The Sunday Rounds, Volume 142

[starpush]

I’ve discovered the joys of the massive bags of whole bean, organic coffee at Costco. And I swear to you... I’m never going back to pre-ground. The fact that the grinder going off each morning scares the ever loving shit out of one of the cats is just a bonus.

On to The Rounds...

”Give Me Some Truth”This past week’s flap-up over former President

Comments

[non_fiction]

I cannot believe a coffeehead like yourself has been brewing pre-ground coffee. That is an affront to the coffee gods.

I only have an answer for 1 and that is: yes, I smuggle in water and I don't care if it's unethical. I don't drinks soda and I refuse to pay almost $4 for a tiny bottle of water. Prices like that is what's unethical if you ask me.

[starpush]

I tend to buy good coffee that is pre-ground because... well, because I'm lazy. I really want a coffee maker that has the grinding done automatically. It is such an "Oh my God we are human gerbels" thing about it but I don't care... I still want it!

[aquarian_lefty]

1. When I go to the movies, I generally prepare myself for the fact that it's going to be expensive, just grit my teeth and bear it. I shell out the big dough for the popcorn and sodas, if only because it's just part of the experience. I took my sister and some friends of hers to see a movie concerning a certain really bad British singing group years ago, and she and all her friends filled their puffy coats with all manner of candy and drinks. Mercifully for them, it was winter, and pretty cold out

[starpush]

I think if Oregon was an important state in the primary process my view might change; especially if it was going to be close, etc ... but as it currently stands the nomination of either party is sealed by the time we get to our primary so it is rather pointless.

The Democrats are especially frustrating because there were/are some very good minds in that party but they don't have the star power to give it a go. Bayh didn't even bother, nor did Warner, and Richardson -- while raising 6 million (not bad) -- is overshadowed by Clinton and Obama. That said, I would not be at all surpised to see Clinton or Obama tag Warner or Bayh as their running mate, especially Warner as I think Virginia will be in play. Jim Webb might also be an option but Warner would bring that centrist, former Governor balance.

Richardson would be a great running mate... for a white male candidate. But unless Edwards pulls a rabbit out of his ass that isn't happening. (And if he COULD pull a rabbit out of his ass that would convince me he has magic powers.)

[aflamingstar]

1. I routinely sneak stuff in to movie theatres but not into the second run theatre near my house. It's easier to do if you're a woman, as they never check purses. They have the best popcorn that they pop themselves, and they use real actual butter!

2. I will be very interested to see what happens in this election given that the Democrat frontrunners are an African American and a woman. Given the history of only electing white men, and the present dissatisfaction with the Republican administration we're headed for a crazy showdown. Something's gotta give.

[starpush]

Given the damage that Bush has done to his party, historical odds would favor a Democrat winning. That said, the Democrats look like they're going to have a nominee who is trying to make history so that kind of bucks historical trends.

If the Republicans can throw up a reasonable alternative that can drive out their base and win swing voters they'll win... Iraq or no Iraq. They're better at playing dirty and the interest group ads with racist or sexist overtones against Clinton or Obama will be everywhere.

[aflamingstar]

It just makes me sad that with how horrible Bush has been that the Dems could lose all that momentum moving in their direction in the effort to elect someone who might not be electable given this country's bias towards those fatherly white guys.

Obviously not all Republicans are like Bush, but still I'd rather not see another member of the GOP get elected in 08.

[starpush]

Bush has, in my view, given the GOP a major blemish. There is nothing wrong with the traditional hallmarks of the Republican party: Self-reliance, smaller government, more control to the states, etc.

There are cracks in that party and day by day, week by week, you get self-described conservatives recognizing Iraq for what it is. I am surprised that someone like Chuck Hagel (Nebraska Senator and against the war strategy) hasn't mounted an anti-war candidacy within the GOP. I think there are a lot of registered Republicans that would like to get on board with a smaller government, anti-abortion, strong military but anti-Iraq candidate.

[kara_called]

1. If I go to the big multi-screened theater complexes that charge waaaaaay too much, then yes, I smuggle my own candy in and sometimes a bottle of water. If I go to the local dollar theater in my hometown that still has it's original 50s styled marquee, then no, I pay happily since I spent a fraction of the cost of the larger ones just getting in the door. I've never been caught.

2. I think the country is ready for a female president, but, call me a pessimist, I think racism is still rampant and would prevent a black or latino from becoming president. And maybe I'm young and inexperienced (just a few years younger than Chelsea Clinton, in fact), but I rather look up to Hillary as a mother figure and would like to have her as a president. I'm sick sick sick of Bush and the mess (and mockery) he's made of our country and our reputation in the rest of the world.

3. Eh... don't know. I fogged over trying to read about the NHL in your post.

4. C, I guess. It's great to win but it's not the only thing.

[karynwexler]

1.When I make it to the movies - which is rare - and I'm hungry I buy their junk. My aunt used to take me as a kid and did the buying stuff at the store just below the theatre in the mall. I was always afraid we'd get caught -- guess she broke me