Hi Guys, I’m coming up for air and finally begining to think again. However, I am engulfed in the economic crisis. Hipster turned me on to this wonderful Journalist Master Piece from Atlantic Monthly….as compared to the trash that is being written daily in an era of 24 hour Trash Information. I hope you enjoy it. For once, I could look at this dawning age with interest instead of fear.
How The Crash Will Reshape America http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200903/meltdown-geography
Really….enjoy it. Some of the best writing of 2009
The BackChannel Blog 
morning peeps.
Sean Penn, “You commie, homo loving guys.” I almost had a stroke. What a funny line.
certainly was an original line. Sarcastic and Ironic funny
I felt he was talking directly to me! I loved when he said he was grateful to live in a country that could elect such an elegant man to the oval office.
Sheila I haven’t had a chance to read the atlantic article yet but this subject is something I’ve been giving some thought to lately. The Great Depression turned out to be society changing event for us, and mostly for the better. It’s going to be interesting to see what changed society undergo in the wake of this market crash.
I’m coming down with a cold, life sucks!
So sorry Brian. I understand.
This journalist has been able to paint “One” reality and to me, I believe this will be, for the most part, our new reality.
We will not be the most important country in the world anymore. We will begin to live a more realitistic and humble life….I’m ok with that.
Now please, all of you take some time out of your day to read this. It will enrich you.
Ok, I read the article and frankly I’m not sure how “enriched” I feel, I think the article missed the mark, being too focused on America’s standing in the world, and not really dealing too much with the great social changes the Great Depression ushered in and how it transformed the relationship people have with the govt. and what they came to expect from their govt.
Surprise: America is No. 1 in Broadband
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/23/surprise-america-is-no-1-in-broadband/?hp
Brian, there is your importance and not the Journalist.
Remember this is “One” view.
Not all people think as a true Liberal. 😉
As a matter of fact, this journalist was comparing this time frame with a “Deep Recession” that was much earlier in our history and lasted a long time.
It was very interesting. Because I think we should become more layered in our look at this time frame instead of honing in on the Great Depression all the time.
To combine these to economic crises is to probably understand what is happening to us and how we might fare better than the last time.
3’S a Charm, I think
“Don’t you go dissin’ Sophia Loren.
We conspiracy theorists think that Nannymm is really Sophia Loren…” posted by dnd
Damn it! Who told you? LMAO!
I started reading that article the other day; then DH snatched the magazine from me. Guess I’ll finish it online.
I’m sorry but Sophia was down right weird last night, and that dress!
Interesting article Shelia (and Hip). I’m a couple pages into it.
I too think we will come out of this in different and better ways.
University of Pennsylvania psychology professor Martin Seligman studies what makes people happy. One thing he notes is that more money and buying more new stuff makes people happy, but it’s ephemeral. The happiness fix from money and stuff doesn’t last long and if one finds happiness this way, you are on a constant effort to get more money and more stuff.
I think that’s been a problem in our recent society. Perhaps the best outcome of this downturn is people will discover what really makes them happy.
Nannymm,
You didn’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to figure it out:
1. Loren’s Italian, you’re Italian
2. Loren loves to cook, you love to cook
3. You weren’t online last night. You couldn’t be because you were at the Academy Awards!
Elementary my dear Watson!
Great point Dnd and it wasn’t pointed out in great detail. but working hard for family and friends instead of ones self is so much more fulfilling..
I think we will at the end of this benefit in small ways that make a huge diference.
Sophia looked Darned good for a woman in her 80’s. look at this on that plain.
She did not look weird. 😉
She looked like she was heavily medicated and what was with that hand on the hip stance?
Four Republican governors are putting out the word that they may not accept money from the stimulus bill: Bobby Jindal (LA), Haley Barbour (MI), Sarah Palin (AK) and Mark Sanford (SC).
I don’t think so. What do they have in common?
1. They are all positioning themselves for a run at the presidency in 2012.
2. Each of their states are HUGE beneficiaries of federal funds, more than most other states.
Given their lust for wealth redistribution one could well be justified in saying that they are Socialists! Maybe even Communists 😉
Also, the stimulus funds offered to them was unemployment insurance money…..Go figure. Since they don’t believe in it…..I agree that this is politics
Good morning…..short story on Sophia Loren appearance last night:
When she first appeared on the red carpet.. I turned to my mother in horror and asked, “What the hell happened to Rachael Welch???”
Shelia,
Sophia Loren is 74.
Brian,
Medicated? It’s called Chianti…
LOLOL
74 for is still elderly dnd….she looks damned good for 74!
Sean Penn was way awesome…..Dustin Lance Black, was also on the mark….I notice that he spoke of his mothers unconditional love……(not his fathers)
80’s 70’s? what’s a decade, between friends?
😉
70 is the new 50! And yeah, she still looks great. If that’s the outcome of pasta pazole (really fagioli) and red wine sign me up!
Glad to see you back with us Sheila. Good article to read.
You guys are cruel! She doesn’t live in this country where all are interested in looking younger than they are.
AND….50 IS THE NEW 40, 70 IS THE NEW 60….LOL
I think its more how you are feeling. If she is from a country that doesn’t care about what we care about visually,, I think she infact looks stunning for her age.
I didn’t think she acted medicated either.
So there! 😆
Anyone else watching the prez? I love him chiding the repugs!
And btw don’t get me started on that dress she wore, what was she thinking?
Seriously! What was she thinking?
“pazole” should be “fazole”
I really like dress number 1 and 2 in that pic…..those 2 are gorgeous!
Brian,
She was thinking “dnd’s gonna watch, and I want to wear something he’ll like.” 😉
I lot of woman as they get older make the mistake of wearing cloths that are too frilly for their age!
“The stimulus package President Barack Obama signed with much fanfare in Denver leaves Colorado near the bottom of the deck in terms of federal aid and tax relief.
Colorado will get $7.89 billion, the equivalent of $1,597 per resident. That ranks 49th among the 50 states, surpassing only Utah in per capita spending and tax savings, according to a Rocky Mountain News analysis of a state-by- state breakdown by the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C.
The top state: Alaska at $2,619 per person.”
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2009/feb/23/colo-49th-in-stimulus-aid-tax-relief/
Memo to Gov. Palin: Colorado and Utah will take your money.
Brian, Sophia Loren would look great wearing a burlap bag.
dnd I suspect you’re a tad biased when it comes to Sophia!
🙂
Shelia,
Thanks for the article, it will be interesting to see what comes of the huge bust….I have no doubt someone will make money out of the ashes….and life will go on. I find comfort in the fact that Republicans are not in power…..that alone gives me an incredible amount of hope.
I have no doubt that Obama has the good of the country in his mind with each and every move he makes…..
Tribute to Bob Dylan 1997 Kennedy Center
I think some of the “older” Hollywood women (30+) make the mistake thinking that they have to show too much cleavage, to somehow compensate ….I thought Sara Jessica Parker looked ridiculous….and it was a pretty dress it could have looked fantastic.
Tina Fey always looks great, effortless beauty.
I have to work…..have a great day everyone ! Chicken soup for you Brian, feel better.
peace~
My knowledge of history is lacking about the great depression. So I have a question. When Roosevelt began the New Deal, WPA, etc.,, did he have as much opposition as Obama is having to his propositions/solutions? I am appealing to those who have greater knowledge for an answer.
Now this is a fabulous looking woman, and wearing the perfect dress to boot!
Bev, Yes he did and his aquessence to the Republicans in bipartisanship caused 3 more years of depression before anyone got a clue.
This is why Obama went ahead without them. Theyare acting the same
Dems Target 12 Republicans On Stimulus
The House Republicans targeted are: Rep. Judy Biggert of Illinois, Rep. Ken Calvert of California, Rep. Michael Castle of Delaware, Rep. Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania, Rep. Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania, Rep. Mark Kirk of Illinois, Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer of Missouri, Rep. Dan Lungren of California, Rep. Thad McCotter of Michigan, Rep. Adam Putnam of Florida, Rep. Dave Reichert of Washington, and Rep. Pete Sessions of Texas.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/23/dems-target-12-republican_n_169113.html
Actually I have to disagree with Sheila, FDR’s first 100 hundred days in office are considered the gold standard now in terms of assessing a presidents successful start to his administration. Where FDR screwed up was in 1937 fearing being attacked by the repugs he rolled back spending programs to help shrink the deficit, which proved to be very much the wrong thing to do.
Ah, Pete Sessions, the guy who wants to emulate the Taliban. Why does he hate America?
http://www.howobamagotelected.com/
John Ziegler, filmmaker who’s documentary “Media Malpractice” asserts that the media was mean to Caribou Barbie and that’s why they lost the election, told Norah O’Donnel “People are stupid.”
Delicious irony. Only someone who thinks people are stupid would bother to produce a documentary touting the virtues of clueless Gov. Palin and how the media, which for the most part gave her a free pass, was mean to her.
What the media likes to cover are over the top, outrageous pols. Think Blago, Burris, Traficant, and yes, Caribou Barbie, ingenue, victim, and media darling.
Listening to that interview, I was forced to conclude that John Ziegler is the one who is stupid. Norah O’Donnel seemed to think so too. Did you notice the look of amusement on her face? It was like she was about to laugh at the antics of a silly kid.
I don’t think Ziegler is stupid (though I could be wrong). I think he’s an opportunist who thinks stupid people will pay money to see his documentary.
I agree that he is an opportunist, dnd. And perhaps he isn’t stupid. But if he really believes what he’s peddling, he isn’t exactly smart either.
media whores….. sell whatever they can to whoever is buying….it’s not about truth or events, it’s about crap like soundbites, gotcha moments and gaffs…..I for one, am tired of that playbook.
I can’t imagine how successful the likes of Twitter would be if there wasn’t a HUGE market for dumb downed, simplistic comments pouring out ad nauseum.
yeah, if thinks this film of his so important why not just make it available for download for free!
Sophia Loren was the stimulus that helped spring me into a life of raging heterosexuality. Lust in my loins as a young man dreaming of a life with the most perfect woman in the world.
You have a vivid dream life doots!
Citibank and the gov have reached a deal for the gov to increase it’s stake in the bank, lots of repugs going to be frothing at the mouth over the next few days.
“Everything you see I owe to spaghetti.”
~ Sophia Loren
Doots, you are sooooo right.
I doubt I’d watch his film even if it was free.
Oh for free I’d watch it, i like a good laugh, just like the next guy.
Well, maybe for laughs…. 😉
“Legal Experts Propose Limiting Justices’ Powers, Terms
If we had it to do all over again, would we appoint Supreme Court justices for life? Allow the chief justice to keep the job forever? Let the court have the final word on which cases it hears and those it declines?
A group of prominent law professors and jurists thinks not, and the group says in a letter to congressional leaders that there is no reason Congress should consider the operation of the high court sacrosanct.”
The best Oscar dresses.
http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1881197,00.html
Child prostitutes rescued in US
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7906616.stm
“US authorities have rescued nearly 50 child prostitutes – some as young as 13 – in a nationwide operation against the trafficking of children for sex.”
—just sickening
It’s disgraceful that this could happen here, UB. Where the hell are the parents of these young girls?
I bet they are in horrible home situations, and/or runaways…..what sickens me most is that there are adults out there that seek them out……
Obama’s Charm Offensive: Crist And Barbour Push Back On GOP Lines
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/23/obamas-charm-offensive-cr_n_169193.html
The president was quite amazing today from the bits and pieces I’ve seen.
Sanford Offers Unemployed South Carolina Resident ‘Prayers’ Instead Of Stimulus Funds
http://thinkprogress.org/2009/02/23/sanford-prayers/
Given their crazy ideas and given their lack of ideas, these great believers in prayer, shouldn’t even bother to campaign for election/re-election to public office. They should just pray to be elected and see where that gets them.
That should be:
“Given their crazy beliefs and lack of ideas….”
I’m praying for you nanny!
Afternoon folks!
Terry Holts is just plain Blah…. He’s not convincing in his half handed ironies
To heck with that, Brian. Just send cash! 😉
who has cash?
These repugs are pathetic. They are desperate to bring down Obama. Reminds me of the Clinton years.
Certainly not that poor guy who asked Sanford to do the right thing. He, and so many like him, need to stand up and vote Sanford and his ilk right out of office. Repugs should like that; it will give them more time to pray.
History will show that Obama made the right choice, giving them a chance as bipartisanship and yet, deciding on the side of the country’s welfare and not the ANYONE who was selfcentered about it.
Poll Shows Broad Support for Obama’s Leadership
Obama is going to stick it to Eric Cantor……you watch…..he’s already setting him up…..He’s going to make Cantor the poster child for what’s wrong with the Republicans….the party of “no” ……I see Obama making “Eric” a household name…..not by his last name or his title……President Obama called him “Eric” today….. that’s the first subtle slap down….
sticking it to Eric Cantor, not a pretty picture there UB, may I suggest you might want to use a different metaphor?
😆
Arnold Considered Party Switch
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-02-23/arnold-considered-party-switch
Just saw Alison substituting for Rachel tonight. Thought her interview with Cleve Jones, friend of Harvey Milk was great. Someday . . .
😀 lol Brian
Good morning everyone,
The sun is shining for the second day in a row….woo hoo ….yeah but it’s only a whopping 18 degrees outside….
brewing some tea, and getting ready to brave the elements…
Morning! Its 56 degrees out here. I’m just about to go work out……I am happy, I am happy, I am happy…talking to myself
You sound like a happy little morning bird…chirping away…. good for you….I like “happy” because everything seems so easy when you’re happy……even a work out.
🙂
Happy Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday Terça-feira Gorda, Mardi Gras, Martedì Grasso, Fettisdagen, Vastlapäev, Martes de Carnaval, Terça-feira de Carnaval, Faschingsdienstag or whatever you call it..
I’m happy too: it’s Pancake Day!
Is it really pancake day? if so – you better tell Google, they don’t have a pancake in their logo….
How about Morning Joe giving up speaking out loud for Lent?
Morning peeps
Sra Burrito,
I think you ought to forward that suggestion to Scarborough! LOL!
Morning Brian,
it’s already Peep season…..there are on the shelves….you know the yellow “peeps”….peeps and pancakes. Lovely Fat Tuesday.
okay, I have to go to the office, and act busy…..kidding
Have a great day….!
~peace
What is pancake day?
today.
keep up. 🙄
dnd – maybe I twitter it to him, because I think that’s all he is and does anymore….lol
My head feels like it’s under water, and I reek of vicks, cut me some slack.
okay really going …. happy day…ciao
Is it just a coincidence that the President will be speaking to the Congress on the economy on the evening before Lent?
I think not…
NEW THREAD
great catch on speaking on Fat Tuesday.
Happy pancake day to all. Didn’t know it was, but have some beautiful fresh blueberries that shall shine in some pancakes today.