Just some things, in no particular order.
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Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I sometimes feel like this top-level of “Fanatical Apathy,” is just a gateway drug to the Comments section, where all the real action is going on. So if you don’t generally click on them, now’s a good time to start, while someone else is preparing the meal.
Read the multipart satirical novel that Cooper’s writing there. Wish Hedera well on her speedy recovery from her knee-replacement surgery. Catch up on the insights of site stalwarts like Murray and PeteIVDL and Ginny and Melina and Ann and David and Iceweasel and Dee and all the rest (just off the top of my head - sorry if I’ve left some of you out…). Thrill to the sometimes contrarian commentary of Waterfowler (and please, treat him with lovin’ kindness - I like having him around).
It’s a party down there, and it’s the real reason why I’m still maintaining this site after almost 4 years of blogging.
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It’s looking more and more like we’ll be pulling a lot of our troops out of Iraq by this time next year. Apparently there are some important new improvements in the Iraqi’s abilities to run their own country and protect its security. Most of those improvements can be found in a crate marked “US Midterm Elections - For Emergency Use Only.”
Yes, it looks like we might be doing the right thing on the wrong timetable and for the wrong reasons. We’ll start calling the boys home and declaring victory by mid-summer, leaving not quite enough time for Iraq to devolve into total chaos before Election Day.
But it’s Thanksgiving, and the possibility is something to be thankful for, even it’s only being done to save fat congressional Republican asses. And even if it will therefore be done in a rushed and counterproductive manner. Let’s view the glass as 1/8th full rather than 7/8ths empty.
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Buy this:
Apparently, earlier this year a guy found an unmarked box in the basement of the Library of Congress. Inside the box were the only high-quality live recording of one of the most short-lived and exciting collaborations in the history of jazz. And it happened the night after Thanksgiving, 48 years ago.
I know that when I mention music around here it’s generally some bunch of funky or rockin’ newcomers that I’m trying to get you excited about. But these two youngsters seem promising, and you might want check them out.
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More to come? I dunno. Either way, enjoy the holiday.
Fanny Roborat
37 comments
Sometimes the Other Jim
November 23, 2005 at 7:24 pm
1Is it possible to threadjack a thread that has not yet begun? Here goes…
I noticed last night (from the BBC I believe) that the Iranian parliament had just rejected, by a two-thirds margin, the Iranian president’s third choice for oil minister.
The reasons: he was a friend (i.e., crony) of the president with no technical qualifications! Way to go with the up-n-down votes, guys!
So…what is that their fundies understand about governance that ours just don’t seem to get?
SeattleDan
November 23, 2005 at 7:33 pm
2I’ve heard some of the Monk/Coltrane CD. I put it on the list that I give to my wife for Christmas wants. I’m crossing my fingers she’ll remember.And Happy Thanksgiving to All.
dee
November 23, 2005 at 9:04 pm
3Happy Thanksgiving, Felbernauts! (Oh and Adam, too). The turkey is brining and goes into the oven at 8AM. That’s all I’m responsible for this year.
And as far as the troops coming home, ‘twould be wonderful but I wouldn’t hold my breath. I heard the plan is to reduce the force in Iraq by one-third, but some of them will be deployed to places like Kuwait to be the “instant reaction force” or some such nonsense.
Ah well, I’m most grateful this Thanksgiving that some GS-1 decided to look in the unmarked box earlier this year. Kinda makes you wonder what else they have down there.
David
November 23, 2005 at 9:47 pm
4Let’s try this once more, without randomly resting my fingers on keys that initiate Lobster-knows-what function.
‘Tis one of those days it feels great to be an American, Thanksgiving, especially if you’re from a family that knows how to load a Thanksgiving table (in my case Southern style).
Sure hope it isn’t spoiled by another stunt by our plastic Turkey-in-Chief.
cooper
November 23, 2005 at 11:04 pm
5dee, the best chefs say at least 8 hours in the brine (the salt migrates into the muscle and changes the protein molecule so that it will now more readily accept an H2O molecule, ie. it’s moister that way). So, who’s doing the banana pudding? Adam, have you ever had this dessert of the Gods? And not to be overlooked - Agnes Ballard’s (my own sweet Grandmother) Sweet Potato(e) Pudding.
If you harbor any doubts whatsoever about the mental state of George W. Bush, check out this story. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=16397937%26method=full%26site id=94762%26headline=bush%2dplot%2dto%2dbomb%2dhis%2darab%2dally%2d-nam e_page.html
Happy Thanksgiving all.
Don
November 23, 2005 at 11:53 pm
6Good times to you et al, Adam.
Can you remember all the way back to the deep dark days of FAF (with all those simultaneous threads)?
I wish you and yours many more good times and successes.
Jay
November 23, 2005 at 11:56 pm
7To follow up on Cooper’s story, I heard a report on BBC Tuesday night about this story. I can’t find the report online or I would have posted a link. They interviewed an American who talked at great length to justify the fact that Al Jazeera was not a legitimate news agency but was rather a mouthpiece for America’s enemies. Their reporters are therefore enemies in America’s War on Terror and the headquarters a legitimate military target. It made me cringe to think that this was the voice of America.
Happy Holidays everyone.
Jay
cooper
November 24, 2005 at 12:23 am
8One way to exit Iraq would be follow the sage advice of the former Republican Senator from Vermont, when speaking of the quagmire of Vietnam, “Let’s declare victory and get out!”
nigel
November 24, 2005 at 12:29 am
9Recent advances in string theory suggest it may be possible to put a hyperdimensional spin on the “why don’t we bomb Al-Jazeera story” and turn it to America’s advantage.
But more likely we’ll get a variation on the good ‘ol two dimensional “only the Enemy uses propaganda [/torture]. We would have bombed the mutherfuckers but… [Qatar has the world’s largest reserves of natural gas]…
Which suggests a neat summary of the Cheney/Bush admin: “crude, gas pressured; something stinks.”.
Long live the sheik, and God bless propane that we may more safely deep fry the bird out-of-doors.
Also Cesar Chavez for bailing out the Greedy Old Party on the fuel oil issue. Although global warming may render that issue moot–my barbeque remains stubbornly snow-free in late November and just might get a salmon thrown on it…).
Hot Tub Tommy
November 24, 2005 at 12:30 am
10Wait a minute, was that a cardboard box that held the John Coltrane/Monk recordings? That was mine! I gave it to an intern to store. I wondered what happened to it! Who do I see for royalties?
historyenne
November 24, 2005 at 3:14 am
11I just wanted to pop in to state that while I only occasionally post comments to this site, I always read and enjoy what the rest of you have to say. Adam’s right–the regular commenters profoundly enhance what is already a wonderful thing. Thank Lobster for you all!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Daino
November 24, 2005 at 6:13 am
12What, no trust in the Administration? Where’s one’s insights? It only makes sense that as our leaders accuse our other leaders of rewriting history that they rewrite a little miserty themselves.
At least we can look forward to 10 or 12 soldiers coming home so they can vote in jerrymandered districts, where the resident blacks and felons will be allowed to vote the following day.
Daino
dee
November 24, 2005 at 8:48 am
13cooper– I KNEW someone here would know the science. And anytime you want to share that sweet potato pudding recipe…
David
November 24, 2005 at 11:02 am
14Thanks for the link, Cooper. I’d been following the story second hand, but boy does this spell it out. Our plastic Turkey-in-Chief really is certifiable.
Jay’s post makes it pretty clear PTIC isn’t alone in his homicidal lunacy. Sounds like the kind of “reasoning” I’ve come to expect from AEI and the other PNAC folk, along with that idiot general, Mr. Boykin.
Also, Cooper, Agnes Ballard’s sweet potato pudding recipe would be most truly appreciated by one who considers the sweet potato the most perfect single food bestowed upon humankind by our loving and benevolent Lobster.
Jason
November 24, 2005 at 11:45 am
15Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. Sorry if I haven’t posted in a while.
rws
November 24, 2005 at 12:48 pm
16Nigel, Cesar Chavez founded the United Farm Workers. Hugo Chavez is the goofball Venezuelan strongman who is either bailing out the GOP or pissing off their Commander In Chief (and all his high-placed friends in the petroleum biz who ignored Joseph Kennedy’s letter asking for lower heating fuel prices for needy folks in a time of record profits for the industry).
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Leslie
November 24, 2005 at 3:07 pm
17Cooper, we’re not doing banana puddin’ today, but it is great stuff! We’re sticking with pumpkin chiffon pie and pecan pie, along with the first eggnog of the season. The turkey is roasting in the oven under its aluminum foil tent, and the potatoes are cooking. When they’re tender, we’ll whip them up light and fluffy. My mother-in-law is cooking the rest of the meal. You gotta love Thanksgiving! Have a great one, Felbernauts!
Leslie
Mimi
November 24, 2005 at 3:18 pm
18I’ve never posted before choosing to observe and be comforted with the knowledge there are folks out there with similar thinking to mine.
I feel compelled today. Maybe since it seems I have a synical view of Thanksgiving. Thanks for what!? Yes, thanks for my creature comforts but at what cost: sweat-shop consumer goods, politically driven false benevolence ie reduced price heating oil, the privilege of paying taxes for the support of imperialism?!
I have a question: With all the talk of withdrawing the troops in phases, I haven’t seen any plan for reducing the mandate of the military in Iraq. It seems to me that without a scope reduction, the smaller group of soldiers left behind would be more vulnerable. What am I missing?
Another question: How many billions of dollars a week are we spending on the military occupation of Iraq and Afganastan? Multiply that figure by 104, the number weeks for another 2 years. Who pays for that?
Sara J
November 24, 2005 at 4:48 pm
19Jay, I think I heard that report. It was like BBC pretending to be Jerry Springer. There was Frank Gaffney, formerly of the Reagan administration, and a spokesperson from Al Jazeera, and they had quite a heated conversation.
Gaffney pretty much said that if you broadcast something, and we say it’s propaganda for the enemy, we can bomb you and it’s okay.
Today I am thankful that Gaffney is not in any position to bomb anyone.
Amina
November 24, 2005 at 7:37 pm
20Happy Thanksgiving to all–hope it was happy, filling, and filled with family and friends.
I just ate one of the best TG meals ever (also Southern style), and then played soccer with everyone who could move, including a gaggle of little kids whose main playing tactic was to curl up and trip taller people….ooof.
ice weasel
November 24, 2005 at 8:36 pm
21Best of all Thanksgivings to everyone, even waterfouler (he says some chastised). No Turducken jokes WF, I promise.
Very best wishes for a wonderful and safe holiday with your loved ones.
Now, it’s time to get back to that cocktail…
tim
November 24, 2005 at 9:54 pm
22Adam, you left me out, and for good reason. I haven’t been commenting much, mostly due to Bush-induced stupidity fatigue. After so many years, about the only satire I can muster any more is to just point at the guy and say, “See?”
Thank goodness you haven’t succumbed yet. I still have you happily on my RSS subscription list, and I look forward to every post, as well the comments to which I rarely contribute.
Happy Holidays! (Oops, I think that just triggered a nasty e-mail from Jerry Falwell).
nigel
November 25, 2005 at 2:19 am
23rws,
Thanks–actually I’m worse with names than you imagine, because I was confusing him with Julio Cesar Chavez, the boxer(s). Hugo’s full name actually appears to be Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias, although Pravda, among others, appears to have been convinced his middle name was Cesar.
I still get a kick out of buying gas at Citgo.
Julie
November 25, 2005 at 12:57 pm
24Hi Adam and everyone,
I’ve been a devoted fan since last year when someone forwarded me Adam’s “Concession Speech.” I’ve never commented before but want to thank Adam and the rest of you for a great site. I check “FA” daily. I’m sure I’m not alone and that there are many silent readers who are bouyed by the fact that there are still engaged, thoughtful people in this country who manage to keep their sense of humor. The “Lobster” entries are the best. Keep up the good work.
Billy
November 25, 2005 at 5:06 pm
25Ya don’t want to believe anything you read in the Daily Mirror ladies and gentlemen, and this is not a defense of the President, I throughly loath all that he stands for, but, The Daily Mirror, you’d be better of with Entertainment Weekly for information..
Enjoy the rest of Thanksgiving and remember to give some thanks that unlike in England he can only reign for 2 more years, we had Thatcher for 12…….
cooper
November 25, 2005 at 9:37 pm
26dee, david, sorry no can publish the recipe. Sworn to secrecy on her death bed. You know how southern cooks can be.
nigel
November 25, 2005 at 9:58 pm
27Billy–
I suspect you’ll be proved wrong on this one. I’ll take the Mirror (or Entertainment Weekly) over Fox any day. Also the Foreign office is threatening not only the Mirror but also the Guardian and the Times against further disclosures (we didn’t rebel against the poms for nothing; at least news fit to print has a fighting chance).
Also:
White House spokesman Scott McClellan said he would not comment on “something so outlandish and inconceivable.'’
Thus it is, at least in part, true. This we hold self-evident.
Murray
November 25, 2005 at 10:58 pm
28Yes, Happy Thanksgiving Day yesterday, and today Happy Black Friday, the day retailers (that should be me but not this year again), make it into the black, as customers purchase themselves into a stupor.
Mimi, welcome, but even grouchy old geezers like me can find joy in being thankful for what I have and that I do live in America. (We will eventually throw off the oppression of the current administration).
Say folks it’s now officially Xmas time (Holiday season) and “Murray’s Brag and Gag Rag” is almost ready for shipping. If you would like to join those who signed up last year, I’ll be glad to send you my satirical take on my own Christmas letter. (Money back guarantee if you don’t find it entertaining). Just send your address to
murray@grouseland.com
and you will get this year’s 2nd annual special anniversary edition.
David
November 26, 2005 at 11:50 am
29Amina,
My kind of Southern experience, including this year a little soccer with my grandson, whose primary tactic was creating rules for scoring pretty much on a continuum.
Cooper,
Oh, yes, my deeply disappointed self thoroughly understands that rule from The Game of Life.
Mimi,
Since it’s now Saturday, back to the larger American realities, about which you are distressingly correct. There are, however, some folk in Congress, especially liberal Democrats, who are raising the issue of reducing the “God directed” (according to Bush) mandate in Iraq, including no permanent military bases, no overarching control of Iraqi oil, and actual sovereignty for Iraq. Another idea I’ve read somewhere and which I hope gains traction is war reparations to Iraq to be dispensed to Iraqis, by Iraqis, and for Iraqis (which would, of course, mean sending Chalabi into forced exile in some Central Asian country - the Iraqis will take care of the Roberstonian jihadists once we’re gone).
Murray
November 26, 2005 at 12:26 pm
30We should also raise our glass to commenter who have moved on, (or just changed their identity).
John Isbell, Jerry, jerry-the-conservatroll, and others.
Redshift
November 26, 2005 at 2:49 pm
31Happy Thanksgiving, all! And I hope you all, like me, successfully avoided the Black Friday madness.
cooper
November 27, 2005 at 12:01 pm
32Yeah, what happened to Jerry?
Mary
November 28, 2005 at 10:47 am
33Four days late and $10 short………….
Hope all had a good Thanksgiving. Even my cynical side took a rest and enjoyed friends and family- for all I am greatly thankful. Life, love, laughter and music are worth celebrating- even those new kids Monk and Coletrane
jerry-the-conservatroll
November 28, 2005 at 12:05 pm
34It’s nice to be remembered. I haven’t posted in a while and I apologize. The problem with being successful at work is they reward you with more work! It’s all I can do sometimes just keeping up with what y’all are writing.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Pete IVDL
November 29, 2005 at 11:42 am
35Aw, shucks, Mr Felber, you shouldnt’a oughta said all that stuff. (The check’s gone postal).
Hey, Jerry, nice to… er… read ya after so long! I was thinking aboutcha too, recently.
Happy (belated) Thanksgiving to y’all. Hope you avoided the roads and found the folks you love, instead of the other way around.
Only 26 shopping days till Xmas. Get in early. I wonder what PTIC is getting for Kofi this year? Oh, no, that’s right, it’s a Victory in Iraq, so the UN can send in peacekeepers. Again.
Amina
November 30, 2005 at 11:04 am
36Just a (really late) addendum to the Al-Jazeera string that was going on before. Some A-J staffers have actually started a Don’t Bomb Us blog: http://dontbomb.blogspot.com/ with plenty of links to their stories, which are, obviously, bomb-worthy. (they manage to keep a slightly humorous tone…)
David
December 5, 2005 at 9:35 pm
37Amina,
Glad I have a habit of periodically checking to older posts. Many thanks for the dontbomb.blogspot. Pretty bizarre that such a plea should even be necessary to the “Lighthouse of Liberty.”
Lobster love those AJers’ ability to maintain at least a gallows sense of humor.