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Monday Afternoon Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 04:16:24 PM EST
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At the airport. Blogging tomorrow.

Open Thread.

< Obama's Deficit Cutting Plan: No Raise in Medicare Eligibility Age | 11th Circuit Rules Jose Padilla's Sentence Not Long Enough >

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    Monday Afternoon Open Thread | 48 comments (48 topical)

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    Gamers unlock HIV protein mystery (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Dadler on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 04:24:00 PM EST
    Video gamers, that is.  Really interesting story, which should force us to think of how we go about solving other problems.  Amazing what a wider call for human imagination and intuition can accomplish. (LINK)

    the protein folding problem... (none / 0) (#5)
    by Mr Natural on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 04:39:59 PM EST
    ... is at the heart of today's biggest intellectual arms race.

    Parent
    Houston Got Rain, Lots of It (5.00 / 2) (#4)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 04:39:49 PM EST
    I say about an inch over the weekend, maybe more.  The driest parts of the state got rain as well, so it should help the fire front.  Austin should be sighing with relief.

    They had predicted 20% on Sunday, but it was raining all weekend, even got woke up at 5am by one of our infamous downpours.

    I felt like I was on Mars witnessing some strange phenomena.  Funny how something so common can become so glorious, or as the northeastern readers might say, so maddening.

    Be very happy (none / 0) (#30)
    by gyrfalcon on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 07:31:48 PM EST
    to send you a great deal of our Vermont rain if only I could.  Sloshing kills crops just as surely as drying, and while you can add water artificially, there's no way to remove it.  Even if the crops are still doing OK, there's no way to get the machinery into the sodden fields to harvest it.  Bad stuff all the way around.

    They're now saying tiny little VT got $1 billion -- with a B -- in damage/losses from Irene.  And that's on top of the flooding we got in May.

    Parent

    Gladly Take It (none / 0) (#42)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 07:10:27 AM EST
    Flooding is more destructive, for sure.

    We are 26" short of normal rainfall so far this year.

    Parent

    I'm making a Kazakh beef soup (5.00 / 1) (#14)
    by observed on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 05:31:13 PM EST
    for my sister,with sauerkraut,potatoes and onions. It's a simple recipe---hearty peasant food. I think it will be good.

    Can we get (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by Zorba on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 07:26:50 PM EST
    a recipe?  I'm always willing to try something new to me.

    Parent
    Sure,check it out: (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by observed on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 07:33:28 PM EST
    slurp

    There's also a Kazakh rice dish with lamb, dried fruits and almonts I want to try, as well as Kazakh Lemon Chicken.


    Parent

    For dessert I'm having (none / 0) (#33)
    by observed on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 08:06:31 PM EST
    Ritter's cookie dough and chocolate chip frozen custard, topped with hot fudge sauce.
    yum.

    Parent
    Looks good to me (none / 0) (#45)
    by Zorba on Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 08:53:34 AM EST
    Thanks.  I'll have to try it.  Kazakh cooking seems like a combination of Middle Eastern cooking and Russian cooking.  Which makes sense, I guess, given its location and history.

    Parent
    I gave one of the soup bones to the (5.00 / 0) (#35)
    by observed on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 08:13:48 PM EST
    dog---a little mutt who likes like a Lab.
    He was in heaven; the bone was clean, inside and out, within a few minutes.

    Parent
    The execution (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by lentinel on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 05:34:15 PM EST
    of Troy Davis is fast approaching.

    I cannot know if he was guilty or not.
    The family of the slain officer is convinced of his guilt.

    But there are too many questions.
    Too many witnesses have recanted their testimony.
    Some have said they were pressured by the police to accuse Davis.
    No physical evidence.
    Some witnesses have named another man as the assailant.

    This man could not be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt if he were to be granted a new trial.

    But the judge who ruled that he could not receive a new trial laid upon Davis the need to prove his innocence. It would not suffice that so many doubts have been raised about his guilt.

    The press mentioned his case some days ago, but as the hour for his killing approaches, they are not saying anything.

    11th Circuit Court of Appeals remands (none / 0) (#2)
    by oculus on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 04:26:22 PM EST
    Padilla case for re-sentencing.  Prosecutor says 17 years isn't sufficient.

    Link: (none / 0) (#8)
    by oculus on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 04:51:29 PM EST
    link

    Parent
    thank whatever gods may be (none / 0) (#3)
    by CST on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 04:33:05 PM EST
    for football season.

    Because baseball season is downright ugly right now.  So let's just pretend that's not happening.

    Does everyone still think Vick is a better QB than Brady?

    I hope he gets better, head injuries are no joke.  But I'd still take Tom Terrific over any QB in the league.  Although my favorite play of that game had to be the Wilfork pick.  Not every day you get to see a 325 lb man try to sprint :)

    Wilfork's midsection (5.00 / 2) (#7)
    by jondee on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 04:42:46 PM EST
    was mesmerizing sloshing around in slow motion. Looked like one of those slow-mo shots of Pam Anderson running on the beach.

    Parent
    Ah, baseball is glorious (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by jbindc on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 05:27:20 PM EST
    Come on over and be a Tigers' fan.  Especially a Justin Verlander fan.  It's terribly exciting.

    (And, we have the Lions, who people are actually talking about seriously contending - even if it is a bit premature).

    This week, it's good to be a Detroit fan.

    Parent

    Vick is better all day long (none / 0) (#6)
    by jondee on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 04:40:04 PM EST
    against a defense that brings consistent pressure.

    Brady's a devastating pocket passer, but very pedestrian when the pocket breaks down, IMO.

    In other words, as the english say, different horses for diffrent courses.

    Parent

    I dunno (none / 0) (#9)
    by CST on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 04:52:36 PM EST
    he's not much of a runner that's for sure, but he does have a fairly good sense of when pressure is getting to him and when to get rid of the ball, and isn't terrible at getting rid of it into the hands of a teammate.

    I also like the new haircut.  Honestly I think he looks better now (no longer talking about football) than he ever has.  Even my sister who is neither a football fan, nor that enamored with Brady historically noticed that he's looking rather dashing these days.

    If I recall correctly you're a Bills fan right?  You must be pretty excited, I'm actually really happy they are doing well, love to see the nerdy (localish) kid succeed in a jock environment.  Although I wish them the worst of luck next week.

    Parent

    I'm always waiting for the other (none / 0) (#12)
    by jondee on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 05:11:17 PM EST
    shoe to drop with the Bills, while trying to relish their successes. The Bill's biggest problem, aside from being in a rust belt, small market, is tight-assed Old Man Potter, who doesn't like to spend money, and has a history of hiring conservative, company-man coaches who have lousy report with the players. What we wouldn't give for a Belicheck, Cowher, or Parcells, or one of these top offensive/defensive coordinators from another team. Ralph'll never spend the money, though.

    My short take on the game Sunday is, no pressure on Brady spells doom. Unless by some miracle the Bills can win in a shooting match, which is unlikely.

     

    Parent

    You don't need a PhD in gridironometry (none / 0) (#25)
    by brodie on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 06:17:43 PM EST
    to know the only way to beat the Pats is by pressuring and getting to Brady.  ESTD, however, since their QB protection is rock solid and consistently so week to week.  The occasional team experienced and talented in blitzing like the Ravens or Jets can upset the Pats rhythm and unnerve Brady; the other teams, including the Bills, will need a good deal of luck to pull off the upset.

    Parent
    I've seen Brady get VERY (none / 0) (#27)
    by jondee on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 06:27:09 PM EST
    rattled when he gets hit alot; that Superbowl against the Giants being the prime example.

    If he has time back there though, fuggetaboutit.
     

    Parent

    Jets confused Brady... (none / 0) (#34)
    by kdog on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 08:07:22 PM EST
    by not blitzing too much in the playoffs last year.

    When we blitzed all night on Monday Night he shredded us.

    If he knows what you're gonna do you're f*cked.  Knockin' him down always helps though.

    Parent

    Hey you . . . . (none / 0) (#36)
    by nycstray on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 11:40:58 PM EST
    Guess what I just learned? In CA, you can get medical M for your dog!  :D Check out the comments here Come West young man ;)

    Parent
    Great news for left coast pets! (none / 0) (#44)
    by kdog on Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 07:58:30 AM EST
    Can't say it feels too good being treated worse than a dog here on the right coast.  

    Parent
    Vick... (none / 0) (#10)
    by ScottW714 on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 05:07:05 PM EST
     ... he was last weeks bandwagon now that he had how many turnovers, four ?  I'm so glad, the dream team non-sense was getting real old.  The Eagles might be second best in the NFC East, but I doubt it.

    Vick is a weapon because he's a lefty and fast, otherwise he's just a little better than average.  His real talent is getting substantially overpaid.

    This week it's the Lions bandwagon.  Yawn.

    Can't mess with Brady, but is that all him, he's spot on, but damn, that guy could smoke a cigarette before his line gives way.  The complete opposite of Cutler, who spent the day on his back.  Which would suck if I didn't dislike the Bears so much.

    Going to new Orleans this weekend to watch the Texans in the SuperDome.  They better win, those Saints fans don't play, and I don't wanna hear any version of 'Who dat....'

    Parent

    Hold on now (none / 0) (#16)
    by AngryBlackGuy on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 05:38:15 PM EST
    We are talking about a QB who would have been one of the top 20 RBs in the league if his numbers last year were played out over the full season.

    He was ridiculous. His QB rating was in the top 3 last year and that doesn't give any credit for his yards on the ground.

    I don't know how you can call the MVP runner up overrated.

    Parent

    No question Vick is supremely talented (none / 0) (#22)
    by brodie on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 06:08:04 PM EST
    He's also inconsistent and hasn't quite developed the ability to read or deal with the blitz.  Also it's a bit unfair to compare with Brady who has long enjoyed playing behind a great offensive line which protects him like a mother bear protects her cubs.  The Pats also have a tighter more disciplined and yet more varied offensive system that is hard to defend.  The Eagles m.o. too often seems to be let's call a play and hope Vick can produce some magic.

    I think the Eagles will be a major contender in the playoffs -- if Vick and his offense can become more cohesive and avoid too much reliance on his legs.

    Parent

    the Falcons aren't exactly (none / 0) (#23)
    by jondee on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 06:13:23 PM EST
    chopped liver either. People are almost sounding like that game was some major showing-up of all Vick's glaring weaknesses..If Macklin hadn't dropped that last pass, the Eagles had a good shot of winning that game; and winning games is the ultimate litmus, no?

    Parent
    Right you are about the Falcons and (none / 0) (#26)
    by brodie on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 06:25:34 PM EST
    they had the homefield advantage too.

    Only week two though -- not much to get too worked up about one way or the other this early and Vick will almost certainly rebound and improve.

    Parent

    AMEN (none / 0) (#38)
    by lilburro on Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 02:54:43 AM EST


    Parent
    And I now become (none / 0) (#37)
    by lilburro on Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 02:53:54 AM EST
    ABG's BFF...

    Vick rules.  It was a tense game and he did screw us over at times, but he would've won that game had he stayed in.  He is that good.

    Parent

    Didn't he blow it in the (none / 0) (#41)
    by nycstray on Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 03:06:10 AM EST
    playoffs last year?

    Parent
    Good Gravy (none / 0) (#43)
    by ScottW714 on Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 07:23:00 AM EST
    What was his rating Sunday ?

    Vick does well because he's a lefty, better than average, but will never be one of the greats.  

    What his QB rating this year, I'm guessing its below average.  But use old stats when the current ones suck to make a point.

    And according to your extrapolation, all the 2-0 teams should go undefeated.  Sorry, but I have never bought the Vick hype, maybe if he makes it past the first round I will rethink, but that's doubtful.  Great QB's are more than stats.

    Parent

    Vick is still the man. (none / 0) (#40)
    by lilburro on Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 03:00:13 AM EST
    Who is gonna top the Eagles in the East?  Give me a break.

    Parent
    Still likin' The Vick... (none / 0) (#32)
    by kdog on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 08:01:14 PM EST
    Brady?  It's been awhile since he's been postseason clutch...past his prime:)

    Give it up for Kyle Orton!

    Likin' that Fitzy the Harvard Bomber jondee, I'm a believer.

    Gotta give props to Romo too since I shat on him pretty harsh last week, a very nice comeback with two busted ribs.

    Jet D comin' for all of ya though, almost felt sorry for the Jags.  Gotta get the running game going, and Sanchez better chill with the picks.

    Parent

    don't jinx it, dude :) (none / 0) (#46)
    by jondee on Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 01:40:28 PM EST
    since we're handing out props to the opposition, I have to say that I'm one of the few Bills fans who likes and appreciates Rex Ryan: he's a players coach, a gambler, inherited from Buddy a demonically-canny defensive instinct, and I must say, on a personal level, I get a kick out of his lovable slob, human-all-too-human, lack of fear of making an as* of himself on occasion (In other words, I wish to eff he was coaching the Bills.)    

    Parent
    The whole city loves him... (none / 0) (#47)
    by kdog on Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 01:51:39 PM EST
    even Giant fans are jealous.

    Rex Ryan will have as much to do with getting Tom Coughlin fired as the Giants play on the field this year.  Disciplinarians are out of style, Rex would rather be loved by his players than feared, and its working.

    Parent

    Meanwhile Ralph Wilson (none / 0) (#48)
    by jondee on Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 02:35:36 PM EST
    is still looking for the reincarnation of Otto Graham, or Lou Saban to go out there and tell those young bucks a thing or two..

    Parent
    Some people in the Suskind (none / 0) (#11)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 05:07:49 PM EST
    book be losin their minds right now.  This isn't going to go well. Can't even buy the book until tomorrow.

    His book on the Bush Admin (none / 0) (#39)
    by lilburro on Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 02:56:59 AM EST
    was so damn good, IMO if you don't trust Suskind, you lose all cred.

    Parent
    Mariano Rivera breaks Trevor (none / 0) (#17)
    by oculus on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 05:54:30 PM EST
    Hoffman's record for saves.  LAT

    a sign of the times (none / 0) (#18)
    by CST on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 06:06:25 PM EST
    I'm actually happy for him.

    I've liked Rivera ever since the 2004 ALCS.

    Parent

    ahhh (none / 0) (#21)
    by CST on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 06:07:39 PM EST
    triple headed monster

    Parent
    Oh. That was not a banner year. (none / 0) (#24)
    by oculus on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 06:14:21 PM EST
    I just hope Trevor makes it into the HOF too.  

    Parent
    giving up (none / 0) (#28)
    by CST on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 07:14:38 PM EST
    key runs to the red sox that year made me forgive him for all the other years of torture.

    Trevor should definitely make it.

    Parent

    a sign of the times (none / 0) (#19)
    by CST on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 06:06:25 PM EST
    I'm actually happy for him.

    I've liked Rivera ever since the 2004 ALCS.

    Parent

    a sign of the times (none / 0) (#20)
    by CST on Mon Sep 19, 2011 at 06:06:25 PM EST
    I'm actually happy for him.

    I've liked Rivera ever since the 2004 ALCS.

    Parent

    Monday Afternoon Open Thread | 48 comments (48 topical)

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