Leebot's Comments (158)

“Perhaps arugula wouldn't sound "pretentious" if it was called by the name it's commonly known by in other countries -- "rocket." I've traveled abroad a bit and it's actually quite a common salad ingredient in ordinary settings. I guess it's a new kind of snobbery, to turn up one's nose in childish fashion at unfamiliar things.”

“No doubt we'll have to suffer through the release of the paperback. Maybe by then the HC version will be relegated to the bargain bin. One can only hope.”

“Now I see why she quit her boring job, with real responsibilities, requiring she actually govern.

No, it's more lucrative to be a professional human chain letter. To act as purveyor of the latest political urban legends is apparently her raison d'etre.”

“Exactly -- it's the Clinton Era Playbook Redux. They saw opposition and demonization as their road back to power then, and believe it will work out for them in exactly the same way.”

“I think the biggest reason Tancredo stormed off the set was being caught not having done his homework. He made an assumption about his debate opponent and his ignorance was quickly exposed. Then he made matters worse by trying to paste over it with his High Dudgeon.

Badly done, Tancredo.”

“The only thing missing was Carol Burnett coming onstage as Scarlett O'Hara with drapes on her shoulders. Okay, I guess I'm dating myself here (sigh) but this sketch by Jon really reminded me of the brilliant comedy of Burnett, Tim Conway, Harvey Korman. He even had himself suppressing smiles, the way they often had to.

When he pulled out that Operation Game . . . oh my! And I do believe I saw a child's illustrated science book in his stack . . . .

The bit about the humours was priceless. ("When did we lose that?") The book "The Knife Man" is a fascinating account of the work of anatomist (and body snatcher) John Hunter, whose work was heavily resisted by the medical establishment for quite some time. They did not want to relinquish the status they had achieved, practicing under their ideas of humours as cause-and-effect for disease and sickness. It's a wonderful read, I highly recommend it.”

“Priceless! I empathize with Jon, clearly having spent time studying Glenn Beck in order to get his mannerisms down so perfectly -- OMG though, this spoof was funny. Clearly a fair amount of work went into the script writing and rehearsal. Well done!”

“They are "sounding brass and tinkling cymbals." (I am not a religious person, but the poetry of Corinthians seems applicable here.)”

“Yes, he should grant an interview to the National Enquirer as well.”

“I can't get over the fact that he's over 40. Time flies . . .”

“Ego, yes . . . he has a raging case of "Last-Word­-Itis." Zen Master Yoda Like Is He Not.”

“LOL, it was a playful allusion to the man-sized safe Cheney kept when he was in office. I wouldn't mind if he hid out there for awhile. :-)”

“Where is a good man-sized safe when you need one?”

“I like him too. Isn't Marcy Kaptur also from Ohio?”

“Mr. Cheney's head must be exploding, an authoritarian type like him no longer in charge and able to call the shots. I just roll my eyes at his choice of wording: "The White House MUST." That sort of language appeals to his fellow authoritarians but there is a new Sheriff in town. Thank goodness.”

“In some Muslim countries I believe the victim is charged with adultery and punished accordingly.”

“Arugula? AAGHH, not the arugula! Would that be administered . . . IN THE COMFY CHAIR?”

“He blew the story -- literally. Out of the mouths of babes.

Puns aside, poor little guy, my heart goes out to him. What a horrible thing these parents have done exploiting their precious children in this way.”

“Thanks for the book mention -- I hadn't heard of that one yet.”

“I would be interested in your professional take on "Lord of the Flies." Have you taught that one? It seems to be required reading in many classrooms, at least it was back in the 70s. I had to read that book twice (junior & senior high classesl) and hated it. I thought it was dreadful, a hyperbolic and pessimistic view of humanity. Now, many years later as I watch some grown ups who seem to epitomize "arrested development" act out their worst instincts, the themes of Golding's novel suddenly seem very apt and I can't believe I'm saying this -- I think I should re-read this book. It's all there -- the authoritarian types continuing to jockey for position and power (if they can't be in power they won't recognize or cooperate with those who are), the juvenile belly-bumping contests in the public square, the attempts to de-legitimize the duly elected president, the neo-cons continuing to trumpet their brand of American Exceptionalism, the exploitation of fears over an imaginary beast as a means of control. Now Golding's story seems the perfect metaphor. Funny how that happens.”

“Yeah, what was up with Shandling? He seemed doped up.”

“"to" should be "too" -- whoops!”

“I think he does not like to be upstaged, and he doesn't especially doesn't like it when one of his jokes falls flat. (Remembering when Anthony Wiener was on a couple weeks ago and icily said "well done" after Maher's stupid wiener joke.) (FWIW I'm old enough to remember Johnny Carson and he could get like that to if the guest was funnier than he was.)”

“Well, yes, there can be in-between like for Maher. Maybe I'm the only one but there ya go.”

“Oh no, not another Joe the Plumber. Richard the . . . whatever.”