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*** UPDATED x1 - VanillaMan returns! *** A commenter shout-out
Thursday, Jun 9, 2011 - Posted by Rich Miller * Hey, VanillaMan! Where the heck are you, dude? I really miss your song parodies, and with the Blagojevich case about to go to the jury, we could sure use some of your magic about now. Also, I’m sure Wordslinger would lighten up on you a little if you decided to come back. Right, Word? We need you, man. Come back, please. * We had a bit of a problem earlier this week when I banned two commenters for life and had to shut down two different threads. The banned commenters were relative newbies who just couldn’t behave on some emotional topics. The closed threads were also about emotional topics and I was just tired of policing them. Everybody, try to take a deeeeeeep breath before commenting, please. It’s the summer. Let’s relax a little bit. * I’m working on stories for the Fax and the blog right now, which explains the late postings today. I’ll be back soon. In the meantime, do you have anything you’d like to say to other commenters? Do it here… *** UPDATE *** VanillaMan is back! I checked his IP address, and it’s really him. Read his latest comment here.
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- Ghost - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:39 am:
“From Cambridge University .
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, t he olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rgh it pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs psas it on !!”
/cough
:)
- Ace Laredo - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:40 am:
What if VanillaMan is Rod Blagojevich and he’s just been real busy lately?
- Logic not emotion - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:41 am:
I’ve read that before. It is pretty impressive.
- HoosierDaddy - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:42 am:
In that case, Ace, I would have a whole new respect for Rod Blagojevich.
- OneMan - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:43 am:
For the most part I love you all, even those of you who are regularly wrong
- silver fox - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:43 am:
lol, Ace Laredo! I miss VanillaMan too =)
To all the commenters: thanks so much for your input, especially those put some reasoning behind their rhetoric. I may not agree but I enjoy reading them. At times, you have swayed my position.
- Ravenswood Right Winger - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:46 am:
to 47th Ward: How hard did you laugh when Ameya Pawar beat the Democratic machine candidate/Gene Schulter lackey Tom O’Donnell?
- John Bambenek - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:50 am:
“Hey everyone, free drinks tonight on Rich!”
:)
- Way Way Down Here - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:51 am:
Yes indeed. I was wondering about Vman earlier in the week. There has been a hole in the CapFax fabric for some time now.
- Davey Boy Smith - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:52 am:
I’d like to think that Adam Dunn is a commenter, so Adam if you’re reading this: STOP SUCKING!!!
- Leave a light on George - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:56 am:
@ Bill
Get ready for another “Oops” moment.
- anon - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:56 am:
Davey, if by Adam Dunn you mean the Cubs, I agree with you.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:00 am:
RRW, I’m still smiling about Pawar’s victory. Rib Fest is this weekend, but something tells me that Gene will find a way to have his name all over the place despite his fall from relevance.
I was one of those who tended to respond to VanillaMan’s more provocative comments, but I miss sparring with him. He was a lot of things, but also a fine writer and creative. At the end of the day, regardless of our political differences, good writing, good thinking and creativity from so many commenters is what makes this place special. Thanks Rich, for giving us this forum and helping make it a community.
Finally, to Cincinnatus, when you refer to it as the Democrat Party, you are insulting us. It is childish name-calling, and I hope you’ll elevate yourself in the future.
- South of I-80 - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:00 am:
Well if Vanilla is Blago, he will have plenty of time to contribute once he gets settled in at his new digs!
- Louis Howe - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:02 am:
Gost…tsnks for the psot…
Read a great book last weekend…”Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything” by Josh Foer….My short term memory is in the average 5 to 9 random item range. However, when I applied the book’s Mnemonic technique I was able memorize a complete 54 card deck (including jokers) in less than an hour….Mnemonic technique is centered around mind mapping and Memory Palaces…I am thinking, perhaps the reason I could so easily remember that much useless information was I have so little useful data taking up space….:)…If it works for me, a person that has a hard time remembering what day it is…must be a great book.
- ChitownHV - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:10 am:
Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus has often been cited as an example of outstanding leadership, service to the greater good, civic virtue, and, most of all, modesty; Giving yourself the nickname “cincinnatus” is an example of the exact opposite.
- Way Way Down Here - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:12 am:
“Oops”
Truly a Hall of Fame comment.
- Jimmy CrackCorn - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:15 am:
==In the meantime, do you have anything you’d like to say to other commenters?==
Fed Up,
Why are you the way you are?
Haha sorry, I mean it in good fun.
- Ghost - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:16 am:
Sounds like a good book, Ill have to add it to my audio collection.
I found I can “read” a lot more books by using the donw time I spend driving around listening to a book instead of the news/talk radio/music. I was a bit surprised how much content I cannow consume just using my down time driving around.
- MrJM - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:22 am:
I suspect that Vanilla Man is on an off-world mission with the rest of the Justice League.
He’ll be back once they whip Starro the Conqueror.
– MrJM
- Todd - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:23 am:
I propose a beer summit with each YDD and Wordlsinger. Pub of their choice, I’ll buy.
- Been There - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:25 am:
===
@ Bill
Get ready for another “Oops” moment.
“Oops”
Truly a Hall of Fame comment. ===
That was with out a doubt one of the funniest posts ever. I laughed for a week.
- cermak_rd - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:26 am:
I haven’t been able to comment as often as I would like lately, what with work and building the ark in my spare time.
- Team Sleep - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:27 am:
Rich, is this like Cap Fax’s “Festivus”?!
- MrJM - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:28 am:
I am a much more informed citizen thanks to the CapFax Regulars.
– MrJM
- wishbone - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:30 am:
I really hope this comment is not overly provocative. You allowed the following comment to stand: “How about Chief Mccarthy invites all the 2A nutballs to Michigan Ave on Saturday and we have big gun battle with the flash mobbers.”
I find the idea that suggesting that people actually kill each other as an acceptable comment to be very strange. Could the reason that it was allowed to stand while other less blood thirsty comments were deleted is that you agree with its anti Second Amendment sentiment? Just asking.
- Bemused - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:30 am:
From the perspective of one of those newbies. I have come to think it best for me to more often read than post. I have been deleted a few times, not a big deal. When I go back and reread the rules I most often can figure why. As someone else has said after reading other posts my knee jerk response does at times change. This is a good forum. If I were still in my old job I think I would be a subscriber. As of now I am not at a need to know level. If somthing falls within my life experience I will try to add to the discourse. Otherwise I will try to stay out, and that is sometimes hard to do.
- Wensicia - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:35 am:
I’ll echo what MrJM said, I don’t comment much, but I read everything here. This is the most intelligent discussion of state politics to be found on the Internet. I’ve learned a lot. I also appreciate the respect most of the commenters have for each other.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:37 am:
wishbone, that’s a regular commenter who often uses snark.
- TwoFeetThick - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:40 am:
* I found I can “read” a lot more books by using the donw time I spend driving around listening to a book instead of the news/talk radio/music. I was a bit surprised how much content I cannow consume just using my down time driving around. *
Ghost, you’re not driving around while you type your comments, are you? Might explain some of your, um, unique spelling.
- Montrose - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:41 am:
The fact that a post about commenters’ comments is generating dozens of comments about commenting is the poster child for the community Rich has built here.
Well done, sir.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:42 am:
To fellow commenters, I have enjoyed the back and forth. The whole point that we don’t always agree makes the exchanges thought provoking and has made me on more than one instance think about my positions.
And, there is nothing like a good photo caption contest to remind us all that its ok to laugh, its not all serious, we ourselves, should not take ourselves too seriously. For the most part, we don’t and that is what’s cool too.
I’ll leave this post, but take the cannoli.
BTW…
And since you post here too, Rich, and sometimes its not just to ban people, thanks for the internet version of Browns, (hopefully soon!) Boone’s, or Play It Again, Sam’s.
Thanks.
- Retired Non-Union Guy - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 12:08 pm:
While I may not always agree with them, I try to read all the posts first before commenting. Sometimes you change my mind; sometimes you don’t. In all cases, you make me want to think things through and try to express myself (more or less) logically. I’m always better informed from reading this blog.
I also say a big “thank you” to Rich for putting up with me when I do hassle him offline on one or two topics.
- Lil Enchilada - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 12:14 pm:
This is the only blog I have seen that seems to have intelligent people commenting. Thank you!
- Cincinnatus - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 12:15 pm:
47th,
You should find Democrat no more insulting than I found Tea Bagger when it is used on this blog. Yet somehow I never found it necessary to single any one out.
- Responsa - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 12:23 pm:
Most of the interesting and competent people who read this blog appear to manage to be able to think and consider– even in disagreement. That’s why it always seems like such a waste of time and bandwidth when a few commenters (found on both sides of the political spectrum) bother to post hacky and hackneyed talking points that are so obviously hacky, hackneyed and talking points.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 12:24 pm:
===This is the only blog I have seen that seems to have intelligent people commenting.===
You are so right, and that is why when a new commenter posts and its either tired talking points or parroted rhetoric (both sides, neither is immune), the “usual suspects” aka usual posters, police the threads when Rich can’t.
- Palatine - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 12:25 pm:
47th darn I was hoping she be gone
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 12:26 pm:
That last post was me, sorry
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 12:28 pm:
I seem to recall you objecting with some passion about that term when others used it. Do you want me to search Rich’s archives? Because I’ll find two things: 1. I never used that term and, 2. you most certainly (and rightfully) objected when others did.
But if you’re going to go with the “they started it” defense, then you’re still behaving like a child.
I’m just letting you know, again, that I find your misuse of this particular noun/adjective insulting. Rush, Beck and the Fox News/Illinois Review crowd seem to take great pleasure in it, and I can’t do much about that.
But I expect a better level of discourse here, and you are a repeat offender.
- langhorne - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 12:32 pm:
the cambridge study reminds me–while texting has had a negative effect on the use of correct spelling, i am also of the opinion that most capitalization and most of the standards for punctuation are unnecessary. punctuation is personal, and as such, each person is entitled to their own.
re other commenters–i dont recall seeing cassandra for a while. i could always depend on her screed against overpaid underworked inefficient govt employees from the mid to upper levels just lolling around waiting to collect overly generous unaffordable pensions unlike anything the lean private sector allows.
- Skeeter - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 12:41 pm:
Cincy,
That’s the point. When you call the other side a name they don’t like, you don’t get to complain about what they call you.
You do it as a matter of policy. People like me will at times use the “teabagger” label solely to point out to you how rude your label is. That, and because we think it appropriate it an odd way that the movement, not considering the history or implications, first applied the label to itself.
In any case, as a somewhat regular here, I would also like to thank Rich for keeping the discussion here interesting. I cringe when I read comments on my newspaper sites. Usually, news comments brings out the extremes. Here, they tend to bring out interesting and rational discussion.
- Skeeter - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 12:49 pm:
“police the threads when Rich can’t.”
I found myself doing that a few times.
Protecting the threads from the tedious almost seems like an obligation for those of us who like the way things are here.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 1:15 pm:
@Todd –
Count me in. ‘Slinger?
- jerry 101 - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 1:22 pm:
wait…I thought VanillaMan just changed his name to Cincinnatius?
They seem so much alike…
Though, I guess that Cinci isn’t quite as prone to breaking out in song.
- Spring - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 1:31 pm:
? for the day since rich is letting everyone congratulate themself. Blago’s verdict effect on Fitzgerald staying US Atty?
- Justanordinarylawyer - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 1:43 pm:
I’ve loved learning about Illinois politics here. Whether I agree with commenters or not, I always feel there is an intelligent conversation going on. And yes, I even love the “snark”
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 1:46 pm:
I miss V-Man. *with absolutely stunned look on face*
(Rich, he IS just off on an off-world mission as MrJM said, right?!!! He’s not really Blago, IS HE???!!!!!! I mean…I actually flirted with him once or twice. All in good fun, of course, but still….)
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 1:58 pm:
And, to the “old-timers” and Rich: You’re the greatest. By far. Not much else to say there.
On a side note: I sometimes wonder how many people are posting regularly as “Anonymous” now. (…And you know who you are.) Reading the comments on certain days, makes me forget myself and think of the “Three Faces of Eve”…and it’s not a pleasant feeling.
- TwoFeetThick - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 2:05 pm:
Cincy, let me explain things this way… If I call you a “Republic,” you might not think anything of it, at first. Maybe it’s just a typo, or I mis-spoke, or maybe I just don’t know what the “Republican” Party is called. But, if you point out my error, note that you find it insulting, and I continue to use the term, then it becomes something different. My continuing to call you by a term that you know that I know you find to be insulting, just digs in the metaphorical knife and twists it. Which is exactly what I (and others) know that people who use the term “Democrat Party” are trying to do when they repeatedly use the term, even after being told that they are being insulting. And that’s why we take offense.
Do I get any points for weaving a Honeymooners reference into my comment?
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 2:08 pm:
OK, let’s settle down, please. Move along. Thanks.
- TwoFeetThick - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 2:18 pm:
Sorry, no points I guess. Sincere thanks, Rich, for your work. And to everyone who makes this blog such a great place for multi-partisan discussion.
Moving along…
- Lefty Lefty - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 2:33 pm:
The ultimate tag-team commenting cage match: Cincinnatus and VMan vs. Wordslinger and 47th Ward. You could just start a thread, Rich, on a divisive topic and we could let them go at it. How about Supt. McCarthy’s recent statement regarding the handgun lobbies? Or civil unions?
- steve schnorf - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 3:28 pm:
I enjoy this site very much. Sometimes I get too serious, frequently I’m too wordy, but I sign my name and stand behind what I say. Signing your name makes you think-is this just a cheap shot, a drive-by, or do i really believe this.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 3:29 pm:
@Todd –
Count me in. ‘Slinger? –
Mighty generous and civilized, Todd. I’m down, and for the time being, it doesn’t have to be a “sensitive” place.
- Logic not emotion - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 4:01 pm:
Isn’t it ironic? We don’t even have a topic or question and we still have arguments! It’s like a family on here albeit a slightly dysfunctional one.
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 4:08 pm:
I guess I’ve been posting as anon for some reason.
But yes, Todd, a very generous offer indeed.
- Cincinnatus - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 4:13 pm:
Lefty Lefty,
Alas, I am alone…
Steve Schnorf,
Good point. As Rich knows, I am Frank Canzolino, but I will still post as Cincinnatus.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 4:15 pm:
Todd, Word and YDD, how about the Valentino Club in Chicago? It’s just down the block from Elmwood Park’s Illinois Gun Works, which has an indoor shooting range.
Just sayin…
- JBilla - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 4:16 pm:
Kudos to the well informed, the snarky, and sometimes the irritating. I love commenting and reading the comments here because: 1- it matters, people actually read it including Rich, 2- the comments arent garbled nonsense and 3- I learn something everyday, currently reading from France, be back soon
- dupage dan - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 4:18 pm:
Love to be a fly on the wall at that summit, Todd. Be gentle with 47th & word.
V-man, feel the love yet?
- amalia - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 4:25 pm:
well done, Rich Miller. Vanilla Man is much missed.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 4:29 pm:
Yeah yeah yeah!
I feel like I’m a ghost at my own funeral.
I was waiting for Wordslinger.
Listen.
I read through the comments every day. Damn straight you jackasses need me! Without me you guys are sounding like the Democratic Excuse Du Jour web blog!
I had been feeling like whenever I posted something, you guys would tweet your wieners at me like a Seattle college girl.
I am waiting for Rod to be sentenced, and had been for a long time. I have tunes! But he has to be convicted first! The other day I was trying to bring them up to date because they are so damn old.
Beer summit?
Hmmm, maybe. Brewhaus. I need some Duvel. We can meet early so that ’slinger can still get his sitzbath and warm milk before 8pm - right after the Bob Evan early bird he dentures down.
- Bill - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 4:35 pm:
Vannie,
You got a long wait for Rod to be sentenced. He’s gonna walk from this trial. Hung or NG. We’ll take either one.
- Downstate Commissioner - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 4:51 pm:
Other than the weather, this forum is the only thing I read every day on the internet. It is amazing the information that is on here; I find myself commenting to others about important legislative matters that I find that they have never heard of. While I really don’t keep track of the actual politics of the various posters, I do pay attention to the ones I recognize, even it I disagree with them. Keep up the good work….
- Colossus - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 5:00 pm:
I have a bone to pick with CapFax: It has ruined my experience reading other news sites. I cannot bear to wade through the inane chatter that those comment sections inevitably turn into. Darn you all for raising my expectations so high.
I credit this site with helping me gain some recently realized (and long overdue) professional advancement, which is part of why I bit the bullet, picked a username, and started wading in cautiously. It’s been a great session, all, and I’m looking forward to a fun veto session.
@MrJM: Nice to know there’s another comics fan here. Even if you waste your time on DC.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 5:13 pm:
@Rich -
Great idea!
We can throw down a few pitchers and then head down the block to the shooting range.
Hope you can join us.
YDD
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 5:13 pm:
Um, it should probably be the other way around. Safety first.
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 5:16 pm:
Beer goggles, safety goggles. What’s the difference?
- Yellow Dog Democrat - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 5:17 pm:
@Vanillaman
While you’re at it, can you work up some lyrics for “19th Nervous Shakedown” for the Mercantile Exchange?
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 5:17 pm:
This is the only site where I read the comments…and actually learn from them. I met a few of you at the Grainger Terry campaign seminar a few seasons ago in Chicago. (Luckily I didn’t get that SLC campaign job!) I’ve moved away for now, but still check back darn near every day to keep an eye on things. They are in good hands.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 5:21 pm:
Rich, word, VanillaMan, et al.,
Make sure you give us a post-mortem of the Beer Summit. I am sure its going to be good.
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 5:21 pm:
VM welcome back did you and Cassandra go on vacation together or something?
- Justice - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 5:28 pm:
Great site, excellent commentaries, love the occasional “bite me”…long before Biden, and certainly enjoy the tremendous insight into the political arena here in Illinois.
For the greatest part those who post here are civil, knowledgeable, and offer opinions I may not have considered. It is an ongoing education, streaming political life that becomes history.
Our household enjoys the daily tour. A great ride!
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 5:30 pm:
Valentino’s Club? I haven’t bet football in many years, so I think I’m on good paper in Elmwood Park. I guess I would have known by now.
–Hung or NG.–
Bill, what’s NG, “no go?” Sorry, dude.
VMan, weren’t your followers supposed to move that rock from the cave and check on you on the third day? Well it’s been so long at least the scars have healed. Mel Gibson probably wants you for the sequel.
- Justice - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 5:31 pm:
…and VM….welcome back!
- steve schnorf - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 6:08 pm:
If it’s the Elmwood Park place I’m thinking of, It’s on Mannheim. And, if so, the Sundowners, God rest their souls, had a place on the west side of the street for 2 or 3 years after they left downtown.
- Todd - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 6:55 pm:
Deal we can do that place how about monday say 3pm?
- Commonsense in Illinois - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 7:17 pm:
With apologies to Ty Pennington…Welcome Home, Vanilla Man…Welcome Home.
- mokenavince - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 7:26 pm:
Vanilla man I hardly know you. But welcome back.
Now back to my Makers testing.
- Way Way Down Here - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 8:28 pm:
===And, if so, the Sundowners, God rest their souls, had a place on the west side of the street for 2 or 3 years after they left downtown.===
I haven’t thought of them in years. We used to go there (downtown) on St, Patrick’s Day instead of the parade.
As for the beer summit, who’s going to stop the shoving match?
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 9:25 pm:
Well, let us all know how it went … good to have you back VM … we did miss you.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 10:10 pm:
Welcome back, V-Man. *batting eyelashes*
- back porch - Thursday, Jun 9, 11 @ 11:37 pm:
So happy to have you back vannie! I always read and never comment. I have missed you for months.
- Ghost - Friday, Jun 10, 11 @ 1:18 am:
Welcome back vman