Skip to content

Sunday, September 6th open thread: ‘Private Idaho’

September 6, 2015

open-thread  Here is the open thread for Sunday, September 6th. Please feel free to post links to interesting articles and to discuss whatever issues arise during the course of the day. Nothing is off-topic here.

  Last week we covered 12 stories, did you miss any of them? If so there is an easy way to make sure it does not happen again. I understand that all of you are busy and cannot always find the time to check the blog for updates so why not subscribe to America’s Watchtower and receive email updates whenever I write a new post? That is the easiest way to follow the blog to ensure you never miss another post.

  In addition to subscribing you can also follow America’s Watchtower on Facebook and Twitter by clicking the links on the right. But you will get more than that for I often post links to articles I probably will not be writing about so it is a great way to keep up with what is happening.

  The Twitter widget in the sidebar is fully interactive. This widget updates my tweets in real time and allows you to respond to or retweet my tweets right from the blog. It also allows you to tweet me right from America’s Watchtower. How cool is that! If you do not have a Twitter account what better reason do you need to sign up for one!

  Before I get to the musical selection of the week I just wanted to mention that last night Carly Fiorina held a town hall style event in Sandown, New Hampshire about 15 minutes from my house. My youngest son and I decided to go check it out. (My wife and my oldest son would have loved to attended but they had to work) The Sandown Town Hall was a fairly small building but it ended up being standing room only; I would estimate the attendance at somewhere around 100 people. During the last election cycle I saw Rick Santorum at an event in a venue smaller than this one which was also packed and I have to say that it is pretty cool to be able to hear what some of the candidates have to say up close and personal.

  Admittedly I do not know much about Carly Fiorina because I have not followed her closely but I have to say that both myself and my son thought she was very good. She did not get to some of the issues I wish she had gotten to (the PATRIOT Act or the NSA data-mining program to name a couple) so I still do not know if she is somebody I can support, but she did mention the bloated Federal government and railed against the political ruling class establishment in Washington which I did like.

  I think my favorite moment of the night was when she was talking about how it was important for the next President to understand how to use technology and then said, and I paraphrase, “no Mrs. Clinton,  you do not wipe an email server with a towel.” This was meant to show Hillary Clinton as being out of touch with today’s technological world (and thusly being unfit to be President) by using her own words against her and it brought the house down.

20150905_181946

  As I told her, I am still undecided but I found her impressive and I cannot wait to hear what she says in the upcoming debate.

  One thing is for sure in my opinion, she is going to make the most of that opportunity and she will not back down in the debate. It will be interesting to see how she does and I am looking forward to it.

  Now on to the musical selection of the week: here is the B-52’s performing “Private Idaho” live in 1980, enjoy:

54 Comments leave one →
  1. September 6, 2015 8:09 am

    Great Band! Great Picture “Collector” 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • lou222 permalink
      September 6, 2015 11:03 am

      Ummmm, not sure what to say about this one SDL! How about I use the word “interesting”? Maybe if I could understand the words???? No, I doubt that would matter, it is very “strange”….there is the word I will stick with. Thanks for sharing it, I think! 😉

      Liked by 2 people

    • September 6, 2015 1:57 pm

      Pretty entertaining Swiss. Found this “Catharina “Nina” Hagen is a German singer and actress. She has performed throughout the world for over 40 years.”
      “Hagen is often referred to as the “Godmother of Punk”. She is also noted for her human and animal rights activism.”
      … hard rock sound and for Hagen’s theatrical vocals, far different from the straightforward singing of her East German recordings.
      Those pacifier earrings – ‘Ecstasy will cause u to grind your teeth, so people use pacifiers or gum to chew on to prevent grinding of their teeth.’
      She made it into: 10 Weird and Wonderful Women Musicians http://www.enjoy-your-style.com/weird-women-musicians.html

      Liked by 2 people

    • Bruce permalink
      September 6, 2015 3:11 pm

      I’ve never seen opera done quite like this. But if you HAVE to listen to opera, I’d rather have it like this.

      Liked by 2 people

    • September 6, 2015 5:55 pm

      Well, that was different! Thanks for sharing.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Wendy permalink
    September 6, 2015 9:07 am

    Be care full Steve! Carly is NOT who she appears to be. My hubby used to have his own blog, and he does a bunch of research automatically. She is a tight buddy with John McCain. She’s quite open to playing both sides of the isle. We consider her a RHINO! A far better pick might be Ted Cruz, but that’s just me! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • September 6, 2015 5:59 pm

      Thanks for that information Wendy, as I said I don’t know much about her. She was asked point blank about McCain, Boehner, and the rest of the RINOs who threw away our 2014 election video and she said it was proof this was an establishment problem and not a right vs. left thing. She said this was proof we needed a citizen government and not a class of politicians whose only concern is getting reelected.
      There was a red flag for me when she said we needed to “reach out.” If she means reach out and pull others to our side then I am all for it, but if she is talking about negotiating with those that are bringing our country down then there is no way I can vote for her. In all likelihood I will not be voting for her but it was still cool to get up close to a Presidential candidate no matter how long her odds are.

      Like

  3. lou222 permalink
    September 6, 2015 11:00 am

    There is nothing wrong in going to hear what someone has to say and we all have different opinions of the different candidates. There is something different in how their comments affect each and every one of us. That is good that you got to go see her in person, body language has a big impact on what you think and fell about a person. Glad you took the boys too, there is so little interest from that generation and there should be. I like that she says her mind, I might not agree with every little thing she says, but she has to be a sight bit better than what we have in OUR HOUSE now. Each candidate has their strong points, we just have to decide which one fits our beliefs the best come voting time.

    Liked by 2 people

    • lou222 permalink
      September 6, 2015 11:05 am

      Great pic, Steve, it is a keeper! Maybe if Carly even gets in as VP, you will have to show that you were “there”!

      Liked by 1 person

    • September 6, 2015 6:01 pm

      It was cool to be up close and personal. As far as her body language goes she did not shrink away from any question and she stated her opinions forcefully and without hesitation, although she did manage to make her answers lengthy!

      Like

  4. September 6, 2015 11:43 am

    Glad you and your son were able to attend Steve. She does have some Pro American stances, it’s the other things not said – like Wendy brings up – that can be a concern ~ esp. if she’s Pro McCain (not good). I saw him and Bush Jr. on one of Bush’s tours and back then I thought McCain was for us and sane – I was wrong! As for pushing Cruz – questionable. We keep falling for the ‘belief’ that what one says is what they’ll do – look at Congress! AND that we actually have a ‘free say’ in who’s placed in that position. Sometimes we can put our energies in this pool, to no avail, and end up like the B-52 sing about:
    Beware of the pool
    Blue bottomless pool
    It leads you straight
    Right through the gate that opens on the pool

    Keep off the path, beware the gate
    (Your own private Idaho)
    Watch out for signs that say, “Hidden driveways”
    (Your own private Idaho

    The lawn may be green but you better not be seen
    Walkin’ through the gate that leads you down
    Down to a pool fraught with danger
    Is a pool full of strangers

    You’re living in your own private Idaho
    Where do I go from here to a better state than this
    Well, don’t be blind to the big surprise
    Swimming round and round like the deadly hand
    Of a radium clock, at the bottom, of the pool

    Nice pic of you w/ Carly.

    Liked by 2 people

    • September 6, 2015 12:18 pm

      To go with the deceptive nature of the Pool:

      Liked by 1 person

    • September 6, 2015 6:04 pm

      She did rail against the Congress and promised she would be different but then again most of them do, will she be any different? That is the question…
      There are some interesting lyrics to this song, isn’t there. We cannot be deceived by the cool, calm waters of the pool because a storm could be brewing!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. September 6, 2015 12:12 pm

    Some Folk oldies:

    When CA was American!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Bruce permalink
      September 6, 2015 3:07 pm

      i confess, I have a real problem with folk music, because I have a real problem with folk SINGERS I grew up with. Every single one was leftist, and I think contributed greatly to the mental mess we are in. Look at the harm don by the socialist Peter, Paul, and Mary. They and others are responsible for the brain dead boomers who gave us Bernie, Hillary, Elisabeth, and Hill-a-beans.

      Liked by 3 people

      • September 6, 2015 4:03 pm

        I know what you mean Bruce and I ‘agree’. If they only would sing the nice melody and ‘unpolitical’ words instead of show-casing their ‘bent’. I use to really like Streisand, singing and movies, until I grew UP! A person’s political bent can really ruin the appreciation of their talent! I think the Kentucky bluegrass picking songs were more of a even keel – but they tended to be more conservative / normal/ regular people. Hope you like the songs anyway. Appreciate you pointing out that FACT!

        Liked by 2 people

      • lou222 permalink
        September 6, 2015 7:04 pm

        I guess if one doesn’t take the songs too seriously and just listen to what is on the surface, they are ok. However, when you dig deep into the meanings, we were being brainwashed as much back then as the kids are today, we just didn’t know it. But, some of us grew up and reality hit us hard and we turned our backs on that life….good thing or the Country would have already gone to hell!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Bruce permalink
        September 6, 2015 7:45 pm

        Like Ann Coulter said, shut up and sing, right?

        Liked by 1 person

    • September 6, 2015 6:15 pm

      An interesting version of Knocking on Heaven’s Door! Thanks for sharing. In reality it goes beyond folk music when we are talking about lefties trying to influence people through their music and much of the hippie rock from the ’70’s is a perfect example. I try to ignore the politics of many of the entertainers but sometimes it is hard because they are so in your face about it.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Bruce permalink
        September 6, 2015 7:59 pm

        Steve, there was a difference, if only a subtle, but important one. Having sat crossed-legged on the grass, (lawn type) during more than a few hippie rock concerts, you are right. But everyone was pissed and rebellious, and following the crowd. They were after all, as Cartman says, “dirty hippies” But the early folk songs were from “nice, clean, sweet looking people strumming cords on a acoustic gee-tar. What harm could possibly come from that? Sweet songs about “magic dragons”. The music was pretty. Surely, they couldn’t be training a generation of leftist, anti-american takers could they?

        Like

      • lou222 permalink
        September 6, 2015 10:24 pm

        Pete Seeger!

        Like

    • lou222 permalink
      September 6, 2015 7:10 pm

      I always liked Carol Kings ability to play the piano (I play) and her song writing skills and she had a great voice. James Taylor is still a big lefty….as for Joni Mitchel, never cared for her. Sandy Denny was ok. Peter Paul and Mary were not my favorites, but did like the Chad Mitchell Trio. I know I have just dated myself, haven’t I? 😉

      Liked by 2 people

    • September 7, 2015 6:53 am

      Exactly Bruce!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Bruce permalink
    September 6, 2015 3:01 pm

    First, and most important is that we now know the start of the Zombie Apocalypse started in the audience of the B-52″s. Did you see the crowd shots? The walking dead for sure. I love the 52’a, and if you haven’t seen all the vids, they are great. As long as you like “over the top”.
    Second, of all the unfair things, one of the unfair things is that we in CA never get ‘town halls’. Candidates come here for money, but they know CA is a guaranteed leftist vote, so why bother.
    Third, as I have said so often, I just want someone who can win, and not be a Dem. I would support any of the 18, if they get the nomination. I love Carson. I supported and contributed to Carly in her fight against that moron Boxer. Compared to Boxer, Carly is a mix of Goldwater and Buckley.
    Of course I like Cruz and Rubio. But who can WIN??

    Liked by 2 people

    • September 6, 2015 6:20 pm

      There is such a difference between NH and Iowa when compared to states like Ca. Other than big name candidates like Hillary, Trump, and Bush the lesser known candidates to make a grassroots effort in these early voting small states. That is why we love the first in the nation primary statue we enjoy in New Hampshire, yet I understand the frustration other states have with the role Iowa and NH have in the election process. We like to think that while we influence the election with our results that it is beneficial because we meet the candidates up close.
      Who can win? That is a great question, right now the polls show that person is Trump.

      Like

    • lou222 permalink
      September 6, 2015 7:01 pm

      Bruce, you can add Illinois to the list of voting LEFT. Even though most the state is conservative, Chicago and that area call the shots and other than the new Gov., our House and Senate are controlled by the Madigans, who are hardcore Lefties. We have GREAT freebies, so the illegals and welfare mamas swarm to Illinois and in particular, Macon County that have the BEST freebies in the state….aren’t we lucky? I am not sure if anyone can influence the elections anymore, but hope we can make a dent in them.

      Liked by 1 person

      • Bruce permalink
        September 6, 2015 8:05 pm

        So true Lou, so sadly true. But I will see your great freebies, and raise you a radical liefest sanctuary city.

        Liked by 2 people

      • lou222 permalink
        September 6, 2015 10:21 pm

        I would say that Chicago is a sanctuary city besides being “gun free”, the crime rate there has a daily head count of shootings. President Obama wants to ignore that fact. After all, if it is “gun free”, how is this happening? We have Rahm Emanuel as the Mayor of Chicago, so how could anything possibly go wrong? Sorry, Bruce, I don’t think you one upped us…I think there is an equal amount of crap for both of us….some how, I just don’t feel any better knowing that. Where should we move?

        Liked by 1 person

      • September 7, 2015 6:56 am

        Six more people murdered in Chicago over the weekend, boy am I looking forward to that trip next week…

        Like

      • lou222 permalink
        September 7, 2015 9:23 am

        Only 6? Seems like a good weekend, if that was all. Today will be a record day, I bet! Pretty sad that it doesn’t get reported more often, but it doesn’t. How could they with it being a gun free zone, after all? Just watch your back Steve and follow what I told you…this is all instilled knowledge from growing up in East St. Louis, Il….guess it never goes away and that is a good thing.

        Liked by 1 person

      • September 7, 2015 6:45 pm

        Now I am reading it is 8 murders plus a decapitated head was found floating down some river! Can’t wait… 😉

        Like

      • Bruce permalink
        September 7, 2015 9:56 pm

        I fold Lou! Chicago, and that ballerina Rohm can have it. I guess “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, as it is now called was the” the norm rather than the exception. No matter whose lives matter “de jur” I guess those 8 didn’t.

        Liked by 2 people

      • lou222 permalink
        September 7, 2015 7:22 pm

        Was that the dismembered child in the pond or a new head? There are heathens in the inner city! The “weekend” is not over and I bet tonight will be the worst of the nights….people are off work…oh wait, those causing the trouble are not usually employed, so they can stay out causing trouble all night and not have to get up and go to work tomorrow…ain’t the welfare state grand?

        Liked by 1 person

      • lou222 permalink
        September 7, 2015 7:24 pm

        You know you could keep a running tally of the Chicago dead or injured on any given night….that would let people know what a “gun free” city/town will be like…after all, only the illegals and thugs will have guns and the rest will be sitting ducks…is that what AMERICA really wants?

        Liked by 1 person

      • September 7, 2015 7:50 pm

        I believe it was the dismember child in the pond but at this point who knows, it could be another! What this all boils down to in my opinion is a lack of sanctity for life and this of course has been promulgated by the left, whether they want to admit it or not.

        Liked by 1 person

      • lou222 permalink
        September 8, 2015 9:40 am

        Supposedly Rahm was going to take over and clean that place up, hahaha! At least that was the plan, funny how some things do not work out the way they were supposed to. I guess there are people that did not get the memo on what Obama expected of them….no folding to it, BRUCE, just facts of life for Chicago….your state has their problems and we have ours, that it is due to liberal views is the sad part of it!

        Liked by 1 person

      • September 8, 2015 7:16 pm

        What exactly has Rahm done!? I can’t think of a damn thing off the top of my head!

        Liked by 1 person

      • lou222 permalink
        September 8, 2015 8:12 pm

        As the saying goes, “same sh*t, different day”, so goes Chicago. Nothing changes!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Bruce permalink
        September 9, 2015 11:41 am

        Or, as the Talking Heads say, “same as it ever was, same as it ever was…”

        Liked by 4 people

      • lou222 permalink
        September 9, 2015 2:00 pm

        I was trying to listen to the live feed that had Cruz, Trump and Levin out at the Capitol, but it keeps freezing up. It is about the IRAN deal, does anyone have a good live feed? This was on Weasel Zippers, but it is not a good one.

        Liked by 1 person

      • September 9, 2015 6:28 pm

        It is a little late now but I saw that Breitbart had a live feed up, I don’t know how good it was though.

        Like

      • September 10, 2015 3:58 am

        Once in a Lifetime – Talking Heads Parody

        Liked by 3 people

      • September 10, 2015 5:31 am

        LOL! Thanks for sharing!

        Liked by 1 person

      • Bruce permalink
        September 10, 2015 12:58 pm

        Thanks Swiss, that is a very strange spoof of a very strange video

        Liked by 1 person

      • Bruce permalink
        September 10, 2015 1:08 pm

        Speaking of the Talking Heads, “…365 degrees…Burning down the house” Sacramento is looking at 109 degrees today and for the next couple days.

        Like

      • lou222 permalink
        September 10, 2015 1:36 pm

        Well, hopefully you do not have the high humidity that we have in Illinois…When we get over 100 degrees (and that happens), it gets to where you cannot draw air into your lungs because of the humidity and it is just hot air.

        Like

      • Bruce permalink
        September 10, 2015 6:05 pm

        No, it’s a dry heat Lou. But my wife says just because it’s a dry heat inside our oven, she still doesn’t want to put her head in there. 😉

        Liked by 3 people

      • lou222 permalink
        September 10, 2015 9:00 pm

        I have only experienced the dry heat of Salt Lake City about 10 years, it was wonderful, didn’t sweat….here in Illinois with all the corn fields, we have high humidity. I often wonder why people move to Florida to retire, it has to be humid as hell, as well. Then I remembered they do not have some taxes that the rest of us have, not sure if it is property tax, but it is a draw to people to move there. I want to retire where it is not humid, that is my goal, but doubt that will happen.

        Like

Leave a comment