Saturday, December 31, 2016

I think this one photograph adequately sums up my feelings about 2016.

Source
So many highs, followed by so many lows.

The year had such great promise.

It was filled with so much hope.

By the end I sort of felt like poor Ronda Rousey from last night's fight.

Source
But you know what? We are fighters as well.

So let's pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and prepare for the next battle.

Because as every fighter knows, sometimes it takes getting knocked down, to remind us what it takes to win. 



66 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:38 PM

    Wow, Gryphen, did you ever nail my feelings this New Year's Eve. I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for your work and dedication to your blog. I'm an 8-year reader and occasional contributor, and I LOVE your pithy and humorous takes on world events. Please keep it up for 2017. Don't want to think of starting my day without you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:52 PM

      Gryph is also my first stop and he's usually not out of bed yet (auto posts to start our day)!

      Fight the good fight, IMers!
      The best to all of us in 2017.

      Delete
  2. It is so goddamn time you got out Of the misery and started to fight. I've sent you some wonderful opportunities and you have ignored them.
    You have a wonderful,forum here. Stop wringing your hands and lead us forward.
    Margot

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:18 PM

      Listen, kook, start your own blog if you are so damn sure.

      Delete
    2. How would you know what Gryphen does with his time outside of this blog?

      Why are you here "wringing your hands" instead of being a leader yourself with your "wonderful opportunities"?

      Surely people would follow you. Right?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous7:45 AM

      Margot I usually like you, but you are woefully ignorant of how our host spends his time. Not that it's any of our business. Did you know non-blogging Gryph devotes nearly all his waking hours to helping children in need? Just because he doesn't trumpet about every petition you send him it doesn't mean he isn't invested or interested.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous5:03 PM

    FIGHT!!!
    RESIST!!!

    Do it all peacefully. But do it!

    #NOTMYPRESIDENTTOBE!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous5:04 PM

    Thank you, kind sir, for your blog spot! I've been involved since your beginning and have thoroughly enjoyed connecting with you on a near, daily basis.

    Happy New Year to you and yours and may we all have a peace-filled 2017!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous5:07 PM

    Drumpf kicks biographer off golf course
    Harry Hurt had written a critical book about the president-elect.

    http://www.politico.com/story/2016/12/trump-biographer-golf-course-233092

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:25 PM

      The true beauty in this is that David Koch was golfing with Mr. Hurt and had some choice words for Trump.

      Don't think Trump wants to publicly get into a battle with the Koch brothers, they have about 100 times more money, cunning and connections and have never been what one would call "Trump supporters".

      Delete
    2. Anonymous6:24 PM

      I just read the story and Hurt's own account of things. Whatever else can be said about the Kochs, David Koch leaving with his foursome, rather than having Hurt leave alone, showed class Trump will never have. They are said to have played at a better course. Hope he ends his membership.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous6:28 PM

      HA! I hope, thea$$hat gets completely on the wrong side of the Koch Brothers. That would be an enormous benefit for the US, because they would be able to get rid of him ASAP!

      Delete
    4. Anonymous7:44 PM

      So if the Kochs dislike T, why did they let him win? Because much as they find him a boor, T will lower their tax rates still further. So, they're powerful enough to talk back, but bottom line they like what he will deliver to them: wealth. At the expense of the 99%.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous8:42 PM

      Spit on, 7:44pm, spot on!

      Delete
  6. Anonymous5:13 PM

    It was my best year thus far. And 2017 will be 1000 better. 36 country tour here we come.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:42 PM

      Speaking from experience, depending on which 36 countries you plan to visit expect more than half of them to be less than cordial when they find out you are American, especially now.

      Our family, beginning in the Bush years, "travels as Canadian" and since we frequently visit Vancouver/Victoria to see relatives we are able to "pass" convincingly. You'll make more friends and won't have to spend most of your vacation defending the actions of America.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous5:19 PM

    As the person who just wrote 2016 was the best year thus far, I would like to clarify that's because starting in 2008, my finances took the first downturn since the 80s. The first 8 years of this century were fantastic. I stockpiled all the money I will need for 20 years of retirement without giving anything us, which I am very proud of. But when all the Clinton administration bullshit hit the fan in 2008, I spent 4 years living below the level I wanted to. Not a bad 4 years. Just not ideal. The only reason things are great, despite the economy not being super currently, is because I fell into a dream job and my husband retired finally.My daughter's dog grooming business is putting her on the path to retiring at 55. My son is an anti-corporate attorney.

    Life could not be better and people need to buc up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous5:30 PM

      I fucking despise people that blithely toss out the phrase "buck up"

      HeidiWy

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:48 PM

      Glad things are working well for you. Don't see how the rest of the world needs to "buc up". 2016 started well for me but the election, the negatives from the Trump campaign, have left me worried about the future.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous6:13 PM

      buck up Heidi.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous6:52 PM

      Congratulations on your good fortune. Good times come and go for most people, rare is the person who experiences only good fortune in their life.

      I understand how those who may be new to financial well-being and security may find it necessary to use their newfound wealth to place themselves above others who have not been so fortunate. I've watched more than a few friends who acquired "new money" spend most of their time bragging about it and living ostentatiously as their breeding and background did not properly prepare them for their new financial circumstances. I've also seen many fortunes lost just as fast as they were acquired.

      I've found that the most satisfactory part of having good fortune is sharing it with others.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous7:48 PM

      Not buying this story. Dog groomers do not make that much money, even those with their own business. This sounds like Alicia's bs.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous7:59 PM

      Actually, I don't need to "buck up". I have a life for which I am most grateful. The fact that you need to brag to anonymous people online about your financial situation is very telling. I measure my wealth by my blessings, both spiritual and material. Emphasis on spiritual.

      I will do well the next four years, however, I am concerned for those that do not have the opportunities and advantages I have. I cannot arrogantly tell them to buck up.

      HeidiWy

      Delete
    7. Yes, yes, yes, Heidi!!! Look no further than Bill Gates (unbelievably richer than Trump) and HIS foundation for an example.

      An aside: NPR, a few years ago, had some interviews with some very wealthy people, and asked what they most liked about having that much money. The others: power, material objects, feeling superior, leisure, gloating....Bill Gates: "Now I can buy any book I want".

      Make of this what you will.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous8:35 PM

      Oh, and I despise people who can't spell. It's buck up, not buc up.

      GeorgiaPeach

      Delete
    9. "I fucking despise people that blithely toss out the phrase "buck up"

      HeidiWy"

      I fucking despise people that not only use the phrase "buck up" but can't FUCKING SPELL IT.

      Delete
    10. Anonymous3:59 AM

      Fantasy, fantasy. You are obviously too stupid to remember 9/11/2001, on BUSH'S WATCH, and the economic free-fall that followed. 2008 was 8 years into the Cheney Administration's watch, and the 2008 recession is still being felt around the world.

      Delete
    11. Anonymous7:49 AM

      5:19, I'm thrilled you can retire on your 20 year pile of cash. I spent my life savings paying the copay on a $677,000+ tumor resection surgery/lengthy hospital stay and the tumor is already back and now I'm dead broke and my insurance lapsed. So bully for you, but tone down the braggadocio.

      Delete
  8. Anonymous5:23 PM

    We survived 8 years of Bush and we'll survive this. Bring on 2017 and then 2018-19 and in 2020 we have a chance to right this wrong. Let's hope the Dems are going to spend the next 3 years grooming someone awesome to start campaigning in 2019, someone we can all coalesce behind and fight for, someone who can right the wrongs of this next administration.

    Happy New Year everyone!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:52 PM

      Happy New Year!

      Gotta ruin this thread and point people to Palin's FB. She posted a Sound of Music pic and line she finds quite clever. It just makes sense that it involves Liesl's Nazi-scumbag narc boyfriend.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9:15 PM

      I'll coalesce behind anyfuckingbody with a D after their name.

      And fuck Palin and her FB. She can post on FB until she goes cross-eyed. Oh wait...

      Delete
  9. Anonymous5:56 PM

    How come the press cries when Trump dumps them when he goes out to eat, plays golf or doesn't allow them on his plane?

    You drunk his kool-aid, reported what he wanted you to report and now he's elected and doesn't need you anymore. Get over it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:18 PM

      Because they kissed his orange sphincter long enough to get him elected and think they're owed? Joke's on them. Dumbasses.

      Delete
    2. I wish the press corps would en masse desert him and fail to cover him any more.

      He wants Twitter to be his "press corps", then fine. Let him tweet his own bullshit. No need to normalize it or give it legitimacy by covering it.

      When Spicer enters the room, let it be empty.

      Delete
  10. Anonymous6:06 PM

    Yah...TNT is running the three Lord of the Rings films...the Two Towers is about to go into the Battle of Helms' Deep...

    ohhh...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:55 PM

      'even darkness will pass...a new day will dawn.'

      'there's some good in this world...and it's worth fighting for'

      Delete
  11. I'm done mourning. I'm ready to fight.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous6:59 PM

      Trump is my enemy and will never be potus to me! There are many Americans on record feeling exactly the same!

      We will never adore or admire the asshole as is his wish and we'll never genuflect in his presence! But, I would be more than happy to moon him if given the right opportunity!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous9:02 PM

      Agreed. I see him as an enemy of the state. I imagine that those with expertise in the area of keeping this country intact and safe are talking about how to handle him.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous1:03 AM

      lol.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous10:09 PM

      Watching Trump praise Putin whilst dissing our US agents turns my stomach and is treasonous AT THE LEAST!

      Delete
  12. Anonymous6:31 PM

    I was reading over at ex-CIA guy Malcolm Nance's Twitter today and one thing I came across was someone else's mention of this Russian/mob guy named Felix Sater who is connected to Trump. It looked like, from the tweet, like something new might soon be coming out about the relationship. If anyone's interested there's lots on him online. I'll paste in two links with interesting info:

    http://www.forbes.com/sites/richardbehar/2016/10/03/donald-trump-and-the-felon-inside-his-business-dealings-with-a-mob-connected-hustler/#50e3beba1e02


    http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/russian-organized-crime.htm

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous6:53 PM

    The only good things to come out of 2016 is the demise of Nancy Reagan and Phyllis Schlafly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8:08 PM

      PS for sure. Evil. Just evil.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous8:45 PM

      Absolutely! Especially Phyllis Schafly!

      Delete
  14. Anonymous7:20 PM

    The best thing about the internet is instant information. The worst thing about the internet is everything's archived. There are no secrets anymore. Which is fine if you have nothing to hide and potentially disastrous if you do. We all now live in a fish bowl.

    OAFMMc.

    GeorgiaPeach

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous8:20 PM

    2016 took one more, William Christopher aka Father Mulcahy on M*A*S*H.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous8:28 PM

    My President Obama is America and all it stands for!
    p.PERVE ....... A pulsating maggot in every way!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Anonymous8:38 PM

    anyone else watching Eagle Cam tonight? the second eaglet is cracking his shell.

    happy new year

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous8:55 PM

    This Compilation Of Alec Baldwin HUMILIATING Trump On SNL Will WRECK Trump New Year’s Eve

    http://addictinginfo.org/2016/12/31/this-compilation-of-alec-baldwin-humiliating-trump-on-snl-will-wreck-trump-new-years-eve/

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous9:00 PM

    Tonight he talked in a few sound bites before his party and still doubted the intel and said he knows things others don't know (na na na na na) and he will be making some sort of revelation on Tuesday or Wednesday. If he goes through with it (he tends to let things just drop), there is nothing he will tell us that will be a real revelation. Except in that it may be some excuse he uses to keep at his Putin blow job and we'll all be in shock again at his refusal to see reality.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous9:02 PM

    We will not roll over and meekly take the racist Trump administration! President Obama has been an inspiration. We ain't gonna take it!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous9:04 PM

    Here’s The List Of Items Trump Banned From Inauguration, Including Guns

    http://addictinginfo.org/2016/12/31/heres-the-list-of-items-trump-banned-from-inauguration-including-guns/

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous9:06 PM

    Trump Just Called Americans His ‘Enemies’ In His New Years Tweet And Twitter Ripped His Face Off (TWEETS)

    http://addictinginfo.org/2016/12/31/trump-just-called-americans-his-enemies-in-his-new-years-tweet-and-twitter-ripped-his-face-off-tweets/

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous9:10 PM

    Pics from Trump's white NY's bash. Scroll down to see the most booooring, predictable menu and pics of an embarrassing wedge salad. And to see Don jJ.'s "skin beard" (thanks fellow IMer) in the making--he has always had a flat Trump chin and doughey skin underneath it blending right into the neck at a young age (same with all Trump children, though Ivanka got an implant).


    http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/live-updates-trump-new-year-eve-party-mar-lago/3s48VIZYH9VGeeCU1hbeHL/

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous9:11 PM

    Trump’s Solution For Cyber Security Announced At NYE Party

    When asked about his latest thoughts on the subject while speaking to reporters late Saturday evening at his Florida Mar-a-Lago resort, he said that messages requiring top levels of security shouldn’t be sent via the internet at all. Rather, Trump said, these messages should be printed out and sent via courier like in the old days.

    Yes, he really said that.

    http://www.bipartisanreport.com/2016/12/31/trumps-solution-for-cyber-security-announced-at-nye-party-it-will-blow-your-fcking-mind/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous9:47 PM

      dust off the ole Selectric typewriters boyos - wow. he just can't help himself cause he is a jackass.

      Delete
    2. Perhaps they should be hand written.

      Yeah, those briefcases handcuffed to a courier won't raise any suspicions whatsoever. Have them wear hats and trenchcoats too.

      Have you thought of carrier pigeon?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous9:46 AM

      How about using invisible ink?

      I think that any administration in Washington is supposed to keep records of all meetings, writings, and phone calls. The records belong to the American people and reside in the National Archives for the most part. Trump seems to want to eliminate all of that; with his plan, Trump won't have to destroy millions of emails as the Bush administration did (illegally) before leaving office.
      Beaglemom

      Delete
  25. Anonymous9:14 PM

    ‘It’s been the privilege of my life to serve as your President. And as I prepare to take on the even more important role of citizen, know that I will be there with you every step of the way to ensure that this country forever strives to live up to the incredible promise of our founding—that all of us are created equal, and all of us deserve every chance to live out our dreams. And from the Obama family to yours—have a happy and blessed 2017.’

    Watch Obama’s message below.

    http://www.bipartisanreport.com/2016/12/31/the-white-house-just-released-obamas-nye-message-putting-trumps-childish-tweet-to-shame/

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous4:29 AM

    Will Donald be briefed on this?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Anonymous4:45 AM

    Hey, boxing ears is not my cup of tea. But! that good old ancestor spirit comes out when defending my country. Pow! boom! bang! The strength and anger caused by the liars, cheaters and riggers? Oh brother. The Americans have fought many of wars on this soil. And we will again. Get yer boxing gloves on. Finally have a reason and meaning for the phase Take our country back. Out smart the dummies and box their ears in with truth and facts.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Anonymous4:52 AM

    Don went low through the sewer and came out smelling like the sewer. Many live underground in that sewer drinking the vodka. Don trained his deplorable staff on his lousy tv show and by "contracts" "pledges" "threats" and "bribes". A business guy that owes everyone and cannot pay anyone.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Anonymous11:26 PM

    Obummer is a traitor who stabbed Israel in the back.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:54 AM

      Donald Drumpf is a traitor who stabbed the USA in the back with a Russian dagger.

      Delete

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