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Christmas Open Thread

by: Colorado Pols

Thu Dec 24, 2009 at 06:48:40 AM MST


"Come, woo me, woo me; for now I am in a holiday humor, and like enough to consent."

--William Shakespeare
Colorado Pols :: Christmas Open Thread
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Christmas Open Thread | 89 comments
A Very Merry Christmas to the Pols community....
It looks like we're gonna have a white one.

And a special Merry Christmas to all those in uniform serving our country who are way from their loved ones. Their duty and sacrifice are greatly appreciated.  

"There is no question that western Pennsylvania is a racist area"
Congressman John Murtha, PA 12th CD, 1932-2010
Medical care by the best health care system in the world.


Ditto on both.
And if not a merry Christmas, a glorious long, peaceful weekend. :)

"Don't go all "Ralphie" on me now: Just let it go." - Steve Harvey
[ Parent ]
Thank you all


Amazon tax? Bad Idea!
[ Parent ]
The best Christmas video ever

As my Uncle Lee would say, "it's not the thought that counts, it's how much money you spend."

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!

Wait...
Is that Glenn Beck?
[ Parent ]
Christmas too big to fail??


"In short, we eat oil" ardy39

Nice-

but when the teller says there'e no money, he should have done this speech*: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

As good a simple description of fractional reserve banking as I've ever seen.

[ Parent ]
Mark Udall is a complete dick
I asked all of our major elected officials, and their challengers, for a fast 2 minute phone interview. Most have done it. Two turned me down. Still waiting to hear from three.

But from Udall's office? I got the following. They clearly aren't even reading the emails that come in to their office.

Dear David,
Thank you for your recent message to my U.S. Senate office.  Each week, over 10,000 Coloradans send me their thoughts and suggestions.  This unprecedented volume is a testament to the interest that Coloradans take in the issues facing our nation.
Coloradans have contacted my office about the economic recovery bill, energy, the environment, small business, education, health care, and numerous other important topics.  I appreciate hearing from each one of you because understanding your views is fundamental to my job.  Please know that my staff reads each one of your letters and e-mails and keeps me consistently updated on Coloradans' concerns.
I am honored to serve as your U.S. Senator.  My top priority in the Senate is to provide efficient and effective service to people across our state.  Please know that my Colorado staff is available to handle specific services relating to the federal government (such as help with a passport, claim for veterans' benefits, or a citizenship matter).  My Denver office can be reached at 303-650-7820.  If you would like to check on a request for services from my Washington, D.C. office, please call 202-224-5941 or toll-free at 877-7-MUDALL (877-768-3255).  Otherwise, be assured that we are reading your comments.
I will continue to listen closely to what you and other Coloradans have to say about matters before Congress, the concerns of our communities, and the issues facing Colorado and the nation.  My job is not about merely supporting or opposing legislation; it is also about bridging the divide that has paralyzed our nation's politics.  For more information about my positions and to learn how my office can assist you, please visit my website at www.markudall.senate.gov.

Warm Regards,

Mark Udall



Amazon tax? Bad Idea!
Your complaint would be more effective..
...if you stomp your feet, turn red, and then suck your thumb.  Wailing is also a clincher.

Really, a "complete dick"?  Such beautiful language from one who aspires....however vainly....to be taken seriously.  Happy Effen Holidays!

[ Parent ]
Quit whining, David. It won't help.
It's Christmas Eve. Kick back and have a Tom & Jerry.
[ Parent ]
T&J ?
Uhh, what is that?
[ Parent ]
I think it's a drink
For me heavy drinking is... Having two beers/week.

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!
[ Parent ]
Yep-
I never heard of it  but I was looking for something new last night, I might have to try this.

Tom and Jerry Batter
A Tom and Jerry is a variation of egg nog. This is the recipe from the famous Trader Vics in California.

Prep and Cook Time: About 1 1/4 hours

Tom and Jerry Single Serving
Makes: 1serving

I N G R E D I E N T S
1 egg, separated
1 teaspoon bar sugar
1 ounce dark Jamaica rum
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 ounce brandy
Hot water

I N S T R U C T I O N S
Beat egg yolk with sugar, rum and allspice until smooth and thick. Separately beat egg white until stiff.  Fold white into yolk mixture.  Put mixture into a preheated mug.  Add hot water to fill mug 3/4 full.  Stir gently.  Add brandy. Dust with grated nutmeg.


[ Parent ]
"prep and cook time: about 1 1/4 hours"
.
is that how long it takes you to preheat the mug ?
or were you thinking that, whoever is tending bar, they have probably been taste-testing the rum and brandy to make sure they're OK ?
how else does this take over an hour ?
.
[ Parent ]
no clue-
it took me about 45 minutes to make the first batch this afternoon.  
[ Parent ]
Hmm
To reduce cholesterol I'll leave the egg out, and I don't care that much for sugary drinks so I will leave out the sugar, the spice looks ok but I don't have any allspice here. There is not enough rum and brandy to fill the mug so maybe adding more rum and brandy will do. Skip heating, that takes too much time.  And, water has very little taste so that can be skipped too.
Looks like a triple Capt Morgan with brandy. Now that sounds good!

This movie has been rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and destruction
[ Parent ]
If you follow the recipe for a punch bowl
which is what I did for batch one.
After which I followed the simplified version
[ Parent ]
You are a lucky man
Happy Holidays

How about a 5 trillion tax cut for the upper 1% that's borrowed from China  and then invested in China? The Republican platform has legs.
[ Parent ]
Have to agree with Jam for once.
It is clearly a standard form message sent to acknowledge they received your e-mail. If a personal answer to your request is forthcoming, I would expect it to be a follow up to what you have received.

I also notice you seem to have sent this through the Senator's website. Requests for an interview would probably have been better received if done through the Senator's press person. A phone call may have saved you a lot of grief.

Want my vote? Put in some time with your party first!

[ Parent ]
Yeah I tried that
They don't list a press contact on the site (that I could find).

I can understand a "no thank you," what bugs me is his office clearly isn't even reading the emails that come in. He doesn't do town halls, his staff doesn't read email from constituents, he's totally divorced from the people of Colorado.

But as gertie said, it's Christmas Eve and I'm about to play Civilization and take over the world - should be done about 4:00am.

I agree it's not that big of a deal, nor is it surprising.

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!

[ Parent ]
Is it still Lawrence Pacheco?
If not, call the office and sound shocked until they put you through to the new Lawrence.

IIRC, Lawrence even listed his mobile number on his voicemail, but wasn't listed anywhere else.

"Don't go all "Ralphie" on me now: Just let it go." - Steve Harvey

[ Parent ]
Press contact
Tara Trujillo or Jennifer Talhelm at 202-224-4334
[ Parent ]
Whoops. Forgot about Tara.
Sorry, Tara.

"Don't go all "Ralphie" on me now: Just let it go." - Steve Harvey
[ Parent ]
I will give her a call on Monday
thanks - dave

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!
[ Parent ]
"it's not that big of a deal"
...of course not, why else would you call Senator Udall a "complete dick" on a public website, using your own name, whilst trying to build a reputation as someone worthy of people's time.  It's normal talk for us laid-back folk.
[ Parent ]
It's the weird expectation I have
I expect our elected officials to have someone actually read communication from their constituents. As to using the word "dick," I think it's the most accurate description of a Senator who totally ignores the residents of their state.

But I am open to a better word. Any suggestions?

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!

[ Parent ]
I think "tease" is the word you're looking for.
Considering your response sounds more like a guy who gets turned down by someone he propositions than an average angry constituent.
[ Parent ]
That would be accurate
If the reply was "let us get back to you" and they never did. What hit me about the above was that I think they didn't even have someone read the contents of the email. Ignoring the people of Colorado seems to be a theme with Udall.

I like what Udall is doing in the Senate. He's a quiet ineffectual backbencher but by definition most Senators are. He's a reliable vote for cloture and doesn't ask anything in return and that is a giant help. And his voting record is, by my view, quite good.

But it bothers me that he ran away from his constituents holding a total of 1 townhall in his last two years in the House and hasn't done it since. His unannounced visits in public where the people there are reviewed before he makes an appearance is not asking for the full range of views from the voters.

It's not the end of the world. All of our elected officials are imperfect. But I think townhalls are a key responsibility of our elected officials.

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!

[ Parent ]
oh, he'll be back in front of us
sometime around late 2013. :-)

In fact, I just registered
www.veryliberalagitatedpissedoffpeoplewithnoorganization.com
-Laughing Boy
[ Parent ]
Did you comb your hair and wash your face before you called?

Were you looking in the mirror and smiling as you asked for a 2 minute interview?  

"Hehehehehe. Blow me. Clarify that."   by: 2010 Front Page Editor, Colorado Pols, Middle of the Road @ Thu Feb 11, 2010 at 20:10:07 PM MST

[ Parent ]
Where in the job description does it say
that senators and congressmen or any other elected official have to hold townhalls?

Some do, some don't. You're sounding a bit like the Beck-Hannity-Rushbo chorus.

You're still whining that you didn't get what you wanted, when you wanted it.

[ Parent ]
We disagree then
I think a key part of a representative democracy is for our elected officials to regularly listen to their constituents - all of them. I went in to why here.

My complaint is not that Udall won't interview with me (I assumed he wouldn't). He could grant me an interview tomorrow and my core complaint remains - he ran away from his constituents when they started asking him hostile questions. And has remained hidden ever since.

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!

[ Parent ]
Udall: The New Allard?
Does it come with the mountains?

"Collective fear stimulates herd instinct and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd." -Bertrand Russell

[ Parent ]
"for once"...
...right back at ya, dearie!

[ Parent ]
Dave, you have an unrealistic expectation of access
I was going to write a long comment explaining staffing levels, but I'll leave it at this: Udall gets enough staff money for about 4-5 LC's, the people answering the snail mail and emails.  With 10,000 emails a week and probably ~1,000 letters a week, do really expect an immediate response?  Especially when you come in with the other 10,000 emails?  Of course you're going to be lost in the noise.  I don't know how this translates into Udall himself being a "complete dick."

In fact, I just registered
www.veryliberalagitatedpissedoffpeoplewithnoorganization.com
-Laughing Boy
[ Parent ]
Then they should be upfront about it
Reply back that they get so many emails that they cannot read them all and if the email sent needs to be read and get a reply that they need to - and then set out the steps to follow.

What bugged me was that this is symptomatic of Udall, make the right noises but don't actually pay attention the the people of Colorado (unless they're major donors).

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!

[ Parent ]
set out the steps to follow
What part of

If you would like to check on a request for services from my Washington, D.C. office, please call 202-224-5941 or toll-free at 877-7-MUDALL (877-768-3255).  Otherwise, be assured that we are reading your comments.

doesn't do what you're suggesting?

[ Parent ]
Dave, you're too old to whine like this
They told you in the second sentence that they get 10,000 emails a week.  Unless you expect them to outsource parsing those emails to India, why can't you do the quick math to realize that NOBODY can wade through 10,000 emails in a week?  I feel like that's so obvious, no further comment is necessary from them.  Divorce this from "complete dick" because the comment doesn't fit the situation.

Just so you know, this is how (most) Hill offices prioritize constituent correspondence:

1- individually-written letters from constituents (by hand or typed, as long as it's obvious it's not a form letter...has a return address in the state or district)

2- phone calls from a constituent (they say they're calling from within the state or district and it seems reasonable they are).  Phone calls with a very specific purpose will get routed to the proper person.  If you say you're a journalist and want to talk to the Comm Dir, you will get transferred (probably to voice mail).  If you're just making your feelings known to the Senator, it will get noted by the receptionist and those comments get discussed during weekly meetings (at least did in my office).

3- form letters from constituents with a return address inside the state or district

4- emails/web form comments

5- everything else

In fact, I just registered
www.veryliberalagitatedpissedoffpeoplewithnoorganization.com
-Laughing Boy

[ Parent ]
1.5 should be faxes
Otherwise, I completely agree based on my time in Morgan Carroll's office.  

"Collective fear stimulates herd instinct and tends to produce ferocity toward those who are not regarded as members of the herd." -Bertrand Russell

[ Parent ]
They were indeed upfront about it
They sent you to the robo-responder.  How many brain cells does it take to figure out what that means?

As an aside, neither "You're a complete dick, can I have an interview" nor "Can I have an interview, you're a complete dick" have ever worked well for me.

Your mileage might vary.

In the meantime, however, your petulance is making it harder for other bloggers to get interviews.

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

[ Parent ]
One reply for all 3 of you
And then I'll drop it as we clearly don't agree.

1) The response came back the next day, so I assumed it was not an auto-responder but rather sent by a person.

2) The part "my staff reads each one of your letters and e-mails" I took as they were saying they read my specific request, and this was their response.

3) The "check on a request for services" I took as you could get an update - if they were acting on it.

4) This may make it harder for a blogger to get an interview with Udall - but has that every happened to date?

Finally, I don't want to interview the guy. I don't respect him and that would make it hard to do a fair interview. Plus everyone would read biases into it.

What I would like to see him do are some pre-announced events where he takes questions from the general public (without the questions being pre-approved).

And now I'll leave this topic as we do disagree.

ps - There were two Congressional offices (I won't say which so they don't get pulled in to this) where I reached out the same way - and got a real response to the question.

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!

[ Parent ]
Rep.Perlmutter is the best
He has an auto response that he will get back soon. He then gets back soon. It takes a couple of days but I've never not received a thoughtful response from Ed.

How about a 5 trillion tax cut for the upper 1% that's borrowed from China  and then invested in China? The Republican platform has legs.
[ Parent ]
I have to laugh, but it really is true.
It has been my experience that Rep. Perlmutter is great at everything (I am not joking). I have never read a criticism of him anywhere. I am one of his many adoring fans as well.

He could teach Coffman a thing or two.

I believe today more than ever, US Senator Michael Bennet should be retained in office.  Here's why: http://www.coloradopols.com/di...

[ Parent ]
Teach Many More
Ed has done so well as our Rep, I live in CD7, he could teach a lot of the members of Congress, state general assemblies and city councils how to be a legislator.  He works hard for all people in CD7 and Colorado to get good legislation passed.  

OBTW with campaign season starting soon, I support Perlmutter and plan on helping him to be reelected.

This movie has been rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and destruction

[ Parent ]
Absolutely agree: Ed is the best. n/t


We're all in this story together: Let's make sure that we write it well.
http://www.steveharveyforcolor...
[ Parent ]
It's par for the course....
I emailed Congressman Polis to tell him I supported his opposition to sending more troops to Afghanistan (he was the only one in the CO delegation who came out against the escalation).

I got an form email reply. It just goes with the territory.

"There is no question that western Pennsylvania is a racist area"
Congressman John Murtha, PA 12th CD, 1932-2010
Medical care by the best health care system in the world.


[ Parent ]
Makes sense.
How many times can you write a personal, Thanks for the support, it's important to me too.

I once worked for a company that never sent form letters.  It didn't really end up looking personal, it just looked like they had hundreds of form letters.

"Don't go all "Ralphie" on me now: Just let it go." - Steve Harvey

[ Parent ]
Pogue does it.
And I know he's using macros and such, but  it mostly feels personal and it's always on subject
[ Parent ]
I think on topic form letters make a lot of sense
It's the "on topic" part that's key. But an on topic form letter can be better because they can put the time in to speak well to the issue that the individual wrote in about.

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!
[ Parent ]
And
they shouldn´t pretend not to be form letters, or fall into the pattern of sounding like a hollow ritual. There are classy ways of openly admitting that it's a form letter, and still making the constituent feel appreciated and acknowledged. My preference would be something like: "Dear (constituent's name), I sincerely hope that I have the opportunity to communicate with you personally at some point, but, until then, I'd like you to know how much I appreciate...."

But I do agree that good legislators take some time to answer at least a sampling of constituent correspondances personally, and generally enjoy doing so.

We're all in this story together: Let's make sure that we write it well.
http://www.steveharveyforcolor...

[ Parent ]
Jared actually responds on facebook.
Try it.

I believe today more than ever, US Senator Michael Bennet should be retained in office.  Here's why: http://www.coloradopols.com/di...
[ Parent ]
Do we attribute it to holiday libations?
"I asked all of our major elected officials, and their challengers, for a fast 2 minute phone interview."

then a few two-steps later

"Finally, I don't want to interview the guy. I don't respect him and that would make it hard to do a fair interview."

How David seems to want you to believe his interview attempt went down can be found:  here  

[ Parent ]
Just the bitterness of the rejected
Those grapes were probably sour anyway.
[ Parent ]
Udall has been hugely disappointing in being responsive to constituents.
I like Mark Udall. I like his image, and I like his voting record.

I don't like his complete seeming disregard for his constituents and their voices. I have had a similar experience to yours over and over and over. The phone messages that don't get through because the mailbox is full, the letters that get only form responses, the lack of his visibility in public and at events of all kinds. I find it really strange, and quite disturbing. I expect these kinds of behaviors from Coffman or Lamborn, but not from another Democrat.

In stark contrast, Bennet has been EVERYWHERE, listening to EVERYONE. Bennet returns some phone calls personally, writes some of his thank-you notes personally, and writes his own emails to supporters. Many people who have worked with him this past year have said he is the most responsive member of Congress they have ever met. Yes, he is running for office, but he did this from day one.

I do not know Mark Udall personally, and I would like an explanation. If he is an extreme introvert, why did he run for Senate? Doesn't he owe his constituents some face time?  

I believe today more than ever, US Senator Michael Bennet should be retained in office.  Here's why: http://www.coloradopols.com/di...

[ Parent ]
P.S. I don't think he is a dick, completely or partially.
But I'm with Dave that a legislator needs to interact with the public in order to effectively represent them. It is one thing to say you are paying attention and really listening -- it's another to show it.  

I believe today more than ever, US Senator Michael Bennet should be retained in office.  Here's why: http://www.coloradopols.com/di...
[ Parent ]
Udall shows up to things
He was at the Boulder Democrats' Truman Dinner. Michael Bennet was actually the only politician representing Boulder who didn't show up.

So Dave and you have had one experience, and I've had a different one.

[ Parent ]
Glad to hear it.
Like I said, I respect his politics. I would love to see him around more.

I believe today more than ever, US Senator Michael Bennet should be retained in office.  Here's why: http://www.coloradopols.com/di...
[ Parent ]
I wonder if he prefers Boulder events.
It is his own turf -- can't blame him for that.

I believe today more than ever, US Senator Michael Bennet should be retained in office.  Here's why: http://www.coloradopols.com/di...
[ Parent ]
Dave - Question
Did you try just going into his office downtown? His staff is very responsive face to face and may spend some time with you. I heard from a friend of a friend that their  phone message system is antiquated which is why you and I -- and others -- have a hard time getting through by phone.  

I also wonder if Mark Udall spends more time in rural areas.  In looking at his website, there seems to be a lot of emphasis on rural issues and rural concerns.  Maybe he is spending more time outside the cities early in his term.  

Just a thought. Like I said, he's a good guy -- everyone says so. There must be some explanation.

I believe today more than ever, US Senator Michael Bennet should be retained in office.  Here's why: http://www.coloradopols.com/di...

[ Parent ]
I've talked to them numerous times
I said I was not going to post anything further on this as we were going around in circles. But as you asked me directly.

I have talked to numerous people there and traded emails, including with Tara. Every time I have asked to talk to Senator Udall I have been told "we'll get back to you" - and they never do.

I also asked them point blank to give me a single meeting he has had where he announced in the press in advance that he would be there and take questions. The only case is once during his last two years in the House.

If you read Senator Udall's newsletters he consistently reports on public meetings he has held, but never announces meetings he is going to hold. It's actually very clever, he goes to places unannounced and then writes it up as a townhall type event.

Here's hoping in 4 years as he is running for re-election, that he finds it necessary to actually invite the voters to meet him and answers their unscripted questions.

ps - I do agree that his votes are generally what I would like to see. And yes he appears to be a quiet backbencher - but not all Senators can lead. I'm not saying he's awful, just that he appears to be afraid of his constituents.

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!

[ Parent ]
The Norad Santa tracker
For those wanting to track Santa's progress - http://www.noradsanta.org/en/i...

And keep in mind Santa does exist - you'll have proof under your tree tomorrow :)

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!

Cute video of a spy satellite tracking Santa


Amazon tax? Bad Idea!
[ Parent ]
Merry Christmas!
"The air was filled with phantoms, wandering hither and thither in restless haste, and moaning as they went.... [O]ne old ghost...cried piteously at being unable to assist a wretched woman with an infant, whom he saw below, on a door-step. The misery with them all was, clearly, that they sought to interfere, for good, in human matters, and had lost the power forever."

-Charles Dickens, "A Christmas Carol"

But WE have not lost that power. May we all continue to celebrate our lives and our good fortune by remaining committed to the welfare of all, and to the continuing refinement of our laws and social institutions in service to that joyful shared endeavor.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYBODY!!!

We're all in this story together: Let's make sure that we write it well.
http://www.steveharveyforcolor...

From the MilBlog BLACKFIVE...
A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I  gazed round the room  and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

   Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

   My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

   The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

   My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door  just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
a lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

   A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled  here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

   "What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's  freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

   For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the  snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.
Then he sighed and said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every  night."

   "It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from  the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

   My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's  a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam,'
And now it is my turn  and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But  my wife sends me  pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and  blue... an American flag.

   "I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a  foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my  sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that  this flag will not fall."

   "So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting  and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I  asked, "or prepare you a feast"

It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from  your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret
"Just tell us you love  us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Michael Marks, 2000.

It's real: http://www.snopes.com/holidays...

"There is something good and motherly about Washington, the grand old benevolent National Asylum for the helpless." Mark Twain

Christmas greetings, brother.
.
I was standing in my front hall this morning, seeing a neighbor off after sharing hot cocoa and date nut bread, and we heard something hit the ground outside the front door, in a little enclosure around the front stoop: the postman was walking away as we opened the door.  

It was a large envelope with a pin and a certificate from something calling itself "Freedom Team Salute."  
Did you get one ?
Is it a solicitation for money ?
.

[ Parent ]
oops.
.
Its funded by the Secretary of the Army.  Now I really hope you did get one.
.
[ Parent ]
Yes - I met with the program managers at the DAV Natl Convention...
...it's an outstanding idea!

For those of you outside of the loop, this is a program to deliver some recognition of anyone who served in the US Army, esp those who got hustled out quick due to stop-loss or other soldiers who fell thru the cracks (National Guard and Reserve transitioning from AD.)

It's the simplest of gestures, yet it's been completely missed for too many soldiers.

More info:  www.FreedomTeamSalute.com

"There is something good and motherly about Washington, the grand old benevolent National Asylum for the helpless." Mark Twain

[ Parent ]
And if you need some direct contact info...
...hit me up at DenverVetAC at Forethought.net.  Guy running the show is COL Ward Nickisch (RET)

"There is something good and motherly about Washington, the grand old benevolent National Asylum for the helpless." Mark Twain
[ Parent ]
Merry Christmas
From your local Italian from New Jersey, through the guitar playing of another Italian from New Jersey--the incomparable Joe Pass (Joseph Anthony Passalaqua).

If you ever see the CD "Six String Santa" by Joe, buy it.  It's a wonderful Christmas CD by a wonderful jazz guitarist.

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

Thanks Ralphie
A great interlude on an otherwise busy afternoon.

Merry Christmas to you, your family and fellow travelers on COPols.  

[ Parent ]
A Good Christmas Eve Read...
Go here for a great Christmas fable... good to read to children tonight...

http://writerunboxed.com/2009/...

that was cute.
.
thanks, Angie.
.
[ Parent ]
A Tea Bagger's Christmas
TPM flags this call to C-Span this morning. A Kansas Tea Party woman takes down her Christmas Tree to protest Senate passage of the health care bill ... and on the eve of "God's holiday to celebrate the birth of His son," no less.


Ho friggin' Ho to her, too
n/t
[ Parent ]
Time to start my Christmas shopping


Amazon tax? Bad Idea!
Sadly, No! The decade's 10 best years
Perhaps the most succinct summary of the decade I've seen.

The Top 10 Years Of The Decade.  How can you beat a summary that starts with:

10. 2001: The year started ominously with a peasant blouse revival and only got worse with the worst thing that ever happened ever. Thankfully, a new generation of wiser heads with larger nutsacks would prevail in the cauldron of the very next year, and both transgressions would be avenged to this very day.


"I have come to the conclusion that the making of laws is like the making of sausages-the less you know about the process the more you respect the result."  -- Anonymous IL State Rep. circa 1878
My gift to all of you.

If you celebrate it, Merry Christmas.  If not, have a good weekend.

"Kevin and I will keep them out somehow -- even if we have to redefine what the peer-review literature is!"  

Ick - you should have warned us better.


I believe today more than ever, US Senator Michael Bennet should be retained in office.  Here's why: http://www.coloradopols.com/di...
[ Parent ]
Have a wonderful holiday, friends at Pols.

is it time yet?
Traditionally, it is the youngest who gives this shout out....however, since I believe I am hands down the oldest, I ask your indulgence to say:

God Bless Us, Everyone.

I'm 64 dwyer, but God bless you too!
n/t
[ Parent ]
NYTimes figures out how to solve the Iran Problem
.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12...

I'm guessing they get the Peace Prize next year.
.

I'm guessing not
Kuperman tends to oversimplify too much for my preference, but he gets the basics right here.

I believe the administration, just like almost everyone, knew that Iran would reject the last offer. If they knew that, wwhy make it?  Kuperman concludes because they needed a sound byte for domestic politics.  I disagree and suspect they are better chess players than that. At least I hope so.

What's the deal with thorium reactors?

[ Parent ]
The way to solve the energy crisis...
....Wired Magazine has a great article on the subject - "Uranium is so last century."

http://www.wired.com/magazine/...

"There is something good and motherly about Washington, the grand old benevolent National Asylum for the helpless." Mark Twain

[ Parent ]
So let's tie the next offer to a thorium R&D program fow the region- free electtric
but no nukes.
[ Parent ]
no, let's give them $30B
to figure out fusion.  after all, we're just 20 years away. :-)

In fact, I just registered
www.veryliberalagitatedpissedoffpeoplewithnoorganization.com
-Laughing Boy
[ Parent ]
Yep
And we've been 20 years away for the last 40 years.

Oh.  That's what you meant :)

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

[ Parent ]
Deck us all with Boston Charlie!
Deck us all with Boston Charlie,
Walla Walla, Wash., an' Kalamazoo!
Nora's freezin' on the trolley,
Swaller dollar cauliflower alley-garoo!

Don't we know archaic barrel,
Lullaby Lilla boy, Louisville Lou?
Trolley Molly don't love Harold,
Boola boola Pensacoola hullabaloo!

Bark us all bow-wows of folly,
Polly wolly cracker n' too-da-loo!
Hunky Dory's pop is lolly gaggin' on the wagon,
Willy, folly go through!

Donkey Bonny brays a carol,
Antelope Cantaloup, 'lope with you!
Chollie's collie barks at Barrow,
Harum scarum five alarum bung-a-loo!

--Walt Kelly

McInnis not making a list of who's naughty and nice
The Daily Sentinel is reporting that McInnis will not assure his defeat by tapping Penry for the Lt. Gov spot.  Penry is still keeping fellow Mesa County Republicans twisting in the wind by not making up his mind on another senate run.  In short, the McInnis/Penry plan for keeping R's in the minority may work.

"McInnis has "no list of any kind" for lieutenant-governor candidates, according to his campaign spokesman, Sean Duffy."

Christmas Open Thread | 89 comments
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