How actual human beings react to yesterday's murders:
Barack Obama:
Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.
Joe Biden:
Jill and I send our deepest condolences to everyone whose lives were touched by Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner's extraordinary contributions.
Here's irony on top of irony - something I did not know: Before becoming a producer, Michele Singer Reiner, was a photographer, whose work included capturing the original image for Trump’s bestselling book The Art of the Deal.
I learned only after the tragic murders that Rob Reiner the talented/gifted director was also originally "Meathead" the son in-law of Archie & Edith (Dingbat) Bunker, all of whom entertained and educated this one equally in his youth. Those were the days 🎶
Glaringly obvious when I look at a photo of him, now that I know, of course.
The one thing about MTG being the one to say what she did is a reminder to us all that life is a multitude of shades of gray. I may disagree with her on nearly everything (and I do) but this and her actions around the Epstein files remind me what my old boss Willie Brown said to me: if you look carefully, you can always find a point of connection, to keep for when you need it. His success as the most successful operator of a modern state legislature is proof he was right.
He is and was a political genius, and he's right. As I've said of Liz Cheney, she agreed with that fascist dementia patient 93% of the time, but she was right about the One Big Thing. We could say that of Churchill, I would say--say what we will of policies he pursued, he understood Hitler.
Each week, or even each day, is more incredulous than the prior. The weekend's events, capped off by that Untruth Unsocial post, continue to astound. Your writing skills continue to skillfully crystalize what's happening before our eyes. I think of D.W. Griffith's "Birth of a Nation" so please take this as a compliment - your postings are a screenplay of the devolution of our democracy into something else. I don't have a working title for it though.
Such unspeakable tragedies. The paradox however seems to be that despite this terrible darkness there still remains among many millions the Light that will continue to shine through the lives of those who risk themselves to care for and about others. This has been a December weekend that will be recalled for many years. Every act of caring for each other, this world, and every living creature, expresses the Hope we carry together for a life and a world that can be, could be, so much better for all of us...not just the few who believe the essence of their life is about making deals by selling others down the river. It is a day for deep prayer and attention to what truly gives life its deepest meaning.
Linda, I have a concert band rehearsal tonight; we are sight reading “Earth Song” and “Redemption”. I will pour my light into these pieces with intention.
"The 2026 mid-term is looking more and more like the kind of wave election that sees politicians get swept away in the flood." May the big blue wave take away their top soil. Dems must salt their fields.
Tom, I imagine Jimmy Kimmel never went into comedy thinking he'd become a lightening rod for democracy. I did not know Reiner except for the legacy of his work and his standing up for the right side. His and his wife's murders says so much about our country, in my mind at least. Even wealth cannot protect your loved ones from the scourge of drugs and mental illness. It's just so incredibly sad.
Perhaps this senseless tragedy will help the cracks widen and somehow in my lifetime, I'll see a country where people are truly kind and opportunity is available to all, regardless of their race, sex, religion, sexual identity. One where the "highest" of us reaches out to help the very lowest, without looking for recognition for their works, ie; don't let the right hand know what the left is doing.
Some might find this interesting, or telling for lack of a better word. It seems that I am being avoided by several of my friends/family who are fervent MAGA. Please know that I am not the person to say "I told you so" or push my political views on others. I have tried to present my case and defend my views when they get nutty, in the hopes that some of those who drank the koolaid can be reformed. I have read that it is more difficult to admit to being conned than to be conned. Must be quite confusing to be MAGA these days.
Ally, it's only by optimism that I can carry on. At times, that optimism does fail me. It hasn't been all that strong of late, but I keep on keepin' on.
I'm sort of pulling back from comment forums these days. Too much negativity, too much misconstruing of what I've said or others have said, even a few somewhat pointed comments that sting. If I don't say it now, I might miss the opportunity, so I hope you and your wife (and cats!) have a good holiday season. I'm sure tuba music will be in there. Enjoy!
You might not recall this, but back about a year ago, you made a comment on LFAA regarding Amazon and how it benefitted you as an author. I made an offhand comment about it was good information, as I am an unpublished author. You went out of your way to connect me with your agent, who did not rep my genre, but whom still offered much good information to me. When I thanked you, you said something that stuck with me. You said (I paraphrase) but you recalled how difficult the publishing world is and that offering a hand is what those who have achieved success do should remember and offer a hand. And in your typical choice of words you said "anyone who forgets that is an asshole."
I had occasionally read TAFM, and always looked for your comments on LFAA, but THAT offer of help--even though it didn't lead to me getting an agent--is what made me pull out my credit card and subscribe. It was the very least I could do to pay back. Now as a paid subscriber, I make sure to read every day, and I am astounded at how much time you must put into every post. And you still find time to write books!!
Trying to get published in today's business is incredibly hard. Actually writing a manuscript is only about 3% of the work for a novelist--at least it looks that way to me peering in from the outside. The other 97%? About another 5%--maybe--of editing and revision. The rest of it is marketing yourself, which includes social media, creating other content, etc. I have an author friend who has traditionally published over 25 books. He told me he never had to write a query letter, and the business has changed so drastically in the last decade that he is unsure he'd get published as a debut author today.
Having spent my career in healthcare, I witnessed plenty of humanity that has given me material to write novels, of which I've finished three. It did not at all prepare me for a writing career. Very, very lonely for those without an MFA from a prestigious university and no contacts in the industry. I know my prose is good, even if perhaps my grammar isn't perfect. I'll get there, somehow, someway, probably by self-publishing ebooks (which you recently told me is how you sell the majority of your books. Good advice)
Until then though, those little bits of encouragement that you and most (sadly, not all) successful writers have tossed me are like oxygen. And I thank you for that.
I will absolutely keep posting here. I've just learning to become a tad bit more cautious about hitting the enter key now.
Music is what has kept me going. My last symphonic band rehearsal is tonight, and I have two ensemble gigs this week; then I’m done with formal stuff until January.
A couple of us are going to busk at Holiday Market, and possibly play at our local VA clinic in the next week or so.
How I wish that Treating addiction and deprograming cult mentality were not so intractable. I know the struggles up close and have felt that “there but for the grace of God go I” regarding the path of these challenges. How dare self-righteous vipers with zero humanity open their filthy mouths.
You cannot help someone change who doesn't want to change. As I learned with my late brother. The last time I got him a lawyer, after talking to him the lawyer took me aside as we were leaving and said "don't keep doing this to yourself. He has no desire to change." I then had to put to use the lesson I got taught in Lifeguard Class back when I was 15: Your job is to stay alive so you can save them, not die trying to save them. Learning to physically let go and not go down with a drowning person was - as the instructor warned - the most difficult lesson in the class. And it never gets easier.
"Chuck Schumer is tasking top committee Democrats to come up with policy ideas to address different aspects of the affordability issue," Great idea Chuck, it's only been a year this time. Maybe a Strongly Worded Letter is coming.
It is sadly unsurprising that the Australian Parliament is already meeting on the PM's suggestions for improved gun control and the only response from D.C. is Felon47's demented rant.
Indeed. And 13 years after Sandy Hook the DC loiterers can't even restore the automatic weapons ban. It's a cut-and-paste step that could be completed in a very short time. It wouldn't stop gun violence, but it would reduce it and would send a message that establishes the "value of human life" that the right wails about when talking about reproductive rights.
I don't think 47 posted that dastardly commentary regarding the Reiners' deaths. The punctuation, spelling, and phraseology seem to be that of Stephen Miller or some other aide who's carrying a mighty load of loathing. Anyone agree? (Not letting 47 off the hook by any means, but I think it was cynical red meat for the magas and thrown out there quickly to shape the narrative.)
I think that is possible. Miller is certainly depraved enough, and coming from LA, likely hates people in the movie business, since stupid people (like him) never get anywhere in it.
I think you're quite right about the source, the degenerate commentary is far more coherent than Trump has been on his best days since the inauguration.
Thinking about the Australia's move to tighten gun restrictions. Maybe the US should require from the applicant: the last 5 years of social media, emails, phone numbers, etc., to have a firearm permit.
That assholes reaction to this tragedy disgusts me to no end and shows in all of his gaudy gold wrapped bullshit what a complete mfer he is and will always be, a fourth rate, no talent, despicable mark on humanity, of which he doesn’t possess.
Death get busy and please remove this godawful stain from our presence.
How actual human beings react to yesterday's murders:
Barack Obama:
Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action. Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired. We send our deepest condolences to all who loved them.
Joe Biden:
Jill and I send our deepest condolences to everyone whose lives were touched by Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner's extraordinary contributions.
Here's irony on top of irony - something I did not know: Before becoming a producer, Michele Singer Reiner, was a photographer, whose work included capturing the original image for Trump’s bestselling book The Art of the Deal.
Sundowning Grampa probably never knew that.
<speechless>
I learned only after the tragic murders that Rob Reiner the talented/gifted director was also originally "Meathead" the son in-law of Archie & Edith (Dingbat) Bunker, all of whom entertained and educated this one equally in his youth. Those were the days 🎶
Glaringly obvious when I look at a photo of him, now that I know, of course.
What a horrible thing. Period.
The idea that MTG is saying that is a sign of the apocalypse.
And if this really hurts him in the end, what does it say that his other actions didn't have that effect?
The one thing about MTG being the one to say what she did is a reminder to us all that life is a multitude of shades of gray. I may disagree with her on nearly everything (and I do) but this and her actions around the Epstein files remind me what my old boss Willie Brown said to me: if you look carefully, you can always find a point of connection, to keep for when you need it. His success as the most successful operator of a modern state legislature is proof he was right.
He is and was a political genius, and he's right. As I've said of Liz Cheney, she agreed with that fascist dementia patient 93% of the time, but she was right about the One Big Thing. We could say that of Churchill, I would say--say what we will of policies he pursued, he understood Hitler.
Each week, or even each day, is more incredulous than the prior. The weekend's events, capped off by that Untruth Unsocial post, continue to astound. Your writing skills continue to skillfully crystalize what's happening before our eyes. I think of D.W. Griffith's "Birth of a Nation" so please take this as a compliment - your postings are a screenplay of the devolution of our democracy into something else. I don't have a working title for it though.
"Birth of a Nation"? The adaptation of "The Clansman" by an unreconstructed Confederate racist? Really? There's gotta be something else... :-)
Such unspeakable tragedies. The paradox however seems to be that despite this terrible darkness there still remains among many millions the Light that will continue to shine through the lives of those who risk themselves to care for and about others. This has been a December weekend that will be recalled for many years. Every act of caring for each other, this world, and every living creature, expresses the Hope we carry together for a life and a world that can be, could be, so much better for all of us...not just the few who believe the essence of their life is about making deals by selling others down the river. It is a day for deep prayer and attention to what truly gives life its deepest meaning.
Linda, I have a concert band rehearsal tonight; we are sight reading “Earth Song” and “Redemption”. I will pour my light into these pieces with intention.
Sounds fabulous Ally!💕🎶
What could be more Australian than celebrating Hanukkah at the beach?
"The 2026 mid-term is looking more and more like the kind of wave election that sees politicians get swept away in the flood." May the big blue wave take away their top soil. Dems must salt their fields.
Yes!
Shit keeps happening and nobody does anything. As our guiding light in Boston reminds us, "This will not end well."
I didn't think tr💩mp could shock me anymore but this latest screed regarding the Reiners is appalling.
Linda MacDonald said it all for me. Thank you, Linda.
Tom, I imagine Jimmy Kimmel never went into comedy thinking he'd become a lightening rod for democracy. I did not know Reiner except for the legacy of his work and his standing up for the right side. His and his wife's murders says so much about our country, in my mind at least. Even wealth cannot protect your loved ones from the scourge of drugs and mental illness. It's just so incredibly sad.
Perhaps this senseless tragedy will help the cracks widen and somehow in my lifetime, I'll see a country where people are truly kind and opportunity is available to all, regardless of their race, sex, religion, sexual identity. One where the "highest" of us reaches out to help the very lowest, without looking for recognition for their works, ie; don't let the right hand know what the left is doing.
Some might find this interesting, or telling for lack of a better word. It seems that I am being avoided by several of my friends/family who are fervent MAGA. Please know that I am not the person to say "I told you so" or push my political views on others. I have tried to present my case and defend my views when they get nutty, in the hopes that some of those who drank the koolaid can be reformed. I have read that it is more difficult to admit to being conned than to be conned. Must be quite confusing to be MAGA these days.
As to your last sentence: only if they still have a soul.
Ally, it's only by optimism that I can carry on. At times, that optimism does fail me. It hasn't been all that strong of late, but I keep on keepin' on.
I'm sort of pulling back from comment forums these days. Too much negativity, too much misconstruing of what I've said or others have said, even a few somewhat pointed comments that sting. If I don't say it now, I might miss the opportunity, so I hope you and your wife (and cats!) have a good holiday season. I'm sure tuba music will be in there. Enjoy!
Don't stop posting here, please.
Tom,
You might not recall this, but back about a year ago, you made a comment on LFAA regarding Amazon and how it benefitted you as an author. I made an offhand comment about it was good information, as I am an unpublished author. You went out of your way to connect me with your agent, who did not rep my genre, but whom still offered much good information to me. When I thanked you, you said something that stuck with me. You said (I paraphrase) but you recalled how difficult the publishing world is and that offering a hand is what those who have achieved success do should remember and offer a hand. And in your typical choice of words you said "anyone who forgets that is an asshole."
I had occasionally read TAFM, and always looked for your comments on LFAA, but THAT offer of help--even though it didn't lead to me getting an agent--is what made me pull out my credit card and subscribe. It was the very least I could do to pay back. Now as a paid subscriber, I make sure to read every day, and I am astounded at how much time you must put into every post. And you still find time to write books!!
Trying to get published in today's business is incredibly hard. Actually writing a manuscript is only about 3% of the work for a novelist--at least it looks that way to me peering in from the outside. The other 97%? About another 5%--maybe--of editing and revision. The rest of it is marketing yourself, which includes social media, creating other content, etc. I have an author friend who has traditionally published over 25 books. He told me he never had to write a query letter, and the business has changed so drastically in the last decade that he is unsure he'd get published as a debut author today.
Having spent my career in healthcare, I witnessed plenty of humanity that has given me material to write novels, of which I've finished three. It did not at all prepare me for a writing career. Very, very lonely for those without an MFA from a prestigious university and no contacts in the industry. I know my prose is good, even if perhaps my grammar isn't perfect. I'll get there, somehow, someway, probably by self-publishing ebooks (which you recently told me is how you sell the majority of your books. Good advice)
Until then though, those little bits of encouragement that you and most (sadly, not all) successful writers have tossed me are like oxygen. And I thank you for that.
I will absolutely keep posting here. I've just learning to become a tad bit more cautious about hitting the enter key now.
Music is what has kept me going. My last symphonic band rehearsal is tonight, and I have two ensemble gigs this week; then I’m done with formal stuff until January.
A couple of us are going to busk at Holiday Market, and possibly play at our local VA clinic in the next week or so.
Yes, it is always hard to admit you were the dumbass who got taken to the cleaners.
How I wish that Treating addiction and deprograming cult mentality were not so intractable. I know the struggles up close and have felt that “there but for the grace of God go I” regarding the path of these challenges. How dare self-righteous vipers with zero humanity open their filthy mouths.
You cannot help someone change who doesn't want to change. As I learned with my late brother. The last time I got him a lawyer, after talking to him the lawyer took me aside as we were leaving and said "don't keep doing this to yourself. He has no desire to change." I then had to put to use the lesson I got taught in Lifeguard Class back when I was 15: Your job is to stay alive so you can save them, not die trying to save them. Learning to physically let go and not go down with a drowning person was - as the instructor warned - the most difficult lesson in the class. And it never gets easier.
Boy, have I been down that rat hole. Recognizing that I had no power was painful but necessary. It never gets easier…
"Chuck Schumer is tasking top committee Democrats to come up with policy ideas to address different aspects of the affordability issue," Great idea Chuck, it's only been a year this time. Maybe a Strongly Worded Letter is coming.
It is sadly unsurprising that the Australian Parliament is already meeting on the PM's suggestions for improved gun control and the only response from D.C. is Felon47's demented rant.
Indeed. And 13 years after Sandy Hook the DC loiterers can't even restore the automatic weapons ban. It's a cut-and-paste step that could be completed in a very short time. It wouldn't stop gun violence, but it would reduce it and would send a message that establishes the "value of human life" that the right wails about when talking about reproductive rights.
I don't think 47 posted that dastardly commentary regarding the Reiners' deaths. The punctuation, spelling, and phraseology seem to be that of Stephen Miller or some other aide who's carrying a mighty load of loathing. Anyone agree? (Not letting 47 off the hook by any means, but I think it was cynical red meat for the magas and thrown out there quickly to shape the narrative.)
I think that is possible. Miller is certainly depraved enough, and coming from LA, likely hates people in the movie business, since stupid people (like him) never get anywhere in it.
I think you're quite right about the source, the degenerate commentary is far more coherent than Trump has been on his best days since the inauguration.
The GoFundMe campaign has surpassed $2 million!
https://scallywagandvagabond.com/2025/12/ahmed-al-ahmed-bondi-beach-hero-bystander-could-lose-arm-as-go-fundme-reaches-2m/
Thinking about the Australia's move to tighten gun restrictions. Maybe the US should require from the applicant: the last 5 years of social media, emails, phone numbers, etc., to have a firearm permit.
That assholes reaction to this tragedy disgusts me to no end and shows in all of his gaudy gold wrapped bullshit what a complete mfer he is and will always be, a fourth rate, no talent, despicable mark on humanity, of which he doesn’t possess.
Death get busy and please remove this godawful stain from our presence.