Saved comments for July 2018
Aug. 1st, 2018 10:29 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
neonvincentIt's the first of the month, so it's time for me to share all of my saved comments on other blogs for the previous month, which is July 2018. Most of the comments are from Booman Tribune, but there are also some from Kunstler's blog and Emptywheel. Yes, I'm commenting at kunstler.com again after a six month absence.
My comments on Vox on America's dying malls as failed third spaces, a tale of the Retail Apocalypse
Originally posted as Vox on America's dying malls as failed third spaces at Crazy Eddie's Motie News.
Today's music is Toto- Africa (playing in an empty shopping centre).
Would you tip its parody, Moonbeam City - I Kiss the Reef in Aquatica?
Or do I need to pull out Moon Unit Zappa singing Valley Girl?
"I live in Southern California, where the weather is almost always good. We are not an area that needs to hide from humidity."
Or excessive heat or the snows of winter, either. I moved from Southern California to Michigan 29 years ago, so I'm quite aware of the differences in climate and the appeal of an enclosed mall where I live now. That written, when Arborland Mall in Ann Arbor got rid of the enclosure and turned into an outdoor big box mall, it really increased activity at the location, so protection from weather isn't everything, even in Michigan.
"[T]he growth of suburban malls was matched by the decline of downtown shopping districts" — That's a topic touched on in The End of Suburbia, a film I used to show to my students. I asked them "What effect did the rise of suburbia have on cities?" The answer was that cities were absolutely gutted as their functions, especially retail, were poured out (James Howard Kunstler says "decanted") onto the suburbs.
"Isn't the decline of shopping malls part of the whole problem of brick-and-mortar retail?" Yes, it is. I'll have more to say about that in future installments of this series.
What I seek in a "third place" is summarized in the term's Wikipedia article.
Oldenburg suggests the following hallmarks of a true "third place":Out of both lists, the important to me is "a home away from home." I found that particularly important when I was single and especially so when I was living alone. Those places also served food and the owner of the last place I frequented called it "a living room with cash registers." I agree; that's what it was.Other scholars have summarized Oldenburg view of a third place with a similar eight characteristics:
- Free or inexpensive
- Food and drink, while not essential, are important
- Highly accessible: proximate for many (walking distance)
- Involve regulars – those who habitually congregate there
- Welcoming and comfortable
- Both new friends and old should be found there.
Neutral ground
Occupants of third places have little to no obligation to be there. They are not tied down to the area financially, politically, legally, or otherwise and are free to come and go as they please.
Leveler (a leveling place)
Third places put no importance on an individual's status in a society. Someone's economic or social status do not matter in a third place, allowing for a sense of commonality among its occupants. There are no prerequisites or requirements that would prevent acceptance or participation in the third place.
Conversation is main activity
Playful and happy conversation is the main focus of activity in third places, although it is not required to be the only activity. The tone of conversation is usually light hearted and humorous; wit and good natured playfulness are highly valued.
Accessibility and accommodation
- Third places must be open and readily accessible to those who occupy them. They must also be accommodating, meaning they provide the wants of their inhabitants, and all occupants feel their needs have been fulfilled.
The regulars
Third places harbor a number of regulars that help give the space its tone, and help set the mood and characteristics of the area. Regulars to third places also attract newcomers, and are there to help someone new to the space feel welcome and accommodated.
A low profile
Third places are characteristically wholesome. The inside of a third place is without extravagance or grandiosity, and has a homely feel. Third places are never snobby or pretentious, and are accepting of all types of individuals, from several different walks of life.
The mood is playful
The tone of conversation in third places are never marked with tension or hostility. Instead, they have a playful nature, where witty conversation and frivolous banter are not only common, but highly valued.
A home away from home
Occupants of third places will often have the same feelings of warmth, possession, and belonging as they would in their own homes. They feel a piece of themselves is rooted in the space, and gain spiritual regeneration by spending time there.
The Hawthorne Mall is notorious. I first saw it in its abandoned state four years ago in "Gone Girl." It also served as a location in "Westworld." At least Hollywood uses it, just not for shopping.
Funny you should mention the Laguna Hills Mall. Retail Archeology has two videos of it shot just last month.
In this episode we take a look at Laguna Hills Mall in Laguna Hills, CA. This dead mall was supposed to be renovated and renamed Five Lagunas. However the Macy's at this mall suddenly closed and brought all work to a halt.
In part 2 of my look at Laguna Hills Mall in Laguna Hills, CA we focus on the exterior of this dead mall.
Based on the description in the first video, I'd be surprised if nalbar is referring to it.
I've seen hidden comments before, but not deleted ones. As Jack Sparrow would say, "That's interesting, that's very interesting."
My additional comments on Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 68.
I can't hear that song without thinking of Chipotle - Back to the Start.
Coldplay's haunting classic 'The Scientist' is performed by country music legend Willie Nelson for the soundtrack of the short film entitled, "Back to the Start."
...
The film, by film-maker Johnny Kelly, depicts the life of a farmer as he slowly turns his family farm into an industrial animal factory before seeing the errors of his ways and opting for a more sustainable future. Both the film and the soundtrack were commissioned by Chipotle to emphasize the importance of developing a sustainable food system.
Thanks to Oui's act of necromancy, this entry is back on the rec list. That makes it possible to have two diaries in this series on the rec list simultaneously, which is something I don't ever recall seeing. Click on Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 72 to see the most recent installment of this series. Don't forget to rec and tip!
Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 72
Happy Hump Day and Happy 4th of July! From now until July 11th, I'm taking over for Don Durito, spinning tunes and serving drinks for everyone's entertainment.
As I wrote in the final comment to Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 71, "expect songs about the 4th of July." I begin with Chicago - Saturday in the Park (lyrics) HD.
"Saturday in the Park" is a classic song written by Robert Lamm and recorded by the group Chicago for their 1972 album Chicago V. "Saturday in the Park" was very successful upon release, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the band's highest-charting single to date, helping lift the album to #1. - Wikipedia
Moving forward to the 1980s, I present John Mellencamp - R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A. (A Salute To 60's Rock) to continue the patriotic pop music.
Music video by John Mellencamp performing R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A. (A Salute To 60's Rock).
Since Mellencamp referenced the 1960s, I'll conclude the music portion of the diary by traveling back to that decade with Surfin' U.S.A. by The Beach Boys.
Surfin' U.S.A. (Stereo) · The Beach Boys
Once again, I'm concluding the diary proper by quoting Don Durito.
For those of you wondering how I and Neon Vincent are circumventing Sucuri to embed videos, here is an example of the embed code we use, so that you can replicate as wanted:
Just remember that each unique 11-digit video code in YouTube needs to be pasted in two separate locations within the embed code in order for your video to show up properly. So easy that I can do it!
With those instructions, feel free to post your favorite music videos in the comments.
The bar/cafe is open
Tipsy Bartender has at least a dozen drinks for holiday, so I'll start with the most recent: American Firecracker.
I plan on posting more 4th of July drinks from Tipsy Bartender. In the meantime, the bartender is taking requests.
Today's patriotic drink from Tipsy Bartender is Jello Shot American Flag.
Continuing with the patriotic holiday theme, today's drink is 4th of July Pop Rocks Martini, where Skyy suggests that drinking it is like going to Disney World.
Here's the recipe:For the last drink comment, unless someone else recommends this diary to keep it on the rec list, I present Four 4th of July Drinks.
4th JULY POP ROCKS MARTINI
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Watermelon Vodka
1/2 oz. (15ml) Blue Curacao
1 oz. (30ml) Lemon Lime Soda
Juice of 1/2 Lime
Garnish: Strawberry Pop Rocks Candy/Cherry
PREPARATION
1. Rim edge of martini glass in lime juice and strawberry pop rocks. Set aside.
2. In an ice filled glass combine watermelon vodka, blue curaçao and lime juice. Shake well.
3. Strain mix into rimmed glass and top with lemon lime soda. 4. Drop in a cherry. Enjoy responsibly!
4TH OF JULY JELLO SHOTSI have something planned for the "Belgian" next week. Stay tuned.
2 oz. (60ml) Blue Raspberry Vodka
2 oz. (60ml) Coconut Rum
2 oz. (60ml) Strawberry Vodka
24 oz. (720ml) Hot Water
4 oz. (120ml) Sweetened Condensed Milk
3 oz. Berry Blue Jell-O
3 oz. Strawberry Jell-O
2 Packet Knox Unflavored Gelatin
1 Star Mold
1 Flat Pan
Cherries
PREPARATION
1. Add berry blue jello to 1 cup of boiling water and stir well. Allow to cool before adding blue raspberry vodka and stirring once more. Pour liquid into flat pan and place in fridge to set.
2. Add 2 packets of unflavored gelatin to a cup of hot water and stir until combined. Pour in condensed milk and mix well. Allow to cool. Once cool pour in coconut rum, stir and gently layer onto of blue jello. Place in fridge to set.
3. Cut the base off of maraschino cherries and place throughout the pan.
4. To a cup of boiling water add strawberry jello mix and stir until combined. Allow to cool. Add strawberry vodka and gently layer on top of white jello layer.
5. Place the star cookie mold around each cherry and press firmly through jello. Remove from mold and serve. Enjoy responsibly!
LAYERED SHOTS
1 Part Blue Curacao
1 Part White Creme De Cacao
1 Part Grenadine
PREPARATION
1. Add grenadine to base of shot glass, stopping 1/3rd of the way up.
2. Using a bar spoon gently layer white creme de cacao on top of grenadine.
3. Finally layer blue curaçao on top. Enjoy responsibly!
RED, WHITE & BLUE SANGRIA
4 oz. (120ml) White Wine
1 oz. (60ml) Vodka
1 oz. (60ml) Peach Schnapps
Raspberries
Blueberries
Yellow Canary Melon
Ice
Star Cookie Cutter
PREPARATION
1. Using a star shaped cookie cutter create stars in slices of melon.
2. Drop star shaped melon, raspberries and blueberries into base of wine glass and top with vodka and peach schnapps.
3. Top with wine and garnish with a melon star. Enjoy responsibly!
AMERICA SLUSHIE
Red Layer -
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Raspberry Vodka
3 oz. (90ml) Red Hawaiian Punch
1/2 oz. (15ml) Grenadine
White Layer -
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Coconut Rum
3 oz. (90ml) Sobe Pina Colada
Blue Layer -
1 oz. (30ml) Blue Raspberry Vodka
1/2 oz. (15ml) Blue Curacao
3 oz. (90ml) Blue Gatorade
Garnish: Strawberry
PREPARATION
1. Add ice, raspberry vodka, fruit punch gatorade and grenadine to blender and combine until smooth. Pour into base of hurricane glass.
2. Next add ice, coconut rum and pina colada drink to blender and combine until smooth. Layer over red using a bar spoon.
3. Finally add ice, blue raspberry vodka, blue curaçao and blue gatorade to blender and combine. Gently layer on top of white.
4. Garnish with a strawberry. Enjoy responsibly!
Now for a song I thought was released in the 1970s, but is actually from 1968, Living in the U.S.A. by the Steve Miller Band.
Jumping back to the 1980s, I present James Brown - Living in America, which YouTube suggested to me when I watched the song immediately above.
James Brown official music video for 'Living in America'.
Again, unless someone recommends this diary to keep it on the rec list for another day, I will close my comments with a patriotic song by Bruce Springsteen. No, not Born in the U.S.A., Bruce Springsteen-This land is your land - With Lyrics from the end title credits of "Food, Inc."
Between this and "Living in America" from "Rocky IV," I show that I never get too far from movies in my music choices.
See you next week!
My comment on RI Democrats In Power Not So Progressive.
Update from TPM
Rhode Island Dems Walk Back Pro-Trump Candidate Endorsement.
The Rhode Island Democratic Party, which unleashed a dayslong furor by endorsing a Donald Trump-voting male candidate over an incumbent woman, backtracked Thursday and withdrew the endorsement.My comments on Business Insider and Dan Bell on dead malls in the Retail Apocalypse.
The party rescinded its backing of Michael Earnheart over state Rep. Moira Walsh, who is running for re-election in a district in Providence that voted overwhelmingly for Hillary Clinton. It said it would not endorse anyone in the race.
“It’s a good precedent to set for us Democratic Party members. When we stand up for what’s right and demand accountability and justice, eventually it will be given to us,” Walsh told The Associated Press shortly after learning of the decision.
Attribution and song for the tip jar
Dan Bell mentioned Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees," so I'm going to post a video of the song. Here is Ramin Djawadi's cover from the "Westworld" Season 1 soundtrack.
I couldn't resist referencing "Westworld" when Season 2 just finished airing.
Modified from Business Insider on dead malls in the Retail Apocalypse with assistance from Dan Bell and Radiohead at Crazy Eddie's Motie News.
That might work in southern California, where housing is tight and walkable neighborhoods are at a premium. I'm not so sure that will work elsewhere, like here in metro Detroit. I've heard that proposed for Northland Mall, but that didn't happen, as it has been demolished. Also, I think that Orange County Register page had malware on it when I clicked on it. Be careful.
My comments on SPP Vol.673 & Old Time Froggy Botttom Cafe.
So I should expect that this Wednesday's Midweek Cafe and Lounge will be the last one for a while and you'll resume posting it next week?
My comments on When Collapse Goes Kinetic.
"A freeze up of short-term lending would quickly lead to empty WalMart shelves" — Debt problems are already leading to thousands of stores closing including Toys R Us and Kmart. The latter was WalMart's chief competitor. Now, it and its sibling Sears are likely to finally go bankrupt in the next recession. Welcome to the Retail Apocalypse!
Amazon and the rise of online shopping are probably a necessary but not sufficient for the current travails of brick-and-mortor retail. The chains that are failing are also victims of poor management and predatory financing. Case in point, Sears, which seems to be falling prey to both simultaneously.
Good to see you, too, you dirty dog. 6-;3
Speaking of the singularity, I watched "Prophets of Doom" four years ago. Our host, the late Michael Ruppert, and the other guests managed to convince Hugo De Garis that Peak Oil and other environmental and economic disasters were likely to hit before the singularity, in particular water shortages. Score one for Jim!
That was just one expert. The singularity still has a hold on popular culture, as testified by the HBO series "Westworld." Watch for it to receive a lot of Emmy nominations when they are announced this coming Thursday.
My comments on Magic Monday.
"It has the personality of its maker, so it'll try to bully you." Huh. I hadn't realized that, but it explains some of the experiences I had with it. I remember it telling fortunes that made people cry. It also told me awful and probably not true things about the people I asked about. It also shared its maker's interest in women and intoxicants, which I used to my advantage 30 years ago. Now, I wouldn't be interested.
I was a scout and inducted into the Order of the Arrow in the 1970s. I saw the Native American symbolism and costumes, but I wouldn't have recognized any influence from Freemasonry other than the secret society aspect. However, the Wikipedia entry on the Scouting fraternity mentions Freemasonry five times and cites two sources. Based on that evidence, it certainly did borrow from Freemasonry!
Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 73
Happy National Mojito Day! To celebrate it and complete my month-long run of guest-hosting this series, I'm sharing songs about the drink and drink recipes. I begin with Bacardi Mojito Song (Robert Abigail).
Yes, Bacardi used that for a commercial, which I might post in the comments.
Now for an even goofier tune, Mojito Song - Thad Castle.
Once again, I'm concluding the diary proper by quoting Don Durito.
For those of you wondering how I and Neon Vincent are circumventing Sucuri to embed videos, here is an example of the embed code we use, so that you can replicate as wanted:With those instructions, feel free to post your favorite music videos in the comments.
Just remember that each unique 11-digit video code in YouTube needs to be pasted in two separate locations within the embed code in order for your video to show up properly. So easy that I can do it!
Here's the Classic Mojito from Tipsy Bartender.
You can never go wrong with this classic drink- mint, lime, and rum make this one ideal for just about any occasion!I wrote that I might post the Bacardi Mojito commericial using Robert Abigail's song. Here it is.
Sex sells.
I'm behind on my drink recipes, so here's a Mojito Slushie.MOJITO SLUSHIEThis is great, but it isn't the contribution to humanity Skyy made it out to be (yes, I know he's kidding).
2 oz. (60ml) Rum
1 oz. (30ml) Lime Juice
1 oz. (30ml) Simple Syrup
6 Mint Leaves
Mint Sprig
Lime Wedge
Ice
PREPARATION
1. Combine rum, lime juice, simple syrup, 6 mint leaves with ice in blender. Pulse until smooth.
2. Pour mix into glass and garnish with lime wedge and mint sprig. Enjoy responsibly!
My comments on Business Insider on stores closing in the Retail Apocalypse.
Attribution and drink for the tip jar
Modified from Business Insider on stores closing in the Retail Apocalypse at Crazy Eddie's Motie News.
For today's drink, I'm celebrating both National Ice Cream Day and France's winning the FIFA World Cup with Strawberries and Cream Champagne Floats; recipe originally included in A HREF="https://crazyeddiethemotie.blogspot.com/2018/07/drink-to-france-in-world-cup-on.html">Drink to France in the World Cup on National Ice Cream Day 2018.On a hot summer night, fancy-up your ice cream float with fruit and champagne.
My comment on This Is An Uprising – Otpor’s Hybrid Model For Overthrowing A Dictator
I like this series of posts and am looking forward to seeing this installment and the next cross-posted at Booman Tribune.
My comment on Hope and Change are at Hand.
Happy Friday the 13th! Luck is a strange thing, as you touched on by noting the capriciousness of the American consumer leading to paradoxical results in the American economy. Something of lasting value? Not interested. Something that will make one look and feel good now? Yes!
Another paradoxical feature of the U.S. economy is puzzling demographers. If the economy is so good, at least according to conventional measures, why are U.S. birth and fertility rates falling to record lows? If unemployment is down to the lowest levels this century, why aren't women having babies? Maybe American women have noticed something the conventional measures and analyses aren't catching. I guess unemployment isn't everything.
My comments on Twelve Ham Sandwiches with Russian Dressing.
Our host mentioned CNN and the New York Times. He probably should have also mentioned Vox and PBS. The former explained how Russian trolls weaponized social media and the latter is likely to earn a News and Documentary Emmy nomination or two for “Putin’s Revenge” on Frontline. Who knows, Vox might earn a News and Documentary Emmy nomination also.
If Frontline on PBS not only earns a nomination but also a win for “Putin’s Revenge,” it wouldn’t be the first time anti-Russian sentiment in the media led to an award. I thought “Faces, Places” would win Best Documentary Feature at this year’s Oscars. Instead, the award went to “Icarus,” a movie about Russian sports doping. The following was my analysis of the reasons for its win.
“Voting for ‘Icarus’ not only recognized a great piece of documentary film-making, but sent a message of disapproval to Putin and Russia, not just about the doping, but about his interfering in the election on behalf of Trump. No other nominee could have done that, not ‘Strong Island’ even with its ‘Black Lives Matter’ message, not ‘Abacus’ with its own anti-racist theme, not ‘Last Men in Aleppo,’ and certainly not the apolitical ‘Faces, Places.’ I had a hunch that might happen, but followed the data, which suggested an entirely different outcome. Sometimes, I have to examine my assumptions in order to understand things. As I’ve written before about awards shows, electorates matter, and the Oscar electorate was mad at Trump and Putin.”
I like the linked art and will use it. Thanks!
A few, yes. Some, maybe. All? No. Besides, the kind of commenter that Vox calls a troll is really an agent. Trolls do it for their own enjoyment. These guys and maybe some gals are doing it for money and a cause. They're the real paid government disinformation agents.
My comment on The Kek Wars, Part One: Aristocracy and its Discontents.
When you started talking about the current aristocratic class in the U.S., which generally consists of the top decile of income, the term that came to mind was meritocracy, a term that Americans find more palatable, if for no other reason than its connotation of social mobility in contrast to the rigid class structure of a society with an acknowledged nobility. That written, it has the same denotation as aristocracy, rule by the best, and has the issue of being of mixed Latin and Greek origin, supposedly a no-no for a neologism. That has not stopped the term's being accepted. Neither has its modern origin in the book "The Rise of the Meritocracy" by Michael Young, which was a blistering critique of the idea, or at least of its execution in the U.K.
The best examination of the creation and maintenance of the current ruling class and its functionaries and hangers on in the U.S. is "The Big Test: The Secret History of the American Meritocracy" by Nicholas Lemann. It describes the agenda and effects of elite colleges and universities relying on the SAT for admission. The idea was that the pre-Depression and WWII elite failed and that the people who took over during those twin crises were looking for a way to select the people who would replace them, perpetuating their ideas. It did that, but it also had unanticipated effects. One the author described was the rise of an Asian-American identity uniting the children of East Asian immigrants as the SAT allowed them to rise in American society. It's a fascinating read, one that I should summarize on Wikipedia, as its current article is just a stub.
Another effect is the rise of credentialed expertise, which is perceived as being under threat. It's not a surprise that one of the (literal) demonstrations against this threat is the March For Science and the elevation of its celebrity spokesman, Bill Nye to that of a progressive icon. The flip side is that mentioning him makes my conservative friends livid. Using him to advocate for science is that polarizing.
My comments on Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 74
The bar/cafe is open
Welcome back! As soon as you mentioned "Clone Club," I knew it would be music from "Orphan Black." I approve!
I am celebrating this diary and Tatiana Maslani being nominated again for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series with the image I posted when she won her Emmy Award two years ago.
Of course, my comment wouldn't be complete without a drink. Spirit Cocktails has six recipes for the series. Here's the shortest video, Orphan Black Cosima's Hypothosis [sic] Cocktail.In creating this cocktail I wanted to show how Cosima was able to hypothesize that Delphine was in fact her monitor leading to the truth. To symbolize her vast intellect I chose to add Elderflower Liqueur. The fact alone that Delphine was the one who betrayed her in addition to being her girlfriend I chose to use Passion Fruit Syrup for the betrayal of a love. Overall the flavor profile offers a balance of herbal and tart notes with a slight hint of citrus in the finish with a mild potency making this cocktail very enjoyable.I'll post a recipe a day from this series as long as the diary is on the rec list.
Recipe:
1 oz. Elderflower Liqueur
2 oz. Vodka
½ oz. Passion Fruit Syrup
Top with Sprite
Preparation:
Add the Elderflower Liqueur, Vodka and Passion Fruit Syrup to a mixing glass with ice and stir well. Strain into a lowball glass over ice and top with the Sprite and serve.
Here's the next "Orphan Black" cocktail from Spirit Cocktails: Orphan Black Rachel's Disposition Cocktail.In creating this cocktail I wanted to symbolize Rachel’s seeming emotionless disposition so I chose to create the basis of the cocktail around a very simple cocktail called the Screwdriver. What sets this cocktail aside from just being a Screwdriver is that there once was love in Rachel’s heart so I chose a sweet flavorful Rum to accent it. Her rage which ultimately leads to the destruction of Cosima’s cure is symbolized by the addition of bitters. Overall this cocktail brings a mild bite with a slightly bitter finish. Sweet coconut notes are accented very well by the tart citrus flavor leading to a very enjoyable cocktail throughout."I could imagine Helena's ought to be quite a bit of fun." Here it is so you can judge for yourself: Orphan Black Helena's Mission Cocktail.
Recipe:
2 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Coconut Rum
Dash of Bitters
Top with Orange Juice
Preparation: Add ice to a tall glass then add in the Vodka, Coconut Rum and Bitters. Next top off the glass with the Orange Juice and give it a quick stir then serve.In creating this cocktail I wanted to design a Tiki style drink. The concept of a Tiki cocktail is that there’s a lot of alcohol hidden very well by various fruit juices and ingredients. This concept was chosen to symbolize her being an assassin and her plan to eliminate the clones. Overall this cocktail came as a bit of a surprise in that the fairly potent mix of various Rums is hidden so well that, other than their flavor notes, their potency is almost extinguished. Various tropical notes with a perfect blend of citrus and tart cranberry come together to lessen the burn of an otherwise potent mix.Since this diary has fallen off the rec list, this is the last recipe I plan on posting this week. I'll save the other three recipes for another occasion.
Recipe:
1 oz. Bacardi 151
2 oz. Coconut Rum
1 oz. Dark Rum
4 oz. Orange Juice
2 oz. Cranberry Juice
½ oz. Falernum Syrup
2 Dashes of Bitters
½ oz. Jagermeister
Preparation: Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a large glass over ice and then slowly pour the Jagermeister on top then serve.
My comment on Anatomy of a Displacement-Projection Syndrome.
You make it seem as if this is new. It's not. The concern with Trump's closeness to Putin goes back years. During the election, I called Trump's affection for Putin a bad bromance, twice. I also called it a scandal, as I scored it as earning yes answers to all five questions on Nate Silver's scandal checklist. Two years later, I'm not surprised that it's still a scandal. The Trump-Putin meeting in Helsinki just reinforced two core negative perceptions about Trump that inspired me to write about the "bad bromance," that he is an authoritarian who admires other authoritarians, especially Putin, and that he may be beholden to Putin as well.
Hey, K-Dog! Thanks for that cartoon of a Russian troll farm you linked to Monday in response to my mentioning Vox explaining how Russian trolls weaponized social media. I plan on using it the next time I write about manipulation of people online through cyberwarfare, like I did three years ago when I commented on a New York Times article about the Internet Research Agency, highlighting its early efforts to cause chaos through fake news on behalf of the Russian government.
My comment on Russia Attacked Us.
I think you mean Red State Democrats, and, yes, there are some left. The ones that come to mind and are up for re-election this year are Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, and, arguably, Bill Nelson of Florida and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. Nelson is stumping for the Puerto Rican vote by supporting a bill to make Puerto Rico a state, while Stabenow has the good luck not to face Kid Rock. Nelson is in a tight race, while very few people think Stabenow is in any danger. I personally consider John James, who lives a mile from me as the crow flies, will be a tougher opponent than many expect should he win the primary, but he'll just make it close, not win.
As for Blue State Republicans, there are two of those, Dean Heller of Nevada and Susan Collins of Maine. Heller won't flip to save his seat, while her constituents should give Collins a waffle iron for a gift.
My comments on Anti-Putinism is Not McCarthyism.
Now I'm thinking of calling him "Da" or, better yet, "."
Not only is Da/ still posting comments and giving out ratings, he is still posting diaries, even if I no longer see them on the front page. For that, I'm grateful. If Booman did that, I thank him.
As for the problem, I think a Goodbye Cruel World diary would be seen as more sincere if Da posted it on EuroTrib and then Frank told us about it.
My comments on Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 75.
"I am sure Neon Vincent will have the bar open before all is said and done. Can mixed drinks be remixed? Let's find out?"
That's my cue!
When I searched for "remix" on Tipsy Bartender's YouTube channel, Four Easy Tequila Drinks was the top result returned. Coincidentally, the day before yesterday was National Tequila Day. Works for me!TEQUILA SUNRISETomorrow is National Scotch Day, so I'll post a cocktail recipe featuring that ingredient then. In the meantime, the bartender is taking requests.
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Tequila
3 oz. (90ml) Orange Juice
1/2 oz. (15ml) Grenadine Syrup
Garnish: Orange Slice/Maraschino Cherry
PREPARATION 1. Add ice to tall glass and pour over tequila and orange juice.
2. Slowly add the grenadine which will sink to the bottom of the glass. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. Enjoy responsibly!
CLASSIC MARGARITA
2 oz. (60ml) Tequila
1 oz. (30ml) Cointreau
1 oz. (30ml) Fresh Lime Juice
Garnish: Salt/Lime Wheel
PREPARATION
1. Rim edge of margarita glass in lime juice and coarse salt. Set aside.
2. Combine tequila, cointreau and fresh lime juice with ice and shake well.
3. Add ice to rimmed glass and strain mix over. Garnish with a lime wheel. Enjoy responsibly!
PALOMA
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Tequila
1/2 oz. (15ml) Lime Juice
4 1/2 oz. (135ml) Grapefruit Soda
Garnish: Grapefruit Wedge
PREPARATION
1. Fill glass with ice and pour over tequila and lime juice.
2. Top with grapefruit soda and garnish with a grapefruit wedge. Enjoy responsibly!
MATADOR
1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Tequila
3 oz. (90ml) Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz. (15ml) Lime Juice
Garnish: Pineapple Wedge
PREPARATION
1. Add ice to a champagne flute and set aside to chill.
2. In an ice filled shaking glass combine tequila, pineapple juice and lime juice. Shake well,
3. Discard ice from serving glass and strain mix inside. Garnish with a pineapple wedge. Enjoy responsibly!
Happy National Scotch Day! To celebrate, today's drink is Braveheart.2 oz. (60ml) Scotch Whiskey
¾ oz. (22ml) Lime Juice
¾ oz. (22ml) Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Liquid Nitrogen
2 drops Saline
Mint
Blackberries
Garnish: Mint Sprig
PREPARATION
1. Drop mint into a shaking glass and pour over liquid nitrogen. Muddle.
2. Add Scotch, lime juice, simple syrup, and saline.
3. Add ice and shake well.
4. Strain mix into a glass over ice.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig. Enjoy responsibly!
My comment on The Worm Turns: Neither Devin Nunes Nor Ron DeSantis (Thus Far) Support Jim Jordan’s Impeachment Bid.
If you were trying to thread the needle between "town hall" and "clown hall," you succeeded. Both would be appropriate.
