The labs are in, and the news is bad. I do have esophageal cancer, probably in stage III. That gives me a three year survival rate of 32%, with chemo and radiation. The next stage is a nose to knees Pet Scan. So it’s not a happy time in the CatBox. I plan to get our hosting paid at least a couple years in advance and take steps to transfer ownership of Politics Plus to Nameless, Lynn, Joanne and Lona on my passing, so the community here will survive me. I plan to dedicate whatever time I have left to do as much good as I can. I’m very tired. I had an emergency Republicosis run at 1:30 AM. Fortunately, I made it to the throne without accident this time. Tomorrow, please expect no more than an Open Thread. It’s a WWWendy day, and we have lots of extra work, using the new blender to prepare food less likely to get stuck in my tumor. Have a great weekend.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 3:37 (average 5:10). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Cartoon:
Short Takes:
From ProPublica: President Donald Trump’s new acting intelligence director, Richard Grenell, used to do consulting work on behalf of an Eastern European oligarch who is now a fugitive and was recently barred from entering the U.S. under anti-corruption sanctions imposed last month by the State Department.
In 2016, Grenell wrote several articles defending the oligarch, a Moldovan politician named Vladimir Plahotniuc, but did not disclose that he was being paid, according to records and interviews. Grenell also did not register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, which generally requires people to disclose work in the U.S. on behalf of foreign politicians.
FARA is the same law that Trump’s former campaign manager Paul Manafort and former deputy campaign manager Rick Gates were convicted of violating. (Manafort went to trial. Gates pleaded guilty.)
Although such behavior would disqualify a Democrat, in the Republican Reich, proof of such criminal corruption must be tendered by all applicants seeking employment in high office. RESIST!!
From YouTube (Parody Project Channel): GHOST DONALD IN THE SKY – Parody
Wonderful! May your song be prophetic about the political demise of every Republican politician starting with Bought Bitch Midnight Moscow Mitch and continuing beyond Criminal Fuhrer Drumpfenfarten*! RESIST!!
From YouTube (a blast from the past): The Byrds – “Mr. Tambourine Man” – 5/11/65
Ah… the memories! RESIST!!
Vote Blue!!
16 Responses to “Open Thread–2/22/2022”
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SHIT!
DAMN!
It hurts to read of your results. I’m sure it hurts you more; sorry!
ProPublica: Non-criminals need not apply!
PPC: Great. I like the Vaughn Monroe, and Frankie Laine versions, too.
The Byrds: I was listening to some Charlie Byrd ,earlier, but love the Byrds.
5:19
I’m not really able to respond to your results – I’m numb. I’m sure words will come, but not yet.
Anderson Cooper made mincemeat of Rod Blagojevich (without even raising his voice). Too bad Blago missed it.
Cartoon – And some are both.
ProPublica – If anyone comes across any petitions to support Maguire, please let us know. I haven’t seen any yet, and integrity and sacrifice should never go unrecognized.
Other PP – TFT says this is their best soundtrack yet. The competitions is so stiff, though, it’s hard to tell.
Past – Great song. Too bad I can’t even hear or read the name without thinking of the parody “Mr. Tangerine Man.“
So much of the news is bad – here is a piece of good news that slipped under the radar. Thank POGO for bringing it to more attention.
Lordy, TC, what a sad bummer. I’ve been praying/hoping/betting on the best news…for you, and I read this. I’m bummed out. I echo Mitch’s comments too. xo
PP: Only the best, no resume needed either! ugh!
PPC: Very well done. Very well sung!!
BFTP: Excellent song, w/great vibes!
Tell WWWendy hi, and hope that you have a restful day. Take good, good, good, good care, Tom.
This just in: “Joseph Goebbels – meet your heir – Stephen Miller.” ~ Norm L. ~
2. “The power of deciding pardons has been taken away from Barr, and given to Kushner to decide who and when.” ~ Bev H. ~
3. “As Russia targets US elections, dt does everything wrong. Told that a foreign adversary was once again targeting US elections, Trump is furious. NOT w/ Russia, but w/the TRUTH getting out.” ~ Jewel A. ~
4. “I’m hoping that Trump will be chased by monkeys on his trip to India this coming week.” ~ Alicia B. ~
prayers lifted and virtual hugs sent…a very hard kind of news to get…glad you have a team fully up to speed for the days ahead to preserve your legacy
Read where the person Grenell replaces is the one who briefed Congress on current election Russian interference, where that apparently was the offense requiring resignation…
I like others am at a loss for words after reading your results. I had, been and will continue praying for you TC. With the way they are getting better at beating cancer, I honestly hope that you will be a real fighter and prove to them wrong and survive a whole lot longer than what they are saying. Keep the faith. We are all praying for you, TC.
ProPublica: Figures he’d be involved with criminal actions. Otherwise tRump wouldn’t of hired him.
PPC: Yep, it’s speaks perfectly of tRump. Great one.
BFTP: Great tune. Remember it very well.
Hope your day goes well. That you can get some rest.
Take care. Thanks TomCat
Your test results are the pits. It really took me aback. I’m so sorry to hear it. I’m glad you will still be fighting the Repugs. We will fight with you.
Puzzle – 3:25
ProPublica _ I guess it doesn’t matter what anyone in his administration is guilty of because he can pardon them all. Drain the Swamp???
I love Ghost Donald in the Sky! I also hope it’s prophetic.
Mr. Tambourine Man plays on Alexa for me and on one of the oldies stations in my car. I’m always singing along.
Hugs and prayers for you Dear Tomcat.
TomCat,
I am among the many who are shocked and saddened by your bad news. I have read Politics Plus for years and have marveled at your wit and wisdom, not to mention your prowess at cartoons and jigsaw puzzles!
Along with everyone else I’ll be praying for you.
Oh, TomCat. Though not completely unexpected after seeing the photos, your bad news is worse than hoped for and came as such a shock. I’m still emotionally frail and have a hard time expressing myself coherently, so let me be brief and tell you how much I wish I could adopt a tomcat as I did Molly just as you suggested, take care of you and help you through the difficult time ahead.
2:59 Does it look at its reflection all day long?
Cartoon: all of the above
ProPublica: Trump dragged this one out of the swamp, just like all the others so what do you expect?
PP: Great new lyrics.
BFTP: I got “Playback on other websites has been disabled by the video owner.”, but I know this particular cover by the Birds well.
So sorry to hear the news TC. You have been a beacon of truth and progressiveness for everyone to look up to. Your legacy will live on in all of us. Bless you, TomCat where ever you are!
Thanks and major appreciation to Mitch, JD, Pat, JL, Colleen, Patty, Margaret, Jerry, Lona, and whoever has not yer replied here. You all mean the world to me.
it’s what none of us wanted to hear, but it’s probably what we all feared.
It’s a lot for you to process, so take your time and use as many resources and support systems as you can muster – including all of us.
I would encourage you to speak with your PCP or oncologist to inquire about meds to help with the pain. We’ve come a long way in pain management, and as a general rule people battling cancer should not also have to battle its pain.
I appreciate your keeping us updated, and hope you will continue to feel comfortable doing so in the future. But that’s your call, so do w/e you feel is best.
Rest assured, we’ll be here for you – so don’t be shy in asking for help.
Thanks, Nameless. You may rest assured that I am a strong believer in palliative care. Being a pain is far more my forte than having a pain.
Please excuse my wording but . . . Jesus H Christ!!! Can anything else go the wrong way?
Being a career banker, I did not understand your “pictures” but they did not look pretty in a couple of places. I, like everyone else, was hoping for the best, certainly not this! I have always thought of you as being immortal in addition to mangy. Keep fighting dude! When you need to sound off, I am sure we are all ready to listen.
Prayers from me and my fur babes have been going on daily for some time and they will continue without ceasing. I am so glad that you have Wendy there too to help. She is God sent!
Please take care of you!!!!!
Thanks and BIG Hugs, Squatch!