • AlphaBitch : Funk: Is a coporation like a copulation?

  • funksands : Ad, even worse is when states lease their toll roads to foreign coporations for pennies for 50 years.

  • AlphaBitch : AdLib: Fave restaurant?

  • bito : night, Bourne

  • AdLib : AB – Night! BTW, I’ve spent a bit of time in NOLA since then, just missed being there when Katrina hit by 1 day!

  • AlphaBitch : Night Bito. Miss you!

  • bito : night, AB

  • AdLib : See you, Bourne! Have a nice weekend!

  • AdLib : Funk – Hearing about the lifeguard who was fired by the private corporation operating at the beaches for trying to save someone who was drowning, I just thought about the callousness of private companies when they’re allowed to invade areas of public services.

  • AlphaBitch : Bye Bourne. That leaves me and the boys, so I’d best go as well. Nice playing with you – see you soon!

  • AlphaBitch : Going to New Orleans on the 18th. Anyone want anything? Haven’t been there since the year after Katrina.

  • BourneID : I’m signng off; Nice talking to all of you. See you next week.

  • AlphaBitch : AdLib: I consider it part of northern LA.

  • AdLib : AB – You left out Houston…what body part is that?

  • bito : That’s great funk!

  • AlphaBitch : AdLib: Been so busy this week haven’t watched much TV.

  • AdLib : Funk – That’s a great provision, very glad to hear that was passed.

  • AlphaBitch : AdLib: Love to visit Austin, but it has grown a little too self-impressed for me. In fact a friend once said Dallas was the fake tits, Fort Worth the brains, San Antonio the heart and soul and Austin…well, it was on the other side of the body and about 7″ lower. I like Austin, but I LOVE San Antonio.

  • funksands : Bito, a nice add-on from Sen. Bingham. His amendment prohibited states from leasing their roads to private corporations.

  • AdLib : AB – Is Obama still running lots of ads in TX?

  • BourneID : AB interesting contrast between the 2 cities. Didnt know that.

  • AdLib : AB – Houston is worse than Dallas. But what about Austin?

  • bito : Funk, I’m with you, that transportation bill really sucked, it did the bare minimum, when it could have done so much more

  • AlphaBitch : Bito: Thanks for the education on Libor. I need to read it when I’m not cross-eyed. I’ll come back tomorrow.

  • funksands : Ad, that’s a good guess. (fingers crossed)

  • funksands : AB: Ooo that’s not classy.

  • AdLib : Funk – I’m just wondering if some work wasn’t delayed until the highway funding was passed.

  • AlphaBitch : Ozzy Osbourne went to jail for trying to urinate on it, but I’ve read nothing about vomiting. However, the men who guard our shrine are pretty damn serious, as when my friend Kitty Lou (after the requisite 4 margies) found out as she tried to climb up into a niche near the front door (not even an original part) and pose like a statue.

  • AdLib : Bito – It’s the same fraud the banks pulled when selling crappy derivatives to their clients that they then bet against. When the one making the rules is also the one you’re playing against, it’s not a game of chance. It’s Three Card Monte.

  • funksands : Bito. Good point.

  • funksands : AB, you’re on. Is vomiting on the Alamo discouraged?

  • funksands : Ad, I need to look at this more. I’ve read it simply extends the current highway funding and cuts out most of the “other” transportation funding like biketrails, walkways, etc

  • AlphaBitch : Bourne: They are about 40 miles apart – distance wise – and WORLDS apart every other way. Dallas is all about $$ and what they think is “glamour”. It is racist and ugly and full of snotty headed fools. Dick Cheney lived there. Halliburton is there. Need I say more? Ft. Worth has an opera, a ballet and symphony. Dallas doesn’t. Plus FW is cowtown, with a sense of history.

  • AdLib : AB – If only enough people would put 2 and 2 together like that…but Repubs don’t believe in education, math or science so it’s lost on most of them.

  • bito : Your right AdLb, that link from WaPo that I left on TO/OT is a good primer on the whole Libor thingy.

  • AlphaBitch : Funk, hon, you and the Mizzrizz Funk need to come some winter. It’s lovely. We’ll drink Mexican hot chocolate and wear pink dresses and coonskin hats. I used to make everyone drink four margies (margaritas) and then bend over and kiss the north wall of the Alamo on full moon nights if they wanted to stay here. Most left.

  • AdLib : Bito – There shouldn’t be any trust towards the banking industry anymore, how many times do people have to put their hands over flames to remember that it always burns them?

  • BourneID : AB why do you hate Dallas; aren’t they just a few miles apart?

  • AlphaBitch : AL: It was her glimmer of hope segment, about how the storm has left so many without power and how even her Repub friends have sworn to vote Dem if someone would just fix the damn power. Good segment.

  • funksands : AB, you are in San Antone? Love that town. Well not really, but I tried hard to love it the couple of times I’ve been there. Nice people though.

  • AdLib : Now that the transportation bill has been passed, won’t that mean job growth over the next several months?

  • bito : funk: “While the bankers are displaying their “culture of cynical entitlement,” they are simultaneously asking the American public and U.S. regulators to “trust” them not to use commodity forwards in ways to evade oversight and hide questionable transactions.”

  • AlphaBitch : Bourne: One of my best friends USED to be the CBS regional news producer and knew all the folks. Too bad he’s teaching college now.

  • AdLib : AB – I didn’t see it, what’s the scoop on what Rachel was covering re: infrastructure?

  • funksands : Check that. 108 forecast for tomorrow. That’s a lot better.

  • AlphaBitch : Bourne: It’s Ft. Worth/Dallas to me. I luv Foat Wuth, hates Dallas. I live near the Alamo (seriously).

  • AdLib : Night CL! Sleep well!

  • choicelady : ‘Night everyone – gotta go. Be well and clean up the drink glasses will you? Goooood people.

  • funksands : My mom never lost it thank goodness.

  • AdLib : Bito – I think that right now it feels a bit complicated and distant to many people but once the dots are connected to what a criminal mafia type enterprise this was…and that Citigroup, JP Morgan and other US banks were part of that mafia, it will grow more potent.

  • BourneID : AB, that kind of comment is exactly why I love Texans…I am so easy to flatter. It really is good seeing you. Where in TX do you live? One of our really good anchors with the NBC affiliate in Sacramento just took a job at the CBS affiliate in Dallas/Ft Worth. She is really good; name is Adrienne Bankert; beautiful and talented. I think all the women anchors and reporters let out a great sigh of relief.

  • funksands : See you CL!

  • AlphaBitch : Did anyone catch Rachel talking about the infastructure now the heat has hit the fan in DC?

  • funksands : Bito, this is deadly. LIBOR is the foundation of trust between nearly every bank on earth. Very serious.

  • choicelady : funk – 107 is Sac Valley hot. That is absurd for Baltimore! I hope people get their power back soon!

  • AlphaBitch : Bye, CL. Sleep well.

  • AlphaBitch : Not climate change. No siree Bob.

  • SueInCa : Thanks Bito stayed long enough to pick that one up too. Now I have to find the rest I copied from you

  • choicelady : Well, it took me 20 minutes to get on, but now I have to go. Hitting the road tomorrow and endless travel, so I need sleep. Be well all – talk with you soon. Take care!

  • AdLib : Bito – That’s how these things build, the bigger outlets and the blogosphere coming together.

  • funksands : My mom told me its supposed to be 107 in Baltimore tomorrow? WTF?

  • SueInCa : On Sat?

  • choicelady : Sue – I WON”T be in Sac this coming week. Timing – it’s ALL timing. Rats!

  • bito : OT, this story has really broken wide open on the intertubes within the last day Beyond Barclays: Laying out the Libor Investigations «link» I thought it was just a couple of us tweeting about it

  • AlphaBitch : BS Funk. It damn sure will, if you send a thank-you postcard sos everyone can read it..

  • SueInCa : Will be in Sac next week I will let you know Cl AB never in a million years

  • AlphaBitch : Bye Sue! Was it me???

  • AlphaBitch : Yeppers, Bourne. You ARE special.

  • funksands : AB, that won’t even buy me a forever stamp to send you a thank-you card with.

  • choicelady : Sue – take care. Sorry it’s been so brief. See you soon, I hope.

  • AdLib : Night Sue, have a great weekend!

  • AlphaBitch : Funk: I give you $.44.

  • funksands : Night Sue. Nice jawin with you.

  • BourneID : Thanks AD. I’m still working on keeping up with the dialogue; never know where I am so I spend a huge amount of time scrolling, which I guess is better than trolling. Hey CL I was just about to ask where you are and where you’ve been. And AlphaBitch. I haven’t seen your name here for some time. Well re the single malt scotch is pretty special so I should feel flattered I guess.

  • AdLib : Is Romney not looking weaker as each week goes by or what? He’s jet skiing as a passenger in his White Man’s Heaven, not a person of color around at his exclusive waterfront home while Obama is pounding the pavement and riding a bus through OH. The visuals alone seem only to hammer Romney down and down.

  • SueInCa : Well guys I am out. Gotta go find Bito’s stuff he gave me today then I am out. Funk I have some monopoly money

  • AlphaBitch : Besides, it’s that Davy Crockett thing about hell and Texas….WAIT a minute Funk! They are NOT the same, or Davy wouldn’t have told those boys in KY they could go to hell while he went to Texas…

  • choicelady : Ouch, Murph – I’m so sorry! It’s not that bad here, but it’s a lot more dry, so it’s easier to deal with I think.

  • funksands : Sue, lots of people don’t like me. I don’t get $44 million for it.

  • funksands : AB, how are things in the first circle of hell? (That’s the overview and vestibule of hell. Sounds like Texas)

  • AlphaBitch : CL; Not as hot as it has been here; seems to have moved to Murph’s land.

  • AlphaBitch : Hey ‘Lib.

  • choicelady : Hi AB! How are you? Is it as hot as I think where you are?

  • AdLib : Hey AB!

  • AdLib : Hey CL! Sorry about the glitch!

  • funksands : CL, that’s rude. You better have a good excuse.

  • AlphaBitch : Hi CL!

  • AdLib : Isn’t it amusing though that everyone from Murdoch to Kristol are nailing Romney for hiding from specifics?

  • funksands : Ad, everyone is piling on the host before it dies or before someone gives it a flea bath. Get it while you can!!

  • SueInCa : Funk the old CEO did not like him

  • AlphaBitch : Not just scotch, Bourne, but single malt scotch. Funk treats you ‘special.

  • choicelady : Hi everyone – I’m right there with Bourne: in then out again. Just wanted to say hi to all. It took logging out then back in again though – it acknowledged me at the top, but NOT on VP. How odd… Hope everyone’s OK?

  • BourneID : Hmmmm – scotch; not sure about that Funk..,and everything is great in my world Funk.

  • AdLib : Funk – Yep, a firing by the CEO that cost his shareholders all that money…for nothing. How corrupt is our corporate culture where such things can happen with no price to be paid by the perpetrator?

  • AdLib : Even though it’s brief, nice to see you here, Bourne!

  • funksands : I knew it!

  • funksands : Ad, it was really a firing, but still your take is correct.

  • AdLib : Funk – It was his mentioning of River City that gave him away.

  • funksands : Bourne, you need to switch to something less sweet. Single-malt scotch for you next week. Everything good in your world?

  • AdLib : Funk – I saw that article. Sounds like the existing CEO didn’t want to move over so he screwed the shareholders. One guy can harm all those shareholders like that…it’s the American Capitalist way!

  • funksands : Ad, was he wearing a straw boater hat? That’s always a dead giveaway.

  • BourneID : sue and AdLib and everyone else. I doing fine. I’ve eavesdropping and I’ve come to the conclusion too many mohitos last week and too many margaritas this week but who cares? You’ve come up with some promising bumper stickers.. I’m signing out in about 5 minutes; just wanted to say hi.

  • funksands : He served a day and quit. $44 million dollar parachute. It’s a little more complicated than that, but not much. «link»

  • AdLib : Sue – We had a total scam artist come over to give us a quote on painting our house. I didn’t like him from the start and as things unfolded, he went through the kind of scam patter I am very familiar with. So impressions of character can be meaningful.

  • SueInCa : BRB

  • SueInCa : No I came back after closing windows Funk hows that for one days work?

  • funksands : Did anyone hear about the Duke energy CEO that got a $44 million dollar severance for working 1 day? I think that could be a useful anecdote for someone in an election year.

  • SueInCa : Good point Adlib

  • AdLib : Sue, you’re here but I can’t confirm that I am.

  • AdLib : Americans are superficial in the way they vote for President, voting based on emotion, who they like, instead of which policies are best for them. However, one can’t totally discount the instinct factor. Very often, the one you don’t like is trying to steal from you.

  • SueInCa : Funk I did I faved them all

  • SueInCa : I did not find Kennedy the least bit handsome. Weird huh?

  • funksands : Sue, close some windows. [smiley]

  • SueInCa : Is anyone there? Am I?

  • AdLib : And there’s really only questionable precedent for people voting on looks for President, that being JFK squeaking the win over Nixon but it can be well argued that looks weren’t responsible for the win.

  • SueInCa : Hey there Bourne how is it going

  • AdLib : Hey Bourne!

  • BourneID : Hello everyone,

  • SueInCa : Funk I just got the lumberyard comment

  • AdLib : Sue – I just don’t think that’s in the cards. To me, Romney looks like the slickster boss people hate, he’s not “nice” handsome IMO, he’s “jerk” handsome. And so far, most Americans seem to agree.

  • SueInCa : Mr Potato head works with his hs rep

  • SueInCa : HerMormon I love it

  • AdLib : Mitt Gumby?

  • SueInCa : Seriously if this country goes for what they deem movie star looks I am done. First I don;t see it to me he is ugly. Second Raygun did enough damage we don’t need another actor or a religious nut

  • AdLib : SpongeMitt SquareHead?

  • AdLib : HerMorMon Munster?

  • AdLib : Sue – I think we need a post with pictures of Mitt Romney look-alikes. Frankenstein and a robot work, even in a way, Mr. Potato Head?

  • SueInCa : oops Mitt it has been proven is a robot

  • SueInCa : And your point Ad? MITT

  • SueInCa : Look really good he does resemble Frankenstein

  • AdLib : Sue – But Frankenstein was a manufactured being without his own brain and heart…

  • funksands : “TO ZEE LUMBUHYAD!!!”

  • SueInCa : Count ChoclaMitt

  • SueInCa : He has a frankenstein lool

  • AdLib : FRANKENMITT: “AAH! FIRE GOOD! FIRE WORKERS GOOD, ME MEAN!”

  • SueInCa : I can;t come up with any right now Adlib but his is a frankenstein look alike.

  • AdLib : Funk – People didn’t realize it but the Marquis De Sade loved to laugh.

  • AdLib : Funk – That’s a good one! And “Failed Presidency”?

  • funksands : Ad, it is kind of funny if you are a serial killer or Genghis Khan.

  • funksands : I’ve got a good one: How about every time Mittens says: “Failed Policies”?

  • AdLib : Can’t wait for Mitt to chuckle about people dying from not having health care or losing their homes. He has no control over it or perspective, it’s all kind of amusing when it’s never you suffering.

  • funksands : Bito, I read that when you posted it on twitter. Really interesting. I hope its sticky.

  • SueInCa : Not if you leave the Patron alone Funk

  • AdLib : Sue – That will be three busy drinking game nights! Every time Mittens chuckles, glug!

  • SueInCa : Cuervo lime juice cointreau and ice

  • funksands : Sue, we’ll be under the table in 20 minutes.

  • SueInCa : Funk debate night the drinking game evertime Mittens laughs that stupid laugh or gets upset

  • AdLib : Funk – Anytime is margarita time! (Brought to you by Jose Cuervo, LLC.)

  • SueInCa : Man I can see that scenario but Mittens is cringing all the while she is fuming

  • funksands : Ad, you are really making want a margarita right now. Does the Planet have a new sponsor or something?

  • SueInCa : I have so many windows open right now. I hope my pc does not blow up

  • AdLib : Sue – I would put the ladies at The Planet up against ANYONE on the Right and watch the predictable outcome with glee…and a margarita!

  • bito : Here’s a link to JP Morgan and their dabbling in energy, which is under investigation by the DoJ «link»

  • AdLib : MITT: “But Anne, the vase was broken when I came in the room, honest!” ANNE: “Willard Mittens Romney! How many times have I told you not to lie!!! Go to your room now!” MITT: “Aw, Mom!”

  • SueInCa : She is one pitiful woman. She would run from any conversation with any lady on the Planet. Crying like we beat her with a stick

  • funksands : It’s amazing what 3+ days of sunshine and a day off will do for a guy.

  • AdLib : Sue – I do get the feeling that Anne wears the pants in the household and Mitt chuckles a lot when he gets into trouble and bawled out.

  • SueInCa : Funk you are just an encyclopedia tonite

  • SueInCa : That explains it that genre is my husband and grandson’s taste

  • funksands : Sue: «link»

  • AdLib : Sue – The Presidential candidate character from The Dead Zone, played by Martin Sheen in the movie.

  • SueInCa : Perhaps Anne Romney will step in for Mitt after all Obama wants to kill her husband effin mean girl. She been hanging with Palin I just know it.

  • AdLib : Funk – That would be quite amusing!

  • SueInCa : ok what is stillson?

  • funksands : Ad, by the third debate Romney will go full-Stillson

  • SueInCa : No probs Adlib we can handle it

  • SueInCa : thanks Funk

  • AdLib : Funk – I hadn’t heard that yet! Thanks for the info! Four debates? As they said in Jaws, “We’re going to need a bigger margarita pitcher!”

  • SueInCa : I think they should cease campaigning the weekend before and have debate for both VP and Prez that weekend

  • funksands : Sue: «link» I’m not sure about the moderator. It doesn’t mention anything.

  • funksands : Oops sorry. Only three. One of those is the VP debate.

  • AdLib : Funk, indeed. And a key aspect is the distant elitist part of their character. Neither are people that Americans can warm to or relate to. They are isolated from the majority and in the end, people mostly vote for the candidate they like personally and feel good about.

  • SueInCa : Nor can I Funk. Do they have the moderators yet?

  • funksands : The last one on October 22! That’s late. Wow, I can’t believe Mittens agreed to four debates.

  • SueInCa : Adlib that is likely the roar that came out of Murdock. Code word we are spending bud get your ass in gear. They just may have backed the wrong horse.

  • funksands : Did you guys know the Presidential debates are already scheduled? FOUR of them!! [smiley]

  • SueInCa : Meg Whitman came across as bossy in one sense and plaintive at the same time. She is not a public speaker

  • AdLib : Consider how many millions have already been spent by SuperPACs and Romney’s campaign since the primary began and yet he is still behind Obama and the perception of him has only increased in negativity. This would seem to be a good guide for what lies ahead.

  • funksands : Ad, I agree with your last statement. Whitman and Romney share many similarities. Both clueless, out of touch, lead-tongued, exuded a sense of entitlement to the position.

  • SueInCa : I agree Adlib. She is a mormon and a whiner like him with a huge stick up her back

  • AdLib : Sue – The point being that money can’t be a cure all for a bad candidate. And Romney is a very bad candidate, very similar IMO to Whitman in that respect.

  • funksands : Bito, which one? I think comparing Whitman to Romney is an imperfect comparison considering she was running in Cali, which proceeded to elect 100% Dems to statewide office vs. a more conservative US voting populace. That’s all.

  • SueInCa : I have been riding Bart for years. We go to the Giants games on Bart and it could not be more convenient. Get on the Churchline muni for 1.00 round trip and you are there

  • AdLib : Funk – In 2010, it was a Repub sweep year. I would argue that it was the best possible year for her and Fiorina to run and win. And they lost just like other millionaires like Linda McMahon in CT.

  • bito : I don’t think that’s a solid Poli Sci argument funk

  • SueInCa : No funk she was a walking disaster. She could not keep up with all the bad pub and she whined constantly. Had she faced it and acted like an adult she just might have won

  • AdLib : I’ve used the LA Metro subway a bit recently and I guarantee I will use the LA to SF high speed rail! WHat a cool and quick getaway!

  • funksands : Ad, I think Whitman, despite her being an abysmal candidate, was also a Republican in the wrong place and wrong time. That’s all.

  • AdLib : Funk – Not sure about your point. CA had a Repub Gov for many years before Brown.

  • funksands : Sue, I meant the other piece of the financing. I may be thinking about the Vegas to LA train though. Bito, I totally agree.

  • AdLib : Murph – I think the House and Senate races are more idiosyncratic. Some people are not very familiar with their Reps so lots of money trying to smear a Dem could be very effective. On the other hand, people have soured on the Tea Party so might not their very affiliation be an antidote to spending? Senate too will be a state to state thing but I think the Repubs will have a hard time winning enough seats to take it over. Less likely in my mind than likely but possible. And the money will help them. There are other factors though, world and national events. If this LIBOR scandal blows up and can be traced to Repub connections, it could make a big impact on the party.

  • bito : JOBS, funk, let’s worry about the profit later

  • SueInCa : Funk is there anyone here in the states that can supply the trains?

  • SueInCa : Whoo hoo I am on that train

  • bito : Sue, LA to SF

  • funksands : Bito, that’s cool. China still get all of the profits?

  • SueInCa : Got it funk

  • funksands : Ad, exactly. Kerry was nearly dead even at the end after whittling away a 10 pt. Bush lead.

  • SueInCa : Bito I never saw it I wonder from where to where to start? How exciting though. London to paris now La to SF

  • funksands : Sue there aren’t any GOP holders of California State Offices. i.e. Governor, Lt., Sec State, US Senator etc

  • AdLib : Funk – The point you’re making is why Obama is likely to win. Bush was the incumbent and Kerry was the challenger. In the beginning of Summer, the public looked to an alternative to the incumbent and Kerry was ahead due to their dissatisfaction with Bush. If Romney can’t even do that, he is in real big trouble. The economy typically grows in the Fall and if that happens, sentiment towards Obama can only improve. How can a challenger be behind an incumbent in such poor economic times and win in the Fall?

  • SueInCa : Funk you mean Senate? Not sure what you mean by rep not holding statewide offi

  • bito : Speaking of Cal, they approved the bullet train today. JOBS!

  • funksands : Ad, the biggest difference is that not one Republican holds statewide office in Cal.

  • SueInCa : Funk bt Bush was supposedly Born Again Romney is not

  • AdLib : They want to believe what they want to believe, end of story.

  • MurphTheSurf3 : Ad…makes sense…the whiteman comparison…wha t about the House and Senate since the giving inequity is just as high there.

  • SueInCa : God how pitiful Murph. I cannot imagine being that closed off. The wonders of the world and they miss them all

  • AdLib : Sue – You know these types, they’ll just say, “God can do whatever he wants.” It’s like debating with 2 year olds about why you can’t have cupcakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

  • funksands : Kerry was smoking Bush in nearly every poll in the summer of 2004. Then the GOP convention happened and Bush never looked back.

  • SueInCa : Vanity Fair> I am going to go back and look

  • MurphTheSurf3 : Sue..at a meeting of “fellow farmers” talking about concerns related to our many man-made lakes (there are NO natural ones in Mo.) this topic came to the fore….these folks are so religiously programmed that the political position re. the Climate Change fraud is never questioned.

  • SueInCa : LOL Funk I forgot they don’t know foreign countries

  • funksands : Sue, Higgs Boson discovered in Europe. Next.

  • AdLib : Bito – That Vanity Fair article will continue to resonate throughout the GE.

  • SueInCa : What will they say about Higgs Boson? Blows their god in 7 days theory

  • funksands : Bito, that’s right. So what’s changed since then?

  • AdLib : Murph – I would suggest looking at the Meg Whitman race here in CA as a possible model. Her huge multimillion advantage allowed her to sustain a closer margin but no matter how much she spent, when a new revelation came out about her that hurt her, the money could only put a band aid on it and she eventually lost. That’s what I think will happen with Romney. Yes, the SuperPACs will be pounding home lies about Obama but people already know Obama and have pretty set opinions about him. On the flip side, ROmney will be getting pounded hard and will continue to flip and trip, the money will only help soften his falls.

  • bito : reid voted against it as a procedure move so that he could bring it back up.

  • funksands : Pretty easy case to build Murph

  • SueInCa : God Murph that is just so ridiculous

  • MurphTheSurf3 : Funk..part of my building case for the endless source of stupid in the electorate.

  • funksands : Hey Murph, sounds like the bullshit crop is coming in nicely though.

  • funksands : Speaking of the American Jobs Act. It failed to clear a filibuster last time with Reid voting against it to make sure it never got to the floor. Has anything changed since then?

  • MurphTheSurf3 : Hey Funk…her in Missouri, the core of the boiling kettle, farmers are looking at almost a total crop loss…global warming, climate change….a lot of liberal nonsense….yep, they are still saying it.

  • bito : That Vanity Fair article sure didn’t help Willard, did it?

  • MurphTheSurf3 : Ad Lib…where does the mega money fit in to your (and anyone else reading this)calculation s?

  • AdLib : Hey Funk. It’s always cool here at Vox!

  • funksands : Howdy everyone! Everyone staying cool?

  • AdLib : Bito – That is what I’ve been saying for months, the proof of Romney’s terminal weakness is that even with the economy and unemployment so poor…he’s losing! And nothing is going to change drastically between now and Nov…except people will get to see and know Romney better and as has been the case, it will make them like him less.

  • SueInCa : brb

  • SueInCa : But then again Murph Republicans don’t know France from Switzerland

  • SueInCa : And Chris Christie is not acting the VP way poor fool. I know that Murph but it is a point that austerity did not work and now look how much they have to raise taxes. The middle class was alreadygetting hit.

  • bito : AdLib that proves what a poor candidate Willard is. he should be ahead by 10 points the way the economy is.

  • MurphTheSurf3 : Sue…that is just what the GOP is pointing as out of control socialism….tax ing is not the answer they claim.

  • AdLib : Murph – I don’t know, Obama is ahead of Romney nationally and in swing states despite unemployment being so high. That shouldn’t be happening. Why is it so? I think it’s because most Americans are not buying into the Repub and Romney’s argument.

  • SueInCa : Murph point them to France. already a bill or whatever they do to raise tax on the rich to 85%

  • MurphTheSurf3 : BITO…the GOP answer to the Jobs Bill is that it is all Fed. Gov. spending on the national credit card…charged to the debt…I know the real answer- all recessions rely on gov. spending to dig out of the hole….ask Reagan, but that answer does not seem to be getting through.

  • AdLib : Bito – Yes. That number is so offensive, it should be repeated endlessly by Obama in response to jobs whining from Romney and the Repubs.

  • SueInCa : LOL my husband could not type fast enough. he pecks

  • AdLib : Sue – I plan on having a Designated Typist for the evening.

  • bito : Muph, all the Dems have to say to it is Jobs Bill, why won’t the R’s pass it? 180,000 teachers out of work….

  • AdLib : Murph – If the job numbers were quintuple that, he’d be saying the same thing and I think, after seeing the same knee jerk reaction to good and bad numbers, it becomes white noise.

  • SueInCa : I agree Adlib Romney has no answers. Murph GOP got nothing they talk in sound bites it won’t wash over the long haul. Margarita here I come first debate Adlib. If I post nonsense you wil know why

  • AdLib : Sue – The drinking game will be Romney’s forced chuckles…which should precede every comment he makes so you’ll want two pitchers of margaritas at the ready.

  • MurphTheSurf3 : TODAY’S JOBS REPORT…Romney and gang jumped on the job numbers today….how do you all read the reaction to those numbers and to the GOP vs. Dem spin on them?

  • SueInCa : Agreed Adlib I remember the first debate against McCain my hubby was so upset he did not get mad but I told him watch he will come out the winner, calm cool and collected with concise answers and I was right. Romney cannot compete on an even playing field with that.

  • AdLib : Think about it, all Romney has to say is negative crap, he has nothing positive except empty and vague promises that he will bring everyone a unicorn for free. Some may be convinced but even with all the SuperPAC money, you can’t make people like someone they don’t like.

  • AdLib : Sue – Individual polls are meaningless, it’s only the trends they show that can be enlightening. Romney will lose because he is a terrible candidate and human being that the public, right and left, just don’t like. After the conventions, in the debates, he will be exposed for the undecided and they will not like the negative-talker and lying flip-flopper they see.

  • SueInCa : Estupido Republicans never remember they are on tape

  • SueInCa : Polls schmolls I have cell and never get a call. Land lines are for old people and no I am not 59

  • AdLib : Sue – Yep, saw that and I would think that it will be a very valuable tool for the DoJ or courts in blocking their voter ID law.

  • AdLib : Bito – Exactly! As we’ve discussed, the national polls may appear closer due to more Repubs in red states opposing Obama (not supporting Romney willingly) but that is irrelevant to Obama winning the electoral votes in blue and purple states.

  • SueInCa : Did anyone hear about the congresscritter who made the announcement in PA that the voting law was their ticket to a Romney win? What a scum bag

  • bito : I still like that theory on why the pop vote is close and the Electoral vote so is for Obama

  • SueInCa : oh and four years ago I was not voting for him. I was pissed about Hill, I worked for her campaign it was so disappointing

  • AdLib : Sue – I absolutely don’t see how Romney has the firepower to move ahead in the swing states. They are seeing a recovery, that is Romney’s only argument to make.

  • SueInCa : Yes he does. he has some resevoir deep inside that keeps flowing keeping him cool calm and collected. he is the better candidate by far

  • AdLib : The lesson is, know that as bad as things might be in a given week or two for Obama, he remains the most resilient of the two and always comes back.

  • SueInCa : It will prob be like that over the next few months then someone will pull ahead. This LIBOR thing may be the ticket.

  • AdLib : A few weeks ago, we were grinning and bearing it with Obama having one of his worst weeks. Since then, Romney has been hammered again and again and Obama has been boosted.

  • SueInCa : I am trying to find the email I pasted all of Bito’s stuff today and I cannot find it. teach me to write a subject. I see a weak man and once that happens it is hard to see anything else

  • AdLib : Sue – You have that in common with most Americans. Even though many have talked about how Romney looks like a President from central casting, he only looks like an actor wanting to play President and the more people see of him, the more they see an actor, not a President.

  • SueInCa : Murph hey there I will take Planeteers

  • SueInCa : I for one am sick of seeing his face. Almost as much as Palin’s mug

  • AdLib : Hey Murph! For most, it’s Planeteers. For those with sensitive bottoms, it may be Planetoids.

  • AdLib : Romney really is a facade, he has so little to actually run on, just smoke and mirrors about how he and his magic underwear will protect America.

  • bito : BRB,

  • MurphTheSurf3 : Hello Planeteers or is that Planetoids?

  • AdLib : Bito – Yes, Kristol and others have been hammering Romney for playing defense when he’s behind.

  • AdLib : Ooh…I like hearing the words “anti-trust’. Might trust busting be a way for Obama to act on his own, through the DoJ to help take down corporations in his second term?

  • SueInCa : I can see I am going to have to look up anti-trust and get familiar again

  • bito : Even some of the big cons are getting tired of his one trick- the economy sucks and it’s Obama’s fault.

  • AdLib : Sue and Bito – This sure seems like the simplest explanation of the scandal: “Broadly speaking, the plaintiffs claim they lost money on Libor-related securities when the banks kept the rate artificially low. “They were setting the rates for Libor at the same time that they were in the market transacting with people in instruments that were keyed to Libor,” said Arun Subramanian, a lawyer representing Baltimore. “To me, this doesn’t seem like anything different than a normal, anti-trust conspiracy.”

  • AdLib : So…if Romney is disarmed of the Regulation Monster because of another criminal scheme by the banks and is disarmed in criticizing the ACA and is disarmed in talking about jobs because of his record at Bain…all he can do is wail about how everything is bad and it’s Obama’s fault. Is that an adult and sufficient argument to sustain for 4 months?

  • SueInCa : Oh har har har so is mine but mine is connected to breast cancer

  • AdLib : It’s not connected to Romney at all, it’s wireless. [smiley]

  • SueInCa : You better get rid of it on principle alone. You cannot afford to be connected to him in any way

  • AdLib : I have the gold-plated Mitt Romney Edition mouse. It is worth $120k. And has it’s own elevator.

  • SueInCa : Wait a minute what is your mouse worth?

  • AdLib : Bito – Exactly! And if the threads of it lead near or to Bain? Or Romney donors?

  • SueInCa : The August surprise just do it after I get my house funds

  • AdLib : Sue – I would bet my mouse that Obama has absolutely no involvement in this. It has the Repubs fingerprints all over it…just imagine if it could be connected to them! The Nov elections could turn out very differently!

  • SueInCa : I am surprised the guy in England is still walking free – oh wait maybe not.

  • bito : This is going to be huge! Romney is between a rock and a hard place on this, he can’t blame Obama and too much regulations at the same time.

  • AdLib : Bito – OT: Got your email, will reply after Vox.

  • SueInCa : Moron Republicans will not get it unless it hit their own pocketbook then they will be incensed even when they don’t understand it.

  • SueInCa : Well one of the articles Bito gave me said Washington influence. I will know more when I take the time to really peruse the articles

  • AdLib : Sue – What do you mean about the WH?

  • SueInCa : I hope the WH was not in on this. If not Mitt is doomed

  • AdLib : Boy, sure glad that Repub boot lickers in Congress asked Dimon what they could do to help free him to do whatever he wanted.

  • bito : Oh JP Morgan and Dandy Dimon are going to get hit by this along with some very questionable dealings with energy, right Mitt, we don’t need any regulations on banking.

  • SueInCa : OM word it is getting big. Damn fools think they can do as they please.

  • AdLib : “The scandal now appears poised to spread beyond Barclays; firms including Deutsche Bank (DB), Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Credit Suisse (CS), Citigroup (C, Fortune 500), UBS (UBS) and JPMorgan Chase (JPM, Fortune 500) have disclosed that they are being investigated.”

  • SueInCa : I have a friend I think she works for Charles. I will ask her Bito

  • AdLib : “In one suit, for example, Charles Schwab claims one of its investment funds purchased debt securities from the banks in which the interest payments rose and fell with Libor. With Libor’s alleged suppression, Charles Schwab says, it was deprived of the higher interest payments it deserved. In another complaint, individual investor Ellen Gelboim claims she purchased corporate bonds that paid variable interest based on Libor, and suffered lower returns as the banks held the rate down. In all, the lawsuits consolidated in New York target more than a dozen banks involved in the Libor process. ” «link»

  • AdLib : Very interesting, Bito!

  • AdLib : And this happens right after the $8 billion Dimon gambled away at Chase. Yep, Romney’s right, who needs financial regulations?

  • bito : Desert beacon sent us this on Libor “Watch for the lawsuit filed by Charles Schwab in California, that may be the hook?” and he has been following this since day one

  • AdLib : Sue – We ARE pioneers! Wagon ho!

  • SueInCa : BRB

  • bito : And I sent you an email AdLib

  • SueInCa : Hey we might be pioneers on this

  • AdLib : Bito – Hey pal! Very glad you’ve been covering that story, it is huge and going to mushroom once US banks are exposed.

  • SueInCa : Thanks Bito I will go pull it later.

  • SueInCa : I agree my brother is invested in properties in Costa Rica and Panama. he makes a nice living renting them out. He has a townhome on the ocean in Panama and a house and a condo in Costa Rica

  • bito : Sue, i just sent you a tweet with some more Libor news, this story is finally getting some traction.

  • AdLib : The stock market, that is.

  • AdLib : I am far from a financial adviser but I would recommend to anyone who could possibly do so to try and put their savings into a home over the next few years. It’s the only way to grow a nest egg. The market will only prey upon nest eggs and leave the nest smaller or empty just when the money is needed.

  • SueInCa : I was kind of surprised that they are charging us a little more interest because of the low loan balance. my first house 30 years at 32k lol

  • SueInCa : yes we did we also got the home in the town we really wanted to live in so all is good

  • AdLib : That is fantastic!

  • SueInCa : we only borrowed 30k

  • AdLib : Sue – You have this all pretty smartly done, excellent!

  • SueInCa : yeah and we got a 10 year loan too

  • AdLib : In terms of retirement though, consider how it will likely appreciate over the next 10 years, especially once we navigate through this rocky recovery.

  • SueInCa : better than the 1million for a small one a few years ago

  • SueInCa : Our townhome sold for 387 in 2007 and we got it for 180 so we have a long way to get back up there prob never will

  • AdLib : Wow, that’s pretty good! Here in LA, 2300 sf house would go for over $500k

  • SueInCa : my sister is doing that. they bought a huge house. i got tired just walking thru and all the work needed but they got it for 285 2300 sqft

  • AdLib : Buying over the next few years, prices are pretty realistic and won’t be rising too much. There are 2 years worth of foreclosures still floating around out there.

  • AdLib : We would probably lease out our current house.

  • SueInCa : We want something they cannot take away from us although all of mine is still going to be sitting there for the taking……

  • AdLib : Sue – I am convinced that long term, the best place for savings is in real estate and not in the casino dubbed “The Stock Market”.

  • SueInCa : It is heating up again but I think once school starts it will settle down. Do you have a house to sell?

  • AdLib : Maybe next year, we might look around.

  • SueInCa : Yes we figured we would rather spend our stock money on a house for us than to let Barclays lose it all for us

  • AdLib : Hey Sue! Very cool and very pleased about the new casa!

  • SueInCa : Hey Adlib how is it going? Had a good non-paperwork for the new house day here

  • AdLib : BTW, if you ever see a message about “I don’t like spam” on Vox, just clear the cookies on your browser, reload the page and all will be cool.

  • AdLib : Don’t forget to say, “Hey There!” when you arrive!

  • AdLib : Vox Populi, our live chat about the week’s events begins tonight at 7 pm PST. All are welcome, see you then!

 

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