timschochet's thread- Mods, please move this thread to the Politics Subforum, thank you (1 Viewer)

[Slapdash]

I've heard this argument, over and over again, from you, from Slapdash, from others. I reject it. TPP is mostly about free trade, and most of the people who oppose it oppose ALL free trade agreements. There are no free trade agreements that I'm aware of that didn't produce the exact same "screwing over citizens at the expense of the rich and powerful" rhetoric from populist sources. It's always the same argument. So forgive me if I find the "Oh we're not really against free trade" argument to be slightly disingenuous. 

So six minutes after you are never responding to me again you are posting about my views in here?  Absolutely pathetic

 

[RCon]

Only so much the rest of us can do.  On most topics, you've gotten to a point where you refuse to read or acknowledge any information that goes against your worldview.  You've become exactly what you claim to despise.

 

[Slapdash]

So in response, you just reposted the article?  No, there were no conclusions based on evidence.  The steel mill "evidence" amounted to: the steel mills closed, and (some) people got wealthier, therefore steel mill closings made people wealthier.  Pretty much the same as the magic rock that keeps tigers away, I guess.

The article itself provides no data whatsoever on the TPP.  It also conveniently ignores all the stuff in TPP that has nothing to with free trade.

As usual, you miss the point on why so many are against TPP.  It's not because of free trade, it's because TPP in particular, and many other "trade deals" in general, aren't really about free trade at all, but are about screwing over citizens at the expense of the rich and powerful.  No one is arguing that all tariffs are good for the country.  No one is arguing that trade is bad.  The argument is that TPP isn't a trade deal in the first place.

Notice how Tim and the articles he posts never really reference the main reasons people are opposed (IP and Corporate legal issues)?

 

[timschochet]

Looky, we still have a few people making #### in the US, let's do another trade deal and let some quasi slaves replace them.

Anyone supporting this crap after all the evidence on the table is worse than a Trump supporter.  Worst case Trump is a bigot.  Being a bigot is far better than being a supporter of slavery.  Worse yet is supporting slavery at the expense of middle income Americans so the slave owners can inflate your real estate market in your home town.

Let's break this argument down. According to you because I support free trade deals, I am condoning people in other countries working for low wages; that to you is the equivalent of slavery (actually you used the words "quasi-slaves" whatever that means. Of course this ignores the fact that these people who work in other countries for lower wages than here are not slaves at all, but do so because the spending power of the money they're earning goes a lot farther than here. They are also future consumers- they want better lives, they want to buy our products, and as their level of prosperity rises then so will ours. 

But what would be the result if we ended these deals in a short-sided attempt to protect our own workers? The factories in these other countries would close down, the people would be put out of work, and they would no doubt seek Communism or some other radical form of government- and THEN they would have slavery. And eventually we would have it too, because without trade that's the only result. 

 

[timschochet]

Only so much the rest of us can do.  On most topics, you've gotten to a point where you refuse to read or acknowledge any information that goes against your worldview.  You've become exactly what you claim to despise.

Why couldn't I write the same of you, Rich? As you know, on several issues you and I see eye to eye. But on free trade and immigration we just don't and probably never will (I bring those up because IMO they're interconnected. ) 

 

[timschochet]

Notice how Tim and the articles he posts never really reference the main reasons people are opposed (IP and Corporate legal issues)?

I AM bothered about these issues and I'd like to know if there are ways to to combat them without getting rid of the overall deal. 

 

[BassNBrew]

Let's break this argument down. According to you because I support free trade deals, I am condoning people in other countries working for low wages; that to you is the equivalent of slavery (actually you used the words "quasi-slaves" whatever that means. Of course this ignores the fact that these people who work in other countries for lower wages than here are not slaves at all, but do so because the spending power of the money they're earning goes a lot farther than here. They are also future consumers- they want better lives, they want to buy our products, and as their level of prosperity rises then so will ours. 

But what would be the result if we ended these deals in a short-sided attempt to protect our own workers? The factories in these other countries would close down, the people would be put out of work, and they would no doubt seek Communism or some other radical form of government- and THEN they would have slavery. And eventually we would have it too, because without trade that's the only result. 

http://www.cnet.com/news/low-wages-and-long-hours-still-persist-at-iphone-factory-claims-labor-group/

And this is about one of our companies thought to be more ethical.

By the way, our prosperity has not been rising with theirs if you exclude our 1%.

 

[timschochet]

http://www.cnet.com/news/low-wages-and-long-hours-still-persist-at-iphone-factory-claims-labor-group/

And this is about one of our companies thought to be more ethical.

By the way, our prosperity has not been rising with theirs if you exclude our 1%.

It takes time. None of this is perfect. 

But that's one company. Take a look at this study about the rising consumer base in China as a whole: 

http://www.mckinsey.com/global-themes/asia-pacific/meet-the-chinese-consumer-of-2020

Hundreds of millions of Chinese, with money to spend and a domestic marketplace that doesn't come close to meeting their needs. Right now our exports to China are about 120 billion a year. But this explosion will triple that in a few years, and triple it again, and then the sky's the iimit. If we don't blow it with protectionism. 

And suppose you and Bernie are right and the vast majority of this new found wealth only benefits the 1%. That won't last; it can't. And eventually the growth will solve our debt problem (it had better, it's the only way. We can never cut enough to do so.) 

 

[Slapdash]

It's just gonna trickle down

 

[RCon]

Only so much the rest of us can do.  On most topics, you've gotten to a point where you refuse to read or acknowledge any information that goes against your worldview.  You've become exactly what you claim to despise.

Why couldn't I write the same of you, Rich? As you know, on several issues you and I see eye to eye. But on free trade and immigration we just don't and probably never will (I bring those up because IMO they're interconnected. ) 

You can't write the same because I actually read the articles you post and point out the flaws.  You either ignore what others post, or simply say something like "well, I don't really know much about that aspect" then just ignore "that aspect" and continue on with your previous belief.  To use an example unrelated to free trade and immigration, others have raised the issue of the Clinton pardons and your response has always been that you don't really know much about it, but instead of learning about it, you assume that it's nothing and give them a pass.

 

[RCon]

Notice how Tim and the articles he posts never really reference the main reasons people are opposed (IP and Corporate legal issues)?

I AM bothered about these issues and I'd like to know if there are ways to to combat them without getting rid of the overall deal. 

Of course there is a way.  The way is to tell our representatives to go back and start over.  Tell them we don't want a port security bill that also outlaws sports wagering.  Tell them we don't want a trade bill that also increases fracking.  Tell them we don't want an omnibus spending bill that also strengthens marijuana laws.  If you accept the stick every time you're given a carrot, there's no reason for government to stop hitting you.

 

[timschochet]

Of course there is a way.  The way is to tell our representatives to go back and start over.  Tell them we don't want a port security bill that also outlaws sports wagering.  Tell them we don't want a trade bill that also increases fracking.  Tell them we don't want an omnibus spending bill that also strengthens marijuana laws.  If you accept the stick every time you're given a carrot, there's no reason for government to stop hitting you.

But I don't know if it's worth doing that. If the benefits in any trade deal outweigh the negatives, then I'm opposed to getting rid of the deal in order to fix the negatives. 

 

[RCon]

Of course there is a way.  The way is to tell our representatives to go back and start over.  Tell them we don't want a port security bill that also outlaws sports wagering.  Tell them we don't want a trade bill that also increases fracking.  Tell them we don't want an omnibus spending bill that also strengthens marijuana laws.  If you accept the stick every time you're given a carrot, there's no reason for government to stop hitting you.

But I don't know if it's worth doing that. If the benefits in any trade deal outweigh the negatives, then I'm opposed to getting rid of the deal in order to fix the negatives. 

Of course you are.  Your entire political world view is based on ends justifying the means and short-term benefits over long-term harm.

 

[Slapdash]

I AM bothered about these issues and I'd like to know if there are ways to to combat them without getting rid of the overall deal. 

Do you realize that those (along with financial "liberalization") are what our representatives are actually negotiating for right?  We are getting those in exchange for lowering tariffs on foreign goods.  That deal is not in favor of the American people.  We can negotiate with other goals in mind.  That isn't protectionism. 

 

[timschochet]

55. The Runaway JuryJohn Grisham

1996, 2014 pages

legal thriller

Hard to believe this novel is 20 years old. The storyline remains sharp and to the moment, even if the specific issue of the lawsuit (liability of cigarette companies over addiction) has already pretty much been settled. In this novel and a couple of others (notably The Rainmaker, to be reviewed later, and The Appeal) Grisham enjoys pitting the little guy against the evil corporate bad guys (I wonder if Bernie Sanders has read these novels?) and he does a good job of it, creating thrilling melodrama with plenty of heroes and villains. In this story, as in so many Grisham novels, the loan bright individual manages to outsmart a lot of people with much greater experience. 

There are some unlikely parts of this, the most unlikely being that somebody could scheme to get on a specific jury in the first place. But even so, it makes for a great, thrilling read that is hard to put down. 

Up next: A dark comedy about a gay liberal snowed in and trapped for a weekend in a religious college in Minnesota...

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

@timschochet, It looks to me like CA will decide the GOP race. I'm fine with the way the primary calendar system is laid out, my big issue with it is how early voting is warping the day-of results.

Any info on CA GOP polling and do you know if the GOP primary is open or closed? Also when does early voting start, hopefully not for a while?  Thanks

 

[Yankee23Fan]

55. The Runaway JuryJohn Grisham

1996, 2014 pages

legal thriller

Hard to believe this novel is 20 years old. The storyline remains sharp and to the moment, even if the specific issue of the lawsuit (liability of cigarette companies over addiction) has already pretty much been settled. In this novel and a couple of others (notably The Rainmaker, to be reviewed later, and The Appeal) Grisham enjoys pitting the little guy against the evil corporate bad guys (I wonder if Bernie Sanders has read these novels?) and he does a good job of it, creating thrilling melodrama with plenty of heroes and villains. In this story, as in so many Grisham novels, the loan bright individual manages to outsmart a lot of people with much greater experience. 

There are some unlikely parts of this, the most unlikely being that somebody could scheme to get on a specific jury in the first place. But even so, it makes for a great, thrilling read that is hard to put down. 

Up next: A dark comedy about a gay liberal snowed in and trapped for a weekend in a religious college in Minnesota...

I never liked Grisham.  The movies that play off of his books are entertaining but the actual legal parts of them are usually ridiculous to me.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

55. The Runaway JuryJohn Grisham

1996, 2014 pages

legal thriller

Hard to believe this novel is 20 years old. The storyline remains sharp and to the moment, even if the specific issue of the lawsuit (liability of cigarette companies over addiction) has already pretty much been settled. In this novel and a couple of others (notably The Rainmaker, to be reviewed later, and The Appeal) Grisham enjoys pitting the little guy against the evil corporate bad guys (I wonder if Bernie Sanders has read these novels?) and he does a good job of it, creating thrilling melodrama with plenty of heroes and villains. In this story, as in so many Grisham novels, the loan bright individual manages to outsmart a lot of people with much greater experience. 

There are some unlikely parts of this, the most unlikely being that somebody could scheme to get on a specific jury in the first place. But even so, it makes for a great, thrilling read that is hard to put down. 

Up next: A dark comedy about a gay liberal snowed in and trapped for a weekend in a religious college in Minnesota...

Hey I was an extra in this movie. It's great to be that close to great literature.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I never liked Grisham.  The movies that play off of his books are entertaining but the actual legal parts of them are usually ridiculous to me.

Have to love the devotion that Tim puts into some of his subjects, but Grisham does not belong in a top 100 greatest books list. The man knows story arc and how to trigger tension in a story even if incredibly obvious, but he does the job, people love this because it's reliable.

- I will say though that with the death of Scalia I was reminded of the beginning of the Pelican Brief, and the very beginning of that book where the USSC justice is deliberating how he prioritizes rights was one of my favorite legal insights or personal opinions of all time.

 

[renesauz]

While I agree that money corrupts politics, I'm not sure campaign finance reform is a solution.  If we take money away from the candidates, then we increase the power of the media, and I don't like that idea either.

Me either, but having the media steer the discussion is a heck of a lot better than having the government owned by big business....with the media steering much of the discussion anyway.

 

[timschochet]

Have to love the devotion that Tim puts into some of his subjects, but Grisham does not belong in a top 100 greatest books list. The man knows story arc and how to trigger tension in a story even if incredibly obvious, but he does the job, people love this because it's reliable.

- I will say though that with the death of Scalia I was reminded of the beginning of the Pelican Brief, and the very beginning of that book where the USSC justice is deliberating how he prioritizes rights was one of my favorite legal insights or personal opinions of all time.

Just a quick correction: this is NOT a 100 greatest novels list. If it was, John Grisham wouldn't be anywhere close to it. 

These are my 100 favorite novels, and it's filled with a lot of popular fiction as well as quirky stuff which interests me. There are some classic, highly respected books on this list, but not that many. 

 

[renesauz]

You have been one of the worst contributors to posts in the threads of any political candidate.  You run here when being made a fool in those threads.  You do not have to capacity to actually discuss issues. It is useless to debate anything with such a delusional piece of #### as yourself. 

WOW

This post is beyond absurd. Tim is here in his own thread, that HE started, and it's popular enough to have grown to 260 pages in a relatively short amount of time. I often disagree with him, but he's generally thoughtful and almost never rude unless pushed...and even then tends to be graceful far more often than not.

There was no need for this.

 

[renesauz]

I can same sex marriage (equal rights for all) and stricter gun laws on the liberal side of things but I just don't understand the abortion opinion.  We have technology that shows a heartbeat in the womb for anyone that doubts that's a person/baby in there. Why is it okay to murder a baby in the womb but not okay to murder the same baby after birth?

Most worms have hearts that beat. A simple heartbeat in a life-form smaller than a child's thumb isn't very compelling.

That said, I think most people recognize that there comes a point during pregnancy where the fetus has gone well beyond the worm like state and to something far more representative of a real child. There aren't too many reasonable people that believe that abortions should still be legal in the 9th month, for example. 

It would be nice if pro-life folks could respect the opinion of pro-choice folks when they say they don't believe it's a human life, and vice versa. A basic recognition that there is no way to change minds and instead agree to reasonable restrictions on abortion. I think freely allowing them in the first trimester but with serious restrictions afterwards (mostly life threatening or devastating birth defects unlikely to survive anyway), for example, is a reasonable centrist position that respects the heart of both arguments sides.

 

[renesauz]

I don't want to talk about education level, because many in this group are educated, but they definitely aren't introspective enough to understand why things like "Black History Month" actually matter. They don't remember that basically the only black they ever learned about in school were the 20 minutes given to George Washington Carver and/or Harriet Tubman**.  

** seriously, my fourth grade history book featured 100 important people in history, each given 2-3 pages. There were 98 white men, GWC, and Susan B Anthony. 

The problem is that there aren't nearly as many important black figures in our history, and the overwhelming majority of those appear in the last 50 years. Schools generally don't cover as much of the last 50 years, and fair or not (they were enslaved after all), there simply aren't any to talk about that individually shaped our history over the first 150 years or so.

Thus....black history month comes across as something forced, and most of the figures discussed in it are NOT more important than some of the figures displaced. Do we need a month to discuss civil rights and MLK?

I don't know the right answer on this, the dismissal of the complaint about it as unreasonable, a lack of introspection, or as evidence of racial bias is itself lacking in understanding.

PS: How old was your textbook, because even in light of my argument you'rs was obviously slanted?

 

[Slapdash]

WOW

This post is beyond absurd. Tim is here in his own thread, that HE started, and it's popular enough to have grown to 260 pages in a relatively short amount of time. I often disagree with him, but he's generally thoughtful and almost never rude unless pushed...and even then tends to be graceful far more often than not.

There was no need for this.

We're talking about the same guy that spent the week before this posts calling Trump supporters racists and bigots?

 

[renesauz]

We're talking about the same guy that spent the week before this posts calling Trump supporters racists and bigots?

Yeah....that was unfortunate, and un-necessary.

 

[timschochet]

54. The Devil and Daniel Silverman

Theodore Roszak

2003, 334 pages

political satire

Every once in a while I discover a novel by accident in the bookstore (or at least I used to; with all the bookstores closing these days and with Kindle coming to dominate the scene, my chances of doing this are less and less.) This was one of those, and it quickly because one of my favorites. 

Daniel Silverman is a Jewish, liberal,  gay novelist in San Francisco. For inexplicable reasons he offered money to give a speech about one of his novels at a small conservative Christian college in Minnesota. Naturally the event is a disaster, with the audience attacking him for his homosexuality and his progressive views. But that's only the start, as Silverman is snowed in and forced to stay at the college the entire weekend, during which the good Christians try to talk him out of his views and gay "behavior." 

The novel is a dark comedy, but it does a good job at discussing the differences in culture between the cities and certain parts of "flyover country". The ending, in which Silverman has had enough and attempts to escape his tormentors, is pretty hilarious. 

Up next: Richard Bachman's best novel, about a future in which reality game shows provide entertainment to the masses...

 

[John Bender]

54. The Devil and Daniel Silverman

Theodore Roszak

2003, 334 pages

political satire

Every once in a while I discover a novel by accident in the bookstore (or at least I used to; with all the bookstores closing these days and with Kindle coming to dominate the scene, my chances of doing this are less and less.) This was one of those, and it quickly because one of my favorites. 

Daniel Silverman is a Jewish, liberal,  gay novelist in San Francisco. For inexplicable reasons he offered money to give a speech about one of his novels at a small conservative Christian college in Minnesota. Naturally the event is a disaster, with the audience attacking him for his homosexuality and his progressive views. But that's only the start, as Silverman is snowed in and forced to stay at the college the entire weekend, during which the good Christians try to talk him out of his views and gay "behavior." 

The novel is a dark comedy, but it does a good job at discussing the differences in culture between the cities and certain parts of "flyover country". The ending, in which Silverman has had enough and attempts to escape his tormentors, is pretty hilarious. 

Up next: Richard Bachman's best novel, about a future in which reality game shows provide entertainment to the masses...

Was a terrible read and I would hardly consider it a "novel" (this is Top 100 Novels, right?). Was more like a proselytization of political views caped in a piece of "fiction". I should add, I agreed with the author's viewpoint in every way, but as a novel, I found it to be neither profound nor effective, and generally crap. And I do appreciate what he was doing/getting at. 

 

[John Bender]

BTW Tim: you've got to start indexing these countdowns in the first post of your thread. It takes almost zero effort.

I very often go back through and read them later when I have time to spend on the boards. HAts off to Yankeefan for his Presidents write up too, even though I had to hunt and peck for continuity amongst the thread, I thought his write ups were just fantastic.  I really wish they could be indexed somewhere within here for quicker reading.  

 

[John Bender]

56. Ragtime

E.L. Doctorow 

1975, 270 pages

Historical fiction

Doctorow's short novel deals with the first years of the 20th century, and a uses a fictional family to discuss certain historical figures that interest him from the era: some of them important to history (Henry Ford, JP Morgan, Emma Goldman, Harry Houdini, Matthew Peary), others long forgotten (Evelyn Nesbitt, Coalhouse Walker, Jr.) Although the characters and story go all over the place touching on different aspects of the era, it's Coalhouse Walker, the black ragtime pianist who became an anarchist that comes to dominate the last two thirds of the book. It's almost as if Doctorow seems to be saying: sex, stardom, immigration, poverty, great wealth, exploration and achievement- all of these are important aspects of the American experience, but in the end the racial struggle overwhelms everything else. 

The book is funny, fascinating, and probably more lyrically written than many of the other novels on this list. It's considered a literary novel; (it made the Random House top 100 of the 20th century.) But mostly because of the Walker scenes, there is no lack of suspense. The book was made into a terrific movie directed by Milos Forman, and a less successful broadway musical (IMO, but then I'm kind of a Broadway snob.) I want to add that for historical baseball fans, there is a great scene in this novel in which the main characters attend a very early game of the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds, and both players, managers, and crowd is described in great detail. That passage alone makes this a worthy read for those interested in this topic. 

Up next: John Grisham's novel about jury tampering...

Very good read. Probably my favorite on your list so far.

 

[John Bender]

53. The Charm School

Nelson De Mille

1988, 644 pages

Suspense

Since John Le Carre's The Spy Who Came In From the Cold first appeared in the early 1960s, the Cold War spy novel became a staple of suspense fiction. This staple pretty much died out in 1990 with the fall of the Soviet Union. Before that happened, a string of popular writers produced some great thrillers: Le Carre, Len Deighton, Frederick Forsythe, Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy just to name a few. Nelson De Mille is not known as one of these; his specialty is thriller fiction, and he only wrote a couple of books dealing with the USSR. However, his 1988 thriller The Charm School is, for me, the best of the genre. 

Moscow in the late 1980's: Glasnost and Perestroika are popular. But an American tourist accidentally discovers a secret that both the Soviets and the State Department want hidden: US Vietnam POWs are still alive in a gulag, training Soviet spies to act American. Can they be rescued? Will it destroy peace between the two countries? 

Nelson De Mille is quite simply the best suspense writer I have ever read. I have 4 of his books on this list, starting with this one. He is able to make his characters believable and likable, even the villains, and that's what makes the suspense so great. This novel is the definition of a "page turner."

Up next: Richard Bachman's story of weight loss...

Going to read this. As we've discussed in the past, Russian History, Cold War stuff is my forte - fiction and non-fiction.  I'm looking forward to giving this a spin.

 

[timschochet]

Was a terrible read and I would hardly consider it a "novel" (this is Top 100 Novels, right?). Was more like a proselytization of political views caped in a piece of "fiction". I should add, I agreed with the author's viewpoint in every way, but as a novel, I found it to be neither profound nor effective, and generally crap. And I do appreciate what he was doing/getting at. 

Well we disagree. But I'm just amazed that anyone besides me had even read this book. 

 

[timschochet]

BTW Tim: you've got to start indexing these countdowns in the first post of your thread. It takes almost zero effort.

I very often go back through and read them later when I have time to spend on the boards. HAts off to Yankeefan for his Presidents write up too, even though I had to hunt and peck for continuity amongst the thread, I thought his write ups were just fantastic.  I really wish they could be indexed somewhere within here for quicker reading.  

Good point. I'll do that now. 

 

[timschochet]

My 100 Favorite novels:

100. Second Generation by Howard Fast

99. Psycho by Robert Bloch

98. Jackdaws by Ken Follett

97. 24 Hours by Greg Iles

96. Empires of Sand by David Ball

95. Black Cross by Greg Iles

94. Trial by Clifford Irving

93. We Are Water by Wally Lamb

92. Crazy In Alabama by Mark Childress

91. To Die For by Joyce Maynard

90. The Pelican Brief by John Grisham

89. The Haj by Leon Uris

88. North and South by John Jakes

87. Carrie by Stephen King

86. The Odessa File by Frederick Forsythe

85. Q.B. VII by Leon Uris

84. The Desperate Hours by Joseph Hayes

83. A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin

82. Sycamore Row by John Grisham

81. Dr. Neruda's Cure For Evil by Rafael Yglesias

80. House Rules by Jodi Picoult

79. The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perotta

78. The Guns of the South by Harry Turtledove

77. Kane and Abel by Jeffery Archer

76. Evergreen by Belva Plain

75. Armageddon by Leon Uris

74. Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk

73. Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

72. The Fifth Horseman by Larry Collins and Dominique LaPierre

71. South of Broad by Pat Conroy

70. What You Owe Me by Bebe Moore Campbell

69. The Great Santini by Pat Conroy

68. Whitethorn by Bryce Courtenay

67. Balance of Power by Richard North Patterson

66. The Wall by John Hersey

65. Brothers and Sisters by Bebe Moore Campbell

64. She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb

63. Gerald's Game by Stephen King

62. Sophie's Choice by William Styron

61. The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King

60. The Firm by John Grisham

59. Tania by Bryce Courtenay

58. The Charm School by Nelson De Mille

57. Thinner by Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman)

56. Ragtime by E. L. Doctorow

55. The Runaway Jury by John Grisham

54. The Devil and Daniel Silverman by Theodore Roszak

 

[John Bender]

Loved The Firm BTW.  Also my favorite underrated movie. It's so good, but gets ZERO love.

 

[Dr Oadi]

When did this thread become the official Oprah's book club thread?

 

[RCon]

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/drilling-for-earthquakes/

Can we ban fracking yet?

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Is it possible that any Trump supporter has any idea of the history of the American Party from 1840-1860?

 

[msommer]

What happened to FUBAR's Trump thread?

 

[skol asylum]

Loved The Firm BTW.  Also my favorite underrated movie. It's so good, but gets ZERO love.

The discordant piano music in that movie drove me nuts. 

 

[timschochet]

Now at the House of Blues, having a few drinks. Some guy named Bo Wilson is on stage- blues guitarist from Arizona. Not bad. 

 

[timschochet]

Just got back from O, that's the Cirque de Soleil water show. Simply awesome. 

 

[timschochet]

Bo is mumbling through "What A Wonderful World"-sounds like Gregg Allman with marbles in his mouth. But the guitar sounds good

 

[timschochet]

Fast version of "Can't You See". Ugh. The wife likes it 

 

[timschochet]

Uh oh somebody yelled out "Freebird"! Dude is playing it. Time for another mixed drink. I'm going to be here awhile...

 

[Ilov80s]

My 100 Favorite novels:

100. Second Generation by Howard Fast

99. Psycho by Robert Bloch

98. Jackdaws by Ken Follett

97. 24 Hours by Greg Iles

96. Empires of Sand by David Ball

95. Black Cross by Greg Iles

94. Trial by Clifford Irving

93. We Are Water by Wally Lamb

92. Crazy In Alabama by Mark Childress

91. To Die For by Joyce Maynard

90. The Pelican Brief by John Grisham

89. The Haj by Leon Uris

88. North and South by John Jakes

87. Carrie by Stephen King

86. The Odessa File by Frederick Forsythe

85. Q.B. VII by Leon Uris

84. The Desperate Hours by Joseph Hayes

83. A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin

82. Sycamore Row by John Grisham

81. Dr. Neruda's Cure For Evil by Rafael Yglesias

80. House Rules by Jodi Picoult

79. The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perotta

78. The Guns of the South by Harry Turtledove

77. Kane and Abel by Jeffery Archer

76. Evergreen by Belva Plain

75. Armageddon by Leon Uris

74. Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk

73. Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

72. The Fifth Horseman by Larry Collins and Dominique LaPierre

71. South of Broad by Pat Conroy

70. What You Owe Me by Bebe Moore Campbell

69. The Great Santini by Pat Conroy

68. Whitethorn by Bryce Courtenay

67. Balance of Power by Richard North Patterson

66. The Wall by John Hersey

65. Brothers and Sisters by Bebe Moore Campbell

64. She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb

63. Gerald's Game by Stephen King

62. Sophie's Choice by William Styron

61. The Dark Tower II: The Drawing of the Three by Stephen King

60. The Firm by John Grisham

59. Tania by Bryce Courtenay

58. The Charm School by Nelson De Mille

57. Thinner by Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman)

56. Ragtime by E. L. Doctorow

55. The Runaway Jury by John Grisham

54. The Devil and Daniel Silverman by Theodore Roszak

Wow, amazing that there is no overlap so far between mine and yours. 

 

[timschochet]

Holy ####! The Dickies are playing downstairs! One of my all time favorite punk bands. Can't believe they're still around. Gotta go hear these guys. 

 

[Zigg]

Eat at Aureole, it is fantastic.  We got the tasting menu a year or so ago and it was one of the best meals of my life.  If you are a little drunk late at night, the chili cheese fries at Citizens are awesome.  I love Mandalay Bay.

 

[timschochet]

Eat at Aureole, it is fantastic.  We got the tasting menu a year or so ago and it was one of the best meals of my life.  If you are a little drunk late at night, the chili cheese fries at Citizens are awesome.  I love Mandalay Bay.

Good advice. Thanks! 

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Tim sorry question - couldn't help but notice you link to Media Matters in the Hillary indictment thread to explain what is in the LA Times. I would think you get and read the LAT? Why not just say what you've read in the LA Times?