What’s up FR? Late to work this morning and slacking off during the day! Starting on martinis before us?

Cheers!

Johntho, the Republicans will be too busy crying into their hankies because, inexplicably, it isn't President Mitt giving the speech : )

Johntho, I am sure our friends on the Right will be posting all about mendacity the following morning.

Johntho, there's so many whack-a-dos to choose! I heard Speaker Boehner ordered invisible duct tape for his tea-party crowd!

Amy, poor babies.

I'm thinking with the snow storm they sent a lot of workers home, especially those who live outside the cities.

You almost have to feel almost sorry for them almost. If they hadn't screwed up the country by stealing two elections, maybe we could feel bad about them.

You almost have to feel almost sorry for them....almost!

And Amy, just WHERE has Mitt disappeared to? It's the first time I can remember when a candidate just "poofed" away! Not unhappy, mind you, but it is very strange!

"Frist" of all, I bet Rubio's speech actually has some substance to it unlike the Panderer's.

From where I sit, President Obama has done just what I wanted him to do concerning The Use of DRONES. In 2009, he asked for Guantonamo to be Closed, so America could Close that Chapter in the War on Terror, but Congress, Democrats & Republicans alike, said "Hell No"! The POTUS knew it was the Right thing to do both Politically & Economically, because at the time, America & The World were in an Economic FreeFall.

The POTUS decided OK, yall don't wanna do whats Right & Fork over the Greenbacks & come up with a Legitimate Legal Argument for transferring Terrorist into Americas Prison System, His team decided No more Capturing Terrorist for Guantonamo( Mo $$$ to house them), they just Started using The DRONES to Cure "The Money Pit", that is Guantonamo!

The Legal Right was given to the Previous Administration, so the POTUS just used that Authority & to Date, No New Terrorist are Residing @ Guantonamo!

The Carnival Barkers (formerly known as the MSM) have chased the ClownCar for 4 years Now, so don't expect them to do much diggin into, "Why Guantonamo has'nt seen any New Prisoners" since President Barrack Hussein Obama took Office.

We got Your Back Mr. President as 83% Support the use of Drones!

You Betcha!

Occupy SoggyBottom!

SSanity, Mitt. He sure didn't leave much of a lasting impression, did he? Gone With The Wind.

Pat - not even a footstep to follow! Amazing!!!!

SS and Pat, maybe because at the root, even the republicans didn't like Mitt. I remember during the primary season, who ever was hot at the time beat Mitt, he won the primary by default really. During the campaign I never heard much in his favor, all I heard is much of what I hear now from the right. Republican good, Obama bad. In all sorts of misspellings and other things to try and demonize him.

Hey, what's up with the stop sign avatars? Am I the only one seeing this?

John, you're correct. First Perry, then Herman Cain, then Gingrich, then Santorum, and they finally decided on Mitt, because-well, he could beat Obama and he knew how to create jobs. So he said.

Then he went on his overseas trip. Big mistake. LoL.

We had an awful lot of fun here on First Read watching it all unfold during the primaries.

How many straw polls did they put us through?

How many debates where there? Like 50?

Brutal, but we made the most of it. All of us did, all across the internets. It.was.a.blast.

geo - please try to keep up - the Panderer was defeated in November. We are fortunate to have a great President - President Obama. We have no idea wherer the panderer went but - no loss!

Nobody minds if I join in and drink pepsi do they? Don't actually drink alcohol.

You can drink whatever you'd like - it's Friday!

Step right up Jay, the bartender serves your preferred whistle wetter!! Now say that 3 times, real fast without cracking up!!

"Frist" of all, I bet Rubio's speech actually has some substance to it unlike the Panderer's.

Substance is another word for drugs. So what's your point? Rubio can't even convince his own people to vote for the Teapublican Party. Again, what's your point?

Let me sum up Obeyme's state of the union address...

SPEND, SPEND, SPEND... republicans are bad, democrats good, blah, blah, blah, SPEND, SPEND, SPEND

I'm sure all you low information voters will be watching...

I would walk out when the fool showed up. Heard it all before. BLAH BLAH BLAH.

spend, spend, spend, that would be ther repubs. Not the democrats. All we have to do is look at who pays and who gets the money to see that. Blue states pay and red states get the money.

More propaganda for the mindless liberals to cheer for.

BCWC,

Iowa video is great, and so true.

But then again , we here in MN love our Iowa jokes.. just cannot remember them right now.:-)

Did I hear Devils and Martinis? I believe that could be my beck and call (beckon call, bleeping call, whatever). To keep me properly balanced, I'll follow it with an Angel Martini.

Chambord Dream Angel Martini

Drink Type: Martini

Ingredients

1 1/2 oz. Chambord Flavoured Vodka (more Chambord Flavoured Vodka drinks)
1/2 oz. Chambord Raspberry Liqueur (more Chambord Raspberry Liqueur drinks)
3 oz. Pineapple Juice (more Pineapple Juice drinks)

Instructions

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with black raspberries.

Thanks to our hosts at NBC. Everyone stay safe from the storms. It is even snowing here in So Cal this blustery Friday afternoon. BRRRRR!!!!

BCWC, thanks. Good video, too. Northstar, I imagine I've heard just about every Iowa joke out there and every dumb blonde one, too.

RedDev, will have to try that martini sometime; sounds yummy.

RedDevPS,

That drink sounds yummy, I am going to try it tonight.

Where is it snowing in So Cal? I am looking out the window and all I see are very dark clouds. With my luck it will start to rain right when I am ready to leave work. A commute that should only take 40 minutes will take well over two hours. Grrrrrr!

Oh My, Red!

Talk about smooth...

Everyone in the path of "SnowMaggedon" please be safe!

@Feisty,

Saw your earlier post from last night's thread. Could not find Dew Drop Inn2 on NationFinder.

Nevertheless, glad to see the gang here!

Banning Pass, Totas. At least that is what I was told when I went out for breakfast today.

Good one BCWC, I'm a Canadian living in Iowa and loving it. Be safe all of you on snows way !!

Feisty, what's DDI-2...?...This new Nations thingy has me so confused.

I want to be there, just need some directions!

Feisty, what's DDI-2...?...This new Nations thingy has me so confused.

It's a nation we created for us libbies when the switch was made.

Like everything else over there on Newsvine, it's a giant clusterf*ck!

It seems to limit who I can invite by not recognizing certain names (just ask Bali Bob). I tried to invite you as well, with no success.

If you want, both of you shoot me an e-mail and I'll see if it will identify by your e-mail addy...??

I sure hope MSNBC is paying close attention to the self-inflicted disaster NV created for itself, a couple of junior high kids in their basement would of done a better job...

Chilled--me too! Couldn't figure out how it works! RedDev--sounds delightful. I am in the mood for something different tonight. I wonder how it tastes with brownies....

nurse - everything tastes good with brownies! Yummmmmmm!

I wonder how it tastes with brownies....

Dee-Lush-Usly, De-Lovery!! DJ, do ya mind playing this one!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMFfWBEf6MY

If you want, both of you shoot me an e-mail and I'll see if it will identify by your e-mail addy...??

Thanks Feisty, will do!

..Nurse, I was going nuts, just trying to navigate through it all, then just gave up.

Don't feel bad, guys, I'm as lost and frustrated as you guys sound! Searched for it and searched for it, and finally gave up!

I see I am late for cocktails, too! I guess I better have one in each hand so I can catch up!

Anyone think the Repubs will pull their heads out of their asses and confirm Chuck Hagel next week?

AlaskaGirl - Anyone think the Repubs will pull their heads out of their asses - Only if someone sends them a map of the way out. Otherwise, they're in there for good!

Only if someone sends them a map of the way out.

Don't forget the flashlight! ☺

That's a big HAHA! I vote for "in there for good!" It's where nearly all Republicans/Conservatives belong.

Oh, wait, not supposed to cause any controversy on Friday cocktails! My bad! I must need another Whiskey!

@Feisty,

How to shoot you an email?

Don't forget the flashlight! ☺

As if there are batteries in them?

bcwc - even with batteries, their lights don't come on!

I think I found my nation home! Geez, I feel like some foreigner looking for a country to live in! But, I do believe even in my "drunken stupor" that I've found DDI2 and I think I actually got the acceptance! I really do think that drinking more brings finer clarity!

AG, found it and accepted, Welcome!

Bali Bob - go to my avatar and click then go to my profile, at the bottom you should be able to send me an e-mail from there...

Let me know if it works! ☺

I found it too AG.....

All is well,...It worked Feisty.....I'll have a beer now!

YaY, chilled!!!

Oh, Feisty, I have a question for ya. So, when in our nation, only members can comment on articles that another member has seeded, correct, but anyone can see and read our comments?

So, when in our nation, only members can comment on articles that another member has seeded, correct, but anyone can see and read our comments?

Uh Huh!

No longer is anything private on the vine anywhere.

The warden & his trusty sidekick made sure of that!

Well, that's pretty ridiculous. I went back to an article of Jody's and scrolled down and did see where "public discussion" can be accessed. This just allows some of the crazed RWNJ's to continue their venom towards those in our nation. I'm just not sure I'm down with this whole thing.

Make mine a shot and a beer, preferable a Millers lite and a shot of Makers tonight. Suppose to get really cold here down around zero. Brrrrrr.

http://bangordailynews.com/slideshow/maine-braces-for-snow-lots-of-it/

It's been snowing all day here....but it's just getting started. Stay safe Pat in Boston!

Thank you Amy, you too.

Please, ah'll have a cider - and none of that hokeypalokey malt stuff.

Johntho, nothing like being Frifth.

Amy B. Make sure you are well stocked up on snow snake medicine. It will get you through some of the worst of snow storms. Living in the north is tough in the winter, this I know. To all my friends in the north east, stay safe.

@North,

But the DDI is open for business.

Alright then. Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses, and Jose Cuervo Platino tequila all around... courtesy of John Brennan!

To everyone in the path of Nemo (when did we start naming blizzards, btw?) be safe.

Cheers!

I have a client meeting at 7 p.m. - on a Friday!!!! But, I want a wonderful Margarita the minute I get home!!! Maybe 2 - yep, definitely 2!

Have a great weekend, everyone! Stay safe.

Not sure where the MSNBC weather guy was when I walked into the livingroom but he's predicting almost 3 ft there; a yardstick to measure.

Actually Northstar, I imagine with the blizzard warnings, MSNBC/FR probably sent as many home as they could.

In honor of the storm, I'll buy everyone a round of hot chocolate with their favorite "extra" in it! I'm going for chambord in mine.

Thanks to our First Read hosts for another good week of political talk. Looking forward to the SOTU next week.

Everyone have a great weekend.....time to start the party, its been a heck of a week.

Amy and Pat stay safe and hope you have enough goodies to weather the storm.

To our friend Mark and Domenico, thanks for the hard work and keeping us up to date (except today) but then the storm was the topic. Tell your friends over at Newsvine their new format is just awful and I'm afraid they will lose many participants, judging from the comments long time users are not happy.

Stay safe and enjoy the weekend.

Johntho, snow snakes? That's a good one.

Bali Bob,

The bartendar at the DDI can accommodate John Brennan and his whole group.

And have you noticed we too have a Swiss bell with a leather strap, right here at the DDI.

RedDev and BCWC ring it \ whenever they finishes their molecular cocktails..... and we all clap!!

Miller Lite....that's the ticket....and as they say down here, make it a long-neck.

Those in the path of the winter storm, stay safe.....everyone have a great weekend.

I'm so looking forward to Lil Marco embarrassing himself after the SOTU!

Make mine hot spiced cider with a generous shot of Fireball--which is also fabulous in cocoa as well! Stay warm all!

Nothstar, I have been ringing it for some 40 odd years. It seems to toll for me so I ask not for whom. I am partial to a nightcap or two.

Jody, driving a truck around the country, at least the east half, I found lots of places to beware of snow snakes, and it always helped to take some preventive measures. Snow snake medicine comes in many shapes and sizes, it must have worked because I was never once bitten by a snow snake. ( - :

... snow snake medicine ... do I have to roll up paper currency for that? Snort and call the doc in the morning?

BCWC, to each his own, some find comfort from snow snake preventive, in the liquid form, but I am sure that would work if it pleases you. Myself I prefer the bong.

Here are some Swiss ringing bells.

Enough for each one of us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48RqYbBZLEg

We only have one at the DDI and it is made out of brass, but you get the idea.

I soooo hate when FR acts up like this!!!! Oh well, apparently IT needs the weekend off too!

I was referring to "cider" that is not made 100% from apples - but is mostly made of malt.

If you can believe that.

Yuksy Wuksy.

@ johntho

Now that I can do.

Oh well, apparently IT needs the weekend off too!

Not if they're professionals, they would have enough staff to cover...

Northstar . . .

I will buy the first drink....

Perfect ... I'll start with a Mexican coffee if you don't mind ... it's cold and snowy here! For those on the East Coast - stay warm and power up your phones, tablets, nooks, etc.

Have a great weekend all!

You mean the Mexican coffee when they pour it from one container to another and flames from the alcohol streams into your cup?

Comin right up: Layton gets a flaming Mexican coffee. Stand back folks.

Northstar ... that TOTALLY works for me!

I ate my Ben and Jerry's last night : )

Thanks for the advice!

Amy - Northstar is absolutely correct. You should have Ben&Jerrys as an appetizer, a martini for dinner, and sherbet for dessert. Never mix.

booze and ice cream don't mix unless it is one of those after dinner ice cream drinks.

Got to disagree, Northstar - Baily's Irish Cream goes well on top of almost any flavor ice cream! ☺

Eat dessert first, life is uncertain.

Reminded me of Brandy Alexander with ice cream; haven't had one of those in years and years.....

Bravo, GBM. You never know when one of those precision drone strikes is going to crash your dinner party!!

Leaving work now....I know, the governor of MA has literally closed roads...I'm going home and staying home till Sunday! THanks for thinking of me Lisa!

lisa,

You have a good weekend too.

Looks like Boston will have EPIC snow.

At least according to the weather channel.

here in the Midwest, we are used to these events. But mostly this year not much snow.

Northstar, Have a good weekend. I lived in Chicago for a few years and remember your Midwest winters. Brr

All of you, have a good weekend and please be safe. The storm looks like a really bad one. Just what the east coast needs right now! NOT!

Seeking Sanity, You have a nice weekend. This storm looks bad. Anyone who lives near the coast be very careful of the storm surge and very high waves due to the wind.

Have a safe walk Amy

Fascinating!

Thanks Pat, I am looking forward to all of this pre lights out tonight.

Pat Boston,

The wonders of DNA are helping us map the world of human migration.

You are going to love the new Smithsonian museum on the mall: Museum of Native Peoples of North and South America. I spent a whole afternoon there last year.

Pat - now you've gone and done it - provided a link to science that does not square with the religious right. If a migration occurred, it happened at best, 5,500 years ago (the earth is only 6000 years old). I would suggest that the migration was aided by riding dinosaurs and using them to haul the heavy stuff like their 3-bedroom brick houses.

Seriously, however, thanks for the link. That is interesting stuff.

Northstar, the Native Peoples Museum sounds fascinating and I'm putting it on my list. Thank you for the reminder.

RedDevPS, I wasn't expecting the religious perspective until after midnight. LoL!!! Thank you for getting it out of the way. Too funny.

It is such a fascinating set of articles though. Just fascinating.

I think I read someplace that there was some evidence of Polynesians in the southern hemisphere. Don't know how accurate that is, just something I read a long time ago. Thanks for the history lesson Pat.

You're welcome John. I was floored when I read these articles.

Thanks, Pat, will check it out a little later this evening.

@ Pat

Cool article. I've done a little family tracing. Found that a great grandfather from the mid 1800's developed the delicious apple in Iowa. I received the info from my grandmother. Looked up the name on the web, and sure enough. Life is definatly full of cool surprises

Found that a great grandfather from the mid 1800's developed the delicious apple in Iowa.

Jay, that is such a nice story and one that I bet gives you a great deal of pride.

I always like to believe that people who had family/ancestors here in America back in the 1800's, contributed in some way to the growth of America, no matter where in the country they decided to settle down.

Thanks for sharing your story with us. It's quite interesting actually.

@ Pat

I wasn't able to open the link earlier, so now I see that photo, and that looks like many photos of the Sawtooths here in Idaho. Incredible photo.

Also, that grandfather was Jesse Hiatt. Jodi, you may find this interesting as well. The original name for the delicious was the Hawkeye.

Freshly ground pepper in beer is most interesting ... actually yummy. Perhaps a sneeze or two but no tears.

Talk - again with your deflecting. You just can't get over the fact the Republican party is a bunch of losers in every respect. No doubt you spend your Fridays crying into your beer - liberals, not so much.

Have a great weekend everyone and stay safe !!! Hopefully no power outages.

Talk to the Hand,

I think you will be pleasantly suprised that President Obama will address many of the isssues that he ran on.

I just hope the GOP have burned their one word list: NO.

Time to get thing done...

Northstar - it should be funny to hear Rubio's response! Actually, it will probably be sad!

Rand Paul is giving the response for the Tea Party, that had to shake the party stalwarts and Marco baby as he struggles to live in both worlds......

Be nice Johntho, Republicans a scrambling to find out who they themselves are.

BCWC, I just wondered which of the stars of the right looked up the word collectivism and started using it. It is showing up a lot on most of the forums that I rummage around in. That is a sure indicator. I don't listen to Rush anymore, since Public Radio became my favorite. I used to use Rush to stay awake. There was a station in Chicago that you could get in most of the east side of the states. If I happened to be doing an all nighter to Davenport or something I would listen to him, he would make me so damn mad the adrenaline would flow and I could make it there on time or before. I kind of learned his style and from there it was easy to figure out which one said what.