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Friday Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:31:23 PM EST
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Rashid Khalidi? Cool sounding name. Shareem Abdur Rahim? Also a cool sounding name. Mahmoud_Abdul-Rauf? Also cool. And Kareem Abdul Jabbar? Also a cool sounding name. Not to mention Nuri Al Maliki.

What do Republicans have against vowels? Say what you want about George Bush, but he seems to not hold any grudges against people with a lot of vowels in their name.

This is an Open Thread.

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    Does anyone have a breakdown (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:38:45 PM EST
    of any negative aspects of Obama's healthcare plan for those like me who are not industry experts? My heart said Hillarycare, but my head says Obama.

    My heart and head say Hillary's plan. (5.00 / 3) (#7)
    by Teresa on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:49:15 PM EST
    I have the same question and I can't find any Obama supporters who can tell me how it will change for me. I have really crappy ins through my employer but I pay 100% of it. Am I just stuck?

    It doesn't seem as big priority as it was with the Hillary and Edwards supporters, so I'm still confused.

    Parent

    My impression is that it won't (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by ruffian on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:26:33 PM EST
    change anything for me personally.  If he is right about technical efficiencies he is proposing bringing down prices, the premiums employers pay might go lower, but there is no guarantee of that, or that the lower premiums would result in the employers increasing wages by the same amount.

    Parent
    It is my understanding (5.00 / 1) (#119)
    by BackFromOhio on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 10:22:39 PM EST
    that the reason Obama's plan might not bring rates down enough is the opt in feature for adults. If everyone is required to have insurance, private or public, then the Federal government's power to bargain on rates, coverage issues, etc. with the insurance companies is raised significantly.

    Parent
    I have good insurance and what scares me (none / 0) (#108)
    by cpa1 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 07:40:51 PM EST
    is what Canada has.  A friend of mine has been kicked around all over Canada because he has sleep apnea and he has other nose related problems that prevent him from breathing correctly when he sleeps.  He began to fall apart, lost his jog and had a minor stroke.  He finally found a Dr. at Dartmouth who diagnosed the problem correctly and it is determined that he needs two surgeries.  The first will not be until July.  That is barbaric and that worries me.  Of course giving everyone medical coverage is the right thing to do but if you don't have "extra" money to go beyond the system, you have to wait.  For my friend, it could kill him.

    It's a tough issue for liberals who have good insurance and don't have to wait months and months for medicare care needed right away.  

    Parent

    Fall From The Bridge To Nowhere Poll (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by CoralGables on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:39:03 PM EST
    Part 2

    The second poll out of Alaska for the Ted Stevens Senate race (after the felony convictions)has a 20 point swing in the Dem's direction with Begich now at +22.

    This is Dkos/Research2000 so may be a bit biased but not 20 pts worth. Rasmussen two days ago had Begich at +8 after a 9 point swing. Ted Stevens is done.

    Awesome! Hey it looks like Dole (5.00 / 2) (#4)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:42:46 PM EST
    is going to go down too, partly because of the "Godless" ad and the defamation suit by Hagan.

    Parent
    Gotta love (5.00 / 2) (#6)
    by CST on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:47:23 PM EST
    When smear campaigns fail.

    I love it when Republicans get called out on their cr@p and lose.  Like George "Macaca" Allen.  The country has moved passed that point, and Rethuglicans are getting left behind.  They are losing the culture wars, and a whole generation of voters in the process.

    Parent

    Yeah It's not that I personally (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:03:21 PM EST
    find atheists or any other faith offensive, but you just shouldn't lie about another person's core belief system. It's wrong.

    Parent
    It also helps (none / 0) (#117)
    by BackFromOhio on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 10:12:06 PM EST
    when the Dems call the Rethugs on their smears & do so immediately and without whining or otherwise acting like hapless victims.

    Parent
    Good riddance to the despicable Liddy Dole. (5.00 / 2) (#80)
    by snstara on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:44:41 PM EST
    This ad just furthered my contempt for her.

    By the way, as an agnostic, I question why any politician of any faith is somehow seen to be tainted by attending a fund-raiser that includes non-believing Americans.  

    Parent

    The funniest part of the (5.00 / 3) (#81)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:54:57 PM EST
    ad is when it states that Hagan "took Godless money." Could fundie GOP Pharisees be any more ironic? Jesus would not approve of this ad! LOL

    Parent
    Probably true of most all fund-raisers (none / 0) (#95)
    by cal1942 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 05:39:30 PM EST
    even the GOP.

    Parent
    Poor Sarah... (5.00 / 3) (#9)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:50:32 PM EST
    ...feels like she's being picked on again...

    "If [the media] convince enough voters that that is negative campaigning, for me to call Barack Obama out on his associations," Palin told host Chris Plante, "then I don't know what the future of our country would be in terms of First Amendment rights and our ability to ask questions without fear of attacks by the mainstream media."

    Too bad she doesn't have a clue what the 1st Amendment guarantees.  

    We had a small earthquake today! (5.00 / 2) (#12)
    by Teresa on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:52:26 PM EST
    It is probably nothing compared to next week when we may lose our coach (Fulmer).

    Also, I think about 45% of registered voters have already voted here. We are going to set a record Tuesday.

    I just can't figure out in this red area if it is people coming to vote against Obama or for him. I see no enthusiasm to vote for McCain.

    We're glad you're safe. Any damage? (none / 0) (#15)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:59:32 PM EST


    Parent
    No. It was tiny (3.0) (none / 0) (#17)
    by Teresa on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:02:21 PM EST
    We do get some in the 4-5 range now and then. I was playing monopoly with my brothers once and our table tilted all the way over and spilled the game.

    It was weird. My nerves couldn't take that all the time. I might trade it for tornadoes, though.

    Parent

    where do you live? (none / 0) (#22)
    by thereyougo on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:06:16 PM EST


    Parent
    Knoxville, TN (none / 0) (#24)
    by Teresa on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:09:04 PM EST


    Parent
    Fire Fulmer? (none / 0) (#38)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:26:34 PM EST
    Are you kidding? No no no no no.

    Tennessee has been Gator Bait for too many years now. What if you get a real coach?

    Parent

    I think he really is out BTD. I know that doesn't (none / 0) (#45)
    by Teresa on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:33:09 PM EST
    make you happy :) but it's kind of sad. They seem prepared to pay whatever it takes to get a big name coach but would you want to recruit here? We have no youth football.

    At least that's what I hear. The big booster supporters are finally ready to pull the plug and some of the "in the know" sports people say it is already a done deal.

    Parent

    Oh come on (none / 0) (#54)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:44:14 PM EST
    recruiting at Tennessee is a breeze.

    110,000 on Saturdays?

    Fulmer is a lousy coach who shoud have been fired years ago In away, 1998 hurt Tennessee because you kept Fullmer as a result.

    He is a terrible coach.

    Parent

    Well Sat night, I was surrounded by Alabama (none / 0) (#56)
    by Teresa on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:46:57 PM EST
    fans. About one third of the fans were in crimson. Have you not seen the empty seats on TV?

    Is he really a bad coach? I know he has been a great recruiter but he is so loyal to his players and seniority that if Tebow played here, he'd have to wait his turn.

    Parent

    Happy Halloween with a word of caution............ (5.00 / 2) (#20)
    by BrassTacks on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:04:13 PM EST
    I am outta here to prepare for the fun tonight with the kids and grandkids.  

    I hope that all are aware the more people die at the hands of drunk drivers on Halloween than on New Year's Eve.  A word to the wise from grandma..................

    You got it Granny:) (none / 0) (#36)
    by kdog on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:23:56 PM EST
    It's public transportation for me tonight...if all goes according to plan the crew will be in no position whatsoever to operate heavy machinery:)

    Parent
    The question is... (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:27:40 PM EST
    ...are you going to in a position to operate human machinery?!

    Parent
    You bet brother.... (none / 0) (#46)
    by kdog on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:33:31 PM EST
    only demon alcohol makes me lose those faculties.

    Parent
    Actually not true... (none / 0) (#50)
    by kdog on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:39:31 PM EST
    I forgot about my one and only daliance with angel dust...that stuff will you leave you unable to operate.  Took me an hour to get out of a chair...or at least it felt like an hour:)

    Parent
    I'd tell you... (none / 0) (#93)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 05:20:19 PM EST
    ...to have fun, but I know you're probably going to have more of that than in probably legal!  In fact, I'm jealous--haven't had a night of induced constant laughting until tears are rolling down my cheeks in quite awhile.  

    Be safe.  

    Parent

    Heading out momentarily... (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by kdog on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 05:29:33 PM EST
    I will have fun, be relatively free, and then safe:)

    Happy Halloween my man and all you TL ghosts and goblins!

    Parent

    My treat for you... (none / 0) (#103)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 07:04:35 PM EST
    ...I saw 3(!) Nader signs in the course of my walking the 'hood this evening.  Just about the same number as McCain ones.

    Parent
    I have to admit (5.00 / 3) (#35)
    by ruffian on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:21:53 PM EST
    I think it is a really cute picture too.  Love that jacket, and she looks like she is having fun.

    If it is supposed to be a negative ad, better pick another picture.

    As a person who was single for a short period (none / 0) (#99)
    by cpa1 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 06:57:15 PM EST
    of time, there was one song that I used to decide if "she" was the right one.  It was always in my head while a started a new relationship and it's there now that you all brought the idea of what it means to be with and commit to Sarah Palin and it goes like this:

    So now I'm praying for the end of time
    To hurry up and arrive
    Cause if I gotta spend another minute with you
    I don't think that I can really survive
    I'll never break my promise or forget my vow
    But God only knows what I can do right now
    I'm praying for the end of time
    It's all that I can do
    Praying for the end of time, so I can end my time with you!!!

    Parent

    Perhaps if you get really close to John McCain, (5.00 / 1) (#100)
    by cpa1 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 06:58:49 PM EST
    you'll hear him humming that song.

    Parent
    Meat Loaf? (none / 0) (#109)
    by white n az on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 07:41:17 PM EST
    Isn't that Meat Loaf?

    Paradise by the Dashboard Light?

    Been there once myself.  ;-)

    Parent

    yup and written by (none / 0) (#112)
    by cpa1 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 07:50:50 PM EST
    the great Jim Steinman from Hewlett High School on Long Island.

    Parent
    Fred Baron died after all (5.00 / 3) (#48)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:37:02 PM EST
    Times obit

    rip (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:39:36 PM EST


    Parent
    I love my son (5.00 / 6) (#57)
    by Militarytracy on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:48:49 PM EST
    My husband's immediate bosses the past two change outs have been women.  One of my son's female classmates came to school as a soldier today.  I went at lunch to help my son do his toilet business because he still can't walk by himself yet and he whispered to me if I noticed that she was wearing the rank insignia of a Major?  I had not at first and my son knew it was an authentic insignia and he whispered back, "her mom's probably a Major".

    Gee, an interesting election race (5.00 / 1) (#74)
    by KeysDan on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:09:43 PM EST
    for our County Mosquito Board (yes, we do elect them).  Getting rough. A muckracker newsie uncovered a candidate both literally and figuratively in an expose of the candidate's recent leading role in a porn flick. The candidate could not be reached for comment, being presently in jail for violation of probation owing to flunking a random drug test. Having voted early I am unable to cast a vote for this candidate's service on our swat team. However, if I had only known I could have bugged some of our right-wingers. See, I told you it was an interesting race.

    Alaska Dysfunctional Logic (5.00 / 1) (#78)
    by white n az on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:39:34 PM EST
    Anyone who saw the movie 'Black Diamond' should easily remember the acronym... TIA  (This Is Africa) which just sort of explained the dysfunctional state of the continent.

    I think we need something similar to describe Alaskan Dysfunctional Logic because in a short period of time, we have seen...

    Ted Stevens declare..."I have not been convicted of anything" just 3 days after he was convicted on 7 counts.

    Sarah Palin declare..."I have been exonerated by the report" when in fact, finding #1 declared her to abuse her ethical obligations.

    The Anchorage Daily News has already suggested that Palin has taken an Orwellian position of white is black type of logic and now Ted Stevens shows how well Orwellian logic is indeed alive and well in Alaska.

    What is it in Alaska that allows them to believe that this is acceptable discourse? Does no one actually hold their politician's accountable?

    Not unusual. (none / 0) (#97)
    by Fabian on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 06:20:46 PM EST
    Not for the GOP at least.  Democrats often cut their tainted ones loose a whole lot faster - Elliot Spitzer & and Mark Dann are two recent examples.  There's not as much interest in using political capital and real world resources defending political delinquents.  

    Parent
    Studs Terkel, RIP (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by scribe on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:55:54 PM EST
    At home.

    Now moving across the wires.

    He will be missed, not just for his writing but also for his citizenship.  He was one of the lead plaintiffs in the suits against warrantless wiretapping.

    Sigh... (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by BrianJ on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 07:53:38 PM EST
    On Friday, Obama gave the RNC material for another e-mail as he spoke in downtown Des Moines. "On the day of the Iowa caucus, my faith in the American people was vindicated," he told the crowd of 25,000 basking in the sunshine.

    http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20081031/NEWS/81031019/1056/

    Honestly.  Someone needs to tell Obama that this sort of line has got to go, unless he really wants four years as a lame duck.

    Once more with context... (none / 0) (#114)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 08:56:48 PM EST
    Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama offered during a rally in Des Moines today what could be his final thank-you to Iowa, the state that launched his presidential campaign.

    The Illinois senator leads Republican nominee John McCain in this Midwestern swing state, according to recent polls. He said Iowa, which gave him his first nominating victory, launched a new movement of democratic participation.

    "I had confidence in the people of Iowa because I knew that the American people are a decent people and a generous people, willing to work hard and sacrifice for future generations," Obama said to a downtown crowd estimated by Des Moines police at roughly 25,000.

    "No where was that truer than here in Iowa. On the day of the Iowa caucus, my faith in the American people was vindicated and what you started here in Iowa has swept the nation," Obama, who won the leadoff caucuses on Jan. 3, said at the rally in the Western Gateway Park. "We're seeing the same turnout, we're seeing the same people going and getting in line, volunteers, people participating, a whole new way of doing democracy started right here in Iowa, and it's all across the country now."




    Parent
    I don't see that the added context (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by BrianJ on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 09:50:04 PM EST
    Changes anything about the quote... Obama didn't believe America was great until a plurality of Iowans voted for him.  Surely that's not the message that he means to send, even though he's both intelligent and cautious enough not to speak until he knows what he means to say.

    If it is, we're all in for four very long years... it was not the particular ideological obsessions that made George Bush a bad president, but his Manichaean mental approach to the world, and Obama often seems to share it.

    Parent

    Obama is dog tired (4.50 / 2) (#118)
    by BackFromOhio on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 10:20:29 PM EST
    I don't know if you saw him on CNN - I think.  His eyes look as though they could shut if he let his guard down for a second.  He needs to go home & get a good night's sleep or whatever before going back on the campaign trail; and while he's at it, a small dose of humility wouldn't hurt.

    Parent
    so we're all supposed to say that (none / 0) (#125)
    by of1000Kings on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 11:34:34 PM EST
    America is a great country, when in fact it's just a good country that has a lot of weak spots and holes?

    listening to republicans you would think we live in a perfect country...I guess it is perfect if you don't have any aspirations other than making yourself feel like you're worthwhile because you own a bigger house and car than your neighbor, and can afford to give your children all the things they 'need'...

    people in America need to read a little more...open up to a new sense of humanity...maybe some Khalil Gibran in high school or middle school would help all these 'christians' become real christians and real worthwhile persons...

    now I'm probably an anti-American to some, when in reality the total opposite is true...it's just that to many the idea of America has become misconstrued by the 1950's and 1980's....

    and I know that these words make me no better than those I oppose, but I'm willing to take that chance being an Aries (we are known to be just and strongly intuitive)...

    America is a good country, but we haven't been doing this for very long and still have a long way to go to become a great country...

    the immortal words of GWB ring true hear ('mission accomplished)...it seems the right has a habit of declaring the mission accomplished way before the end has been met...

    Parent

    AP cites a study (5.00 / 3) (#124)
    by oculus on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 11:21:04 PM EST
    confirming Obama IS the media darling.  But we knew that.

    25K brave Heartland-(anti) Americans... (4.66 / 3) (#62)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:52:34 PM EST
    ...came out today in support of known marxist/socialist Obama in the capital of Iowa.  

    Not quite up to our 100K standards, but pretty darm impressive for Des Moines.  Sources tell me that nobody had to give up their guns or their paychecks.  

    if I spent 150 Gs on clothes, no doubt few (4.00 / 1) (#18)
    by thereyougo on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:02:25 PM EST
    wouldn't look cool/hot too.

    Put her in  sweats and tell me another story.

    But on Sen Stevens (for now) , and his ilk in the Senate.  His behavior was common and he got away with it for all those years. He is leaving with a black eye one for the Senate and the other (the cherry on top) of his corrupt tenure.

    I mean, look at all the millionaires that the Senate spawns. Does it leave any doubt that it is the reason why those seats are hard fought?

    The Senate controls alot of the US marbles, Ted forgot that the rule of law applies to him too.
    Typical little man syndrome.

    Good on ya FBI!

    I saw a picture of Sarah Palin (5.00 / 3) (#21)
    by caseyOR on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:05:52 PM EST
    in a sweatshirt and jeans. She still looked good.

    Parent
    Are you kidding? (5.00 / 5) (#43)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:33:00 PM EST
    Whatever her politics, she has a figure most women would kill for-- and after giving birth to five kids yet.  Good grief.  There's partisanship and then there's nonsense.  This is nonsense.

    Parent
    the responses to your comment with (5.00 / 2) (#105)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 07:26:33 PM EST
    personal attacks and rumors about Palin's personal life have been deleted.

    Parent
    Whoa bud, you're skirting close to the (none / 0) (#5)
    by ThatOneVoter on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:44:46 PM EST
    pron filter there!

    I deleted that comment (none / 0) (#104)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 07:23:29 PM EST
    it was over the line, sorry.

    Parent
    Yeouch BrassTacks! LOL (none / 0) (#8)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:50:16 PM EST


    Another cool sounding name (none / 0) (#10)
    by lobary on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:51:11 PM EST
    Yao.

    That guy is awesome, BTD. Did you see Yao and Ron-Ron drop sixty on the Mavs last night?

    Good to see him back (none / 0) (#13)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:53:04 PM EST
    Though my favorite furriner in the NBA remains Steve Nash.

    Parent
    Nash is a joy to watch (none / 0) (#16)
    by lobary on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:59:44 PM EST
    Love that guy.

    Parent
    What's Nash got against vowels? (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by oculus on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:09:36 PM EST


    Parent
    Steve Nash is an America-hatin Marxist commie (none / 0) (#73)
    by lobary on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:08:50 PM EST
    http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/2003/all_star/news/2003/02/07/nash_war/

    How refreshing to hear a pro athlete who doesn't spout GOP-endorsed talking points...and he said it in real time.

    Parent

    Here in Blazer Town (none / 0) (#23)
    by caseyOR on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:08:01 PM EST
    folks are mighty fond of that Spaniard, Rudy Fernandez. Of course, with Greg Oden's troubles, we are desperate for someone to love.

    Parent
    Beat me to it (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by lobary on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:29:08 PM EST
    I meant to comment on him but got distracted by work. Fernandez impressed me with his play in the Olympics. He was almost unstoppable in that game against the US. On paper the Blazers are filthy rich with young talent--Fernandez, Roy, Oden, and Aldridge...Wow. For the sake of the franchise and the NBA, I hope Greg Oden doesn't turn out to be the next Sam Bowie.

    Parent
    I'm a fan of the REAL original Maverick, (none / 0) (#26)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:11:34 PM EST
    Dirk Nowitzki! I hope he gets a ring before his career is done. It's possible since he has a top flight owner in M. Cuban.

    Parent
    Aw, I thought you meant (none / 0) (#121)
    by TomStewart on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 10:46:10 PM EST
    James Garner! Of course you could mean Jack Kelly as brother Bart, or Roger Moore as cousin Beau, but not Charles Frank, that's going too far.

    All better Mavericks than McCain, of course.

    Parent

    My sports cred just went way down. (none / 0) (#27)
    by Teresa on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:11:44 PM EST
    I didn't know Nash was foreign. I don't watch much NBA but I can't wait for NCAA basketball to start.

    Parent
    I heard yesterday my boy (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:15:54 PM EST
    T. Hansborough is injured indefinitely. Sucks. Ohio St. should be good though.

    Parent
    He's North American... (5.00 / 2) (#30)
    by kdog on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:17:12 PM EST
    Canadian specifically...so don't feel bad T:)

    How about the guy that cememnted the Eurpoean invasion...Drazen Petrovic...man that guy was good, shame we lost him before his time.

    Parent

    He's Canadian... (5.00 / 2) (#31)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:17:38 PM EST
    ...so he's not THAT foreign.

    Is Bruce Pearl going to have a good team this year?  He's got Iowa ties, you know...

    Parent

    Picked to win the SEC but we have point (none / 0) (#42)
    by Teresa on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:29:26 PM EST
    guard problems. The freshman projected started has been in school two months and now the Clearing House is making him retake the ACT test (it went up from 17-22) so he is out.

    Our other starter who backs up the point guard is now out five weeks and may need shoulder surgery. So we have a junior college transfer at point and that's it.

    Bruce thinks it's the best team he has ever had so we'll see.

    Parent

    Ha! We should be so lucky. (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:38:51 PM EST
    We've got nothing but question marks at every position.  Plus, they're still learning the new coach's system.  We could be fairly competative in the Big 10 or so bad that I'll have no choice but to hang my head in shame.  

    I didn't think anyone still took the ACT's.  I was very, very hung-over when I took it and still managed a great score.  

    Parent

    It must be a TN thing with the ACT. (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by Teresa on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:44:20 PM EST
    Some take both, but everyone takes the ACT. It's how you qualify for lottery scholarships if your GPA isn't high enough.

    I spent the night with a friend before I took mine. We stayed up all night making random phone calls to guys in one of the dorms at the college. :) We took it with zero sleep just for practice but did well on it so we didn't take it again.

    Parent

    I think (5.00 / 1) (#70)
    by liminal on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:03:41 PM EST
    the ACT is a southern thing. It was the standard in my high school.  Some people took both, and I only took the SAT, but the majority of kids only took the ACT, not the SAT.

    Parent
    It was the same way for us... (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:04:10 PM EST
    ...back in the day.  Everyone took the ACT and the SAT was optional.  ACT was big in Iowa because they were (and still are, I think) headquartered in Iowa City.

    Of course, that was a looong time ago.  

    Parent

    Feb. 14: pitchers and (none / 0) (#34)
    by oculus on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:21:03 PM EST
    catchers report.

    Parent
    We used to drive to Santa Clara games ... (none / 0) (#77)
    by cymro on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:36:31 PM EST
    ... just to watch Steve Nash. We rarely go to any local college games, and those are the only times we've ever been to any game of any sport at Santa Clara. But we read about Nash's talent in the paper, went to see him play, and ended up going back several more times. It's been great to see him succeed as a pro.

    Parent
    Not all vowels... (none / 0) (#14)
    by kdog on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 02:58:01 PM EST
    We've got a hotly contested State Senate seat up for grabs in my district...the long-time incumbent is a Republican named Trunzo.  How does he win year after year in a largely Democratic area with an especially large latino  community?

    Easy...his last name ends in a vowel...only reason I can think of, latinos associate with last names ending in vowels.  Not cool, but understandable....my moms has admitted to me that when in doubt she votes for the Irish sounding name.  Sad but true.  

    Governor Paterson is coming to town tomorrow to hold a rally for this years challenger, this cat named Foley.  The Foley campaign has been calling every night, sometimes several times a night (not to well organized in the phone bank there Foley) practically begging me and my roomates to come to this rally.

    Finally I snap last night and tell the caller "Look, you don't want me there, if I come it will be to throw rotten fruit at your boy Foley so quit calling me...Click".  Foley is a former town official from one of the most corrupt town govt's on Long Island...I think I'm no voting that race...can't stomach either choice.

    Dollars to donuts I find a message from them again at home before I head out for the Haloween festivities.

    Those local races are amazing. (none / 0) (#58)
    by liminal on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:49:43 PM EST
    Likely, the only way Trunzo gets unseated is if Foley produces clear proof that the guy's real name is Trunz, and he added the O for political purposes.  

    I think at least half the voters on local races have no idea who they're voting for.  Around here, we elect county magistrates every go 'round.  They conduct preliminary hearings, arraignments, set bail, hear small claims cases, issue protective orders, sign arrest warrants, et cetera, and there are absolutely no pre-requisites, other than being elected.  My county is larger than many, so we have seven magistrates, elected in one big group.  This year, there are seven Democrats (down from a pool of 18 in the primary), and three Republicans.  

    The top vote-getter from the Democratic primary for magistrate was arrested for purchasing crack cocaine from an undercover state policeman two weeks ago.  They pumped the charges up to six charges of "possession with intent to distribute" because she said that she was taking the drugs to a friend, and told the cop that she had done the same things five times before over the past few months, and threw on a bribery charge when she offered the dude money to release her.

    ...and I can almost guarantee that she will be elected, anyway.  (I don't object to the drugs so much as the stupidity, especially in a small town.  Her picture is all over the place on her campaign materials - yeesh!  What a fool!)

    In 2004, the state Supreme Court stepped in to remove a county magistrate from office based on a pattern of pretty explicit sexual comments he made to women at the courthouse.  By most accounts, his behavior changed dramatically after he had a stroke, which confined him to a wheelchair.  The guy actually lived in the courthouse for a week, without changing clothes or taking a bath, until a circuit judge made him leave, but even after the Court spent $10,000 removing the dude from office, my fellow citizens re-elected him to office.  

    Parent

    It is kinda scary.... (5.00 / 2) (#65)
    by kdog on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:58:04 PM EST
    I consider myself at least semi-informed.  And even I get in the voting booth and see races I didn't even know were taking place.

    Unlike my moms though, when in doubt I don't vote.

    Parent

    The DCCC is running ads now (none / 0) (#67)
    by nycstray on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:01:39 PM EST
    and I have no clue as to who these people are or even where they live/are running! Of the 3 I've seen, they seem to be following a formula, too bad the formula doesn't include state and district!

    Have you gotten your voter info? I just realized I haven't seen anything.

    Parent

    What is "voter info"? (none / 0) (#83)
    by kdog on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:55:32 PM EST
    Is the state supposed to mail us something?  I don't recall ever seeing anything of the sort, ever.  If they did I threw it out.

    I usually know the state senate and county supervisor races going in...it's the town stuff, for you city council I guess, that sometimes I have no clue so I'll skip it.  Probably the most important races for issues that immediately effect your life too...I'm a piker for not keeping up on it more.

    Parent

    I thought they usually sent ballot info? (none / 0) (#91)
    by nycstray on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 05:10:31 PM EST
    Along with your polling place and card. I usually looked at props and such, but maybe I'm thinking of CA. I like to look at some things in advance vs trying to figure it out in the booth and then leaving it blank  :P  

    Walking around my 'hood, you would never know there's an election in 4 days!

    Parent

    Ceasar Trunzo! (none / 0) (#75)
    by snstara on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:12:19 PM EST
    That guy's still alive? I swear that man was in office when I was in high school - during the cretaceous period!

    Parent
    The one and only... (none / 0) (#87)
    by kdog on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 05:02:02 PM EST
    Thought we had 'em last time, a friend of mine who grew up out here knew the kid who ran against him, Jimmy Dahroug.  Seemed like a nice enough guy, state govt. hadn't gotten their clutches into him...he didn't lose by much.

    I actually volunteered for him...was ready to knock on doors and sh*t, but his dope of a campaign manager put us on the phones.  People hate telemarketers...ya gotta knock on doors.

    Parent

    predictions (none / 0) (#28)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:13:58 PM EST
    wait 4 weeks (none / 0) (#84)
    by Jlvngstn on Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 11:28:33 AM EST
    when the next retail sales and jobs reports hit.  Then sit back and wait for the personal credit crisis and stagnation of the economy. Today looks really bad, but in four short weeks it will look a hell of a lot "worser".

    "Any bill without a jobs package is a bill not worth passing."  Krugman is on board, the EPI is on board, and countless other intellectuals left and right.

    Yet still, no action from Congress.  Waiting until after the election or even worse until after the swearing in is going to hurt hundreds of thousands of americans if not millions.

    Sarah Palin (5.00 / 1) (#122)
    by Steve M on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 10:57:39 PM EST
    is the only candidate who has done anything to stimulate the retail sector.

    Parent
    lol (none / 0) (#130)
    by Jlvngstn on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 10:55:53 AM EST
    nicely done

    Parent
    Election Withdrawl (none / 0) (#32)
    by CST on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:20:36 PM EST
    Anyone worried?  It's consumed way too much of my time the last year - but I may miss it when it's gone.  Here's Andrew Romano on the subject.  P.S. I am totally in the tank for Stumper - he's adorable.  I really just posted this so I could express that :)

    Nah... (5.00 / 3) (#52)
    by kdog on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:42:08 PM EST
    Can't wait for this thing to be over, so we can get back to discussing the issues full-time.

    Parent
    Issues Schmissues (5.00 / 2) (#59)
    by CST on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:50:17 PM EST
    Admit it, you REALLY want to hear about a $400 haircut or Sarah Palin's clothes all the time :)

    There is definitely a good chunk I won't miss, but in a way I feel like there are more real issues to discuss right now too, since everything under the sun is up for discussion. Unlike the rest of the time when Congress goes at a snail's pace and there is only current legislation to discuss instead of all the potential future legislation.

    Parent

    Perhaps we could (5.00 / 2) (#120)
    by BackFromOhio on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 10:30:36 PM EST
    discuss "contract" (treaty anyone) W is planning to sign any day now to tie the hands of government for future generations.  Why is no one in Congress saying something??? Am I missing something?

    Parent
    You and me both kdog. If one (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:51:43 PM EST
    thinks this blog is interesting now, wait till after the election in the event of an Obama Presidency and his policies start being enacted. No matter what, whether you're hot or cold on Obama, it's guaranteed a lot of people are going to eat their words. I'm going to be interested to see how many here and elsewhere have the integrity to admit they were wrong. I hoping I won't be one of those of course. :)

    Parent
    It will be interesting Capt.... (none / 0) (#90)
    by kdog on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 05:09:54 PM EST
    I'm confident our host and her contributors will keep a Dem White House and Congress' feet to the fire.

    I hope for all of us I'm eating alotta crow...I ain't expecting much.

    Parent

    There is no question (5.00 / 1) (#106)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 07:30:36 PM EST
    I will hold their feet to the fire.

    Parent
    Gawd NO! (none / 0) (#63)
    by Fabian on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:54:02 PM EST
    Elections are mostly about fluff and nonsense unless a miracle/tragedy occurs and candidates are forced to talk substance and issues.

    So....pretty much a year spent on fluff and nonsense and arguments over who has the nastiest supporters?  Good thing I don't have cable!

    Parent

    What... (none / 0) (#101)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 07:01:07 PM EST
    ...you mean there won't be 4 or 5 poll-related posts everyday?  

    Man, some people are going to go through some serious withdrawal.

    Parent

    I saw a news report the (none / 0) (#33)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:21:00 PM EST
    other day that said due to the economic strain/recession retail chain stores across America are putting all their eggs in Black Friday next month and the sales are going to be deeper and bigger than normal. If that's true, I aim to rack up baby! And I don't even like to shop.

    And battle the heathen hordes... (5.00 / 6) (#39)
    by kdog on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:27:15 PM EST
    of women chasing down the sales?

    Safer to run with the bulls in Spain...I don't do Black Friday...I do the Christmas Eve dash with my fellow bachelors...stores are basically empty as a bunch of dudes stare at the shelves looking like lost puppies.

    Parent

    And me. I'm a last minute shopper, too. (5.00 / 2) (#47)
    by Teresa on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:35:32 PM EST
    I wouldn't go out the Friday after Thanksgiving if the stuff was free.

    Parent
    That's why Al Gore... (4.80 / 5) (#44)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:33:03 PM EST
    ...invented the interwebs--so we don't have to fight the hordes and can still get the bargains.  

    Delivered right to your door even!

    Parent

    If you wait until after Jan 1 (5.00 / 4) (#53)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:42:33 PM EST
    My guess is the overload of inventory they will have from the bloody awful shopping season will be reduced even more drastically.  We are going to celebrate xmas a week after the first of the year.  If I have time I will make out a list of what things were priced before xmas and what we paid for them after the 1st of the year.

    Parent
    Post holiday sales rock. (none / 0) (#64)
    by Fabian on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:56:37 PM EST
    But I have to time it better this time.  I was two weeks too late last year.  By "post holiday" I mean when winter break ends, not the week between Christmas and New Years.

    Parent
    A few weeks ago, I heard a commentator on (none / 0) (#69)
    by tigercourse on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:03:11 PM EST
    Bloomberg state that many stores had anticipated lower sales and had thus ordered less inventory. So prices might not be as low as one could hope.

    Parent
    Legal question not smear tactic....... (none / 0) (#66)
    by vml68 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 03:59:43 PM EST
    I have a couple of question for all you lawyers out there...

    I read about a lawyer (Berg) who has filed a claim in court against Obama regarding his birth certificate. I guess I don't understand how that is valid. As a senator and now a presidential candidate, he obviously has all kinds of security clearances. So, I am assuming the FBI or whoever is in charge of the security clearance, checks the background of all the candidates, right? So why would this case not be thrown out of court?

    I thought it was thrown out... (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:02:01 PM EST
    ...for Berg lacking any standing?  

    Parent
    Lack of standing... (5.00 / 1) (#86)
    by vml68 on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 05:00:10 PM EST
    I did read that and I should have been clearer on that point. My question really should have been why would the case be thrown out on lack of standing rather than it being considered frivolous.

    Parent
    tossed (none / 0) (#79)
    by white n az on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:40:33 PM EST
    but I think it's up to the House of Representatives to certify the electors presented by the states and thus certify the election itself.

    Parent
    nice try, you are trying to promote a smear (none / 0) (#107)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 07:32:53 PM EST
    please do it elsewhere.

    Parent
    Jeralyn...... (none / 0) (#129)
    by vml68 on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 10:43:58 AM EST
    Either give me the benefit of the doubt or delete my comment. Don't leave the comment and then accuse me of promoting smears.
    I am asking the question because as a foreigner, I always have to show all my documentation while applying for a job. I don't know how it works for elected officials in this country. Do people just take them at their word or do they undergo background checks?
    The reason I ask this question at TL is because I see that even though most here support Obama they are not afraid to question "The One" or engage in discussion. If I want a one-sided answer, I know which blogs to frequent.

    Parent
    Obama Citizenship Questions Unfounded (none / 0) (#132)
    by daring grace on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 02:51:14 PM EST
    And it has been demonstrated several places I've seen online, but this one is convincing enough--unless someone is looking to keep a nonsensical idea like this one alive.

    As the item linked to concludes:

    "There is not one shred of evidence to disprove PolitiFact's conclusion that the candidate's name is Barack Hussein Obama, or to support allegations that the birth certificate he released isn't authentic.

    "And that's true no matter how many people cling to some hint of doubt and use the Internet to fuel their innate sense of distrust."

    Parent

    1/65 (none / 0) (#82)
    by of1000Kings on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:55:31 PM EST
    man, that's quite astonishing...

    women over 40 have a really hard decision to make in terms of whether or not to have a child...

    an epic battle of the mind versus the heart...

    your mind tells you no, your heart tells you yes...

    Yep. My wife and I made that decision 2x. (none / 0) (#88)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 05:05:50 PM EST


    Parent
    OK, 5x times actually. (none / 0) (#89)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 05:06:50 PM EST
    Downs isn't the only thing that might occur when the mother is 40+...

    Parent
    Fertility drops off. Incidence of miscarriages (5.00 / 1) (#98)
    by Fabian on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 06:32:34 PM EST
    goes up.  The risk of all trisomies goes up - which leads to the increased miscarriages.

    And it's not just the biological clock ticking, but every failed pregnancy pushes the woman further into high risk territory for her health and the pregnancy.  It can be incredibly stressful.  

    Parent

    You nailed it. (5.00 / 2) (#111)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 07:48:58 PM EST


    Parent
    High risk pregnancies (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by Fabian on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 09:38:49 PM EST
    are like shuttle launches.  You don't relax until delivery...no, scratch that.  You don't relax until every screening test on the newborn comes back normal.

    OTOH, unlike many couples, you go in with your eyes wide open.  You've been counseled.  You've done your own research.  You are aware of the risks to the mother, the baby.  You know how much or how little time you have to succeed.  You are prepared in a way that a blissfully ignorant youthful couple are unlikely to be.  

    I have to school myself to simply say "Congratulations!" instead of "I hope everything goes well for you.".  

    Parent

    As a parent (none / 0) (#123)
    by Steve M on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 11:01:03 PM EST
    it seems to me that there are a heck of a lot worse things than having a Downs baby, if that's how it turns out.  In fact, the abortion rates for Downs babies kinda blow my mind.

    Parent
    When we started trying to have children (5.00 / 3) (#126)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 01:18:22 AM EST
    we read the literature and discussed the chances of having Downs, etc., children, and we basically decided that if the tests came back...non-normal...we'd abort.

    Then, when our first merely-weeks-old pregnancy was diagnosed as ectopic, after they removed the...before it ruptured my wife's fallopian tube and caused her to hemorrhage...my wife turned to me on the gurney, tears streaming down her face, and said "they took our baby."

    After that we willingly decided to embrace whatever children fate decided to grace us with.

    And, after 4 more tries, fate has graced us with the two most amazing human beings ever to walk the face of this earth. I'm often humbled by them.

    OK, not so much at 10:00pm tonight after they'd eaten too much Halloween candy, but usually I am. ;-)

    Parent

    The worst case scenario (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by Fabian on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 03:38:53 AM EST
    for Down's is pretty awful.  My landlords had an adorable little girl, then a miscarriage, then a Down's girl.  The Down's girl spent a LOT of time in the hospital.  She had the common heart defect and the open heart surgery and then spent 3 months in the ICU and another couple months in the step down unit.  Then there was the hassle of finding child care for a medically fragile child.  Dad was self employed, he did interior reconstruction.  That meant no insurance.  So the mother needed to work not just for insurance, but to keep the husband from totally giving up the work he loved.  Two parents working, one young child, one medically fragile, high needs child - and medical bills and needing that job and the insurance.

    He was a real community activist.  He knew construction, he knew things like what building codes were and which building owners and developers were breaking them and which agencies were in charge of enforcement.  I imagine when the city finally began to enforce the codes on campus, he must have had some satisfaction.  I don't know how active he was after the the birth of his second child.  Kids take a lot of time and energy and special needs kids take even more.

    When it comes to best and worst case scenarios, the odds are good that people see the best case scenarios because the healthiest, most able Downs people will out in public the most.

    Parent

    It's mostly about detection. (none / 0) (#128)
    by Fabian on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 04:04:21 AM EST
    The three trisomies are readily detectable in the first trimester, so concerned couples look for them.   They are common serious genetic defects, so people know to look for them.  No other detectable genetic defects are even close to the rate of occurrence of trisomy defects.  Rarer defects like Tay-Sachs or Fragile X only affect a small portion of the population, while trisomies are wide spread.

    Most other developmental defects aren't detected until the second trimester, assuming good prenatal care.  Those may or may not be genetic and may be quite severe.  OTOH - gross developmental abnormalities like anencephaly do not inspire warm cuddly feelings in strangers like a more normal appearing fetus does.

    It's interesting to see how people react differently to the possibility of different genetic diseases like Downs or cystic fibrosis or Duchenne's muscular dystrophy or Huntington's disease or Fragile X or even Tay-Sachs.

    Parent

    Studs Terkel, RIP (none / 0) (#85)
    by scribe on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 04:56:33 PM EST
    At home.

    Now moving across the wires.

    He will be missed, not just for his writing but also for his citizenship.  He was one of the lead plaintiffs in the suits against warrantless wiretapping.

    wow...538.com (none / 0) (#96)
    by white n az on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 05:41:56 PM EST
    Amazing story The Big Empty about the total abdication of a ground game for the Republicans.

    This is mind boggling and not surprisingly, the msm is rather protective of McCain and steering around the the fact that the McCain campaign is basically a fraud.

    Best line of the week (none / 0) (#110)
    by white n az on Fri Oct 31, 2008 at 07:45:30 PM EST
    Ken Duberstein, former chief of staff to Ronald Reagan while endorsing Barack Obama on MSNBC - "Even at McDonald's, you're interviewed three times before you get the job"

    Politics are far scarier than Halloween (none / 0) (#131)
    by Roschelle on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 11:06:55 AM EST
    Barack has been a pillar of confidence, cool, and level headedness this entire campaign. McCain represents desperation, low road politics and putting self and your own personal aspirations far in front of country. There is no limit to the depths John McCain won't sink to in an effort to win this election. He gave up country first a long time ago. Schwarzenegger, an alleged racist, who's been critical of Sarah Palin and John McCain, now is being utilized as McCain's saving grace. Politics are such a joke.

    Friday Open Thread | 125 comments (125 topical)

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