Monday Night Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:19:11 PM EST
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Most of you are no doubt watching the Olympics. I'm watching IFC, which is showing one of my favorite films, "O Brother Where Art Thou," which came up in somewhat controversial fashion the other day in one of my threads.

"O brothers, let's go down, down in the river to pray!"

This is an Open Thread.

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Monday Night Open Thread | 156 comments (156 topical)

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Wow choices (5.00 / 1) (#1)
by RalphB on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:21:31 PM EST

If it weren't for Women's Beach Volleyball, I'd have to watch "O Brother Where Art Thou". One fine film and mightily hilarious indeed.

That's so funny (5.00 / 1) (#77)
by echinopsia on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:44:46 PM EST

Based on being reminded on that thread the other day that this is one of my all-time favorite films, I just bought the DVD on Amazon. Plus the soundtrack CD.

I can watch the DVD tonight or anytime, because I only have peasantvision.

Parent

I love the movie (none / 0) (#95)
by RalphB on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:07:07 PM EST

and have no cable pay movie channels by choice. Don't think any of them are worth it and the less TV I can watch, the better off I am - I think.

Parent

Chceck out "Down from the Mountain" (none / 0) (#130)
by EL seattle on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:00:07 AM EST

It documents (as a DVD release) a concert by the "Oh Brother" music folks (Emmylou Harris, John Hartford, Ralph Stanley, etc., etc, etc., et. al., etc.) Excellent all around. And I think it was Hartford's last live performance. (damn.damn.damn.)

If you like "Oh, Brother" at all, you'll probably appreciate this one.

Parent

: Wish I'd known about this before (none / 0) (#145)
by echinopsia on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:25:44 AM EST

I bought the DVD and CD! I love this music.
He, I guess this just confirms I'm one of those Appalachians.

Parent

Has everyone seen McCain's new ad?! (5.00 / 4) (#2)
by americanincanada on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:23:10 PM EST

it must have hit a nerve because people (read: Obama fan boys) are all up in arms about it.

LINK

I swear...McCain is sure getting a lot of mileage out of the things Obama's fans have said.

It's a web ad (5.00 / 1) (#7)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:28:43 PM EST

Zero significance.

Parent

Chuckle - Obama tried to create an ad that (5.00 / 1) (#9)
by JavaCityPal on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:30:20 PM EST

put the celebrity back on McCain, but the clips are ones that have been seen so many times before, it pretty much falls flat.

The ObamaNation Seal was a nice touch.

Parent

I thought the Wayne's World (5.00 / 2) (#19)
by Valhalla on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:37:29 PM EST

"We're not worthy" was a nice touch.

I thought it was pretty funny, more karma on deck! Flipping the social networking thing on it's head, because who'd want to be associated with those people in the ad?

Parent

I liked it. I thought it portrayed Obama (5.00 / 1) (#60)
by zfran on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:13:32 PM EST

as some do see him. I also thought it was not too overwhelming and reminiscent of the times we live in.

Parent

I think it's pretty clear this (5.00 / 3) (#117)
by gyrfalcon on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:06:31 PM EST

tack has been thoroughly vetted by McCain focus groups and they've found out that Obama adoration is irritating the heck out of independents.

Parent

: Irritates the he!! (none / 0) (#124)
by RalphB on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:36:50 PM EST

out of this independent! Never seen anything so utterly ridiculous.

Parent
: Does me (none / 0) (#125)
by Roz on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:41:49 PM EST

along with that race baitin' thing.

Parent

They used the seal in the moses (5.00 / 3) (#49)
by americanincanada on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:00:32 PM EST

ad as well. I knew that darn thing would come back to bite them in the patoot.

Parent

Oh dear...obama's feeling put upon :) (5.00 / 1) (#64)
by PssttCmere08 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:22:25 PM EST

link

Parent

It seems to me that every time (5.00 / 1) (#72)
by zfran on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:35:11 PM EST

Obama tries to link McCain to Bush,I wonder how many times has Obama himself shaken Bush's hand, praised Bush for something or other. As quoted from the link above, not everything gestured you see and hear is a negative commentary.The article linked above says

"The new Obama ad shows McCain hugging Bush while the voiceover says, "as Washington embraced him, John McCain hugged right back"

Showing McCain hugging Bush and not being able to raise his arms, reminds voters of why McCain cannot raise his arms. I think Obama needs to do more to link them, without linking himself to Bush.

Parent

: Can't help but think (5.00 / 3) (#87)
by echinopsia on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:52:44 PM EST

how much more fun and interesting it would be to see an ad war between Hillary and McCain.
Probably more intelligent too.
I got my T shirt Saturday.

Parent

What's funny is . . . . (5.00 / 3) (#119)
by nycstray on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:17:49 PM EST

the Obama ads aren't, lol!~ If he was really "poking fun at McCain", the least he could do is supply a funny ad.

Parent

: Maybe we should (none / 0) (#127)
by weltec2 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:53:34 PM EST

send him a Paris Hilton 2008 bumpersticker. Maybe that would put a smile on his face. -:

Parent

I'm very confused... (none / 0) (#65)
by Karningul on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:25:57 PM EST

by McCain's ad strategy

I just saw a McCain ad...in Massachusetts, which is a lost cause for him anyway. It aired not on any sort of news program, but on NESN in the middle of a Sox game.

What is the point of buying an ad in that kind of slot?

Parent

I'm not sure (5.00 / 0) (#71)
by Valhalla on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:33:04 PM EST

I've seen lots of Obama ads here, not all (seemingly) as part of a national-type buy (like the Olympics).

Maybe they are aimed at the non-Mass states. It is New England Sports News. And Boston has the biggest broadcast reach, I think.

But maybe that's all just cr*p. I don't know why either one of them would spend money in Mass.

Parent

One of two things (5.00 / 1) (#76)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:41:34 PM EST

the national olympics buy (Seriously, I'm even seeing the ads in NY); or
for NESN, an attempt to reach New Hampshire.

Parent

New Hampshire (5.00 / 1) (#102)
by Redshoes on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:20:30 PM EST

Parent

The ad captures (none / 0) (#78)
by weltec2 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:44:51 PM EST

the Obamakid mentality quite well. The sad truth of this is though... I don't really think the Obamakid voter will get it. They'll just scratch their heads and go... well, yeah.

Parent

I don't like McCain (5.00 / 4) (#144)
by echinopsia on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:23:01 AM EST

But I am soooo glad that someone is poking fun at the absurd unthinking adulation of Obamamania. Hillary couldn't. Someone had to.

Parent

We tried to warn them! (5.00 / 1) (#154)
by Fabian on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 02:36:03 AM EST

But would they listen? Noooo.

Looks like I'm going to be thinking that a lot until November.

Parent

It is very refreshing (5.00 / 1) (#158)
by nemo52 on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 10:22:58 AM EST

to see the fan mentality skewered -- it certainly would never be in the MSM

Parent

: Along those lines... (none / 0) (#159)
by echinopsia on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 11:53:48 AM EST

Ever been Barack-rolled?

Parent

What goes around, comes around! (none / 0) (#142)
by hairspray on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:18:45 AM EST

Parent

I've been staying up too late (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:26:49 PM EST

watching indoor volleyball. It's really the only Olympics I've seen other than the US-China men's basketball the other day.

Never seen O Brother, myself.

A classic (5.00 / 0) (#8)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:29:44 PM EST

At least for me.

"We're mass communicatin!"

-Pappy O'Daniel

Parent

great flick (5.00 / 0) (#17)
by jb64 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:36:30 PM EST

Say, any of you boys smithies? Or, if not smithies per se, were you otherwise trained in the metallurgic arts before straitened circumstances forced you into a life of aimless wanderin'?

Parent

Let's not get started (none / 0) (#23)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:38:51 PM EST

We'll be throwin lines at each other all night.

Parent

ok one more (5.00 / 1) (#33)
by jb64 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:43:37 PM EST

Baptism! You two're just dumber'n a bag of hammers.

Parent

Dumber n bag of hammers (none / 0) (#36)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:48:09 PM EST

has become common parlance for me as frequent readers will have noticed.

Parent

I can't stop!! (5.00 / 0) (#37)
by jb64 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:49:53 PM EST

Sorry, Pete, I know we're kin, but they got this depression on. I got to do for me and mine.

Parent

I'm the paterfamilias dammit! (5.00 / 0) (#54)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:05:36 PM EST

Parent

: Everett, my beard itches. (none / 0) (#146)
by echinopsia on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:27:13 AM EST

Parent

I had a HS English teacher who really liked it. (none / 0) (#13)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:32:41 PM EST

Parent

A Classic all right (none / 0) (#156)
by Ellie on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 06:15:26 AM EST

Loved those Soggy Bottom Boys!

Parent

If you're watching indoor volleyball... (5.00 / 4) (#39)
by Addison on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:52:16 PM EST

...make sure you catch Cuba's women's team. Oh my God they're amazing.

Parent

Saw them early this morning (5.00 / 1) (#41)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:54:11 PM EST

They made mince of the US team.

Parent

: Santos' serve defies physics as I know it. (5.00 / 1) (#45)
by Addison on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:59:12 PM EST

Parent

Am I the only one (5.00 / 2) (#5)
by Steve M on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:27:41 PM EST

who was like "I thought you could only score points in volleyball when it was your serve?!?"

Apparently they changed that rule like a decade ago. Oh well, guess we know who's not keeping up.

They changed that rule? (none / 0) (#12)
by JavaCityPal on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:32:21 PM EST

Wow! My daughter was varsity volleyball all through high school...couldn't gain points if you weren't serving then. About 10 years ago now.

Parent

Now you know (5.00 / 1) (#24)
by Steve M on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:39:01 PM EST

According to Wikipedia, the aim was to make the match lengths more consistent and thus more TV-friendly.

Watching the beach volleyball right now, there's a very large percentage of points where the receiving team wins the point on their very first return. So under the old rules, all those points would just result in a lot of back and forth with nothing going on the scoreboard. I guess I understand the reasoning.

Parent

So, it's more like racket-free tennis (none / 0) (#30)
by JavaCityPal on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:42:41 PM EST

with an inflated ball.

Parent

Speaking of beach volleyball (none / 0) (#47)
by cmugirl on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:59:25 PM EST

Who here saw the several pictures of Bush watching and chatting it up with the female beach volleyballers - anyone else besides me notice where's his eyes are in every picture?

Parent

: He was very dignified in his good luck (none / 0) (#111)
by JavaCityPal on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:37:29 PM EST

"slap" though. Back of his hand on the middle of her back rather than a regular spank on the rear. He's not quite as dumb as I thought he was.

Parent

Yea... (none / 0) (#25)
by Valhalla on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:39:21 PM EST

every time the non-serving team gets a point, I'm momentarily disoriented. Oh well.

Parent

I prefer Barton Fink (5.00 / 1) (#6)
by Dadler on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:28:09 PM EST

And Raising Arizona. But Oh Brother is certainly no slouch. Though I must say the Hudsucker Proxy could be one of the worst films ever made by anyone.

"Wallace Beery, wrestling picture, whatd'you need, a road map?"

"Another writer? You could throw a rock in here and hit one. And do me a favor, Fink, throw it hard."

Subtracting points on you (5.00 / 1) (#10)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:31:02 PM EST

for no mention of the Big Lebowski.

Parent

So noted, I suck (5.00 / 1) (#11)
by Dadler on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:31:32 PM EST

Parent

dude (5.00 / 0) (#14)
by Little Fish on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:34:14 PM EST

I'm the Dude so that's what you call me. Or maybe His Dudeness, or Duder, or El Duderino if you're not into the whole brevity thing.

Parent

: "I want my.... (none / 0) (#157)
by kdog on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 09:46:18 AM EST

lawyer man...I want Bill Kuntsler...or Ron Kuby."

Parent

Hello, how about Fargo? (5.00 / 2) (#46)
by ruffian on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:59:19 PM EST

That's my favorite Coen.

Parent

: Fargo (none / 0) (#100)
by Dadler on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:17:39 PM EST

Interesting as all Coen Bros. movies are, but it, to me, was ultimately about nothing. Though Francis MacDormand was terrific. And, let's be honest, it was utterly contemptuous of average Minnesotans with those over the top dialects. Akin to having all black folk in a movie sound like Old Dirty Bastard.

Parent
: The Hudsucker Proxy (none / 0) (#140)
by tree on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:13:59 AM EST

is my favorite.
"You know, for kids."

Parent

millers crossing (5.00 / 0) (#63)
by Edgar08 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:20:18 PM EST

is a neat movie.

's'all about ethics.

Parent

I need sleep! I was so fired up after that relay (5.00 / 2) (#15)
by Teresa on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:36:07 PM EST

last night, I was up until 1:30. I have to get up at 6:30 and I need my sleep but I can't miss all the good stuff that starts at 10.

BTW, I got my Hillary shirt today. :(

I'd love to track down (5.00 / 1) (#20)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:37:36 PM EST

a "Meet me in Ohio" shirt.

Parent

Mine are supposed to be on their way. (5.00 / 1) (#35)
by Angel on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:46:02 PM EST

I can't wait to surprise my mother and sister with theirs!

Parent

I could have written your post (5.00 / 1) (#42)
by ruffian on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:55:10 PM EST

Right down to getting my Hillary shirt today. Those are nice heavy shirts. Won't be able to wear it outdoors n FL until January though.

I was yawning all day at work - but it was great seeing that swimming relay live last night.

Parent

They run big, don't they? I'll have to sleep in (none / 0) (#44)
by Teresa on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:57:42 PM EST

mine unless it draws up a lot.

Parent

: Yeah, I think so (5.00 / 1) (#50)
by ruffian on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:01:40 PM EST

or maybe they are unisex. I should have thought of that when I picked a size!
I love Hillary, but wearing her to bed might feel a little strange.

Parent

Got my shirt today as well (5.00 / 1) (#69)
by RalphB on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:31:09 PM EST

It is heavy, but so am I :-)

Parent

Got mine today, too (5.00 / 1) (#75)
by Cream City on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:40:46 PM EST

and am wearing it right now. It's Wisconsin, it's in the 50s tonight, but right back to the 80s tomorrow. Should be nice and warm to wear when the snow flies. Probably a few weeks from now. :-)

Parent

50's at night - I'm very jealous (none / 0) (#81)
by ruffian on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:47:22 PM EST

It's 83 here at 10:45 - on the way down to the expected low of 75.

Brrrrrrr.....

Parent

83, hah (none / 0) (#91)
by RalphB on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:01:49 PM EST

it's currently 91 here and feels like 96. August is awful in TX.

Parent

That's nothing!!! (5.00 / 1) (#128)
by kenosharick on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:55:45 PM EST

I am drivng from LA to Georgia (sleeping at the Caif-Az. border) and it hit 112 degrees while I was driving near Palm Springs. I stopped for gas and filled up in 108 degrees. And please do not give me that "dry heat" stuff; hot is hot!!!

Parent

: Nobody with Kenosha in his sig (5.00 / 1) (#134)
by Cream City on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:03:30 AM EST

can survive that. Do people actually live there? :-)
Your lake breezes are calling you home, Rick. Y'know, like the one that switches off the lake at 4:30 every afternoon to bring in the Canadian cool like clockwork. I leave the computer, at 4:35 to get to the garden for a bit of weeding and pruning and waiting for the concert of church bells from every steeple here, like clockwork at 5.
The bells would melt out there. Ugh.

Parent

We are 74 headed to 55 in Tennessee! (none / 0) (#92)
by Teresa on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:04:31 PM EST

Unusual for here.

Parent

Enjoy a waft of Wisconsin (5.00 / 1) (#107)
by Cream City on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:31:52 PM EST

sent your way. :-) Can't beat gorgeous, warm, and sunny days . . . and then a campfire at night in the woods.

Okay, it's a fire pit in my very urban backyard. But we still can make s'mores.

Heck, it's football season already, with the first Packers game tonight. Time for the leaves to start turning -- along the lakefront first, where one jumped the gun and is going gold about two months early. A reminder to get out the snow shovels well before we put away the garden tools.

Parent

I love it. Highs in the mid 80's. Last week was (none / 0) (#115)
by Teresa on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:46:46 PM EST

our hottest, steamiest weather of the summer so I'm loving it.

Real football start three weeks from today...Tennessee at UCLA. :)

Unfortunately, we don't need sleds anymore, much less snow shovels. I swear it used to snow here.

Parent

Who's your QB now? (none / 0) (#123)
by nycstray on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:25:14 PM EST

Parent

It's Mr. Rodgers' neighborhood now (none / 0) (#129)
by Cream City on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:59:56 PM EST

here in Packerland, as they're saying on the teevee. The guy did a good job tonight. Okay, the team lost by a few points, but it's preseason -- and after what the guy has gone through in recent weeks with Brett, the Drama Queen. . . .

That show has gone to Broadway now. For the fifth encore year of The Longest Retirement Saga Ever.

Not that Favre ever made this his neighborhood. If he had been willing to stay all summer with the rest of the team -- a commitment that the new management needed and got from the other guys -- then it might have been different.

As it was, I couldn't see how management could go any other way, without that commitment because Brett wanted to go fishin' down South as usual. Plus Rodgers only has a year left on his contract, and we could have ended up without any QB a year from now.

There are quite a few here in my family who can't handle it, though. But heck, I was a Hornung fan. So I've been through the hard losses before. :-)

Parent

: Well, Brett has stirred up some excitment (none / 0) (#141)
by nycstray on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:16:34 AM EST

here. I actually got a text message from a Giant's fan friend about it when the news came out. I thought it was funny she was excited. But then again, she's like me. The more good football/baseball the better. Too bad I don't know how to text her back, lol!~
Heh, Brett's already had to take a penalty lap in practice ;) Should be interesting to see how he does this weekend.

Parent

Oh that sounds so nice! (none / 0) (#98)
by RalphB on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:11:28 PM EST

Parent

: Here in the SF Bay Area it (none / 0) (#147)
by hairspray on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:28:24 AM EST

has recently been in the mid to high '70's during the day and mid 50's at night. The inner valleys have finally cooled down letting the cold air stay offshore. When the valley is HOT, the cold ocean air gets pulled in over the coast and we have fog hanging over us almost all day. And chilly, in the low '60's. No fun, but come late August through early November the weather changes very nicely.

Parent

I got mine on Saturday (none / 0) (#120)
by Democratic Cat on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:20:48 PM EST

Already washed it to shrink it a little. We're having a bit of a cold snap in DC, so it's nice to have on tonight. And yes, a "cold" snap in DC in August is not the same thing as in other parts of the country.

Parent

I was jazzed too! (none / 0) (#27)
by Little Fish on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:41:07 PM EST

Although I stupidly hit up MSNBC before the race only to find the results plastered FRONT PAGE. Nice MSNBC.

I didn't order one of those shirts, but I came across my Rock the Vote shirt that I got Chelsea to sign in a suitcase yesterday (I haven't unpacked from my treks out campaigning. I suck). :(

Parent

The good thing about being eastern time is (none / 0) (#34)
by Teresa on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:46:01 PM EST

no spoilers on the live events. I think they are so wrong to show the best events from 10-12. School started here today and all the kids are missing it. 7-11 would be better.

I'll bet that race was still fun even knowing who won. That was unreal.

Parent

That race was on way too late (5.00 / 2) (#40)
by Little Fish on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:52:36 PM EST

and it was the highlight. It was still awesome knowing who one because I had no idea how it was going to happen. It looked improbable in that last turn. PLUS Michael Phelps with his top off. Bonus!

And Women's Gymnastics went kind of late too. You think they'd put that on earlier for the kids.

Parent

I think that race was actually live (5.00 / 1) (#61)
by ruffian on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:16:18 PM EST

at least on the east coast - not sure if they delayed it for other time zones. It was Monday morning in China.

Parent

: They're delayed (none / 0) (#68)
by Little Fish on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:30:50 PM EST

on the West Coast. We get them 3 hours later. Boo.
I should probably bounce from this thread then.

Parent

It was worth staying up to see (5.00 / 1) (#108)
by Cream City on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:35:03 PM EST

Garret Weber-Gale, our hometown boy (grew up and began his swimming career a few miles from me), share in that great relay race.

Missing my hometown guys Paul and Morgan Hamm so much this year -- but wow, the U.S. men's gymnastics team is going gangbusters tonight, unexpectedly. So the Hamm boys can be proud that they helped to build what is looking like a legacy.

Parent

: So proud (5.00 / 5) (#126)
by Steve M on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:50:48 PM EST

of our boys! First Olympics for every one of them, and they showed such heart. Makes a happy Yankee out of me.
I'm always pointing out to my daughter any time I see a great athletic performance by a woman, because I want her to see how anything is possible. But you know, it's always possible our next child will be a boy, and he needs to understand that sports aren't just for girls. :)

Parent

The music is fantabulous. The only part I don't (5.00 / 1) (#18)
by WillBFair on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:36:37 PM EST

like is when John G rips them off. Greedy and savage cruelty upsets my delicate constitution.

To answer your question - YES, ABSOLUTELY (5.00 / 2) (#21)
by Gabriele Droz on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:38:07 PM EST

With Wes Clark on his team, as VP, I don't think we'd have to worry about November.

I dearly love Hillary, and choosing between the two of t;hem is really hard, but then again, my first choice always has been Wes Clark, and if he became VP, I'm almost (almost) certain he would have the ability to convince Obama to do the right things by all of us without long-lasting hard ego feelings.

Then again, what do I know. These are my thoughts only.

If I had even less of a life... (5.00 / 1) (#22)
by kinglet on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:38:27 PM EST

I think I could watch "O Brother..." at least once a week. So many great lines. We go around quoting it in my house all the time. "Friend? Some of your foldin' money is come unstowed." Heh. So good.

Oh no (5.00 / 0) (#26)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:40:39 PM EST

Here we go.

I won't be able to resist.

Parent

Do not... (5.00 / 2) (#28)
by kinglet on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:41:51 PM EST

seek the traysure...

Parent

: Heh (none / 0) (#32)
by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:43:27 PM EST

Parent

The americans just won the sand volleyball (5.00 / 2) (#48)
by americanincanada on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:59:48 PM EST

match aginst the Cubans. The dominated. it was awesome.

Also, the american women blew the competition out of the water in 8 person rowing earlier too, moving strgith to the final in 2 days. Powerful doesn't even begin tocover it.

Now just waiting for Phelps.

Do you know if they had the finals (none / 0) (#53)
by ruffian on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:04:30 PM EST

for the 4 women rowing yet? I saw some heats yesterday, but never saw a final. The Chinese team was amazing in the heat I saw.

Parent

: I saw that heat too! (none / 0) (#88)
by americanincanada on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:58:50 PM EST

The Chinese women were beyond fast. I was stunned. Living in Canada I was expecting the Canadian teams to do better, some are from our local swimming hole.
I don't think they have had that final yet. The men's 8 person heats were also today. Canada sailed right through to the final in that one.

Parent

Just want to say that besides the DVD (5.00 / 1) (#51)
by Rhouse on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:02:23 PM EST

we bought the CD and right now in honor of all the great quotes sure to come I'm listening to "In the Jailhouse Now" by Soggy Bottom Boys/ Tim Nelson, followed by various versions of "Man of Constant Sorrow". Strangely enough, I'll follow the "O Brother..." soundtrack with the soundtrack of Ken Burns' "Civil War", which has been on my mind as of late for some reason. Signing off as "Lonesome Valley" now plays on the head phones.

Dpn't forget Allison Krause (n/t) (3.00 / 4) (#57)
by sher on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:10:45 PM EST

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: Krauss (n/t) (1.00 / 2) (#152)
by sher on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:56:53 AM EST

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Phelps phelps phelps: gold. again. (5.00 / 0) (#62)
by Addison on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:18:53 PM EST

Did Hillary hold back on Barack? (5.00 / 0) (#67)
by LatinoVoter on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:29:56 PM EST

Right now I'm not interested in reading the article that is publishing the internal e-mails but I'm catching snippets here and there.

from Jake Tappers blog:

(Eve of Iowa caucus)

Then, playing out a number of scenarios, Penn writes that if they come out of Iowa and it's a two-way race with Obama, "on Friday we do a media interviews (sic) and basically say that he is unvetted, discuss his ever-changing positions. Release the tapes. Create immediate pressure that deprives him of oxygen.'

Penn in '07

Jake Tapper wonder what tapes they're talking about. I'm thinking they were talking about the Wright tapes but could Obama have some other damaging tapes come out in the future?

The Obama supporters often commented here that we didn't have proof that Hillary held back and could have gone nuclear on him and I'm thinking there were wrong. I think she held back and didn't release the Wright tapes.

ugh.

This isn't going to be good for unity. I think (5.00 / 1) (#73)
by Teresa on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:35:56 PM EST

she obviously held back but I doubt his supporters will feel that way.

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Oh well, no unity for Barack. (5.00 / 2) (#80)
by Valhalla on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:47:00 PM EST

Maybe the pony will visit him in his dreams.

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: or the puma... (none / 0) (#133)
by weltec2 on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:01:58 AM EST

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Article about Hillary's staff problem (none / 0) (#96)
by Dadler on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:08:51 PM EST

Link

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: It's just more (5.00 / 2) (#135)
by weltec2 on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:03:44 AM EST

Hillary bashing. I'm tired of it.

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: So what do you think the Obama (none / 0) (#150)
by hairspray on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:41:05 AM EST

memos have said? "Come for tea" We already know what some of the JJJr memos said about making Clinton a racist. Sorry, but your information is lame.

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Holy sh!t! (5.00 / 3) (#74)
by lilburro on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:38:52 PM EST

Peirsol is amazing! Crazy what can happen in a few meters.

More memos (BTD will like this one): (5.00 / 2) (#85)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:49:50 PM EST

There was a plan to challenge Obama to DNC run FL and MI revotes. It was to have been announced after Ohio and Texas. Who knows why they didn't go with this:

Sorry, I can't copy the text.

Follow ups (5.00 / 2) (#86)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:51:03 PM EST

here and here

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You got me to read it (5.00 / 1) (#90)
by ruffian on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:01:00 PM EST

after I swore I would not. Florigan. I wish they had executed at the time of that last memo.

As with every other single factor, it is hard to tell if it would have made a difference, but it would have been the right thing to do.

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: yup (5.00 / 1) (#93)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:04:52 PM EST

I don't see how they thought they were going to win without this.

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: You may recall that Texas was a mess (5.00 / 3) (#113)
by Cream City on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:42:01 PM EST

of a combined primary-caucus, for which the state still has yet to release results. I read a lot about outrageous problems, and that the Clinton camp had lawyers working to get the DNC to do something.
But, of course, the DNC liked that split decision and corruption just fine. I suspect that effort by the Clinton camp with the DNC about Texas may have deflected and deferred previous plans to get the DNC to do something about Florida and Michigan.
It was just crap every day with the DNC against Clinton. For all of the campaign's problems, I am convinced that even had it been a perfect campaign, the DNC would have done it in somehow. See Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting, May 31, 2008.
The day the Democratic Party died.

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Michael Phelps (5.00 / 3) (#143)
by Little Fish on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:21:47 AM EST

I just saw his race and he was so far ahead of the other swimmers I think he could have done his taxes before they hit the wall. Wow.

"Phoning it in" (5.00 / 1) (#151)
by nycstray on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:49:37 AM EST

was the caption on CNN under Obama's picture while they talked about his text message plan . . . {sigh}

HA! (none / 0) (#155)
by Fabian on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 02:49:20 AM EST

I bet there's an entire generation who don't realize that "Phoning it in." is usually a derogative phrase.

Urban Dictionary's take.

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: lol!~ (none / 0) (#160)
by nycstray on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 02:47:16 PM EST

Used to describe a lazy or uninspired attempt
Ouch.

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I'm watching volleyball (none / 0) (#3)
by americanincanada on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:23:58 PM EST

on the CBC and waiting for live swimming and gymnastics. Rowing and kayaking were great.

On beer (none / 0) (#16)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:36:07 PM EST

So Heineken is european Bud, I know, but I have a soft spot for it. Anyway, I can't drink it in America because it's almost always skunked in those stupid green bottles. I finally found some cans, and it's finally pretty much like what I remember from Amsterdam.

It's skunked in Russia, too, (none / 0) (#118)
by gyrfalcon on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:14:54 PM EST

or was, if that makes you feel any better, so bad when I was there, our guide got us to try warm bottles of Russian beer instead for about 5 cents a bottle at the time, bought from guys standing on street corners, and we loved it.

See if you can find either Long Trail or Otter Creek microbrew where you are, both Vermont-made, with wonderful lagers more like lightweight European beers than totally tasteless American.

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Thanks for the tips (none / 0) (#139)
by andgarden on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:08:42 AM EST

In all honestly, I'm a sucker for the watery stuff. I always rather liked Rolling Rock, but now I feel a little silly buying it since A-B stopped brewing it in Latrobe, PA. I might as well drink Bud Light (not a bad value, incidentally).

But overall I don't really like anything darker or more bitter than Yuengling (also a local PA favorite, incidentally).

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: I think I had that once (none / 0) (#148)
by gyrfalcon on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:35:02 AM EST

and if my memory is right, it's not far from Long Trail and Otter Creek lager. I've never much liked dark, heavy beer myself, although the right kind of zingy spicy ale I can enjoy once in a while. But I lost any interest in drinking "lite" beers long ago, though I used to buy it by the case once upon a time.
Anyway, there's something about the very idea of beer made in Vermont that tickles me.
Wayyy back when, there were lots and lots of local beers, and even a road trip through a state as small as Massachusetts could turn up some real gems on tap in local bars for 25 or 30 cents a glass. We've got the "micro-breweries" back, but at 10 times the cost, alas.

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More Hillary muck... the Fall of the Front Runner (none / 0) (#29)
by ding7777 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:41:53 PM EST

USA Today has a write-up:

Joshua Green's epic on the decline and fall of Hillary Clinton is online tonight in all its gory, dysfunctional detail at The Atlantic

I'd hardly call it a downfall (5.00 / 3) (#70)
by Edgar08 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:32:41 PM EST

but if it makes people feel better.

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: Or 'epic collapse' (5.00 / 1) (#79)
by Valhalla on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:45:43 PM EST

Overdramatize much? Sure makes Mark Penn look good, and no blame to PSD. Hmmm....
A quick read: the article about the memos doesn't really line up very well with how Hillary's campaign strengthened once Penn was demoted, PSD was ejected and Maggie Williams took over.
I started reading the actual memos, I usually really dig that stuff, but was pretty quickly bored. Maybe another day.

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I admit it, (none / 0) (#31)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:42:57 PM EST

I'm about to read the memos. Thanks for the heads up.

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Ok, here's a good one: (none / 0) (#38)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:50:35 PM EST

"The brie and cheese set drives fundraising and elite press but does not drive the vote. Kerry beat Dean. Gore easily defeated Kerry."

Difference: Obama got the black vote.

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Gore easily defeated Kerry? (none / 0) (#52)
by rjarnold on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:04:13 PM EST

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: Sorry, should be "Bradley" (5.00 / 1) (#58)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:12:06 PM EST

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Too soon. Maybe next year. (none / 0) (#43)
by ruffian on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 08:56:57 PM EST

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Best Non Polical Ad- and our Anthem (none / 0) (#55)
by samtaylor2 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:07:11 PM EST

The Nike add with Marvin Gaye's Star Spangled Banner version with the Mens Basketball team is a great add. It made me think about which artist(both past and present), I would like to hear sing our anthem at the Dem national convetion.

My list off the top of my head
Past Artists
Marvin Gaye
Otis Reading
Bill Withers
Joan Armstrong
James Brown

Present Artists
Paul Simon
Tina Turner (past/ present??)
Chaka Khan
Neville Brothers

: Present! (none / 0) (#82)
by Joan in VA on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:47:38 PM EST

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: Bob Dylan (none / 0) (#101)
by Dadler on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:20:25 PM EST

Can you imagine what that would sound like?

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yesterdays Olympics (none / 0) (#56)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:09:38 PM EST

I just watched Kirsty Coventry break the world's record in the l00 meter backstroke. Strange to hear that USA voice in a swimmer from Zimbabwe? wow. She sounds almost Midwestern

I noticed that yesterday (or Sat?). (none / 0) (#59)
by Teresa on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:13:15 PM EST

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: duh...you said yesterday. They just had the (none / 0) (#66)
by Teresa on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:27:18 PM EST

final...wanna know who won? :)

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Well, we say Zimbabwe (none / 0) (#83)
by Cream City on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:47:40 PM EST

is just another part of the Appalachians now.

Ain'a hey.

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I love listening to South Africans talk. (none / 0) (#84)
by lilburro on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 09:49:17 PM EST

To me, they have the strangest accent in English.

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: Hers (none / 0) (#97)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:10:55 PM EST

was strangely non-accented. She really sounded like she could be American, complete with slang terms, etc.
And by the way, if my typing looks strange, I've been working on a tablet PC and the handwriting recognition isn't always perfect.

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West Coasters (none / 0) (#89)
by americanincanada on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:00:36 PM EST

need to stay up to watch swimming tonight. It's worth it all around.

Now if I can just wake up to watch the special channel we ordered to be able to see the sailing competitions...

: And the men's gymnastics too. (5.00 / 1) (#138)
by BarnBabe on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:07:41 AM EST

Of course, that means 1AM when it all went off. I usually do not watch this event that much, but it was pretty exciting and fun to watch. The Chinese are awesome in this event.

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: That's what DVR's (none / 0) (#99)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:11:31 PM EST

are for ;-). Nighty, night!

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: My cable company (none / 0) (#104)
by Dadler on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:21:41 PM EST

Is carrying a Korean language Olympic Channel and a Mandarin one. Saw the US Women's basketball team (a monster of a squad) roll over the Chinese team with Mandarin commentators. Different, to say the least.

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Am I going to be sick? I just ate some yogurt. (none / 0) (#103)
by Teresa on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:20:49 PM EST

The consistency seemed a little runny but it tasted ok. After I finished, I checked the date and it expired July 17.

Probably fine (5.00 / 1) (#105)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:26:20 PM EST

less fine if it was "light" yogurt with a bunch of cornstarch, but I really wouldn't worry about it. The "live active cultures" tend to keep other nasties out.

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Light nonfat it says. Oh well. (none / 0) (#106)
by Teresa on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:30:37 PM EST

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: Most people have eaten worse (5.00 / 3) (#110)
by andgarden on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:35:24 PM EST

without even realizing it. Fresh produce isn't nearly as controlled of an environment as your expired yogurt.

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What year? (5.00 / 1) (#137)
by BarnBabe on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:05:20 AM EST

Just kidding. It should be fine.

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July 17 MIGHT be the (5.00 / 2) (#149)
by tree on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:36:25 AM EST

"sell by" date, in which case its probably OK for a week or two after that. Even if its over the expiration date it doesn't necessarily go bad right away, especially if it hasn't been sitting around opened in your fridge.

If it tasted OK and didn't have any mold on it, you'll probably be fine. Even in the worse-case scenario, you'd probably just have to "sit-through" a little diarrhea, but its not a likely outcome.

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Perseid meteor shower visible (none / 0) (#112)
by Rhouse on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:38:45 PM EST

tonight in eastern PA and NJ. Yeah, I know the weather string is up stream, so to speak, so I'll just say for that early August we've actually had a string of days with afternoons in the low 70s and nights in the mid 50s, open windows, fresh air and light blankets.

: What time? (none / 0) (#136)
by BarnBabe on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:04:14 AM EST

I was watching the end of the Olympics. Another thrilling night. And a nice break.

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Long time no talk. (none / 0) (#114)
by halstoon on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 10:46:19 PM EST

So, since Hillary's headlining Tuesday, she can't be the VP on Wednesday, right? That's a good thing. I never thought Obama would or should choose her. I am glad, however, that she is getting a night all to herself. She does deserve that.

BTD mocks people who feel like they have a personal relationship with pols, and I agree, but John Edwards just never 'felt' like a straight up guy to me. I never assumed he was an adulterer, but I just knew in my gut that he was not who he said he was. Now I know I was right. Ho hum.

It looks like Obama may up and lose this one. If he does, it will be the biggest choke since Bill Buckner let that ball go through his legs in 1986.

I pray to gawd he doesn't do that. The country cannot afford it.

"O Brother Where Art Thou" (none / 0) (#121)
by bridget on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:21:41 PM EST

one of the best by the Coens and one of my fav. films as well, BTD

Right up there with Fargo.

I also have the cd because I absolutely love the blugrass music

George Clooney also said he enjoyed making this film and it shows -

fwiw I have seen every single film by the Coen Bros. but "No Country For Old Men" was disappointing and should not have received the Oscar. There were so much better films offered that year. The Departed shouldn't have gotten one either the year before that btw. Plus a few others I could mention ....

P.S. wish I could talk Olys but I am from a diff. time zone and don't like to be spoilt (which I just did by looking at this thread for just a microsecond ;-)

Wishing everyone a fun Open Thread ;-)

From Huffpo and Firedoglake (none / 0) (#122)
by americanincanada on Mon Aug 11, 2008 at 11:23:11 PM EST

Senator Barack Obama will start looking the other way when it comes to the role 527s and other independent groups play in the election, a source close to his campaign told the Huffington Post.

The implicit acknowledgment that outside organizations have a role to play signifies a marked contrast from Obama's longstanding policy that electoral efforts be funneled through his campaign.

: Hummm.... (5.00 / 1) (#131)
by standingup on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:00:18 AM EST

Is it possible Obama's fundraising isn't going as well as expected so he will be more welcome to help from other orgs?

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: no surprise here (5.00 / 5) (#132)
by kenosharick on Tue Aug 12, 2008 at 12:01:15 AM EST

just another politician, as many here have long known. We were not fooled by the "change" and "new politics" crap.

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Monday Night Open Thread | 156 comments (156 topical)

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