I’m writing this for tomorrow and running several hours behind where I hoped to be. I asked a stupid question, when prompted to download and install new drivers for my new graphics card (the reason for my improved puzzle times). I asked, how long can that take? It took almost three hours. ARGH! I also renewed the HSP service for the servers, where Politics Plus resides, locking in a lower price through mid 2015. Tomorrow and Sunday are high holy days in the Church of the Ellipsoid Orb. My Broncos won’t be worshiping, as the earned the right to honor the LGBT community with a bi week, but I shall be meditating on the other services.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 2:34 (average 4:16). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Short Takes:
From Media Matters: The trial of former News Corp. employees for their role in the massive phone hacking scandal has already produced several noteworthy revelations, including the hacking of voicemails from the British royal family, a six figure contract between News Corp. and its phone-hacking private investigator, and more alleged phone hacking victims, including actor Jude Law.
Former News International editors and executives Rebekah Brooks,Andy Coulson, and Stuart Kuttner are on trial in England for conspiring to intercept the communications of news figures, celebrities and public officials. All four deny the charges. The trial of another executive, Ian Edmonson, has been postponed due to medical issues.
The hacked voicemails were used as the basis for stories in Rupert Murdoch’s News of the World tabloid, which was shuttered in July 2011 after details of the scandal came out. News International is a part of News Corp., the parent company of the Wall Street Journal and a sister company to 21st Century Fox, which owns Fox News.
Click through for the juicy details. You can take it to the bank that, if Murdoch has been doing that in the UK, he’s been doing it everywhere. There needs to be an in-depth investigation of all News Corp outlets in the US, especially the Republican Reichsministry of Propaganda, Faux Noise, and Faux Print, aka the WSJ.
From Alternet: Know what? If you had told me, a month ago, that the Christian Right would have a strong reaction to a bearded religious zealot in a headscarf urging men to take child brides, I’d have believed that. And I would have believed that the man’s family would go on Fox News to defend him, but I would have assumed they were doing it from a bunker somewhere, with voice filters and behind a screen … not in the studio on New Year’s Eve.
Yet this is how things are playing out in the aftermath of footage [Faux Noise delinked] showing Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson advising young men to "marry … girls when they are about 15 or 16", after, of course, "making sure she can cook a meal". "You need to eat some meals that she cooks. Check that out," he said to an audience at a Christian retreat in 2009. "Make sure she carries her Bible," he added. "That will save you trouble down the road."
This is so extreme that I wondered at it’s authenticity, but I found this:
This is the Republican hero.
From Think Progress: The cost to combat systemic racial profiling of Latinos by an anti-immigration sheriff’s office will cost taxpayers more than $20 million over the next two years, according to documents submitted by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona. Under a federal judge’s May 2013 ruling, Sheriff Joe Arpaio and his officers must implement changes, like improving training and technology equipment, to show that the sheriff’s office will no longer systemically single out Latinos during traffic and immigration stops.
The estimated $21.9 million price tag of the court recommendations includes a seven-member unit “to implement changes recommended by the court order,” additional vehicles, mounted cameras (for the patrol vehicles), radios (to call in the reason for stopping a driver before officers can approach a stopped vehicle), equipment to record all stops with audio and video, supplies for the unit, salaries, and employee benefits.
No doubt the Brewerstan Death Angel, Jan Brewer, infamous for killing people, whose life-saving transplants had already been scheduled, by kicking them off Medicaid, must be undone that her favorite pet racist is in trouble.
Cartoon:
18 Responses to “Open Thread–1/4/2013”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
3:12 At least I didn't drive so fast that I went off the bridge.
The new drivers and graphics card are really speeding you up.
3:34 I think I took a long walk on a short pier.
I think I got one!
Media Matters ~ I doubt anything will ever be done to Ruthless Rupert. He has given too many high ups, including judges, too much. they will overlook his misdeeds and slap him on the wrist. His employees will be punished more harshly. Trickle down punishment?
alternet ~ when I read it earlier this AM, I also wondered at its authenticity. Thanks for the video. Will his "family values" supporters continue to hold him on a pedestal?
Think Progress ~ It is good that changes must be implemented. The bad part is the cost to the taxpayers. All I can say is it is their own fault for consistently re-electing him as sheriff. You think they would learn. The "Angel of Death" must have her panties in a wad over this.
Cartoon ~ Maybe we can have a repeat next year. Vote Democrat!
I think you're right!
Of course they well. That's the kind of family Republicans value.
No doubt!
Amen!
Yay for Nancy Pelosi. I am from California. I like her and Barbara Boxer. Am disappointed that I cannot see my Niners play unless they are playing the Seattle Seahawks. Your Broncos deserve a bi week.
You can see them in the playoffs today.
"No doubt the Brewerstan Death Angel, Jan Brewer, infamous for killing people, whose life-saving transplants had already been scheduled, by kicking them off Medicaid, must be undone that her favorite pet racist is in trouble."
Did you know that one of the people that was refused a transplant by Brewer was the great-grand daughter of FDR? Here is Keith Olberman with that story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq45YCI3F54
Can you even imagine people being taken to court who are among those very high paid individuals in Major Corporations? Not here. Hang 'em high UK.
We have of course tried a few, all low level and not major players, even Bernie Madoff was a minor player when compared to the massive devastation caused by the CEO's, CFO's of the banks and the Wall Street gangsters.
Actually, if I knew it, I forgot. Great link! I miss Keith! Did Current TV screw him or what?
Amen!
4:16 My PC is an extra-small-form factor with no room for anything Well, I already knew not to make that mistake again. But it will be a while.
Phil – not sure what else one would expect from someone who makes sex toys for ducks.
I would speculate on how much Jan Brewer must have enjoyed legally murdering FDR's great granddaughter, but I wouldn't want to plagiarize Rush Limpballs.
I kind of wish there were something the UK could do to Murdoch that would force him to relinquish his holdings here – but I suppose they would just be picked up by the Koch Brothers at bargain prices.
Got a pic of an elephant hemorrhaging to go with that shot of Nancy?
I learned a long time ago that a big box is the only way to go!
So true!
LOL!
I think you're right.
That'll work! 😈
yes make sure you girls are 15 and 16 before they can think for themselves and make an informed desision typical rightwing nut job
Welcome Gary! 🙂
I fully agree!
Duck Dynasty Phil is a first-class misogynist who wants those 15-16 y/o brides to pluck your ducks:
http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2013/12/30/phil_robertson_on_marriage_duck_dynasty_star_advised_men_to_find_15_year.html
Just a small nit to pick to keep you on the straight and narrow: Although Rep. Pelosi was headed to Speakership following the 2006 elections, she didn't actually become the Speaker until the new Congress was sworn in on January 4, 2007.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Pelosi
Good Link, Nameless!
You are correct. I use Onthisday.com and copieds their info without thinking it through. Apologies.
~~Rupert Murdoch needs to be milked for every nickle possible…
5:05 –
Amen, Richard!