Overnight Open Thread (4-4-2016)

Quote of the Day I

During a speech in Argentina, President Obama downplayed the differences between capitalism and communism, claiming that they are just "intellectual arguments".

Pro-capitalist intellectuals risk their lives to move to a free country. Funny you don't see pro-commie intellectuals doing the reverse.

-- Harvey at IMAO

Quote of the Day II

Nursing has become a competitive, spectator sport. No longer is it about precious, bonding time with your infant, it's about endless photos for social media 'likes,' and a seemingly insatiable desire by some mums to make everyone privy to the fact their breasts are fit for purpose. 

Comment of the Day - Good Deed Edition

So send flowers to your favorite porn star. It doesn't cost much, it feels good to do it, and those lovely ladies deserve a token of appreciation for their efforts.

Posted by: rickl at April 04, 2016 02:49 AM (sdi6R)

Welcome to Modern Academia

From a recent Ph.D dissertation in geography accepted by the University of California at Santa Barbara:

Smart Cookies: The Gendered Spaces of Labor, Citizenship, and Nationalism in the Girl Scout Cookie Sale

Denise Goerisch

Why Hillary Got So Angry About the 'Fossil Fuel' Money Claims

The reason the charge makes her angry is that she knows it's "sticky" - the kind of idea that goes viral. She had faced the same question a few times in previous weeks, all due to an article published by the radical group Greenpeace detailing $300,000 in donations to Clinton from people who work in the oil and gas industries.

...A politician with a natural sense of the negative emotions roiling inside her own party would have foregone such gigs. Did she need the money? Please. Her husband made more than $100 million in speaking fees between 2001 and 2013, when she left government. Surely she could have borrowed a couple of bucks from him if she was short before payday.

But she didn't. She took the dough. And that helps to explain why she sputters with rage when confronted with the leftist-populist accusation she hasn't been hard enough on corporations like oil-and-gas producers closely tied to the "millionaires and billionaires" Sanders excoriates hourly.

Related: Guess Who is Representing Hillary's Former Aides?

Hint:

Attention WI Morons: Decision Desk Needs Your Help

Hack of Panamanian Law Firm Reveals Corruption, Hidden Offshore Bank Accounts of World Leaders

Including $2 billion hidden away by Vladimir Putin alone along with secret accounts held by the former Prime Minister of Iraq Iyad Allawi, the King of Saudi Arabia, current President of Argentina Mauricio Macri, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, and Iceland's Prime Minister Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson.

Belgian Police Ban Anti-Islam Protest, End Up Using Water Cannons on Muslim Protesters

Related: Don't Worry Uncovered Ladies, It's Totally Safe in Molenbeek

This IRS Fire Is Probably Just Unfortunate Timing

Pointers for Tourists in Paris Cafés and Restaurants

- First and most importantly, begin every conversation in Paris with a smile and a loud "bonjour". This will eradicate at least 50% of all known problems. In the evening it's "bonsoir" of course. Even if the other person doesn't say it, you should do so cheerily and it will show them that you are a well-meaning and self-confident person, and that kind of person usually has a good time in Paris.

- Be aware that soft drinks, including mineral waters, cost a fortune. The French almost force kids to drink coffee and alcohol to save money. If you're offered water and don't want an expensive bottle just say "une carafe". They'll bring you one. And you can ask for a refill at any time. (The same goes for bread, by the way. You can ask for more at any time - within reason, of course.)

- Never break the two rules of a French café. Don't order a coffee at the bar then go and sit down. There are two different prices, and two different tills, for these orders. And don't go to a table laid for lunch or dinner and order just a drink. You're wasting everyone's time.

- At a café you can go and sit at any free table (while obeying the above rule). In a restaurant, always find a waiter or waitress and ask. There might be a waiting list or reservations.

Meet The Ogre of Edinburgh University

+3 on Raised Arm and Distressing Facial Expression attacks.

The Man Who Killed Kitty Genovese Finally Dies in Prison

On March 13, 1964 Winston Moseley, a twenty-nine-year-old computer punch-card operator, spotted Kitty Genovese driving home from work around 3 in the morning. He followed her in his car and then sexually assaulted and stabbed her after she had parked her car at the Kew Gardens train station. Initially scared off by a neighbor yelling at him to leave her alone after she started screaming, he eventually returned and dragged her into a vestibule where he eventually killed her.

Everything else you've heard about the case is almost certainly wrong. A. M. Rosenthal, then editor of the New York Times, basically created a front page story with only a loose relationship to the actual facts in order to indict New Yorkers for their alleged callousness and indifference to a woman being murdered. And to sell newspapers.

Rounding Up the Usual Elmos

Many of the Times Square performers appear to be mentally ill. "I'm the Joker," said Keith Albahae in recent testimony to the council. He was seated next to a man in full Spiderman regalia. They fulminated about the injustice of having to remove their masks and makeup in order to appear before the council. Most of the costumed performers, however, are more mercenary, and it was for them that council members reserved somber statements about "hardworking people" doing "jobs." Transportation committee chair Ydanis Rodriguez argued that the council's proposal "will not put anyone out of business."

The Nuclear-Powered Manhole Cover: The Fastest Man-Made Object Ever

I've also heard this described as likely being the first ever man-made object put into orbit. (thanks to Zakn)

No Jail For Tickle Despite Sawed-Off Shotgun

And was this a cry for jail or what?

Tickle, was busted for driving on a suspended license with his illegal shotgun in plain view while driving at night in a vehicle with only one functioning headlight.

All that's missing is an open container, a girl in the trunk, and a little weaving across the divider.

'Iron Bar-Wielding Predator' Turns Out to Be Researcher Testing Water With a Plastic Test Tube

Admiral Ackbar, Dead at 93

Attention SJWs: You Need to Be Working On This Cultural Appropriator

The Yahoo AoSHQ group - it's got electrolytes and shit.

Tonight's post brought to you by being "concerned' about shaming:

Notice: Posted by permission of AceCorp LLC. Signup sheets for this month's cleaning crew are out. Looking at you HA newbies. Note: Moon now in Pisces - exercise appropriate caution.

posted by Maetenloch at 10:47 PM

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