Among The Top Rank

David Brooks inspires "Fear and Loathing In Falls Church".

Comments

[jimmyk on iPad]

"Her behind is an internet hit."

Hmm, she lives in my neighborhood, but unfortunately those pics show her in a different gym from the one I go to.

[Ignatz]

--Why, the sort who thinks he and others like him deserve to have control over the medical care available to everyone else, because they exceed everyone else in compassion.--

Not to mention the sort who finds great humor in truly torturing and intentionally wounding an innocent animal who is merely following its instincts while reserving great compassion for a terrorist who has knowledge which can save innocent lives getting scared by a wet hanky and declaring it a war crime.

[Sheriff Joe]

Our president wants to start a "technology task force" in government.
...
thought he already had a czar and some other toadies dealing with "technology".

I tell ya what, guys, I've been lying low for a while but I think this is just the thing for someone with my proven executive ability and leadership as we head into the 2016, and not that everything has to be about the next election, especially for those of us who have stayed at our posts through the whole both terms.

But I've been reading about these czars, especially...Christopher, who was the first czar (in fact that's where the word comes from, the Russians had trouble saying "Christopher" and it comes out "czar") all the way up to the modern czar, czar Putin.

Not that I'm questioning the democratic legitimacy of Mr Putin, who is one of our most important allies in Russia.

And so that's why I think I'm the guy for this technology czar job, which is so important not just for our country but for America. Technology. Because you need the tech, but then you need the knowledge, the wisdom, and the experience that can only come from representing Delaware in the Senate for years and years and years and years and years.

Long time, I was in the Senate. Long time.

[Ignatz]

--Since its half-time, do we call this a semi-slattering?--

Kansas City is a semi-football team.

[bgates]

I'm more of an all-rounder.

They don't come rounder than that girl.

[JIB]

Iggy,

Easy to wait until the game is over to comment. Geez!

[Sue]

My grandson picked the "team that wins". Smart move. Great game.

[Captain Hate]

Fatass totally gave up on Alex Smith in the second half, which is inexcusable after the first half he had. I like Reid but that loss is completely on his poor strategy.

[Beasts of England]

NK@5:01 - C'mon down!

[Ignatz]

--Easy to wait until the game is over to comment. Geez!--

Kansas City has been a semi-football team all season.
They played half a season and today they played half a game.
They didn't not play the second half til it was over so it was kind of hard to point out that they didn't play the second half until they didn't play it.

Besides if I had just waited on the college games too I would now be leading the BCS bowl stakes with a perfect score.

[narciso]

He's more a knave then a mere twit;

http://newsbusters.org/blogs/tom-blumer/2014/01/04/jesse-myerson-occupy-leader-turned-far-left-rolling-stone-journalist-exp

[Ignatz]

--They don't come rounder than that girl.-

Keeping with my theme, she's semi-round.

[Beasts of England]

I just got back from a drive. A friend of both daughters got a new car for Christmas and drove it up for me to see. A Maserati GranTourismo MC. He's 21 years old. $150k vehicle. He'll be driving it around Tuscaloosa. Can you imagine? I can't...

[Miss Marple]

Beasts, I cannot fathom a vehicle that costs that much. That is more than many homes.

At 21? What is his income source? Legal, I hope!

[JIB]

Okay, football fans. When is the last time QB's from the same HS faced off in an NFL playoff game and who were they?

[narciso]

Cool car, but the same questions occur to me;

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1052127_maserati-updates-granturismo-mc-stradale-for-2013-geneva-show

[Beasts of England]

Well, Miss Marples, I'm a bit a car guy, so that sticker doesn't shock me, per se, but I understand your point. It was a present from his Dad. A little hard to fathom. My daughters were also shocked.

[JIB]

BoE, MM, narciso,

In Southampton, where there are more exotic cars than people, its called a Miseratii for a reason:)

[Ignatz]

I'm a Maserati man through and through Beasts and a guy nearby has one out here.
I have been less than impressed both aesthetically and technically which surprised me cause I really wanted to like it especially with that Frua inspired grille.
I wouldn't turn one down, however. :)

[Jane-Rebel Alliance1]

thought he already had a czar and some other toadies dealing with "technology".

He wants an entire new layer of bureaucracy.

So Sherrif Joe - whats' in it for me. (I think that is how it works.)

Miss Marple - where do you live that you can buy "many homes' with $150k?

[JIB]

jane,

Go on Tulia.com and you'll find mansions around the country for less than $150K. You are living in an inflated real estate economy that is false and cannot endure. Here in florida you can buy within 500 yds of the beach for $150K.

[Beasts of England]

I've never owned a Maserati, Ig, although I seriously considered a GranTourismo two fun cars ago. I like the design, and it runs pretty well, but I could never get past the three chrome vents on the fender - they looked kinda cheap. Although if that kid's Dad wants to buy me one, I won't turn it down, either!

[Captain Hate]

Jane, in the midwest housing values are much more understated than in the east. Or west.

JiB, I'm drinking Affligem Noel for the first time tonight. Very tasty.

[Captain Hate]

Speaking of inflated values, who in their right mind would watch a dense twit like Jimmy Fallon?

[Jane-Rebel Alliance1]

Okay, but how "many" homes can you buy for $150k?

[JIB]

CH,

Think of the legacy. A Benedictine monastery founded in 1024. But I think this particular brew is more recent:) Famous in Belgium for its Christmas brew. Enjoy!

[DrJ]

but how "many" homes can you buy for $150k?

In Florida, about three in many areas. They are not as nice as yours, but they are quite decent. My mother-in-law lives in one.

[JIB]

Jane,

In my part of Florida you can buy 100's if not more for that price. 2 years ago you could have bought the whole damn county for that price.

Want me to look around for you? Most are 3 br, 2 bath with a pool and lanai. but if you want less that's possilbe also.

[Captain Hate]

Okay, but how "many" homes can you buy for $150k?

No new ones in this area but plenty of previously occupied ones including my house.

[Jane-Rebel Alliance1]

What do you guys think of the story of Jihai (spelled wrong I'm sure) - the child who had a tonsillectomy and has been declared brain dead?

Should her parents be free to keep her alive, even tho she is dead, and they can't pay for it, so we will have to?

(What would Obama do? Since she is black I think we know.)

[rich@gmu]

I feel better already. Sheriff Joe is on the case.

hard to believe that jesse could be a bigger douchbag...twitter doesn't dissapoint.

[DrJ]

Out here you can buy a low-end pre-owned house for $150K. Not in the city, though.

[Jane-Rebel Alliance1]

I bet I could find a house for $150k. But not "many houses".

[narciso]

Well some reassurance;

http://www.nst.com.my/latest/tunisia-mps-reject-islam-as-main-source-of-law-1.455057

[rich@gmu]

that story has bothered me similiar to what happened to Terry Schiavo. does MediCal (not sure if that is the issue however) have a death panel? that is the only reason I can think of for the rather quick decisions.

[clarice]

Jane, when you retire move to NH or Fla and save on taxes..In Fla you'll also save on heat.

[rich@gmu]

i'd be hard pressed to find even a condo for 150K in my slice of heaven.

[Captain Hate]

Should her parents be free to keep her alive, even tho she is dead, and they can't pay for it, so we will have to?

Taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for her imo. Maybe the doctor that operated should pay. I mean, tonsillectomies are pretty basic but anything can happen, I guess. I don't know any of the details so maybe I'm missing something.

[jimmyk]

Jane, by 'many houses' I think Miss M meant that there are many houses each with a price < $150K, not that one can buy many houses for a total of < $150K.

However, in Detroit you can indeed buy many houses for a total of < $150K, and even in decent neighborhoods.

[jimmyk]

He's more a knave then a mere twit

I still held out some hope that that piece was just a joke.

[JIB]

Jane,

Just checked our MLS. You have a good selection of 11 homes herre in my part of Florida for $150 to 200. Some on a canal for your boat.

[Beasts of England]

@Miss Marples, re: being a bit of a car guy - The seats in my current fun car were an $18k option. Just for two seats. Fully electric Daytona-style Recaro leather seats with carbon fiber and leather seats backs, with contrasting stitching and inserts. You probably don't wanna know how much the optional carboceramic brakes were...

[rich@gmu]

>>>
I still held out some hope that that piece was just a joke.
Posted by: jimmyk<<<

Hope is the first step on the road to disappointment. Figure that they are rolling out version 2 for the spring and summer with immigration and the min wage the big 2 issues (and maybe a st loan reform package to more easily troll the campus). Just in time for the election season.

[narciso]

About Campaign reporting, it certainly has gotten worse in 40 years, Thompson was a jackass, but compared to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Halperin and Heileman, whose latest is as oleaginous as the source material for 'Julianne's Bender' as loosely unsourced as same,

[rich@gmu]

version 2 of OWS if I wasn't clear.

[Captain Hate]

Welp this Saints Iggles game couldn't be more different than the earlier scoreboard breaker.

[Beasts of England]

That's a scary thought, rich. Version 1 was awful enough. Ugh.

[rich@gmu]

drove by the Ferrari dealership this afternoon:(

[JIB]

At one time last year, I had an investment property, 2 bed, 2 baths, lanai, near the ICW, pool plus fitness, tennis and gated - condo for under $150K but decided to hold out.

Its rented now and the value is increasing every month. Plus it has a detached garage that I have offers of over $10K for.

I think there are a lot of these deals in Florida now but not for long. Its picking up and fast.

[Jane-Rebel Alliance1]

Jane, by 'many houses' I think Miss M meant that there are many houses each with a price < $150K

Ahhh well that makes sense - except for Detroit, for sure. Sorry to misinterpret.

CLarice, I'm trying to figure that out. I love where I live, but I hate that it is a liberal state, and I increasingly hate the cold. So far nothing compels me.

Frankly I want to secede.

[Teh Sheriff]

So Sherrif Joe - whats' in it for me. (I think that is how it works.)

I tell ya, Jan, you couldn't be more wrong. Ya hafta think of the other guy, or gal, and how to benefit them. And the best way to benefit the most people? It's the federal government. Andy why? Because it's got all the money. Not all, I mean, not yet, not that we'd literally want to take all the money there is (though isn't that kid from the Rolling Stones a firecracker! Hoo boy!) but clearly the amount we have right now just isn't enough.

So you see, Janet, the trick of it is to find something that lots of people think will benefit lots of people, and then find somebody who could be asked to pay for that benefit who nobody much likes anyway, and then you're in business.

And if in all of that benefiting, some tiny little bit of the money ends up sticking to you - much less than a person of your abilities could have made in the private sector? Well, who could hold that against you?

[Captain Hate]

There can't be many $150k dwellings wherever there are any Ferrari dealerships.

[rich@gmu]

Beasts-

finger tip feel. the min wage and immigration issues are getting to much coverage for it not be stage setting.

[Beasts of England]

Never had any dealings with them, rich. Although they do have a 458 Italia in Grigio Silverstone that is rather lovely.

[rich@gmu]

damn it too much coverage...

CH-

Thank you for sending your money to my slice of heaven. You will be happy to know there are Mercedes, BMW, and Lamborghini (same as the Ferrari dealership) dealerships as well.

[narciso]

Yes, you can hear the hoof beats in the distance, yet what is the Top Men's 'cunning, cunning,' plan, tax credits and flex pay, but at least we got a great deal with Chrysler, did we say we;

[mad jack]

Given the way my back feels after shoveling a significant amount of climate change droppings I'm thinking of taking JIB up on his real estate search offer.

[JIB]

CH,

True. But in my little community on the beach, we have two Bentleys, two Rolls and 5 Ferraris but the dealerships are in Orlando or Miami.

Mostly NE people with second homes here.

Love to look at the local Publix parking where you have a 1989 Jimmy parrked next to a big blue 4 door Bentley.

[narciso]

But his wisdom was so self evident;

It’s hard to pinpoint just when, exactly, Barack Obama’s Syria policy fell apart. Was it in December, when Islamists humiliated U.S.-backed rebels by seizing what limited supplies America had given them? Was it back in September, when Obama telegraphed his reluctance to enforce his own “red line” after the Syrian regime used chemical weapons on its own people? Was it in the months beforehand, when the administration quietly and mysteriously failed to make good on its pledge to directly arm the rebels? Or did it collapse in August 2011, when Obama called on Syrian dictator Bashar Assad to go, only to do almost nothing to make it happen?

[rich@gmu]

Price $289,988

[rich@gmu]

lovely car though.

[NKonIPad]

BoE-- my neighbor until his mid 2013 retirement managed the service dept at the fancy Greenwich exotic auto dealer, ferraris astins masseratis, mclaren etc. Occassionally he d bring one to his house for test driving after the maintenance. His best stories were moving the ford gt 40 that won lemans-- the actual car-- around the service bays that is maintained in its original gulf oil colors, and almost being killed in a ferrari f50 prototype at the company test track outside milan. He was sent there for factory training and the test driver offered him a couple of laps around the track as a passenger, a momentary lapse of concentration and they went off track right at a brick wall, the gravel trap was just wide enough to slow them to avoid the wall. I ll never own one but exotic cars are things to lust after IMO.

[narciso]

A ray shielded Politico link;

http://weaselzippers.us/?p=166637

Now instead of calm considering such a prospect,
'Tasmanian Devil' Scheuer, dials it up to eleventy;

[Jane-Rebel Alliance1]

Where in Florida are you Jib?

Naples blew my mind with all it's high end dealerships. I couldn't help but think if I was buying a Bentley, I wouldn't want it to happen on Main Street (or Tamimiami Rd).

[DrJ]

I ll never own one but exotic cars are things to lust after IMO.

I'm with you on this one. I'm fine with my 27 yo Benz.

Now a recent tandem mass spec is a different matter. They are as expensive to maintain as an exotic car.

[JIB]

Rich,

Stop shooting so low.

The Bugatti Vitesse

You take that education, develop an algorithm that brings the world together and you too can afford a $3 millon dollar ICE car.

[Captain Hate]

We just got a winter storm warning from 6pm tomorrow til 9am Wednesday. It actually got above freezing today and still is right now.

[mad jack]

Bob Costas-time to switch to golf

[NKonIPad]

The most interesting exotic car maintenance story was how software fixes from the manufacturers were overnighted on disks, never sent online out of piracy fears. He was also the chief mechanic for the dealer's ferrari racing team that raced at Lime Rock and Watkins Glen. He met paul newman many times when he drove and owned cars. He said newman was a real car guy, really competitive and got along with every one in the pits, never acted like a celebrity.

[Beasts of England]

That's gotta be Miller Motorcars, NK. A very well-regarded dealership. They have a lot of vintage exotics go through their doors. That GT40 is insane. Would love to see it - especially in Gulf livery.

[mad jack]

I mean I'm switching to golf. Little Bob better not show up on any golf telecast.

[Beasts of England]

Just swing by and cut them a check, rich. I'll pay you back when you bring it down...

[JIB]

Jane,

Naples is for the naive rich or those who think they are. I am in Flagler County, Palm Coast but Hammock Dunes, on the beach. We aer equidistant to Daytona and St. Augustine. An hour plus to Jacksonville or Cape Canaveral. 1/2 hour more to Orlando.

41/2 hours to Miami. Just off i-95. Fastest growing county in America.

Now, we don't have a symphony orchestra or a resident ballet. But we do have Flagler Beach, which is Florida's last funky surf town. Lots of interesting venues for food, fun and fishing:)

[narciso]

Well if you put him on mute, you eliminate half the nonsense, not all of it though.

[Miss Marple]

Jane - I live in central Indiana.

$150,000 here will get you a 3-bedroom ranch with basics including attached garage.

There are plenty of houses in that range here, and some lower. If you want to do remodeling there are a lot in the $75-95 thousand range.

[Stephanie lots of surprises in the BCS bowls]

The hubs got a $&@# &$ at the Ford dealer the other day. 2014 Shelby GT with Recaro leather seats. Had to pry his ass out of the car. Now all I hear is him whinging that he wants to trade his 04 Mustang (with 70k miles).

My go to fun car would be a 69/70 SS convertible blue with white leather seats and the 396 block.

[Miss Marple]

All I want is my old Ford Explorer back. I loved that car. Owned it from one Gulf War to the next. Had to get rid of it because of bad rust problems - engine went over 150,000 miles with no problems at all. Had the original transmission, too.

[Beasts of England]

Did it last for more than four hours, Steph?

[Threadkiller]

'70 Camaro 1st generation is a little more rare than a '69, Steph.

I have a 70 1/2 2nd gen SS/RS small block.

[Stephanie lots of surprises in the BCS bowls]

Some of the neighborhoods around here can get you a 4 2 1/2 2 car garage on 1/2 acre for $115. For $315 you can get 5 4 1/2 4 car garage on 1/4 acre. $515 will get you in a gated community for the same but no golf course. Add the course, add a mill to the price.

1/4 acre lots w 5,000 sf homes:

Never understood why anyone would want to buy a house in a neighborhood where you could fart in one and smell it in the other no matter the size. - things my 85 yo aunt once said

[Jane on Ipad]

Miss M,

I actually thought you were saying that with 150 k you could buy several houses. I was wondering where that was.

Most where I live are in excess of 300k. I have no idea if that is a bargain or not. All I know is the next place I buy, I want to do it without a mortgage.

[Threadkiller]

I think the '70s version still had '69 VINs because of delays getting the next design to market.

[narciso]

I think they might need Plissken, to get Jimmy and Peter out of there, did they spike the reservoir;

[rich@gmu]

Beasts-

ha, that check would bounce from here to the moon. the other day was looking for something over that way and ended up in their parking lot-lost. a sign perhaps.

JIB-

I'd better get cracking. That reminded me that I need to pay my tuition bill and see if I can get my books monday.

[mad jack]

You mean 10' building sideline setbacks don't shout wide open spaces to you Stephanie? That's the burbs in my neck of the woods.

[Beasts of England]

Sweet ride, TK!

[Stephanie lots of surprises in the BCS bowls]

Probably, beasts that's why I sent him home when the negotiations began - I figured all his blood was NOT properly situated. :)

It's not the rare or not TK, it's that that has always been my favorite car/body style engine combo. Mmmmmm.

[rich@gmu]

games back on mad jack. sorry about the snow.

[NKonIPad]

BoE-- yes indeed. My neighbor s last project was opening the new service facility in Stamford. It s next to the Ford dealer that I ve bought cars from (and will do so again in spring 15 when we get a stang GT convertible to replace the 10) when I talked to him about a year ago I showed myexotic car naivte. I asked him if customers would mind driving their exotic down to a spot across from the city dog pound? He shuffled his feet and explained to me that Miller sends a flat bed to the customer 's manse brings the car down and then Miller flatbeds it back when service is done-- owners rarely see service unless theyare car guys who want a tour. I said Ooooooooh.

[mad jack]

Thanks Rich. Played golf the previous two weekends but the odds of getting a January round in do not look good. Skis are ready!

[rich@gmu]

TK-

what years did they build the Yenko Camero? Saw one on a drive through Savannah.

Another dream car would be the 63 T Bird Sport Roadster. Saw one (black, black top, black interior) at the Sully car show a few years back.

[mad jack]

It's getting quiet in Philly.

[NKonIPad]

Mad Jack nice to see you!
Accuweather s long term winter forecast is that northeast and NE don t get big snow storms until late January and Feb.

[Skoot]

I walked into Circus Circus stone cold sober and couldn't imagine doing it after ingesting the types and qty's of drugs that Thompson had taken.I found it quite a disturbing and disorienting place. Although, I didn't spend a lot of time indoors during that period of my life.

My experience is tempered, however, by once attending an acrobat show out on the green during college after ingesting some questionable substances. We were all corralled into these little kindergarten wooden chairs arranged in tight rows and the acrobats were performing with an elephant. It was entirely absurd. I had to leave but spent the rest of the afternoon pleasantly admiring a cup and saucer magnolia.

[rich@gmu]

move to florida. golf in January if you can shoo away the alligators.

[Stephanie lots of surprises in the BCS bowls]

1983 20th anniversary Buick Riviera only 502 made is what I was walking past to get to the beer fridge at my friend's (the one that just sold his racing business) house tonight. All original. Near mint. Badges on the sides are Buick Riviera XX. Gorgeous "boat."

[Captain Hate on the iPhone]

TK, do you have one of the early Z28s?

[Threadkiller]

Get a Yenko Nova, Rich. Bad Ass.

68-69 I think. Nova through 70?

[NKonIPad]

Stephanie-- obviously Mr. Stephanie has fine taste in cars as well as women. I saw a similar shelby cobra GT in our local ford dealer when my son got his focus. One year old 5000 miles, blue white racing stripes, recaro seats, 6 speed manual. Beautiful.

[Miss Marple]

Snow won't start here until 1AM, so I am heading to bed with a book.

Good night, everyone!