Clonnie Yearout:

Dave Hanson:

Mark Warner and Jim Webb represent the citizens of our state, not the state government of Virginia.

My Congressman, Rick Boucher, represents me in Washington.  (I'm using the word , "represent," fairly loosely here, but nevertheless, Mr Boucher became my representative by winning the election in my House district.)  If Virginia's Senators are also representing me, then either they or Mr. Boucher is(are?) redundant.  Oh, I know that the 17th amendment provided for the direct election of Senators, but my argument is that the original intention of the founders of having them appointed by the state legislatures was better and kept power less centralized in Washington.  If Senators do represent the people and not the interests of their respective states, then their total number should be based on population.  Why should low population states like Wyoming, Alaska, or Idaho get the same number of Senators as New York and California?  I know that your argument represents the way it has come to be (dare I say, "evolved?"), but my argument is that "the way it is" was not the original intent of the founders.

P.S.  Wish I had a nice, soft, cushy job so that I could vacation at will along various sunny coasts.

Your logic is lame, sir.  Why should a resident of Wyoming have less representation in the Senate than a resident of New York?  The only solution to the problem of "redundancy" you've described would be an autocracy.  Finally, even if we grant (for the sake of argument) that you understand the original intent of the founders, that is not necessarily as important as you seem to have implied.  Their intent was a constitutional republic open to change, thus the provision for amendments.  You dislike the 17th Amendment.  Tell us, do the 13th and 19th Amendments bother you too?  (The founders' intent was to keep blacks enslaved and women in the status of second-class citizens, but they provided a mechanism that changed both of those conditions.)  Maybe they should have provided only for amendments that a man named Clonnie Yearout living two centuries later would approve.  Sadly for you they lacked that vision.

Dave will be back from his work in Florida by the end of the week and may have more to write about this then.

Ricky

According to my calculations, the ladies of the panel have contributed exactly 23 posts to the 151 total thus far for this week's topic.  As any average male could (and almost certainly would) use his standard analytical male mind to instantly tell us, that is exactly 15.23178 % of the total.  So what's the deal?  Do the womenfolk here consider the topic so elementary and dull as to not merit their full attention?  Or do they have other more important matters on their mind this week?  Maybe they're out buying candy for the trick-or-treaters (and tearing open the bags to sample it on the way home).  Maybe they're out campaigning for the female or female-friendly candidates. 

It's disturbing to say the least, and it should be obvious that I am an authority on saying the least.  But it's a bit frightening as well -- to be involved in a discussion where women say the least.  It's eerie, it's unnatural, it's... wait!  I know what it is!   You're mad at us aren't you?   The male panelists have offended you, and now we're supposed to instantly recall the offense and apologize profusely.  Oooooh boy.  Okay guys: start racking your brain.  Who did it?   It must have been one of you because it certainly wasn't me.  Maybe it's Dave and his uncharacteristic inattentiveness.  Maybe they miss Dave and his big brain.  Hey, wait -- Dave's not here, so we can just blame it on him anyway.  Okaaaay!   Another problem solved by the most powerful force in nature: a think tank of conglomerative male minds.

Maybe you guys should tone down the testosterone a bit going forward so that the ladies feel more welcome.  Lower your voices a little, and try to demonstrate an attitude of sensitivity and caring.  If you're unsure of how to proceed with that, just follow my lead.  Get into the right frame of mind by doing something feminine.  Go fluff a pillow or clean the lint filter on the dryer.  Just do it!  It won't permanently damage your masculinity, and no one will find out.  I'll be back later to check on your progress.  Mrs Yearout is scheduled to clean the yard today, and I have to make sure she has enough plastic leaf bags.  A couple of dozen should be enough if she packs them good and tight.

Clonnie Yearout:

According to my calculations, the ladies of the panel have contributed exactly 23 posts to the 151 total thus far for this week's topic.  As any average male could (and almost certainly would) use his standard analytical male mind to instantly tell us, that is exactly 15.23178 % of the total.  So what's the deal?

[...]

Maybe you guys should tone down the testosterone a bit going forward so that the ladies feel more welcome.  Lower your voices a little, and try to demonstrate an attitude of sensitivity and caring.  If you're unsure of how to proceed with that, just follow my lead.  Get into the right frame of mind by doing something feminine.  Go fluff a pillow or clean the lint filter on the dryer.  Just do it!  It won't permanently damage your masculinity, and no one will find out.  I'll be back later to check on your progress.  Mrs Yearout is scheduled to clean the yard today, and I have to make sure she has enough plastic leaf bags.  A couple of dozen should be enough if she packs them good and tight.

My Dear Mr. Yearout,

You're living proof that idle hands are the devil's workshop.

I'm currently working in the basement installing 2x8 blocking between the joists. I'm also re-doing all the phone, internet, satellite, thermostat, and doorbell wiring.  When this is all done, I'm installing a new ceiling and carpeting. Then new sheet rock in the laundry room, followed by a new clothes-folding area.

So, If you've got nothing better to do than stir up trouble between the sexes, you can mosey over to my house and lend a hand. I'll work you hard, but I can assure you that the lash is preferable to the wrath of women scorned.

[...]

Uh-oh!!  My air compressor just gave up the ghost.  I think you'll be the perfect replacement.

 Clonnie,

Did you ever consider that the women say what they have to say, feel they have made their point and contributed what they feel needed to be said, and don't see or feel the need to banter back and worth with, what seems, many a male on here with nothing better to do, lol.....!  Just the first thing that came to mind after reading your post.......E. Duane

Clonnie Yearout:

According to my calculations, the ladies of the panel have contributed exactly 23 posts to the 151 total thus far for this week's topic.... [bla bla bla]  You're mad at us aren't you?   The male panelists have offended you, and now we're supposed to instantly recall the offense and apologize profusely.  Oooooh boy.  Okay guys: start racking your brain.  Who did it?   It must have been one of you because it certainly wasn't me.  Maybe it's Dave and his uncharacteristic inattentiveness.  Maybe they miss Dave and his big brain.  Hey, wait -- Dave's not here, so we can just blame it on him anyway.  I'll be back later to check on your progress.

Whenever you think of mischief involving Dave, in absentia, remember that I always watch his back. 

P.S. On a happy note, last night Lib the Enforcer reduced the population of opossums in our neighborhood by one. 

Clonnie Yearout:

According to my calculations, the ladies of the panel have contributed exactly 23 posts to the 151 total thus far for this week's topic.  As any average male could (and almost certainly would) use his standard analytical male mind to instantly tell us, that is exactly 15.23178 % of the total.  So what's the deal?  Do the womenfolk here consider the topic so elementary and dull as to not merit their full attention?  Or do they have other more important matters on their mind this week?  Maybe they're out buying candy for the trick-or-treaters (and tearing open the bags to sample it on the way home).  Maybe they're out campaigning for the female or female-friendly candidates. 

It's disturbing to say the least, and it should be obvious that I am an authority on saying the least.  But it's a bit frightening as well -- to be involved in a discussion where women say the least.  It's eerie, it's unnatural, it's... wait!  I know what it is!  

Nope Clonnie, it's drywall!  You didn't even consider drywall!  And, because I'm a fundraiser, the fall is the busiest time of the year for me - am involved in 4 huge projects (plus 2 smaller ones) till mid-December.  And, of course, patching drywall.  So, in a mad rush to contribute my 2 cents to this week's topic I totally messed up (and thanks for your forgiveness by the way).  But, I did post some exquisite poetry.  And yes, I've also been hard at work on Gwen Mason's run for House of Delegates.  She's awesome & a dear friend of mine, so here's a plug: please vote for Gwen in the 17th district!  And now I bet this post has brought the wimmin's participation percentage way up to 18.537844!

Ricky:

On a happy note, last night Lib the Enforcer reduced the population of opossums in our neighborhood by one. 

Ricky:  My cat Tuxie (so named because she looks like she is wearing a tuxedo) keeps our patio and back yard possum free, too.  She only has to yowl at them, though, and they run away.  You think it has to do something with your black coats?  They are a little intmidating, you know.

Your picnic pal, Leesa

Sandy Light:

Clonnie Yearout:

According to my calculations, the ladies of the panel have contributed exactly 23 posts to the 151 total thus far for this week's topic.  As any average male could (and almost certainly would) use his standard analytical male mind to instantly tell us, that is exactly 15.23178 % of the total.  So what's the deal?  Do the womenfolk here consider the topic so elementary and dull as to not merit their full attention?  Or do they have other more important matters on their mind this week?  Maybe they're out buying candy for the trick-or-treaters (and tearing open the bags to sample it on the way home).  Maybe they're out campaigning for the female or female-friendly candidates. 

It's disturbing to say the least, and it should be obvious that I am an authority on saying the least.  But it's a bit frightening as well -- to be involved in a discussion where women say the least.  It's eerie, it's unnatural, it's... wait!  I know what it is!  

Nope Clonnie, it's drywall!  

 Not only is it drywall, but it's grand daughters, too!  We are totally occupied with making Halloween decorations for our car for the trunk or treating tomorrow night!  Much more constructive than writing about voting.

Clonnie, word is out that you need to be on the last train to Memphis at nine o'clock tonight, or it's orchiectomy, with a shrimp peeler. You made a boo boo, and the ladies are gonna get 'ya.

Bye

Leesa McGregor:

You think it has to do something with your black coats?  They are a little intimidating, you know.

Frederick Fuller:

orchiectomy, with a shrimp peeler.

Also nearby I noticed an illustration of an opossum, which reminded me of Ricky's recent cold, calculated act of marsupialcide.  Of course we have to consider the possibility that the poor defenseless little creature may have been outfoxing Ricky by "playing possum."

PS. For a few chuckles, read the list of suggestions our spellcheck here lists for "orchiectomy."  Dichotomy?  Archenemy? (LOL)

Checking the trotline I put out yesterday, I see that Leesa and Sandy are the only nibbles I got and they don't seem to be the least bit offended.  Guess I'm losing my touch.   Seems the ladies have been extra busy this week.  Sandy is heavily involved in spackling duties and election activities, trying to defeat some guy named Bill from Cleveland, and Leesa is playing with kids and preparing for trunk-or-treat.

Wonder what the new topic will be today.  Hope it doesn't have anything to do with health-care.  Maybe if we all start praying now and pray from now til noon.... 

Of course by my use of the word, "all," above, I didn't mean to imply that every panelist prays, or that every panelist should pray, or even that we should all assume that prayer is a viable method for getting our desires fulfilled, at least not for everyone, and of course I know that all of us are free to pray (or not pray) to the god or God or goddess or goddesses or idol of our choice, and I would never seek to force my beliefs (or lack of beliefs) upon anyone else, here on the panel or in any other venue because... Sheesh!  How do I get myself into these things?

Clonnie Yearout:

PS. For a few chuckles, read the list of suggestions our spellcheck here lists for "orchiectomy."  Dichotomy?  Archenemy? (LOL)

Ain't words fun?

Clonnie Yearout:

Also nearby I noticed an illustration of an opossum, which reminded me of Ricky's recent cold, calculated act of marsupialcide.  Of course we have to consider the possibility that the poor defenseless little creature may have been outfoxing Ricky by "playing possum."

There is neither malice nor remorse in the thinking of a dog executing a varmint; no reflection on whether or not trespassing by furry little wild creatures from the woods should be a capital crime.  It's pure instinct.  The humans here feel a touch of sadness for the victim, but we accept it as natural and inevitable.  It's really no different than a cat and its unfortunate mouse or bird, except that cats often play with their prey in a sadistic manner, and sometimes consume part of the body (yuck).  For canines it's serious business, just for a moment, and then quickly forgotten.