Friday, November 30, 2012

Fiscal Cliffery: The Latest

Well, the Obama administration's opening salvo in Fiscal High cliff talks (place my repeated objection for this bullshit premise here) would be a pretty significant departure in the garbage these were saying yes to last year. To place it candidly: This really is nutrients.Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner presented the home speaker, John A. Boehner, an in depth proposal on Thursday to avert the entire year-finish fiscal crisis with $1.6 trillion in tax increases over ten years, $50 billion in immediate stimulus investing, mortgage refinancing along with a permanent finish to Congressional treatments for legal borrowing limits. The proposal, packed with Democratic focal points and short on detailed investing cuts, met strong Republican resistance. In return for securing within the $1.6 trillion in added revenues, Leader Obama accepted the aim of finding $400 billion in savings from Medicare insurance along with other social programs to become exercised the coming year, without any guarantees. ...Amy Brundage, a Whitened House speaker, stated: "At this time, the only real factor stopping us from reaching an offer that averts the fiscal high cliff and eliminates a tax hike on 98 percent of People in america may be the refusal of Congressional Republicans to request the richest people to pay for greater tax rates. The leader has signed into law over $1 trillion in investing cuts and that we remain prepared to do tough items to compromise, and it is here we are at Republicans in Washington to become listed on the chorus of other voices — in the world of business to middle-class People in america across the nation — who support a well-balanced approach that asks more in the richest People in america."BOOM.This is a pretty strong play—in policy and rhetoric—from the Federal government. (Fundamental essentials Dems we have been searching for!) David Dayen has more about the particulars of the items he quite appropriately calls the administration's "aggressive opening bid" here.Two findings:1. It seems that perhaps Team Obama has finally quit the fantasy of bipartisan compromise using the Republicans. Or at best the concept bipartisan compromise could be arrived at by concession like a beginning position. I really hope this signals a big change for that relaxation from the President's second term it might be an enormous relief.2. It seems that perhaps Team Obama would like to embrace its legit electoral mandate. Elections matter.So: How did the rubbish Obstructionist Party respond to this bid? ' ' guess! Continue! I wager you will not need several GUESS!USA Today: GOP Calls Whitened House High cliff Provide a Non-Starter.The Weekly Standard: McConnell 'Burst Into Laughter' as Geithner Layed out Obama's Plan.The Hill: Boehner Rejects Obama's Opening Bid.Etc.Republicans might prosper to heed public polling that has found: "When the two sides neglect to find mutual understanding on lowering the deficit, 53% stated congressional Republicans is to blame while 29% stated the duty falls on Leader Obama.InchIf perhaps voters were as stupid as Republicans think they're!Anyhow. This really is great news for the time being, but Scott Lemieux sensibly notes: "This primary bid is encouraging, but until we have an actual deal skepticism and political pressure in the left are greatly so as.Inch It wouldn't be considered a terrible idea to submit some encouraging and grateful words here to allow the administration realize that their progressive base wants these to stick to a hostile approach and framework that puts the onus around the Republicans to compromise.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Welp, Pack It Up. We're Done Here.

France's former first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy states you shouldn't have for feminism any longer."You shouldn't have to become feminist within my generation," she stated within an interview using the French edition of Style because of its December problem.This view comes apparently at odds together with her image being an independent lady who forged careers both in fashion and music before settling lower together with her husband Nicolas Sarkozy.Now she states she's happy aware of her two children, little girl Giulia, and boy Aurelian, telling Style, "You will find pioneers who opened up the breach. I am not whatsoever an energetic feminist. On the other hand, I am a bourgeois. I really like family existence, I really like doing exactly the same factor every single day.InchOh, that old feminists are anti-family chestnut! Sure. No feminists have babies ever. Much is apparent and certainly true. (Not a chance.) I am unsure, apart from "I do not understand feminism," what Bruni-Sarkozy is saying here, but I am confident she's saying she's too fortunate to want feminism.Okay. Well, have fun with that.Factor is, you will find still women without her privileges—even women in her own generation—who still feminism. I am certainly one of individuals women. And That I think it is pretty contemptible when women using the rights of Bruni-Sarkozy demean the activism which has given them accessibility public platform which they take pleasure in the posh of the disdain.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Happy Birthday, Deeky!

Appreciate it you have to!Pleased Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuu!Happy Birthday to youuuuuuuuuuuuu!You are forty-two which maaaaaaaakes meeeeeeeeeFour years more youthful than you!I really like you, my precious friend.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Daily Dose of Cute

Mistress Elinor Gwynn would really like a closer inspection at this scrumptious little bit of sweetmeat you're holding, you dear human you!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Daily Dose of Cute

Mistress Elinor Gwynn would really like a closer inspection at this scrumptious little bit of sweetmeat you're holding, you dear human you!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Cease-Fire Reached in Israel-Gaza Conflict

[Content Note: War violence.]CNN is confirming that the cease-fire continues to be brokered carrying out a bus bombing in Tel Aviv and intense discussions caused by US Secretary of Condition Hillary Clinton and Egyptian Leader Mohamed Morsy.The cease-fire, introduced Wednesday evening inside a joint news conference in Cairo with U.S. Secretary of Condition Hillary Clinton and Egyptian Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr, is scheduled to consider effect at 9 p.m. (2 p.m. ET).Using more than an hour or so to visit prior to the agreement formally became predominant, rockets might be seen streaking from Gaza in to the sky toward Israel. It wasn't immediately obvious if Israel had suspended its military procedures....No particulars from the cease-fire agreement were immediately available. Hamas have been requesting, amongst other things, an finish to Israel's blockade of Gaza. Israeli authorities stated these were seeking a lengthy-term solution ending the threat of rocket fire in southern Israel.As lately as Wednesday mid-day, Hamas authorities were with more strikes against Israel, that can be a country's military ongoing to press its campaign against suspected rocket-starting sites and just what it referred to as "terrorist hideouts."Eleven people passed away by Wednesday evening in Gaza, based on the Hamas-run al-Aqsa television station, getting the entire dying toll within the Palestinian territory to 142 in eight times of fighting.Five people died in Israel, and scores more were wounded.Again, be thoughtful in leaving comments and don't forget to take part in good belief.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

More Assvertising

[Content Note: Rape culture misogyny gender essentialism dehumanization.]It's garbage adverts trip to Shakesville! Wheeeeeee!Shaker Joey e-mailed me about some amazing PSAs about neutering and nuking pets. They are in an offer released through the Close Friends Animal Society, that we regret to report has apparently made the decision to own Animal Privileges Group That Shall 't Be Named a run because of its profit using gross, dehumanizing, misogynistic imagery to boost awareness with respect to non-human creatures. The campaign is known as Fix at Four, made to persuade folks to repair their dogs and felines by 4 years old several weeks to lessen the amount of "surprise" (undesirable) litters of cats and young puppies. It is really an important campaign! And Close Friends is capable of doing managing a serious, adorable, and memorable ad included in it that's not contemptible. Here's one!Tinkly music. Images of adorable cats and young puppies. Men voice-over states: "Here's your new kitten. Or perhaps your puppy. Every single day, 70,000 young puppies and cats much like options are born in america. Cute, right? Well, what's not cute is the fact that 1 / 2 of all litters are accidents. So when a kitten includes a litter of oopsies, along with a puppy includes a litter of uh-ohs, soon you've 1000's and 1000's of OMGs. Which results in countless pets being wiped out in animal shelters each year. But when 80% of pet proprietors say they feel in neutering and nuking, then what gives? Well, it works out individuals sweet little fuzzballs could possibly get pregnant earlier than you believe. Quicker. But here's what's promising: You are able to steer clear of the accident before it takes place. You just need to remember one number. Four. As with four several weeks. Whenever you buy Maggie or Ruby, or Puddle or Clyde, have them fixed at four months—it could be of sufficient age to conceive, and it is certainly youthful enough to really make a difference. Prevent more. Fix at month four."I am discussing that ad first to be able to put in context below, and also to underline that there's every reason to anticipate more from Close Friends.I am unsure when the following advertisements are presently being run anywhere on tv, but Shaker Joey saw them at Hulu, so there's a minumum of one major internet positioning right now.As the Dawson's Creek theme plays, a whitened tween girl along with a whitened tween boy take a seat on the leading porch of the suburban home, holding hands and shyly planning to hug for which appears like the very first time. All of a sudden, the porch light occurs, surprising the tweens. The boy hops within the porch railing and goes out. Whitened middle-aged different-sex parents emerge to the porch. Father, on the job sides, states, "I had been scared of that." Mother states, "Well, I suppose you're ready to enable you to get fixed. Your camera position changes, and also the tween girl has become a kitten. A lady voice-over states: "Your pets will begin kidding around earlier than you believe.Inch A mans cat is proven running over the lawn, and Father states, "Go on—get out of here!" Voice-over: "Accidental litters result in millions wiped out in animal shelters every year. Assist in preventing more. Fix at month four."Crazy piano music. A whitened guy takes his whitened tween daughter for any stroll along a suburban street. They pass a fenced-in yard having a "Watch out for Dog" sign behind that your whitened tween boy is jumping up and lower looking to get phone daughter. Father pulls her closer. In the next house, another whitened tween boy is applying a attached lawn edger to complete yardwork. He spots the daughter and runs on her, but jerks when the cord length runs outs. Daughter examines him interestedly and Father drags her along, saying, "Come on—let's go." In the next house, another whitened tween boy jumps at his screen door and so the family room window because they pass. In the next house, another whitened tween boys runs towards the fence close to his yard and states, "Hi! What's your title? Are you living around here? You are pretty! Where everyone going? In which you going? In which you going?!" Daughter smiles at him and Father drags her away, then sighs. "I suppose now it's time to enable you to get fixed, sweetie," he states. Your camera pans lower and also the tween girl has become a puppy. Father scratches her mind. Your camera pulls back and also the last boy has become a woofing dog. A lady voice-over states: "Your pets will begin getting observed earlier than you believe. Accidental litters result in millions wiped out in animal shelters every year. Assist in preventing more. Fix at month four."You will find lots of issues with these PSAs, and that i leaves you to definitely parse all of them in comments. Among the finest to create three quick findings: 1. The "father must police daughter's sexuality" shtick is really a rape culture trope that subverts female sexual agency. Conflating it with pet guardians' actual responsibility for controlling their pets' reproduction to curb overpopulation is problematic on myriad levels, but is particularly disgusting because of the current fight against agency by which this nation is involved, that has seen tween women progressively refused comprehensive sex education, use of birth control, use of abortion, and use of reproductive health care.2. The "teenage boys are dogs in warmth without any charge of their sexual impulses" is another rape culture trope. Conflating human youthful (straight) males, who require to find and respect consent, with dogs, isn't basically insulting to teenagers it's harmful for youthful women.3. Observe that both in adverts, it's the female animal who needs fixing. I am sure that's only a coincidence and not another jerk to rape culture stories that suggest women are distinctively accountable for stopping undesirable sexual advances and pregnancy. Ahem. If you'd like to make contact with the Close Friends Animal Society and request these to please stop running ads that uphold rape culture, especially thinking about that lots of, a lot of women associated with animal save are children of sexual violence, you'll find contact details here, or leave a note on their own Facebook page here, or tweet their way here.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Two Facts

1. David Brooks continues to be compensated to create a column for that New You are able to Occasions.2. This, apparently, is one.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Monday, November 19, 2012

Quote of the Day

Republican U . s . States Senator from Florida Marco Rubio, in reaction to being requested by GQ magazine what age he thinks our planet is:I am not really a researcher, guy. I will tell you what recorded history states, I will tell you exactly what the Bible states, however i think this is a dispute among theologians and i believe it's nothing related to the gdp or economic development of the U . s . States. I believe age the world has zero related to how our economy will grow. I am not really a researcher. I do not think I am capable of answer an issue like this. In the finish during the day, I believe you will find multiple ideas available how the world was produced and i believe this can be a country where people must have the chance to train all of them. I believe parents should have the ability to train their children what their belief states, what science states. If the Earth was produced in seven days, or 7 actual eras, I am unsure we'll ever have the ability to answer that. It's among the great mysteries.Wow.We will possess a different political landscape continuing to move forward if reporters continue doing their job and pressure Republican political figures to honestly answer serious questions regarding their values. Or even the "values" they espouse, to be able to pander for their base.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Number of the Day

[Content Note: Christian Supremacy homophobia.]$two million: How much money spent through the Roman Catholic Chapel and it is affiliate, the Knights in combat of Columbus, throughout the final election cycle funding anti-marriage equality efforts.Much like Jesus would do.It is a positive thing you will find forget about people not having food or shelter or health care on the planet, therefore the Catholic Chapel can spend metric fucktons of their tax-exempt collections on hate.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Today in Mitt Romney Is Still Terrible

Mitt Romney lost fair and square while he is terrible and the guidelines are garbage. But he's other ideas about why he lost the election to Leader Obama, and—spoiler alert!—they don't include his being terrible and hawking garbage guidelines:Mitt Romney on Wednesday credited his defeat simply as to the he known as large policy "gifts" the leader had presented on loyal Democratic constituencies, including youthful voters, African-People in america and Hispanics.Inside a business call with fund-raisers and contributor to his campaign, Mr. Romney stated Wednesday mid-day the leader had adopted the "old playbook" of utilizing specific initiatives to woo specific interest groups — "particularly the African-American community, the Hispanic community and youthful people.""In every situation, these were very generous with what they gave to individuals groups," Mr. Romney stated..."According to the youthful people, for example, a forgiveness of school loan interest would be a large gift," Mr. Romney stated. "Free birth control methods were very large with youthful, college-aged women. After which, finally, Obamacare also designed a difference on their behalf, because you may already know, anybody now 26 years old and more youthful was now likely to be a part of their parents' plan, which would be a large gift to youthful people."..."Imaginable for an individual making $25,000 or $30,000 or $35,000 annually, being told you are now getting free healthcare, particularly without having it, getting free healthcare worth, what, $10,000 per family, in perpetuity — I am talking about, this really is huge," Mr. Romney stated. "Likewise with Hispanic voters, free healthcare would be a large plus. But additionally in relation to Hispanic voters, the amnesty for kids of illegals, the so-known as Dream Act kids, would be a huge plus for your voting group."None of the, obviously, is remotely surprising in the guy who thinks people aren't titled to food, and whose running mate was accusing "urban voters" for his or her loss on friday. They are highly titled, titanically fortunate, and voraciously greedy bigots who wouldn't accept personal accountability whether it were drizzled with gold and hands-shipped by Jesus.Plus they manifestly won't learn. This sneering contempt for those who don't share their rights is the reason why they're losing. And rather than walking to reflect on whether maybe "Bootstraps, nonwinners!" is not a fantastic strategy, they obdurately reject empathy and bridge-building in support of doubling lower on rank hostility and scapegoating.It is simply the worst couple of sour grapes being smashed into bitter red-colored whine.And it might be awful to look at, if perhaps I were not so pleased through the proof of their growing lack of ability to effectively hide the private cruelty that underwrites their reprehensible guidelines.Possibly Reagan's rosy-cheeked mask of affability has finally and forever fallen in the ugly face of contemporary conservatism.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Daily Dose of Cute

Livs, relaxing in the daylight just within the front window today.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Top Five

Here's your subject: Top 5 Worst Television Theme Tunes. For that record, we are able to all take that one like a gimme. Go!Please feel thanks for visiting share tales about why your Top 5 picks are what they're, though an upright-up list is okay, too. Please avoid adversely auditing other individuals lists, because judgment attempts participation.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Quote of the Day

"So what can be worse rather than sell your soul and discover it not valuable enough to obtain anything for this?"—Garry Wills, within an absolutely brutal (but accurate) publish-election piece on Mitt Romney for that New You are able to Overview of Books. OUCH.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Boys Do Cry

Yesterday, Leader Obama spoke to his campaign staff in Chicago to inform them thanks and share a number of ideas by what it designed to him to determine a lot of amazing, engaged, gifted youthful people employed by his reelection. It's a amazing video, a romantic, candid moment having a leader of the kind we rarely see.[Full transcript at finish of publish.]Last evening, Iain and that i saw this clip-on The Erectile dysfunction Show. After it broadcast, I had been wiping tears from my very own cheekbones, not just since it would be a moving address, even though it was, and not simply since i cry at everything, although I actually do, but since i felt enjoy it really was essential that there's a relevant video in the realm of a mans leader from the American Empire crying from profound feelings of gratitude and pleasure and pride and hopefulness.We view our leaders, very from time to time, shed a tear within the coming back physiques of dead soldiers or surveying remains of disasters we view our leaders, rarely, cry in grief. Acceptable male tears.However this is one thing different. I requested Iain in the event that was an essential image to him—to see his male leader cry freely. He stated it's, it's an entirely different model than "the strong quiet type, the taciturn leader" that he'd been exhorted to adapt, despite the fact that it declines to males accessibility entire spectrum of human emotion. Another model for males. One by which strength is patterned by showing emotion, by permitting your nation to help you show emotion. That appears just like a pretty large deal.Also it feels in my experience this moment talks to a different important demographic change within the U . s . States, that will get spoken around but never about directly in checks which males election to whom. It feels in my experience that perhaps this President—a more youthful Leader, elevated with a feminist mother—is appealing to males who would like accessibility fundamental areas of human expression the Patriarchy states they can't have.If a part of every affirmative election for just one candidate inside a two-party system is another disavowal from the other candidate, maybe a few of the males who chosen for Leader Obama were simply repudiating the Romney type of manhood, rejecting a guy who reminds them of fathers who said excitedly that males don't cry and refused them their full humanity.This, conservatives will sneer, is proof of the feminization of the usa. They like to state that. Which is proof of feminism's reach—and the queer privileges movement, and anti-racism, and various social justice advocacy, that is at root the battle for acceptance of the full spectrum of humanity.However this moment isn't concerning the nation increasingly feminine. It's about the possibility for people being more fully human.The humanization from the U . s . States.That's a effective factor. You will see criticisms from the Leader he was feminine, weak, unserious. You will see criticisms he cried crocodile tears for that cameras. You will see many silly and cruel things stated, since there are always if this Leader does something that shows decency, so when anyone transgresses hir enforced gender roles.However this simple display of emotion would be a gift. It was a present to young girls, to make sure them that crying is not some stupid factor only women do this means they are under. It was a present to little boys, to make sure them that boys do cry—and so males. It had been the emotional same as this:Me, too.Exactly what a generous factor, to allow all of us see.* * *A whitened guy stands in a microphone in front of the room he introduces the Leader: "As well as gentlemen, the reelected Leader from the U . s . States, Obama.Inch You will find overwhelming cheers and applause because the Leader takes the microphone.Obama: Sooo...everyone. [laughter because he looks for words] You realize, I attempt to picture myself, um, after i was your age—and When i first gone to live in Chicago at age 25, and that i had this large inkling about creating a positive change I did not really understand how to get it done. Uh, I did not possess a structure, uh, there wasn't a, a presidential campaign at that time which i could attach myself to—Ronald Reagan had been reelected [laughter] and was incredibly well-liked and, um... I found Chicago, uh, understanding that in some way I needed to make certain that my existence attached itself to helping kids obtain a great education, or helping individuals who existed in poverty to obtain decent jobs and have the ability to work and also have dignity, um, to make certain that individuals did not must see the er to obtain health care. And That I wound up as being a community organizer around the South Side of Chicago—a number of places of worship were prepared to hire me—and I did not know whatsoever things i was doing.And, you realize, the job which i did in individuals towns transformed me a lot more than I transformed the towns, since it trained me the hopes and aspirations and also the grit and also the resilience of regular people, uh, also it trained me the truth that, underneath the surface variations, everyone has common hopes and everyone has common dreams.Also it trained me something about how exactly I handled disappointment, and just what it designed to strive on the common endeavor. And That I increased up—I grew to become a guy throughout that process.And thus after i come here, and that i look whatsoever individuals, uh, what involves mind is—it's not too everyone really help remind me of myself it's because you are extremely a lot better than I had been. [scattered laughter] Um, in a lot of ways: You are wiser, and you are better organized, and, um, you, uh—you're more efficient.And thus I am absolutely certain that all you will just do wonderful things for you. [he will get clogged up] And, you realize, the, uh—what Bobby Kennedy known as the ripples of hope, which come out whenever you throw a stone inside a lake, uh, that's destined to be you! [baby wipes tear from his eye] You realize, I am just searching round the room and I am thinking wherever everyone finish up, in whatever states, in whatever capabilities, whether you are within the private sector, the not-for-profit, or maybe a number of you're going into public service, you are just gonna do excellent achievements!Which explains why, before last night's results, It seemed like the job which i tried, um, [holding back tears] in running for office, had come full circle. Um, because what everyone did [voice breaking] implies that the job that I am doing is essential. [tears fall because he looks round the room] And I am really happy with that. I am really proud famous you. And, um— [baby wipes tears from oral cavity he can't even consider the crowd now, and they start to cheer he swallows back tears and baby wipes his face]And just what you guys—what everyone have accomplished goes on within the annals of history, and individuals will find out about it, and they're going to marvel about this, but the most crucial factor you should know is the fact that, uh, um, your journey's just beginning. You are just beginning. And whatever good we all do within the next 4 years will pale compared to what everyone finish up achieving for many years in the future.And, uh, which has been my supply of hope. This is exactly why, throughout the final 4 years when individuals requested me about, uh, you realize, how can you endure a and also the frustrations of Washington, you realize, I simply consider you. I consider what everyone are gonna do. And that is the origin of my hope. This is the supply of my strength and my inspiration. And That I realize that, uh, I understand that everyone will not dissatisfy me, because I have already seen who everyone are, and also you each one is just amazing people. And you've got lifted me up, every single stage.Okay, thanks, men. [waves and walks off to cheers and applause because the camera follows him, he baby wipes tears off his face]

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Daily Dose of Cute

Mistress Elinor Gwynn invites you to definitely join her for any snooze underneath the blanket.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Daily Dose of Cute

Mistress Elinor Gwynn invites you to definitely join her for any snooze underneath the blanket.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Also This

The main one factor the GOP will become familiar with out of this election would be to ixnay the aperay uffstay! Media must learn to ensure they are ANSWER Individuals QUESTIONS.&mdash Melissa McEwan (@Shakestweetz) November 7, 2012This idea really warrants its very own publish, however i am so tired my brain has slithered out my ears looking for a nap. So my tweet will need to suffice for the time being.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

A Note

There's certainly other news these days aside from the US election. I simply can't talk about any one of it! That's because I'm a worked up mass of mind-mind-numbing anxiety! SOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Monday, November 5, 2012

The Virtual Pub Is Open

[Explanations: lol your body fat. pathetic anger bread. hey your gay.]TFIF, Shakers!Belly as much as the bar,and title your poison!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Tweet of the Day

Remember, everybody. Set your clocks back 1 hour Saturday evening and, if Romney wins, 70 years Tuesday evening.&mdash Bearded Stoner (@beardedstoner) November 2, 2012

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Top Five

Here's your subject, recommended by Shaker hillevi: Top 5 Things Certain to Bring a grin for your Face. Go!Please feel thanks for visiting share tales about why your Top 5 picks are what they're, though a straight-up list is okay, too. Please avoid adversely auditing other individuals lists, because judgment attempts participation.

Top Five

Here's your subject, recommended by Shaker RedPandamonium: Top 5 Words You Want Were in keeping Usage. Go!Please feel thanks for visiting share tales about why your Top 5 picks are what they're, though a straight-up list is okay, too. Please avoid adversely auditing other individuals lists, because judgment attempts participation.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Top Five

Here's your subject, recommended by Shaker hillevi: Top 5 Things Certain to Bring a grin for your Face. Go!Please feel thanks for visiting share tales about why your Top 5 picks are what they're, though a straight-up list is okay, too. Please avoid adversely auditing other individuals lists, because judgment attempts participation.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Daily Dose of Cute

Sophs, last evening, curled facing my leg around the chaise. She's so absurdly adorable, I do not know what related to her!But my current strategy utilizes plenty of snuggles and goodies.