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Merry Christmas and Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 12:00:40 PM EST
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Merry Christmas, Everyone.

It really doesn't feel like Christmas to me, but for those of you who have found something to celebrate today (including your religion), enjoy! - and please tell us about any great meals or adventures you had. For those of you staying home (like me) and watching a lot of TV, I hope you'll share any great series or movies you've seen.

It's been interesting following the varied approaches states are taking to who gets the vaccine second. Everyone is doing first responders and nursing homes first, but after that, there seems to be a split. Some states are going with the elderly being second because that will save the most lives (since their lives are most at risk). Other states are going with workers who deal with the public in non-medical fields next, saying they are most likely to catch the virus. Where do you weigh in?

This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

< Trump's Pardonmania | Trump Signs COVID-19 Relief Bill, House to Vote on $2k payments >

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    Merry Christmas and Open Thread | 94 comments (94 topical)

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    Merry Christmas (5.00 / 4) (#3)
    by Zorba on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 02:18:34 PM EST
    Happy New Year, and Merry Happy Christmakwanzakah to all.
    Quiet day here, it's only Mr. Zorba, me, and our son who lives here.

    But we are having sous vide boneless prime rib, sautéed mushrooms, asparagus with Hollandaise sauce, Greek oven roasted potatoes (our garden potatoes from our root cellar), Greek salad, and butternut squash pie (from our garden butternut squash).  And lots of good Cabernet Sauvignon to go with dinner.

    Stay safe, all!

    I had a neighbor over (5.00 / 2) (#4)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 02:39:13 PM EST
    We had bar food.  Spicy wings, stuffed mushrooms, deviled eggs, bacon wrapped chicken bites, Scotch eggs, fried pickles with spicy mayo and and assortment of olives and cheese.

    And lots of drinks.

    Parent

    A lady (none / 0) (#16)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 05:08:04 PM EST
    I go to church with grew up in England and she makes Scotch eggs to bring to gatherings. They are to die for. I could eat a whole tray of them. I hope yours were as good.

    Parent
    I've gotten pretty good at it (none / 0) (#19)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 05:24:22 PM EST
    We came up with the plan for bar food about a week ago.  I made Scotch eggs and fried pickles, he made deviled eggs and stuffed mushrooms and the rest was stockpiled in advance from various takeout.  

    It was great actually.  Don't remember when I've enjoyed Christmas dinner more.  I love bar food.

    Parent

    You always (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 05:07:18 PM EST
    have the best food Zorba. What is in Greek potatoes? I guess I should start googling. The internet has every recipe these days. Butternut squash pie sounds interesting but I'm not sure I would like a pie that tastes like squash.

    We had our big dinner last night with rib roast my husband did on the pellet grill, mashed potato gratin, green beans, roasted zucchini and yellow squash, peaches and rolls.

    Merry Christmas everyone!

    Parent

    I forgot to (none / 0) (#17)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 05:09:23 PM EST
    mention the deserts: fudge meringue pie and buttermilk pie. My sister raved about the buttermilk pie. It is the first time I have ever cooked on.

    Parent
    I don't have (none / 0) (#23)
    by Zorba on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 09:18:00 PM EST
    An exact recipe for the potatoes, but peel and cut your potatoes in wedges, coat them with olive oil, lemon juice, melted butter, a little bit of chicken or beef broth, finely minced garlic (or use garlic powder, I won't tell), salt, pepper, oregano.
    Bake in a 350 degree oven for an hour and a half, give or take.  Stir every so often.  The edges should be a bit crisped.
    Sorry it's not more precise, but I've never measured the ingredients for this one.

    Parent
    PS (none / 0) (#24)
    by Zorba on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 09:21:35 PM EST
    The butternut squash pie tastes like a pumpkin pie, but better.
    Pumpkins are squash.  Pumpkins, gourds, winter squash, summer squash, cucumbers, are all related, and they can all interbreed.

    Parent
    No feta? So yummy. (none / 0) (#29)
    by oculus on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 12:20:27 PM EST


    Parent
    Merry Christmas, everyone. (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by Donald from Hawaii on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 03:11:57 PM EST
    This has been a Zoom holiday, talking to everyone remotely. It's just not the same, but we're making the best of it. I'm pretty much resigned to not being able to first meet my youngest grandson in person until after his first birthday in March. We were supposed to go over the Oahu last June to see him but then we had another shutdown. This has been the first year I haven't gotten on a plane to go anywhere. We'll make up for it later in 2021 when this pandemic winds down.

    Take care and stay safe. Aloha.

    Peace, Health and Happy Holidays (5.00 / 3) (#20)
    by desertswine on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 05:35:16 PM EST
    to all my good TL friends.

    Merry Christmas to all my TL friends! (5.00 / 3) (#25)
    by vml68 on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 09:56:08 PM EST
    It was a quiet day for us, just hubby, me and the doggie children.
    Kept the menu simple. Baghali Polo (Basmati Rice with dill, broad beans, (I used edamame) and saffron) and braised lamb shanks.
    Missing my parents, sibling and nieces. It's been a year since I've seen them.

    Looking forward to 2021!

    Looking forward to 2021 (none / 0) (#26)
    by jmacWA on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 04:46:10 AM EST
    🎼 They say that 21 is gonna be a good year

    Parent
    Masterful homage (5.00 / 5) (#30)
    by KeysDan on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 12:32:48 PM EST
    to the Addams Family by cartoonist, Harry Bliss, takes the cover of The New Yorker's December 28 issue.  Requires a minute of study to fully appreciate.

    Great cover (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by MO Blue on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 12:56:32 PM EST
    As you indicated, there is a lot going on in the cartoon.

    Parent
    Deep State (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 29, 2020 at 10:25:14 AM EST
    EPIX series.

    Two seasons.  Very good.  Like Homeland minus the annoying mental outpatient central character.

    Great (none / 0) (#85)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 31, 2020 at 12:49:49 PM EST
    "When can we expect the go-ahead from the president?"

    "The man tweets like a teen aged girl.  You really think we're gonna leave this up to him?"

    Parent

    Let's hear it from the judge (5.00 / 1) (#65)
    by MO Blue on Tue Dec 29, 2020 at 06:34:46 PM EST
    Federal Judge Slams Trump Pardons

    U.S. District Judge Robert Pratt told the Associated Press that, "It's not surprising that a criminal like Trump pardons other criminals."

    He added: "Apparently to get a pardon, one has to be either a Republican, a convicted child murderer or a turkey."
    My disgusting Senator (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by MO Blue on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 01:00:26 PM EST
    GOP senator Josh Hawley officially announces he'll object to Biden's Electoral College certification

    Needless to say, my email to him objecting to him trying to overturn our Constitutional Republic and shaming our state will have no effect; yet, stating my objection is important.

    Josh Hawley is (none / 0) (#68)
    by KeysDan on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 01:26:06 PM EST
    angling for successor to Trump.  The Stanford, Yale law graduate thinks his aw-shucks persona will place him in good stead with the MAGAt remnants.  

    But my thinking is that Hawley 2024 = Little Marco 2016.  Although he has all the right fascist tendencies, Republicans will be looking for someone like Ivanka or a professional wrestler.  

    Parent

    I would love to see (none / 0) (#69)
    by MO Blue on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 01:42:06 PM EST
    the little frat boy lose to a professional wrestler in 2024. Ivanka or Jr. not so much.

    A portion of my email:

    You, by abdicating your duty to the United States and the Constitution, will go down in history as a person who was willing to throw away our form of government on the alter of your blind ambition. You heap shame on yourself
    and our state.

    Parent

    Beautifully said, MO Blue (none / 0) (#77)
    by Zorba on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 04:40:28 PM EST
    I haven't lived in Missouri for 50 years (I still have relatives there, and I'm still a Cardinals fan, dammit!) but it seems to be getting worse every year.
    Sigh.

    Parent
    Execution delayed (none / 0) (#1)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 02:03:46 PM EST

    Judge delays execution of only woman on US death row

    WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal judge said the Justice Department unlawfully rescheduled the execution of the only woman on federal death row, potentially setting up the Trump administration to schedule the execution after president-elect Joe Biden takes office.

    U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss also vacated an order from the director of the Bureau of Prisons that had set Lisa Montgomery's execution date for Jan. 12. Montgomery had previously been scheduled to be put to death at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana, this month, but Moss delayed the execution after her attorneys contracted coronavirus visiting their client and asked him to extend the amount of time to file a clemency petition.

    Moss prohibited the Bureau of Prisons from carrying out Lisa Montgomery's execution before the end of the year and officials rescheduled her execution date for Jan. 12. But Moss ruled on Wednesday that the agency was also prohibited from rescheduling the date while a stay was in place.

    "The Court, accordingly, concludes that the Director's order setting a new execution date while the Court's stay was in effect was `not in accordance with law,'" Moss wrote.

    A spokesperson for the Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
    Domestic terrorism on Christmas Day (none / 0) (#2)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 02:16:26 PM EST
    As MOblue noted earlier the possible ramifications of this are gigantic.

    They are saying now there was a "recording" in or at the RV  that somehow told them of impending explosion.  How did that work?  If it turns out this was done in support of Trumps crazy stolen election ravings the results could be earth shaking.

    You have to agree with the FOX news guy who said the police surely know more than they are saying.  It's understandable they might not want the details released on the public on Christmas Day.  But the facts will come out.  It could get Trump finally removed and silenced.  He has so far been strangely silent.  If it was suspected it was  brown people I doubt very much he would be silent.

    Something to watch with Trump, if he suddenly decides to sign the covid relief deal.  

    Great Christmas morning (none / 0) (#5)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 03:11:38 PM EST
    Don Aaron confirmed the warning came from the RV.

    Williams said she awoke at about 4:30 a.m. Christmas morning after hearing what sounded like multiple rounds of loud, rapid-fire gunshots. Later, after more gunshots, Williams said she called 911.

    Then, she said, she heard a repeated warning from the RV.

    "Evacuate now. There is a bomb. A bomb is in this vehicle and will explode," she remembers the recorded warning saying.

    Then, she said, the voice started a 15-minute countdown.

    Still, thanks for the heads up.  I guess.

    Parent

    The Tennessean (none / 0) (#7)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 03:21:04 PM EST
    seems to have the best information

    Parent
    It's (none / 0) (#8)
    by FlJoe on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 03:57:44 PM EST
    hard to see the ideology behind this one. It seems pretty  well calibrated to avoid casualties and well thought out in general(ruling out the true mouth breathers of any stripe).

    This seems to be a "statement" act, but who knows what that is. We hate Christmas? We hate ATT? We
    hate Hooters?

    Nothing seems to to fit the tactics or targets of the usual bunch.

    For some reason I smell more of Unabomber type, a highly intelligent loner with his own manifesto.


    Parent

    At that link above (none / 0) (#9)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 04:02:28 PM EST
    There is a story about how communications were knocked out.  Planes are grounded at the airport and no 911 service for a wide area.

    This is what we CAN do?

    Parent

    Also (none / 0) (#10)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 04:10:12 PM EST
    As you say if it was a message act what is the message.  What is the ask?  What is the threat?  With such a well laid plan surely someone will take the credit.

    Possibly one of the things the police know that we do not.  Yet.

    Parent

    They found (none / 0) (#11)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 04:18:18 PM EST
    Human  remains.  Probably the bomber.  Or we would already know.

    Parent
    Possibly multiple (none / 0) (#12)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 04:19:13 PM EST
    Humans

    Parent
    There is all the chatter (none / 0) (#13)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 04:44:56 PM EST
    about, they were dumb because vehicles are so easy to trace, there must be security video everywhere, blah blah.

    I would say if there is human remains clearly there is a person or persons who are not going to care how easy it is to trace the vehicle.

    Which again brings up all they know that we do not.

    Parent

    This (none / 0) (#18)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 05:11:53 PM EST
    makes me think it was one of those crazy cult things where they blow themselves up.

    Jim Cooper, the rep for the district, said he thought it was terrorism.

    Parent

    Person of interest (none / 0) (#31)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 12:49:47 PM EST
    Tweet
    See new Tweets
    Conversation

    Jeff Pegues
    @jeffpeguescbs
    ...
    @CBSNews
     #EXCLUSIVE
    CBS News has learned that #police have a person of interest or persons of interest in connection with the #explosion that rocked #Nashville on #ChristmasDay.
    11:08 AM · Dec 26, 2020·Twitter for iPhone



    Parent
    The reply's (none / 0) (#32)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 12:54:28 PM EST
    to that are great.   They cover all theories.

    Parent
    Another thought experiment (none / 0) (#34)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 01:15:21 PM EST
    Begin by saying there is absolutely no evidence of this I know of.  

    Imagine you are in charge of the investigation into the Nashville bombing and you learn it was done to support Trumps call to arms.  

    What do you do?  Do you tell people?  What would happen if you did?  One thing that seems likely is more attacks supporting the first one.  Not to mention the rage against such an act.

    Like I said, could be anyone of a million reasons.  Or no reason at all.  Just thinking out loud.

    PS
    Do you EVER tell people?  Or do you come up with another story and try to shut it down before it starts?  Is that even possible?

    Parent

    A "person of interest" is even less (none / 0) (#35)
    by Peter G on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 02:22:37 PM EST
    than a "suspect," which is even less than an "accused," about whom no one should jump to any conclusions no matter how desperately you may feel the urge to.

    Parent
    Likely (none / 0) (#36)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 02:25:41 PM EST
    The person of interest is the one they found parts of laying around.  

    Parent
    CBS Is using a name (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 02:33:18 PM EST
    It does not say if he is alive or dead

    Multiple sources confirm that Anthony Quinn Warner, a Nashville area resident, had a similar make and model RV as the one in photos released to the public.

    Warner was described as a 63-year-old White man. Federal agents are at the address listed to Warner.  

    I would give you a link but that's really all it says.

    Parent

    It is telling that every time something like this (5.00 / 2) (#44)
    by MO Blue on Sun Dec 27, 2020 at 10:43:25 AM EST
    happens, I pray that it is not accredited to a black or brown person or someone from the Middle East. Heaven help us on what Trump would do (including bombs) if it wasn't a white man.

    Parent
    Not a lot of information (none / 0) (#38)
    by MKS on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 05:50:10 PM EST
    out there about his.    Combination of Christmas,
     and pretty tight lips?

    They have got to know who owns the RV and who drove it to downtown....

    Parent

    Very tight (none / 0) (#39)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 06:07:41 PM EST
    I have been looking and have not seen a word about what his political leanings were.

    Isn't that weird?  Every time there is a shooter this stuff in my on the web in minutes.    

    That's as of about an hour ago.  Everyone knows who this guy is.  There are reporters in his neighborhood.    I looked at his house on GOOGLE EARTH.  The RV is in the driveway.

    They are now calling it a suicide bombing.  It's reported there is no manhunt and no one in custody, so...

    I suspect they might be better at keeping stuff off the internet than they let on.

    Parent

    For the curious (none / 0) (#40)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 06:12:10 PM EST
    It's
    116 Bakerstown Rd
    Antioch,TN

    Parent
    Google seems (none / 0) (#41)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 06:15:29 PM EST
    To have blocked that exact address.  But if you enter any number in the 100s and the street you will see it

    Parent
    There's is this (none / 0) (#42)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 06:21:33 PM EST
    From a tabloid

    also revealed on Saturday that the alleged person of interest - named in a report as Anthony Quinn Warner - reportedly signed the home raided by the FBI over to a woman for free last month.



    Parent
    Forbes (none / 0) (#43)
    by CaptHowdy on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 06:51:12 PM EST
    Warner transferred the home last month with no money recorded to have changed hands to 29-year-old Michelle L. Swing, of Los Angeles; the year before, he had transferred another property to Swing at 3724 Bakertown Road.

    Swing told the Daily Mail Saturday that she didn't know Warner had made the transfer.

    The property transfer records list Warner as unmarried; he does not appear to be a registered voter, and online records do not show Warner as having voted in any election.

    link

    Parent

    5G? (none / 0) (#45)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Dec 27, 2020 at 12:14:26 PM EST
    But a source close to the federal investigation said that among several different tips and angles, agents are investigating whether or not Warner had paranoia that 5G technology was being used to spy on Americans.

    A spokeswoman for the FBI said they could not comment because of the pending investigation.

    link

    Parent

    5G Health Hazards? (none / 0) (#46)
    by RickyJim on Sun Dec 27, 2020 at 01:25:16 PM EST
    Yeah, those who are concerned about cellphone use are even more concerned about 5G.

    I find Sabine Hossenfelder a sensible blogger on scientific subjects and she doesn't immediately dismiss the 5G concerns.

    Parent

    5G (none / 0) (#47)
    by CaptHowdy on Sun Dec 27, 2020 at 02:27:38 PM EST
    PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - If the man carried through on his threat, there was no place for Michael to go. Thirty feet up in a bucket truck leaves little protection.

    For 14 years, Michael, whose last name we are not using for his safety, has worked on cell phone towers. The last four years have focused on installing 5G towers. The most dangerous part of his job now has nothing to do with the equipment or working high off the ground. The danger is from people who believe the conspiracy theory that 5G towers spread the coronavirus.

    As the man walked past safety barriers, coming within feet of the crew, Michael and another worker pulled out their cellphones and started recording. The man, who appeared to be slightly pudgy and middle-aged with a dark gray ponytail, yelled threats before getting back in his truck.

    "He actually went as far as to say that he has a scope on a gun that can hit me from two blocks away on my bucket," recalled Michael.

    From his perch in the bucket, Michael watched as the truck circled through the neighborhood a half dozen times before leaving

    link

    Parent

    The year from hell (none / 0) (#14)
    by CaptHowdy on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 05:03:58 PM EST
    the best commercial of the year from hell

    Also

    If there are Downton Abbey fans who do not know about the EPIX series Belgravia you should find it.

    It's very good.  I'm not the biggest fan of Downton Abbey.  Belgravia, from the same guy, is like a dark version of Fownton Abbey.  With back biting scheming servants.  Which seems way more believable to me.

    Off topic (none / 0) (#48)
    by MO Blue on Mon Dec 28, 2020 at 07:05:20 AM EST
    Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski have taken the morning off and I have to say, I really like the show much better. I often watch CNN during that time slot because I don't like Joe and Mika's bloviating.

    Parent
    I have always liked the format (none / 0) (#49)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Dec 28, 2020 at 08:16:05 AM EST
    But it would definitely be better without them.

    Parent
    The format is fine. (none / 0) (#50)
    by MO Blue on Mon Dec 28, 2020 at 10:17:12 AM EST
    They often have interesting topics and commentators; yet, they often interrupt the dialogue when it would be much, much better without the interruption.

    Parent
    The golf game (none / 0) (#21)
    by KeysDan on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 05:41:52 PM EST
    from hell--- the odious players Trump and Lindseybelle golfed at Trump's West Palm Beach course.  If an isolated Christmas seems a downer, just think how unfortunate not to be a part of that coupling.   Lindseybelle did announce that the time is ripe to have a "dialog" on the debt, which means a Democratic president is coming to office.  A sub Rosa acknowledgement that may earn the rath of his golf partner.

    If the debt is such (none / 0) (#22)
    by Ga6thDem on Fri Dec 25, 2020 at 06:46:37 PM EST
    a problem then I'm sure Lindsaybelle will be glad to rescind Trump's 2 trillion tax "reform. Right?

    Parent
    Happy (none / 0) (#27)
    by Zorba on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 10:37:39 AM EST
    Boxing Day, everyone.

    It's not Christmas until (none / 0) (#28)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at 11:53:12 AM EST

    HHans Gruber falls of the Nakatomi tower.

    Are people going to be allowed (none / 0) (#51)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Dec 28, 2020 at 11:13:14 AM EST
    To flood into Times Square on NYs eve?

    No (none / 0) (#52)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Dec 28, 2020 at 11:16:15 AM EST
    Google is my friend

    Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the public will not be allowed to attend the event.

    link

    Parent

    Recent Netflix viewing (none / 0) (#53)
    by McBain on Mon Dec 28, 2020 at 01:22:27 PM EST
    I finished up The Queen's Gambit and season 4 of The Crown... both good.  

    Just started season 2 of Manhunt.  The first season was about the Unibomber, this one is on Richard Jewell. There are some good lead performances but these aren't HBO quality productions. Not perfect but the cases are interesting to see examined in detail.

    Watched the mediocre sci fi movie, Midnight Sky, with George Clooney.  It felt like two movies competing with each other.  The Clooney scenes were mostly good but the other stuff didn't work for me.

     

    Just heard this (none / 0) (#54)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Dec 28, 2020 at 02:58:41 PM EST
    Frank Figliuzzi just said one reason to not rush to a decision it was "terrorism" was it could be bad for the destroyed businesses if they did not have "terrorism insurance"

    Wait, what?  Is it really true that if your business is burned by a "terrorist" your insurance company does not have to pay?

    WTF?  Why do we allow insurance companies to steal from us.

    Terrorism Insurance (none / 0) (#55)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Dec 28, 2020 at 04:50:09 PM EST
    Before the September 11 attacks, business insurers generally neither charged for nor specifically excluded terrorism coverage. The scope of the 9/11 attacks and the resulting $40 billion estimated insured loss changed perceptions dramatically. It was the worst terrorist attack on record for both property and fatalities and the worst international attack on American soil since the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, as nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Stonycreek Township near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.[5]

    Much of the financial cost from the 9/11 attacks fell on reinsurers (that further spread the risk assumed by primary insurers). Unable to accurately model or price terrorism exposures, reinsurers largely withdrew from the market for terrorism coverage. Without reinsurance, primary insurers were then compelled to exclude terrorism. Most state insurance regulators approved terrorism exclusions for use by primary insurers.

    Many businesses were not able to purchase insurance protection against future terrorist attacks. This situation was a serious threat to industries where lenders and investors required terrorism protection for their investments. Real estate, transportation, construction, energy, and utility sectors of the economy were vulnerable, creating broader threats to the national economy

    link

    Parent

    Yep (none / 0) (#60)
    by Ga6thDem on Tue Dec 29, 2020 at 04:10:13 PM EST
    you have to get a separate rider for terrorism just like flood and a number of other things.

    Parent
    You really need to see (none / 0) (#56)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Dec 28, 2020 at 07:07:15 PM EST
    this just released Trump video.  Remarkably it is not a joke.  Not an intentional one.  At least I think it is not.  

    This is my favorite reply

    That music was written by Aaron Copeland, who was persecuted by the House Un-American Activities Committee for his political views. A socialist who admired Theodore Dreiser, Frank Norris and Upton Sinclair, Aaron Copeland would have hated you with every fiber of his being.

    empty your mouth before watching this.

    And see if you catch the fake photoshopped "prize"

    I look forward to the memes (none / 0) (#57)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Dec 28, 2020 at 07:09:35 PM EST
    and remixes

    Parent
    Just when you are about to say (none / 0) (#59)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 29, 2020 at 03:55:51 PM EST
    this is even creepier than the robot dog....

    I love it (none / 0) (#62)
    by MO Blue on Tue Dec 29, 2020 at 04:55:31 PM EST
    How to have a COVID free dance party New Year's Eve complete with dance partners.

    Parent
    New horizons (none / 0) (#61)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 29, 2020 at 04:55:23 PM EST
    "The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has retained forensic accounting specialists to aid its criminal investigation of President Trump and his business operations, as prosecutors ramp up their scrutiny of his company's real estate transactions," the Washington Post reports.

    "District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. opened the investigation in 2018 to examine alleged hush-money payments made to two women who, during Trump's first presidential campaign, claimed to have had affairs with him years earlier. The probe has since expanded, and now includes the Trump Organization's activities more broadly."

    Are they going to be waiting in the driveway?

    So When Will the Supreme Court (none / 0) (#63)
    by RickyJim on Tue Dec 29, 2020 at 05:30:49 PM EST
    tell Trump and Mazars to hand over the financial records to James and Vance?  Are they waiting for Jan. 20 to make the decision easier?

    Parent
    Uh-oh... (none / 0) (#64)
    by desertswine on Tue Dec 29, 2020 at 05:47:16 PM EST
    Covid variation has emerged in Colorado.

    (CNN)A Colorado man has the variant of the coronavirus from the United Kingdom that health officials say is more transmissable than other strains of the virus, Gov. Jared Polis announced Tuesday.

    It is first known case of the UK coronavirus variant in United States.
    The man, who is in his 20s and in isolation in Elbert County, has no travel history, Polis' office said in a news release.

    No (none / 0) (#66)
    by CaptHowdy on Tue Dec 29, 2020 at 09:08:10 PM EST

    "Lawyers representing Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) and Arizona's 11 GOP electors disclosed in a court filing Tuesday that Vice President Mike Pence rejected their request to join their attempt to subvert the results of the presidential election," The Hill reports.

    link

    Fear Not... (none / 0) (#70)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 02:02:01 PM EST
    ...there is never a lack of idiot republicans who will do Trump's biding.  Josh Hawley will delay the inevitable and force everyone to go on record(vote) as to whether they accept the election results.

    I actually work with a Josh Hawley and he is just about the coolest person I know at work.  The one in Missouri, not so much.

    Hey, I'm not really here to post Captain, I am curious at to what part of Arkansas you live in.  I am about 20 mins north or Eureka Springs and I can see Holiday Island from my deck.  I'm actually in Missouri, but like a half mile across the border.

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    When I retired (none / 0) (#71)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 02:39:57 PM EST
     I lived in Mammoth Spring.  Which is on the state line on the south side.  Now I'm about 17 miles south near scenic and beautiful Hardy.   I still have Dr in MO.

    Plus we have our very own Josh Hawley.  Tom Cotton.

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    The Entire State... (none / 0) (#73)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 03:03:22 PM EST
    ... is scenic & beautiful.  But coming from the flat land of Houston, it's really hard to wrap my head around a 7 mile drive in the country taking 20 mins.

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    On the Hawley news (none / 0) (#72)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 02:58:42 PM EST
    The saneish republicans canNOT be happy about this.  Its doomed to fail but every one of them will have to go on record by saying "I will only be THIS crazy"

    Limiting your crazy is not popular with the base.

    It was looking like Tommy Tubberville would be the nutter.  I would not trust anyone out of high school who calls himself "Tommy".  Tommy was hoping to challenge RoJo for the "stupidest man in the senate" title but here comes the young guns.

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    It's About Time to Make... (none / 0) (#74)
    by ScottW714 on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 03:10:57 PM EST
    ...the fence sitters pick a side.

    This seems like a gift for GA democrats.

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    Hey, Scott, (none / 0) (#75)
    by Zorba on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 04:36:54 PM EST
    How are you doing?  Have a good New Year, brother.

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    Thanks. (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Dec 31, 2020 at 12:21:28 AM EST
    I meant to pop in for a comment or two, but this place is addictive.  Hope your 2021 is a good one.

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    I hope (none / 0) (#91)
    by Zorba on Thu Dec 31, 2020 at 07:04:20 PM EST
    your 2021 is good, too, Scott.
    And I hope that the New Year is good for all of us.

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    Good point (none / 0) (#76)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 04:39:52 PM EST
    Do they vote against Trump or do they vote to not count the voters of their state.

    Decisions decisions.

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    Perdue (none / 0) (#86)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Dec 31, 2020 at 03:39:14 PM EST
    is quarantining maybe to hide from this though the actual vote is the 6th and the runoff is the 5th. One of the senators has a term that expires January 3rd.

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    Perdue's (none / 0) (#87)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Dec 31, 2020 at 03:44:25 PM EST
    term expires Jan 3rd. Loeffler has until 2022 if she wins. What happens on the 6th if both Loeffler and Perdue lose? I guess it makes things even worse for the GOP and makes them look more stupid.

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    I want Missouri to return (none / 0) (#78)
    by MO Blue on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 04:41:54 PM EST
    politically to the mind frame when we would elect a dead man before voting for the likes of Josh Hawley.

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    I think he is even more dangerous (none / 0) (#79)
    by CaptHowdy on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 04:47:28 PM EST
    than Cotton.

    this is a good story of what he is up to

    He could truly be the Ivy League Trump.

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    I agree (none / 0) (#80)
    by MO Blue on Wed Dec 30, 2020 at 05:02:30 PM EST
    He is much smoother than Cotton and Cotton looks like a kook. He is oily as all h£ll but doesn't look that way at first glance.

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    But Without Trump... (none / 0) (#82)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Dec 31, 2020 at 12:23:36 AM EST
    ... he's just bananas.  Although he did shut up Walmart pretty quickly.

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    I'm not sure that is so (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by MO Blue on Thu Dec 31, 2020 at 08:02:59 AM EST
    He may be bananas but I think he unfortunately has a shelf life post Trump. He is just the brand of slime that appeals to the Trump cult and may just appear sane enough on the surface to bring back some of the deflecting Republicans. Hopefully he will go the way of little Marco but I wouldn't bet on it.

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    Trumpism (none / 0) (#84)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 31, 2020 at 08:12:43 AM EST
    will not leave with Trump

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    Madness Without Power is Just Madness (none / 0) (#88)
    by ScottW714 on Thu Dec 31, 2020 at 05:30:44 PM EST
    Trumpism may not die, but it's going to have a heavy stroke.

    Its like trying to replace Jim Jones, someone might fill the role as leader, but ain't no one drinking their Kool Aid.  Charisma can't be manufactured.

    Josh Hawley is no Donald Trump and if they lose the Senate because of this voting business... Josh Hawley's shelf life with be that of the banana, as in he is bananas.

    There are 34 seats up in 2022 in the Senate.  22 of them have an R behind their names.  Not a one of them wants to vote on Biden winning the election next week.  They may not be Trump, but they aren't going to forget who put them in this position anytime soon.  

    The great thing is Hawley can't back down now.

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    I hope you're right (none / 0) (#89)
    by CaptHowdy on Thu Dec 31, 2020 at 05:50:15 PM EST
    I really do.  But 74 million people voted for Trump.  Most of the think he won.  You are right about a leaderless movement.  Which is exactly why Hawley is doing this.  He wants to be the new leader.  Trump knows better than anyone, except maybe Hawley, he will never run for president again.  He's going to be busy staying out f jail.

    Hawley certainly is no Trump.  But his goal is to keep the unrest alive.  He doing a pretty good job so far.  The last count was 150 republicans signing on for this.

    I just heard on CNN how talk is growing about a split in the party.  A new party.  That would be great for us.  Two competing right wing parties.

    This stunt on the 6th seems like it might be the last straw for many.  I just posted a link about this in the open.


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    The less crazy segment (5.00 / 1) (#92)
    by MO Blue on Thu Dec 31, 2020 at 07:55:17 PM EST
     Of the GOP will just try and take over the Democratic Party. In some areas that will not be a particularly hard task. The party just loves so called centrists who make sure that the party starts worrying about the deficit and corporate contributions rather than moving quickly to help solve problems for everyday people. Baby steps, don't you know. Young people are drowning in student debt and the party needs them to vote for Dems. Dem members, including Schumer ( of all people) wants Biden to forgive $50,000 in student debt through executive power. Biden, OTOH might be willing to go as high as $10,000 if he can get it through the legislation process. Just one of many places where it seems Biden really does want a Obama third term where he plays small ball and only if the Republicans let him.

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    Interesting (none / 0) (#93)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 09:38:37 AM EST
    Cotton might be the most dangerous one after all

    Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), who is seen as a rising star in the Republican Party and a major ally for President Trump, told Fox News that he will not oppose the counting of certified electoral votes during a joint session of Congress later this week to confirm Joe Biden's election victory.



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    I totally (none / 0) (#90)
    by Ga6thDem on Thu Dec 31, 2020 at 06:58:06 PM EST
    can see the GOP splitting up as Neo-confederates and the rest of the GOP. Frankly this should have happened decades ago but the GOP decided to spend decades coddling the Lost Cause and here we are.

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    They have been wanting a civil war (none / 0) (#94)
    by CaptHowdy on Mon Jan 04, 2021 at 11:02:28 AM EST
    Looks like they got it.  Be careful what you wish for.

    "An intra-party battle is heating up within the Republican Party as two bitterly divided sides clash over the decision of at least 12 GOP senators, and dozens more House Republicans, to challenge the certification of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential election win."

    "The effort is snowballing as more Republicans join the Trump-guard led by Sens. Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley in the Senate and Rep. Mo Brooks in the House, while the old guard like Senate Majority Mitch McConnell, Sen. Pat Toomey and Mitt Romney is warning that this effort is jeopardizing the nation's democratic values."

    "With nearly a quarter of Senate Republicans taking part in the effort, against the urging of top GOP Senate leaders, it is also becoming clear just how much of a force Trump will be in the Republican Party even once he's out of the White House."

    "The tensions have jumped so high that individual GOP senators are now directly headbutting one another, with Toomey accusing Cruz, Hawley and other Republicans of undermining the right to participate in direct elections and Hawley decrying Toomey's arguments and `shameless personal attacks.'"

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    Merry Christmas and Open Thread | 94 comments (94 topical)

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