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Olympics Open Thread (And Other Topics)

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:20:50 PM EST
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TChris has an open thread going for the Rick Warner faith forum. Here's one for the Olympics and all other topics.

My apologies for forgetting an Olympics thread last night. I was watching Legally Blond and forgot.

< Rick Warren Open Thread | Recap of Obama-McCain Faith Forum >

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    Olympics Open Thread (And Other Topics) | 150 comments (150 topical)

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    So last night Mark Halperin (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:25:59 PM EST
    put up a "developing" post hinting that Hillary could be the runningmate. So far as I can tell, it has since disappeared. Meanwhile, NLS links to former Bush web guy Patrick Ruffini, who speculates that all of the talk about Bayh and Kaine could be headfakery:

    Each of the conventional VP frontrunners seemingly has two strikes against them. And the idea of picking a VP to win a critical state is seriously flawed. If Obama is winning Virginia or Indiana, he has already won the election anyway.

    If you're Obama, why not choose a VP who strengthens you all over and consolidates a source of weak support? Who has been thoroughly vetted? Whose selection would be a surprise and galvanize support for the ticket?

    Pat, of course, is a Republican, and he has no idea what's going on, but the idea, as far fetched as it seems, gets my hopes up a bit.

    I searched everywhere for that after you (none / 0) (#3)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:28:38 PM EST
    posted it. I was just getting ready to post a comment that if you are around to link it. Do you remember what he said?

    Parent
    The only evidence I can find (none / 0) (#4)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:30:12 PM EST
    that it ever existed is here. But it was real--I saw it myself.

    Parent
    Well that diary went over well. I hope it (none / 0) (#12)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:38:15 PM EST
    happens just to see them all change their tune to "that's the greatest choice ever".

    Wonder why The Page removed it? I hope it's because it was too close to the truth. I'll tell you andgarden, all of my sitting this one out relatives will vote for that ticket and they can't be the only ones. I can just imagine how much better the convention will be if he chooses her. You can't buy that kind of media attention at any price.

    Parent

    I think at this point (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by Little Fish on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:43:14 PM EST
    if he picks Clinton I might get my butt on a plane to a swing state and campaign for them.

    McCain scares me.

    Parent

    A few possibilities (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:43:20 PM EST
    A) Halperin got bad info;

    or

    B) Halperin was just channeling GOP disinformation.

    The possibility that it's true seems quite distant to me. . .

    Parent

    I wish we had a few more weeks until the (none / 0) (#20)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:51:04 PM EST
    convention. I think he may end up wishing he had selected her.

    Parent
    I think the most important rule for success (5.00 / 1) (#24)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:53:59 PM EST
    in politics is to never start believing your own spin. Obama may come back down to earth just in time to save himself from that error.

    Parent
    Dude (none / 0) (#113)
    by SoCalLiberal on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 12:22:23 AM EST
    You might think you've seen things only to learn it was all in your mind.....

    Parent
    That would be the greatest thing (none / 0) (#8)
    by DandyTIger on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:33:30 PM EST
    especially with all of the recent polls (CO, NV, national, etc.) and the negative stuff thrown Clinton's way in the press recently (Obama capitulating to the Clintons just to let them be at the convention at all, etc.). It would really surprise a lot of people, and completely devastate the GOP efforts at battleground states and pro Clinton moderates (and frankly pro Clinton progressives). It would be a sure win IMO.

    But.... I'm not holding my breath. But it would be something.

    Parent

    I don't think he can do it (5.00 / 0) (#26)
    by talesoftwokitties on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:04:01 PM EST
    without her.

    No way, no how.

    Parent

    Speaking of polls (5.00 / 0) (#125)
    by ChuckieTomato on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 11:26:41 AM EST
    EV map

    Looks like McCain also is gaining through out the Midwest.

    Parent

    obama continues to disappoint and (2.00 / 0) (#138)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 03:37:08 PM EST
    flip-flop.  At this rate, he may be the VP!

    link

    Parent

    aaah sher you never disappoint with the (1.00 / 0) (#150)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 10:22:38 PM EST
    down ratings, yet you have nothing to say...

    Parent
    What about Al Gore? (none / 0) (#121)
    by bridget on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 03:03:57 AM EST
    Just read that since he is not on the list of speakers talking heads have been wondering about AG as VP.

    Is John Kerry on the List yet? Can't remember right now.
    Now if Obama picked Kerry as VP you could not knock me over with a feather cause somehow that wouldn't surprise me at all. Have been having that odd feeling about JK for a while now. I just know he would accept gladly.

    re Joe Biden
    James Wolcott has written two fabulous Veep posts. His Biden comments absolutely hilarious. JW also compliments Obama for managing to get Biden out of the country and away from the TV ;-) Must read!

    Parent

    Wild VP rumor in TX (5.00 / 0) (#126)
    by stxabuela on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 12:01:41 PM EST
    Some are saying TX Congressman Chet Edwards is one of two names left on the VP list.  He's a moderate Dem from Waco.  It sounds crazy to me, but Obama has paid staffers working in TX right now, which is absolutely insane.  Texas wouldn't go D for President if Jesus was the VP nominee.  I like Chet Edwards, but I'd hate to see him picked because he's the only Democrat who can win that House seat.  Anybody else hearing this?  

    Parent
    The first time I heard about Chet Edwards (5.00 / 0) (#128)
    by Anne on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 12:09:09 PM EST
    as a possibility was when Nancy Pelosi was on one of the talking head shows a couple weeks ago and gave a pretty good recommendation for him.

    Made me womder then if the quid pro quo for Pelosi having rallied SD's in the House for Obama might be him choosing Chet Edwards as VP on her insistence.

    I think Obama does not fare well with someone who is more of an unknown than he is - and I call Obama an unknown because his record is too thin and his rhetoric is too dodgy for anyone to have a clue what he kind of president he would be.

    Parent

    No one has heard of Chet outside of TX (5.00 / 0) (#130)
    by stxabuela on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 12:24:54 PM EST
    So I don't think it will happen.  

    I think Chet would make a good VP.  He's as liberal as he can get in a 60% Republican district.  

    Parent

    Who had heard of Spiro Agnew? (5.00 / 0) (#134)
    by Anne on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 01:47:33 PM EST
    Or Dan Quayle?  Or even Geraldine Ferraro?

    I don't think it's beyond the realm of possibilities to see an unknown get the nod; it's a lot easier to fashion a VP candidate out of whole cloth than to spend 2 months defending and explaining the long and well-documented record of some of these better-known possibilities.

    Parent

    Not too significant a comparison (5.00 / 0) (#136)
    by JavaCityPal on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 03:08:43 PM EST
    There was no FOX, CNN or MSNBC those days. The media actually did a fair job of defining the candidates and, to a lesser extent, their running mates.

    This is the first time I can remember since I started participating in the voting process where the VP selection was such a big part of the decision making process for voters.


    Parent

    Don't you think it points up how (5.00 / 0) (#143)
    by Anne on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 04:50:47 PM EST
    mediocre both of the candidates that people are hoping the VP completes the package in some kind of acceptable, it's-okay-to-vote-for-him-now-that-X-is-on-the-ticket kind of way?

    That's just so sad, and does not bode well for the country no matter which party wins.

    Parent

    I think all discussion surrounding the (5.00 / 0) (#144)
    by JavaCityPal on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 05:18:15 PM EST
    difference between Hillary and Barack have pointed out just that fact. We've done the hold your nose voting way too many times, and having a contest between Obama and McCain goes beyond just holding ones nose. It is a travesty. But, the greater travesty is the antics of the DNC in how they manipulated the nomination process.

    Where is the outrage??

    Parent

    Biden...I just watched Meet the Press and then (none / 0) (#123)
    by Teresa on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 09:46:20 AM EST
    This Week and Biden seems to be who the pundits are guessing. Jeralyn may have to test her deal breaker status.

    Parent
    I saw some of that, too, but (5.00 / 0) (#146)
    by JavaCityPal on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 05:21:40 PM EST
    on a different path, I just saw Condi interviewed on FOX because she's just returned from France and Georgia.  That makes Biden look much more like Secretary of State to me.

    I don't care much who Obama picks for VP. It seems impossible for him to convince me anyone on his ticket makes up for what he is short in becoming president of this country. But, I'm still thinking he is going to surprise everyone with Kerry.

    Note that I have absolutely nothing but my gut instinct to base that on.


    Parent

    Joe Biden is all talk and no action (none / 0) (#145)
    by bridget on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 05:20:00 PM EST
    IMO - and completely overhyped is his socalled brilliance in Foreign Affairs. Anyone else witnessed his over the top thrilled reaction to the disastrous Lebanon war? That alone should tell you how much he knows about the rest of the world. But it tells me that he lacks compassion and empathy for human beings. Period. Among other stuff. Peace in the Middle East for once.

    For Biden TV cameras and microphones are his reason for being...

    I got introduced to Biden during the Anita Hill "trial" and that just won't leave my minds. That was a travesty if there ever was one. Senators!!!

    As James Wolcott points out in Run Deep, Run Veep  II:about Biden

    "That's why I don't buy the idea of Joe Biden as a possible veep choice. His "penchant for yakking" is off the charts and his ego has too bright a corona. I could easily see him upstaging the message with one of his impromptu seminars."

    ITA. Biden? No way.

    Parent

    Thanks Jeralyn. (5.00 / 0) (#2)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:26:44 PM EST
    Good luck to Phelps and Dara....I'm excited.

    Me too (5.00 / 2) (#6)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:31:33 PM EST
    Dara was so cool last night.  I had never seen her swim before. What a class act helping that Swedish girl also. My new hero.

    Parent
    I hope Dara pulls off a medal (5.00 / 2) (#16)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:43:11 PM EST
    d@mn, that would be inspiring and also a little bit of the cat's meow  :)

    My mom is in her mid 70's and swims a few times a week. I think I may take swimming up again when I get back to CA. Watching all these folks glide through the water just looks so nice :) I was a fish as a kid growing up in So, Central and No Cal.

    Parent

    Makes me want to swim too (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:51:14 PM EST
    even though I never really learned very well.  They make it look so easy.

    Parent
    I learned to swim when I was 50 (5.00 / 2) (#58)
    by Xanthe on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:38:30 PM EST
    after my significant other left me for a younger woman.  My therapist said it was a survival tactic and really I didn't need to see her anymore.  When I was a kid, polio was rampant and my mom didn't let me go to the pool and the high school didn't teach swimming - so I never learned. It just seemed the right thing to do - to learn something primal -

    Parent
    Learning was standard fair when we (none / 0) (#27)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:04:36 PM EST
    were kids. We learned pools and beaches very young and took lessons every summer. I lived in the southern central valley for awhile. HOT dry summers. We lived in the water. I haven't swam in about 10yrs, but will have a pool and lake available when I move :) Even though I'm watching competitive swimming, it still looks relaxing.

    You should check into your local Y. That's where my mom goes. Iirc, she may have started in classes. She does laps and even has one of those headsets that hooks onto her goggles so she can listen to music while she does them. lol!~ I don't have anything like that!

    Parent

    Thx - great idea about the Y (5.00 / 1) (#37)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:12:57 PM EST
    I may just do that!


    Parent
    Me, too. But I live in subonnia NJ where being (none / 0) (#38)
    by jawbone on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:13:24 PM EST
    able to swim requires a township that offers a pool and membership or the wherewithal to afford a private swim club.

    So frustrating. I cannot tell you how much I miss lakes and swimming beaches with minimum or no charge.

    Parent

    Now I know PUMA is really a force to be (5.00 / 1) (#5)
    by Valhalla on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:30:58 PM EST
    reckoned with: they got a shout-out in Glamour magazine.

    Jeralyn -- I hope this doesn't count as organizing, I just thought it was funny and it's an open thread.  Delete if I'm wrong!

    That was a fun article from a former (5.00 / 0) (#120)
    by bridget on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 02:46:12 AM EST
    disgruntled Clinton supporter turned Republican lol

    made for a nice change of pace ;-)

    thanks, Valhalla :)

    Parent

    Actually (5.00 / 1) (#124)
    by Nadai on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 10:28:46 AM EST
    Asma Hasan (the author) was already a Republican.  She was just a Republican supporting Clinton, but is now a Republican supporting McCain.  She's one of the ones the Democratic Party would have gotten if they'd had the sense to put up Hillary.

    Parent
    Good luck to Phelps (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by txpolitico67 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:32:51 PM EST
    and send good energies to one Mark Spitz.  I was a little kid when he won in Munich.  I think that it was bad form to not invite a living olympic legend to  witness the possibility of his epic 7 gold medal victories topple in Beijing.

    Go Phelps!  BTW, I wish I COULD eat 12K calories a day and have a top athletic build!

    My sister had the full-size (5.00 / 2) (#102)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:46:37 PM EST
    swim suit poster of Mark Spitz.  I spent a good share of my childhood with his 7 gold medals ... and his speedo

    Parent
    I was going to mention that (none / 0) (#148)
    by ruffian on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 05:55:50 PM EST
    but backed out ;-)

    Phelps is great, but he's nowhere near as good looking.

    there, my purely superficial comment of the night.

    Parent

    I think he is there (none / 0) (#13)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:39:45 PM EST
    Last night NBC was touting a joint interview with him and Phelps.

    Parent
    The interview (none / 0) (#103)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:47:56 PM EST
    was by satelite.  I believe Spitz wasn't there.  He complained that the US didn't invite him.

    Parent
    I heard Spitz say that his company, (none / 0) (#115)
    by zfran on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 12:35:36 AM EST
    which markets something to do with Olympics to which he is sent each time to cover, didn't want to market in China and therefore he wasn't sent by them. I guess he could have gone on his own. But in an interview he was very gracious and said that records were made to be broken and it was okay and time for his to be broken.

    Parent
    TX....I think a little exercise is required (none / 0) (#139)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 03:40:49 PM EST
    in the mix to do that!  :)

    Parent
    For Steve M (5.00 / 1) (#9)
    by echinopsia on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:35:18 PM EST
    who finds it "hard to believe" the Colorado "Respect Life" plates were originally to commemorate Columbine:

    Columbine plate

    Colorado revised statute 42-3-207:  The Columbine group special license plate was created to recognize the victims and survivors of the bombing and shooting at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999.

    And just for the record, I don't appreciate your implication that I am a liar.

    No matter how it started, it has been hijacked (none / 0) (#19)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:45:29 PM EST
    by the anti-abortion forces as the article at the link describes.

    Many of us opposed it at the time, for just that reason. The people putting it forward knew exactly what they were doing. In my opinion, they used Columbine as an excuse.

    Parent

    Yes, and that's what I said. (none / 0) (#25)
    by echinopsia on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:03:06 PM EST
    The fact remains that it's on record in Colorado law as a Columbine memorial plate.

    Parent
    Look (none / 0) (#92)
    by Steve M on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:34:10 PM EST
    I'm not calling you a liar.

    What I'm saying is, I find it really really hard to believe that the real reason was Columbine.  It sounds like an obvious, and typical, pretext that the anti-choice movement could use.

    Of course they're going to CLAIM it's about something else.  I'm not questioning your statement about what they claimed.  It's their integrity I dispute, not yours.

    Parent

    the plate started as a Columbine thing (none / 0) (#101)
    by Jeralyn on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:46:02 PM EST
    but it's been co-opted by the anti-choicers.

    Article

    I've been saying for years the way to fix this is to make every plate that says "choose life" or "respect life" also contain the tag line "End the death penalty." Here's a 2006 op ed I wrote about it.

    Parent

    Considering (5.00 / 1) (#10)
    by tek on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:36:02 PM EST
    how Obama has sided with Dubya on a number of issues recently, I wonder if his people still REALLY believe he would not have voted yes on the Iraq War Resolution.

    Tyson Gay (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:37:29 PM EST
    props for being a stand up guy.

    In other news, seems my phone's not working right since I dropped it last night. Alarms didn't go off this AM and calls from the CSA where I was supposed to be didn't ring. My dog barks if I don't answer the phone and it also beeped to let me know I had missed a call when I was on my way to the CSA. It beeps but doesn't ring. Great. If this keeps up, I'll be looking to get an iPhone! Which is funny because I was thinking of finally getting an iPod and was going to wait on the iPhone for one more round of upgrades.

    And I would like to thank the CSA members that had fruit shares and didn't show up today! Peaches and plums, oh yeah! 8 people didn't show for their shares, which got divided between me and 3 other volunteers. What to do with all those peaches?

    Peel and slice into a sauce pan. Add a decent dry white wine, some vanilla sugar and a squirt of fresh squeezed lemon juice and simmer for a couple minutes. Throw in a handful of fresh blueberries (or black/raspberries) and simmer for a minute more. Cool and serve over homemade french vanilla ice cream or yogurt! YUMMMMMMMMM! Stores in the fridge for a few days or freeze/can.

    Ginger Peachy also makes me swoon! (5.00 / 1) (#49)
    by Ellie on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:26:20 PM EST
    A couple of coin-sized pieces of ginger while simmering the peaches adds spice to the mix.

    Sign me up as another diehard peach addict.

    Parent

    Ellie, I knew if we talked cooking, you'd be here. (none / 0) (#84)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:24:29 PM EST
    I want to be you or nycstray. :)

    Parent
    Open Secret: if you know how to eat, you already (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by Ellie on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:41:05 PM EST
    ... 'know' how to cook! It's just a matter of learning a few simple rules behind your special flavor.

    Spaghetti and soup sound great to me. :-)

    Parent

    I love homemade peach ice cream. (none / 0) (#14)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:41:53 PM EST
    I love peaches period. What is vanilla sugar?

    Parent
    Vanilla sugar (5.00 / 2) (#23)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:52:12 PM EST
    is sugar that's infused with vanilla beans. Usually the unrefined sugar (that's all I've seen). I bought some and enjoy it in coffee, use it to make ice cream, etc. Now I'll be making my own. Take some un-refined sugar, put it in a tin and splice open a vanilla bean or 3 and add the seeds. Mix and let it do it's thing :) It's great in coffee. I only have a cup or so a day and it just makes it that much better, imo :)

    I'm over the moon with the fruit I'm getting. The peaches we've been getting are saturn, white and reg ones. Also nectarines. I used raspberries with the white peaches and blue berries with the yellow and nectarines. The fruit can be left on the vine or tree longer, so it's more sun sweetened. They're picking a day or 2 before the distribution. I'm saving seeds from the produce and fruit for next year and will also give some to my downstairs neighbor who has a garden out back :)

    Parent

    I'm not worthy of you all. I can't cook a lick (none / 0) (#47)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:24:28 PM EST
    except for spaghetti and homemade soup. Everyone loves my spaghetti.

    Parent
    They also serve (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by echinopsia on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:27:05 PM EST
    who only eat and appreciate. We need you more than you know.

    Parent
    I was going to give you my poached (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:34:40 PM EST
    salmon recipe, but then I remembered that you don't like fish!

    Parent
    I love fish! Just not salmon. (none / 0) (#60)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:41:11 PM EST
    My family loves it though if you want to share.

    Parent
    Ok, here we go (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:04:56 PM EST
    I should say that this is a forgiving recipe, and I won't be specific here because I'm not when I make it. It's very much thrown together.

    You'll need:

    -A fillet of Salmon, about a half pound per person.

    -As much chopped onion or shallot (my preference) to cover the bottom of a glass pan and the top of your fish.

    - Enough white wine to come a quarter of the way up the side of the fish (I like Pino Grigio or a Sauvignon blanc like Sancerre).

    -Soy Sauce

    -non-stick spray

    1. Preheat your oven to about 400

    2. Spray the bottom of your pyrex baking dish lightly with non-stick spray, or apply a small amount of olive oil.

    3. Cover the bottom of the pan with chopped onion.

    4. Lay the fish skin side down on top of the onion, and then sprinkle the rest of the onion on top.

    5. Pour the wine over the fish until it covers the whole bottom of the pan, but not much more.

    6. Shake soy sauce liberally over the fish. Use just enough that the wine in the pan begins to turn dark.

    7. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover, and switch to broil for 2-5 minutes, depending on how you like your fish done.


    Parent
    I'll save that. I might even like it. Anything (5.00 / 1) (#71)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:08:59 PM EST
    with onion is usually good with me and might hide that trouty flavor.

    Parent
    Well, it still tastes like salmon, so be warned (5.00 / 1) (#73)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:11:10 PM EST
    But everyone I've ever served it to has claimed to like it!

    Parent
    Sounds good (none / 0) (#94)
    by Grace on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:35:08 PM EST
    but I wonder if I could do it in the microwave?  

    Seriously...  I always cook fish in the microwave.  I blast it on high for two minutes and then I cook at approximately 1/2 power for a lot longer (depending on the size of the filet).  It usually comes out pretty good.

    I've never tried wine and soy sauce but it sounds good.    

    My favorite filets are sea bass.    

    Parent

    You probably could, yeah (none / 0) (#97)
    by andgarden on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:38:21 PM EST
    Part of what I like about my method is the broil at the end, which gives a nice firmness. I know there's a holy war about how much fish is supposed to be cooked, though, so it all comes down to personal preference.

    The other issue with cooking fish in the microwave is that I'm not sure you'd ever get the smell out. But if you've done it before, I'm sure you could do it now. I think you'd have to reduce the whole recipe--especially the amount of wine used.

    Parent

    I don't have a working oven. (5.00 / 1) (#109)
    by Grace on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 11:15:05 PM EST
    That's why I'm reduced to microwaving fish.  Fortunately though, my microwave has a lot of different settings so I can actually even cook things like roasts in it and have them turn out good.  (The trick is that you have to cook at the highest power for the first few minutes to lock in the juices, then you slow cook at a reduced power.)  

    What I usually do to seabass filets is put a little olive oil on top, then I sprinkle lemon pepper and parsley on top.  Then I pour in lemon juice to cover the bottom of the dish (1/4" to 1/2" -- some seabass is 2" thick!)  I'd probably have to do the same thing with wine.  

    Anyway, I love fish because it's low calorie!  I also love cooking smells because they make me think of eating!  Mmmmm!  :)

    Parent

    Grace....Do you have a barbecue grill? (none / 0) (#141)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 03:45:24 PM EST
    Fish is the best when done on the grill...

    Parent
    Vanilla Sugar (5.00 / 2) (#28)
    by k on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:04:52 PM EST
    I found my daughter making it one day and just raised an eyebrow. Like nyc above, my daughter scraped 4 vanilla beans into a large mason jar 3/4 full of sugar and stuffed the rest of the bean into the jar, put it in the pantry, then told me to wait a few days before I used it.

    About a week later I made a fresh peach pie and remembered the vanilla sugar so I sprinkled some on top. Yummmmm! You can really taste the difference. It has completely replaced regular sugar in our house.

    Try it...it's easy and you'll never go back to plain ol' sugar.

    Parent

    Thanks for the recipe! (5.00 / 2) (#51)
    by stxabuela on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:27:44 PM EST
    We have a holiday tradition at our house.  Frome Thanksgiving until New Year's Day, I buy various flavored coffees, turbinado sugar, and heavy cream.  It's become my hubby's favorite holiday tradition.  I can't wait to try the vanilla sugar!  Do you think two weeks will be long enough for raw sugar?  

    Parent
    Raw sugar... (none / 0) (#70)
    by k on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:08:28 PM EST
    I haven't tried it but I can't see any reason why it wouldn't work just as well. If fact I'm going to give it a shot tonight since I've got everything I need in the pantry.

    You give it a try too and we'll meet back here in a week or so and see who's suffering more from sugar shock. ;)

    Parent

    Isn't it great! (5.00 / 2) (#53)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:29:30 PM EST
    also, using fair trade sugar, which leans toward the brown sugar, OH MY!

    I have enough peaches that I may do a cross between a pie and a crumble. I have a pie crust in the freezer, so I may just do a crumble top with the vanilla sugar added in.

    I made a blueberry/lemon bread and sprinkled vanilla sugar on top. Oh yeah, THAT works!

    What's really funny is that I don't "do" a lot of sugar in my eating. But D@MN, this stuff really works for me :)

    Parent

    Vanilla Sugar is quite simply Heaven (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by Ellie on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:23:18 PM EST
    And easily accessed by newbie and experienced cookies alike.

    Tip for the dietetically concerned: Tossing a vanilla pod into nearly ANYTHING is a great way to add a luscious, lavish accent to otherwise "boring" foods even frumpy, boring high fiber cereals.

    Parent

    Vanilla Extract (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:35:07 PM EST
    Thank YOU!!!!! I just got an order of vanilla beans, so I can now make vanilla extract also. Didn't even occur to me! Duh.

    Parent
    Wow (none / 0) (#77)
    by k on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:12:59 PM EST
    Vanilla extract! Thanks for the link.

    Parent
    Mmmmm. Better than fruit (5.00 / 0) (#86)
    by Grace on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:25:34 PM EST
    flavored ice cream, I love to freeze fresh fruit and eat it frozen.  

    You have to clean it and cut it up before you freeze it, but once it's frozen, it tastes almost like ice cream but without all the calories.  ;-)

    I've found peaches, pineapple, strawberries (and all berries) and grapes are the best fruits to freeze.  

    Parent

    fruit ice cream (frozen slush) (none / 0) (#30)
    by Molly Pitcher on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:05:57 PM EST
    I picked up frozen mango cubes cause I do love mango drinks--but these were lousy.  So I froze some banana pieces and some peach pieces.  Then in my handy-dandy very mini food processor, I dumped a little 'light' low fat vanilla yogurt.  Added the cubes of frozen fruit and chopped/spun away.  The result was beyond expectation--smooth, delicious fruit ice cream ready to eat.  Could use a juice, or coconut (or other alternative) milk or even tofu, I guess, instead of yogurt.  (Some of my kids would add a chip or two of fancy chocolate.)  Had me some fruit heaven every day this week.

    Parent
    You can make sorbet (5.00 / 1) (#44)
    by echinopsia on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:21:59 PM EST
    with just frozen fruit and a food processor. And a little added sugar.

    I keep bags of frozen berries in the freezer for this quickie dessert. I also buy a case of fresh Western Slope peaches every August, peel them (dip into boiling water, then ice water, and the peel slides right off), slice them, fill quart freezer bags with them, and freeze. Then I can have almost-fresh peach sorbet all winter long.

    Parent

    I'm thinking about adding dark chocolate (none / 0) (#42)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:18:48 PM EST
    as a topper to my ice cream and fruit topping. Methinks you'll never get me to eat anything else if I do! lol!~

    I've been freezing melon. Which has been working well. We don't get Mangos with our CSA, but with the melons, you can either make melon balls or cut up in chunks and freeze. In the warm months, I take my dog to the park early in the AM and then we come home and share fruit smoothies. She started guarding the fridge from the cats when she saw me bring out the blender because she knew the "good stuff" was in there. I had to train her to wait in a "spot", lol!~

    Parent

    I'm Watching The Women's Marathon Run (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by JimWash08 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:42:31 PM EST
    It is really amazing and inspiring to see these women, especially the lady from Romania, just blazing on after 20 miles. I'd have wiped out after the 10th or 11th mile.

    Yes - she is 38 yrs old (5.00 / 2) (#22)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 08:52:12 PM EST
    Let's hear it for the 'older' ladies.

    Parent
    I'm A Little Ashamed To Admit It (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by Jane in CA on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:05:56 PM EST
    but I get great pleasure from reading that Nancy Pelosi's book flopped so badly that its poor sales is considered newsworthy: Link

    The title is interesting (5.00 / 1) (#39)
    by JavaCityPal on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:15:43 PM EST
    Now I'm positive that she doesn't watch or listen to the news. She said she didn't when the primary was going on, and excused her absence of knowledge on how Hillary was being treated.

    But, shouldn't the publishing house have a good idea what the success of the book will be when the author has such pathetic approval numbers?


    Parent

    Well what did she expect..... (5.00 / 3) (#40)
    by Maria Garcia on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:16:33 PM EST
    ...when she alienated the group of people most likely to buy her book....ie, women like me. I swear these people thought that the Obama glamour would rub off on them but it just isn't transferable. They are all just as unpopular as ever.

    Parent
    Nancy Pelosi gets with the new program (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by tree on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:05:59 PM EST
    on off-shore drilling:

    Democrats to offer bill with offshore drilling

    Sigh. Please remind me why I'm a Democrat.

    Bcz the Dem leaders really hold to Dem principles? (none / 0) (#36)
    by jawbone on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:11:07 PM EST


    Parent
    Did y'all listen to that thing (none / 0) (#107)
    by Grace on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 11:02:56 PM EST
    tonight with Obama and McCain?  The townhall (or whatever they called it) in Orange County?  

    McCain had straightforward answers that the evangelicals seemed to like.  They were all way out in right field.  

    Now you are making me wonder how many of those issues Obama will be co-opting in the next few weeks?  Scares me to think of it, but now I'm going to watch because I'm almost willing to bet Obama is going to switch some of his answers to match McCain's.  


    Parent

    Watch the women's 50-meter (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by stxabuela on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:10:10 PM EST
    1/100 of a second, AGAIN!

    She seemed happy. That was just the (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:21:34 PM EST
    opposite of last night...it looked like she won at first.

    Parent
    Jeralyn, I just love you.... (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:22:28 PM EST
    I was watching Legally Blond and forgot.
    While I was outside watering the roses (5.00 / 1) (#48)
    by Xanthe on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:24:47 PM EST
    I saw the neighborhood kids running a relay race around the block.  They ranged in age from 12 to 5 or 6 - there were boys and girls.  Everyone finished - even the little ones and I saw the older kids pull back when the little ones came by.  Then some of the younger mothers got in the game - a nice way to end the evening.  No doubt they got the idea from the Olympics on tv.

    When I was a kid we played outside on summer nights all the time - all sorts of games and we'd put on shows. Statues, hide and seek, hopscotch, girls and boys, bluebird - while our parents sat on the benches and on the steps outside drinking beer or coke.  It was a great thing to see these kids outside playing - so many seem to be inside summer and winter in front of a computer.  It's bad enough we do too much of it.

    gosh u just made me nostalgic (5.00 / 2) (#52)
    by txpolitico67 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:29:27 PM EST
    for the good ol' days of summer when i was a kid.  we too would play happily in the neighborhood all evening.  it was a domino effect in our community.  when one kid got called in, we all went in.  

    summers are especially nice because we would eat watermelon on the back porch and go swimming in the above ground pool my mom would buy us.  man we would stay in that thing all the way until the first day of school!  

    i am also glad i grew up in the 70s because me being the big music person i am, i have fond memories of the eagles, elton john, michael jackson and donna summer growing up and going to the skating rinks.

    um, why did want to be a grown up again?!?!?

    Parent

    When my kids were little..... (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by Maria Garcia on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:31:55 PM EST
    ...I used to catch them doing all manner of potentially dangerous things that were inspired by the Olympics. For example, my son tried to set up a diving platform into his big bird pool by using a step ladder. Fortunately I got to him in time.

    Parent
    Apologetic Shoutout to TimNCGuy (5.00 / 2) (#61)
    by Ellie on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:44:26 PM EST
    ... for my Apoplectic Shoutout awhile back.

    Awhile back I tore into a concern troll attempting to offload SCOTUS guilt onto HRC supporters. Since this conveniently overlooks Dems' cowardly role in annointing two right wing ringers there, and meekly allowing te stacking of the Judicial branch with cronies and moveent conservatives, I just blow up with frustration at the merest suggestion that attempts to puts this all on women during elections.

    Either the troll was deleted or I mistakenly clicked on your post as a reply-to but I'd like to apologize for appearing to blow up at you.

    No excuses: either way, I was simply Stupid. As penance, I'm putting a nickel in the Talk Left jukebox.

    I'm slated to throw TL a couple'few bucks of love of love for every 5 shoutouts I post. Please post one of your favorte artists or tunes and I'll add that to my nickel.

    Not just one of the funniest, (5.00 / 2) (#118)
    by JavaCityPal on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 01:09:02 AM EST
    most entertaining writers on this blog, but you are also one of the kindest.

    I aspire to be more like you, Ellie.


    Parent

    "You Don't Have To Put (5.00 / 1) (#66)
    by JimWash08 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:58:11 PM EST
    An Age Limit On Your Dreams"

    -- Golden words of wisdom from American swimmer and triple-Silver Medalist Dara Torres

    Oh my heart hurts. I have spoken before of my (5.00 / 1) (#67)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:02:07 PM EST
    older brother who died suddenly at 42. Look at the video of the young Mark Spitz...they could be twins.

    I've not seen you write of that (5.00 / 3) (#79)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:16:17 PM EST
    So sorry.

    My brother died at 32, so I know how much that hurts. He didn't look anything like Mark Spitz though - more like Joe Walsh.

    Parent

    My heart hurts with both of yours (5.00 / 2) (#111)
    by JavaCityPal on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 11:25:48 PM EST
    I just lost my youngest sister to a drowning 6 weeks ago.

    It's been a greater pain than I could have ever imagined.

    Parent

    I too am so sorry to hear of your loss (5.00 / 3) (#112)
    by robrecht on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 12:08:16 AM EST
    The loss of a child or young sibling is the worst kind of tragedy.  My sister died when we were kids and it deeply wounded everyone in our family.  This fear now haunts me about my own kids.

    Parent
    I've been thinking of you (none / 0) (#149)
    by ruffian on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 06:03:54 PM EST
    And hoping you are doing as well as can be expected.  Seems like you are, from what little I can tell here.

    My brother's death was a motorcycle accident. The shock of it is something you truly will never get over.  It does remind you to live your life every day though.  I always think of the years he did not get to have. I haven't always lived up to that in these last 20 years, and feel guilty when I don't.  

    He was always the first one to laugh at absurdities also - I do manage to do that for him!


    Parent

    Oh man (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by lilburro on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:05:31 PM EST
    I am so nervous!

    Go Phelps!

    Michael Phelps DID IT!! (5.00 / 1) (#74)
    by JimWash08 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:11:23 PM EST
    8 Gold medals in a single Olympic summer games meet!

    Congratulations to all the other US swimmers too. Well done!

    8 for Phelps!!!!!!!! (5.00 / 2) (#75)
    by robrecht on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:11:23 PM EST


    8th gold for Phelps!! (5.00 / 1) (#80)
    by txpolitico67 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:18:14 PM EST
    Congrats to Phelps and the USA swim team!!!  Thrilling!!

    Digby has a post on how terribly we're treating (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by jawbone on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:21:55 PM EST
    the children of arrested illegal immigrants: by putting them in jail with their parent(s), requiring them to wear prison uniforms as soon as they can fit into them, and giving them one hour of education a day (English) and one hour or recreation.

    This is sickening.

    horrible treatment (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by Jeralyn on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:28:32 PM EST
    see Dave Neiwert (Orcinus) on this too.

    An excellent site to check out is The Sanctuary on migrant rights.

    Parent

    Can't believe (5.00 / 2) (#105)
    by lilburro on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 11:01:34 PM EST
    NBC decided to air the TAPED 100 m men's dash during the LIVE last medal ceremony of Phelps and Co.

    Got to see a lot of it, but still, how dumb is that.

    Just got to see the (5.00 / 1) (#110)
    by Jeralyn on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 11:16:35 PM EST
    Phelps race, it was great. Congrats to him and the other team members.  I also liked when the other countries' team members came over to congratulate him, they looked really happy for him. Everyone seems to like him a lot.

    NYT: Dem Leaders ask for more policy specifics (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by Valhalla on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 12:38:51 AM EST
    and a little less big crowd rallying:

    These Democrats -- 15 governors, members of Congress and state party leaders -- say Mr. Obama has yet to convert his popularity among many Americans into solutions to crucial electoral challenges: showing ownership of an issue, like economic stewardship or national security; winning over supporters of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton; and minimizing his race and experience level as concerns for voters.

    the money quote:

    Or, in the blunter words of Gov. Phil Bredesen, Democrat of Tennessee: "Instead of giving big speeches at big stadiums, he needs to give straight-up 10-word answers to people at Wal-Mart about how he would improve their lives."

    Plouffe pooh-poohs the Dems anxiousness, saying that voters won't make up their minds until fall.  (well, at least he didn't say it's because people don't know Obama yet).

    This is the prominent Dems version of The Nation letter.  Ain't too proud to beg, sweet darlin'...

    The other day on a blog (5.00 / 0) (#117)
    by LatinoVoter on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 12:42:21 AM EST
    I saw that some politician (can't remember his name) was being made fun of for copying the Obama logo. The logo in question was a circle with vertical red stripes making up the lower half of the circle.

    Today while Legally Blonde II I noticed that both Obama and this "copycat" both copied the logo for Bruiser's Bill.

    So there!

    Re: Rick Warren interviews summary above-Obama (5.00 / 0) (#129)
    by jawbone on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 12:22:11 PM EST
    gave this answer about voting on the Iraq War:

    I GUESS THE OTHER EXAMPLE FROM -- I'M NOT SURE THIS WAS A MORE OF A PARTISAN ISSUE, BUT IT WAS SOMETHING
    THAT I FELT VERY DEEPLY WAS WHEN I OPPOSED THE INITIAL
    DECISION TO GO INTO WAR IN IRAQ. THAT WAS A NOT A POPULAR VIEW AT THE TIME AND I WAS JUST STARTING MY CAMPAIGN FOR THE UNITED STATES SENATE AND I THINK THERE WERE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ADVISED ME, YOU SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS. THIS IS GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
    (From transcript, Pg. 8, per commenter in above post; my emphasis)

    Obama was running for the US Senate in early Fall of 2002? Had he announced? I believe he was running for reelection to the IL senate--but when did he announce his decision to run for the US Senate. Of course, in his internal planning, he was actually running for the US Senate when he entered politics, iirc.

    Also, as is well known, his IL senate district was a very liberal, highly antiwar area. IIRC, he was actually critiqued locally as being a bit on the too conservative side of the argument (not this war, but other wars OK, etc.).

    This article gives a timeline for Obama's career in IL, and says he decided to run for the US Senate in 2003, no precise date.

    So, was Obama confused? Or just confusing private goals with announced campaign?

    So, (5.00 / 0) (#131)
    by cmugirl on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 12:47:16 PM EST
    Do I understand this correctly?  Did Obama say he wouldn't have put Clarence Thomas on the bench, in essence because he lacked experience for the job?

    "I don't think that he was a strong enough jurist or legal thinker at the time, for that elevation, setting aside the fact that I profoundly disagree with his interpretations of a lot of the constitution," Obama said.

    Am I just reading more into that statement or is this the definition of irony?

    Irony in my opinion but also true. (none / 0) (#132)
    by Teresa on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 01:00:01 PM EST
    As a lawyer, you may have more knowledge of his background than I do, but was he deserving as a nominee for the SC (ignoring his views)? He doesn't seem to do anything now but just sit there and vote the wrong way.

    Parent
    Just a week to go.... (5.00 / 0) (#137)
    by JavaCityPal on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 03:09:49 PM EST
    shouldn't those text messages have been released to the eager supporters by now?
    sounds more like a scam (5.00 / 0) (#140)
    by ccpup on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 03:41:05 PM EST
    to get even more cell phone numbers so they can text them to death before Election Day, eg. Vote NOW and bring a friend!  Volunteer TODAY!  DONATE NOW! etc and so on.

    Parent
    Yeah....supposedly obama had 65,000 (none / 0) (#142)
    by PssttCmere08 on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 03:53:17 PM EST
    new donors in July.  I say check with the money bundlers and see how much money came from them.
    And, why is obama seeking "soft money" to help pay for the convention after decrying it and saying it is wrong...flippity flop

    Parent
    Here comes Dara.... (none / 0) (#32)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:06:59 PM EST


    Oh wow, missed it by so little.... (5.00 / 2) (#41)
    by Maria Garcia on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:17:48 PM EST
    ...but still a silver ain't too shabby.

    Parent
    Alrighty! Good energy out for Torres~~ (none / 0) (#33)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:08:26 PM EST
    she's getting ready to go!

    {hopes up!}

    Silver, by that 0.01 second!!! (5.00 / 1) (#35)
    by jawbone on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:10:15 PM EST
    Oh, well. Still fantastic.

    Parent
    I look forward to her (5.00 / 0) (#55)
    by lilburro on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:32:33 PM EST
    receiving her silver with grace...unlike Cavic who was as ambiguous and bull-headed about the same result as could be.

    Dara rocks...I hope she gets a relay gold!

    Parent

    I wanted Dara to win but..... (5.00 / 2) (#62)
    by Maria Garcia on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:44:30 PM EST
    ...the excitement of the young lady who won the gold on the medal stand was adorable.They're all really, really great. (I know I sound like a cheeseball, but I don't always win the battle against sentimentality.)

    Parent
    Agree (5.00 / 2) (#72)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:09:23 PM EST
    She was lovely. Disappointed for Dara, but she has such a great attitude about it that it does not seem like a big deal.  

    Parent
    Love the true respect athletes have for each other (none / 0) (#95)
    by Ellie on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:35:54 PM EST
    You don't even have to be a jock to appreciate what it is to dig down and find that tiny extra bit to bring to a sport.

    That kind of glow shines through in everyone who brings their best to an endeavor they love, even when -- especially when! -- no one's looking and lavishing approval and applause.

    I'm so grateful and glad I grew up when girls were "allowed" equal access to sports resources and didn't have to spend most of the time scraping and apologizing for the mere opportunity to get in the game.

    No I won't mar this by taking the CDS/ "she's divisive" crowd to task. oops. ;-)

    Parent

    It made me cry (5.00 / 2) (#63)
    by nycstray on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:45:56 PM EST
    in a good way :) She rocks!

    heh, older women rock! Marathon winner and then we have the vault in gymnastics to look forward to along with Dara and her accomplishments.

    Parent

    I thought Cavic was pretty gracious--it was his (none / 0) (#59)
    by jawbone on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:41:07 PM EST
    coach who filed a protest. Cavic seemed quite at ease and relaxed getting the silver.

    When asked about the swim in some interview, he kind of shrugged off the loss, saying that given another meet with Phelps, he Cavic would likely win. But, that did not seem out of bounds.

    Parent

    I couldn't blame them for wanting it reviewed (5.00 / 1) (#78)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:13:55 PM EST
    It was hard to find a camera angle that looked like Phelps had won. No harm in making sure.  

    Parent
    I still don't see Phelps winning that one (none / 0) (#122)
    by Josey on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 05:46:48 AM EST
    But we're supposed to believe the "board" - not our eyes.


    Parent
    But it's not decided based on cameras (none / 0) (#127)
    by Anne on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 12:01:51 PM EST
    or anyone's eyes - it's decided by the electronics that record when the wall is touched, and Phelps touched it 1/100th of a second before Cavic.

    Could the electronics be wrong?  Sure, I guess that is a possibility, but I saw today where they reviewed it to the thousandth of a second, and Phelps still touched first.  Besides, if it were determined that there was a malfunction, wouldn't that call into question the results of the other races - or at least the world or Olympic record status of the times?

    Cavic will be kicking himself for deciding to glide into the wall, while Phelps did another half-stroke, but he had no way to know that Phelps wasn't gliding, too.

    I think it was just meant to be.

    Parent

    I understand (none / 0) (#151)
    by Josey on Mon Aug 18, 2008 at 05:21:41 AM EST


    Parent
    I know his comments weren't so bad (none / 0) (#64)
    by lilburro on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:49:10 PM EST
    overall, but he did say he thought it would be something people were questioning forever, etc.  And the media made a lot out of it.

    But he [Cavic] added that he thought people would still be debating the accuracy of the result in years to come, with many believing him the rightful winner. Did he think he was, he was asked. "If we did it again, I think I'd win," he answered diplomatically.

    Cavic/Phelps

    Dara's race provides great contrast.

    Parent

    Thanks! That clarifies Cavic's remark. (none / 0) (#65)
    by jawbone on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 09:54:41 PM EST


    Parent
    OMFG OMFG OMFG (none / 0) (#76)
    by Ellie on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:12:29 PM EST
    O
    M
    F
    G
    !

    Did I miss it? (none / 0) (#81)
    by Jeralyn on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:21:44 PM EST
    Or is it not on here yet? There's a Hackett swimming now from Australia, he had a stomachache earlier, and they've been talking about him for 5 minutes.

    Sorry (trying not to be a spoiler) (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by Ellie on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:58:08 PM EST
    ... but all of the pool events are ones I'll be watching over and over.

    Just freakin' WOW!!! We're still a big wet mess at my house and there's a faint aroma of chlorine.

    Parent

    You'll see it in an hour then (or two). (none / 0) (#83)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:22:42 PM EST


    Parent
    That's strange. (none / 0) (#85)
    by JimWash08 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:25:09 PM EST
    The 1500m race happened a little more than 30 minutes ago.

    I was under the impression that NBC was showing Phelps' medley in real-time across all timezones.

    Parent

    melloulli won (none / 0) (#88)
    by Jeralyn on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:30:12 PM EST
    the race I'm watching now, Hackett came in 3rd. So I missed Phelps?

    Parent
    No. It's after the women's relay. (none / 0) (#89)
    by Teresa on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:32:06 PM EST


    Parent
    Yes, it seems so. Sorry :( (none / 0) (#91)
    by JimWash08 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:32:58 PM EST
    The NBC Colorado affiliate must be on a time-delay -- an awfully long time-delay, sorry to say.

    Parent
    they just said Phelps will be on (none / 0) (#90)
    by Jeralyn on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:32:10 PM EST
    "a little later" so I didn't miss it.

    Parent
    West Coast (none / 0) (#93)
    by Little Fish on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:34:37 PM EST
    is getting the women's marathon. m/

    You'd think they'd show Phelp's last race live.  


    Parent

    TV Newser had reported (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by JimWash08 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:36:26 PM EST
    that because of the history-making magnitude of the race, NBC was planning to show it LIVE in all timezones.

    I guess they didn't go through with that plan. Real pity.

    Parent

    NBC debunked that. (5.00 / 2) (#100)
    by Little Fish on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:42:41 PM EST
    And MSNBC throws a big red banner across the top of it's webpage declaring the results, so it's hard to avoid.

    I don't know why they couldn't air everything live on the West Coast. It would have thrown swimming and gymnastics into prime time here.

    Parent

    The only thing shown live in the West AFAIR was (none / 0) (#147)
    by bridget on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 05:32:17 PM EST
    the OJ Simpson trial. They started TV coverage at about 9.00 AM and stopped when Judge Ito finally banged the gavel on his desk ;-)Then came nonstop trial analysis into the night. Greatest criminal trial education I could have had. Like Grad School. Lasted over a year. And that was pre-trial motions and the criminal trial.  

    Otherwise, just about nothing is shown live at the West Coast.

    When the Olys were in Atlanta and Salt Lake SouCal coverage wasn't live. When the Olys were in Los Angeles even, the coverage was not live.

    During the first week of the LA Olys I was in Europe and saw the whole thing Live over there with no commercials. They showed every single sports event, every anthem .... bliss. The Second week back in LA ... well, see above :-)

    Parent

    100M Dash WR: 9.69s WOW! (none / 0) (#98)
    by JimWash08 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 10:41:04 PM EST


    i gasped when bolt (none / 0) (#108)
    by free the wm3 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 11:05:14 PM EST
    simply eased out to the lead and then pulled up for the last 20m or so.  That was just unreal.

    Parent
    Low impact aerobics video (none / 0) (#106)
    by TeresaInSnow2 on Sat Aug 16, 2008 at 11:01:57 PM EST
    Does anyone know of a really good low impact aerobics DVD?

    I have several of the Tamilee Webb videos for strengthening, but I'm looking for something cardio to supplement my treadmill walking and exercise biking

    Elvis Presley: I'll Remember You :-) (none / 0) (#119)
    by bridget on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 02:23:08 AM EST
    I'll Remember You

    thank you, Elvis!

    Updates on Georgian/Ossetian situation, along w/ (none / 0) (#133)
    by jawbone on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 01:47:00 PM EST
    other emergency spots world wide, from ReliefWeb, identified as a non-ideological site. Scroll through for articles pertaining to Georgia.

    Here is an early report on ReliefWeb from the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, giving some stark descriptions of damage and death from the surprise attack by Saakashvilli. This is a part of the story that even Nina Totenberg today used the adjective of "alleged" to describe whether Georgia had attacked South Ossetia! I have such deep respect for Nina Totenberg that I was stunned to see that even she had been hoodwinked by the MCM* Narrative.

    The place that has suffered most is South Ossetia which is home to both ethnic Ossetians and Georgians, the latter accounting for about a third of the population.

    The destruction there has been appalling and it looks as though many hundreds of civilians have died, in the first place as a result of the initial Georgian assault of August 7-8. Gosha Tselekhayev, an Ossetian interpreter in Tskhinvali with whom I spoke by telephone on August 10 said, "I am standing in the city centre, but there's no city left."

    Ossetians fleeing the conflict zone talk of Georgian atrocities and the indiscriminate killing of civilians.


    SNIP
    A cynical disregard by both Moscow and Tbilisi for the well-being of these people has triggered this conflict.

    On August 7, after days of shooting incidents in the South Ossetian conflict zone, Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili made a speech in which he said that he had given the Georgian villagers orders not to fire, that he wanted to offer South Ossetia "unlimited autonomy" within the Georgian state, with Russia to be a guarantor of the arrangement.

    Both sides said they were discussing a meeting the next day to discuss how to defuse the clashes.

    That evening, however, Saakashvili went for the military option. The Georgian military launched a massive artillery attack on Tskhinvali, followed the next day by a ground assault involving tanks.

    This was a city with no pure military targets, full of civilians who had been given no warning and were expecting peace talks at any moment.

    The attack looked designed to take everybody by surprise - perhaps because much of the Russian leadership was in Beijing for the opening of the Olympic Games. It also unilaterally destroyed the negotiating and peacekeeping arrangements, under the aegis of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, that have been in place for 16 years.

    (Emphasis mine)

    Talk about bait-and-switch! Dirty pool. Blitzkrieg....

    *MCM--Mainstream Corporate Media

    Two reporters for IWPR were killed in Tskinvali (none / 0) (#135)
    by jawbone on Sun Aug 17, 2008 at 02:04:00 PM EST
    The worst way for the observers to become part of the story.

    Two journalists who contributed to IWPR, Gia Chikhladze and Alexander Klimchuk, have died in the conflict over South Ossetia. We send our deepest sympathies to their loved ones.

    Both of them were in the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali and died there on August 8, when their car was fired on. Their relatives and friends are doing everything they can to try and get their bodies delivered home to Tbilisi.

    Giga was working for Newsweek and had been employed by a number of publications in Georgia, such as Eurasianet and Civil Georgia. He was 30 and leaves behind his wife Nata and two children, Sopho and Luka. He was the only breadwinner in his family and was also supporting his wife's parents.

    Alexander (Sasha) was 27. He began his career as a print journalist, then became a photographer and worked for ITAR-TASS news agency. His pictures were also published in foreign publications such as Le Monde, Newsweek and the Financial Times. He was unmarried. His parents relied on him for an income.

    A Dutch reporter was also killed in the opening Georgian attack. So sad. I read about these two and feel such regret for such a stupid loss of lives. All the lives lost there.

    Parent

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