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A Lazy Sunday and Open Thread

I'm not seeing any interesting news to write about so far today.

I did figure out why I still need my iPod touch even though I have the iPhone 4 -- the treadmills and bikes at the gym that have tv screens attached and let you hook up your iPod or MP3 players aren't updated for the iPhone 4 and I got a warning that it wouldn't play right and there would be sound interference. Good thing I brought both this morning.

It's only 2:00 and I'm already thinking about dinner, not a good sign. Anyone have some good ideas? I think this spicy quinoa, cucumber and tomato salad in the New York Times looks pretty good.

I'll be working the rest of the afternoon, so here's an open thread, all topics welcome.

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  • Display: Sort:
    I'm just glad... (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 03:03:47 PM EST
    ...its not 102 freakin' degrees out.

    It is here :) (none / 0) (#5)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 03:52:36 PM EST
    And here (none / 0) (#8)
    by Peter G on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 04:17:02 PM EST
    (just west of Philly)

    Parent
    A Little Reminder (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 04:00:12 PM EST
    For those of us who have forgotten 2004, Frank Rich provides a recap:

    Six years ago he was not merely an A-list movie star with a penchant for drinking and boorish behavior but also a powerful and canonized figure in the political and cultural pantheon of American conservatism. That he has reached rock bottom tells us nothing new about Gibson. He was the same talented, nasty, bigoted blowhard then that he is today. But his fall says a lot about the changes in our country over the past six years. We shouldn't take those changes for granted. We should take stock -- and celebrate. They are good news.

    NYT

    nostalgic...


    And, Where We Are Heading: (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 04:40:56 PM EST
    I think this pretty much captures where we're going as a nation:
    The moves have angered some residents because of the choking dust and windshield-cracking stones that gravel roads can kick up, not to mention the jarring "washboard" effect of driving on rutted gravel.

    But higher taxes for road maintenance are equally unpopular. In June, Stutsman County residents rejected a measure that would have generated more money for roads by increasing property and sales taxes.

    "I'd rather my kids drive on a gravel road than stick them with a big tax bill," said Bob Baumann, as he sipped a bottle of Coors Light at the Sportsman's Bar Café and Gas in Spiritwood.

    I think it's safe to say that when these people say they want their country back, they aren't talking about the country of the 50s or 60s, with its "Tomorrowland" optimism. They want to go back to the Dust Bowl.

    If this guy wasn't brainwashed, he'd be talking about how the wealthy should be pitching for these roads, but Rush tells him that taxes are evil, even for millionaires, and he believes it so fervently that he'd rather go back to a primitive state than challenge that orthodoxy. This is a sign of a culture in deep decline.

    digby

    Parent

    Thanks for that (none / 0) (#143)
    by sj on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 12:35:51 PM EST
    Sure wish you could respond to comments up there because there are some thoughtful responses to the post there.

    Parent
    Weekend conversations (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 04:08:37 PM EST
    There is always so much to be learned.  The new Chaplain in my spouses unit is Muslim and such a wealth of knowledge.  He is also teaching Advanced Courses in cultural awareness where my husband teaches.

    Course I hate the Burka, but this dude knows about the Burka and how the Burka came about.  First of all, the Qur'an says nothing about women covering their heads.  We are only supposed to be covering our bosom, but factions of Islam have increased what women must cover to head scarves.  And the fully veiled from head to toe women?  When women of wealthy families went "out" they would sometimes be robbed or kidnapped for ransom so the veiling began as a way to not let anyone know what jewelry you could be wearing or who you were and how wealthy your family was.  Then, because the wealthy were doing it it became a status symbol.  Then it eventually evolved into a form of repression as factions of Islam became more extreme.

    In teaching all these facts about actual Islam verses what it has evolved into in different areas and branches though, a soldier in one of his classes has made a formal accusation of proselytizing to the Inspector General.  Everyone in my husband's schooling section quite literally invites the investigation too.  Through such things the truth verses bigotry comes out.  And there is no way the military is going to cut back on cultural awareness classes about the Muslim world.

    And topic discussed today, Tricare pays for couples to have one child when they are "infertile" or having fertility problems last we knew.  We had friends around the time Josh was born being covered by Tricare to have a child.  Legally, gay couples will have to have the same opportunity and that will be worked out too or else the military will not cover such services for anyone.  In my experience with the military the only thing the military cares about these days is what is legal and illegal and discrimination.  They fear discrimination issues more than anything though and will do whatever it takes to avoid them.  

    Very interesting. It's obvious (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:01:56 PM EST
    that the burka was not about controlling men's lust, because if that were the aim, they would put all pubescent boys into those sacks.

    Parent
    Interesting stuff, no? (none / 0) (#17)
    by gyrfalcon on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 06:49:33 PM EST
    I think also the pre-Islam culture of particularly the nomadic Arab tribes has a lot to do with this stuff.

    Parent
    I agree (none / 0) (#22)
    by Zorba on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:09:01 PM EST
    It's early Middle Eastern in general, not just Arab nomads.  In the Middle East 2,000 or so years ago and after, women and men did not speak to each other (unless they were related), women were expected (and required) to be modest in their dress, they were not at all independent, etc, etc.  This held for the Jews of the time and the early Christians, as well as many of the people not "of the Book."  

    Parent
    I read a while back that Genghis Khan's (none / 0) (#26)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:28:12 PM EST
    views on women were quite advanced, for the time, which surprised me. Sorry, I can't remember specifics.  Do you know anything about this?

    Parent
    Yes and no (none / 0) (#43)
    by Zorba on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:54:39 PM EST
    On the one hand:
    The kidnapping of women had caused feuding among the Mongols, and, as a teenager, Temujin had suffered from the kidnapping of his young wife, Borte. After devoting himself to rescuing her, he made it law that there was to be no kidnapping of women. He declared all children legitimate, whomever the mother. He made it law that no woman would be sold into marriage.
     Link
    On the other:
    After analysing tissue samples in populations bordering Mongolia, scientists from the Russian Academy of Sciences believe the brutal ruler has 16 million male descendants living today, meaning that he must have fathered hundreds, if not thousands, of children.
     Link

    Parent
    They say 1 in 12 people are descended (none / 0) (#46)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:00:16 PM EST
    from him, or so I've read.
    I'm remembering more. I believe I read that the rights of women in the capital city were remarkably advanced.
    Temujin was brutal, but surely he wasn't as bloodthirsty as his lame grandson.

    Parent
    The discussion started (none / 0) (#84)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:10:53 AM EST
    because of the outfit I had on.  It was a summer outfit, t-shirt and a matching capri.  It is a Mediterranean blue, and apparently the same shade as a very popular burka shade in Afghanistan.  I had no idea you could wear such a colored burka in Afghanistan.  I was told that the all black burka is more a feature of Saudi Arabian culture and the heavy Wahhabism.

    Parent
    The problem with education is that (none / 0) (#36)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:47:44 PM EST
    it can easily be seen as proselytizing.

    The question becomes, why is a Chaplin teaching Islamic history?

    If there is a need for that in the military, and it certainly would not hurt, then it should he taught as history by a specialist.

    Parent

    The chaplain himself (none / 0) (#47)
    by Zorba on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:01:12 PM EST
    is Muslim.  Presumably, he is at least a fairly good specialist in Islamic history.  I know Christian ministers (some of them, in fact, former military chaplains) who are very well versed and educated in Christian history.  I would expect that Muslim chaplains might be as well versed in Islamic history.  Why would you expect them not to be "specialists" in this?  Or do you think that only non-Muslims can be specialists in Islamic history?

    Parent
    My point is simple. (none / 0) (#57)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:42:32 PM EST
    If he is a Chaplin then he carries a certain amount of power-creditability-whatever. He should not be teaching Islamic history any more than he should be teaching the Koran to non-Muslims. And since Islam is a complete life style it is impossible for the two not to overlap.

    If the military wants to teach Muslim history they should bring a NON religious history specialist.

    Parent

    Since you know nothing about Islam, (none / 0) (#58)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:44:22 PM EST
    why don't you follow your own advice and zip it?


    Parent
    One, because I don't have to (none / 0) (#62)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:55:58 PM EST
    especially when insulted by you.

    Two, my point was simple. Islamic history should be taught by someone not in the religious business.

    If that is a problem, then you zip it.

    Parent

    Give It Up PPJ (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 09:27:26 PM EST
    Islaam now boasts more than 1.3 billion adherents, soon every one will be a muslim.... and you will be forced to marry off your daughters to a Saudi prince, or face beheading.

    Don't forget to check under your bed.... they wait until you are asleep to start the brain washing..

    Parent

    Well, I see that you continue (none / 0) (#69)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 10:10:09 PM EST
    to be incapable of making a reasonable argument.

    Parent
    On whose authority, buddy? (5.00 / 2) (#73)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 10:17:46 PM EST
    I don't know a single Xtian priest who doesn't make a practice of explaining the origins of Jewish and Christian customs---often very badly, I might add.


    Parent
    I am not your buddy (none / 0) (#86)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 07:28:11 AM EST
    And I would say the same thing about a Christian or Jew teaching history to a Muslim group.

    I repeat for you, because you don't seem to grasp what I wrote.

    If the military wants to teach religious history they should bring in a non-religious history specialist.

    Parent

    There are Xtian chaplains teaching (none / 0) (#91)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 09:30:09 AM EST
    end times nonsense. That bothers me a lot more than what MT is talking about.
    Now, if you want a uniform standard applied, I would be happy about that.
    Teach our men and women in uniform what is historical truth, what is speculative, and what is clearly myth.
    Teach them that there is zero contemporaneous evidence that Jesus even existed, let alone that any of the stories in the Gospels are remotely true (I don't have a problem with believing the man existed, but the evidence IS scarce).
    Teach them that Mary was not a virgin, but a young girl.
    Etc.
    I'll go for that.


    Parent
    something tells (none / 0) (#106)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:25:24 AM EST
    me I am not the only one who think that the armed forces is not the place where these things should be "taught".
    and in fact those chaplains are only filling a need.  no one learns this stuff in the army.  they come to the army with their beliefs which are just as valid as yours.

    Parent
    Ooh, you relativist! (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:36:41 AM EST
    Not all beliefs are equally valid, but that's not really my point.
    I DO think instruction in religious history and archaeology would be useful to military men who are going to interact with people having different beliefs.
    And, just as learning a foreign language often gives native speakers their first understanding of grammar, teaching Xtians about Islam could get them to reflect on their own beliefs in a positive way.


    Parent
    actually all beliefs (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:54:03 AM EST
    ARE equally valid.  or have you become Jim.  if they are being taught about islam to help them with their mission thats one thing.
    otherwise it should be totally up to them if they learn anything about it.


    Parent
    No, all beliefs are not equally valid (none / 0) (#119)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:58:43 AM EST
    First of all, your statement is so vague that it is almost meaningless.
    If you restrict to religion, then it still does not hold. For example, the belief that the earth is 6000 years old or so is completely wrong.
    The belief that a man was resurrected is wrong and obviously a myth. The belief that a man was born of a virgin is wrong. The belief that a man (Mohammed) was born circumsized is wrong.
    Etc. etc.


    Parent
    leave it to you (none / 0) (#120)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:07:17 AM EST
    first the age of the earth is not a "belief" it is a scientific fact.  
    the beliefs I was referring to and the only ones relevant here are the "beliefs" that are called christianity or islam.  they are equally valid.
    whether you like it or not.


    Parent
    Ah, so YOU get to decide what is (none / 0) (#174)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:50:27 PM EST
    a religious belief and what is not.
    Tens of millions of Americans would disagree with you that the age of the earth is not a matter of religious belief.


    Parent
    You continue to misunderstand (none / 0) (#160)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:08:21 PM EST
    I agree that religious history, etc., would be a useful topic to be taught.

    But only by a non-religious person.

    Teaching is too close to recruitment.

    Parent

    I see that you do not yet understand (none / 0) (#138)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 12:10:50 PM EST
    my point.

    Religious services should be carried out by the appropriate Chaplin.

    Religious history should be taught by the appropriate history specialist.

    Now, if you want to teach them something anti-religion I suggest you contact your government representative.

    Parent

    actually it sound like military reasoning (none / 0) (#169)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:38:25 PM EST
    "wee need someone to teach religious history"

    "we dont have anyone like that"

    "how about the Chaplin, he does religious stuff?"

    "done"

    Parent

    For whatever reason that I'm not (none / 0) (#79)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 11:38:29 PM EST
    aware of, military Chaplains in my experience have been some of the most knowledgeable and honest about various aspects of religion and the various histories.  I have met some pretty flakey Chaplains too though that I steered clear as heck of because the vibe was too Evangelical Crazy American Taliban for me :)

    This Chaplain and one recovering Catholic Chaplain have been my very very favorite Chaplains and spiritual advisor types I've ever run into in this life so far.

    Parent

    I think there is obviously a need for it (none / 0) (#78)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 11:29:33 PM EST
    as much as a correct as possible history teaching or our own faith evolutions, and uh....Muslim is one of those in the United States too and has been so for some time.  There is way too much mystification out there that is used for little else than various forms of suppression, power, and control over the population in various branches of Christianity too.

    What I would expect out of this investigation is that the current course being taught will literally be "certified" in a legal aspect.  Our military as it is today is dead serious as hell about cultural awareness teaching, and I think that sending anyone into a COIN situation without as extensive a knowledge of the culture as we can give them is only helping to get them killed.  It is risky enough, we don't need to send them in stupid too.

    There is also a class that officers must take too now before going to Afghanistan about how to negotiate with the populace, understand them and get them "invested" in their country's safety and prosperity.  Most of it has to do with hiring for Afghan police or workers building different facilities.  The theory is that if they become invested themselves and experience positive payoffs for their involvement they will not want their efforts destroyed by the Taliban later on.  There is a point system used to grade upon completion and you must get 2500 points in a set up negotiation to pass the course.  I'm told that my husband ended up with 9500 points and had way too much fun.

    Parent

    Also Jim (none / 0) (#80)
    by Militarytracy on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 11:50:27 PM EST
    Tradoc has to sign off on his class and they have.  My husband plans to retire teaching here and I can tell already that he is going to want to be certified to teach the curriculum this Chaplain has made available.  He will ask his superior, and then he will sit in on the class and with help from the Chaplain he will begin to teach it.  Then he will receive a certification to teach it.  There will probably be one other instructor who will do this as well.

    This Chaplain will most likely be sent elsewhere in time, but the class he created and wrote will live on long after he is gone and it is already Tradoc certified.   I would expect as soon as the I.G. investigates....and this really can't be a curriculum problem because Tradoc has already gone over the curriculum, so it would have to be something else said or done by the Chaplain to quailfy as possible proselytizing, I would expect this class to be literally set in stone until further notice.

    Parent

    I hope the Inspector General shuts (none / 0) (#87)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 07:31:51 AM EST
    it down for the reasons I stated.

    Neither the Chaplin or your husband is qualified to teach a course on Islamic history.

    Parent

    Ha! (none / 0) (#129)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:45:38 AM EST
    Tradoc approved curriculum you nutflake.  And my husband is a Tradoc certified instructor who has earned awards in teaching competitions:)  The Army is now paying for him to get his Masters in Teaching Technology and he is in the middle of that too.  You are too funny though.

    Parent
    I don't care who approved what (none / 0) (#139)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 12:13:21 PM EST
    and this is not personal

    I just think religious history should be taught by someone with an appropriate degree.

    Teaching and recruiting is too narrow a line.

    Do you not remember Fort Hood?

    Parent

    And trhat's Mr. Nutflake to you. ;-) (5.00 / 1) (#140)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 12:14:27 PM EST
    Iman of alleged Fort Hood murderer (5.00 / 1) (#145)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 12:53:51 PM EST
    did cross my mind.  However, in my experience, some, but not most, Christian clerics have a good knowledge of history of Christianity and Judaism.  Unusual, but not impossible.

    Parent
    The (none / 0) (#155)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:49:01 PM EST
    competence of the Chaplains is not in question. The policy of having them teach history is and will be wrong. Too close to recruitment.

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#141)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 12:15:36 PM EST
    One thing for sure is that you are not qualified to be making a judgement about any of this.  

    The fact that you have fabricated your major premise and repeatedly used it as a straw man, is enough to disqualify your opinion on the subject.

    The Chaplin was not teaching a course on Islamic history, he was teaching a course on cultural awareness. And he appeared to be correcting a common misunderstanding that many westerners hold, namely, that wearing a burqa is required by the Koran, as opposed to being a cultural anachronism that existed long before Mohammed was born.


    Parent

    Since you have never served in the (none / 0) (#157)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:54:02 PM EST
    military I doubt you are even remotely familiar with this concept, but it is simply this.

    Chaplains are supposed to be looking after the souls and religious matters of the military.

    That's all.

    "History" teaching, cultural awareness, etc., etc., comes far to close to recruitment. It is wrong and I hope the Inspector General shuts it down.

    Parent

    BS (5.00 / 1) (#158)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:04:26 PM EST
    The most important thing we can do is to win hearts and minds, and if you are any example of who we have in the military, those guys need a lot of cultural sensitivity training so that they can shed the negative stereotypes that you and your cronies have been dissemenating over the last upteen years.

    And who better to break down stereotypes, a person who is part of the stereotyped group, yet does not fit any of the stereotypes.

    That is how it works. To imagine that academics would somehow be pure and relate unbiased truth, is risible. Oh, but that is an entirely different argument that you hope to use in order to divert the issue.

    The Chaplin is not teaching a Islamic History Course, the Chaplin is teaching Cultural Awareness. It is much more effective to have a French Native Speaker teach about French Language and Culture than it would be for a Person who never set foot in France, but learned the language from a certified Language Institute that used tapes.

    Yes there are exceptions. But learning to love the people you are protecting, is best done by meeting a representative of those people, a Muslim in this case, and gaining respect for who they are and what they have to say.

    Parent

    You appear to be denser than usual.. (none / 0) (#161)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:15:43 PM EST
    and you joyfully expand the subject.

    Teach anything about the history, culture. etc., that you want.

    Just don't do it with Chaplains of ANY faith. That is not their jobs and will result in problems.

    All of your other claims is just boilerplate "love is good" stuff. True but of no consequence in this subject.

    Parent

    BTW - The military's purpose (none / 0) (#163)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:19:29 PM EST
    is not to learn the proper wine to order in a French restaurant.

    The only thing it is good at is destroying enough stuff and killing enough enemies to convince the remainder to surrender.

    After you have their bodies you can convert their souls.

    We seem to be forgetting that.

    But it did work in WWII.

    Parent

    BS (none / 0) (#167)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:29:23 PM EST
    We are supposedly liberating the vast majority of people from a small group of radical extremists. The last count I heard, was that there were 100 al qaida members left in Afghanistan.

    If we cannot distinguish between the enemy and the people we are liberating, we may as well pack up our bags and go home.

    And yes, I do understand that your fantasy of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars is to conquer both countries so that they can become the 51st and 52nd US state. And I do understand that your fantasy includes killing everyone in those countries except the Christians, so that we can move in and set up shop unimpeded by furriners and heathens.

     

    Parent

    I see that you are projecting again (none / 0) (#171)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:46:15 PM EST
    The people we are "liberating" are mostly people who will side with whoever they see as "winning."

    Since Obama has told them when we are leaving I would say their hearts and minds are already lost.

    Parent

    Utter BS (none / 0) (#165)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:23:05 PM EST
    Gays are the ones to teach cultural awareness about homophobia.

    Oh, and since when was it up to you to challenge military command decisions as to what was best for the troops.

    You seem to be full of opinions as to what the military leadership is doing wrong these days. During BushCo years, you opined that any criticism of the military endangered our troops.

    You are only in it for propaganda's sake. Your hatred of the Muslim culture and religion is based on stereotypes aka false assumptions and self serving lies. If anyone needs a cultural awareness course, it is you and those whose view you appear to be representing.

     

    Parent

    Huh? (none / 0) (#173)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:50:15 PM EST
    I haven't mentioned Muslims beyond saying a Muslim Chaplin should not be teaching about Islam.

    Too close to recruiting.

    Bring in specialists and let them teach... I say for the umpteenth time....if you think that would be helpful to the mission.

    Parent

    "Three Cups of Tea" co-writer (none / 0) (#188)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 05:13:10 PM EST
    Mortenson is a go-to guy for U.S. military officials in Afghanistan:  NYT

    Parent
    Fascinating that he says that female education (none / 0) (#202)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Jul 20, 2010 at 10:14:55 AM EST
    Is the Fix.  Goes hand in hand with what my father always said about this culture clash.

    Parent
    Scathing indictment of conservative (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 06:39:14 PM EST
    global warming denialists from  a conserative columnist with the National Post (in Canada).
    Here's a gem:


    Conservatives often pride themselves on their hard-headed approach to public-policy -- in contradistinction to liberals, who generally are typecast as fuzzy-headed utopians. Yet when it comes to climate change, many conservatives I know will assign credibility to any stray piece of junk science that lands in their inbox ... so long as it happens to support their own desired conclusion. (One conservative columnist I know formed her skeptical views on global warming based on testimonials she heard from novelist Michael Crichton.) The result is farcical: Impressionable conservatives who lack the numeracy skills to perform long division or balance their checkbooks feel entitled to spew elaborate proofs purporting to demonstrate how global warming is in fact caused by sunspots or flatulent farm animals. Or they will go on at great length about how "climategate" has exposed the whole global-warming phenomenon as a charade -- despite the fact that a subsequent investigation exculpated research investigators from the charge that they had suppressed temperature data. (In fact, "climategate" was overhyped from the beginning, since the scientific community always had other historical temperature data sets at its disposal -- that maintained by the Goddard Institute for Space Studies, most notably -- entirely independent of the Climactic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, where the controversy emerged.)

    From link

    Ooh, that brought (5.00 / 0) (#18)
    by gyrfalcon on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 06:50:39 PM EST
    a smile to my face.  Thanks for posting it.  Very satisfying.

    Parent
    Depending who shows up, my comment (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:05:08 PM EST
    could lead to a LONG thread.
    Personally, I hope so.. I"m in the mood to watch.

    Parent
    Being lazy (none / 0) (#41)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:52:01 PM EST
    I see nothing that convinces me the writer is a "conservative."

    And given that he seems to generate "belief" in his claims because he is a "conservative," that is an important point.

    Parent

    Admitting you're too lazy to (none / 0) (#52)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:09:53 PM EST
    type a few words into google bodes ill for tonight's debate (assuming you know who shows up---I'm not getting into it).

    Parent
    Hmmm (none / 0) (#54)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:17:14 PM EST
    You misunderstand our friend ppj... He never googles, or checks links, his job is to bring us usually stale propaganda fished out of the swamps of wingnuttia..

    He has been doing better in winning over customers, of late.... a virulent anti-Obama sentiment goes a long way with many here.

    Parent

    As usual squeay smears (none / 0) (#59)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:48:08 PM EST
    and knows not the truth.

    I did read some of the link, and it appeared to be the basic "skeptics stupid" blathering of someone wanting to generate some blog traffic.

    Now, the claim is that the writer is a conservative. He may be. But it is my understanding that in the Internet world the person making the claim is responsible for proving it.

    So yes, I'm too "lazy" research the claim.

    Aint my job, man.

    Parent

    BTW - I am a Social Liberal (none / 0) (#60)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:53:21 PM EST
    and a big time skeptic of man made global warming.

    What does that mean?

    Nothing. Just as IF the claim that the man is a conservative is true that means nothing.

    Parent

    You are not a social liberal (none / 0) (#63)
    by waldenpond on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:58:44 PM EST
    You want to take my money (and others) and spend trillions to trot your personal military around the world to blow the Saudis into a fine red mist and steal their oil to save yourself a few pennies at the pump.  That is very much not a social liberal.  Not even close.

    Parent
    Being a social liberal (none / 0) (#65)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 09:03:36 PM EST
    does not mean that a person must be anti-war.

    In fact, Scoop Jackson and Hubert Humphrey would agree with my strong defense position. That is good company.

    Your problem is that you confuse "liberal" with "left wing" or "progressive."

    Parent

    You don't know what liberal is (none / 0) (#68)
    by waldenpond on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 09:45:54 PM EST
    You are so far right you've lost perspective.  

    Social liberals are much more libertarian and certainly don't raise taxes for military expansion.  Social liberals don't kill muslims cuz they want their oil.  Social liberals conserve.  Social liberals consider the environment.

    Your problem is ou equate murdering people with the purpose of stealing their natural resources (for only your personal benefit) to an 'act of war' and just don't get how extreme your opinions are.  You are socially backwards.


    Parent

    Sorry (none / 0) (#70)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 10:15:13 PM EST
    But you are not capable of defining me. If you had been following my comments over the past 7 years you would know that I am social liberal.

    You, evidently, are an anti-war "progressive."

    Now, it is also evident that you do not understand how oil is being used by the various OPEC Muslim countries as a weapon.

    I do not choose to commit suicide.

    Parent

    LOL (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 10:17:34 PM EST
    If you had been following my comments over the past 7 years you would know that I am social liberal.

    In your mind only.

    Parent

    hahaha!!! (none / 0) (#75)
    by waldenpond on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 11:04:43 PM EST
    I've only been here 2 1/2 but, oh yeah, that was priceless!!

    You can't get past the absolutely wing-nuttiest idea that you are entitled to take my money, kill young Americans while murdering brown people (to save yourself a couple of pennies) and then, just perfect, expand on your hate for brown people by blaming brown people for the 'oil evil' in the world.

    Everyone gets the comments you have been making for years and that was just so stereotypical of you! Perfect, yessssss, that was jusssst so pricelessssss.

    ooohhhhh, and was that some of your trademark paranoia tacked on there at the end..... the meany old brown people are out to get you (by making you pay 2 pennies more per gallon?)    Boo (friggin' hoo)

    Parent

    let's drop the mocking tone (none / 0) (#82)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:03:45 AM EST
    and insults please. It's enough to say you don't believe him and why.

    And to Jim, you know it's against site policy to reprint commenter's past comments on old threads. Please don't do it. I've deleted the one in this thread.

    Parent

    Jeralyn, could you clarify? (5.00 / 1) (#142)
    by sj on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 12:33:01 PM EST
    it's against site policy to reprint commenter's past comments on old threads.

    Because I'm not seeing this in the comments policy and I sure would like to.

    Parent

    Bookmark her comment, and then (5.00 / 2) (#170)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:42:07 PM EST
    play it back when the usual suspect starts violating the policy:)

    Parent
    your favorite rule (none / 0) (#172)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:49:38 PM EST
    no doubt

    Parent
    My favorite rule is the one against (5.00 / 1) (#175)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:52:20 PM EST
    pointless one-liners. Look it up.

    Parent
    with your rich quote history (none / 0) (#176)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:56:38 PM EST
    I seriously doubt it

    Parent
    Play It Back, It's a One Liner... lol (none / 0) (#177)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:57:47 PM EST
    Bookmark her comment, and then (none / 0) (#170)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:42:07 PM EST
    play it back when the usual suspect starts violating the policy:)


    Parent
    However, (none / 0) (#178)
    by sj on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 03:16:48 PM EST
    it is a matter of opinion as to whether or not it is a pointless one liner.

    < this paragraph intentionally left blank >

    Parent

    Yes (none / 0) (#180)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 03:28:51 PM EST
    and it is a matter of opinion as to when a quote is providing information honestly in order to provide information, and a quote is being provided dishonestly as a way of providing disinformation.

    The last quote I provided was to teresainsnow2 who said that I was providing really bad advice to kdog, by suggesting that a dip in the Apple price meant a good time for buying.

    Then teresainsnow2 went on to tout microsoft as an excellent company.

    I provided some context to show that teresainsnow2 had an seemingly irrational hate for Apple in that she said that anyone who calls themselves a liberal should not be buying Apple products.

    On the other hand the comment that was deleted repeated jimakaPPJ's oft repeated quote of mine where I defended my rumormongering about Rove. The quote out of context after many days of back and forth, is meant to spread disinformation.

    Now, I also do believe that people change and quoting them can be counter productive to allowing positive change to flow. It can lock someone into defending, something that they no longer believe, and shut down positive movement.

    But it is a judgement call, and for observed to want this quote pasted and repeated is about as hypocritical as you can get, imo.

    Parent

    I think you lost something a few comments (5.00 / 2) (#198)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 07:34:21 PM EST
    back..
    you know, the ability to recognize a joke?

    Parent
    So Jeralyn's one-liner (5.00 / 1) (#201)
    by Cream City on Tue Jul 20, 2010 at 09:44:42 AM EST
    is pointless if it differs from your judgment?

    I think that Jeralyn is quite clear on this, and there is no need to second-guess her with such modifications, qualifications, etc.

    Parent

    Jeralyn's One-Liner (none / 0) (#203)
    by squeaky on Tue Jul 20, 2010 at 02:45:31 PM EST
    Not sure whether you are being clever here or have misread my comment. I was referring to observed's one liner, and provided his or her one liner as a quote, obviously in violation of "site-policy". Using a quote from an old thread, albeit a quote from Jeralyn, in order to point out that someone is using an quote from an old thread seems hypocritical, imo.

    And as far as expounding on the pros and cons of using a quote from an old thread, that is my opinion and if you think that it is insulting to Jeralyn, you should take it up with her to delete the comment.

    I think it is far more insulting to our host, to suggest that she is unfair, or has double standards, which was the point of the original comment.

    Parent

    By "social liberal" (none / 0) (#204)
    by jondee on Tue Jul 20, 2010 at 02:54:56 PM EST
    he means that that dwindling 30 to 35% of end-timers and mercenary Randians could use a little bolstering from Log Cabin Republicans.

    In other words, he dosn't care who Miss Piggy Rove sleeps with as long as she pulls the Right lever and can convince others to do likewise.

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#61)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:55:24 PM EST
    Hard to keep up with the changes you claim you have made... but as long as I have "known" you, looking at links or doing any research of any kind has been rare to non-existant for you..

    Maybe now that you have a right wing blog, you need to occasionally check stuff out that doesn't come from wingnuttia direct.

    Parent

    Don't know a single conservative that (none / 0) (#89)
    by BTAL on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 08:53:40 AM EST
    believes cow flatulence has any effect on the MMGW farce.

    Even the suggested quick google only returns traditional non-conservative sources "emitting" (pun intended) "floating" (ditto) this nonsense.

    From the LA Times:

    All told, livestock are responsible for 18% of greenhouse-gas emissions worldwide, according to the U.N. -- more than all the planes, trains and automobiles on the planet. And it's going to get a lot worse

    Parent

    Good News (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:07:06 PM EST
    After a six-week wait, unemployment benefits are expected to be retroactively reinstated next week for more than 2.5 million Americans who have been out of work for at least six months.

    The Senate is expected to vote Tuesday afternoon on a stand-alone $34 billion bill that will provide those extended benefits of up to 99 weeks through November. ....

    Funding for the benefits was cut off June 2 when Senate Republicans launched a successful filibuster, arguing that not paying for the bill would add to the growing debt.

    Democrats will get the vote they need -- the bill has been short the 60th vote since the death of Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) -- when Carte Goodwin is sworn in Tuesday as Byrd's interim replacement.

    The Hill

    More Indian cooking (none / 0) (#2)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 03:05:34 PM EST
    Last nigth it was chicken vindaloo.
    Tonight it will be chicken or fish palak.
    I have some Indian friends who have been giving me tips. Now I know that authentic Indian cooking using spice mixes :P.
    Actually you can't get some of the ingredients in the spice mixes yourself.
    I can't remember where I had this conversation, but someone was telling me that even 50 years or so ago, Indians in Trinidad and Tobago used similar spice mixes for their cooking (I'm still in the Caribbean, enjoying the weather, but not enjoying the sad, 10 days by boat produce that we get here).

    Sounds good, O. (none / 0) (#10)
    by Zorba on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 04:21:02 PM EST
    We're having a frisée salad with lardons, and poached egg on top, and cheese ravioli with a tomato-vodka-cream sauce (with lobster meat/langostino/jumbo lump crab in the sauce).

    Parent
    I'm eating chicken palak now (none / 0) (#20)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:03:54 PM EST
    yum.
    I put Madras curry paste in addition to spices from the shelf. That's probably not exactly kosher ( so to speak) for this dish, but the added heat is nice.

    Parent
    I love curry (none / 0) (#23)
    by Zorba on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:14:12 PM EST
    I don't think it matters if it's the "exact" way it's "supposed" to be, as long as it tastes good.  As far as I'm concerned, recipes are not engraved on stone tablets and handed down on a mountain top for us to follow exactly as is- they're guidelines, and we're free to add, or subtract, according to our own taste buds.       ;-)

    Parent
    Oh yes, I agree. (none / 0) (#24)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:26:41 PM EST
    In fact, I told my Indian friend about a combination she has never tried---cabbage and spinach---which I have attempted once or twice. She said she will try it herself a couple of times; I'm looking forward to hearing her suggestions.
    I went on my first Indian cooking mini-binge a couple of years ago. Now I'm learning more about how to cook it on a day to day basis.
    Where I live, it's great to be able to use tasty spices which cover up possible low quality ingredients..and if you luck out and everything is fresh--even better!
    I'm going shopping for toor dal beans tomorrow, and I need some cardamoms too.


    Parent
    Do you do all your own roasting of spices? (none / 0) (#29)
    by Untold Story on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:38:44 PM EST
    There are various types of cardamons - which I am sure you know - the dessert ones are green and the entry are the large dark (grated like nutmeg).

    Impressed with the dal as well - have you tried moong dal?  Very much like chick peas but takes much longer to cook.

    Parent

    Hmm.. not sure which the moong dal (none / 0) (#32)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:43:29 PM EST
    are, although I'm familiar with the name. They're not the small black ones are they?
    By the way, the Indians I have known recently use green cardamoms for main courses. That's how I use them. I like the black ones as well---especially in rice.
    I don't cook basmati rice much because I have not been able to  get over the problem of accurately measuring water after soaking the rice.
    I believe you can boil basmati rice. I may try that sometime.

    I don't roast any of my spices. For me, Indian cooking is almsot a cuisine of convenience. It's very fast and tasty. I use whatever shortcuts I can, spice-wise, and still enjoy the results.

    Parent

    And, of course, there is a vast difference (none / 0) (#45)
    by Untold Story on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:58:29 PM EST
    in North Indian and South Indian cooking.  Perhaps your Indian friends are South Indian and prepare sweeter dishes.  

    Iranians cook rice so fluffy it is about to float away - but the work - good heavens - soaking, rinsing multiple times and then half cooking and draining and rinsing, to go back and cook again - but in the end it is fantastic.

    Parent

    Persian cuisine could be my (none / 0) (#49)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:05:02 PM EST
    very favorite in the world. sigh.. I haven't had any Persian food in years.
    One thing I picked up from a Persian restaurant was that if you make hummus and add so much dill that it's green, the result is absolutely delicious.
    I had always noticed the superb rice in Persian restaurants, but I didn't realize how involved the process was.
    I don't think I'll ever make any fessenjohn myself, though.
    If you know something about Persian food, you must know they have a taste for the sour.
    I was staying with Iranian friends a couple of years ago, and one night the wife made a soup with tomatoes and lots of lemon juice. It really puckered me!

    Parent
    They're from Gujerrat (sp). (none / 0) (#50)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:06:37 PM EST
    Okay - not my favorite type of Indian food (none / 0) (#53)
    by Untold Story on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:14:06 PM EST
    kinda of thought it wasn't North (or Punjab) when I heard green cardamons.  Patel as a surname is similar to Gracia in San Antonio.

    Parent
    Maybe I'll bust out and use (none / 0) (#55)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:17:40 PM EST
    dark cardamoms next time:)

    Parent
    Can you recommend any websites (none / 0) (#97)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 09:56:11 AM EST
    for Punjab recipes? My preferences lie in that direction as well.
    Unfortunately there is no good lamb where I am, because I would love to try some lamb recipes.
    By the way, I think you mentioned going to an Indian buffet.
    I had some of the best Indian food of my life a few years ago at an Indian buffet in Chicago, just off the red line, up in Boystown.
    If the buffet was that good, the better restaurants must be fabulous.

    Parent
    Observed, I take it you are in the (none / 0) (#162)
    by vml68 on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:16:12 PM EST
    Carribean somewhere...if so, use goat meat/cabrito in the recipes calling for lamb.

    Most recipes in Indian cookbooks call for lamb because goat meat is not easy to find in the US/Europe(the target audience for the cookbooks!).
    In India, except for the northern most states lamb is not readily available, goat meat (called "mutton" in India) is the meat of choice.

    Parent

    There is goat meat here, I might (none / 0) (#168)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:38:18 PM EST
    try that.

    Parent
    Trinidad have wonderful curries (none / 0) (#182)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 04:06:15 PM EST
    Untold story, I do not mean to pick (none / 0) (#159)
    by vml68 on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:05:44 PM EST
    on you but I am not sure where you have been getting your information about Indian food.

    Perhaps your Indian friends are South Indian and prepare sweeter dishes.

    I am speaking in generalities here but...
    South Indian food is known for its heat, most of the dishes tend to be rather fiery. Black pepper and red/green chili peppers are used quite liberally.
    North Indian dishes depend more on cardamom, cinnamon and cloves (the "warm" spices) for their heat.
    You will find a lot of variation in the use of spices, ingredients and cooking techniques depending on a person's religion, state, etc.

    Parent

    Yes, agree Indian cooking is very regional (none / 0) (#184)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 04:20:14 PM EST
    However, North India is what is usually presented in restaurants in Britian and US since, as you say, not all dishes are extremely hot (vindaloo is always hot), but one can be, usually upon request of degree - hot, medium, etc. North are very generous with red peppers as well as the South, only they tend to use lamb, of mutton (goat meat), spinach/cheese, tandoori (clay oven) dishes more than the South.  To the best of my knowled the South do not (or, did not) do any tandoori dishes.

    On the other hand, it is commonly known that South Indian cuisine is quite different in that, in addition, to some very hot dishes (regional) it is known to be sweeter.  

    When a restaurant indicates it is South Indian (very rare in Britian and the US) certain dishes such as Sambar are delicious.  State of Kerala is known for many fish dishes.  Also in South Indian entree cooking is done with lots of coconut mixed in with spices (again, a sweeter taste).  Each region, or state, of India do vary in their dishes.

    Kashmir cooking is also very delicious and probably, imo, resembles middle eastern more than say, South India.  

    Parent

    Small black ones are (none / 0) (#48)
    by Untold Story on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:04:58 PM EST
    Mukhang (spelling may be a little off) and they take a very long time cooking - however, they can be done overnight in a crock pot - just add salt, little curry, red pepper and paprika.  When they are soft then you do your onions/ginger, etc., and combine.

    Parent
    Green cardamom is used for both sweet (none / 0) (#152)
    by vml68 on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:41:51 PM EST
    and savory dishes and the black is usually used for just savory dishes, rice dishes in particular.

    Parent
    Moong dal are the small dried green (none / 0) (#156)
    by vml68 on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:50:29 PM EST
    beans that are used for the bean sprouts you get at the grocery store.
    At an indian store, you can get them whole with green skin on, split with the skin on or split without the skin on. They most definitely do not take longer than chickpeas to cook. Chick peas/garbanzos have to be soaked for 8 hrs/overnight before they are cooked. Moong beans do not have to be soaked. The split and skinned moong beans are one of the easiest and fastest dals to cook.

    Parent
    Word of caution (none / 0) (#193)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 05:51:48 PM EST
    Do not get dals or rices at small Indian stores.

    My experience has been that both tend to get bugs or come with bugs and I have had to throw all my dried good out as a result.

    Have had better luck with large health food stores, such as Whole Foods, and there are several others in the same category, that sell seemingly fresher beans and lentils.

    Also, have you considered a rice cooker?  And, in addition, Jasmine rice is also very delicious and might be worth a try as it has a terrific aroma.

    Parent

    If you are cooking Indian food (none / 0) (#27)
    by Untold Story on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:28:31 PM EST
    you already know it is somewhat like Italian as you start with frying onions, ginger, garlic (in some recipes, not all, for Indian) and when all  is golden brown you add your spices, which mainly consist of cumin, turmeric, coriander, curry power, and garam masala (but I prefer pumpkin pie spice) - mace for some chicken dishes and nutmeg for lamb (Rogan Josh)- serranto peppers can be used as they don't have a specific taste, or red peppers.  Cook the spices in with the onion, etc.  

    Then add your fresh tomatoes and fresh coriander (cilantro) {similar to Italian basil and tomatoes)

    Cook into a paste and then add whatever, vegetables or meat.

    Always find that cooking slowly over a lower heat seems to enhance the spice taste.

    There are different spices for certain dishes, of course, but this kind of gets one started.

    You mentioned some spice mix - and I thought it interesting as I had not heard of it.  Vand, believe was the name.  

    The spices are somewhat similar for some middle eastern dishes.

    Had an Indian Buffet today - very good.


    Parent

    It was Vann, and I don't believe (none / 0) (#28)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:37:12 PM EST
    they are an Indian spice maker, in particular, but their Vindaloo powder was recommended by my Indian friend. Patak makes a Vindaloo paste, too.
    I like Shan spice mixes, but I don't find many where I am now. A couple years ago I made a chicken biriyani using a Shan spice  mix for that dish, following the recipe instructions on the box. That dish was more elaborate, with several steps, but the result was fantastic, and equal or superior to the same dish in any restaurant I've eaten at. The only reason I didn't repeat the experiment was that it was so time consuming; also, I think I cut the portions down, but it still made a huge amount---3 or 4 quarts.


    Parent
    about the onions---what heat do you use (none / 0) (#30)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:39:10 PM EST
    and do you get them crispy? I keep forgetting to ask my friend about this. I think the Indians really "nuke" their onions, so to speak, not just softly and slowing caramelizing them.

    Parent
    No, not crispy, soft and golden (none / 0) (#31)
    by Untold Story on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:43:10 PM EST
    No, for the ginger and onions you don't use (none / 0) (#33)
    by Untold Story on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:44:58 PM EST
    high heat - just stir them - should you ever find you have too much ginger or you ginger burnt - then add sugar.  But burnt ginger is not good.

    Parent
    I add the ginger after the onions are (none / 0) (#35)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:47:00 PM EST
    browned, which is what my friend tells me. She adds the garlic later, as well, though I have been told by another person to put the garlic in before the onion.
    I don't use much garlic, anyway.

    Parent
    I'm with you - garlic just doesn't do well (none / 0) (#40)
    by Untold Story on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:51:50 PM EST
    in Indian vegs or dals, imo, and I don't tend to use it as I do Italian dishes.

    Parent
    I make a raita which is somewhat different (none / 0) (#38)
    by Untold Story on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:49:40 PM EST
    from the typical restaurant -

    cut up tomatoes (and always find Roma are better for both Indian and Italian cooking), scallions, cucumbers, red radishes, a wee bit of red pepper and a wee bit of paprika.  Add plain yogurt. Mix.

    It is cooling and delicious with most of the spicey dishes.

    Parent

    That reminds me. I used (none / 0) (#44)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:57:08 PM EST
    yogurt in tonight's dish. It's pretty much optional in a lot of dishes. You add it after you brown the meat.
    I used one HUGE package of "fresh" spinach, and it was just the right amount to go with about 1/2 lb. of chicken.
    One of the secrets of cooking with "fresh" ingredients I've learned is that a package of "fresh" spinach may be just fine the first time you open it, but will be disgusting the second; hence, I like to cook palaks, and that gives me food for 2 or 3 meals.

    Parent
    thanks. (none / 0) (#34)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:45:07 PM EST
    If you ever get to The City (none / 0) (#93)
    by scribe on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 09:42:27 AM EST
    you need to go to this place.  They have the literal wall-o'-curry and, as the website announces "over 4,000 variety of spices, herbs, teas ...".  It's "where just about every obscure ingredient from the Middle East or South Asia can be found".  They're very nice people, too.

    And, while you're in the neighborhood, there are a whole bunch of Indian/South Asian places - of all persuasions - to eat, including a couple buffets which are really worth the few dollars they cost.


    Parent

    Oh wow. I'm going to look into (none / 0) (#113)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:43:23 AM EST
    mail ordering from them!


    Parent
    Another source: (none / 0) (#144)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 12:50:34 PM EST
    Maharani Spices.  maharaniaspices11@aol.com

    Store is located in Jaisalmer, India.  I enjoy "Tomatao Masala," and "Lemon Rice Masala."  

    Parent

    Packaged Indian sauces (none / 0) (#103)
    by Yman on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:19:39 AM EST
    Does anyone know of a decent brand of pre-made/packaged Indian sauces?  My wife and I both like Indian food, but can't get the kids to like it (yet).  It would be nice to have some easy, pre-packaged sauces around for a quick dinner on the rare occasion that it's just the two of us.

    Parent
    There are completely prepared sauces, but (none / 0) (#111)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:40:41 AM EST
    I don't know  a reliable brand name.
    Patak's makes different kind of curry pastes; you need to saute onions, garlic and ginger, add the paste and meat or vegetables, then cook.
    You could be done in 25 minutes or less.
    I recommend Shan dry spice mixes, personally.
    They have several dozen mixes, each made for a particular dish. For example, there is one mix for yellow dals, and an entirely different one for black.
    They have many ingredients which are not easy to find--- in fact, I don't know what some of them are.


    Parent
    Thanks - I'll try it (none / 0) (#122)
    by Yman on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:19:12 AM EST
    Not many Indian markets here at the Jersey shore, but if I can't find it locally I can always try Amazon.

    Parent
    not sure about (none / 0) (#124)
    by CST on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:27:48 AM EST
    Indian specifically but I know Trader Joe's has some pretty good pre-packaged food from various  ethnic backgrounds.

    Parent
    I'd kill for a Trader Joe's, ... (none / 0) (#127)
    by Yman on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:38:46 AM EST
    ... but the closest one is in Princeton, and I rarely get up there.  I did a search for Indian grocery stores in my area, and several people mentioned Wegman's has a decent selection of Indian foods and spices.

    Thanks.

    Parent

    Try Jersey City (none / 0) (#146)
    by scribe on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:00:44 PM EST
    There are several blocks on one street, the name of which escapes me presently (Newark Ave, west of 5 points?), where all the stores are South Asian.

    Parent
    Since he is at the Jersey shore... (none / 0) (#151)
    by vml68 on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:36:26 PM EST
    Oak Tree road in the Iselin/Edison area would be more convenient than Jersey city.

    Parent
    I've heard there's a bunch ... (none / 0) (#187)
    by Yman on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 04:53:57 PM EST
    ... of very good Asian/Indian markets in the Edison area, although they're both (Newark/Iselin) about an hour away.  Thanks for the info - I'll have to stop by next time I get up there.

    Parent
    yum... (none / 0) (#3)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 03:08:37 PM EST
    spicy quinoa, cucumber and tomato salad....Makes me feel cooler just looking at the pic...

    Hey, Squeaky (none / 0) (#9)
    by Peter G on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 04:18:21 PM EST
    Let's you and me invite ourselves over to TL's for dinner.  Meet you there?

    Parent
    Deal (none / 0) (#11)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 04:25:45 PM EST
    I am afraid that I won't want to leave....

    Parent
    I make a garbanzo and tuna (none / 0) (#4)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 03:29:55 PM EST
    salad sometimes. The recipe is on the back of the can of one brand of chickpeas that I buy.
    Garbanzos, red onion, salt, pepper, tuna, Italian parsley, olive oil and red wine vinegar, IIRC.
    It's quite tasty.

    The quinoa recipe made think about salads with garbanzo and avacado. Google gives several results, none of which looked both simple and appealing. One interesting vegan version used palm hearts, garbanzos and avocados.

    I make a very similar (5.00 / 0) (#12)
    by Zorba on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 04:26:28 PM EST
    recipe, with tuna, and cannellini beans instead of garbanzos, and I add pitted kalamata olives, oregano, and garlic.  Sometimes I also throw in cherry tomatoes and some chopped cucumber.

    Parent
    Waiting for flight home from Denver (none / 0) (#14)
    by oculus on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 04:53:43 PM EST
    Am seeing first had why my brother loves C0 so much.

    You should have called! (none / 0) (#81)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 12:59:52 AM EST
    Only in Denver for flights and a quick (none / 0) (#126)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:36:35 AM EST
    trip to see the Rockies beat the Padres.  My brother is renting in Silverthorne for a month.  We went to Vail to hear Phil. Orchestra and Gil Shaham.  And to a couple of concerts in Breck.  Rest of the time consisted of a wonderful road trip to Ouvray, Msea Verde, and Durango/Silverton.  Lots of driving.  Beautiful vistas.  Mesa Verde is fascinating, espec. since the "spin" has changed quite alot since I was at Chaco 20 years ago.  No more "Anazasi."  

    Parent
    NYU Get's it Right (none / 0) (#15)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 05:04:28 PM EST
    Well, gets it right if you can accept without question NYU's initial decision to purchase the entire Larry Rivers archive in the first place:

    After it came to light last week that films and videotapes made by the artist Larry Rivers included footage of his two daughters naked, New York University informed his foundation that it did not want those materials included as part of the archive it was purchasing, said John Beckman, a spokesman for N.Y.U.....

    ....Mr. Rivers filmed his daughters at six-month intervals, beginning when each was about 11, from 1976 to 1981, for a series that he titled "Growing." He filmed them either naked or topless and made comments and asked questions about their changing bodies, particularly their breasts. Ms. Tamburlini has said that she felt very uncomfortable about being filmed and that it contributed to her becoming anorexic as a teenager.

    NYT

    i totally agree w/u squeaky (none / 0) (#25)
    by The Addams Family on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:28:09 PM EST
    & here is what's funny, i thought you would be on the other side & be calling those of us who disagree "puritans" & "bedwetters"

    lol

    now the Larry Rivers foundation should also do the right thing & return the footage to the artist's daughters

    Parent

    Leave the decision to an impartial (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by observed on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:49:05 PM EST
    arbiter, but someone with expertise, like Roman Polanski.

    Parent
    I thought it was pretty funny (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by Yman on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:20:34 AM EST
    Eye of the beholder, and all that ...

    Parent
    Not Funny (none / 0) (#42)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:52:05 PM EST
    Huh? (none / 0) (#39)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 07:50:48 PM EST
    Whatever Lohan does with her body is her business, and I do believe that going commando is a political act. Putting down Lohan as a slut, and vulgar, is not so far from people condemning women for not wearing burkas, imo.

    Rivers on the other hand was exploiting his daughter's body for his art business and punishing them by serious disapproval if they did not comply with his wishes.

    The fact that the now adult daughters do not want the footage shown and that they want it in their possession to do with as they wish, is hardly puritan. They own the rights to their bodies, and how they are displayed.

    The fact that Rivers, imo, is a second rate artist whose motives are questionable and output weak, makes for a stronger argument that there is nothing of any artistic value in the tapes he made.

    Parent

    again, i totally agree (none / 0) (#56)
    by The Addams Family on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 08:42:30 PM EST
    & actually said nothing about Lohan

    & artistic value or no in the footage, it should go to the exploited daughters imo

    so we agree

    Parent

    Yup (none / 0) (#74)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 10:25:33 PM EST
    Hilarious considering that you are our portal to wingnuttia... I am sure that you do a lot of arguing for any traditional liberal issues with your right wing friends. And, yeah we know that Cheney is for gay rights, but there is no way he is a social liberal...

    I have never seen you disagree with anything BushCo, and if you are for gay rights, and against the death penalty because it is too expensive, that does not make for a social liberal.

    Gibson Fleeing? (none / 0) (#76)
    by squeaky on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 11:10:00 PM EST
    Mel Gibson has sold his New York home at a cut price in an attempt to escape to Australia, according to reports.....

    ...The troubled star, who is facing domestic abuse allegations from his ex-girlfriend, knocked £10 million off the £26 million asking price, according to a report in the Mail on Sunday.

    And, he is going back to Australia. His ex-wife Robyn
    and seven children are shocked at Oksana's lies, and want him back home where he belongs.

    Ex-wife insistent (none / 0) (#77)
    by waldenpond on Sun Jul 18, 2010 at 11:17:48 PM EST
    I have seen multiple state she insists he is not violent......  I haven't seen a report where she denies he a foul mouthed jack@ss.

    Parent
    please no name-calling (none / 0) (#83)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:05:22 AM EST
    and personal attacks, even on people in the news.

    Parent
    Why was is okay for Squeaky to post that (5.00 / 2) (#88)
    by tigercourse on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 08:30:38 AM EST
    the accuser is lying?

    Parent
    Huh? (none / 0) (#133)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:51:52 AM EST
    Accuser Lying? What are you talking about? I have done nothing of the sort.

    Either you need reading glasses, or medication.

    Parent

    speaking as the king or unclarity (none / 0) (#134)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:54:58 AM EST
    it did sort of sound that way

    and seven children are shocked at Oksana's lies,


    Parent
    heh (none / 0) (#135)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:55:53 AM EST
    king OF unclarity


    Parent
    OK (none / 0) (#136)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 12:01:28 PM EST
    Should have put "lies", in quotes.

    I thought it was ironic enough that Robyn was taking him back, and swore that was a good Christian (very rich) man.. to come of as sarcasm....

    As for Oksana, I have no knowledge about her, or honesty. I do know that Gibson is an evil pig though...


    Parent

    Some people here don't seem to (none / 0) (#85)
    by observed on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 07:01:32 AM EST
    understand the difference between talking and doing.


    Parent
    what about verbal abuse? (5.00 / 1) (#125)
    by nycstray on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:33:23 AM EST
    isn't that talking?

    Parent
    no no (none / 0) (#132)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:51:41 AM EST
    it was all a clever trap you see.  set up by the evil russian woman.
    you know, the one with the broken teeth.

    Parent
    A new series starting in WaPo (none / 0) (#90)
    by jbindc on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 09:14:57 AM EST
    On Sunday (sorry, no link) should grab your attention.  Titled "Top Secret America", it starts out like this:

    The top-secret world the government created in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, has become so large, so unwieldy and so secretive that no one knows how much money it costs, how many people it employs, how many programs exist within it or exactly how many agencies do the same work.

    SNIP

    These are some of the findings of a two-year investigation by The Washington Post that discovered what amounts to an alternative geography of the United States, a Top Secret America hidden from public view and lacking in thorough oversight. After nine years of unprecedented spending and growth, the result is that the system put in place to keep the United States safe is so massive that its effectiveness is impossible to determine.

    The investigation's other findings include:

    • Some 1,271 government organizations and 1,931 private companies work on programs related to counterterrorism, homeland security and intelligence in about 10,000 locations across the United States.

    • An estimated 854,000 people, nearly 11/2 times as many people as live in Washington, D.C., hold top-secret security clearances.

    • In Washington and the surrounding area, 33 building complexes for top-secret intelligence work are under construction or have been built since September 2001. Together they occupy the equivalent of almost three Pentagons or 22 U.S. Capitol buildings - about 17 million square feet of space.


    Help! Advice required.... (none / 0) (#92)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 09:34:43 AM EST
    Some trouble arose on the homefront and I'm all twisted, don't know what to do.

    Long story short, one of my roomies hosted a shindig Saturday night while I was out...Sunday afternoon I discover I got ripped off for a couple hundo.  Confront my roomie, all his guests were known to him & I but one...and asking around this crackhead p.o.s. has a rep for ripping people off.   Found out where he lives, paid him a visit last night...money went up his arm or in his gut by then, took every ounce of self-control I had not to pound the mofo...cool head & non-violence prevails barely.  I did smash his junkie abode up pretty good...enough street justice for me.

    My problem is the person to blame...my roomie.  He's been warned before about lettin' shady mofos into our house,  I love him to death, we've been friends forever, but repeated lapses in judgement and inconsideration have me thinking I can't share a home with him anymore.  It takes a lot to break this camel's back but I think I'm there...I'm not sure I can get over the inconsiderate stupidity...I'm really twisted guys.  Getting ripped off is no big deal, it's having to trust somebody with such poor judgement.  otoh I don't wanna be the bad guy, not a role I play very well...if I do kick him out I'll end up feeling guilty.  I know he feels terrible, but I also know in a month it'll be forgotten and back to the same old sh*t...that's just his m.o.

    Whaddya guys think?  Throw 'em out or one more chance?  The rest of the house seems willing to go along with whatever I decide...they're not happy campers either.  

     

    This'd be your kind of roommate (5.00 / 1) (#147)
    by scribe on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:02:40 PM EST
    if the article I'm linking weren't his obituary (and he hadn't been barred from US for "moral turpitude").

    Parent
    "moral turpitude" (none / 0) (#148)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:15:28 PM EST
    I love that phrase.  so completely vague and open to interpretation.

    Parent
    You need a new roommate (none / 0) (#94)
    by scribe on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 09:49:01 AM EST
    or no roommate.

    Anyone whose friends bust up your place and/or rip you off shouldn't be your roommate.  Or, as I've said and heard innumerable times "you need new/better friends".

    And, as to taking care of business yourself, try this mental check:  "How will I feel about this and the sequelae once thirty days have passed?"

    The thought of being 30 days into a criminal proceeding or even the first 30 days into a stretch - long or short - as a guest of the Graybar Hotel, has always been enough for me.

    Parent

    That's what kept me from pounding... (none / 0) (#99)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:07:41 AM EST
    the guy...the thought of jail.  It just ain't worth it.  Smashing his place up satisfied my bloodlust.

    The thief wasn't a friend of my roomie...it's a boyfriend of a friend of his girlfriend who tagged along.  I trust all of his friends and they are welcome in my home.  My roomie is just guilty of really poor party hosting and judgement...he's a good guy and I don't wanna lose him as a friend.

     

    Parent

    I am reminded of the old adage (5.00 / 1) (#112)
    by scribe on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:43:18 AM EST
    "never buy a used car from a friend, because the friendship will last as long as the car."

    Your roommate has bad party-guest judgment.  Not once, if I understand your original post correctly, but several times.  It's not an accident on his part.  It's a character trait.

    If he's your friend, he will understand that it's not him but rather the poor party judgment you are moving away from.  If, OTOH, you keep him sharing your roof, you get to keep both the poor party-guest judgment and the ever-building resentment revealed by the mere fact of your having asked the question "should I kick his dumb behind out?".  Moreover, you get to consider - at length - the possibility that next time, or the time after, that his party-guest judgment fails, your self-control may not be up to the provocation and you just might haul off and slug someone, rather than just some thing.  

    Do you really want to keep subjecting yourself to these issues, or would you rather have a peaceful existence free of the worry that your roommate's bad party-guest judgment will make a further mess of your life?

    You decide.

    Parent

    Oh, yeah. I forgot that whole issue (none / 0) (#115)
    by scribe on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:48:38 AM EST
    about roommates/cohabitants having the authority to permit warrantless searches of the whole place (and lay the blame on the other guy for the contraband, of course).  You remember those cases, don't you?

    Unless you're storing your money, etc., in the beehive out in the back yard, you have to assume the roommate both knows where it is and will let that knowledge out at the time and in the manner most likely to offend ... you.

    Parent

    I'm not worried about him... (none / 0) (#121)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:17:30 AM EST
    ever doing me wrong personally and he knows how to handle himself with the law...if he could just learn how to properly host a party we'd be golden...and maybe wash some more dishes:)

    You make good points but I don't think I can do it...I just need a little time to de-steam.  Worts and all I love the dude....no roomate is perfect.

    Parent

    Put a really good lock on your bedroom (5.00 / 1) (#123)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:23:58 AM EST
    door and a large sign:  "PRIVATE."  What if the unwelcome guest were a law enforcement snitch?

    Parent
    I can't live that way... (5.00 / 1) (#128)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:42:43 AM EST
    I don't even like locking the front door.  All we gotta do is not allow a crackhead to attend a shindig...it's not f*ckin' hard, thats why I'm so pissed.  But maybe I'm making too big a deal about it...sh*t happens.

    And better a thief than a rat...things could always be worse.  Thanks for cheering me up:)

    Parent

    I feel the same way but I live in (none / 0) (#130)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:46:24 AM EST
    a very small town.  and I dont keep my life savings in the mattress.


    Parent
    Still safer there... (none / 0) (#137)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 12:04:14 PM EST
    than at the bank...you see how angry I get when a little leech gets a couple hunj, forget about the big leeches.

    If it was a break-in I'd be over it by now...it's the fact this slimeball was invited into my house.  That sh*t can't stand.

    The previous times another roomie or myself was home to tell problem roomie "this cat here has gotta go".  Hopefully now that his bed-sh*tting has led to consequences he's learned his lesson...finally.  But I could be dreaming...we'll see.

    I just wish we could fast-forward to the part where we all have a big laugh about yours truly, Mr. Non-Violence, laying waste to a crackden.  

    Picture my 150 lb. peace and love arse flipping over furniture screaming "wheres my money you thieving crackhead motherf*ucker!"  Talk about not thinking clearly:)

    Parent

    One thing that you (none / 0) (#149)
    by Zorba on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:15:49 PM EST
    and your roomies might do, Dog, is all sit down together and mutually agree that if one of them (or you) invite others to the place without the other roomies being present, the sole inviter is financially responsible for any damages/losses that his invitees may cause.  Probably not enforceable legally (not without getting a lawyer, or at least a notary, involved with papers signed, etc, and I doubt you'd want to do that), but at least it would create some kind of an ethical obligation and maybe make this room-mate think twice in the future.  Or maybe not.    ;-)

    Parent
    If he takes this incident... (none / 0) (#154)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:45:48 PM EST
    more seriously than my b*tching about leaving a mess in the kitchen, I think we'll big one big happy household again soon.  He offered to give me the cash but I don't want his money...I just don't want lowlifes in the house.

    Just letting out some frustration here has me feeling much better than I did when I rose today.

    We'll be laughing about it sooner rather than later I think...if the house meeting goes well and problem roomie gets his sh*t together.  I've discovered I just don't have it in me to throw him out.

    You guys are all the best...Thanks for humoring me.

    Parent

    Take his money (5.00 / 1) (#179)
    by sj on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 03:25:27 PM EST
    I get that you don't need it and that you don't want that to cloud your major issue.  But take it anyway.  Not because you need the money, but because it places a value and importance on your major issue that he needs.

    His actions need to cost him something.

    Parent

    He is getting a ton 'o grief... (none / 0) (#181)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 03:42:05 PM EST
    he will pay a cost in lack of peace...believe you me.  

    I fear if I accept replacement of what was taken he'll totally miss the point.  

    Parent

    Money talks, ya know. (5.00 / 0) (#189)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 05:17:08 PM EST
    I agree with sj and oculus, Dog (none / 0) (#196)
    by Zorba on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 06:26:02 PM EST
    I don't think taking his money will cause him to miss the point, I think it will help make the point.  

    Parent
    And I also agree (none / 0) (#197)
    by Zorba on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 06:28:11 PM EST
    with Untold Story.  Take our advice, Dog!   ;-)

    Parent
    Update... (none / 0) (#200)
    by kdog on Tue Jul 20, 2010 at 07:58:39 AM EST
    House meeting went very well I thought...me and the other roomies were a united front, couldn't make what we expect more clear.

    Still think it a good move I didn't let him repay me...the guilt he feels over what happens is stinging a lot more than being out a couple hundo...it's killing him that he let us all down.  Hopefully that will make the point stick...we'll see.

    Thanks again cyber-friends....now off to Sublime with Rome at the beach tonight to let off the last of the steam.


    Parent

    IMO, your roommate is responsible for (5.00 / 0) (#186)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 04:28:40 PM EST
    what happened and should compensate you for any and all expenses.  If he doesn't know the people, he should know he is responsible for them just the same.

    Perhaps once he/she starts paying consequences a lesson will be learned -

    Parent

    I don't understand (none / 0) (#95)
    by waldenpond on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 09:49:33 AM EST
    Isn't the only basic of a roomie to not steal... your money or your women?  I would make the person go specifically because of the money but if you don't care about the money, what's the problem?  Get a safe for the funds you want on hand and leave out something for the odd stranger to party with?

    I'm not sure it's just being inconsiderate.  If the person does it repeatedly, could be they are using to such a degree that it has impaired their judgment or they have a problem with the people in the house and are acting out.  What's with the uninvolved roomie's, they need to step up.  Less stress for everyone if there could be a couple of rules and everyone backs each other up.

    Parent

    If he stays... (none / 0) (#102)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:15:38 AM EST
    some firm ground rules must be set.  I'm leaning towards one more chance...I love the guy.

    And he is no junkie...he does good drugs like me:)  He just, I don't know, doesn't think.  When I paid this dirtbag thief a visit it was so obvious he was not someone to invite in your home.

    Parent

    NYC is more expensive (none / 0) (#114)
    by KeysDan on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:44:05 AM EST
    than where I live, and we have a saying: you need either two jobs and three housemates or three jobs and two housemates. So, you are likely to continue to have housemates in make ends meet. You know and like your roomie and he, apparently, is fine to have around save for parties and his inability or unwillingness to screen out those nasty tag-a-longs.  As several commenters have said, secure your valuables, set up rules of the road, particularly with regard to partying and bring your other roomies into the picture, including some much needed, but nice "dutch uncle" conversations.

    Parent
    That seals it.... (none / 0) (#117)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:54:56 AM EST
    in my twisted state it didn't dawn on me that we might have a little problem making the rent and utilities if we threw him out...Thanks K.D.

    One more chance it is...and this time I mean it!

    Parent

    time to move on (none / 0) (#96)
    by CST on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 09:54:08 AM EST
    think of it this way - do you want to remain friends with this person?

    I've seen a lot of friendships ruined because people who shouldn't live together end up living together.  If you stay as roommates you will just end up resenting him and possibly stop liking him altogether.  If you go your seperate ways, you don't have to worry about that stuff and it's much easier to continue liking the person and stay friends in the long run.

    Parent

    Toss him (none / 0) (#98)
    by gyrfalcon on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:02:46 AM EST
    Politely.

    And as for you, that's what happens when you won't put your money somewhere yahoos like this guy can't get at it.  Your choice, obviously, but also your risk.  If you don't have total control over who comes into your home and when, and living with multiple people means you don't by definition, it makes no sense to keep your cash or anything else valuable there where it can be easily lifted.  At least get yourself a safe or something.

    Parent

    jinx (none / 0) (#101)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:09:22 AM EST
    The life savings... (none / 0) (#105)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:23:05 AM EST
    apocolypse fund is locked up...this was just this weeks spending money.

    I shouldn't have left it laying around, that's on me...but my dilemma is my roomies judgement...I'm over the cash loss.

    I just don't know...if I tell him he's gotta go I gotta worry about if he can find a place he can afford...this is tough.

    Parent

    you are not his keeper. (none / 0) (#108)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:27:31 AM EST
    he should have thought of this before inviting crack heads into your house.  maybe he will the next time he has a similar choice.

    you are much more forgiving than me.  if it was me he would have been gone a hour after it happened.


    Parent

    Probably right... (none / 0) (#110)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:39:28 AM EST
    I'm too nice a guy...if I boot him I'll replace anger and disapointment with guilt and worry.

    Parent
    my advise (none / 0) (#100)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:08:58 AM EST
    dont throw him out.  tell him its time for him to go.  nicely.  

    you have to trust someone you are living with.

    Parent

    It's hard... (none / 0) (#107)
    by kdog on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:27:22 AM EST
    I do trust him...he's been there in a pinch for me before...he just sh*ts the bed in the common sense department too often and its getting old.

    Maybe I just needed to vent...thanks everybody.  I think one more shot is what I'm gonna do and make it very clear he's on his last leg.

    Parent

    you could always try (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 10:56:53 AM EST
    some reverse psychology and convince him it was his idea to move out.


    Parent
    Good Plan (none / 0) (#153)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:42:05 PM EST
    A true friend is hard to come by. And, already knowing where he is weak, you forgot and left yourself open to theft.

    Seems that you are the one who has to remember who he is, who you are, and take care of yourself and your friendship, so that something like this does not happen again.

    Parent

    "refudiate" (none / 0) (#131)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 11:48:12 AM EST
    now number two search on google trends


    as if the world needed something else to (none / 0) (#150)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 01:34:01 PM EST
    worry about.
    worry about Hosni.

    U.S.  and Western intelligence agencies assess that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is terminally ill, and the Obama administration is closely watching the expected transition of power in a nation that for decades has been an anchor of stability in the volatile Middle East and a key U.S.  ally.


    When I recently attended open house (none / 0) (#190)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 05:22:38 PM EST
    hosted by sixth graders, most of the kids chose to talk about their Egypt pop-up books.  When I told one boy I had been to Egypt, he looked surprised and asked, is there still and Egypt?  I sd., yes.  Then he asked, do people dress the same 9as they did in Pharonic times)?  I sd. they dress like you and I do except some women wear scarves to cover their hair and upper body; and some women cover their entire bodies.  He asked, are their still pharoahs?  I sd., not techinically, although the longtime president wants his son to succeed him.

    Parent
    I miss the days when (none / 0) (#164)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:22:27 PM EST
    pathetic 45 year olds who lived with their mother terrorized people on the internet or ran seedy motels.

    A California man, whose mother said he was upset about Congress' "left-wing agenda," allegedly opened fire on police officers during a traffic stop in Oakland early Sunday morning.

    The man, identified by local news reports as Byron Williams of Groveland, was allegedly pulled over for driving erratically by the California Highway Patrol. As the officers approached his truck, they saw several guns and ammunition, according to police, and they saw the suspect reach for a handgun.

    Janice Williams said she kept the guns, which were locked in safe, because "eventually, I think we're going to be caught up in a revolution." She also told the Chronicle that she had warned Byron that "he didn't have to be on the front lines."



    got one of those (none / 0) (#166)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 02:23:54 PM EST
    "if you only see one movie this year it must be this one" emails from a friend in Manhattan this weekend.

    Valhalla Rising

    it was showing in one theater in america this weekend. in NYC.


    were we not all a twitter (none / 0) (#183)
    by Capt Howdy on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 04:09:32 PM EST
    about France the other day?

    Syria bans face veils at universities
    Veiled women in Damascus, Syria (file image) Wearing the full veil has caused controversy in Europe and the Middle East

    Female students wearing a full face veil will be barred from Syrian university campuses, the country's minister of higher education has said.

    Syria and France have the right idea.  this a stupid medieval custom.

    Well (none / 0) (#185)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 04:20:57 PM EST
    Syria and France have the right idea.  this a stupid medieval custom.

    There are some feminists who would disagree.

    Women activists in the Muslim world are less preoccupied with what women wear than with securing other freedoms such as access to education, better health care for their families, or wider opportunities for work. Commonly they argue for women's rights under the supposition of a culture-specific struggle, focusing on the implementation and activation of human rights claimed to be granted by Islam. Feminist consciousness and action may indeed exist in greater measure with the wearer of Islamic dress than with one who wears up-to-date Western style clothes!

    Rather than offering unasked for advice, non-Muslims might educate themselves with regard to local customs and religious belief, and offer support when it is requested by people within the culture itself.

    Worth a read: Islamic Dress (shortish)

    Parent

    On the other hand, in Iran after the revolution, (none / 0) (#191)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 05:25:42 PM EST
    women could not enter grounds of institutions of higher learning unless the women, including teachers and students, were veiled.  [Reading Lolita in Tehran.]

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#192)
    by squeaky on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 05:39:25 PM EST
    Shortly after, in Iran in the 1930s, Reza Shah Pahlevi did, issuing a proclamation banning the veil outright. For many women, this decree in its suddenness was not liberating but frightening. Some refused to leave home for fear of having their veil torn from their face by the police.

    Things change, but the bottom line is that the politics of a person wearing the veil, may be more liberal than a woman not wearing one...

    Not to mention that the sexism, in let's say advertising, we see on a daily basis, is far from liberated..


    Parent

    The problem is in banning (none / 0) (#194)
    by Untold Story on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 06:05:39 PM EST
    For older Iranian women who always were veiled, it was felt as a violation, appearing naked almost.  Much dignity that went with being veiled had vanished - overnight - no time to adjust- and banned from continuing to wear the veil if that was their wish.  

    Parent
    Male guide/driver in Jordan explained, (none / 0) (#195)
    by oculus on Mon Jul 19, 2010 at 06:06:19 PM EST
    in response to our questions about why women were veiled, wife's body is only for the eyes of her husband.  

    Parent