A.M. Links: Ukraine Warns of Russian Invasion, Hillary Clinton Skeptical of Iran Nuke Deal, Taliban Attacks Prison in Afghanistan

• 

  Wikipedia

  Ukraine's ambassador to the United Nations warned that Russia could be planning an invasion of the eastern and southern Ukraine. Ukraine, meanwhile, appears poised to withdraw all military service members and their families from Crimea, even as the Ukrainian government insists it will never "stop fighting for the liberation of Crimea."

• In a speech at the American Jewish Congress, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was "personally skeptical" that a deal with Iran over its nuclear program can be successfully reached.
• Taliban fighters in Afghanistan launched an attack on a prison in Jalalabad, killing 10 police officers and a civilian. The attack included a suicide bomber, multiple bombs, and seven insurgents who were all killed in a four-hour firefight.
• A survey of more than 1,200 business owners found 38 percent said they would have to lay off workers if President Barack Obama's proposal to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 passes Congress. 
• The attorney general of New Jersey has ordered state police to stop photographing protesters at events featuring Governor Chris Christie (R-N.J.) under any circumstances.
• It reportedly costs Detroit $32 to process a $30 parking ticket, so bankruptcy consultants have suggested the city hike parking fines.
• Former championship-winning Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson accepted an offer to be president of the New York Knicks, returning to take full control of a team he played for in the '60s and '70s.

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Comments

[Fist of Etiquette]

Blog... out of danger?

[Slammer]

The needs of the commenters outweigh the needs of the squirrelz.

[Scruffy Nerfherder]

The squirrels have been expunged.

[Rufus J. Firefly]

Hello.

[Slammer]

Howdy!

[Doctor Whom]

Saluton.

[Rasilio]

Is it fixed?

I know I got logged out from Chrome yesterday and the login link goes to a blank page now

[Doctor Whom]

It did for me too on Firefox. I am permanently logged in using Safari, but this site is achingly slow using Safari.

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

As bad as reason can be, is there a worse-performing site than HuffPo? I saw that site crash a Mac the other day.

[Auric Demonocles]

Are we free to gambol across board and thread?

It appears so.

[UnCivilServant]

Um... the traditional New York greeting is something along the line of "Up yours" or "Piss off".

[Rich]

Let me be the first to thank whoever stayed up all night fixing the commenting, um, situation.

[Ted S.]

No, because Fisty is still commenting first. :-p

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

It reportedly costs Detroit $32 to process a $30 parking ticket, so bankruptcy consultants have suggested the city hike parking fines.

I learned it from watching you, President Obama!

[waffles]

I'm sure there are ways to process parking tickets for less, but that might mean some civil servant is out of a job.

[DontShootMe]

^This^

[a better weapon]

This is why I constantly suggest we ditch the term "public servant." The taxpayer is now beholden to the public sector workers and required to provide them livelihood, lest they be charged with wanting to "kill jerbs!".

The taxpayer can't even ask for accountability or efficiency, for the public servant's intentions are pure beyond question. Who is serving who exactly? The language is all backwards now and no longer describes the true nature of the relationship (if it ever did in the first place). "Public Masters" would be more accurate.

[RBS]

I agree, I hate the term "public servant". Especially when it's used in the context of our brave congressmen faithfully and diligently "serving" us little people.

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

I'll hate the term "public servant" right up until I get that sweet government attorney job.

[RBS]

Ha, as a small firm guy I have to admit the idea of a guaranteed salary is alluring.

[Swiss Servator, mehr Spr?ngli]

I went in house just for such a reason - I like it when my paycheck is regular...and clears every time.

[Zeb]

How about "government employees"? Says all you need to know.

[Citizen Nothing]

"Tax-fattened hyenas"?

[Ted S.]

I prefer to use "government sector" instead of "public sector".

[Ted S.]

If they're going to call themselves "public servants", I tell them to start acting servile. And I expect them to call me "sir" at all times.

[Zeb]

Somehow I don't feel all that respected when a cop or the bitchy lady at the DMV calls me "sir". I'd like them to call me "massah" and never make eye contact.

[perlhaqr]

"Public titsucker"?

[Scruffy Nerfherder]

Exactly. Maximum employment thru minimum efficiency.

[Auric Demonocles]

Do you realize how many green jobs this project is going to create?

[Citizen Nothing]

Then make it mandatory to park illegally.

[Rich]

Brilliant!

"It is now illegal to park legally."

[BardMetal]

Genius! Then when arrest people who refuse to park illegally we can fine them, or throw them in jail, which means hiring more prison guards which equal JOBS!!

[Doctor Whom]

And why not? Former police officers have told me that obeying all of the traffic laws leads to a reasonable suspicion that you're disobeying the law. In Soviet America, offense commits you!

[BardMetal]

Ah yes land of the free and the brave.

[RBS]

We actually have a state supreme court decision that affirms this.

[Michael S. Langston]

I've seen something like this in criminal court to where the state basically argues "I'm not sure why this person doesn't act or look or behave like the normal ________ - maybe that's part of their con and they get off knowing they're doing all this evil stuff when everyone else cannot see it."

Meanwhile I thought... So let me get this straight - the argument is that the lack of evidence is evidence by itself.

What a f**ked country we have where this is an actual legal argument.... and apparently, a state supreme court decision as well.

Why keep pretending? They should just pass a law saying something along the lines of "everything is illegal as determined by LEO & politicians at the time of the infraction/arrest" - because if evidence is evidence and lack of evidence is evidence... we're already there anyway.

I've posted this quote in so many places - including here recently - I'm starting to think I should stop... but here's Lincoln - discussing his potential Atlas Shrugged moment:

As a nation, we began by declaring that "all men are created equal." We now practically read it "all men are created equal, except negroes" When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read "all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics." When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretence of loving liberty -- to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocracy [sic].

[Doctor Whom]

They've found a way to lose money on parking tickets? HAHAHAthudHAHAHA! But remember: It's capitalism that killed Detroit; Tony told us so.

[Auric Demonocles]

If you disagree you're racist.

[Bam!]

Not bad for government work.

[perlhaqr]

I'm kind of surprised the loss is only that bad.

[CampingInYourPark]

The Commander in Chief is on Ellen live via satellite from Washington D.C. in his first appearance on the show since being elected to office! PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA will be talking to our host from the White House, and Ellen is ready to entertain her VIP guest with an inspiring conversation. Both Pres. Obama and our host have proven their dance moves, their desire for good, and their Twitter skills. Now the leader of the free world, and the champion of comedy will get into the President's new health care initiative. From L.A. to D.C., Ellen rolls out the red carpet for the United States' fearless and brilliant head of state!

http://www.ellentv.com/episode.....-premiere/

[Rufus J. Firefly]

Putin readies for battle and this guy goes on Ellen.

/face palm.

[DontShootMe]

You want he should issue another stern warning instead?

[BigT]

I understand Putin has N Dakota State winning it all in the pool. Fool!

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

I don't understand the point. Would you rather we go to war?

[PM]

The classy diplomatic response is to at least feign concern.

But then what's classier than daytime talk TV? Not a goddamn thing, that's what.

[Swiss Servator, mehr Spr?ngli]

It just screams serious.

"Hey look at my bracket! I'm going on Ellen!"

*Rest of world vacillating between nausea and/or laughter*

[Rufus J. Firefly]

I'm not saying that. Just highlighting the difference in where each has their priorities. Obama is a celebrity President and seems oblivious to how he's perceived. You can't go on fucking Ellen and then issue stern warnings and expect Putin to take you seriously.

My liberal friend said it best about Bush. 'At least Bush kept the world on their toes with his itchy trigger finger."

Even when Obama uses force no one seems to be worried.

[Steve G]

Obama's been fucking Ellen??

[Ska]

She'd probably go straight for him.

[Mickey Rat]

No, he is a woman with a penis for her.

[gaijin]

Obama's been fucking Ellen??

More like cuddling and talking.

[Night Elf Mohawk]

I wonder if acting like an unconcerned pussy could somehow make it more likely someone like, say, Putin, would act, believing you won't respond.

[wareagle]

when you do act concerned and say things like "red line" and then act like a pussy, Putin understands who and what you are.

[CampingInYourPark]

Acting like a pussy and making "red line" statements just shows Obama was serious about having flexibility after the election.

[Stormy Dragon]

I don't think how the president acts has one iota to do with how Putin responds. It's what the president does that counts. And specifically the last two presidents have spent 10 years grinding down our military readiness in the Middle East and Central Asia saw that we no longer have enough unengaged troops to do anything.

We're basically Gulliver, tied down by hordes of Lillputian conflicts around the world that have left us unable to respond to a serious foe with anything but words.

[Michael S. Langston]

I don't think how the president acts has one iota to do with how Putin responds.

Well, Putin is human - and nations do try to "punish" others based upon losing face and other such nonsense... so I wouldn't be so sure Obama's act isn't motivating Putin in some way.

Though I will sort of agree and say it is unlikely that Putin would do anything really stupid just because of Obama - he didn't get out the military just for Obama.

It's what the president does that counts.

This is sort of true - but really what counts is what Obama can do which actually negative affects Russia/Putin.

& assuming the embargoes fail to have the effect Obama wants, Obama makes himself and the US look weak (I'm assuming at minimum Obama wants it to effect them bad enough to make them rethink some recent decisions and I would be willing to bet for various reasons that the embargo won't hurt Russia a great deal).

& that's the problem and why he continues to make the US look weak - not due to lack of military - as we're pretty engaged in other things right now - but he keeps threatening things that are meaningless or impossible to do.

Contemplate if someone at your work - a supervisor or sorts, but someone without firing capabilities gets really mad at you because you were right and they threaten to fire you.... but you know s/he cannot do that.

Where does your respect level go for that person after this encounter & does it ever recover?

That's how Putin rightfully sees Obama...

[Michael S. Langston]

A follow-up though... to this:

as we're pretty engaged in other things right now

Even if we had the great military people think we've lost and even if we weren't in two wars right now - the American public would not and should not allow the US to get into battles/actions with Russia over the Ukraine.

This would be incredibly dangerous, risky, stupid, and I doubt the American public, at any point in the last 30 years, would be willing to allow full scale operations to prevent Russia from pushing the Ukraine around.

Bosnia? Somalia? Others... Sure, they're all stupid as the US has no interest to be there, but none carry the risk of potential escalated conflict, up to and including war, with Russia or China.

This is why Obama and Biden should shut up about red-lines and other such nonsense - and if they really care (which they don't - based upon their actions) - they could try to push this in public opinion and possibly get UN embargoes, which might be a little meaningful... but they aren't doing that because the goal is not to free the Ukraine from Russian influence of military.

This is nothing more than deliberate obfuscation - so long as we're talking about Russia - we're not talking about domestic policies.

& to everyone except Tony - there's obvious reasons this administration doesn't want to talk about the US.

[Restoras]

He's an IDIOT. What else do you think he would do?

[Rich]

He should at least challenge Putin to "go on Ellen".

*** chews on lip ***

[Restoras]

Do you htink she is into that? I'd be surprised but I guess you never know...

[BigT]

Don't forget Putin also upgraded his female companionship last year, divorcing the wife and dating this.

Putin appreciates more than just Obama's flexibility.

[Rich]

Good Lord.

[CampingInYourPark]

I was actually more taken aback by the slavish rhetoric in the mode of a Kim Jung Un disciple than whether Obama was doing anything worthwhile:

"From L.A. to D.C., Ellen rolls out the red carpet for the United States' fearless and brilliant head of state!"

[Zeb]

Yeah, that seemed a bit much.

But I'm sure having the president on your show is good for ratings. And you probably have to kiss a lot of ass to get him on.

[Fist of Etiquette]

It reportedly costs Detroit $32 to process a $30 parking ticket, so bankruptcy consultants have suggested the city hike parking fines.

Motor city makes sure it lives up to the name.

[UnCivilServant]

Shouldn't ending enforcement work better? I mean, Detroit has a glut of new parking lots from razed buildings after all.

[gaijin]

Cutting costs is never an option with govercrats.

[CampingInYourPark]

WASHINGTON, March 20 (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose less than expected last week, pointing to some underlying strength in the labor market.

If those unemployment benefit claims will just keep rising less than expected we will soon be at full employment

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/.....04355.html

[Fist of Etiquette]

The attorney general of New Jersey has ordered state police to stop photographing protesters at events featuring Governor Chris Christie (R-N.J.) under any circumstances.

Just beat the shit out of them.

[Lord Humungus]

Is Ed Houben Europe's most virile man?

Ed Houben has come to see his daughter for the first time. He talks gently to the six-week-old baby, and little Madita looks up at him. She is, he says, his 98th child.

Mr Houben is a "charitable sperm donor". He helps lesbian couples, single women and heterosexual couples with fertility problems to have children free of charge.

...snip...

He now donates his sperm in the "traditional way". Using the apparatus God gave him rather than a syringe. "Much better chance of conception," he says.

[UnCivilServant]

On this side of the ocean, he'd be in for a mountain of child support lawsuits.

[Jon Lester]

Surely he makes them all sign a stack of waivers so they don't try to ruin him in court later.

[Michael S. Langston]

Surely he makes them all sign a stack of waivers so they don't try to ruin him in court later.

I'm pretty sure that was tried and has already failed in US courts - the argument was they should've gotten the entire thing done through a doctor - then the contract would've been fine.

The new world - where brave and free men must always ask permission first.

[Slammer]

West Hartford Officials Demand Removal Of 'Lost Dogs' Signs

"It's everywhere. It's overwhelming," Public Works Director John Phillips said. "There must be hundreds. Public infrastructure is not the venue to display that.

"I sympathize, but after the dogs are found, do people take them down?" Phillips said. "They become blight and litter."

Self awareness?

[Rich]

blight and litter

Nice legal firm name.

[UnCivilServant]

"I sympathize, but after the dogs are found, do people take them down?"

What makes him think these dogs are ever found?

[BigT]

What makes him think these dogs are ever found?

Found dead. After encountering a peace officer.

That explains why the flyers aren't removed. People are in mourning.

[Scruffy Nerfherder]

If the people object to them, they can certainly remove them on their own.

[Zeb]

Yeah, but who wants to be the asshole who goes around taking down lost dog signs?

[Fist of Etiquette]

A survey of more than 1,200 business owners found 38 percent said they would have to lay off workers if President Barack Obama's proposal to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 passes Congress.

Obama's economists are going to be around with bats to explain why that's not the case.

[Ted S.]

Those 38% had better be preparing for their tax audits.

[Doctor Whom]

Let's put that teathuglican sound bite to rest. The minimum wage has nothing to do with employment; my progressive Facebook friends tell me so.

[DontShootMe]

Do any of your progressive Facebook friends actually make minimum wage? Work in a place that pays any of its employees minimum wage?

[Ted S.]

I don't think any of them work.

[BigT]

Yeah, we should make it $1000/hr. That way everyone would be a millionaire!!

[Doctor Whom]

Mint $1T platinum coins and use those to increase the minimum wage. If you disagree, then you obviously hate the working poor.

[perlhaqr]

Shit, I hate everyone!

[gaijin]

You clearly do not have a phD in econ. According to Krugmath, this means that 62% of business owners will not layoff people under the new min wage. Therefore, 62% of all jobs will benefit from higher wages. Get it you Austrian, you?

[UnCivilServant]

Those 62% said they'd reduce hours for workers instead.

[gaijin]

Yes, but those workers will then be able to pursue their dreams with the extra time instead of toiling at jobs that are practically like slavery.

[Auric Demonocles]

Why would they need to explain why racists are firing people just to make the President look bad?

[Ted S.]

Former championship-winning Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson accepted an offer to be president of the New York Knicks,

Only 48 hours behind the official announcement, and several days behind the unofficial announcement. Is Charles Oliver doing the AM Links now?

[Rufus J. Firefly]

Seriously.

[Lord Humungus]

Gym tells woman she's intimidating guests with 'toned body'

Austin said things started out well. She hopped on a treadmill, set the speed to slow, put her earbuds in and started walking. She started to notice others staring at her, and quickly grew self-conscious but she kept on walking. That is until a staff-member stopped her.

According to Austin that staff member said, "excuse me we've had some complaints you're intimidating people with your toned body. So can you put on a shirt?"

[waffles]

She's normal looking to me. Don't flatter yourself honey, you're nothing special.

[waffles]

Well I missed the point entirely. It seems the beef is with Planet Fitness attempting to set up a Warty-free zone.

[gaijin]

Planet Fitless

[Slammer]

HA! HamPlanet Fitness.

[gimmeasammich]

I go to a Planet Fitness just because it is close and cheap. I really hate the Smith machine, but it is better than nothing. I have gotten results from going there, but I am definitely looking for a real gym with actual power racks like I'm used to. I've never seen the bagels, pizza, and candy, but that may be because I go during the day.

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

It seems to me that Planet Fitness's model is just good business sense.

[Steve G]

LOL. What model is that, if you actually achieve results, please leave?
Planet Fitness is like the NAACP of gyms, always ensuring their members stay victims

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

Planet Fitness "had $519.7 million in revenue in 2011, landing it at No. 1,752 on the Inc. 5000. Planet Fitness has about 4.4 million members and 616 clubs across 48 states."

Yeah, what a stupid model. Will you call me when you make 500 million in revenue? I'll be waiting by the phone...no really.

[Warty]

if you actually achieve results, please leave

Yes, precisely. This is a place that bans deadlifts, gives away free bagels, pizza, and candy to its members, and goes out of its way to make strong people unwelcome. Its whole purpose is to tell fat fucks that it's not their fault they're fat weak pitiful slobs. It's genius.

[Steve G]

But you're absolutely right NK, they're killing it business-wise by catering to that huge swath of the population...

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

So when I said it was good business sense, I was right? Huh.

[Steve G]

Never said you weren't (and even followed up w/ "you're absolutely right" to clarify my first reply was just commentary), but if gloating makes you feel better, knock yourself out.

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

So your LOL was superfluous nonsense then?

[Steve G]

No, work on your reading comprehension and calibrate your sarcasm meter

[CampingInYourPark]

He'll try better when he logs in as Bo Cara, Esq.

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

Right, now it's sarcasm. Because you fucked up your argument and you can't admit being wrong, it's my fault. OK.

[Steve G]

Read again, dumbass, I wasn't arguing with you.

[Steve G]

Ah, when all else fails declare someone a sock. Wow, you really got me Camping.

[CampingInYourPark]

I wasn't referring to you

[Steve G]

Ok, we cool 🙂

[RBS]

It definitely is. As lame as the place is from a training perspective (to me at least) you can't really hate them for cashing in on the millions of people who either sign up for a membership and never go after the first few weeks or do go but don't want to be around people like me. It sucks they (and other chains) are driving the old school gyms put of business but that's not PF's fault.

[Steve G]

Fortunately their business model isn't the only successful one out there.

http://www.fastcompany.com/302.....m-crossfit

[Ted S.]

Ah, the "judgment-free zone".

[Auric Demonocles]

It's like sarc's bit on tolerance.

[The DerpRider]

Honestly. I was waiting for an actual toned body.

[Matrix]

all the fatties were too jealous?

[Swiss Servator, mehr Spr?ngli]

This.

[The DerpRider]

As I understand it, Planet Fitness is a place for slobs to go to say they go to the gym, but eat donuts and pizza. My wife laughed when she read they don't allow people to dead lift.

[NoVAHockey]

I dead lift and my wife dead lifts. you know how she hurt her back .. shoveling snow.

[The DerpRider]

Yeah. Damn snow. Lift all week and no problem. Shovel and backache.

And there is nothing sexier than a woman who lifts. My wife makes that woman look like a giant marshmallow.

[The DerpRider]

Yeah. Damn snow. Lift all week and no problem. Shovel and backache.

And there is nothing sexier than a woman who lifts. My wife makes that woman look like a giant marshmallow.

[The DerpRider]

Squirrlz!

[Ted S.]

I don't find female bodybuilders sexy. There's a point at which there's too much muscle.

[Warty]

Those women are unsexy because those women are on a daily gram of test. It's not possible for a woman to get muscled like a man on steroids without becoming a man on steroids.

[RBS]

Mmmmmm, who doesn't love a big ol penoris?

[perlhaqr]

Well, it does make it easier to find...

[Zeb]

I find female athletes very attractive (well, the ones with nice faces anyway). But female body builders are just freaks.

[The DerpRider]

Not competition bodybuilders. I agree. Google female hardbody and enjoy.

[The DerpRider]

Female hardbody.

[Rasilio]

I was going to guess not spening enough time on it

[NoVAHockey]

you know, that's actually not a problem.

[Auric Demonocles]

I went there for the summer right after college when I lost the use of that gym and had very very limited funds.

It seemed to be almost entirely for people to go and walk on a treadmill. And yes, they give out free pizza and donuts on particular days.

[Auric Demonocles]

Sorry, I think it was bagels not donuts. I never picked them up on the couple of times I was there during the free breakfast time.

[Restoras]

Seriously? She looks like a lazy slob compared to some of the women in my gym.

[Swiss Servator, mehr Spr?ngli]

Imagine who this guy is referring to then...

Borges says, "it's unfair to show off your body" because it can make other people feel bad.

Gah!

[DJF]

How about exercising, isn't it unfair for some people to exercise because it makes people who don't exercise feel bad?

Planet Fitness should get rid of its exercise equipment and rename itself Planet Couch.

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

yeah over 500 locations and 200 mill in revenue...damn Planet Fitness and its wild success.

[Auric Demonocles]

Do you have a point anywhere?

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

Does anyone bagging on PF have one?

There are a lot of people who feel like the fitness industry is one big Globo-gym, and that's not what they are looking for. But you know fuck diversity and capitalism...let's act like cranky grandfathers from the 1940s and shake our heads at kids these days!

[The DerpRider]

The place is weird. They bag on people for working hard. Daring I say 'othering'... You can't make any noise while lifting. Just strange.

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

From another perspective, the fact that people feel the need to make long, 90db gruntscreams every time they accomplish something is also weird.

[DJF]

I am not saying they can't have their own rules, but it does not stop me from joking on their reasoning. Especially since they have no problem joking on others fitness. They do it in their ads, why can't I do it to them?

[Rasilio]

That you guys are being idiots on this issue.

One of the things which turns people off from making positive changes in their lives and starting to work out is the snotty attitude you workout warriors are displaying in this thread.

The "fatty" shows up at the gym and gets mocked mercilessly for even trying by assholes who don't comprehend that even showing up in the first place was likely harder than anything they ever did and so they STOP trying.

Planet Fitness might not be the most perfect Gym to achieve physica perfection but their business model caters to the majority of Americans who are in shitty shape and want to do something about it without dealing with Asshole Addonnis types mocking them for not being physically perfect.

[The DerpRider]

We have some really big people at our gym, and you would be amazed at the encouragement they get. It's probably different because it's a small local place and not a big ass Gold's or whatever. My wife works out with a woman who was terrified to be seen because she weighed almost 300 lbs. They would go in very early a.m. so she was more comfortable. The woman has lost over 100lbs in the past year and not because anyone was easy on her.

[Steve G]

The point is, PF, despite their glorious business success NK, goes over the top in their supposed defense of people who they would actually prefer to never make progress. Because if they do and dare display it either visually or audibly, they'll be asked to leave.
Just because "fatties" feel insecure in gyms, doesn't mean non-fatties are making fun of them either by wearing a tank-top or actually straining on a 1RM bench press.

[Bones]

Instead of being inspired that hard work at this gym will get you a toned body, cover the bitch up for making us waaaaaaaaahhhhh. America 2014 is a strange, sad place.

[a better weapon]

They told her to cover up and nothing else. Her over-inflated ego tells the world that it's because she's "too toned." She is in great shape and I'm sure many women would kill to have her physique, but "too toned" is way down the list of how to describe her. She is fit, and toned in some of the right areas. Nothing more.

More likely answer: The manager likes to call this place a "family gym" and has a dress code that doesn't allow bare midriffs. She used to be fat and is now damn full of herself.

[Auric Demonocles]

I see you aren't familiar with the company.

[a better weapon]

I don't believe I am. So if my assumption is wrong, the only option left is that this is a gym that caters to ultra-fat and out of shape people under the claim "you won't feel intimidated going to our gym" and this gym's clientele are sooo fucking lazy that this slightly above average woman looks like an idealized marble relic preserved at the Roman coliseum to them?

Holy run-on, Batman, but if that's true, then that's fucking sad.

[gimmeasammich]

the only option left is that this is a gym that caters to ultra-fat and out of shape people

This. They have No Intimidation, Judgement Free Zone, and other mottoes on the walls in giant letters.

[Ted S.]

More likely answer: The manager likes to call this place a "family gym" and has a dress code that doesn't allow bare midriffs.

Seriously, what does the contract say about how much skin they're allowed to display? Obviously customers aren't allowed to go around stark naked, but it certainly sounds like PF is making a judgment in the middle of their alleged judgment-free zone.

[Ted S.]

More likely answer: The manager likes to call this place a "family gym" and has a dress code that doesn't allow bare midriffs.

Seriously, what does the contract say about how much skin they're allowed to display? Obviously customers aren't allowed to go around stark naked, but it certainly sounds like PF is making a judgment in the middle of their alleged judgment-free zone.

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

JFC, come off it already. It's like you guys insist on being hypertechnical when you know damn well what the overall point of the policy is. Yes, it would be really productive to have 100-page contracts specifying the precise percentage of skin that can be displayed in different zones of the gym.

[Ted S.]

I noticed one of the "other news headlines" along the left side of the page was "What to know about Obama's March Madness bracket".

Seriously, why should we give a shit about any politician's NCAA picks?

[RBS]

Oh, you mean BARACKOTOLOGY?

[waffles]

The attorney general of New Jersey has ordered state police to stop photographing protesters at events featuring Governor Chris Christie (R-N.J.) under any circumstances

The War on Cameras continues unabated. Wait...

[Slammer]

We're gonna need a wider lens.

[Fist of Etiquette]

Shouldn't that alt-text be "Crimea River"?

[Rich]

What a Volga comment!

[sloopyinca]

Let's see you Snake out of that pun.

[gaijin]

Just leave Danube alone

[Rich]

Are you inSeine?

[Lord Humungus]

Jesse Jackson takes on tech's lack of diversity

Earl "Butch" Graves Jr., president and CEO of Black Enterprise magazine, says Jackson is shining a light on the fact that technology companies don't come close to hiring or spending what is commensurate with the demographics of their customers.

It's widely recognized that the tech industry lacks diversity: About one in 14 tech workers is black or Latino both in Silicon Valley and nationally. Blacks and Hispanics make up 13.1 and 16.9 percent of the U.S. population, respectively, according to the most recent census data.

"Technology is supposed to be about inclusion, but sadly, patterns of exclusion remains the order of the day," Jackson wrote in a letter released Monday to Apple Inc., Twitter Inc., Facebook Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., Google Inc. and others.

[robc]

Im betting the percent of black interviewees hired is way above that of whites. The problem is in supply, not demand.

[Rufus J. Firefly]

I don't understand why they give him the time of day? Does he still pull that much weight? Tell the opportunistic race hustler to fuck off already.

[Ted S.]

They should all call him Hymietown Jackson.

[Rasilio]

So when is he going to take on the African American and Latino Communities for their failure to study computer programming/science at the same rates as other communities?

[Restoras]

So when is he going to take on the African American and Latino Communities for their failure to study computer programming/science even bother finishing school to begin with at the same rates as other communities?

I think this is more accurate...

[Ted S.]

"(White) children, not Indians" is racist.

"(Black) children, not Indians" is virtuous.

[BardMetal]

Well one statement was uttered by a white man thus racist, the other was uttered by a black man thus not racist, despite the fact that they basically said the exact same thing.

Plus that white guy was German so that um like um super racist or something.

[Spoonman.]

...This is from April 6, 2000.

[BardMetal]

I'm sorry, but aren't we supposed to judge people by the content of their character, and not the color of their skin, or did I miss something?

[Doctor Whom]

That was memory-holed ages ago.

[gaijin]

judge people by the content of their character,

Apparently, that does not pay as well as judging by color.

[Slammer]

Someone mentioned yesterday when Jackson tried this shit on another company they dropped a huge file in front of him investigating all his shady business deals and stuff and he split. The company later caved, though. Anyone remember which company, because I forgot.

[The DerpRider]

Coors.

[Steve G]

That sounds like an interesting story, seriously

[sloopyinca]

By their logic, shouldn't Latinos be eating all the vegetables?

[sloopyinca]

By their logic, shouldn't Latinos be eating all the vegetables?

[sloopyinca]

By their logic, shouldn't Latinos be eating like, A LOT of vegetables?

[Rich]

Do you mean *all* of them?

[robc]

Dovto squirrelpocalypse, i only posted on some odd thread, but i ended up on jury Tuesday. Any faith in humanity I had was killed by the voir dire pricess. Then the witnesses dug up the corpse and spat on it.

Details after its over and im legally allowed to discuss.

[Rich]

Any faith in humanity I had was killed by the voir dire pricess.

We *told you so*.

[UnCivilServant]

Good luck.

[Lord Humungus]

I thought it was Warty doing a couple of squats...

Scientists say destructive solar blasts narrowly missed Earth in 2012

The bursts would have wreaked havoc on the Earth's magnetic field, matching the severity of the 1859 Carrington event, the largest solar magnetic storm ever reported on the planet. That blast knocked out the telegraph system across the United States, according to University of California, Berkeley research physicist Janet Luhmann.

"Had it hit Earth, it probably would have been like the big one in 1859, but the effect today, with our modern technologies, would have been tremendous," Luhmann said in a statement.

[Auric Demonocles]

Massive bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields, shot into space on July 23, 2012, would have been aimed directly at Earth if they had happened nine days earlier, Luhmann said.

That means it was roughly 23 million kilometers away.

[Matrix]

Is gluten bad for you?
Short answer: Only if you suffer celiac disease. No verified health benefits for non-celiac sufferers.
Why is there an uptick in celiac disease? Theories: Our overly sanitized society and/or heavy reliance on baby formula over breastfeeding.

So health fanatics need to stop pushing this "gluten-free" bullshit. You're just wasting money.

[DontShootMe]

Shhhhh, less demand for gluten means the foods I like to eat might become less expensive. Let the hipsters waste their money.

[BardMetal]

Has there ever been a clear definition of "Hipster"? Other then some jackass in a fedora, and sweater drinking PBR?

[Swiss Servator, mehr Spr?ngli]

You forgot "and an ironic beard".

[Matrix]

and guys wearing skinny jeans. thick rimmed glasses when they don't need glasses. mismatched clothes and a skinny tie that is not tied very well and hangs loose from the neck.

[BardMetal]

I guess a better question might be "why does this type of creature even exist?"

[gimmeasammich]

I seem to remember someone posting an article a couple of weeks ago that mentioned monocles as the latest trend/anti-trend.

[Emmerson Biggins]

Need a scarf too. And some funny sunglasses.

[Steve G]

I have the same reaction to every "meat is bad" article that comes out.

[PM]

Why is there an uptick in celiac disease?

Because it's more fashionable with anti-vax soccer moms than ADHD?

[Rasilio]

Don't forget the belief by some that gluten causes/exacerbates ADHD

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

Because it's more fashionable with anti-vax soccer moms than ADHD?

I thought ADHD was so "out".

[PM]

It is indeed a bit passe. We're all aspies now.

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

Yes, that's right, because Aspberger's shows how special a snowflake your child is. He's a secret genius, just like Rain Man!

[Scruffy Nerfherder]

If you actually had a kid with Asperger's, you would realize it's not anything to brag about. It's physically and emotionally draining.

[PBR Streetgang]

absolutely true.

[RightofCenter]

As a parent of a kid with Down Syndrome, I've learned to laugh at the "count to potato" meme and to hear "retard" without flipping out. So I hope you're not too offended when I say I chuckle like a 5-year-old every time someone talks about Aspberger's. I can hear Homer saying "Mmmmm...ass burgers!"

[RightofCenter]

Hmm that was a reply to Scruffy, you retarded aspie squirrels!

[Scruffy Nerfherder]

We're all aspies now.

On this blog, yes.

[Rasilio]

This is true but not accurate. The proper way to phrase it is gluten is bad for you if you have an allergy to it. You don't need to have full on celiac disease to suffer negative effects from gluten. However if you are not allergic or sensitive to gluten then you don't actually get any benefit from avoiding it.

For example, in my wifes case she does not have celiac but she does have IBS which disappears completely if she avoids gluten. With me however the only benefit I'd get from avoiding gluten is cutting my carb intake which would help with weight loss assuming I didn't just replace the breads with other starchy foods

[Scruffy Nerfherder]

Or if you have leaky gut.

[Steve G]

^ This. Getting tired of the narrow minded "takedowns" of going gluten-free as if celiac is the only issue.

[a better weapon]

I've read before that most of the food distributors that provide grain good to the US grow/import mostly a variety of dwarf wheat that is extremely high yielding.

It satisfies our demand, but the drawback is that the gluten protein is far more concentrated in dwarf wheat than traditional wheat varieties. Many people have varying sensitivities to gluten, but it never presents physically or obviously in most people. Increasing the gluten means more people cross that threshold and become aware of their sensitivity.

It's an interesting theory. My wife suffers from gluten intolerance AND a wheat allergy, so unlike most gluten-free people, she still can't have whisky... poor thing.

[Scruffy Nerfherder]

Quite often, gluten intolerance means that the gluten protein is passing partially digested thru the lining of the stomach instead of making it to the small intestine. The partially digested gluten molecules are gluteomorphins and will bind to opiate receptors. The same process can occur with casein proteins but is not as common.

The immune system develops a sensitivity to the gluteomorphins but at the same time the body will develop a craving due to the opiate effects.

[BigT]

Sloopy set up a NCAA hoops pool on Yahoo.

Group ID 491469. No password needed.

[Rufus J. Firefly]

I'm stalled on FLO/KAN. Is Kansas legit this year?

[Raven Nation]

I'm a KU guy: bottom line - if Embiid is back & match fit, they have a legit shot of winning it all. If not, they probably won't beat FL and may not even get that far.

Word out of Lawrence is still that Embiid is out the first weekend but may be back for the regional games - if that get that far.

[sloopyinca]

Linky:

Sorry I was so late this year, guys. A lot on my plate at the moment.

[Rufus J. Firefly]

Link?

[Raven Nation]

Go here:

http://sports.yahoo.com/

Right hand side, "Last Chance Sign Up For Torney Pick 'em."

Then click on "Join a Private Pool"; group # = 491469, no password required.

[Rufus J. Firefly]

but you need a yahoo account?

[Raven Nation]

Not sure. I have a Yahoo e-mail so I always get automatically logged in. I think you may have to create one but it's pretty simple.

[sloopyinca]

Also, they have a working comments page there, so....bonus!

[Lord Humungus]

dammit, they found my secret lair

Possible debris off Australia a 'credible lead' for missing Malaysia jet

Aircraft and ships ploughed through dire weather on Thursday in search of objects floating in remote seas off Australia that Malaysia's government called a "credible lead" in the trans-continental hunt for a jetliner missing for nearly two weeks.

The large objects, which Australian officials said were spotted by satellite four days ago in one of the remotest parts of the globe, are the most promising find in days as searchers scour a vast area for the plane lost with 239 people on board.

[Lord Humungus]

GM's Ignition Victims Need Help From Bankruptcy Judge

Lawyers looking to sue General Motors Co. (GM) after its global recall of 1.6 million vehicles over an ignition defect may find their path blocked by a judge's order five years ago in the company's reorganization.

Allegations about deaths or economic losses occurring before July 2009 were barred by a bankruptcy judge when he approved the sale of the automaker's assets to the new GM. Attorneys are now examining pre-bankruptcy deaths and claims with a view to getting the ban lifted.

[Ted S.]

Not gonna happen. Not politically expedient like going after Toyota.

[gaijin]

^Exactly. They did not save detroit to kill it...at least not before 2016.

[Lord Humungus]

Colorado health exchange workers are paid more than similar positions in three other states

One-fifth of the employees of Colorado's health care exchange made more than $100,000 a year in salary and bonuses ? with the executive director's pay exceeding $190,000 in 2013, exchange records show.

And nearly half of the 36 exchange employees make more than $80,000 a year.

The exchange also provides a lucrative retirement plan, contributing as much as 10 percent of an employee's salary for retirement.

[Rich]

Man Detained at Airport After Announcing 'I Have a Bomb In My Ass'

At least he didn't say "This is abominable!"

[Mokers]

I see they won't just stop with the snuke

[gaijin]

'I Have a Bomb In My Ass'

Eating airport food will do that to you I suppose.

[sarcasmic]

'I get messages of support from all over the world from fat people saying thank you': 25st 'Fat Girl Dancing' becomes internet sensation with 2.5m views

Had a childhood passion for dance, but stopped when she gained weight
Body insecurities led her to battle eating disorders in her twenties
She returned to dance and posted video online
Millions have viewed her channel, sending messages of support
Now launched 'No Body Shame Campaign' to encourage self acceptance

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/fem.....viral.html
John says "SHA-WING!"

[Swiss Servator, mehr Spr?ngli]

"Body insecurities led her to battle eating disorders in her twenties"

So...she ate a lot and got fat then?

[SugarFree]

I'd say she traded one eating disorder for another, but overeating is not considered an eating disorder.

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

I see PCOS rears its made-up head in that article.

[SugarFree]

It's an epidemic. A self-serving epidemic.

[The DerpRider]

Reason March Madness Pool. Search for Pool ID#: 491469

[Rufus J. Firefly]

Sez group has been disabled?

[PM]

"Differently abled". Check your privilege.

[The DerpRider]

Go to search and put in the number. I ran into the same issue with it saying it was disabled on the direct link.

[sarcasmic]

Sticky situation: The amazing honey hunters who risk their lives in the foothills of the Himalayas to collect honey from the hives of the world's largest honeybees

Honey hunters are based in the hilltop village of the Gurung tribe, in central Nepal's Kaski district
The honey hunters use smoke, ladders and rope to precariously balance and stab at the honey to collect it
However, the tribal way of life is in jeopardy due to decreasing bee populations and climate change
Tribes are now facing a loss in their way of life, partly due to government intervention in honey exports
The tribal leaders have also considered accepting tourists and harvesting out of season for short term monetary gain

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/new.....ybees.html
I don't care what you think about the Daily Mail, you gotta see this. It's fucking insane.

[Rich]

Wow.

"Bringing you the finest honey from giant bees since 11,000 BC."

[Bam!]

That's how the Professor lost his first crew.

[Elspeth Flashman]

"New crew? What happened to the old crew?"

[Freedom Frog]

Kiinell, Brighton, United Kingdom, 2 hours ago
Sorry, but why can't we find a way to make honey ourselves and leave the poor bees alone?

Jesus Fucking Christ. Seriously?

[Jon Lester]

Marco Rubio submits a stupid op-ed to WaPo and is almost unanimously trashed in comments.

[PM]

I think this is more attributable to the stopped clock is right twice a day theory than to any particular insight of the WaPo commentariat. They'd have trashed Rubio if he penned an op ed condemning human sacrifice or expressing his love of puppies.

[Jon Lester]

Half of the people trashing him are woefully misinformed about the situation (exactly because of WaPo et al) but none of them are wrong to feel what they do. He might want to sit out the 2016 presidential race.

[sarcasmic]

Man Detained at Airport After Announcing 'I Have a Bomb In My Ass"

http://www.breitbart.com/Insta.....mb-In-My-A

[Scruffy Nerfherder]

He was just referring to that bean burrito he ate earlier that day.

[Injun, as in from India]

In a speech at the American Jewish Congress, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was "personally skeptical" that a deal with Iran over its nuclear program can be successfully reached.

There you go. Playing both the war-averse and warboner sides.

[BardMetal]

Oh what difference at this point does it make?

[Lord Humungus]

last night I watched the documentary "The House I Live In" which concerns the drug war. Some interesting stats and stories out there...

a few points struck me as contentious:

- Drug War was started as a way to oppress minorities. Their examples were Opium = anti-Chinese "They took our Jerbz", same with Mexicans and weed, along with blacks migrating north.

- many interviews with the creator of The Wire - er, whatever is name is - basic message: without manufacturing jobs, people turn to selling/using drugs instead.

- The current Drug War is racist, with blacks having a higher incarceration rate than whites. I wonder how much of that is actual policing techniques - eg, it's easier to strike poor people who can't lawyer up. I had a (white) friend who was a dealer/grower for years and never had any problems. But he didn't live in areas under heavy police scrutiny.

Anyway - just some thoughts. Overall the documentary did a good job with the stats and the unfairness of mandatory sentencing laws.

[PM]

It's almost like the only thing the left gives a runny shit about regarding the drug war is scoring minority grievance points.

[sarcasmic]

Almost?

[Neoliberal Kochtopus]

I have said it before, but calling the Drug War "racist" is bullshit.

[BardMetal]

True, besides if we start calling the drug war racist, the government's response will be to try jailing more whites to make it fair rather then getting rid of the ridiculous drug war.

The smallest minority is always the individual.

[waffles]

Right. These racemongers wouldn't have an issue if the response was simply that they would target white communities for saturation patrols.

[Elspeth Flashman]

I have seen that as well, and I think another message in there was that drug laws are politically based.

My take is that if we gave less power to the legislature in writing stupid mandatory minimum laws, and let the judges have an easier way to rule, the result might be a little better.

But no legislator wants to be seen as "weak" on crime, or to be chastized for wanting to empty the prisons.

[Michael S. Langston]

drug laws are politically based

I assume they mean something else right... cause all laws are politically based by definition....

[sarcasmic]

Angry homeowners hit with $55,000 sewer bills claim developers failed to tell them about 'hidden costs' they're now liable for

Residents in the Boston suburb of Wayland were stunned when they opened their sewer bills to find that they owe astronomical amounts
Their homes are part of the complex of stores and modern condominiums that also includes a $5.5 million waste water treatment facility
It is built in an 'enterprise zone' which means that people hooked up to the facility have to pay all the associated costs
The residents claim that nether the developer nor the town ever explained that they would be subject to such huge bills

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/new.....e-for.html
No joke.

[A Frayed Knot]

These people must have had some really shoddy legal representation when they bought their homes. Unbelievable.

The property taxes in Wayland are ungodly high because of the limited commercial base. This is just icing on the cake.

[sarcasmic]

'Redskin potato skins' rejected by Patent Office for being offensive - indicating trademark officials might rule against Washington Redskins football team in ongoing case

Patent Office says 'Washington Redskin Potatoes' would be considered disparaging because the product doesn't contain redskin potatoes
In its ruling trademark officials said 'a substantial composite of Native American Indians find the current use of "Redskins" in conjunction with football disparaging.'
The Washington Redskins have been in an ongoing battle with the Patent Office over the use of 'Redskins'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/new.....-case.html

[PM]

I'm working on a challenge to Lay's chips myself. I find it offensive, as a person who isn't getting laid.

[Tim]

Frito's aren't free.

[Elspeth Flashman]

Nor are they made with toes.

[Tim]

They do, however, look like uncut toenails.

[Slammer]

School officer breaks students arm. Looks intentional to me, or at least not paying attention when you're cranking it behind his back. And the guy should at least lay off the fucking donuts.

[Ted S.]

The student deserved it for resisting a lawful command. Or something like that.

[sarcasmic]

12News has learned that an officer with the Beaumont Independent School district has been placed on administrative leave without pay following an incident at West Brook High School in which a student's arm was broken.

Does this mean he'll get a hardship bonus with his back-pay when he's reinstated after a full investigation?

[Rich]

Cat Whisperer To Visit Cat That Trapped Family

With simple pieces of cardboard, left strategically around the house, you can stop a fight between two cats. Put the cardboard between them, blocking their vision and providing a moment of disorientation when you can lead them to their timeout spot.

However, if it's a fight between a cat and a family, only a closet door will provide the moment of disorientation.

[Scruffy Nerfherder]

My sub-sonic .22 shells whisper too.

[Lord Humungus]

For anyone who missed this, you can listen to a track from Agalloch's upcoming album:
http://pitchfork.com/reviews/t.....al-effigy/

[Lord Humungus]

hard hitting!

Reporter: WH Press Secretary Gets Questions from Reporters Before Press Briefing

A CBS reporter from Arizona reveals that President Obama's press secretary, Jay Carney, receives questions from the press in advance of his daily press briefing. In fact, she says, the reporters often receive the answers in advance of the briefing, too.

[PM]

So it's kinda like reality TV?

[Rich]

In the latest media charge that the White House has reneged on promises to be "transparent," two of AP's White House staff told a convention in Denver this week that the president's team often bars coverage of Obama events because they are "hypersensitive" about his image.

RACIST!

[Lord Humungus]

Moscow signals concern for Russians in Estonia

Russia has defended its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea peninsula by arguing it has the right to protect Russian-speakers outside its borders, so the reference to linguistic tensions in another former Soviet republic comes at a highly sensitive moment.

Russia fully supported the protection of the rights of linguistic minorities, a Moscow diplomat told the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, according to a summary of the session issued by the U.N.'s information department.

You know who else invaded countries to ostensibly protect native speakers?

[CampingInYourPark]

Santa Anna?

[Tim]

Henry Higgins?

[Notorious G.K.C.]

Joseph Chamberlain in the Boer War?

[Swiss Servator, mehr Spr?ngli]

Alexander the Great?

[Ken Shultz]

Machete?

[Drake]

Either Putin is using Estonia to distract or he has gone completely insane.

The Russian military sucks my 1st world standards and there is a whole lot of territory Poland and Germany would love to recover when it's over.

[CampingInYourPark]

The Russian military sucks my 1st world standards and there is a whole lot of territory Poland and Germany would love to recover when it's over.

I missed something. Poland and Germany are going to do something if Putin wants to take a chunk of Estonia?

[Drake]

They are obligated to treat an attack on Estonia as an act of war. Either they "do something" or Nato collapses. Then we have no obligation to do something when Russia wants a chunk of them.

Welcome to 1938.

[CampingInYourPark]

Either they "do something" or Nato collapses

I'd put a wager on the NATO collapse

[Drake]

Maybe Putin will too, but that is a real dangerous bet.

[Tim]

Pardon me, just got here, test. Last few days I got only one post.

[Tim]

;ilkugf

[Tim]

lkjgpoig

[Rich]

"One of the girls, they sent me a text message like come to they room. And when I went to the room and they open the door and threw something in my face where I couldn't see. And I tried to wipe my eyes so I could see and one of the girls starting hitting on me. They was like don't try me."

According to a university student.

[Swiss Servator, mehr Spr?ngli]

Not an English major, apparently.

[Warty]

Rand Paul goes to Berekeleye, CNN is oddly complimentary. The comments do not disappoint.

Lynda/Minnesota
"Think about it. If you're African American, Japanese American, Jewish American, Hispanic ? have there every been times when the government didn't treat you fairly? Have there ever been times when you said, you know what, the war on drugs has had a racial outcome," Paul said."

Ah, yes. Rand Paul the racial scholar schooling the races against the very government he and his daddy have collected from their entire adult lives. But, hey. He's going to change all that ... someday. Yep. Put him at the helm and he's
going to do .... something.

March 20, 2014 08:54 am at 8:54 am |

[NoVAHockey]

I think his plan isn't necessarily to get them to vote for him, but just get a portion of the Democratic base to sit this one out.

[Matrix]

Guess that commenter hasn't paid ANY attention to Ron Paul at all, who gives back his money to the treasury, and in private practice did not take a dime of Medicaid/Medicare money.

but, no, this commenter can go ahead and make unwarranted criticisms of them.

[Tim]

So Humongous, if I am getting mugged and instead of shouting ; "No, No" I shout: "Nyet Nyet" Vladimir Putin will show up like Batman and protect me?

[The DerpRider]

Poutine hotdogs to be sold at Detroit Tiger's games.

[waffles]

Who really won the war of 1812?

[Notorious G.K.C.]

Hitler?

[Swiss Servator, mehr Spr?ngli]

Spain?

[William of Purple]

Nope, Reason, I can post but I still can't edit my password/email settings.

[Notorious G.K.C.]

Same here, with tge extra bonus fun that I can't always post, either.

[Tim]

Squirlz still present. Delay posting. Missing posts,

[Sevo]

"Squirlz still present. Delay posting. Missing posts,"

Almost as good as the O-care web site!

[Ken Shultz]

"A survey of more than 1,200 business owners found 38 percent said they would have to lay off workers if President Barack Obama's proposal to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 passes Congress."

He's such a populist, and in the worst way you can be one.

I mean, the policy is fucking idiotic, too, and it would hurt minorities, the poor, and the unemployed the most, but that's the point. If he's willing to hurt America's most vulnerable people in order to score some political points in the midterms, then he's a populist scumbag.

And the people who support him are a bunch of hate-filled idiots.

[Ken Shultz]

"In a speech at the American Jewish Congress, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she was "personally skeptical" that a deal with Iran over its nuclear program can be successfully reached."

Meanwhile, Iran's ICBM program marches forward, Putin works on reconstituting the USSR, and Barack Obama takes a heroic stance against income inequality.

[The DerpRider]

Meanwhile, Iran's ICBM program marches forward, Putin works on reconstituting the USSR, and Barack Obama takes a heroic stance against income inequality.

And tourney favorites.

[CampingInYourPark]

Barack Obama fearlessly takes a heroic stance against income inequality

Don't forget your adverbs when praising Dear Leader

[Tim]

IT'S GOING DOWN! SAVE YOURSELVES!

[CampingInYourPark]

WASHINGTON, March 20 (Reuters) - U.S. home resales dropped slightly in February to a 19 month-low as cold weather and a shortage of homes for sale continued to sideline potential buyers.

Nobody wants a home when it's cold outside

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/.....05910.html

[Ken Shultz]

Women won't go out into the cold to look for one, and you can't buy one without the lady of the house getting involved...

And, let's face it, if women weren't involved, a lot of guys would be happy living in a cabin they built for themselves out of milk crates.

[CampingInYourPark]

Women won't go out into the cold to look for one, and you can't buy one without the lady of the house getting involved...

I've heard Al Gore invented something called the inter-tubez that some people use for selling things. You can even use it to find things for sale without leaving the comfort of your fire-lit cave. But yeah, if you have to strap your woman onto the sled to take her shopping she probably won't like it as much.

[CampingInYourPark]

And, let's face it, if women weren't involved, a lot of guys would be happy living in a cabin they built for themselves out of milk crates.

Yeah, all the single men I know have built their own houses out of milk crates. Milk crates houses are the new market for men in states that allow teh gay marriage.

[Ken Shultz]

There's this thing called "humor", and it sometimes involves exaggeration.

Anyway, yeah, I suspect the arguments between men who want more house and women who want to save money are relatively few--and it has an impact on resales. Guys are often happy with the house they already have; women treat houses and men like software: they always want to upgrade.

Incidentally, arguments between women want to save money and men who want to spend it on new and expensive drapes are also probably few. Let's face it, most guys would just as soon prance around in front of their bare windows naked.*

*Just in case you missed it, That's that humorous exaggeration thing again.

[CampingInYourPark]

There's this thing called "humor", and it sometimes involves exaggeration.

Well, fuck. I missed how your use exaggeration was the end of all exaggeration and to use it after your exaggerated response to my exaggeration is the cause of all sorts of exaggerated butthurt.

[Swiss Servator, mehr Spr?ngli]

I think you are exaggerating.

[sarcasmic]

I purchased my home in December in Maine, with my wife.

So much for that theory.

[Ken Shultz]

I'd love to take credit for the theory. Actually, it's been pretty standard thinking in residential real estate since half of forever.

And cold weather in Maine isn't the issue. Those people mindlessly do everything in cold weather. For some reason, it doesn't phase them.

It's when weather is colder in places where it's usually warm that typically causes these kinds of explanations. How was the weather in the South in February?

[sarcasmic]

How was the weather in the South in February?

Fuck if I know. I mindlessly cleared six inches of snow from my driveway before mindlessly driving to work this morning.

[Ken Shultz]

I meant "mindless" in that "they don't mind it".

Poor word choice on my part.

Maybe I should have used "heedlessly".

Those [incredibly intelligent] people [heedlessly] do everything in cold weather.

...even though they really could just move somewhere else and never have to shovel a driveway again!

[Michael S. Langston]

Most home sales are in the summer - though I'm not sure it's about getting the wife out in warmer air - I think it's more about school vacation being an opportune time to move if you're going to move.

& I think due to that - more houses are naturally up for sale in the spring/summer - which naturally bring more buyers.

Of course if your job starts in Maine in December and the goal is to have the whole family there at job start time - then obviously buying is December isn't outlawed or impossible to imagine.

But without question it's reality - moving companies and home sales are moving much more quickly in the summer months.

To wit - local moving companies, even one with 30 trucks (Two Men & A Truck for a brand example that I've seen operate like this in multiple cities) and 90 employees - usually only has like 15 real employees and they pull the others from temp agencies during the summer as they simply have zero way to employ the force they need in the summer, all year round.

But again - whatever the reason this is true is debatable, but it is true. & lastly note - the truth of this doesn't negate home sales in December - just makes them less likely.

[William of Purple]

The Best Seinfeld Episode Bracket

[RBS]

Tough 4-5 matchup in the George Region.

[Sevo]

So England's economy is being 'sucked dry' by London (which is rank BS)
And the solution? Choo-choos! Yep, they're gonna load those jobs on choo-choos and send 'em where they don't wanna go!
"London 'draining life' from rest of UK economy"
[...]
..."Among them is building a 43 billion-pound ($71 billion) high-speed rail network to connect London with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds,"...
http://news.yahoo.com/london-d.....ureoF2GVB/

[OldMexican]

Re: Sevo,

And the solution? Choo-choos!

"Among them is building a 43 billion-pound ($71 billion) high-speed rail network to connect London with Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds,"

[BiMonSciFiCon]

I got Wisconsin winning it all in my billion dollar bracket. Never tell me the odds.

[Andrew S.]

So do I. I guess we'll have to share that billion. Or like true libertarians, we can just duel to see who gets it.

[CampingInYourPark]

Never tell me the odds.

Jimmy the Greek would have pointed out one glaring fundamental flaw in your choice. You know this isn't a hockey tournament, right?

[gimmeasammich]

OT:

Illinois State Supreme Court strikes down eavesdropping law.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/.....4656.story

[Swiss Servator, mehr Spr?ngli]

An actual victory for liberty....here in Illinois?!

[CampingInYourPark]

Just wait for the tax on eavesdropping devices

[gimmeasammich]

Even a blind squirrel woodland creature (don't want to piss off the overlords) can find nuts.