So the NRA Gave a Press Conference...

[Content Note: Guns violence disablism.]Igor's had a good review of it here. A complete transcript is here now. Spoiler Alert: The answer is much more guns!My personal favorite part was their recommendation to help keep a national database of people that are psychologically ill. PERFECT. That's only a perfect concept that will certainly not further stigmatize individuals with mental disabilities and discourage care-seeking, identify, and treatment.Just in case I am not lounging it on thick enough, which was sarcasm. It's a terrible idea.A stand-out terrible idea inside a press conference entirely composed of terrible ideas, actually.Anyhow, here are a few tweets concerning the NRA presser that virtually conclude:Evidently the NRA is giving a press conference. Whooooooops I do not provide a fuck exactly what the NRA needs to say about anything any longer.&mdash Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) December 21, 2012THIS Isn't The DAY TO POLITICIZE THE NRA'S PRESS CONFERENCE.&mdash Josh Greenman (@joshgreenman) December 21, 2012"This is actually the oncoming of a significant conversation. We will not be taking any queries today."&mdash daveweigel (@daveweigel) December 21, 2012Surreal: LaPierre requires a national database from the psychologically ill. No similar require a national database of each and every single gun owner.&mdash Solange U (@dcGisenyi) December 21, 2012#nra's response to this tragedy is to locate methods to create more profits for that gun industry.&mdash Renee (@zetablu) December 21, 2012Conservatism truly is damaged.&mdash davidfrum (@davidfrum) December 21, 2012For a business that states be protecting freedom, the NRA is super excited to place their children inside a police condition.&mdash allisonkilkenny (@allisonkilkenny) December 21, 2012Remember when all of the #NRA men stated that Travon Martin would be alive if he'd were built with a hidden 9mm?Me neither.&mdash John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) December 21, 2012And FYI, the NRA has not been quiet so far. They simply weren't speaking to all of us. Plus they were not speaking to all of us in the presser either.&mdash SharkFu (@SharkFu) December 21, 2012The NRA has rickrolled the entire country into watching yet another standard Wayne LaPierre stump speech saying we want more guns.&mdash Rachel Maddow MSNBC (@maddow) December 21, 2012This is exactly what they went quiet for any week to state. THIS. A database from the psychologically ill and guns in each and every school. Wow. #NRA&mdash Sophistication (@graceishuman) December 21, 2012The NRA wants a database from the psychologically ill? LOL okay. Put me onto it. Mix-reference with "list of subscribers who prioritize lives over guns."&mdash Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) December 21, 2012Discuss.

Daily Dose of Cute

We've got just a little snow.Sophie is remaining cordially ensconced in her own mattress."No thanks.Inch

Today in Fiscal Cliffery

Obama: Something something revenue.Boehner: Phbbbbbbbbbbbt!Obama: Something something deficit.Boehner: Nyah nyah nyah nyah I can not hear you!Obama: Responsible.Boehner: Cooties!Obama: Compromise.Boehner: *makes fart seem with armpit*Obama: Credits.Boehner: Ademocratsayswhat?Obama: Are you currently kidding me? America, the Republicans are fools. I do not know what else to let you know any longer. I am handling a assortment of crudsmudges who'd introduce legislation the sky's red-colored basically stated it's blue.Boehner: *poops pants** * *Paul Krugman: Playing Taxes Hold Them.TPM: Republicans Crush Boehner's Plan B.New You are able to Occasions: Boehner Cancels Tax Election in Face of GOP Revolt.Washington Publish: How Boehner's Plan B for that 'Fiscal Cliff' Started and Fell Apart.Greg Sargent: AFL-CIO to Whitened House: Time for you to Rescind Your Offer to Boehner.Etc. Discuss.

John Kerry Nominated as Secretary of State

Leader Obama has formally nominated Senator John Kerry to exchange Hillary Clinton as Secretary of Condition. Okay. I've no particular feelings about this. I am disappointed in the manner it went lower, regarding Susan Grain being chased from the running by a lot of Republican dipshits. But Kerry is going to be fine.Chipsticks in the Obama Diary amusingly observes: "Ain't existence funny? To consider in 2004 an 'unknown' Obama was [then Democratic presidential nominee] John Kerry's keynote convention speaker."

Simple

[Content Note: Guns disablism.]This piece by Adam Gopnik for that New Yorker concerning the simple means to fix preventing gun violence is fairly great (even though it does start adding some disablist language from the "using sane/crazy as synonyms for decent/indecent" sort).I absolutely accept the idea: You will find complex institutional failures contributing someone to get a gun and begin shooting, however the simplest and many sensible factor to repair is use of guns. And That I can make a side observe that, despite Scotland's very tight gun laws and regulations, individuals who need guns (e.g. maqui berry farmers) have them. This narrative in america that there are not a way to balance serious gun reform against involve possessing rifles for maqui berry farmers, subsistence predators, etc. is bullshit. Obviously that's possible.

Arf Scarf

Would you like to see 20 cute pictures of trendy dogs in jewelry? Sure, why don't you, right? Welp, here ya go!Zelda yawns with indifference. "Had the experience, done that."

So the NRA Gave a Press Conference...

[Content Note: Guns violence disablism.]Igor's had a good review of it here. A complete transcript is here now. Spoiler Alert: The answer is much more guns!My personal favorite part was their recommendation to help keep a national database of people that are psychologically ill. PERFECT. That's only a perfect concept that will certainly not further stigmatize individuals with mental disabilities and discourage care-seeking, identify, and treatment.Just in case I am not lounging it on thick enough, which was sarcasm. It's a terrible idea.A stand-out terrible idea inside a press conference entirely composed of terrible ideas, actually.Anyhow, here are a few tweets concerning the NRA presser that virtually conclude:Evidently the NRA is giving a press conference. Whooooooops I do not provide a fuck exactly what the NRA needs to say about anything any longer.&mdash Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) December 21, 2012THIS Isn't The DAY TO POLITICIZE THE NRA'S PRESS CONFERENCE.&mdash Josh Greenman (@joshgreenman) December 21, 2012"This is actually the oncoming of a significant conversation. We will not be taking any queries today."&mdash daveweigel (@daveweigel) December 21, 2012Surreal: LaPierre requires a national database from the psychologically ill. No similar require a national database of each and every single gun owner.&mdash Solange U (@dcGisenyi) December 21, 2012#nra's response to this tragedy is to locate methods to create more profits for that gun industry.&mdash Renee (@zetablu) December 21, 2012Conservatism truly is damaged.&mdash davidfrum (@davidfrum) December 21, 2012For a business that states be protecting freedom, the NRA is super excited to place their children inside a police condition.&mdash allisonkilkenny (@allisonkilkenny) December 21, 2012Remember when all of the #NRA men stated that Travon Martin would be alive if he'd were built with a hidden 9mm?Me neither.&mdash John Fugelsang (@JohnFugelsang) December 21, 2012And FYI, the NRA has not been quiet so far. They simply weren't speaking to all of us. Plus they were not speaking to all of us in the presser either.&mdash SharkFu (@SharkFu) December 21, 2012The NRA has rickrolled the entire country into watching yet another standard Wayne LaPierre stump speech saying we want more guns.&mdash Rachel Maddow MSNBC (@maddow) December 21, 2012This is exactly what they went quiet for any week to state. THIS. A database from the psychologically ill and guns in each and every school. Wow. #NRA&mdash Sophistication (@graceishuman) December 21, 2012The NRA wants a database from the psychologically ill? LOL okay. Put me onto it. Mix-reference with "list of subscribers who prioritize lives over guns."&mdash Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) December 21, 2012Discuss.

Arf Scarf

Would you like to see 20 cute pictures of trendy dogs in jewelry? Sure, why don't you, right? Welp, here ya go!Zelda yawns with indifference. "Had the experience, done that."

Quote of the Day

[Content Note: Guns violence misogyny.]"I'm feeling that there's more anger toward mom than there's toward the boy."—Lisa Sheridan, a resident of Newtown, cited within an article concerning the town's feelings toward Nancy Lanza, mother and first victim of mass killer Adam Lanza.It's obvious to question why Nancy Lanza possessed weapons, or even the particular weapons she did, or how secure she stored them, although it isn't particularly fair to neglect to think about the possibility she'd these to safeguard herself from her boy, considering that he was, unquestionably, some risk to her.It's obvious to question why she required him towards the gun range together with her, although it isn't particularly fair to neglect to grant her the great belief assumption it wasn't because she meant to train him to murder children.It's obvious to question several things, because we all know precious little about Nancy Lanza, with the exception that she apparently threw in the towel her career to remain home together with her troubled boy. Which her existence ended at his hands.It's bullshit to carry her more accountable than her adult boy.[H/T to Erica.]

Here Are Three Things I Read Today

[Content Note: Institutional rape/violence against women—graphic.]Katy Migiro at TrustLaw: Nairobi in Crisis as Women Are Beaten, Raped, and Wiped out with Impunity.Jayashree Nandi & Dwaipayan Ghosh within the Occasions asia: Fierce Protests in New Delhi After Gang Rape of Lady on BusJessica Fender within the Colorado Publish: Judge: Colorado Cop Charged of Rape and Kidnapping Free on Bond Until Sentencing.I'm not sure what to say of these tales. That are only three which i saw, with lots of more these days I didn't see. I'm not sure how to handle preventing this from happening, except to wield my one little teaspoon every single day with just as much furious resolve when i can. I share a harsh sisterhood using the wronged women in their centers. I suppose Among the finest to mark this is going on, that i'm having to pay attention, which I thirst for justice and peace.

Top Insult

Is other people watching this year of Top Chef? Oof, it is so bad. In a single episode, judge and show producer Chef Tom Colicchio screamed whatsoever the participants and said excitedly there'd be no champion, because all their dishes were so terrible. Yikes.Last night's episode was certainly the very best of the growing season, since the only female champion of Top Chef (to date, as she was quick to see), Stephanie Izard, came back like a guest judge, but additionally because coming back d-bag cheftestant Stefan:This person ^—served up among the finest insults I've ever heard, sneeringly explaining another cheftestant's soup as so awful "I would not flush my poop by using it.InchLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!Which was almost—almost—worth getting viewed this garbage season.

President Obama on the Connecticut School Shooting

This mid-day, I spoken with Governor Malloy and FBI Director Mueller. I offered Governor Malloy my condolences with respect to the country, and managed to get obvious he'll have each and every resource he must investigate this heinous crime, look after the sufferers, counsel their own families.We have suffered diet program these tragedies previously couple of years. And every time I discover the news, I react less a Leader, but as others would — being a parent. Which was particularly true today. I understand there isn't a parent or gaurdian in the usa who does not have the same overwhelming grief which i do. Nearly all individuals who died today were children — beautiful kids between your age range of 5 and ten years old. [lengthy pause the Leader looks lower] They'd all of their lives in front of them — birthday celebrations, graduations, wedding ceremonies, kids that belongs to them. [pause baby wipes away tears] One of the fallen were also instructors — males and ladies who devoted their lives to helping our kids fulfill their dreams. So our hearts are damaged today — for that parents and grandma and grandpa, siblings and siblings of those small children, but for the groups of the grown ups who have been lost. Our hearts are damaged for that parents from the children too, as fortunate because they are to obtain their children home tonight, they already know their children's innocence continues to be torn from them as well early, and you will find no words which will ease their discomfort. Like a country, we've been through that as well many occasions. Be it an elementary school in Newtown, or perhaps a shopping center in Or, or perhaps a temple in Wisconsin, or perhaps a cinema in Aurora, or perhaps a intersection in Chicago — these communities are our communities, which youngsters are our kids. And we are going to need to get together and take significant action to avoid more tragedies such as this, no matter the politics.Today, Michelle and that i is going to do things i know all parents in the usa is going to do, that is hug our kids just a little tight, and we'll let them know that people love them, and we'll help remind one another how deeply we like each other. But you will find families in Connecticut who canrrrt do that tonight. Plus they need many of us at this time. Within the hard the future, that community needs us to become at good as People in america. And That I is going to do all things in my energy as Leader to assist.Simply because while nothing can fill just a lost child or family member, many of us can extend a hands to individuals in need of assistance — to help remind them that we're there on their behalf, that we're praying on their behalf, the love they believed for individuals they lost endures not only to their reminiscences but additionally in ours.May God bless the memory from the sufferers and, within the words of scripture, heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. Sign the petition here asking the Whitened House to pursue Congressional legislation to deal with regulate gun possession. If you're on Twitter, tell @BarackObama that you simply Have to have a Intend to finish gun violence in america.

Open Thread: Connecticut School Shooting

[Content Note: Guns violence terrorism.]The prior thread was beginning to obtain lengthy and unwieldy with updates. This is a fresh thread for discussion and knowledge discussing. I'll make updates came from here forward in comments.Please be certain to keep up with the recommendations from the safe space. Also: As I realize many articles significant updates will contain photos of sufferers/witnesses, I am likely to request that people not publish or link individual photos of sufferers within this thread for that reasons of talking about the photos. No sufferers/witnesses have agreed to obtain their photos taken. I understand nobody here would share all of them with not undiluted empathy and empathy, but nevertheless, I do not feel better about connecting towards the images. I can not make a worse factor than other people gawking at me within my grief.

Two-Minute Nostalgia Sublime

Shocking Blue: "Venus"

This Is Not Iain

However I would understand should you thought it may be.Video clip Description: A whitened guy rides his unicycle lower a Tigard pavement, outfitted as Gandalf and playing The almighty from the Rings music on bagpipes.

Top Five

Here's your subject: Top 5 Favorite Types of Dance. Go!Please feel thanks for visiting share tales about why your Top 5 picks are what they're, though an upright-up list is okay, too. Please avoid adversely auditing other individuals lists, because judgment attempts participation.

Correct Me If I'm Wrong...

...but it's the entire year in our the almighty Jesus Johnson two 1000 and twelve, right? So how can this be shit still happening?Charlie Jane Anders: Female Sci-fi and Fantasy Authors Still Urged to make use of Male Pseudonyms.Wait, wait—don't let me know![H/T to Iain.]

Two-Minute Nostalgia Sublime

Scorpions: "Hit Between your Eyes"

Open Thread

Located with a Nazgûl driver.This week's open threads happen to be introduced for you by origami and papercraft.

Photos of the Day

Jane Abbott Lighty, left, and her partner of 35 years, Pete-e Petersen of West Dallas, hold the initial same-sex marriage license, signed on their behalf by King County Executive Dow Constantine, because the King County Recorder's office begins to problem same-sex marriage certification at 12:01 A.M. Thursday December 6, 2012. Lighty and Petersen will get married inside a special ceremony at Benaroya Hall featuring the Dallas Men's Chorus on Sunday evening. [Bettina Hansen/The Dallas Occasions]Ray Duncan, 56, and Randy Shepherd, 48, obtain a marriage license within the King County Administration Building. Initially from Dallas, Texas, they told digital photographer Meryl Schenker they gone to live in Washington many years ago since it was more gay friendly. [Meryl Schenker/via]Kelly Middleton, 24, and her partner Amanda Dollente, 29, embrace once they received their marriage license in the King County Administration Building on Thursday, December 6, 2012. [Joshua Trujillo/SeattlePI.com]Kim Hinken, of Edgewater, MD, supports the marriage license she acquired Thursday in Anne Arundel County Circuit in Annapolis, MD, to marry her partner, Adrianne Eathorne. [John Witte/AP]Congratulations, Washington and Maryland!!![Because of all of the Shakers who submitted photo links. Please feel welcome and urged to talk about links to related photos in comments.]

Daily Dose of Cute

An account of doggy friendship, set to Yann Tierson's "Yellow."Text Onscreen: "Dudley and Zelda: BFFs." Video of Dudley the Greyhound and Zelda the Black-and-Tan Mutt waiting in your garden Zelly playbows at Dudley. Cut to Dudz and Zelly within the garden in the winter months, in lots of fluffy whitened snow. Zelly spins to obtain Dudley to chase her. Dudz knockoffs her out and will take off she chases him over the garden towards the back patio, where they reconvene and get a stroll together. Cut to the pair of them wrestling within the garden in fall, jumping and play-biting at one another and chasing after one another around. Cut to Dudz chasing after Zelly with the garden early in the year because he catches her, she does a barrel roll to evade him. They run, after which Dudley breaks to shake themself off. Zelly waits with patience, then spins to interact him inside a chase again.Cut towards the dogs playing tug-o-war having a plushy toy inside. Zelly will get it from Dudz, then offers it to him again so the overall game can continue. Cut towards the dogs bursting the mystery just like a shot in to the garden. Cut to Zelly getting a plushy lobster and getting it to the large pillow where Dudley is laying, and laying lower beside him. Cut to Dudley digging within the garden Zelly sniffs in the hole, advances playfully at Dudz, then runs inside a large circle, returning to help investigate hole he's dug. Cut to more dramatic chasing after with the garden at the begining of winter. A lot of waggy tails! Cut to Dudz splayed in the grass in summer time, with Zelly keeping guard before him. Cut towards the dogs laying around the sofa together, searching at me using their sweet faces. The finish.

Seen

Since you may recall, our neighborhood chapel regularly features great chapel signs like "Weed Them and reap!" and "Man's strategy is a hopeless finish. God's strategy is a never-ending hope." and "Existence without God is much like an unsharpened pencil. It's no reason.Inch Ya know, little friendly memory joggers that my existence is useless garbage and I'll be viciously slaughtered by an angry god one day—that kind of factor.Anyway. Iain clicked this photo of the latest endeavor as they was out walking the dogs last evening:You realize town chapel is the greatest neighborhood chapel if this spells Christian improperly.Clearly, I'm a full-tilt typo machine, and so i understand this is an easy mistake to create, but it is been up for a few days now. Apparently no Christains have observed.And, frankly, because of the regular texting about how exactly my imperfect existence is meaningless shit, I do not feel bad about getting a titter. I am already likely to hell, anyhow.So I am told.

Wednesday Blogaround

I Like This Idea

I love it A Great Deal:[Actress] Ashley Judd (D) is seriously exploring a 2014 run for that Senate to defend myself against Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Politico reviews."In recent days, Judd has spoken with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) about the potential of a run, has talked about a possible bid having a Democratic pollster and it has started to conduct opposition research on herself to determine where she's most vulnerable within the Bluegrass Condition, sources say.""Whether Judd jumps in to the race remains not even close to certain. She's apparently also weighing whether to hang about until 2016 to rather undertake newcomer Sen. Rand Paul, sources say."Judd is definitely an eloquent feminist, as well as an open survivor, and that i would like to see her in america Senate. And when she could eliminate Mitch McConnell or Rand Paul along the way, even better.It is interesting, is not it, how frequently male stars are employed for political office and just how rarely female stars are. It might be swell if Judd, should she decide running for office is great for her, began a brand new trend.I am talking about, if Arnold Schwarzenegger can run California, that most likely means Rosario Dawson might be leader not a problem.

In The News

[Content note: Domestic violence, body fat hate, transphobia]Monday News and Infotainment:Researchers have discovered a secret unicorn lair in North Korea! Researchers have discovered a secret unicorn lair in North Korea!Actual Headline: "Could Being Body fat Cause You To More Jolly?"Kasandra Perkins was extremely killed over the past weekend by her athlete boyfriend.Barbara Underwood will star inside a Seem of Music remake for whatever reason.Keep in mind when Eric Stoltz was on Mad In Regards To You?A transgender student in Canada has become permitted to make use of the men's toilets following the school formerly banned him.Mitt Romney is type of chaos now. Heh.A retiring Minnesota supermarket owner is giving his roughly 400 employees possession of his three stores. Neat!Allen West is like Lincoln subsequently, essentially.

Two-Minute Nostalgia Sublime

The 3 O'Clock: "I Am Going Wild"

Friday Blogaround

This blogaround introduced for you by aluminum.Suggested Reading through:Courtney: Story Time [Content Note: The publish only at that link includes discussions of funding abstinence-only sex erectile dysfunction and bullying.]Spectra: 4 Effective Documentaries about African Women Everybody Should Watch [Content Note: The explanations from the films contain references to misogyny, classism, and sexual violence.]Tracy: The Invisible War Exposes the Banality of Misogyny and Sexual Violence in america MilitarySamhita: Dominique Strauss-Kahn to stay from Court with Nafissitou Diallo [Content Note: Sexual violence.]Jorge: Study Finds Negative Portrayals of Muslims Have More Media AttentionAtrios: The Only Real Votes That MatterBrian: Customer Advocates and Otis [Content Note: Pet loss.]Letters of Note: With Greatest Sympathy, FidoLeave your links and proposals in comments...

Fiscal Cliffery: The Latest

Well, the Obama administration's opening salvo in Fiscal High cliff talks (place my repeated objection for this bullshit premise here) would be a pretty significant departure in the garbage these were saying yes to last year. To place it candidly: This really is nutrients.Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner presented the home speaker, John A. Boehner, an in depth proposal on Thursday to avert the entire year-finish fiscal crisis with $1.6 trillion in tax increases over ten years, $50 billion in immediate stimulus investing, mortgage refinancing along with a permanent finish to Congressional treatments for legal borrowing limits. The proposal, packed with Democratic focal points and short on detailed investing cuts, met strong Republican resistance. In return for securing within the $1.6 trillion in added revenues, Leader Obama accepted the aim of finding $400 billion in savings from Medicare insurance along with other social programs to become exercised the coming year, without any guarantees. ...Amy Brundage, a Whitened House speaker, stated: "At this time, the only real factor stopping us from reaching an offer that averts the fiscal high cliff and eliminates a tax hike on 98 percent of People in america may be the refusal of Congressional Republicans to request the richest people to pay for greater tax rates. The leader has signed into law over $1 trillion in investing cuts and that we remain prepared to do tough items to compromise, and it is here we are at Republicans in Washington to become listed on the chorus of other voices — in the world of business to middle-class People in america across the nation — who support a well-balanced approach that asks more in the richest People in america."BOOM.This is a pretty strong play—in policy and rhetoric—from the Federal government. (Fundamental essentials Dems we have been searching for!) David Dayen has more about the particulars of the items he quite appropriately calls the administration's "aggressive opening bid" here.Two findings:1. It seems that perhaps Team Obama has finally quit the fantasy of bipartisan compromise using the Republicans. Or at best the concept bipartisan compromise could be arrived at by concession like a beginning position. I really hope this signals a big change for that relaxation from the President's second term it might be an enormous relief.2. It seems that perhaps Team Obama would like to embrace its legit electoral mandate. Elections matter.So: How did the rubbish Obstructionist Party respond to this bid? ' ' guess! Continue! I wager you will not need several GUESS!USA Today: GOP Calls Whitened House High cliff Provide a Non-Starter.The Weekly Standard: McConnell 'Burst Into Laughter' as Geithner Layed out Obama's Plan.The Hill: Boehner Rejects Obama's Opening Bid.Etc.Republicans might prosper to heed public polling that has found: "When the two sides neglect to find mutual understanding on lowering the deficit, 53% stated congressional Republicans is to blame while 29% stated the duty falls on Leader Obama.InchIf perhaps voters were as stupid as Republicans think they're!Anyhow. This really is great news for the time being, but Scott Lemieux sensibly notes: "This primary bid is encouraging, but until we have an actual deal skepticism and political pressure in the left are greatly so as.Inch It wouldn't be considered a terrible idea to submit some encouraging and grateful words here to allow the administration realize that their progressive base wants these to stick to a hostile approach and framework that puts the onus around the Republicans to compromise.