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Friday Evening Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 04:16:26 PM EST
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No, it's not the evening yet, but I've spilled my bile for the day. Jeralyn is doing the Key West NORML thing and being the brilliant woman she is, I suspect she won't be blogging much this weekend.

For myself, my focus now goes to the Game of the Decade! Tomorrow I 'll do a comprehensive preview of the the game (and some other minor games being played this weekend) as I do the rabid fan thing (face paint, etc..) From 3 - 7 tomorrow, you'll know where I'll be.

This is an Open Thread.

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    Friday Evening Open Thread | 51 comments (51 topical)

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    SUSA conducts a silly poll just for BTD (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by andgarden on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 09:16:22 PM EST
    Poll #16115 taken in Mobile-Pensacola (Fort Walton Beach) DMA for WKRG-TV (Mobile-Pensacola):

    Q: Are you a fan of college football?
    A: Yes 73% No 25%
    Q: Will you watch the SEC championship game tomorrow afternoon between Alabama and Florida, at 3:00 on WKRG?
    A: Yes 94% No 6%

    Q: Who do you think will win?
    A: Alabama 54% Florida 42%
    U.S. student convicted of murder in Italy (none / 0) (#1)
    by caseyOR on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 05:26:49 PM EST
    American student Amanda Knox has been convicted by a court in Perugia, Italy of killing her roommate.

    Here is mandatory link. NY Times.

    That's a bizarre story (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by Fabian on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 08:57:32 AM EST
    from beginning to end.

    Parent
    Interesting (none / 0) (#4)
    by jbindc on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 05:51:20 PM EST
    She was criminnally convicted of defamation too.

    But I don't understand this sentence:

    The circumstantial evidence was also fraught.


    Parent
    Amazingly, Ms Knox left zero DNA (none / 0) (#18)
    by Inspector Gadget on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 08:50:11 PM EST
    at the crime scene despite the amount of blood at the scene, and none of the victim's DNA was found on anything of Ms Knox's. I'd guess the circumstantial evidence is as useless as the physical (of which there is none).

    Speculation is that Ms Knox is being treated this way because of the anti-Americanism in Italy.

    Seems far more interesting a legal situation than the Polanski story.

    Parent

    Isn't that odd? (none / 0) (#32)
    by jbindc on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 10:05:12 AM EST
    That no DNA was found?  Didn't the murder occur in the same house where Amanda Knox lived?  Even if she never went in the victim's room, I imagine DNA could get carried in if someone is in the house all the time.

    Parent
    I also find it odd (none / 0) (#33)
    by jbindc on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 10:08:10 AM EST
    That Amanda Knox testified that she came home from her boyfriend's house, saw some blood on the floor, but thought what she should do at that moment was take a shower.  Wouldn't you at least wipe it up and wouldn't you have at least a little curiosity as to why there was blood on the floor and maybe go see if someone else was in the house and if they were all right?

    Parent
    I wouldn't trust (none / 0) (#36)
    by brodie on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 11:32:38 AM EST
    half the info I've heard about this case in the MSM, partly due to the lack of skepticism by certain outlets as they merely parrot prosecution talking points.

    Looking forward, however, to author Doug Preston's lengthy account which he'll presumably publish somewhere, online or in book form, in the near future.  Btw, apparently this author, trying to report on the case in Perugia, was threatened with charges by the prosecution in this case (for speaking too boldly and truthfully about one prosecutor's predilections for bizarre sex charges?), and had to leave the country.

    Very weird case, and I have my serious suspicions about whether justice was done to the defendants  ...

    Parent

    Well (none / 0) (#37)
    by jbindc on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 11:53:42 AM EST
    Unlike the American system of justice, where jury deliberations are secret, the jury's reasoning behind getting to the verdict they did will be available in 90 days.

    And in reference to someone above - the judge who presided over the case is not part of the jury.  Under the Italian system, two judges are chosen at random to sit on all juries to act as "experts" on procedural matters.

    Amanda Knox also didn't help herself in this matter - giving several different versions of the story to police, including originally telling them that she was in the house when the murder took place and heard the screams.

    Parent

    Yes, there are several (none / 0) (#38)
    by brodie on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 12:08:24 PM EST
    troubling aspects of the case from the defendant's pov, including the story about the conflicting stories.  

    Bothers me, but I'll wait a bit to see more of that fleshed out before drawing conclusions.  Meanwhile, it's relevant that at the time of the murder, Knox was just beginning to learn Italian, and might well have had language problems in communicating (or the authorities did, or chose to believe she was changing her story).  

    Also it appears that no video or audio tape exists of her initial interrogations by authorities.  Sure would have been helpful to clarify matters one way or the other, but, if true, it doesn't put the prosecution in a very credible light.

     

    Parent

    I agree (none / 0) (#39)
    by jbindc on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 12:14:37 PM EST
    But remember - she didn't change her story once - she changed it multiple times, and then accused and tried to deflect the investigation to her boss (for which she was convicted of defamation.  This girl can't keep her story straight.  

    Maybe the jury's reasoning will be made public, and then things will make more sense.

    Parent

    Not odd at all if you listen carefully (none / 0) (#42)
    by Inspector Gadget on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 02:09:08 PM EST
    to the words. The DNA at the crime scene is the blood evidence and what's on the victim's body from what the reports have said. Of course her DNA is in the apt, but that's to be expected, so they have to focus on the immediate area of the crime.

    If you've seen photos of the crime scene, the victim's body was hidden under a big quilt with just her foot sticking out. The 3rd suspect who was already convicted and sentenced to 30 years had her DNA all over him, and she had his.

    The sex game evidence is ridiculous.

    Interrogation techniques elsewhere are far more intense than here, and when one is in a foreign country the fear factor of being accused of a crime must be escalated considerably.

    Parent

    Again (none / 0) (#53)
    by jbindc on Sun Dec 06, 2009 at 11:29:41 AM EST
    You would see blood on the floor and your first thought would be, "Gee, I need to take a shower"? Especially if someone else lives in the house?>  sorry - I think mine (and most people's) normal reaction would be to check it out - not hop in the shower (even if you were high).

    Also remember that for whatever kangaroo justice the Italian system may or may not be, they are very vocal about, and refuse to extradite people to the US if the death penalty is involved.

    I await the jury's reasoning.

    Parent

    Not everyone thinks exactly like (none / 0) (#56)
    by Inspector Gadget on Sun Dec 06, 2009 at 12:39:31 PM EST
    you do.

    I can think of several no biggie reasons someone would not immediately think red drops or smears on the floor must mean a dead body is in the room.

    Ever step on a piece of glass? Cut yourself shaving your legs? Nose bleed?

    It's bizarre to think that murder in the house is the first thing ALL people would think of. And, if they don't, they are lying about everything.


    Parent

    Gators and BTD, (none / 0) (#2)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 05:41:24 PM EST
    Crush the tide. Send them back to New Orleans.

    But (none / 0) (#5)
    by jbindc on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 05:52:05 PM EST
    Either of them would love to play if the College of Charleston or Troy came calling!

    college of charleston actually has no football (none / 0) (#17)
    by coast on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 08:48:37 PM EST
    team at all.

    Parent
    Yes (none / 0) (#54)
    by jbindc on Sun Dec 06, 2009 at 11:31:09 AM EST
    Florida and Tebow made their name beating up on such powerhouses as Charleston Southern, Florida International, and Troy.

    Hopefully this game (and the close, low-scoring game between Texas and Nebraska) put to bed any talk of the Heisman for Tebow or Colt McCoy.

    Parent

    Quite a week (none / 0) (#7)
    by SOS on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 05:55:47 PM EST
    Obama has reached a watershed in his presidency this week. He has devolved to the intellectual level of George Bush, while retaining his world class powers of speech.

    Face paint? Did I just read this post (none / 0) (#10)
    by Cream City on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 06:46:25 PM EST
    and see reference to rabid fanship, even to the extent of face paint?  We need photos.  Or at least more description than that.

    Even so, it will be more tasteful than what we see on the teevee from the truly rabid fans: belly paint.  But always, it seems, on unattractive bellies.  Beer bellies.  In glowing colors.  Blecch.

    I resemble that remark... (none / 0) (#12)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 07:03:03 PM EST
    As the comedian says, "I'm not fat, I'm fluffy."

    Parent
    Enjoy the game tomorrow night, (none / 0) (#15)
    by jeffinalabama on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 07:53:07 PM EST
    and think about the snow that's fallen on Alabama overnight! We're due for an inch. Should look beautiful from my seat...

    Parent
    pitt/cin (none / 0) (#21)
    by jharp on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 09:44:25 PM EST
    Don't forget that Cincinnati is @ Pittsburgh @ noon.

    It's a 2 point game. Cincinnati is like 10 or 11 and 0. Should be a fantastic game.

    I'm pulling hard for and taking Pittsburgh.

    Priorities (none / 0) (#22)
    by oculus on Fri Dec 04, 2009 at 11:39:46 PM EST
    Carrie fisher and rosemary Harris

    No. Too many other cultural options. (none / 0) (#48)
    by oculus on Sun Dec 06, 2009 at 12:03:21 AM EST
    Planned to go to Zankel Hall at Carnegie Sat. night but the mezzo soprano posted.  Got a refund and caught a different event instead.  Sooooo many excellent choices.  Mind boggling.  

    Parent
    Hilarious (none / 0) (#24)
    by Militarytracy on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 12:54:16 AM EST


    if you'd gotten your shots, (none / 0) (#25)
    by cpinva on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 01:30:03 AM EST
    as I do the rabid fan thing

    this tragedy could have been avoided!

    Baucus Nominated Girlfriend for U.S. Attorney (none / 0) (#26)
    by Wile ECoyote on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 05:48:45 AM EST
    Holy Chicago Politics, Batman.

    Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus' office confirmed late Friday night that the Montana Democrat was carrying on an affair with his state office director, Melodee Hanes, when he nominated her to be U.S. attorney in Montana.

    Looks bad (5.00 / 2) (#31)
    by jbindc on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 10:01:20 AM EST
    But he was separated from his wife before the two of them got together (by all accounts).  She seems eminently qualified, and she withdrew her name when she moved to DC to live with Max.

    But more importantly, can we please come up with a different name for  50 year old woman besides "girlfriend"?  Unless we are going to refer to Baucus as her boyfriend? (And maybe they can can pass notes in homeroom too).

    Parent

    Talk to the newspaper about the girlfreind thing. (none / 0) (#34)
    by Wile ECoyote on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 10:49:25 AM EST
    I am just glad he was not doinking a cashier from the piggly wiggly.  One wonders if she would be with the treasury dept. by now.

    Parent
    She's works (none / 0) (#35)
    by jbindc on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 11:21:13 AM EST
    as the acting Deputy Administrator for Policy in the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention at the Department of Justice.

    Her ex-husband even made this comment at the time of the withdrawal:

    "She was recommended for the position because of a very close and personal relationship with Max Baucus and she withdrew because of a very close and personal relationship with Max Baucus."

    So, my guess is the media is trying to make a scandal where there is none.

    Parent

    Baucus claims no affair (none / 0) (#40)
    by caseyOR on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 01:47:13 PM EST
    Max Baucus has issued a statement saying he and the woman in question were not having an affair; they were dating. This dating started when both were separated from their respective spouses.

    Does "dating, but not having an affair" mean they were not having s*x with each other? Or is it not considered "an affair" if both parties are separated from their spouses and having s*x?

    This inquiring mind, which does have better things to do, wants to know.


    Parent

    Some reporter I heard (none / 0) (#51)
    by gyrfalcon on Sun Dec 06, 2009 at 11:09:57 AM EST
    said he was so split from his wife by then, "she wasn't even on his Christmas card list."  

    Parent
    Montana, although large in size, (none / 0) (#27)
    by Inspector Gadget on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 08:15:22 AM EST
    has a population smaller than Rhode Island's. Perhaps she was the only person to pick from :)

    Parent
    How does the pop. of Montana compare (none / 0) (#49)
    by oculus on Sun Dec 06, 2009 at 12:04:03 AM EST
    w/that of Alaska?

    Parent
    What would that matter? (none / 0) (#55)
    by Inspector Gadget on Sun Dec 06, 2009 at 12:36:34 PM EST
    He didn't appoint anyone in Alaska.


    Parent
    One of the funniest blunders (none / 0) (#28)
    by CoralGables on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 08:22:26 AM EST
    from a Governor's office came out of Florida this week according to the Palm Beach Post

    In a message callers hear when put on hold after calling Gov. Charlie Crist, Crist transposes a couple of numbers and turns the phone number for Florida KidCare into the number you'd call for ummm...well... this was the message:

        "Hey there, sexy guy. Welcome to an exciting new way to go live, one on one, with hot, horny girls waiting right now to talk to you."

    takes 'care' to a new level. (none / 0) (#29)
    by jeffinalabama on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 08:54:33 AM EST
    Maybe he needs to send that number to a senator from Louisiana or a former governor from New York.

    Parent
    Some Obama fun (none / 0) (#41)
    by jbindc on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 01:51:42 PM EST
    Remember last year when Obama "allegedly" flipped the bird to Hillary during the primaries?  Remember when he "allegedly" did it to McCain?

    Look what he does when he mentions Bethlehem, PA Mayor John Callahan. Some context -  Right after "Bittergate" (as it's being called) last year when Obama talked about people in Pennsylvania being "bitter" and "clinging to their guns and religion", Callahan spoke to a packed gymnasium at a Hillary rally and said:

    "As I look out on the crowd, I'm not sensing any bitterness."

    Now, some will say this is just a habit of his when he speaks.  I don't buy that - he has advisors, people who watch his speeches for every gesture (they have committee meetings to decide on  what tie he should wear and what is camera tested - watch "The West Wing"!)  You mean to tell me that no one noticed this if it's a bad habit and tried to correct him?

    Well, they haven't tried (none / 0) (#52)
    by gyrfalcon on Sun Dec 06, 2009 at 11:12:15 AM EST
    to correct his maddening tennis-match side-to-side pendulum swing from teleprompter to teleprompter when he gives a speech.

    Parent
    There is a must read piece (none / 0) (#43)
    by BackFromOhio on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 04:05:04 PM EST
    at the NY Times today by Charles Blow called "Black in the Age of Obama".  Pretty tough stuff.

    Link did not work (none / 0) (#44)
    by BackFromOhio on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 04:05:37 PM EST
    so it is:

    http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/05/opinion/05blow.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

    Parent

    From him? That is interesting (none / 0) (#46)
    by Cream City on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 05:27:18 PM EST
    as Blow was an appallingly unthinking (but then, he was a graphics editor handed a writing task to do) member of the fan club last year.  I've just skimmed the first part but will read more from him -- for the first time in a long time, after too much time on his previous performances.

    Parent
    Tell what you (none / 0) (#57)
    by BackFromOhio on Sun Dec 06, 2009 at 01:54:22 PM EST
    think after you've read.  

    Parent
    I think he's unhappy with Obama (none / 0) (#58)
    by Cream City on Sun Dec 06, 2009 at 08:47:25 PM EST
    based on what he's hearing, and Blow starts to get into analysis of why . . . but stops short.  So I think he's coping with a serious level of cognitive dissonance and has some more thinking to do.

    Parent
    I don't know (none / 0) (#59)
    by BackFromOhio on Sun Dec 06, 2009 at 11:12:35 PM EST
    it seems to me he's gone beyond the cognitive dissonance to analysis of why he's so unhappy with the state of things.

    Parent
    Sounds like... (none / 0) (#45)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Sat Dec 05, 2009 at 04:11:03 PM EST
    ...East Lansing really is a party town to me.  

    Police continue to investigate the Nov. 22 fight at a campus dorm involving players and fraternity members.

    Ah dorm life--never a dull moment!  But, where's the couch burning?!

    Pretty stiff price paid by the Spartan players.  San Antonio/Tempe aren't bad places to be in the Winter.

    Friday Evening Open Thread | 51 comments (51 topical)

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