P.M. Links: Romney vs. Trump, L.A. Police Investigating Knife Found on O.J. Simpson Property, U.S. Naval Forces Dispatched to South China Sea

• 

  Credit: Todd Kranin

  Is Mitt Romney working on a plan to block Donald Trump at the GOP convention?

• Police officials in Los Angeles are reportedly investigating and testing a knife that was recovered from property formerly belonging to O.J. Simpson.

• Donald Trump likes to say that if he's elected president he's going to build a border wall and make Mexico pay for it. Mexican Finance Minister Luis Videgaray thinks not. "Under no circumstance will Mexico pay for the wall that Mr. Trump is proposing," Videgaray said this week. "It is an idea based on ignorance and has no foundation in the reality of North American integration."

• "In a 'show of force,' the U.S. Navy dispatched an aircraft carrier and five escort ships to the South China Sea amid rising tensions between the U.S., China and other Southeast Asian nations claiming territory in the disputed region."

• Turkish authorities have seized the country's most widely circulated newspaper.

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Comments

[Fist of Etiquette]

Is Mitt Romney working on a plan to block Donald Trump at the GOP convention?

47% of Trump supporters don't pay any large hand taxes.

[Rufus The Monocled Derp Slayer]

Hello.

Apparently a retired cop held it for nearly 20 years and even wanted to frame the knife? Wtf? How retarded is that cop?

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

He likes framing things, even in retirement.

[Rufus The Monocled Derp Slayer]

It's an addiction.

[Fist of Etiquette]

Sounds like the knife is going to have to hunt for the real murder weapon.

[LynchPin1477]

How retarded is that cop?

Only slightly below average, probably.

[Private Chipperbot]

If it was after the trial would it really matter? They wouldn't be able to charge him again. I could see why he'd want it, but that's still a total dick move.

[R C Dean]

It was long after he was acquitted. I don't think there's any possibility they could reopen the case.

Which makes me wonder: exactly what are the cops investigating? What crime might have been committed?

[0x90]

The original crime, I assume -- OJ being acquitted, the crime itself remains unsolved.

[OneOut]

I am a legal expert.

I have watched many many reruns of Matlock and Baretta. I saw Dirty Hairy twice.

The chain of evidence on the knife is so iffy that I don't see how any baby court appointed lawyer couldn't keep it out of evidence.

[Tom Bombadil]

"Which makes me wonder: exactly what are the cops investigating? What crime might have been committed?"

The crime of assigning Marcia Clark to the case.

[Ted S.]

Compared to people, or other cops?

[Rufus The Monocled Derp Slayer]

I think even among cops he's pretty sketch.

[Fist of Etiquette]

"Under no circumstance will Mexico pay for the wall that Mr. Trump is proposing," Videgaray said this week.

What's Mexican for welsher?

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

El Buttplug d? Palin.

[Swiss Servator]

El zing!

[Fist of Etiquette]

I DIDN'T MAKE THAT COMMENT SO YOU JOKERS COULD SPRINGBOARD OFF IT. How about if he just came up with a more relevant screen name?

[Mustang]

I hear Tulpa screenname is a pretty popular one around these parts.

[Mustang]

English, how does it work?

[Pay up, Palin's Buttplug!]

Pagar, enchufe del extremo de Palin!

[Zeb]

"Enchufe del culo", I think.

[Los Doyers]

Enchufe would be an electrical outlet. It's not a synonym for an actual plug (cork, stopper) like it is in English.

[Zeb]

I should probably know that. I was actually successfully speaking Spanish for a whole week last fall. But the vocabulary is a bit rusty.

I learned something interesting about the word "culo". In Spain, it's a perfectly decent word, used like "butt" in English. But in Mexican Spanish, apparently it's more like "asshole".

[Los Doyers]

Yup. There are plenty of differences in the vulgarity of words between Mexican/Castellano. Also you'll hear co?o a TON in Spain, but sparingly in MX. Also also, if you're really up for it (I'm not), have a good listen to an accent from Andalusia, and translate. Good luck.

[Zeb]

Yeah, Andalusian accents are pretty incomprehensible to me. I have family in Madrid and I do pretty well there.

[Pay up, Palin's Buttplug!]

I wouldn't know.

😀

[Los Doyers]

Remember, there is an imperative mood in Spanish, so it would be paga if you're speaking directly to PB(t?). If speaking with the respectful pronoun usted, it would be the irregular pague. Also, I think tap?n would be a better noun for plug, and culo for butt, in this case. The only time you would see the infinitive pagar would be on a sign, or something that is speaking generally to everyone. NOW COME GET ME TRUMP.

*throws on sombrero*

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

Pedante

[Los Doyers]

I learned from my mom.

[Stormy Dragon]

I get the impression that "Mexico will pay for it" doesn't mean "The Mexican Government will add a line item to their budget giving the US money to pay for construction of the wall" so much as "the US will impose a special fee on money transfers from the US to Mexico so that Mexican immigrant labor indirectly pays for it".

[John]

Exactly that. I am not saying it is a good idea but the idea that the US government can't make Mexico pay for it if it really wanted to always struck me as odd.

[jesse.in.mb]

Hey Stormy, did you happen to see this article?

Sorry to token-ize you, but was curious of your thoughts on it.

[Stormy Dragon]

Can't see that link right now, but based on the title, it sounds like "Proof Disney is marketing The Force Awakens to Star Wars fans".

[jesse.in.mb]

The gist:

BuzzFeed's Katie Notopoulos uncovered proof that at least one marketing agency hired by Disney to promote the film is reaching out to the furry community:

BuzzFeed News has obtained an email that a marketing agency working with Disney sent to the furry Meetup group Furlife, encouraging furries to post photos of themselves in fursuits to Twitter and Instagram with the movie hashtag, even offering posters or movie swag to those that do.

Notopoulos noted that Disney's animators have also favorited tweets from furry community Twitter users about the film?and that many furries believe Disney purposely made the film to appeal to furries.

It seems kind of ballsy, especially since the information leaked, although I suppose everyone who was going to boycott Disney is already doing it because they don't chase homosexuals out of their parks one weekend a year.

[RBS]

LOL @ "Buzzfeed News"...

[Stormy Dragon]

Hasbro's been in contact with the furry community for several years now (MLP, Thundercats, etc.) and hasn't exploded, so I don't think it's really that astounding.

[Rhywun]

Yes, and I think Trump even said as much but it's easier to ignore that I guess.

[MetalBard]

Makes sense. Given how much the Mexican economy depends on the U.S. he could make them pay for it one way or another.

[robc]

He is gonna tax bitcoin xfers?

[Nativist, Racist & Xenophobe]

Why not? He's already made the media pay for his campaign.

[Tom Bombadil]

'We all died a little in that damn war'

/Josey Wales

[R C Dean]

What's Mexican for welsher?

Gringo?

No, its Hitler, right?

[Brett L]

"Travis"?

This would have been more topical yesterday.

[Brett L]

Errr, Tuesday on Texas Independence Day.

[Tom Bombadil]

Mateo?

[jesse.in.mb]

"In a 'show of force,' the U.S. Navy dispatched an aircraft carrier and five escort ships to the South China Sea amid rising tensions between the U.S., China and other Southeast Asian nations claiming territory in the disputed region."

And here I thought we'd have to wait for President Trump to start a war with China...

Might be time to buy a gun.

[Fist of Etiquette]

Made in China?

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

Norinco is some cool shit. Don't knock it.

[MetalBard]

Still prefer my Russian SKS

[gaoxiaen]

Think twice before buying. It might be a copy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byEIP9mRAwA

[Ted S.]

Which of the two Chinas are you talking about? 😉

[Los Doyers]

Formosa

[Gray Ghost]

What, was it: first a B-52 did a flyby, then a Burke went steaming through the area, now a carrier group. What comes after that: an Esther Williams show with synchronized right turns and broaching submarines?

What exactly is the Obama Administration trying to do here? Either arm the Phillipines/Taiwan/Indonesia/Japan, and let them throw the Chinese off those countries' claimed territory, or ignore the land grab. Or grab the islands yourself.

But driving around, claiming freedom of navigation, doesn't seem to be very useful here.

[Tuan Jim]

Going within "territorial waters" for "islands" that are legitimately recognized as *not being* islands with territorial waters (ie. manmade) - by anyone other than China - does maintain a number of international legal precedents and buys time for the countries in the region to continue discussion to a degree.

Vietnam and the Philippines (we've sold them a few old USCG ships, but they're a little short on cash) have attempted interventions periodically, but unless you want a full-scale shooting war between us and the Chi-Coms there are only a few things we can legitimately (and cheaply) do to maintain status quo and international boundary recognition.

Of course, it's long past time we sell the Taiwanese the older/retired ships/aircraft that they want and are willing to pay full price for - let them defend themselves and pay us for it. It also lets us maintain the aircraft manufacturing lines and jobs longer too.

[Tonio]

Smug liberal Samantha Bee, writing for smug liberal website Salon, smugly and liberally smugs smug liberals.

Irish, here's your new girlfriend.

[LynchPin1477]

I was sad to see the First Couple of Reason called it quits.

[Ted S.]

Gillespie and Soave are no longer a couple?

[LynchPin1477]

They never were. It was strictly between The Jacket and The Hair. Nick and Robby just made the best of it.

[Private Chipperbot]

Damn you.

[Ted S.]

And here I thought *I* was being creepy....

[bacon-magic]

Paging SugarFree...

[Private Chipperbot]

The jacket and the hair eloped.

[lulztopian]

Smug liberals themselves are responsible for Trump. They swear up and down they want reasonable, moderate Republicans, and then when such a Republican emerges, they turn on him. See: McCain, John and Romney, Mitt. My Facebook feed is filled with people handwringing over Trump who would never vote Republican anyway. Liberals are incredible with their audacity and lack of responsibility.

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

A link to that Beast article would be nice.

[John]

Praising Republicans who are no longer a threat to win office as a way to shame current Republicans is one of the oldest prog media tricks.

[Notorious UGCC]

What would interest me is knowing *today* what the media people will say in the future about today's Republicans.

If I were into that sort of thing, I'd get these journos drunk and say, "did you hear that Ted Cruz just retured? Isn't he a better sort of Republican than the current crop of extremists?" Then I'd record the answers before saying, "oh, the retirement thing was a joke."

Then I'd get out before the guy could destroy my notes.

[Notorious UGCC]

retired

[Notorious UGCC]

This method will be the one way to get them to acknowledge positive qualities in active Republican politicians.

[John]

Some day the media will tell us how the Republicans need a reasonable candidate like Trump. I guarantee it.

[Trouser-Pod (The blowhard)]

She really ought to be paired up with Melissa Click. Call it Punchable.

[Irish Breaks Up W/ ESB]

She is too old for me and also I'm still getting over ESB.

I am not a whore.

[Tonio]

I'm sorry, Irish. But please do let us know when you're ready to date again, long though it may be.

[LynchPin1477]

I hear Melissa Harris Perry is available.

Oh wait, I forgot. She's not "your type".

[Irish Breaks Up W/ ESB]

She is exactly my type. I've actually worked tampon earrings into my sex life for years now.

[bacon-magic]

She will not be your token Mammy.

[Rhywun]

They shut down the government

I thought she was supposed to be funny a la Daily Show, but I'm not seeing it.

[grrizzly]

This is like Nick's funny.

[Fist of Etiquette]

Police officials in Los Angeles are reportedly investigating and testing a knife that was recovered from property formerly belonging to O.J. Simpson.

BUT THEY ALREADY SHOT THE SEASON FINALE OF AMERICAN CRIME STORY.

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

Hi all,
I've seen Palin's Buttplug commenting a bit more recently.
According to Matt Welch, he has not paid his bet yet.

Please remind him of this.

And, if you feel like it, you can also remind him that I'm up 50% and he lost everything in 2 weeks.

[Tonio]

Congrats and thanks, Pl?ya. I take every opportunity to do so.

Did he "welsh" on the bet?

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

He claims he sent in a money order (that would be my preferred method of donation too if I were dickhead) to Matt Welch.

So he Wel(ch)(s)ed one way or another.

[Pay up, Palin's Buttplug!]

He welched Welch?

[R C Dean]

He claims he sent in a money order

I t doesn't surprise me that his mom's credit card is maxed out.

[Jordan]

The sack of shit truly has no shame.

[Swiss Servator]

HAHAHAHAHA!

[Rufus The Monocled Derp Slayer]

Now there's a shocker.

[This Machine]

There's the ray of sunshine in an otherwise cloudy day. Thanks for the reminder, Playa.

[tarran]

I've seen Palin's Buttplug commenting a bit more recently.
According to Matt Welch, he has not paid his bet yet.

OF COURSE IT WON'T PAY!!!! IT'S NOT SENTIENT, AND THUS LACKS THE CAPABILITY TO PAY FOR ANYTHING!!!!!

Jesus titty-fucking Christ!

When will you people stop denying that which is so fucking obvious?!?!?

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

I appreciate what you're trying to do, but your method requires 100% compliance from everyone, 100% of the time. That's just not possible; somebody always takes the bait.

I got rid of him for a month. I'm open to ideas about how to make it last even longer.

[tarran]

I'm not demanding people stop interacting with it....

I'm just begging people to
a) stop pretending it is sentient or anything approximating a human being.
b) to bear in mind that every interaction with it encourages its neural net to give a higher weight to repeating the actions that preceded the interaction.

People keep arguing with it with expressions of anger and hatred toward it. Once people accept it's not sentient, and that getting angry with it is like getting angry with a fruit salad or a sand castle, I think it will cause them less pain.

[R C Dean]

Pont (b) makes me think a concerted effort could lead it into . . . strange territories.

Let me give this some thought.

[OneOut]

Hey I kicked the shit out of a fruit salad last night.

They're not that tough.

[Swiss Servator]

hitman?

[Rufus The Monocled Derp Slayer]

...d-d-did you just tit-fucked Christ?

[bacon-magic]

He who hath not sinned may cast the dice to decide who get's titty fucked.

[bacon-magic]

Remove the ' please, thanks for the edit button Reason.

[coloraDOOM]

He's so sneaky! He could write a check, it might not bounce.

[Pay up, Palin's Buttplug!]

Thanks, I'll go remind it.

[Gray Ghost]

And, if you feel like it, you can also remind him that I'm up 50% and he lost everything in 2 weeks.

If not the best revenge, living well is awfully damned satisfying.

[Pay up, Palin's Buttplug!]

Rubbing it in its face is even better?

[Tonio]

Eating their own, redux. Salon: DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz joins hands with GOP in assault on Elizabeth Warren's consumer protection agency, progs outraged. If Bernie wins, his people will gut DWS like a tuna. If Hillary doesn't win, things still not good for DWS.

[Swiss Servator]

Tonio, my brother .... never, EVER use the word "tuna" in conjunction with DWS, p...pp...please!

*shudders*

I think I have read too much SugarFree.

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

I think Crusty might be interested.

[Crusty Juggler]

Thank you.

[Crusty Juggler]

I would gladly be her tuna investigator.

[Los Doyers]

On Friday, no less. What a model Catholic.

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

C'mon, man. Not just the tuna. Go big or go home. This should explain everything.

[Crusty Juggler]

Don't be vulgar.

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

HE SAID THAT'S WHAT GOD INTENDED

[Tonio]

Sorry, I didn't know that was slang for...what I think it's slang for. I've gutted only a few species in my time, so was going with what I knew. Again, sorry.

[R C Dean]

True story:

I was going to go deer hunting for the first time (I was still technically a vegetarian, but whatev). I asked a buddy of mine over some beers how to gut a deer.

He asked me if I had been fishing. I said I had. He said, well, its basically a big hairy fish. Cut it open along the centerline of the belly [a few graphic details omitted], and about the only difference is that you'll need to cut the esophagus on the deer.

48 hours later, I gave it a try, and it worked a charm.

[paranoid android]

DWS disturbs me more than any other living politician, probably. Not for any single particular thing she's done, just this general sense I get that she is a living example of someone who has "won the struggle over themselves" and completely subordinated what was once her own free will to the will of the Party. She would light herself on fire without a moment's hesitation and with a rapturous smile on her face if she thought it would even slightly improve the Democrats' electoral chances.

Maybe such people have existed before in American politics, but I worry she's a harbinger of things to come, the mitochondrial Eve of a new race of party flacks, if you'll forgive the embellishment.

[Medical Physics Guy]

There was once an article by Jonah Goldberg on how he found, far stranger than Hillary herself, were people who were somehow die-hard Hillary fans. Hillary's ambition and conniving he could understand, but not people who had somehow drunk Hillary kool-aid and genuinely seem to think she's great, like DWS.

[Suthenboy]

I had this conversation this morning with a friend of mine.

I am completely at a loss to explain how anyone would be a Hillary fan. She is transparently a vile human being and her record is abysmal. She really does belong in prison, yet there she is making a serious run and has die-hard fans.

[R C Dean]

Yup. She is the living embodiment of what happens when you truly believe the personal is political. She is a hollow person. There is nothing in her but politics. No ethics, no morality, no decency, nothing but sycophancy, lust for power, and bitter hatred of anyone who would thwart her.

[OneOut]

DWS and others like her would not set themselves on fire for the benefit of the party or anything else.

They will light you are anyone else on fire for their or the parties benefit however.

[Crusty Juggler]

World Running Low On Old Single Malt Scotch

More capacity is being added now, but the bad news for whisky drinkers is the shortage could last another 10 to 15 years, experts say.

Blame the Chinee!

[Juvenile Bluster]

Now this is a crisis I want to see the Presidential candidates address.

[grrizzly]

Annex Scotland!

[Tonio]

Now there's an intervention we could all get behind.

[thrakkorzog]

Should I also blame them for the shortage of untainted Coke?

[Medical Physics Guy]

You are actually quite right. China is by far the fastest expanding market for Scotch.

This came up during the Scottish independence referendum. The demand for Scotch fueled a booming Chinese knockoff Scotch industr (claiming to be from Scotland). The UK was able to get China to sit down at the table and agree to shut down the fake Scotch. The argument was that without the UK, Scotland would never have gotten China to sit down at the able.

[MetalBard]

Trump vs Hillary in the general election, and now this?!? The Mayans were right, they were just off by a few years.

[R C Dean]

So I need to lay in a 10 year supply of the good stuff?

Let's see, carry the one . . .

I'm going to need a bigger house.

[R C Dean]

Pls. relocate this post below Crusty @ 4:33.

[Slumbrew]

That's been the case for a while. Marquee brands - say, Macallan - have skyrocketed over the last decade. Mac 18 used to be a somewhat spendy but reasonable treat but it's now $250/bottle, massively outstripping inflation.

I've been told repeatedly it's almost entirely due to nouveau riche asians buying it up in bulk. More power to them but, dammit, it hurts my wallet (and, yes, scotch-dudes - you can spare me the lectures on why the Mac is overpriced anyway and I should really be drinking X, etc. - I know. I'm using that as an example).

Long story, short - I've acquired a taste for rye.

[Crusty Juggler]

World Running Low On Old Single Malt Scotch

More capacity is being added now, but the bad news for whisky drinkers is the shortage could last another 10 to 15 years, experts say.

Blame the Chinee!

[Crusty Juggler]

Posted twice because it was so nice.

[Swiss Servator]

NO, NOT NICE!

*cries*

[Crusty Juggler]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you.

[Swiss Servator]

Damn you, I laughed.

[Riven]

/clutches chest

[Los Doyers]

Meh. Bourbon.

[Ted S.]

Vodka.

But then I was a Russian major in college.

[jesse.in.mb]

What's your preferred vodka?

[Ted S.]

I'm actually not *that* much of a vodka drinker; it's more that on the rare occasions when I do drink hard alcohol, I go for vodka. Usually I drink wine. I'm halfway through a case of Malbec right now.

My first drinking experience was in Russia, drinking a shot of "Russkaya Vodka" (yes, that was really the name).

[jesse.in.mb]

I knew a guy who was crazy for malbecs. Drank them like water until he started getting crippling headaches and his doctor made him give up wine. It was unreal how much wine that guy drank and it was ALWAYS a malbec.

[Ted S.]

I usually just have a glass at dinner. I'm cheap. 🙁

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

Soli through the Brita filter.

[jesse.in.mb]

Monopolowa is $10/L at Trader Joes. It's a potato vodka so it's not the cleanest tasting, but it's very smooth...especially for $10/L.

[Ted S.]

Can't get wine or spirits at regular stores in New York. 🙁

[jesse.in.mb]

CA Alcohol and Beverage Control is weird. It's hard to open a bar, but they'll let just about anyone sell booze for consumption off premises.

[Gray Ghost]

A 2nd vote for the QPR of Monopolowa.

Though our TJ's can't sell liquor. Boo.

[Los Doyers]

Commie

[MSimon]

I was a Russian major in college

Only a Major? The General slots all bought up?

[grrizzly]

And I was only a lieutenant in a Russian college.

[Crusty Juggler]

There is always the Irish, too.

[Los Doyers]

Meh, leaves too much of a cross-burning taste in my throat.

[Mickey Rat]

By definition, old scotch is scarce and relatively inflexible to short term demand.

[Crusty Juggler]

It is going to bring about even more interest in Irish whiskey and bourbon, more so bourbon because there more choices. Also, I predict a rise of the "American Scotch-knowledge hipster." I already hate that almost assuredly bearded guy, with his funky headwear and deep v-neck. Stupid Chinese!

[MJGreen - Docile Citizen]

Y-yeah, me too!

*pulls on sweater over v-neck, shaves beard*

[R C Dean]

I'll pitch this again. Its about pushed Scotch out of my "sippin' tipple" rotation:

Ron Zacapa 23 year old solera rum. Effing amazing. Dangerous, its so smooth. And affordable ($40 at Total Wine).

http://www.caskers.com/ron-zac.....ra-23-rum/

And, its their cheap stuff. I refuse to try any of their top-shelf bottlings. I'm afraid I'd be dead of an exploded liver within a year.

[R C Dean]

I'll pitch this again. Its about pushed Scotch out of my "sippin' tipple" rotation:

Ron Zacapa 23 year old solera rum. Effing amazing. Dangerous, its so smooth. And affordable ($40 at Total Wine).

http://www.caskers.com/ron-zac.....ra-23-rum/

And, its their cheap stuff. I refuse to try any of their top-shelf bottlings. I'm afraid I'd be dead of an exploded liver within a year.

[MetalBard]

Release the Kraken. Tastes good and cheap as hell.

[lulztopian]

The fact that the GOP thinks that trotting out Mittens is a successful strategy, and that the media are lapping it up, is playing right into Trump's hands. What a tone deaf, pitiful move. I'd almost feel sorry for these limpdicks if they weren't so loathsome.

[Rufus The Monocled Derp Slayer]

It's like sending out a someone who failed at there job who got into to consulting to give advice on how to run your business.

[LynchPin1477]

Turkish authorities have seized the country's most widely circulated newspaper.

I'm thinking of going to a conference in Istanbul. It's high on my list of places to visit. This sort of stuff makes me reconsider.

[Pan Zagloba]

It'll take a while for politics to shit up a place like Stambol. Go and have a blast.

[Medical Physics Guy]

Constantinople has survived a whole lot of shitty politics.

[Rufus The Monocled Derp Slayer]

"Under no circumstance will Mexico pay for the wall that Mr. Trump is proposing," Videgaray said this week."

The Mexicans are gonna pay good and hard.

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

What if the Mexico built a wall to keep their citizens in? Lefties love that kind of wall.

[Riven]

But then we won't be able to see if they have any cool stuff over there.

[Riven]

sonofabitch

[RBS]

Right. So it's really just a messaging problem. You know who else had a messaging problem?

[B.P.]

Unknown Mortal Orchestra?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpD_74Vc3mA

[coloraDOOM]

"But every now and then, I wonder if the gate was put up to keep crime out or keep our ass in."

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

The Scientology compound has spikes on the fence. Guess which way they point?

[Tonio]

Not a fan of the whole wall thing, but even if we can't make them pay we could reduce their foreign aid. In 2013 that was USD $420MM. That's probably a good start.

[Los Doyers]

Why do you hate tacos al pastor, Tonio?

[Brett L]

So we should ship more Palestinians to Mexico?

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

Wow... the foreign aid argument. I haven't heard one of those in over 15 years. Say, what happened to bitching about foreign aid, did that go out of fashion altogether in the 90s? What killed it? Political correctness? Or did we finally just slouch off to the corner admitting that there's so much intertwined cronyism and corruption associated with aid that we've collectively decided that the Gordian knot simply can't be undone?

[robc]

Who stopped bitching about foreign aid?

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

Speak for yourself when speaking for yourself.

[R C Dean]

If you want to have some fun, ask somebody who supports foreign aid which of the enumerated powers allows Congress to give money to other countries.

[MSimon]

Ever hear of Tribute? I hear it was once an issue in an American election some time back.

[thrakkorzog]

Well, it is one of those policies that libertarians dislike, but is such a small drop in the bucket that it kind of ends up being issue #1,023 in the list of stupid things that government wastes money on.

[Pay up, Palin's Buttplug!]

It's a larger drop in the bucket than people think when you include how our military budget serves as foreign aid and subsidizes foreign welfare states.

[LynchPin1477]

Is Mitt Romney working on a plan to block Donald Trump at the GOP convention?

That sounds like the kind of stupid we've come to know and expect.

[Mickey Rat]

It sounds like a certain well known world leader, holed up in his bunker, issuing orders to previously destroyed army divisions.

[Crusty Juggler]

Brooklyn Museum Announces Nude Iggy Pop Exhibit

[Tonio]

Eeeeeww!

[Mongo]

Awesome.

My first nude model was super hot -- it was very distracting.

One of the male models had a huge dick. The fun-loving teacher mad the shy girls sit in front of the model.

[jesse.in.mb]

Man, we never got big-dicked nude models in ceramics class.

*flips pottery wheel, storms out*

[Trouser-Pod (The blowhard)]

+1 bizarre kiln accident

[Crusty Juggler]

"It's the ultimate blow-off class. This class is like a redhead who likes to drink and watch Die Hard. I suggest you get her number."

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

Present!

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

Is this where he ironically puts his shirt on?

[jesse.in.mb]

Is Mitt Romney working on a plan to block Donald Trump at the GOP convention?

When Mittens is suddenly an elder statesman for the GOP it might be time to just move on.

[lulztopian]

ha ha. No kidding. Here's a good idea, GOP: ignore your base using procedural shenanigans as if that's not why Trump is here in the first place.

[grrizzly]

The GOP should ask George W. to help sort out the mess.

[John]

He wouldn't be any more ridiculous than Mitt. At least Bush won a couple of elections.

[Medical Physics Guy]

And attempted to privatize something

[R C Dean]

And tried a serious SocSec reform.

[jesse.in.mb]

I was pretty impressed with his willingness, possibly eagerness, to step out of the limelight as soon as his term was over.

[grrizzly]

I always kind of assumed that the old money gave you a bit of class. And then we have The Donald, who would fit right in wearing a ????????? ?????? in the '90s in Moscow.

[jesse.in.mb]

The Donald, who would fit right in wearing a [redacted due to Reason's mercurial foreign language filter rejecting my comment] in the '90s in Moscow.

Oh my god, yes.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

The Donald, who would fit right in wearing a [redacted due to Reason's mercurial foreign language filter rejecting my comment] in the '90s in Moscow.

An Adidas track suit?

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

Oh, there was a link. Now I'm disappointed.

[Mickey Rat]

It would only be more tone deaf if he intended for the convention to install Jeb! as the nominee.

[Suthenboy]

I thought that is exactly what they had in mind.

[Meow-shawn!]

Ok, it's pretty clear that America has reached #PeakMillenial.

Which one of these two headline/articles more clearly illustrates this fact?

1) ? Bernie supporters call for revote, arrest of Bill Clinton for Mass. poll controversy

2) ? Neil deGrasse Tyson says Jesus would probably vote for Bernie Sanders

Vote or Die, motherfucker/motherfucker Vote or Die!

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

Jesus would vote for Bernie?

No way. Bernie was a horribly shitty carpenter.

[B.P.]

Perfect.

[This Machine]

I choose Die.

[The War on Freedom]

The only rational choice.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

Neil deGrasse Tyson says Jesus would probably vote for Bernie Sanders

Is Tyson a big bible thumping Christian, or is this one of those statement that's meant to tweak the nose of WASPS?

[LynchPin1477]

He's more on the evangelical atheist side, from what I understand.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

So, option B then.

[JeremyR]

He's an atheist,

[Ted S.]

I *hope* this is the Spot the Not thread.

[Juvenile Bluster]

In a shocker, person says Jesus would believe exactly as they believe.

(though given that Black Science Man is an atheist...)

[Tornado16nb]

Not sure jesus would yearn for power over others to collect all them taxes

[R C Dean]

Render unto God that which is God's, and render unto Me the rest, bitchez!

[The Last American Hero]

Jesus would tell you that the election is unimportant in the grand scheme of things and people should be far more concerned about getting their own house in order than obsessing over who sits in the Oval Office.

[MetalBard]

No offense but does Neil deGrasse Tyson even believe in Jesus?

[Irish Breaks Up W/ ESB]

He's one of those pussies who always calls himself 'agnostic.'

[Rufus The Monocled Derp Slayer]

And people call Tyson 'brilliant'.

/face palm.

[Irish Breaks Up W/ ESB]

It's my understanding he's a glorified planetarium curator.

[MetalBard]

Makes sense. In my experience actual brilliant people tend to be a little more humble.

[Tornado16nb]

Is he one of those cases like:

Michael Moore
Bill Nye
Hawking
Gates

etc

Their time in the sun has past them by and this worries them. Thus they need to stay relevant

[Juvenile Bluster]

Nah, Tyson's still as popular as ever. He plays it up for his fans, which are mostly MILLENNIAL, liberal atheists (but I repeat myself), who completely eat this up.

[Irish Breaks Up W/ ESB]

His fans are mostly people who FUCKING LOVE SCIENCE but don't actually know anything about science.

An accurate representation of Neil Degrasse Tyson fans.

[Juvenile Bluster]

That is awesome.

[MJGreen - Docile Citizen]

These are some real nerds.

[Rufus The Monocled Derp Slayer]

He makes science fun for the children.

[Tornado16nb]

So people who don't believe in Jesus are saying what he would do? That doesnt make sense

Being a proggie must be great

[ant1sthenes]

Jesus strikes me as more of a leader than a follower.

[Crusty Juggler]

Pot is power hungry: why the marijuana industry's energy footprint is growing

study by scientist Evan Mills, with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, revealed that legalized indoor marijuana-growing operations account for 1% of total electricity use in the US, at a cost of $6bn per year. Annually, such consumption produces 15m tons of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2), equal to that of three million average cars.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

Oh you thought that once pot became legal the social justice league would ignore them?

[Tonio]

Social Justice League....ha! I'm stealing that.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

I picture them as a team of superheroes wearing Hemp onesies.

[__Warren__]

So they're no longer in favor of green energy?

[Tonio]

Yep, the progs, who are inherently puritanical, are going to drop the stoners like a hot rock.

[Jerry on the rocks]

Yeah, but the CO2 savings for not knowing for days where you have parked your car must be much higher!

[The War on Freedom]

And pot plants eat CO2.

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

BULLSHIT.

Indoor growing is strongly associated with illegal cultivation. You can't just have plants lying around in your front yard when it's illegal.

[R C Dean]

I find the idea the legal pot grows consume 1% of the national power output implausible, to say the least.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

Police officials in Los Angeles are reportedly investigating and testing a knife that was recovered from property formerly belonging to O.J. Simpson.

Hasn't the man suffered enough?

[paranoid android]

Simpson should just hire Cuba Gooding Jr to stand in for him in public from now on, he's much better at making the man seem sympathetic.

[cavalier973]

Glenn Beck threatened to stab Donald Trump.

... Nevermind

[Ted S.]

Cool story, bro!

[Crusty Juggler]

Second Virginia day-care teacher convicted of child cruelty for 'baby fight club'

Uhhhh...yes.

[John]

We live in a sick fucking world. It takes a whole lot to shock me but this one does it. Serial killers and kids who murder their parents shock me less than this case.

[Notorious UGCC]

A story linked by Crusty Juggler, and which provokes John's disgust?

I think I *won't* click it.

[RBS]

a room that had nearly 20 toddlers

shudders

[B.P.]

You forgot.... Flamin' Hot Cheetos

*shudder*

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

Are you suggesting that this was a daycare for black kids?

[Ted S.]

Am I a bad person for laughing at that headline?

[Tonio]

Yes.

[Ted S.]

I should add that I didn't read the article.

[Mongo]

As much as I am into vicious humor, it's kind of sad especially seeing the photos of the smiling toddlers.

[Mustang]

I did. Enjoy this quote.

The defense lawyer, Patrick Foltz, also questioned whether eating a Flamin' Hot Cheeto could be equated to abusive behavior and said prosecutors failed to make that case because they didn't introduce any evidence of the snack food's relative spiciness.
'Is it felony torture if nobody's told you a Flamin' Hot Cheeto is hot? How hot is it? You don't know,' Foltz told the jury in closing arguments.

[Tonio]

This was in Prince William County, VA, a DC suburb.

[BigT]

So it was the first Republican debate for the 2064 election?

[MetalBard]

What the hell is wrong with people? In my day we used to use the mentally retarded for our fight clubs.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

I sure hope this is all true as opposed to that Little Rascals shit.

[gaoxiaen]

The sixth rule of Baby Fight Club is no diapers.

[Crusty Juggler]

Man who was Chosen by a Shelter Cat Captures the Wonderful Adventures They Share!

Porn for someone on here.

[jesse.in.mb]

Now I'm imagining that fellow on all fours getting banged from behind while the cat sits on his back and just STARES blankly.

Might have to slip off to the loo for a bit.

[Juvenile Bluster]

My wife and I have a cat that will occasionally stare at us during coital interactions. It's a bit creepy.

[jesse.in.mb]

I don't think I've ever let the cat stay in the room during sex. I hooked up with someone once that had a dog that very much wanted to get involved. THAT was creepy.

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

"OK, finish up and get out!!"

[Crusty Juggler]

A strange tongue on the sac? That feels great. OH WAIT NOO! NOOO!

[Notorious UGCC]

That's almost as disgusting as Mitt Romney running again.

[Crusty Juggler]

It is not like he asked for it! Dogs are sneaky.

[IndyEleven]

I thought Romney liked dogs on top?

/booooo

[jesse.in.mb]

Pretty much exactly that.

[B.P.]

"Who is your dog's trainer?"

[Irish Breaks Up W/ ESB]

"I hooked up with someone once that had a dog that very much wanted to get involved."

Crusty would

[Mongo]

Especially when the cat is a hep New Orleans jazz musician.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

A man found a cat at the shelter who meowed her way into his heart and wouldn't let him go without her. But what he didn't know was the adventures they were about to embark on from that day on.

this sounds like the hook for a TV show that doesn't make it past the pilot.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

There's an awful lot of lycra being worn in the accompanying pictures.

[Notorious UGCC]

From the Romney article:

"But implicit in Romney's request to his team to explore the possibility of a convention fight is his willingness to step in and carry the party's banner into the fall general election as the Republican nominee."

Trump versus Romney is a catfight involving northeastern leftists.

Would even the Republicans be stupid enough to nominate either of these jerkoffs?

"Another name these sources mentioned was House Speaker Paul Ryan, Romney's running mate in 2012."

OK, that's a bit better.

[Notorious UGCC]

I can't believe I typed "Would even the Republicans be stupid enough to nominate either of these jerkoffs?"

Obviously they're capable of it.

[Jerry on the rocks]

Is Mitt Romney working on a plan to block Donald Trump at the GOP convention?

Obligatory FU.

[lafe.long]

Tony Dyson: Inventor Who Built Original R2-D2 Droid for 'Star Wars' Found Dead, Police Say

Dyson, 68, was found dead at his home in Malta, police said Friday. Dyson created R2-D2 for "Star Wars" and worked on "Superman II," "Moonraker" and "Dragonslayer."

[Notorious UGCC]

Oh, wow, more bad news!

RIP

[cavalier973]

Was there an autopsy? Did he have a pillow over his head?

[Brett L]

The Mouse silencing critics.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

Where was Hillary?

[MJGreen - Docile Citizen]

Where was BB-8 at the time?

Sad to hear.

[__Warren__]

Bleep blorp boop boop scree!

[lafe.long]

Tax Policy Center: Group Says Bernie Sanders' Tax Plan Would Generate $15.3 Trillion in Funds

The presidential candidate's plan would raise at least $3 million apiece from top 0.1 percent earners but would also increase rates on middle- and low-income families, the Tax Policy Center said.

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

It wouldn't generate shit.

[cavalier973]

It would generate anger and despair.

[Rufus The Monocled Derp Slayer]

That's not exactly true. It would generate diarrhea.

[Pay up, Palin's Buttplug!]

Nah, it would generated a lot of taxes from the lower upper class and middle class.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

In the way that bulldozing America would generate a lot of activity, sure.

[Tornado16nb]

He needs at least 2.5 trillion per year to pay for all his programs imo

[Tornado16nb]

2.5 trillion more i mean....it would be brutal

[Doctor Whom]

Even they admit that it would reduce incentives to work, save, and invest and that it would reduce average after-tax income. Such a deal.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

If Greece can do it, why can't we?

[lafe.long]

Banksy: Scientists Use Geographical Profiling in Attempt to Reveal Graffiti Artist's Identity

Researchers used the statistical technique to pinpoint possible identities based on location. The study said Banksy is most likely Robin Gunningham, who was named in previous media reports.

[coloraDOOM]

Leave Banksy alone!!

[Jerryskids]

We need somebody that literally has a nuclear wealth, and the enemy tougher on with. And, in my opinion, the new China, believe me. - DeepDrumpf

[Irish Breaks Up W/ ESB]

OK, it's amazing right now with ISIS, I tell you what? I don't want them to vote, the worst very social people. I love me.

[commodious spittoon]

This it business. Our president is Obamacare. now, in this is what it's not. Thank you very much. We're not a cheerleader we're interesting

[Broswater]

You go on a drunken banter for a few days only to wake up to Mitt Romney somehow being again relevant to the current election process..... See you on Monday people.

[lafe.long]

Boeing: Aircraft Manufacturer Debuts Self-Cleaning Airplane Bathrooms

The bathrooms use far ultraviolet light to kill approximately 99.99 percent of germs in three seconds. Boeing said the technology is being tested and could be added to existing planes.

Warning: obnoxious autoplay

[Pl?ya Manhattan.]

The UV lights wipe shit off of the toilet seat?

[Zeb]

No, but it's clean shit.

[Rich]

*And* you could get a start on your tan on your flight to the resort.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

Groan.

[lafe.long]

Charles Evers: Brother of Assassinated Civil Rights Leader Medgar Evers Endorses Donald Trump

"I believe in him first of all because he's a businessman. I think jobs are badly needed in Mississippi," Evers told The Clarion-Ledger, adding he sees no evidence Trump is a racist.

[John]

Remember, Trump is a racist who can never win the general election. If we say it enough times, it has to be true.

[__Warren__]

Charles isn't really black, I mean what has he ever lost due to his skin color?

[thrakkorzog]

Unlike all those other Republican , who only disagree with Obama because of reasonable differences in opinion about public policy. Unlike those color blind Republicans, Trump is really racist.

[commodious spittoon]

So a construction worker ostensibly finds what could very well be the weapon used in one of the most high-profile murders ever committed, hands it over to his cop buddy, and then stays mum about it for close to two decades. I call bullshit.

[lafe.long]

The Benedict Cumberbunny is a chocolate Easter bunny with Benedict Cumberbatch's face, and it's a tasty nightmare.

On the third day, Jesus rose again so he could get as far away from this Godless aberration possible.

[Rufus The Monocled Derp Slayer]

I have no idea why I read that as 'Cummiebunny is a blah, blah, cumming on Cummiebitch's face.'

[commodious spittoon]

You've been watching HM's links again, haven't you?

[Irish Breaks Up W/ ESB]

Peak Millennial: 5 times the new 'Ghostbusters' trailer destroyed the patriarchy

"How many trailers have you seen where a woman was in a revealing outfit and didn't speak? Oh, wait, all of them. Ghostbusters took aim at this tired, sexist trope by very pointedly only had women speak in this trailer and including this female-gaze shot of Hemsworth that would, in a conventional Hollywood action film, be something more like Megan Fox in a bikini. And it has been."

"Ghostbusters is set to hit theaters and set fire to the patriarchy on July 15."

[John]

So what happens when it flops? I am not saying it will but I think it probably will. IS that just going to be more proof of how evil America is?

[Crusty Juggler]

It will flop, and it will be because men do not want to go see movies where women are the stars.

[John]

That is right. And no man ever sat through a movie with a date because it he wanted to get laid. No. Men just won't see movies that star women

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

That's utterly untrue. Make the women get naked, and I'm reserving tickets online.

[MJGreen - Docile Citizen]

I'm guessing $30 million opening weekend, top out at $80 million. And, yes, we will be shamed for its failure.

[Crusty Juggler]

That trailer, even when viewed with an open mind, looked absolutely awful, and I think three of leads can be, or are funny (I am not too familiar with Lady Ernie Hudson).

[John]

The problem isn't that they remade it with women. There is nothing that says it can't be funny with women. And making it with woman is a fairly clever way to get around the problems of remaking an iconic movie.

The problem is that Hollywood remade it with woman and when Hollywood does something like that, they will no doubt make the entire movie consist of "girls can" and beating the audience over the head with how just fucking awesome and progressive it is they have remade this movie with woman. Actually writing a decent script and making the movie funny was likely never considered.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

"girls can" be shady college professors pursuing dubious lines of research trying to avoid the rigors of the private sector.

[Rich]

Why would anyone remake Ghostbusters? It's like remaking Citizen Kane or Plan 9.

[Doctor Whom]

Otherwise, someone would have to come up with an original idea, heaven forbid.

[Rich]

Ooh, ooh! Ghostbusters with *Marvel characters*!

*** calls agent ***

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

How is this not original? It's got bitches in it! But Hemsworth looks improperly cast as Rick Moranis's character.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

I for one liked Ghost Bukake in image #2.

[Notorious UGCC]

So, you're totally not interested in Kelly Lawler?

[Rich]

Who?

[Irish Breaks Up W/ ESB]

Kelly Lawler is the serious feminist intellectual behind such articles as:

USA TODAY | Voices: 'Jurassic World' has a mother of a problem
Column on the sexism in the blockbuster.

USA TODAY | What I learned watching 10 seasons of 'Friends' in 1 month
A personal take on what an intense binge-watch can do to a beloved show.

NPR | How I Didn't Quit 'Your Mother'
On the disappointment of watching a beloved television show, long past its prime.

USA TODAY | 'Orange is the New Black' season 3:
I watched and "binge-recapped" the entire third season of the show over the course of two days. See all the recaps here.

USA TODAY | Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner call Black Widow a 'slut'
I covered the controversial remarks from the Avengers stars, including the fallout over the next few weeks.

USA TODAY | The 12 most important moments from the new 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' trailer
The most important moments from the trailer, in gif form.

I get the vague sense this person has never read a book.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

She's making a living wage writing Buzzfeed Listicles. I'd hardly call that failure. She has succeeded where none should succeed.

[Irish Breaks Up W/ ESB]

How do you know she's making a living wage? It's highly likely she's one of those left-wing writers who will pen an article in 5 years about how she can't understand why she's so poor.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

I'd hardly call the free time that requires pursuits like these a symptom of not earning a living wage.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

Huh, I may have linked to the wrong Lawler...

[Notorious UGCC]

Yeah, you linked to *Kely* Lawler, the famous libel plaintiffs' attorney.

Just kidding.

[Trouser-Pod (The blowhard)]

Is it OK that I laughed at the fact that there is a Bobby Finger, who writes for Jezebel?

'Cuz that shit is hilarious.

[__Warren__]

So the white chicks are the smart sciencey types and the negress plays the low-class poorly educated street-wise muscle?

[Notorious UGCC]

It's totally not stereotypical because...um, because Hollywood is too virtuous for that sort of thing.

[R C Dean]

How many trailers have you seen where a woman was in a revealing outfit and didn't speak? Oh, wait, all of them.

Off the top of my head, I can think of many trailers where this does not occur. Think "war movies".

[lafe.long]

Amazon: Encryption on FireOS Devices Removed Because Few Customers Used It, Company Says

"It was a feature few customers were actually using," Amazon spokeswoman Robin Handaly said Thursday, adding that the feature was removed from Fire devices in the fall.

[R C Dean]

For the first time in software history, a little-used feature was removed.

Seriously, all the bloatware garbage on these locked devices that nobody ever uses and can't be deleted, and they get rid of encryption?

[Rich]

High-tech 'bazooka' fires a net to take down drones

Biden wept.

[Diane Reynolds (Paul.)]

"I'm so keeping this netgun... all the ones I've ever used just messed up the guy's hair."

[commodious spittoon]

*beams knowingly*

[lafe.long]

Pluto: New Horizons Spacecraft Finds Snowy Mountain Range on Planet, Scientists Say

In an image released Thursday from its July 2015 flyby, the New Horizons said they discovered a mountain range in Cthulhu whose peaks are believed to be covered with methane condensed as ice.

[paranoid android]

In an image released Thursday from its July 2015 flyby, the New Horizons said they discovered a mountain range in Cthulhu whose peaks are believed to be covered with methane condensed as ice.

They better be calling them "The Mountains of Madness" or these nerds aren't fit for their jobs.

[Swiss Servator]

+1 shoggoth

[lafe.long]

So it appears Donald Trump's campaign photoshopped their model to be brown...

[commodious spittoon]

Who's going to be more upset, grievance groupies pissed off at Trump or Trumpalos pissed off with his concession to grievance groupies?

[MJGreen - Docile Citizen]

I guess selecting the Fill tool still counts as 'photoshopping.'

[But Enough About Me]

How do they know it wasn't the white girl who was 'shopped?

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