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Tuesday Night Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Tue Oct 20, 2009 at 09:39:46 PM EST
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There's been a lot of posting today, but no open thread. Here's one where you pick the topics. What haven't we covered?

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    Tuesday Night Open Thread | 130 comments (130 topical)

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    Another bold statement from our (5.00 / 2) (#2)
    by MO Blue on Tue Oct 20, 2009 at 10:12:14 PM EST
    fearless leader in the Senate.

    Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid played coy on health care reform today, saying he hopes to get legislation to CBO "soon," and that he, along with other senators and White House officials, are "leaning toward talking about a public option."
    ...
    Reid, by contrast, says he will make the decision about the public option based on negotiations with his members and the White House, but won't use so blunt an object as a CBO analysis to pressure conservative Democrats to get on board.
     link

    Heaven forbid Reid put any pressure on the conservative members to get good legislation. Instead the majority of the members, must once again capitulate to a small minority.

    Leaning towards talking about? What (5.00 / 3) (#3)
    by oculus on Tue Oct 20, 2009 at 10:14:19 PM EST
    does that mean?

    Parent
    Oculus (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by CoralGables on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 12:31:22 AM EST
    off topic but in answer to your query from several days ago, I'm not an NCAA official but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

    Kickoffs and extra points can be kicked from anywhere between the hash marks. They need not be from the center of the field. The spot can be chosen by the kicking team as long as they notify the official prior to the whistle to start the play.

    On field goals, the placement of the ball is where the last play ended or at the nearest hash mark (if the play ended outside the hash mark), but the actual kick can be from anywhere behind the line of scrimmage if the center has the ability to snap at an angle.

    Parent

    I think (5.00 / 2) (#26)
    by lentinel on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 08:46:21 AM EST
    it's the opposite of falling over backwards towards talking about...


    Parent
    Hmmm (5.00 / 3) (#25)
    by lentinel on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 08:44:42 AM EST
    I'm leaning toward talking about paying my taxes this year.

    Parent
    You lucky dog... (none / 0) (#34)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 08:59:48 AM EST
    you get to pay taxes, what are you in the ruling class or something lentinel?  Mine are taken, not paid:)

    If we all paid them I think we woulda cut off the do nothing but harm leeches a long time ago.

    Parent

    Change your W-4 (none / 0) (#46)
    by CoralGables on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:24:46 AM EST
    list yourself as married with 5 dependents. They will withhold less and you too will be able to feel like the ruling class when you pay at year's end.

    note: the author above is not responsible for any underpayment penalty imposed by the IRS on April 15th should you not have enough deductions to get the amount owed to under 10% of your total yearly IRS tax bill. :)

    Parent

    I've thought about it many times.... (none / 0) (#49)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:33:27 AM EST
    but the only thing I dislike more than funding the war machine is having beuracrats chase me down to fund to the war machine...I'll keep paying the vig for convenience sake, its only money...and I'm too selfish to go to jail for a cause.

    Parent
    Silly, you are letting (none / 0) (#55)
    by Cream City on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:38:25 AM EST
    government bank your money for months and get the interest on it -- so you are funding the war machine more by not adjusting your status.  More than you would by adjusting it, more than are the rest of us who don't let the government do this.

    So now I know who to blame for funding the war more: kdog.


    Parent

    You can blame me, too (5.00 / 1) (#83)
    by sj on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 11:00:18 AM EST
    I always overpay.  Deliberately.  I know me, and there is no way that I would "bank" that additional money to earn my own interest on it.  I much prefer the refund in a lump sum.  It has funded many vacations and home improvements.

    Plus, I figure the extra 20 bucks (max) in interest (at today's rates) is less than the cost of a lovely dinner.  No chance against a possible vacation get-away.  As long as that refund comes in a timely manner, the government is more than welcome to earn some interest on my tax overpayments.  However modest my contribution may be.

    Parent

    That is the plus side sj... (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 11:32:52 AM EST
    when you fool yourself into thinking the net is the gross, your tax return is like winning a sweepstakes.

    Parent
    The best (none / 0) (#60)
    by CoralGables on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:45:22 AM EST
    thing for the dog so he has the best of both worlds is to adjust the W-4 so he neither owes nor is paid at year's end. That may be as simple as keeping the W-4 as single but list 2 or 3 withholding exemptions. That way there is no free loan to the government, nothing owed at years end, and added money in each check to stash under the mattress. (or to increase the stash)

    Parent
    That might be worth looking into.... (none / 0) (#63)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:49:39 AM EST
    Thanks CG...how much do I owe ya?...:)

    Parent
    Whoever handles (none / 0) (#67)
    by CoralGables on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:02:57 AM EST
    the W-4 info at your job...ask how much more will be in your check if you add one or two deductions.

    If you are paid weekly, multiply each total by 52; If bi-weekly multiply by 26; and if twice a month multiply by 24. Subtract the total from your usual tax return check and that will tell you what number to use to move your return check towards zero. Keep adding another exemption til you get to where they owe you a C-note or 2 at years end. That way you won't owe, you get your cash up front, and you aren't giving "the man" an interest free loan for 12 months.

    Parent

    The charts are (none / 0) (#70)
    by Inspector Gadget on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:08:10 AM EST
    easily found online. IRS web site.

    Parent
    Yep.... (none / 0) (#62)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:47:32 AM EST
    4 grand and change worth every year is on me.

    I just don't think my conscience could deal with cutting a money order every year lump sum...allow me to delude myself with deductions:)

    I'm realizing why taxpayers b*tch more than those who have their taxes taken...you kinda just start to think the net is what you make every week...the gross a mirage.

    Parent

    Sen. Wyden is pulling an oculus (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by MO Blue on Tue Oct 20, 2009 at 10:17:35 PM EST
    and stirring the pot on HCR.

    Senator Ron Wyden's annoying insistence that Democrats not lie to the American people about health care reform is causing trouble for the party leadership again. His office was not happy with a new talking point sent out by the leadership, falsely claiming that if you don't like your current health insurance you would be offered a new, affordable choice.
    ...
    I just wanted to flag for colleagues that their bosses should be careful using the talking point that under the Dem bill, Americans who don't like the coverage they have, will be able to choose something else.  As CBO Director Elmendorf indicated last week, under the current legislation, seven years after implementation, more than 90 percent of Americans will remain barred from shopping for insurance in the exchange. This means that not only will MOST Americans be stuck with the coverage they have - whether they like it or not - if reform establishes a public option, more than 90 percent of Americans won't be able to choose it. As many of you know, this is why Senator Wyden has been fighting so hard to get his Free Choose proposal into the bill, so that we can tell our constituents that if you don't like the coverage they have, they can choose something better. But right now, that's not the case.  Let me know if you have any questions. Jen
    FDL
    Wyden does not support a public option (none / 0) (#17)
    by caseyOR on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:28:25 AM EST
    He is upset that his amendment was not considered by Finance, and is probably p!ssed that he was not a party to Baucus' secret special negotiating club.  

    Wyden voted for the Baucus bill in the Finance Committee. he could have voted "no". And, really, after the way Max screwed him on his amendment, I am a bit surprised he voted "yes." If he truly believes that this is bad for the American people, then why vote yes?

    Oh, right. By doing this way Wyden gets lots of free press, sounds to the untrained ear like he is fighting for the little people, and doesn't really risk the wrath of the Dem. leadership.

    Whenever Ron Wyden does or says anything it is good to remember that he only cares about Ron Wyden.

    Parent

    Obama half-pregnant? (5.00 / 3) (#5)
    by MO Blue on Tue Oct 20, 2009 at 10:26:44 PM EST
    "The Obama administration is trying to be, I don't know how to put it, half-pregnant with the insurance industry and the pharmaceutical companies," he told WNYC Radio today. "They're to some degree the source of our problem."
    ...
    "I think the White House very much wants to have, even if it's just one person, the ability to say that this is a bipartisan outcome," Weiner said. "And my frustration is we are really as a party are flirting with the notion of minority rule here." The Hill
    Obama gets regular flu season shot. (none / 0) (#7)
    by oculus on Tue Oct 20, 2009 at 10:43:34 PM EST
    Wonder if his daughters will get swine flu shot or spray?

    Parent
    Part (none / 0) (#32)
    by lentinel on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 08:53:54 AM EST
    of the job of being the president is that he/she has to set an example. In this case, the president has to give himself and his family a flu shot about which he may (with reason) have some doubts.

    Parent
    Maybe he'll double (none / 0) (#8)
    by nycstray on Tue Oct 20, 2009 at 11:05:57 PM EST
    dog dare Obama to draw a line . . .  :)

    Parent
    I think Obama may prefer circles (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by MO Blue on Tue Oct 20, 2009 at 11:08:24 PM EST


    Parent
    Frontline on PBS tonight.... (5.00 / 3) (#15)
    by oldpro on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 12:55:27 AM EST
    "The Warning."

    About the financial meltdown, Greenspan, Rubin, Summers and the R congress shut down of CFTC and prevention of Brooksley Born and her agency from regulating those black-box derivatives...and we are still not protected from repeat performances.

    And Rubin and Summers (and Geitner et al) are in charge of Obama's financial house...and ours.  And although they now say they are 'for regulation,' the lobbyists are out in force and the congress is caving...and Goldman is getting richer and richer...again...still...

    What's wrong with this picture?

    My senator seems to know...and she's livid...with kudos from Taylor Marsh, etc.

    Brooksley Born is an unsung hero up to now (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by Boo Radly on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:31:52 AM EST
    thwarted by the people who foisted this presidency upon us.  If you were not concerned before now, look who is in charge of the Treasury - although, I do not think you could have a pulse and not realize what is going on. Bizarro world continues.

    Talk about a piece of work. It is so strange to read intelligent people still discussing how "we" can make "them" do the right thing. Uh, it's baked in the cake. 2012 will be the only remedy. JMO

    Parent

    Which one? (none / 0) (#16)
    by caseyOR on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:18:56 AM EST
    Murray or Cantwell? And what has she said about this?

    Parent
    Cantwell. I don't do the linky thing (none / 0) (#93)
    by oldpro on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 12:54:11 PM EST
    but if you google "cantwell taylor marsh" you'll arrive at "Political smackdowns of the week" with Maria getting top billing.  My favorite was her saying Treasury should be ashamed of themselves...

    She is royally ticked off at this crap with NOBODY minding the store.

    Parent

    Cantwell voted YEA on the bill with NO PO (none / 0) (#124)
    by Inspector Gadget on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 05:44:32 PM EST
    nt

    Parent
    So did Rockefeller...to get it (none / 0) (#126)
    by oldpro on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 07:01:29 PM EST
    out of committee...but that's a difference subject.

    Not that healthcare and finance don't overlap (!) but they are two different committees with somwhat different relationships with the economy...although we could go bankrupt either way...no question.

    Parent

    Lousy reasoning (none / 0) (#127)
    by Inspector Gadget on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 07:25:11 PM EST
    In fact, weak.

    I think Maria is weak on principle, though.

    Parent

    Heh. You think she's weaker than (none / 0) (#128)
    by oldpro on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 08:37:54 PM EST
    the president?  Weaker than Summers, Rubin, Geitner and Barney?

    Yeah....right.

    Parent

    How in the world did (none / 0) (#129)
    by Inspector Gadget on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:51:54 PM EST
    you manage to get that out of my comment?

    Parent
    Well....that's what we were (none / 0) (#130)
    by oldpro on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 11:39:50 PM EST
    talking about...Maria's response to the Treasury Dept and Frank's pathetic bill...when you jumped in to criticize her vote on healthcare in another committee.

    Perhaps you meant my logic was weak in responding as to why she (and Rockefeller) voted it out of committee rather than voting 'no?'  Well...OK...that's your opinion.  

    But then you did say "...think Maria is weak on principle, though."

    Did I miss something somewhere?  Or did you?  Not that it matters!  Not exactly earthshaking but it is disconcerting to not even be on the same page, hmmm?  I agree.

    Parent

    Well, after a set of x-rays, (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by Anne on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 07:43:48 AM EST
    it seems I broke the fifth metatarsal in my foot, at the base, and have been placed in a walking boot, which I have to wear for the next 4 weeks - and likely beyond that, depending on the degree of healing that takes place between now and then.

    This boot (in a lovely shade of battleship gray, by the way) may be made mostly of hard plastic, but it's heavy to lug around, and since my foot still hurts, it's been kind of tiring figuring out how exactly to walk in it to minimize the pain.  I'm discovering that the shoe one wears on the good foot makes a difference in how easy or hard it is to walk, since the height differential means one's gait can be really off.  I'm kind of just putting up with that, because it's more important to me that I have the stability on the "good side

    On the bright side - and there actually is one! - the break did not detach a piece of the bone from the metatarsal; had that been the case I would have been looking at surgery and pins and all that other good stuff.  

    My new mantra, as I lug this thing around is...it could have been worse!

    Ah, the boot (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by Cream City on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 08:25:22 AM EST
    -- which only came in black when I had to wear it (tore a tendon free of an ankle).  I called it the Darth Vader boot, so bulky and black that it was.

    I remember asking if it came in white or a pastel, to the laughter of the ER staff.  But I was asking because I had done the damage while racing around to get ready for a big day -- so I had to wear it to my wedding!

    My sympathies, Anne.  Glad there's no surgery, anyway.  A relative just had to cope with that, and she is having to spend six weeks on a scooter!

    Parent

    Our favorite store greeter (none / 0) (#31)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 08:50:28 AM EST
    had The Boot for weeks.  She was an older lady and wasn't thrilled by the boot, but wanted her foot to heal, so she was very conscientious about following the doctor's orders about taking it easy.  

    Parent
    Sorry to hear that it is broken (none / 0) (#33)
    by MO Blue on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 08:58:18 AM EST
    Do you know anyone who is an OT or a PT? One or the other might be able to provide you with some suggestions on better ways to maneuver with your new footwear.  

    Parent
    Sorry about that Anne (none / 0) (#40)
    by ruffian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:12:23 AM EST
    Sounds painful, not to mention frustrating. I had a knee in a brace a few years ago and found a walking stick really helped with stability. you might give that a try. A nice tall Gandolf style one would suit you!!

    Parent
    You don't realize how much (none / 0) (#53)
    by Anne on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:37:45 AM EST
    you take your ability to walk for granted until something interferes with it; gives me new appreciation for the struggles of those whose problems won't go away after a couple of weeks.

    I actually thought about a walking stick, especially for the loooong hallway from the garage elevators to the building's elevators where I work; we'll see how it feels tomorrow!

    And I feel like I am miles away from the bathroom, which is on the other side of the floor, so no more waiting until the last minute, lol...

    Parent

    That was my learning curve, too (none / 0) (#56)
    by Cream City on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:40:36 AM EST
    and makes me grateful for every day that I can walk well again.  Btw, I did use a cane -- and still do sometimes, when my ankle or back (another story) act up.  It is a good idea and gives more confidence while relieving the pain, too.  Plus, it's so much fun to use it to point or threaten to give the hook. :-)

    Parent
    I pictured Anne using the walking stick (5.00 / 2) (#75)
    by ruffian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:32:17 AM EST
    like an Old Testament prophet bringing down the wrath of god on the weak-kneed health insurance 'reformers'.

    I like that image!!!

    Parent

    True story. (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:53:42 PM EST
    Someone I know, who was once a truly imposing figure - seven feet tall and strong like an oak, was beset by a nasty autoimmune condition.  He was forced to walk with a cane.  Not just any cane, but a cane that could take his full weight, so it was heavy steel.

    He was crossing the street one day (right of way and everything) when a car slammed to a halt inches from him and the driver laid on the horn.  The handicapped pedestrian stood fully erect and SLAMMED his cane across the hood.  Left a mark, too.  He then finished crossing the street unmolested by rude drivers.

    Parent

    Be thankful, very thankful, you are not (none / 0) (#61)
    by oculus on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:47:01 AM EST
    required to use crutches and keep your broken foot entirely non-weight bearing.  

    Parent
    Believe me, I am VERY grateful (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by Anne on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:55:45 AM EST
    for that!  I know from when both my mother (fibula fracture) and daughter (cyst removed from heel and bone-grafted) were non-weight-bearing for 6 weeks - not at the same time, thank goodness.  My athlete daughter could hop up and down stairs and such, but my mom couldn't do much of anything for herself - and she was too uncoordinated to use crutches, so she had to use a walker.

    Am upping my calcium intake and visualizing the bone healing...

    Parent

    I love the boot (none / 0) (#65)
    by Inspector Gadget on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:53:19 AM EST
    Kept mine for years in case I ever got hurt over a weekend....would save me from emergency room, and I could get the healing treatment started immediately. :)

    Be really grateful you didn't have to go into a cast first.

    Hope the pain subsides quickly!

    Parent

    My boss just got a junk fax.... (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:19:27 AM EST
    from Newt Gingrich, asking him to join some job creation task force or something...good thing I saw it and made the executive decision to throw it in the shredder...last thing I need is Newt polluting the boss man's mind anymore than it is.

    When you need to relax from the news of the day (5.00 / 2) (#45)
    by ruffian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:24:36 AM EST
    I have been listening to podcasts from The American Theater Wing called downstage Center, available free from the iTunes store, or The american Theater Wing website.

    They are dozens of one hour interviews with theater people from all facets of theater - actors, singers, writers, composers, directors, etc. They used to air on the XM Broadway channel before the Sirius merger, which was how I first found them. The interviews are conducted by Howard Sherman and the man that was the XM on air guy before the Sirius merger, John Von Shusten, who has the best radio voice ever. I think he was a performer at one time. Howard Sherman is a producer or director in his own right, and is related to the Sherman brothers that wrote many musicals, including Mary Poppins. they are very knowledgeable and low-key interviewers.

    The content amounts to a fascinating history of American theater (and some British depending on the interviewee) and musicals. The interviews are never about the personal lives of the people -  always about their experiences doing their various shows. They have interviewed everyone from Vanessa Redgrave to Neil Patrick Harris to Tom Stoppard. Some of the most interesting are people I have never heard of, but learn were involved with the original productions of some of my favorite plays or musicals.

    Anyway, I strongly recommend them if you are at all interested in the subject matter.

    Ah, good. (none / 0) (#51)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:36:19 AM EST
    I hate tawdry tell all confessions.  People's personal lives cease to be interesting to me.  Their professional lives - a different story.

    The performance arts are full of strange stories.  It's just the nature of the thing.  

    Parent

    So many good stories (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by ruffian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:19:27 AM EST
    Sometimes they ask a question that seems silly to me and the person says 'well that is a very interesting question' and launches into a story. These guys are respectful without the fanboy fawning of someone like like James Lipton. Very well done.

    Most recent one I listened to was Carole Shelley, someone I had never heard of, who is an elderly British ex-pat actress who plays Madame Morrible in 'Wicked'...and also played one of the original Pidgeon Sisters 'The Odd Couple'. She was so funny.

    One note - most of the podcasts are at least a couple of years old. They stopped doing them for a year after the XM-Sirius merger. But Howard Sherman has started them again this fall.

    Parent

    Did you catch NPR's Terri Gross (none / 0) (#66)
    by oculus on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:56:25 AM EST
    interviewing composer of Finian's Rainbow?  Fascinating, as he beings by telling her of his studying with Nadia Boulanger in Paris when he was 18.  Nadia liked his "popular" stuff best.  

    Parent
    I'll find that (none / 0) (#77)
    by ruffian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:33:55 AM EST
    Sounds right up my alley. I never get to listen to Terri in real time anymore. She is on at an odd time around here. I'll have to get her podcasts.

    Parent
    Baseball. Doesn't appear the Los Angeles (none / 0) (#1)
    by oculus on Tue Oct 20, 2009 at 10:03:32 PM EST
    Angeles of Anaheim will be going to the World Series. Although stranger things have happened in baseball.

    And a pitcher going on three days of rest (none / 0) (#6)
    by oculus on Tue Oct 20, 2009 at 10:42:26 PM EST
    who actually pitches a great game. Usually lots of hype but not always good results.

    Parent
    Josh Beckett (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by CoralGables on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 12:14:31 AM EST
    of the Florida Marlins - World Series, Game 6, Yankee Stadium, 2003, with Yankees trailing 3 games to 2.

    9 Innings 0 ER 5 Hits 2 BB 9 K's

    Parent

    And umpire holding a press conference (none / 0) (#10)
    by oculus on Tue Oct 20, 2009 at 11:22:12 PM EST
    after the game?  WTF?  

    Parent
    What did he say? (none / 0) (#11)
    by nycstray on Tue Oct 20, 2009 at 11:35:51 PM EST
    10-1 blow out doesn't sound like an ump controversy . . . .

    Parent
    Three (none / 0) (#13)
    by CoralGables on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 12:16:49 AM EST
    different umps made three bad calls. Actually 2 bad ones and one brutally bad one.

    Parent
    I will be so bummed (none / 0) (#18)
    by otherlisa on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:57:17 AM EST
    if the World Series is the Phillies versus the Yankees.

    I guess I'd better prepare myself for the disappointment.

    Parent

    That would be huge (none / 0) (#19)
    by andgarden on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 06:38:51 AM EST
    Especially if the Phillies can pull it off (but hey, what do I know).

    Anyway, best baseball ratings in NJ ever, guaranteed.

    Parent

    I can't help it... (none / 0) (#30)
    by lentinel on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 08:50:13 AM EST
    I'm rooting for the Yankees.

    Parent
    That is sooooo disappointing. (none / 0) (#52)
    by oculus on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:36:22 AM EST


    Parent
    Let me explain (none / 0) (#107)
    by lentinel on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 02:00:24 PM EST
    Born and raised in New York.
    Listened to Yankees radio and television broadcasts featuring Phil Rizzuto.
    Got hooked.

    I know there's no excuse.

    But - that Angels manager looks disturbingly like McCain.

    Parent

    If all you need (none / 0) (#113)
    by CoralGables on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 02:45:36 PM EST
    is a dose of Rizzuto go to youtube for a little Paradise by the Dashboard Lights, but leave the Yankees in your rear view mirror.

    Parent
    I can give ya a dose... (none / 0) (#114)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 02:51:55 PM EST
    of Rizzuto at the tail-end of his broadcasting career..."This one is deep, it could be...caught by the short-stop, one away."

    Parent
    And he was in the day room (none / 0) (#115)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 02:54:10 PM EST
    of the nursing home when he said that.

    Parent
    Mike Sciosa isn't as tall as McCain (none / 0) (#125)
    by oculus on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 06:23:14 PM EST
    and definitely weighs more.  He is a great guy.

    Parent
    Like a guy standing two feet off third base (none / 0) (#21)
    by scribe on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 07:16:37 AM EST
    getting tagged with the ball, and being called safe?

    The umpiring has only gotten worse since Bud Selig took over, replaced umpires in the mass-resignation-instead-of-strike of 1999, and then unified the umpires as part of his "unifying the leagues" scheme.

    Parent

    That is the one (none / 0) (#42)
    by CoralGables on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:17:00 AM EST
    that fell into my "brutally bad" category.

    Parent
    I didn't listen to the umpire press conference. (none / 0) (#54)
    by oculus on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:38:21 AM EST
    Just really surprised to see the ump responding to post-game questions.  When did this practice begin? If it is a practice.  Never heard of such a thing.  

    Parent
    I didn't see the presser either (none / 0) (#64)
    by CoralGables on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:50:34 AM EST
    but etched in the memory I can still see the double play that wasn't.  And there is likely only one person in attendance that missed what happened. That being the 3rd base ump that made (or didn't make) the call.

    If this was a World Series game, that play may have been remembered as vividly as JC martin inside the bsaeline in 1969.

    Parent

    This week we find out (none / 0) (#20)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 06:45:40 AM EST
    if last year's hit-by-a-bus flu was really the H1N1 virus.  Last year I was told "The seasonal flu was really wicked this year.".  My kids got sick in the spring, not the fall - but before the potential pandemic was announced.

    My older son's school had a peak of 39% absenteeism in the building last week.  25% of his classmates were sick.  He's most likely been exposed to what has been testing almost pure H1N1, which is very contagious.  If he doesn't get sick, either he has an amazing immune system (not historically) or he has acquired immunity from a previous infection.

    My little science experiment - using my kids as test subjects.  ;-)

    Let us know how it goes (none / 0) (#72)
    by ruffian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:22:41 AM EST
    Interesting experiment!

    A friend of mine in the Denver area was recently in the hospital for a few days with H1N1. Came out of it fine, but it sure did not sound good.

    Parent

    We'll see. (none / 0) (#78)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:42:17 AM EST
    If they aren't sick by Friday, they aren't going to get sick.

    Last year's flu was without a doubt a nasty one.  Both kids went down for two days, spent a third doing their official 24 hour time out for school. Sent them back to school and they were sent home sick again(fever, lethargy).  After another round of home doctoring until they were acting their normal, obnoxious selves, I sent them back.  We all coughed for weeks, but that was it.  

    Sorry your friend was that ill.  

    Parent

    Hey, I got that flu (none / 0) (#86)
    by sj on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 11:22:34 AM EST
    Are "they" saying that it may have been h1n1?

    Parent
    Just me. (none / 0) (#89)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 11:46:34 AM EST
    But no one knew what was going on last year.  This year, the CDC is collecting data from everywhere, all the time, instead of last year when it was obvious that they were working with incomplete, partial data.  Most data last year came from people who were hospitalized.

    How many people weren't hospitalized?  That's a lot of unknown incidents.

    My POV is that this year the data is reliable.  Last year, the data created a partial picture.   This year, the reliable data says my son has been exposed to H1N1.  Last year, we didn't know what it was.  Good thing, too or I would have been more worried than I was!  

    Parent

    Get ready (none / 0) (#23)
    by lilburro on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 07:59:58 AM EST
    we have now entered...THE 11TH DIMENSION!!!

    "Sometimes Democrats can be their own worst enemies, Democrats are an opinionated bunch ... y'all are thinking for yourselves," he said. "I like that in you, but it's time for us to make sure that we finish the job here. We are this close and we've got to be unified."

    Obama said "the bill you least like in Congress right now, of the five that are out there," would give 29 million uninsured Americans health care, would ban preexisting conditions and would create an exchange that would encourage competition among ensurers.

    Meaning, "I strongly support and will secretly put into the bill a public option!"

    The Unity Pony rides! (5.00 / 1) (#27)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 08:47:18 AM EST
    "unified"?

    UNIFIED?

    Eff unified!  I want good policy, not some feel good hunk of political opportunism!

    Parent

    I'm confused (none / 0) (#29)
    by MO Blue on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 08:47:50 AM EST
    How goes what he said translate into meaning "I strongly support and will secretly put into the bill a public option?" Or were you being snide?

    If the exchange winds up without a real public option, he will claim that the exchange all by itself will encourage competition among ensurers. To me, this speech comes across as you may not like what is or is not in the bill but support it anyway.

    Parent

    I was snarking (none / 0) (#35)
    by lilburro on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:06:31 AM EST
    and beyond using the bully pulpit for amorphous reform, Obama also used his OFA yesterday and they made over 100000 calls for reform.  Which would be nice...but we know that they don't actually care about the public option either.

    So we have two grassrootsy movements, one for the public option, one for whatever Obama wants.  Tell me that's not bad for the public option.

    Parent

    I read on one of the blogs that (none / 0) (#50)
    by MO Blue on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:35:20 AM EST
    approximately 178,000 calls were made. According to some kind of DNC tracker system, a large number of the calls did advocate for a public option to be included in the legislation.

    Obama mentioned 29 million more insured in that speech. That is the exact number (CBO) of new people insured under BaucusCare.  The House bills insure more people. You can read into that what you will.

    Also, in that speech:

    "I didn't run for president to accept mediocrity," Obama said.

    IMO, 4 of the HCR bills are prime examples of mediocrity. BaucusCare is a prime example how bad legislation can be if written for the benefit of special interest groups rather than for people who need health care.

    Parent

    And, the ending to that thought (5.00 / 2) (#68)
    by Inspector Gadget on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:05:58 AM EST
    Also, in that speech:

    "I didn't run for president to accept mediocrity," Obama said.

    Should have been, but that's all you'll get. Presidenting is hard.

    BTD has a link in a new post to FDL where the details of yesterday's speech and calls can be found.

    Parent

    Depends on his agenda. (5.00 / 1) (#84)
    by nycstray on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 11:04:24 AM EST
    We could get scr*wed and he would think he had gone way beyond mediocrity as long as Insurance and Pharma are happy and we're all buying junk insurance, um have insurance coverage . . .

    Parent
    Yeah (none / 0) (#57)
    by lilburro on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:41:04 AM EST
    I was wrong but I was remembering the OFA talking points from earlier this month - "the public option is just one small part of health insurance reform."

    Parent
    of all the permutations of this (none / 0) (#28)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 08:47:28 AM EST
    this one is the best

    make sure you have the sound up

    Silent Film (Larry goes to the market)

    prediction (none / 0) (#36)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:09:44 AM EST
    there will be a public option in the senate bull

    um, BILL (none / 0) (#37)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:09:53 AM EST


    Parent
    Had it right the first time... (5.00 / 2) (#39)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:10:47 AM EST
    my good man.

    Parent
    Jeez Louise.... (none / 0) (#38)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:10:06 AM EST
    ya know John Law has gone too far with the seize and auction racket when they're selling used grills right out of the mouth of the tyrannized.

    I thought it was... (none / 0) (#81)
    by desertswine on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:54:05 AM EST
    gonna be barbeque grills!! HAHA on me.

    Parent
    Hard to fit one of those... (none / 0) (#85)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 11:08:20 AM EST
    in your mouth d'wine...lol.

    Parent
    btw (none / 0) (#41)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:13:24 AM EST
    it they are whining its working

    It's tricky for a president who promised an end to childish things to single out one network watched by millions of Americans from across the political spectrum for ridicule.

    by Nicolle Wallace
    Imagine if Obama (5.00 / 2) (#44)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:21:24 AM EST
    called out the entire Media!

    He'd sink his Media Darling status permanently.
    FOX was a safe target to bully.  Few media outlets would rally to its defense.  Every gets a laugh, some get pumped on righteous indignation, nothing changes.

    It was an insignificant stunt.  Almost petty.

    Parent

    What you cant call (5.00 / 1) (#122)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 03:43:39 PM EST
    out is the underlying market motive. If you do that, you become Che Guevara.

    Parent
    obviously I disagree (none / 0) (#47)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:30:40 AM EST
    I think its long over due and it a beautiful thing.


    Parent
    Yes? (none / 0) (#58)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:42:55 AM EST
    Will it have any effect at all?  It was a nice way to rally the troops without using the Republicans as scapegoats.  FOX is unlikely to change a thing.  The other Media are going to stand back, point fingers and snicker because they know they'll not get called out.  (Despite extensive documentation of their various sins by Glenn Greenwald and others.)  No.  Obama needs them.  They are his friends, his buddies, his pals, his BFFs.

    FOX?  Expendable.  

    Parent

    things that seem obvious to you (none / 0) (#69)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:07:47 AM EST
    and me and other readers of this site are not obvious to everyone in the country.
    those people do not read Greenwald.  or even likely know who that is.


    Parent
    My point is (none / 0) (#73)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:28:35 AM EST
    that the entire Media need to be called out.  I'd love Obama to do that, but I know that will never happen.  Picking on FOX won't accomplish much.  

    Parent
    Nader's called out the entire media (5.00 / 1) (#120)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 03:33:13 PM EST
    countless times. But, as a pol, we all know he's the only one that's completely narcissistic, delusional and out for himself, so he dosnt count.

    Funny how quickly it becomes common knowledge that you're an irrational nut the minute you call out the entire media or Wall St or corporate America.

    Parent

    Good point. (none / 0) (#123)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 05:10:18 PM EST
    If Greenwald was a pol, he'd have been tarred with that brush too.

    Nader is really not as fringe as he's made out to be.  He has some moments, to be sure, but he makes a lot of sense the rest of the time.

    Parent

    the entire media (none / 0) (#74)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:32:03 AM EST
    did not create the tea parties.  the entire media is not run by Roger Ailes and owned by Rupert Murdoch.

    what FOX is doing is completely new to our political system and it is a serious threat.  anyone who doesnt believe that either doesnt watch FOX or watches FOX too much.


    Parent

    I don't watch any television. (none / 0) (#79)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:47:47 AM EST
    And I don't regret it.

    I've come to the conclusion that sports will single handedly keep television alive.  It's the prime source for bringing in a multigenerational audience.  Lousy for targeted advertising, but great for cultural conditioning.

    Parent

    TV/News - I Prefer my BS pre-digested by a pithy (none / 0) (#91)
    by Boo Radly on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 12:35:16 PM EST
    blog. No more TV viewing, bad for health - mental and physical. Those new BFF's of O's are paid shills IMO.

    Parent
    So he's "the Media Darling" (none / 0) (#119)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 03:22:58 PM EST
    everywhere except where he's the media Satan: which is a fair number of places.

    This is sounding a little like Glenn Beck's Im not part of the media b.s.

    Parent

    Call out the wrong (5.00 / 1) (#121)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 03:41:10 PM EST
    powers-that-be and they bury you the way T. Boone Pickens almost singlehandedly buried Kerry.

    And that social darwinist hick was just one guy; think what "the entire media" could do.

    Parent

    bahahahaha (none / 0) (#90)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 11:46:37 AM EST
    like I said.  totally working:

    Alexander to White House: Don't Create 'Enemies List'
    A top Senate Republican took to the Senate floor Wednesday morning to suggest that the Obama White House is plotting a political strategy similar to that of ex-President Richard Nixon and may be on the verge of preparing its own "enemies list."
    Republican Conference Chairman Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), who served in the Nixon White House, offered what he said was a "friendly suggestion" to the White House not to repeat the errors he saw committed by the staff of the disgraced former president.
    Alexander read off a list of examples he says support his contention, including: a reported effort by the White House to marginalize the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a supposed effort by the Health and Human Services Department to put a "gag order" on the insurer Humana, the White House move to take on Fox News


    Parent
    Pretty ingenius cover... (none / 0) (#59)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 09:43:35 AM EST
    for a fugitive...prison guard.

    Though no self-respecting outlaw would ever work to cage other outlaws...bad form bro.

    And mind your google dossier everybody, your employment prospects depend on it more and more everyday...pretty soon there will be no such thing as a second chance or clean slate.  The Scarlet Letter has gone digital...we're all slaves to our past.

    advance pics released (none / 0) (#76)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:32:45 AM EST
    of Oprahs interview with Palin

    Is she the Good Oprah? (none / 0) (#80)
    by Fabian on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 10:51:48 AM EST
    Or is she the Bad Oprah?

    Oprah has made celebrities and authorities of people who more rightfully belong in the fringe.  Can we have Sarah Palin and Jenny McCarthy interview each other?  That ought to be entertaining!

    Parent

    good lord (none / 0) (#88)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 11:39:43 AM EST
    THE WEATHER CHANNEL ADDS FEATURE FILMS TO NETWORK SCHEDULE

    New Movie Series "The Weather Channel Presents..." Launches October 30 with George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg in The Perfect Storm

    I HATE this.  now in addition to the stupid hour long storm stories we will be 2 hour movies when there will be no weather on the weather channel.

    what these people need is some competition and I expect it will come.  is it to much to expect to turn on the weather channel and get somek, you know, WEATHER.

    CDS and nothing but Clinton hate (none / 0) (#92)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 12:52:22 PM EST
    on Frontline last night.

    Imagine Frontline having the shere effrontery to imply that during that brief, shining, moment of progressiveism, the Wall St masters of the universe, in the persons of Rubin, Greenspan and Summers (just for starters), managed somehow to maintain the same death-lock on the Democrat short 'n curlies that they had on Bush and Ronnie Raygun.

    With unregulated derivatives and freedom for all. All who can foot up any number of expensive lobbying firms, that is.

    Parent

    And what the eff (none / 0) (#94)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:03:39 PM EST
    is Summers doing within a hundred miles of D.C, at this point?

    If that whole debacle isnt an argument for "freedom hating and socialistic" publicly financed elections, nothing is.

    Parent

    I thought it was a very fair (none / 0) (#96)
    by oldpro on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:12:05 PM EST
    and balanced look at the whole shebang...including the Clinton years.  No CDS that I saw and I am overly sensitive to it.

    Guess we saw two different programs.

    Parent

    Extreme sarcasm there, pro (none / 0) (#97)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:15:03 PM EST
    for the Clinton groupies.

    Parent
    Either I need more coffee (none / 0) (#98)
    by oldpro on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:18:26 PM EST
    or you need another hobby...or both...

    Parent
    I have another one (none / 0) (#100)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:23:47 PM EST
    but it isnt something Im at liberty to discuss here.

    Parent
    Um...just guessing but I (5.00 / 2) (#112)
    by oldpro on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 02:43:01 PM EST
    understand that 'it' takes a lot of skill and no small amount of talent!

    Parent
    Verizon FIOS... (none / 0) (#95)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:07:53 PM EST
    fiber-optic cable has this cool feature called "widgets"...push a button and local weather pops right up on the screen...pretty nifty.

    Parent
    Ned Ludd is gonna haunt your dreams (none / 0) (#99)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:22:39 PM EST
    tonight, kdog.

    Dont say I didnt warn you.

    Parent

    LOL... (none / 0) (#101)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:26:36 PM EST
    Does it help my Luddite street-cred at all if I discovered this feature completely by accident?

    "WTF button did I press now...oh look, its 67 and partly cloudy!"

    Parent

    Just like I discovered (none / 0) (#102)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:32:34 PM EST
    Danish circus dwarves into leather by accident.

    No, I hear you, I've experienced the same thing myself.

    hey (none / 0) (#103)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:39:28 PM EST
    Im workin this side of the street pal.

    Parent
    Bizarre game Sunday, eh kdog? (none / 0) (#104)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:50:42 PM EST


    Parent
    Indeed... (none / 0) (#106)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 01:56:48 PM EST
    the who wants to lose this game more bowl...ugly ugly ugly.  The Jets desire to lose exceeded the Bills.

    Here it is Wednesday and still trying to figure how you lose a game in which you rush for over 3 hundo...might be one of the toughest feats in sports....leave it to the Jets to find a way!

    Parent

    Three hundo (none / 0) (#108)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 02:03:00 PM EST
    and five picks, thats how.

    Of course, to get six turnovers and score a grand total of sixteen points -- in overtime, yet -- is quite a feat in itself.

    If Edwards had been named Manning that would've been five roughing the passer penalties to be served concurrently with no time off for good behavior. And yes, the real fault lies with the Bills offensive line. You dont have to tell me.

    I hear ya... (none / 0) (#109)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 02:09:59 PM EST
    especially considering all the ticky-tack nonsense they call roughing the passer these days, that was a terrible non-call.

    But as far as I'm concerned the QB should be treated no differently than a RB...sh*t QB's like Roethlisberger are bigger than the LB's!  Add-in all the rule changes favoring WR's, this is a terrible time to be an NFL defender...fined if you do and on the practice squad if ya don't, ya can't win.

    Parent

    I hear you on the qbs (none / 0) (#110)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 02:25:10 PM EST
    but they're looked upon as nest eggs.

    The Wrs I have a lotta sympathy for, though. Not for nothin' the only pro players -- as far as I know -- who have been killed and permanantly paralyzed were WRs: that guy on the Lions and Stingley. We've now got these safties who weigh 200+, bench 400 and run a 4.1 forty: that's a potentially devastating combo and the WRs are utterly, completely vulnerable in some situations. Btw, I also think this is why the flake factor seems to be much higher with WRs: I think some of them may be suffering from a low-level form of PTSD.

    I love to see a great defense, though. I hear you there.

    Parent

    Is it possible to hit a guy (none / 0) (#111)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 02:29:23 PM EST
    really hard without the helmet-as-a-missle deal; I dont know. Somebody's gonna get killed out there though -- and with our luck, it wont be T.O (just kidding)

    Parent
    The game moves so fast... (none / 0) (#116)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 02:54:32 PM EST
    I feel for those DB's and LB's man...you're going full-speed gangbusters to break up the pass, a split-second late and ya got the coach screaming at ya for giving up the big play, and you're supposed to find time to make sure your head is positioned correctly? Its an impossible task.

    Parent
    The other one I cant stand (none / 0) (#117)
    by jondee on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 02:57:57 PM EST
    is that the-ground-cant-cause-a-fumble crap. How many times has a guy hit the ground hard because of a great tackle?

    Points aren't the only thing that make the game exciting.

    Parent

    Amen... (none / 0) (#118)
    by kdog on Wed Oct 21, 2009 at 03:01:53 PM EST
    they did throw the D a bone this year with the rule change on the force-out...now the receiver has to get both feet in even if they get clobbered...I like it:)

    Parent
    Tuesday Night Open Thread | 130 comments (130 topical)

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