Karzai strolls across another Obama red line:
U.S. Softens Deadline for Deal to Keep Troops in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan — With about a week left in the year, the Obama administration is backing away from a Dec. 31 deadline for securing a deal to keep American troops in Afghanistan beyond 2014, though it is standing by its warning that a total military withdrawal is still possible if delays continue, American and Afghan officials said.
The decision is a tacit acknowledgment of what has become obvious in both Kabul and Washington: Neither a hard sell nor soft persuasion has yet induced President Hamid Karzai to go along with the American-imposed timeline for the agreement.
It is also an embarrassing turn after weeks of threats by some senior administration officials, including Susan E. Rice, the national security adviser, that a complete American withdrawal from Afghanistan — the so-called zero option — would be considered if Mr. Karzai did not sign the deal by the year’s end.
Instead of prompting Mr. Karzai to action, however, setting a boundary appears to have only reinforced his sense that American officials will back down if he refuses their demands — a lesson that has been repeated often over the past 12 years.
“I don’t know if I would call it bluffing,” said one American official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. “But it looks like that’s what we were doing, and now it looks like Karzai is calling us out.”
Dealing with this after the Afghan election next spring made sense anyway.
No. I just always wanted one. Whenever I see a news story about some couple trapped in their car in a lake...I always comment that we should get a Life Hammer.
I guess my husband got sick of hearing it. Hah! Here's a Life Hammer...now shut up. Hah!
Posted by: Janet | December 25, 2013 at 05:56 PM
Here's a Life Hammer...now shut up.
"Oh, thank you, Santa! Just what I always wanted!"
It's enough to warm one's heart on Christmas.
Anyone else get what they always wanted, or at least something good?
Jack, did you give your wife the car with the bow on top?
Posted by: Extraneus | December 25, 2013 at 06:00 PM
See what I mean..."Christmas Floods Strand Thousands in England"
http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2013/12/25/Christmas-Floods-Strand-Thousands-in-England
Now my irritating, repetitive comment can be - That would be no problem for us because we have a Life Hammer.
Posted by: Janet | December 25, 2013 at 06:03 PM
What is a "life Hammer"?
Janet that may be the best Sultan Knish of all time.
Posted by: Jane | December 25, 2013 at 06:06 PM
The smell of the carrots, garlic, celery and onions sweating under the herbs and roast are permeating the house.
Come on 115 degrees!
Posted by: Beasts of England | December 25, 2013 at 06:07 PM
Aw, I'm not allowed to post another link. Typepad = The Grinch.
One more try...
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_ODD_STASH_IN_CAB?SITE=TXPLA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
In your Christmas thoughts, think of this guy who forgot the bag.
Posted by: Extraneus | December 25, 2013 at 06:10 PM
It's a tool to break your car window. If the electric system goes out (can't get the windows down) & water pressure won't let you open the car doors...you can break the window with the Life Hammer. Mine has a seatbelt cutter on it too. Deluxe!
Posted by: Janet | December 25, 2013 at 06:13 PM
Hi Extraneus, I got a Spa Day at our nicest local "body shop" from my husband. Much appreciated. Our Goddaughter sent wonderful pictures of her two little boys in a double frame.
Our cats were very well gifted, and got a bag catnip labeled "Maui Madness" that was really high octane, and catnip cigars the they also enjoyed. They were passed out drunk under the tree for a little while after the festivities.
Also got lots of nice food gifts from other siblings.
Posted by: MaryD | December 25, 2013 at 06:14 PM
The top 10 democrat quotes of 2013: Just guess what is #1.
Posted by: Jane | December 25, 2013 at 06:14 PM
Thanks for the Sultan Knish, Janet. It was great.
BTW, have you seen the stories about the army banning "Merry Christmas"? Looks like getting the cards out early was the right way to go.
Best to you and yours.
Posted by: MaryD | December 25, 2013 at 06:18 PM
Well let me just say this...
If you haven't heard of the ThermaPen, it's a super-accurate quick-read thermometer for cooking. (Only takes a few seconds to get the real temperature.) Costs about 90 bucks, though.
This year, we got the ThermoWorks probe, for watching the temperature of what's cooking in the oven. Alton Brown said 161F for the turkey, so I set it there and got the alarm when it hit that exact temp.
They always say to let it "rest" and that the temperature will rise after coming out of the oven, but I never was able to know exactly how much until now.
165.9 so far, and I'll be able to tell exactly when it reaches its max and starts cooling off.
This is the way to go, people.
Posted by: Extraneus | December 25, 2013 at 06:34 PM
Gotta love a small town.
Our paper had an above-the-fold headline "Santa has smooth landing in Auburn" with a sub of "Rotund fellow continued his Christmas journey around globe." Above was a picture of Santa in the air (with reindeer) and a header of "NORAD tracks celebrity over foothills."
Posted by: DrJ | December 25, 2013 at 06:36 PM
Janet,
LOL. Mrs. JiB gave me a life hammer based strictly on my driving and not what I wanted:)
Ex,
No car but I did get her a copper wood burning fire pit with plent of tools for roasting hot dogs, marshmallows and shrimp. I am hoping for reverse psychology and it will usher in the warmest winter we have ever had. One of the things Frederick got was a karaoke machine with Microphone. Will be spending more time outside, I guess.
Posted by: JIB | December 25, 2013 at 06:37 PM
I'm still old school, Extraneus. Strictly analog. Letting anything rest out of the oven is a good idea, especially true for roasts.
100 degrees was my last reading. Getting close.
Posted by: Beasts of England | December 25, 2013 at 06:38 PM
Extraneus, I have a couple of instant thermometers that cost a lot less than $90 and seem to work well. What is special about the Thermapen? Cooking fool wants to know.
Posted by: MaryD | December 25, 2013 at 06:39 PM
"But it's not just the elves. Even economists, who should know better, go on insisting that we need to shrink Santa's route now despite high reindeer unemployment. Some continue to insist that there just is a skill mismatch in the Pole economy, so that we have no choice but to allow the diminutive Rudolph resources go unemployed. This truly is the dark age of North Pole economics."
The Krug Man.
Posted by: Gosford Snark | December 25, 2013 at 06:40 PM
Ext, did you calibrate the magic thermometer? The water freezing and boiling points are the easiest to do.
Posted by: DrJ | December 25, 2013 at 06:40 PM
Yes, I just tried to post that but TP didn't let me link. 212 and 32 within 3 seconds.
Posted by: Extraneus | December 25, 2013 at 06:45 PM
I missed last night's selection of social security stories, so I'll add mine. My grandmother, who was born in 1915, had to get a social security number in 1935 when the law was first passed. She got a copy of her baptismal certificate as proof of age and identity. At which point she discovered that her first name was Gwendolyn. She was always called "Sis" by everyone, and knew her "real" name as Lorraine, but Lorraine was actually her middle name.
Whoever linked to the Social Security location tool, thanks, it was cool! It gives a different year than I remember, but I'm pretty sure that they are right not me. I remember that my brother and I got ours when we opened our first bank accounts, but I was sure in was in Fall of 1969 when we moved to LA, when I was 6 and my brother almost 9. But the tool says 1971. Given that information, I'm now changing my story -- we must have needed the bank accounts because we got checks for Christmas presents in 1970. But what I do remember quite distinctly is that we got our accounts at Home Savings and Loan, which had these totally awesome plastic piggy banks in the shape of a house (their logo house.) And I also remember that the bank employee who signed us up for our accounts signed us up for the social security numbers, too. He had a pile of cards, not quite sequential, and my brother's number is 8 below mine. If it was Jan 1971, then I was 7-going-on-8, and my brother was 10.
Obama's grandmother worked at a bank, and it seems most likely that she would have signed him up for a number, using the paperwork that would have been at the bank in that era. As for why it is a CT number, that is very, very curious -- but it could have been as simple as some bureaucrat routing a box of CT blanks to grandma's bank in HI in error. If something like that happened, you would expect that there are a bunch of people (a box full) who got CT numbers in HI at around the same time.
Posted by: 21_cathy_f_in_tripep@d_prison_98 | December 25, 2013 at 06:47 PM
Hovering at 166.8 now, so I'll carve when it just starts going down. :-)
Posted by: Extraneus | December 25, 2013 at 06:48 PM
Ex,
You are on the medium side of the temp. Don't forget to let it sit for 15 minutes before carving. You can put a sheet of foil over it loosely to keep some residual heat in but it will carve best with rest.
Did you make a Yorkshire Pudding with it? Mine turned out very creamy and airy. Nothing like a good yorkie to soak up the gravy.
Outside with Frederick who has plugged in his Karaoeke machine and microphone to sing along with Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra Christmas songs:) Help!!!
Posted by: JIB | December 25, 2013 at 06:56 PM
One of the reasons I have a love hate relationship with CSpan:
Q&A with @codepink's @medeabenjamin – 7pm ET on C-SPAN http://cs.pn/18PfHzO
Do you have 10 to 12 close friends who would do anytihng you ask to make you a instant radical chic celebrity then buy Media Benjamin's life story. She is the Kardashian of protest life and one of the 3 most despicable people in the genre next to Westboro and those Ukranian nudists.
Posted by: JIB | December 25, 2013 at 07:03 PM
JiB - don't complain for creating karaoke chaos. :-D
Last year, I gave our son a ThermaPen which he loves and uses often. This year he received a T shirt from Duarte's Tavern in Pescadoro, CA. Can't spoil kids, even if they are over 50!
Posted by: Frau Weihnachten | December 25, 2013 at 07:05 PM
Rush on Greta for the hour.
Posted by: Jane | December 25, 2013 at 07:11 PM
JiB - at least the Kardashians have kinda worked for their money. Medea didn't.
Living in Cleoville is difficult at times and more so at Christmas. The local demented
leftistcommie Methodist church has put up its nativity scene featuring Trayvon Martin--that's right, Trayvon Martin taking the place of Jesus. The newspaper had an article about the man behind what has become an annual abuse and affront to most.LUN if you can stomach it.
Posted by: Frau Weihnachten | December 25, 2013 at 07:15 PM
For those keeping score at home:Pescadero not Pescadoro.
Posted by: Frau Weihnachten | December 25, 2013 at 07:17 PM
Gack, Frau, we have enough of the canonization, down here, the bath salts just leach into the reservoir,
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 07:20 PM
This is for Clarice who has had to deal with it far more than most of us here.
LUN
Posted by: Frau Weihnachten | December 25, 2013 at 07:22 PM
What a choke. Was that an interview or a monologue? Softball questions of ridiculous aggrandizement followed by uninterrupted vituperation from the premier gasbag.
Carbon monoxide alarms can be heard in the background.
Posted by: Gosford Snark | December 25, 2013 at 07:25 PM
What? You're giving up your top spot to someone with 25 million listners, a private jet and nice bungalow in Palm Beach?
Come on guy. Don't be a pussy. Fight for it. You have it all to be a champ. You can do it. Don't despair and never quit.
[Secret to beating Rush: Tie his other half or his brain behind his back. It may work but in your case it's a little more risky].
Posted by: JIB | December 25, 2013 at 07:35 PM
Oh I thought that was about Medea Benjamin, useful idiot to the Castro Bros, and the Tommy Boy Manque in Caracas, Isn't it striking how this kid from Cape Girardeau had Obama figured out, much faster then the solons like Will and Krauthammer, not to mention the manager of the Morning Joke menagerie.
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 07:44 PM
Some used to think Greta was credible. This should remove all previous confidence.
Posted by: Gosford Snark | December 25, 2013 at 07:47 PM
It does feel that way sometimes, you strive for balance, but they drive you up the wall regardless,
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 07:50 PM
Yes, unlike Gregory or Zakaria or Amanpour, the very semblance of balance;
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 07:58 PM
Or Gregory, but at least there's a 'pretense'.
In it's defense, this Convention of Public Relations Shamming the Public, at least had the virtue of being explicitly craven.
Posted by: Gosford Snark | December 25, 2013 at 08:01 PM
Don't know much about Greta but her family is pretty interesting and not one to get into discussions at Thanksgiving.
I do know that a good meal can be had at the Old MIll Restaurant in Mattiuck on the North Fork.
The only pretense is your presence here as the JOM anti-idiot when in fact you are the only idiot.
Posted by: JIB | December 25, 2013 at 08:07 PM
" your presence here as the JOM anti-idiot when in fact you are the only idiot."
It's pretty much been established by both sides, that there are several suspected idiots, so that seems false on it's face.
Posted by: Gosford Snark | December 25, 2013 at 08:11 PM
He may not be selfaware enough for that, JiB, how was the karaoke?
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 08:12 PM
"not one to get into discussions at Thanksgiving."
Has that peaked after Greta's public persona? My hat tips to them, and my sympathies go out.
Posted by: Gosford Snark | December 25, 2013 at 08:13 PM
Well the important thing is they understand each other;
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 08:24 PM
I think Greta does a great interview, and quite possibly is a liberal. She doesn't let that get in the way, unlike the rest of the so called "press".
Posted by: Jane | December 25, 2013 at 08:30 PM
naricso,
Lots of sound effects the neighbor's dogs and cats enjoye immensely and I less so. Dean Martin sounded like a used car salesman with all the echos in the background.
Tomorrow its Donna Summer. Gawd!
Posted by: JIB | December 25, 2013 at 08:34 PM
Well that seems interesting, JiB, I wouldn't attempt it,
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 08:47 PM
Oh goodie (WSJ):
And they want our money and support?
Posted by: DrJ | December 25, 2013 at 08:49 PM
'You ask for Miracles, Theo,' facepalm on a cracker;
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 08:54 PM
No, Dr. J, they want us to shut up, child tax credit, well that was the answer, flex time, why didn't they say so,
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 09:04 PM
I lost some respect for Greta when I learned that she's a Scientologist. Perhaps it shouldn't matter, but that is such a wacky cult that it's hard to set it aside.
Posted by: jimmyk on iPhone | December 25, 2013 at 09:08 PM
Merry Christmas everyone.
Posted by: Sue | December 25, 2013 at 09:12 PM
"Meanwhile, major donors and advocacy groups, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Crossroads, are preparing an aggressive effort to groom and support more centrist Republican candidates for Congress in 2014's midterm elections."
Let's remember his the next time DoT claims there's no such thing as an R establishment that exerts influence on the choice of candidates.
Posted by: jimmyk on iPhone | December 25, 2013 at 09:14 PM
Watching The Bible on History as we post. The way they make Jesus is as some reluctant rock star but with a smile on his face and a wink in hi eye. Not the way I have always imagined him.
Posted by: JIB | December 25, 2013 at 09:14 PM
They seem to be following the A&E, when the advertising modelmis more like Spike TV, this will work out well,
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 09:17 PM
I was speaking of the GOP strategery, or lack there off, his portrayal seems to swing from Jeffrey Hunter and the fellow in Superstar, to
Caviezel's more intense performance, in "Passion'
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 09:28 PM
jimmyk- if Gretchen can report as well as she can without an obvious liberal bias, more power to her. Heck, she weathered the kerfuffle when she had her eyes "done."
Posted by: Frau Frohe Weihnachten | December 25, 2013 at 09:40 PM
DrJ - did you catch the cat/piano video I sent your way yesterday?
Cat Für Elise LUN
Posted by: Frau Frohe Weihnachten | December 25, 2013 at 09:45 PM
I saw it Frau. Cute. A bit too much Chopin in the Beethoven, but that's OK for the video.
Posted by: DrJ | December 25, 2013 at 09:46 PM
Janet
The bank of Hawaii did not have any branches in the US until 1989, JEF's number was obtain in 1976-77 so it is unlikely that the bank would have CT numbers as Hawaii would have excess amounts of SS numbers. Whereas CT would be needing more numbers as they run out.
Glad you enjoyed the resource.
Posted by: boricuafudd | December 25, 2013 at 09:52 PM
>>>Republican leaders and their corporate allies have launched an array of efforts aimed at diminishing the clout of the party's most conservative activists and promoting legislation instead of confrontation next year.<<<
That's the ticket! and probably explains the budget deal and Ryan's mushmouthed answers.
Posted by: rich@gmu | December 25, 2013 at 09:52 PM
DrJ - I focused on the cat! Hah! And I'm a dog lady.
Posted by: Frau Frohe Weihnachten | December 25, 2013 at 09:56 PM
Janet
The bank of Hawaii did not have any branches in the US until 1989,...
You have me confused with Cathy F, boricuafudd. I was the one posting about Life Hammers...
Posted by: Janet | December 25, 2013 at 10:00 PM
I have something similar to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Dv0UU66CbU
FWIW "inside cam" and "outside cam" seems more obvious than the director may have thought.
Posted by: Threadkiller | December 25, 2013 at 10:20 PM
bori, not sure what you mean... In those days when you got a social security card they had the blank cards with the numbers printed on them at the banks. When you went to open a bank account for someone without a SSN, they took out the next card in the box, typed in all of your information on the top part (on, yes, a typewriter) and typed your name on the bottom part. They then separated the parts on the perforation, and they gave you your real live social security card with your permanent number pre-printed at the government printing office. Then they sent the top part of the card to the government for entry into the system.
A bank in HI could end up with a box of blank SS forms with CT numbers by the simple process of someone sending out the wrong box. Given the similarity in the CT and HI zip codes, and depending upon what process they used in the office that filled bank re-orders for blank social security cards, it could have been an easy mistake to make.
The point is that the process of organizing social security numbers by place was a process where they controlled which blank forms were sent to which place. A process clearly subject to human error. Now you fill out a form with name/address/etc and send it to the SSA and they enter it in to their computers and the computer picks the applicant a SSN according to the address and prints out a card with the name and that number on it and sends back the card. But then a clerical person took a blank form out of a box and that form already had a social security number printed on it. Then the person filled your information in on the card, and the number became yours.
This discussion of social security numbers always seems to assume the way it works now where an application comes in and a number is assigned to the applicant. But that's not how it worked before computers and instant communications. Back then, the numbers existed first, printed on the blank cards, and then the applicants were assigned to the numbers on the cards. Now it would be pretty hard for the computer to come up with a CT number for a HI applicant. But then, all that would be required for a CT number to end up in a HI applicant's hand would be for the CT blank to get sent to HI by mistake.
Posted by: 21_cathy_f_in_tripep@d_prison_98 | December 25, 2013 at 10:22 PM
I think Vizzini wrote the manual;
http://www.smalldeadanimals.com/archives/puhsing-teh-wno.html
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 10:29 PM
Wow Jimmy, I didn't know about the Scientology thing.
If the republicans move to the center on fiscal or constitutional issues, they and I , am done.
Posted by: Jane on Ipad | December 25, 2013 at 10:35 PM
Gold Mine:
http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/ssb/v69n2/v69n2p55.html
JimmyK, I will bet the answer to your dad's SSN is in the link.
I will also bet the answer to Obama's is not in the link.
Posted by: Threadkiller | December 25, 2013 at 10:35 PM
Back from the parents house and stuffed.
Isn't the chamber of commerce basically only as strong as the contributions businesses send them so if say, small businesses decide to ask for refunds as the chamber no longer represents their interests, then the CofC is toast.
I wanna see a refundapalooza against those fools like yesterday.
Posted by: Stephanie looking forward to the bowl games | December 25, 2013 at 10:40 PM
I lost some respect for Greta when I learned that she's a Scientologist. Perhaps it shouldn't matter, but that is such a wacky cult that it's hard to set it aside.
It is an evil cult that doesn't deserve the title religion. Speaking of which, Frau's description of the Methodist's insanity in Cleoville just means that the Episcopalians will have to try harder.
I'm ready for a civil war in the Republican party; Rove fired the first shot before the echoes of Romney's concession speech had barely faded and Boehner's stupidity just upped the ante. The crony capitalists and their ilk hated Reagan and are opposed to anybody assuming his mantle. Let's get it on; the sooner the better.
Posted by: Captain Hate | December 25, 2013 at 10:42 PM
Yes, I don't get how people who look askance at Christianity's claims, find this particular sect,
plausible, one step up from the Flying Spaghetti monster,
They still keep selling us the New Coke, forgetting their own business model, Have you seen something as insane as the California cYA instructions,
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 10:46 PM
http://mobile.wnd.com/2013/12/why-couldnt-healthcare-gov-validate-obamas-identity/?cat_orig=us
Posted by: Threadkiller | December 25, 2013 at 10:51 PM
Because the site was built by gremlins on double expresso, or possibly Daleks,
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 10:53 PM
al-Rahn Hubbard's third rate sci-fi is barely more comprehensible than Calypso Louie's utterances minus the bow ties.
Windy Oaks 2005 Pinot Noir being served @ Chez Hate.
Posted by: Captain Hate | December 25, 2013 at 10:53 PM
"The Healthcare.gov website says the only information required for applying for health-care coverage on the government exchange is a Social Security Number, employer and income verification, and the policy numbers of any current health-insurance plans"
Posted by: Threadkiller | December 25, 2013 at 10:57 PM
Video: Edward Snowden delivers Christmas message
http://www.commoncts.blogspot.com/2013/12/video-edward-snowden-delivers-christmas.html
Posted by: Steve | December 25, 2013 at 10:58 PM
I'm ready for a civil war in the Republican party
I am too, CH.
The wine that went with this evening's leg of lamb was a 2010 Russian River Limerick Lane Zinfandel. Very good, but not great.
Posted by: DrJ | December 25, 2013 at 11:10 PM
'the Clone War, (I mean the civil war) has begun,
Posted by: narciso, | December 25, 2013 at 11:14 PM
Could there be a worse collection of turd games for Stern's Christmas swan song? Good riddance.
Posted by: Captain Hate | December 25, 2013 at 11:17 PM
narc, earlier today I watched the DVD of Finch being the substitute teacher. I don't know if CBS ever reran the episodes last season where Reese was behind bars with the three schnooks under suspicion of being "the man in the suit". Those were pretty brutal cliffhangers that featured HR turning on Fusco. I've gotta say watching the DVDs helps keep some of the characters straight from episode to episode.
Posted by: Captain Hate | December 25, 2013 at 11:24 PM
>>>Because the site was built by gremlins on double expresso<<<
hahahahahaha...I'm stealing this.
Posted by: rich@gmu | December 25, 2013 at 11:39 PM
Looks like my work here is done. Everyone tuckered out and I'm full from all those cookies.
Posted by: Santa Claus | December 26, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Since I'm "in the loop" I just got e-mailed a copy of a 1 minute long campaign ad that Mead Treadwell, has cut. You guys might enjoy it. Mead is our Alaskan Lt Governor and he is running against Dem Senator Mark Begich for the US Senate.
Merry Christmas from Mead Treadwell
Worth knowing that his wife died in 2002 so he's raised those 3 kids by himself for the last 11 years. He's a Yale undergrad, Harvard MBA, and happened to have grown up in TM's Connecticut ,where he attended Newtown Elementary School.
Posted by: daddy | December 26, 2013 at 12:05 AM
Cathy F
Now I am confused are you saying that in 1976 all you had to do was walk into a bank and obtain a SS card and number?
While the computer system was certainly primitive the SSA was automated or as close as you can get at that date in time.
Posted by: boricuafudd | December 26, 2013 at 12:19 AM
Many Happy Returns Day to our EST citizens and goodnight.
Posted by: Ignatz | December 26, 2013 at 01:40 AM
Posted by: daddy | December 26, 2013 at 03:08 AM
The Chamber nationally is deeply involved in pushing the Corporatist angle of the Agenda 21 vision. So are the major metro groups that I have dealt with or attended events they have sponsored when I recognized the theme.
So that announcement is essentially saying the Reps want 2014 candidates that do not take the US Constitution seriously and come into office with flexibility. Just imagine how much worse such candidates will be just 6 months into drinking the DC water that political power is now all.
Posted by: rse | December 26, 2013 at 03:57 AM
Stephanie, if you are correct about the Chamber of Commerce's membership--and I think you are--they will be in for major cancellations if the four or five small business people I've had contact with lately are typical of their members.
Raging Tea Party types, if not active members.
How could you not be? Working as hard as they all do, constantly dealing with regulations, and now, losing your health care to be forced into more than you need, or worse, to get into an exchange?
Posted by: anonamom | December 26, 2013 at 04:53 AM
Well, it was all about allegiance from the gitgo, and I told you so.
Posted by: His is hardly to the City on the Hill. | December 26, 2013 at 06:02 AM
Greetings from Rome, which is amazing and well worth the trip. We have seen the colosseum and the forum and St. Peter's. Great food, friendly people, and as far as I can determine there is a total absence of Obama on all Italian television, which is a huge plus.
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas, and many thanks to TM for this little outpost on the internet.
Posted by: miss Marple | December 26, 2013 at 07:10 AM
On the LIRR heading into the office to close a year end deal and start a new one. No rest for wicked lawyers. I ve made this trip well more than 100 times in an earlier phase of my life, college to parents house, out to chase a gal who became my wife, visits to her parents before kids. The trip isn t as quaint as it was 25-40 years ago, but the rolling stock is far more comfortable and wifi access is a huge plus. Only incident at my inlawsfor family christmas was one ofmy border collies taking a dump in their basement. Heneeds a doggy shrink, he suffers from anxiety these days when his routine is upset.
Posted by: NKonIPad | December 26, 2013 at 07:26 AM
Happy Boxing Day or St. Stephen's Day if you're Irish.
Miss Marple, enjoy Rome to the fullest and don't forget to buy a Pater Noster and get it blessed:)
Posted by: Jack is Back! | December 26, 2013 at 07:37 AM
Happy Boxing Day to family JiB and any other Anglophiles out there. My favorite Christmas music this year is an "English Christmas" cd I purchased at Hampton. Court last month. All Premiership teams play today, so a full schedule to follow the scores from at work.
Posted by: NKonIPad | December 26, 2013 at 07:46 AM
I have no idea how this will evolve, but my eternal optimism makes me hopeful that the business classes and families of Egypt and Turkey are rejecting the MB and islamism. And in the Bearded Spock universe we live in the POTUS frets because his political and ideological allies he MB are under pressure and forced out of power.
Posted by: NKonIPad | December 26, 2013 at 08:06 AM
25 wacky Joe Biden moments from 2013
Posted by: Extraneus | December 26, 2013 at 08:42 AM
http://mobile.wnd.com/2013/12/obamacares-gay-redistribution-agenda/
Posted by: Threadkiller | December 26, 2013 at 08:55 AM
For Rick's anecdotal economic collection, I was planning to buy ornaments half price for tomorrow's gift exchange at my parents with sister and sil. First time I ever knew of NM opening early, especially at 8. I was out the door in 5 minutes and am back. First time ever the holiday stuff is 50% off there instead of 40%. They want it gone. Also doing heavy discounting through noon and then slightly less.
On the CoC thing, there is a sign up now near Perimeter Mall/Hammond intersection directing people to the physical location of the Sandy Springs CoC. With all the CIDs now, it sure looks like they want small business to come in and pay homage. Or be on the menu.
Posted by: rse | December 26, 2013 at 09:08 AM
rse,
I get "invites" from the Milwaukee CoC... they don't understand when I tell them I am not in Milwaukee, want nothing to do with them, and hang up. You are on the menu whether or not you join the CoC.
Posted by: henry | December 26, 2013 at 09:13 AM
Yes, Captain, I don't think they aired that one two many times, we see Finch is violating the first lesson of Common Core, teaching the students actual knowledge, while on his assignment,
Posted by: narciso, | December 26, 2013 at 09:24 AM
I see how they are going all 'Peoples Front of Judea' same sponsors, different name.
http://hotair.com/headlines/archives/2013/12/26/how-karl-rove-went-from-gop-mastermind-to-the-rights-punching-bag/#comments
Posted by: narciso, | December 26, 2013 at 09:28 AM
Yes, Alan, but you do have your blindspot,
http://dailycaller.com/2013/12/25/alan-dershowitz-glenn-greenwald-never-met-a-terrorist-he-didnt-like/
Posted by: narciso, | December 26, 2013 at 09:31 AM
NYT worried about Christie?
Stories Add Up as Bully Image Trails Christie
Posted by: Extraneus | December 26, 2013 at 09:40 AM
Bully image??? I'm no Christie fan, but it's pretty rich that a bully image is considered a bad thing in these days of GLAAD, Sharpton, Rahm Emanuel, Mikey Weinstein,...
Posted by: Janet - the districts lie fallow, while the Capitol gorges itself | December 26, 2013 at 09:48 AM
Our team could use more bullies.
Posted by: Old Lurker | December 26, 2013 at 09:49 AM