Random Thoughts Thread

[nullPointer]

I'm getting real fed up with listening to the people who comment on politics professionally. (Is there a word for them? I guess political commenter would be the most appropriate term)

I generally use the term 'pundit' for this, although I might be incorrectly applying it. I'm completely with you on this though; I have a pretty low tolerance for any sort of politically charged rhetoric, even if it claims to convey political views that align with my own. At it's core the underlying message is always, "Everyone should think exactly as I do," which is what I take umbrage with. The whole point of a democratic system is that it encourages the individual to think for their self.

@Dave: Sigh ... I typed out a long post full of personal ruminations, before realizing I was being presumptuously touchy-feely when that's probably not what you need or want. Having said that, I do enjoy your presence here, and the voice of reason that you always manage to bring. I'm so sorry to hear about your situation, and I pray that it will work out for the best (whatever 'the best' might be in your case). Hang in there, be at peace, and things will work out.

[prfsnl_gmr]

iirc prfsnl_gmr can't give anything that looks like legal advice publicly...

I could give advice as a friend with a legal education, but I could not act as your attorney. Moreover, if I gave advice through the forum, it would undoubtedly lose the attorney-client privilege.

Regardless, I know next to nothing about family law, and I would be completely unqualified to give you advice. I do know, however, that I have never gone through what you are going through right now. I can only imagine what you are feeling, and I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. (And, again, if there is anything at all that I can do for you, please do not hesitate to send me a PM.)

[Luke]

But Bill Maher especially.

You can remind your friends that he started off as a sitcom extra and in academic circles he's looked at as a joke.

Rich joke.

[o.pwuaioc]

But Bill Maher especially.

You can remind your friends that he started off as a sitcom extra and in academic circles he's looked at as a joke.

Can confirm.

[Ack]

(Is there a word for them? I guess political commenter would be the most appropriate term)

"Talking head" pretty much covers it.

[o.pwuaioc]

^"Pundit." But make sure you say it with all due irony.

[Gunstar Green]

All political commentary is inflammatory hate spew, the difference comes down to whether or not you are on the same political side as the commentator in question.

I wouldn't say all of it. There is a line somewhere. Some of the commentators I've heard, that aren't national scale, maybe state level or some such, sometimes a bit bigger, who are very careful in how they word things, or otherwise try to take a middle stance and show both sides equally with the given information.

Out of big names, I think of say, Colbert. He was obviously aligned against me, but he always had lines he wouldn't cross when he was discussing or commenting on things.

I wouldn't say he was completely against you, he's a pretty religious guy in real life and even a Sunday School teacher. His character was scathing satire aimed at conservative culture but while some of it was legitimate criticism the rest was entertainment.

I think only the most jaded, humorless conservatives hate Colbert. Sometimes you've got to laugh at yourself.

There's a difference between someone like him and Maher though. Colbert's primary purpose was to be funny. Maher's primary purpose is to stir up controversy.

Colbert's shtick is to make light of things. Maher's shtick is to be a dick about things, even when they're things he's an idiot about like vaccinations.

[RCBH928]

Today I learned:

9 million viewers is just not enough to keep American Idol going on. Seriously ?

[Luke]

Yogi Berra, phenomenal human being, recently turned 90 years of age. If you've never googled "Yogi Berra Quotes" do so asap.

Not too long ago Yogi's son was asked what he and his famous Father had in common. His response was "All of our similarities are completely different". Apple doesn't fall...

[fastbilly1]

Yogi Berra, phenomenal human being, recently turned 90 years of age. If you've never googled "Yogi Berra Quotes" do so asap.

Not too long ago Yogi's son was asked what he and his famous Father had in common. His response was "All of our similarities are completely different". Apple doesn't fall...

I never said most of the things I said.

In other thoughts, the international trailer for the new Jem movie is out. And instead of being glamrock with holograms, crazy love triangles, and a rival group that is insane, it is a coming of age film about friendship and youtube. Updated for the time? Maybe. My wife and all her oldschool Jem friends (including Samantha Newark [voice actress for Jem] and Christy Marx [creator of the show]) are obviously upset, especially since Ryan Landels (movie writer) and John Chu (movie director) said to the fans they would make it as authentic as possible. But like the Get Smart Movie, they did not even consult with the creator.

My wife went from "we will see it in the theater" to "I dont ever want to see it" in 2 minutes. My thought is that it might be Truly Outrageously Terrible...