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Monday Afternoon Open Thread

Derek Jeter has been named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year.

The Charlie Weis Era at Notre Dame is over.

I am going to talk to Jeralyn about starting a TalkLeft Sports blog (e.g. - Did you know Cincinnati football coach (and maybe the next Notre Dame coach) Brian Kelly worked for the Gary Hart presidential campaign?)

This is an Open Thread.

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    Interesting article (5.00 / 1) (#4)
    by lilburro on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 02:43:44 PM EST
    in the New York magazine (via TPM):

    "I have no idea what they believe," a leading House Democrat and Obama ally told me recently when I asked if he could define the administration's governing philosophy. "I know that their governing strategy seems to be, `Don't worry, the big guy will make it all right in the end.' They have the sublime sense that they don't have to do all that much to plan events, or to come up with the message for what they're doing, or to line up support, because whenever they need to, they can just put Mike Tyson in the ring. And I think (a) it's wrong, and (b) it's a bad way to run a White House."

    The limits of that approach will be sorely tested in the period now about to unfold before us. Starting this week, Obama will unveil or have forced upon him a series of pivotal decisions--on Afghanistan (with his big speech set for Tuesday night), health care, the economy, and the deficit. The choices entailed will be hard and clarifying, doing more to define his tenure than any he has confronted so far. And he will make them while skating on thinner ice with both his party and the electorate at large than hardly anyone imagined possible on that frigid and fantabulous January day when he was sworn in. The political perils of this period will be immense, but so will the opportunity: for the president finally to erect on the foundation of the Obama brand something more vital--a working vision of Obamaism; for him to right the ship, recapture the magic, reinflate the balloon; and in the process, to reaffirm the reasons why so many of us invested such hope and faith in him in the first place.

    A working vision of Obamaism.  Would be nice.

    Sports Blog, Crime Blog..sometimes it's the (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by steviez314 on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 02:46:56 PM EST
    same thing.

    I thought this already was a sports blog. (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by oculus on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 02:52:35 PM EST
    And, BTW, Polanski is still in Swiss detention facility.  Has to post entire amount of bail, not a percentage, and apparently has not yet done so.

    Forget it, Oc -- it's Gatortown (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by Ellie on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 10:27:24 PM EST
    But thanks for the updates on the Polanski child-rape case and the dismal "advocacy" of his celeb friends.

    As a non-lawyer and irritated news viewer who finds more and more celeb trash crowding out substance, I'm genuinely interested in the clash between domestic and int'l law w/regard to Polanski.

    I'm a fan of his work, but his actions were criminal and despicable and I can separate them. I wonder what his famous pals were thinking in their knee-jerk defenses based on Polanski's brilliance as a director (which isn't on trial.)

    Wondering: would they hold off on prosecuting admitted, generic rapists to see, first, if they had any filmmaking chops? (Coming soon to a film festival near you, Un Film de Short Eyes?)

    Parent

    How about an "Ezra" blog? (5.00 / 2) (#12)
    by oculus on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:04:07 PM EST


    Not a sports blog! (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:09:27 PM EST
    I thought the politics of crime beat can be depressing...that beat ain't got nothing on the sorry states of my sports franchises.

    How 'bout a Bruce blog instead...that makes us all happy:)

    How to win in 2010 & beyond???? (5.00 / 2) (#24)
    by MO Blue on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:27:12 PM EST
    As you can see in our new feature post, a group of conservative and not-so-conservative Democrats in the senate pushing to use the upcoming need to up the national debt ceiling to insist that a commission be formed -- perhaps on the model of the old base closing commission -- to rein in spending and get the national finances under control. Anyone who looks at the national budget knows that if you start with the assumption that deficits are a critical problem right now that there are two big levers to get them under control -- cutting social insurance programs like Social Security, Medicare and so on or raising taxes.
    ...
    I suspect you'll find a White House, if not eager to go along with the idea of a commission, ready to pivot fairly dramatically from a 2009 focused on economic stabilization and reform into a 2010 focused heavily on budgetary retrenchment.
    TPM

    Recommending cuts to SS or Medicare wouldn't motivate me to vote for Dems.

    sports blog (none / 0) (#1)
    by jharp on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 02:36:14 PM EST
    "starting a TalkLeft Sports blog"

    Great idea. And please start a football handicapping contest as well.

    I think you're a great picker and would like to try to best you.

    What is your season record by the way?

    I have to do the math (none / 0) (#3)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 02:39:37 PM EST
    But I think I slipped to about .570 or so in the last weeks.

    Need a big bowl season to get to .600.

    Parent

    I think (none / 0) (#40)
    by CoralGables on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 05:59:25 PM EST
    closer to .510

    But you kicked butt for the first 10 weeks or so.

    Parent

    No (none / 0) (#2)
    by jbindc on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 02:36:21 PM EST
    Did you know Cinncinati football coach (and maybe the next Notre Dame coach) Brian Kelly worked for the Gary Hart presidential campaign

    But I do know he was the head coach at Central Michigan University (Fire up Chips!) before he went to Cincinnati.

    Tiger (none / 0) (#5)
    by jbindc on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 02:45:40 PM EST
    pulling out of his own tournament, citing injuries from car wreck.  Nor will he participate in any more tournaments in 2009.

    And to answer earlier questions...

    Woods and his wife are not required to give a statement to police about the accident, but if either does it must be truthful, Florida legal experts said. If not, they added, there is a slim chance they could be charged with resisting arrest without violence, a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of a year in jail and a $1,000 fine


    Sports tonight (none / 0) (#8)
    by CST on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 02:53:30 PM EST
    Saints/Pats!  Go Pats!

    Won't be quite as sweet as beating Indy would have been, but lets just hope they can overcome their second-half road woes - and that it doesn't depend on a 4th and 2 scenario.

    Should be a great game... (none / 0) (#9)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 02:56:37 PM EST
    ...with lots of fireworks.  Although, I'm hoping that the Pats lose like the Steelers did last night!

    Parent
    It should (none / 0) (#15)
    by CST on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:09:22 PM EST
    definitely be entertaining to say the least, probably a shoot-out.

    Apparently no one on the patriots cares whether or not they have the only undefeated 16 game regular season - but I sure do - it's the silver lining to that season.  I have faith that the Colts will start resting their starters soon and someone will knock them off.  Not so sure about the Saints.

    Parent

    My concern... (none / 0) (#27)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:31:35 PM EST
    ...is seeing all the possible AFC wild-card contenders (except for the Bronco's) lose as many games as possible!  

    I agree though, I think the Saints have the best shot at going undefeated...

    Parent

    Looks like the Pats (none / 0) (#31)
    by brodie on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:40:55 PM EST
    will have an extra incentive to win tonight, to preserve that 16-0 record for their team.

    While I'm pulling for the Saints -- I like offense-oriented teams and have a real soft spot for any team from Nahluns -- I suspect the Pats will want to come out strong and show the Saints who's better should the two teams match up again in the SB.

    There might even be some residual Rally Around the Coach feelings by the Pats for all that Fourth Downgate business from a few weeks ago.

    Pats probably will win tonight ...

    Parent

    What do the Saints (none / 0) (#34)
    by lilburro on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:52:27 PM EST
    have to do to get some respect?  No offense to you here, I just see tons of people choosing the Patriots.  I think they'll knock off the Patriots.  Should be a very entertaining game regardless though.

    Parent
    Hey, it's not that I don't (none / 0) (#37)
    by brodie on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 04:05:04 PM EST
    respect the Saints, and I am hoping they find a way to win tonight.

    But it's no disrespect to say that for this one game, the Pats might have more incentive to win in a matchup of two teams that appear equal in ability.

    Hoping my analysis is wrong of course -- and I've been wrong at least half the time so far this season ...

    Parent

    You think so? (none / 0) (#38)
    by lilburro on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 05:12:52 PM EST
    I think that the Saints are going to come out wanting to show they are the real deal (esp. after somewhat weak games against pretty bad teams, the Rams, Carolina, etc.).  

    But anyway...super excited about this game.

    Parent

    Interestingly (none / 0) (#35)
    by CST on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:53:44 PM EST
    4 players from the 2007 Patriots are now on the Saints.

    I sure hope the pats win tonight!

    I think their extra incentive is to prove they can win a tough game on the road.  That has definitely been a problem for them this year.

    Parent

    Still a big problem. (none / 0) (#56)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 08:19:55 AM EST
    The secondary needs a little work.  Brees just picked them apart last night.  

    What do you think about the Pats giving up the ghost with 5+ minutes left in the game?  

    Parent

    That was brutal (none / 0) (#57)
    by CST on Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 08:55:00 AM EST
    the whole thing was hard to watch.  I dunno about this team this year.   They will still make the playoffs, so they have time to figure it out, but there used to be an invincibility/intimidation factor to the Pats, and thats been pretty demolished this year.  Not sure exactly what it is, the defense has actually been fairly solid before this game - although there does seem to be a shortage of big plays when they aren't playing against Sanchez.

    Parent
    Could be worse... (none / 0) (#58)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 09:26:39 AM EST
    ...I guess.  If I was a Charger's fan, I'd be super PO'd that they gave up on Brees in order to go with Rivers.  

    Bill sure seemed bound and determined to show everyone that he's a real 4th down gambler last night.

    I think it's going to come down to the Vikings v. Saints for the NFC title.  The AFC is a little more up for grabs--although the Colts have the edge right now.  Their defense is much better than most people think.  

    Parent

    4th down gambler (none / 0) (#59)
    by CST on Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 09:32:58 AM EST
    That's one of my favorite things about Bill, and he has a pretty good track record with it.  4th downs is not what killed them last night.  That drive with the 2 conversions was really the only time they were in the game.

    Parent
    The 3rd one... (none / 0) (#60)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 09:39:39 AM EST
    ...where they were down by the goaline wasn't good.  I think he should have taken the 3 points and gotten a little mojo back.  

    You've got to be a bit of a gambler to keep up with that Saints offense though.  They score like an Arena League team.

    Parent

    The 3rd one (none / 0) (#61)
    by CST on Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 09:44:38 AM EST
    was probably a mistake, but ultimately irrelevant.  At that point, they needed touchdowns.  I don't know that a field goal would've helped with mojo or not.  I do know that a touchdown then could've been a game changer.  But yea, I didn't really expect them to convert.

    Parent
    Except for the one play (none / 0) (#62)
    by brodie on Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 09:46:12 AM EST
    where the Pats secondary screwed up and left a Saints receiver wide open for a TD, their DBs actually played pretty well.  But it's very hard to defend when the opponent's QB is tossing highly accurate passes and his receivers are swift and are consistently catching the ball and are not coughing it up.

    Congrats to the Saints for proving they're ready for prime time.

    As for the Pats, they still have the talent, and coaching, to go to another SB, but after losing 2 of their last 3 games against undefeated opponents, their confidence level is probably shaken, and football is a sport where that matters a lot.

    Not that I'm feeling sorry for Belichick and the Pats, who've already won their share of games and championships this decade.  For this non-Pats fan, I'd like to see a changing of the guard at the top in the NFL, and one hopes last night's game signaled such a turning point.

    Parent

    It seemd to me the Pat's DB's (none / 0) (#63)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 12:33:41 PM EST
    gave each reception about a 10 yard gain after the catch.

    The Pats were way out of their league last night.

    Parent

    Anything that wipes that (none / 0) (#32)
    by Anne on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:45:20 PM EST
    sh!t-eating grin off Hines Ward's face works for me, even if it did mean I was too wired after that game to go to sleep.

    That should never, ever have been a game that went to overtime, but a win is a win is a win.

    Parent

    Didn't know much about HW (none / 0) (#36)
    by brodie on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 04:00:22 PM EST
    the person until I saw his pre-game interview, and Bob Costas asked him about the Steelers not starting Rothlisberger because of last week's concussion.  Ward responds that he wasn't sure about that call, since he and his teammates get back out there right away whenever they're dinged.

    Costas to his credit tried to distinguish between the garden variety type of non-head injury and the more serious concussion with its lingering effects, but Ward stood firm for the macho position.

    Ward probably reflects the stupid thinking of about half the players, and about 95% of the coaches.  But hopefully this retro knuckledragging attitude is about to change ...


    Parent

    Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints??!!! (none / 0) (#13)
    by lilburro on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:06:51 PM EST
    not as catchy to me as Fly Eagles Fly! but what I'll be cheering tonight :P

    Parent
    I wonder if Weis... (none / 0) (#22)
    by desertswine on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:24:18 PM EST
    will be heading back to NE.

    Parent
    How much money does an ND coach make? (none / 0) (#10)
    by Saul on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:01:02 PM EST
    Compared to being coach of an pro NFL Team

    Looks like it a step down

    A private institution... (none / 0) (#29)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:35:01 PM EST
    ...like ND can get away with that, not so much a public school like Colorado.  

    That's the reason (take note, BTD) that CU didn't cut Coach Hawk loose--it would have been a PR nightmare to give him a multi-million dollar buy-out when the State is broke and cutting higher-ed funding to the bone.

    Parent

    TalkLeft would be glad to have your (none / 0) (#17)
    by Jeralyn on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:11:02 PM EST
    sports blog. I'll talk to Colin about setting it up. Can it be called Sports Left (to go with Pop Left and Talkleft) or do you prefer TalkLeft Sports or something else? The biggest step is the header graphic. Anyone want to contribute one?

    Problem is (5.00 / 2) (#20)
    by Steve M on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:21:38 PM EST
    BTD has a pronounced Right Coast bias.

    Parent
    It's not my fault (none / 0) (#25)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:28:35 PM EST
    the best athletes are in the East.

    Tiger is in Orlando . .  oh wait let's not talk aboiut that one.

    Tebow is in Gainesville (Conservative Republican Gowd freak) . . .

    Jeter is in New York . . . (a selfish p*ick) . . .

    And now the team on the rise, conquerors of the Spartans of East Lansing .. the Florida Gators Mens Basketball Team!!!

    Course the Lakers are still in LA . . .

    Parent

    I would note (none / 0) (#28)
    by Steve M on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:34:51 PM EST
    that 50% of the undefeated teams in college football hail from west of the Mississippi.

    Personally I never really know from year to year whether the Pac-10 is any good, at least until bowl season is over.

    Parent

    Heh (none / 0) (#19)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:17:37 PM EST
    I was joking in that I do all my sports bloggiong here, but if you are serious, SportsLeft works just fine.

    You'll have a Left Blog empire in no time J.

    Parent

    JockLeft (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by Dadler on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:23:27 PM EST
    forgive me, it rhymed, mostly.

    Parent
    Don't do it (none / 0) (#42)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 07:40:04 PM EST
    It's just an opportunity for me to not have to read any of it.  The way it is I have to pick through everything and I end up reading some of it.

    Parent
    Yes indeed. Most informative. (none / 0) (#49)
    by oculus on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 11:01:30 PM EST
    If rather biased.

    Parent
    Does he still have a better than 50% (none / 0) (#55)
    by Militarytracy on Tue Dec 01, 2009 at 07:58:19 AM EST
    success rate?  He could be my new retirement fund but if I win am I certain to get paid in this economy or will I have to bring Paulie with me to collect :)

    Parent
    I loved John Wooden (none / 0) (#26)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:29:22 PM EST
    Like Sarah Palin, I will only quote from the best . . .

    Parent
    Antiwar and (none / 0) (#33)
    by brodie on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:50:32 PM EST
    anticapitalist Bill Walton playing for the ultraconservative John Wooden still is a head scratcher all these years later.  

    But in all those championship years coaching in socially and politically turbulent times, and at a liberal university, I think Wooden and Walton got along well with nearly all the major players of that era (perhaps with one exception), even with the moody Kareem.

    Too bad Walton was so injury prone in the pros, however, otherwise he would have had another couple of championships in the NBA and gone down as one of the all-time great centers.

    Parent

    Just go with Tim Tebow doing the Gator chomp. (none / 0) (#48)
    by oculus on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 10:59:07 PM EST
    Oklahoma media... (none / 0) (#30)
    by Tony on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 03:35:58 PM EST
    is going nuts with talk of Stoops to Notre Dame.  The sports radio today is worse to listen to than the Sunday talk shows.  Personally I do not think he will go, his kids are getting close to high school age and they are building a new house.  On the other hand, he has always said that coaches shouldn't overstay their welcome and get burnt out at a school.

    So who knows.  Everyone is just speculating wildly.  I think no one knows what Bob Stoops is thinking.  He is a harder nut to crack than Tiger Woods.

    Honduran general election coverage...? (none / 0) (#39)
    by EL seattle on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 05:30:00 PM EST
    Does anyone have website recommendations for information about Sunday's election?  (Preferably coverage without too much political spin or whitewash.)

    In handicapping news (none / 0) (#41)
    by CoralGables on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 06:01:25 PM EST
    The #1 Gators open up as a 5 point favorite against #2 Alabama in the SEC Title game this Saturday.

    Ya know, I was just thinking (none / 0) (#43)
    by Militarytracy on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 09:18:14 PM EST
    today that Colorado Structures stiffed me once for about six months on paying me for a landscaping job.  Anywho...their attorney treated my attorney who was a huge Notre Dame fan to a trip to a Notre Dame game in order to "solve" my little problem and I had to pay for none of this.  My business partner was livid that lawyers would go have a good time while representing clients but I told him to shut up or I would sit on him cuz I was getting my money along with a few suspicious accounting errors in my favor.  I am starting to wonder

    Thank You Brees and Maroney! (none / 0) (#44)
    by nycstray on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 10:20:55 PM EST
    Combined for 71 fantasy points so far . . . {big grin}

    I didn't play Maroney (none / 0) (#46)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 10:39:19 PM EST
    But I am winning this week anyway (11-1 for the season now). Brett Favre + Antonio Gates + LT + Longwell did the trick.

    And to think I was blasted for my trading Manning for LT+ Romo + Roy Wiliams just 2 weeks ago.

    Favre has outscored Manning by 40 points in those 2 weeks.

    Parent

    Thanks to Percy. (none / 0) (#47)
    by oculus on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 10:54:17 PM EST
    I had 2 other RB's out this week (none / 0) (#50)
    by nycstray on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 11:05:59 PM EST
    so he was really my last slot. I could have dropped in a WR, but he looked better. I had already won for the week, but I'll take the extra points!

    You're talkin' Peyton vs Farve? Farve seems to be having a better season this year. I had him as BU last year and had Peyton as my starter.

    Oh, and Percy has been doing a fine job of meeting and exceeding predictions :)

    Parent

    At lunch (none / 0) (#51)
    by Steve M on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 11:06:25 PM EST
    my buddy commented that he needed 26 points from Brees to win this week, which he said was roughly 3 TDs.  My instant response: "Isn't that like a half for Brees?"  Indeed.

    You just gotta respect those Big Ten QBs!!

    Parent

    Week one was a better week (none / 0) (#52)
    by nycstray on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 11:12:40 PM EST
    fantasy point wise for Brees, I think this was his second highest this season though. He's had a rocky week or a few, negates his positive with interceptions/fumbles. Here's hoping he stays strong through the finish! I need him so I can try and win three seasons in a row  ;)

    Parent
    What do you win? (none / 0) (#53)
    by oculus on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 11:15:22 PM EST
    In this league . . . (none / 0) (#54)
    by nycstray on Mon Nov 30, 2009 at 11:39:13 PM EST
    Braggin' points over all the boys  ;) and Yahoo sends me a T-shirt with the assumption I'm some big burly guy! (I weigh 105-110lbs!) I bottomed out in the suicide league betting on the Broncos a couple weeks ago. That would have netted me $$$. Glad to see the other 2 bottomed out the next week. I guess they are splitting the pot . . .

    Parent