Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Did anyone watch the debate?
His staff says Edwards won, and provides these quotes. I hope he connected with folks in New Hampshire, where other candidates' financial advantages won't guarantee them a win.
MSNBC Democratic Debate in New Hampshire – Reviews Are In
Salon.com’s Joan Walsh Said Edwards “Made a Strong Impression” and Named Edwards the Winner of the Debate. Chris Matthews posed the question, “Who won tonight’s debate?” and Salon.com’s Walsh responded, “I think Edwards made a strong impression and I think he pushed her [Senator Hillary Clinton] back, he brushed her back a little bit. So I would go with Edwards.” [MSNBC, 9/26/07]
NBC's Chuck Todd: “Edwards Stood Out to Me,” “It Was One of His Better Performances.” “Of the candidates chasing Clinton, Edwards stood out to me. He seemed to realize he needed to prove contrast with Clinton on just about every answer he gave. It was one of his better performances. The guy is getting his William Jennings Bryan schtick down pat.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381964.aspx, “Some Quick Post-game Take-aways,” 9/26/07]
Newsweek’s Howard Fineman: “Edwards Has Emerged So Far the Most Forceful Challenger To” Clinton. “From where I sit, Edwards has emerged so far the most forceful challenger to her (other than Tim Russert).” [http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2007/09/26/fineman-debate-live-blog.aspx, 9/26/07]
Marc Ambinder: “Victory for JRE,” “Edwards Was Straightforward, Confident, Clear.” Edwards was Edwards on Centrum Silver: straightforward, confident, clear, knowledgeable, thoroughly encased in his own frame. Ying to the yang of both Obama and Clinton; If you’re new to nomination politics, then you’d think Edwards – and not Obama – was Hillary Clinton’s main foil. The war. Social Security. Health care. Campaign ethics. Clinton didn't take the punch, but she did move to dodge them, which is a victory for JRE. [http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/09/edwards_clinton_spats_stand_ou.php, “Edwards, Clinton Spats Sound Out,” 9/26/07]
ABC’s Rick Klein: “Edwards May Have Done Himself the Most Good Tonight.” “11:02 pm: Quick thoughts -- Hillary Clinton benefits whenever no one else distinguishes himself, and Edwards may have done himself the most good tonight. Obama squeezed in one good line, but I don't see that as enough for the evening.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/live-blogging-d.html, 9/26/07]
NBC's Domenico Montanaro: Edwards Was “More Presidential” and “Looked Poised.” “Edwards looked poised in following up on his answer. Not angry or frustrated as we've seen him before, more presidential.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381656.aspx, “Edwards Pointing Out Differences,” 9/26/07]
Newsweek’s Howard Fineman: “Edwards Then Hits It out of the Park,” “Wins the Round” on Social Security. “Edwards then hits it out of the park, talking about a ‘protective zone’ of income between $97,500 and $200,000. His proposals sounded carefully thought through—whether you agree with it or not—and was much more specific than what Obama had to say on the topic. Hillary is talking too much about what her ‘husband’ did; she isn't being specific enough—Edwards wins the round.” [http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2007/09/26/fineman-debate-live-blog.aspx, 9/26/07]
NBC’s Athena Jones: Edwards Gets a “Whoop” for Promising to End Health Insurance for Congress if No Universal Health Care. “A whoop here for Edwards' promise to cut off health insurance coverage for members of Congress if they don't pass health care by July 2009.”[http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381762.aspx, “Edwards health care reaction,” 9/26/07]
ABC’s Rick Klein: “Edwards Is the First to Draw Real Distinctions About” on Iraq. “9:07 pm: I'm ready to give the Big Three credit for intellectual honesty by saying troops will have to remain in Iraq for some years. But John Edwards is the first to draw real distinctions about what to do going forward. This won't be the last time he finds a way to set himself apart.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/live-blogging-d.html, 9/26/07]
NBC's Domenico Montanaro: “Edwards Is Pressing the Distinctions with Clinton.” “Edwards is pressing the distinctions with Clinton. He said they had learned different things on their war vote and said this Iran vote was indicative of that. Will it matter? Edwards clearly wants to put her on the defensive. So far, he's the only one.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381710.aspx, “Edwards Pressing,” 9/26/07]
NBC’s Chuck Todd: “Edwards Seems on His Game Tonight.” “It's VERY early but Edwards seems on his game tonight.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381655.aspx, “Edwards Came To Debate With A Plan?” 9/26/07]
ABC’s Rick Klein: “I'd Give Edwards a Slight Edge in Making His Points and Making Them Solidly.”10:05 pm: “But I'd give Edwards a slight edge in making his points and making them solidly.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/live-blogging-d.html, 9/26/07]
ABC’s Rick Klein: Edwards “Distinguished” Himself. “9:33 pm: One-fourth of the way in, Edwards and Richardson have distinguished themselves. If people were looking for a new, more aggressive Obama tonight, it doesn't look like they're going to get it.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/live-blogging-d.html, 9/26/07]
Chris Matthew Said Edwards Came with a “Clear Strategy” to Differentiate Himself from Hillary Clinton. Chris Matthews said, “Senator John Edwards was one who came out with a clear strategy to differentiate himself from Hillary Clinton on the issue of combat troops in Iraq and U.S. military action potentially against Iran.” [MSNBC, 9/26/07]
MSNBC Democratic Debate in New Hampshire – Reviews Are In
Salon.com’s Joan Walsh Said Edwards “Made a Strong Impression” and Named Edwards the Winner of the Debate. Chris Matthews posed the question, “Who won tonight’s debate?” and Salon.com’s Walsh responded, “I think Edwards made a strong impression and I think he pushed her [Senator Hillary Clinton] back, he brushed her back a little bit. So I would go with Edwards.” [MSNBC, 9/26/07]
NBC's Chuck Todd: “Edwards Stood Out to Me,” “It Was One of His Better Performances.” “Of the candidates chasing Clinton, Edwards stood out to me. He seemed to realize he needed to prove contrast with Clinton on just about every answer he gave. It was one of his better performances. The guy is getting his William Jennings Bryan schtick down pat.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381964.aspx, “Some Quick Post-game Take-aways,” 9/26/07]
Newsweek’s Howard Fineman: “Edwards Has Emerged So Far the Most Forceful Challenger To” Clinton. “From where I sit, Edwards has emerged so far the most forceful challenger to her (other than Tim Russert).” [http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2007/09/26/fineman-debate-live-blog.aspx, 9/26/07]
Marc Ambinder: “Victory for JRE,” “Edwards Was Straightforward, Confident, Clear.” Edwards was Edwards on Centrum Silver: straightforward, confident, clear, knowledgeable, thoroughly encased in his own frame. Ying to the yang of both Obama and Clinton; If you’re new to nomination politics, then you’d think Edwards – and not Obama – was Hillary Clinton’s main foil. The war. Social Security. Health care. Campaign ethics. Clinton didn't take the punch, but she did move to dodge them, which is a victory for JRE. [http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/09/edwards_clinton_spats_stand_ou.php, “Edwards, Clinton Spats Sound Out,” 9/26/07]
ABC’s Rick Klein: “Edwards May Have Done Himself the Most Good Tonight.” “11:02 pm: Quick thoughts -- Hillary Clinton benefits whenever no one else distinguishes himself, and Edwards may have done himself the most good tonight. Obama squeezed in one good line, but I don't see that as enough for the evening.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/live-blogging-d.html, 9/26/07]
NBC's Domenico Montanaro: Edwards Was “More Presidential” and “Looked Poised.” “Edwards looked poised in following up on his answer. Not angry or frustrated as we've seen him before, more presidential.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381656.aspx, “Edwards Pointing Out Differences,” 9/26/07]
Newsweek’s Howard Fineman: “Edwards Then Hits It out of the Park,” “Wins the Round” on Social Security. “Edwards then hits it out of the park, talking about a ‘protective zone’ of income between $97,500 and $200,000. His proposals sounded carefully thought through—whether you agree with it or not—and was much more specific than what Obama had to say on the topic. Hillary is talking too much about what her ‘husband’ did; she isn't being specific enough—Edwards wins the round.” [http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thegaggle/archive/2007/09/26/fineman-debate-live-blog.aspx, 9/26/07]
NBC’s Athena Jones: Edwards Gets a “Whoop” for Promising to End Health Insurance for Congress if No Universal Health Care. “A whoop here for Edwards' promise to cut off health insurance coverage for members of Congress if they don't pass health care by July 2009.”[http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381762.aspx, “Edwards health care reaction,” 9/26/07]
ABC’s Rick Klein: “Edwards Is the First to Draw Real Distinctions About” on Iraq. “9:07 pm: I'm ready to give the Big Three credit for intellectual honesty by saying troops will have to remain in Iraq for some years. But John Edwards is the first to draw real distinctions about what to do going forward. This won't be the last time he finds a way to set himself apart.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/live-blogging-d.html, 9/26/07]
NBC's Domenico Montanaro: “Edwards Is Pressing the Distinctions with Clinton.” “Edwards is pressing the distinctions with Clinton. He said they had learned different things on their war vote and said this Iran vote was indicative of that. Will it matter? Edwards clearly wants to put her on the defensive. So far, he's the only one.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381710.aspx, “Edwards Pressing,” 9/26/07]
NBC’s Chuck Todd: “Edwards Seems on His Game Tonight.” “It's VERY early but Edwards seems on his game tonight.” [http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/09/26/381655.aspx, “Edwards Came To Debate With A Plan?” 9/26/07]
ABC’s Rick Klein: “I'd Give Edwards a Slight Edge in Making His Points and Making Them Solidly.”10:05 pm: “But I'd give Edwards a slight edge in making his points and making them solidly.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/live-blogging-d.html, 9/26/07]
ABC’s Rick Klein: Edwards “Distinguished” Himself. “9:33 pm: One-fourth of the way in, Edwards and Richardson have distinguished themselves. If people were looking for a new, more aggressive Obama tonight, it doesn't look like they're going to get it.” [http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2007/09/live-blogging-d.html, 9/26/07]
Chris Matthew Said Edwards Came with a “Clear Strategy” to Differentiate Himself from Hillary Clinton. Chris Matthews said, “Senator John Edwards was one who came out with a clear strategy to differentiate himself from Hillary Clinton on the issue of combat troops in Iraq and U.S. military action potentially against Iran.” [MSNBC, 9/26/07]
Saturday, September 22, 2007
New Plan
Louie called yesterday and said maybe we ought to go to ND for the Michigan State game after all. So that's what we're going to do. I kind of messed up since I'd told Steff I would babysit Mally, who I love, Saturday evening and now she's scrambling to make alternative plans. Mommo's stepping up, but the pick up/drop off thing is still a little tough. Me and ND better come through with a win to make it all worth while. I'm almost tempted to ask to borrow Janett's camera, but I'd probably lose it or break it or something. Other guys post pictures from the games on their sites. Maybe I'll borrow a few to post here.
My play list is playing. I worked on it yesterday because a quarter, maybe a third of the tunes weren't playing anymore. The linked sites must have deleted the tunes. I added a few new selections. The ones I have doubts about are Gary Puckett, Jay and the Americans, and Sam Cooke. Those guys had great voices and occupy spots in my musical encyclopedia, but they just aren't as evocative as some other stuff. Of course "ecocative" is a highly subjective quality - but that's what a play list should be about, right? I found Spanish Boots of Spanish Leather and Low Spark, welcome additions.
My play list is playing. I worked on it yesterday because a quarter, maybe a third of the tunes weren't playing anymore. The linked sites must have deleted the tunes. I added a few new selections. The ones I have doubts about are Gary Puckett, Jay and the Americans, and Sam Cooke. Those guys had great voices and occupy spots in my musical encyclopedia, but they just aren't as evocative as some other stuff. Of course "ecocative" is a highly subjective quality - but that's what a play list should be about, right? I found Spanish Boots of Spanish Leather and Low Spark, welcome additions.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Sad and Glad
Sad because I sold my Energy Conversion stock today. Great technology, just couldn't get costs under control. Stock's so low I probably should be buying it, but at this price someone'll buy the whole darn company and I won't get my money back.
Glad because I added to my Goldcorp Warrants with the proceeds. Up over 8% today. Not Bad.
I called Louie to see if he wanted to go to SB Saturday. I hear tickets are available cheap ($50), but he has a horse running at Hawthorne, so no go. I bet Steffie would go with me and we'd have fun big time except she works Saturdays.
Glad because I added to my Goldcorp Warrants with the proceeds. Up over 8% today. Not Bad.
I called Louie to see if he wanted to go to SB Saturday. I hear tickets are available cheap ($50), but he has a horse running at Hawthorne, so no go. I bet Steffie would go with me and we'd have fun big time except she works Saturdays.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Not much to say, really, about the Fed
They apparently care more about keeping the ten million dollar bonus checks coming in for their friends at Goldman Sachs than about dealing with the economic malaise that's spreading. A one half percent cut in the prime rate isn't going to help anyone facing a balooning mortgage payment, or a small businessman who's bank is cutting his line of credit because they're scared about the economy - but the stock market is up 300 points. Let's have a damn parade - right up to the front door of the fed and lynch the SOB's.
When gas is five dollars a gallon, it won't be because the Arabs dont like us, it'll be because the dollar is worth less (worthless?). And when you can't afford to throw a couple of pounds of ground beef into the grocery cart, you can console yourself that meat isn't really good for you anyway. Problem is fruits and veggies are going to be pretty pricey as well.
Meanwhile, the word out of South Bend is that practices this week have been full pads, full contact, and full speed. Apparently the lads had been working out against blocking sleds and tackling dummies to minimize the risk of injuries because we're a little short of talented players. Problem is on Saturday you don't get to play against sleds and dummies.
Some of the fans are hoping for a tussle in the tunnel before the game to get the players fired up. Michigan State would probably be willing to cooperate.
Also the legend of Thomas Bemenderfer is gaining circulation. He's a young man from Mishawauka (right next to South Bend) who didn't get an offer from ND so he accepted a scholarship from Northwestern. His freshman year Northwestern's head coach Randy Walker died, and that depressed Tom, and put him in the "life's too short" frame of mind. So, with no comittment from ND or the Irish coaches he transferred to ND. He's a serious pre-med so academics weren't a problem, but he had to ask his parents to come up with the cash which at Notre Dame is a hefty sum. His sophmore year he worked out with the team but had to sit out a year as a transfer student. This year he made the team as a walk on, got his scholarship, and played Saturday, actually opening a few holes for running backs. (an idea we hope will catch on with a few of his team-mates.) Hey, I'm not saying he should be starting ahead of the senior captain center who was snapping the ball over peoples' heads, or the highly prized sophmore guard who appeared to have been injured Saturday, but at least, get him some serious playing time. Maybe some of the other kids could learn from the example of a guy who really wants to be out there.
Thomas Bemenderfer
When gas is five dollars a gallon, it won't be because the Arabs dont like us, it'll be because the dollar is worth less (worthless?). And when you can't afford to throw a couple of pounds of ground beef into the grocery cart, you can console yourself that meat isn't really good for you anyway. Problem is fruits and veggies are going to be pretty pricey as well.
Meanwhile, the word out of South Bend is that practices this week have been full pads, full contact, and full speed. Apparently the lads had been working out against blocking sleds and tackling dummies to minimize the risk of injuries because we're a little short of talented players. Problem is on Saturday you don't get to play against sleds and dummies.
Some of the fans are hoping for a tussle in the tunnel before the game to get the players fired up. Michigan State would probably be willing to cooperate.
Also the legend of Thomas Bemenderfer is gaining circulation. He's a young man from Mishawauka (right next to South Bend) who didn't get an offer from ND so he accepted a scholarship from Northwestern. His freshman year Northwestern's head coach Randy Walker died, and that depressed Tom, and put him in the "life's too short" frame of mind. So, with no comittment from ND or the Irish coaches he transferred to ND. He's a serious pre-med so academics weren't a problem, but he had to ask his parents to come up with the cash which at Notre Dame is a hefty sum. His sophmore year he worked out with the team but had to sit out a year as a transfer student. This year he made the team as a walk on, got his scholarship, and played Saturday, actually opening a few holes for running backs. (an idea we hope will catch on with a few of his team-mates.) Hey, I'm not saying he should be starting ahead of the senior captain center who was snapping the ball over peoples' heads, or the highly prized sophmore guard who appeared to have been injured Saturday, but at least, get him some serious playing time. Maybe some of the other kids could learn from the example of a guy who really wants to be out there.
Thomas Bemenderfer
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Notre Dame v Michigan
Alot of ND fans are kind of down in the dumps right now, but remember the Irish fighting spirit and the immortal words of Captain Wildwings Kelso: "Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?"
Saturday, September 08, 2007
She is handsome, she is pretty,
she's the belle of Belfast City.
So many songs I'd like to link, but if I have to pick one, it's this one.
Irish fest at St Catherine's today. Noah's coming to town to meet me there. Louie has us working at a concession stand this afternoon, but I'm sure we'll find the time for a couple of beers.
Then Noah and I are going to watch the Notre Dame game at home.
Should be a nice day.
OK, here's one more.
So many songs I'd like to link, but if I have to pick one, it's this one.
Irish fest at St Catherine's today. Noah's coming to town to meet me there. Louie has us working at a concession stand this afternoon, but I'm sure we'll find the time for a couple of beers.
Then Noah and I are going to watch the Notre Dame game at home.
Should be a nice day.
OK, here's one more.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
NJDoubleDomer reporting from South Bend
It's Dawn Under the Golden Dome
by NJDoubleDomer (09/04/2007 17:51:18)
I am bouyed by the surge of optimism I find here. We are finished with post-mortem panic. Now, it's: "No, we can do this. 110,000 of them, 5,000 of us. Not so bad. Cool, calm frosh QB, ready to become a legend. Tweak the O-line here; move a defender there; go back to what we do best." I drank the Irish Kool-Aid a long time ago. It's really good for you. This is Notre Dame.
ALRIGHT. Does Penn State really have 110,000 students? Sounds like we're the Spartans at Thermopylae.
by NJDoubleDomer (09/04/2007 17:51:18)
I am bouyed by the surge of optimism I find here. We are finished with post-mortem panic. Now, it's: "No, we can do this. 110,000 of them, 5,000 of us. Not so bad. Cool, calm frosh QB, ready to become a legend. Tweak the O-line here; move a defender there; go back to what we do best." I drank the Irish Kool-Aid a long time ago. It's really good for you. This is Notre Dame.
ALRIGHT. Does Penn State really have 110,000 students? Sounds like we're the Spartans at Thermopylae.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Robot Genius
That's how folks at the ND sites were describing Charlie Weis; Inspirational, Invulnerable, and Invincible. A year ago ND Fans were hoping 2006 would be a good year because they didn't have much hope for 2007. Losing the big four on offense and having a senior class of only nine scholarship players didn't bode well for 2007.
But, as frequently happens, as the 2007 season approached fans grew more hopeful and even optimisic. The sophmores and juniors might be able to step in as new starters and win a lot of games. The addition of Defensive Coord. Corwin Brown sparked hope that the defense would be so much improved that a little fall off on the offensive side of the ball wouldn't spoil the chance for a successful season.
Saturday's 33 to 3 loss to Ga Tech provided a rude awakening. Most of the criticism has been directed at the offensive line which was unable to protect Soph QB Demetrius Jones from an agressive Ga Tech rush. Some point out that Demetrious looked indecisive and a little intimidated by the rush, and failed to take advantage of the few opportunities he had. Ditto Travis Thomas, the senior running back. The question remains, as it was last year, is the offensive line incapacitated by a lack of talent or poor coaching by line coach Latina?
But now there's a new wrinkle: did Charlie Weis strategize badly? I'm not expert enough to evaluate the argument that Charlie erred in trying to adopt the West Virginia "spread option" offensive model. By playing his most mobile quarterback to neutralize Ga Tech's aggressive defense he gave up the possibility of using a quick read short passing game which might have worked better against Ga Tech.
The defense is improved, but probably became discouraged as well as fatigued as the game progressed. Another loss by a similar margin should drown the hopes of the Irish fans, but I don't think that's going to happen.
The stage is set for the emrgence of a new hero and a new legend in the person of freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen. If the offensive line can't play better than they did on Satuday though, maybe they should leave Jimmy on the bench and play Frazier (if U Conn will let us have him back.)
But, as frequently happens, as the 2007 season approached fans grew more hopeful and even optimisic. The sophmores and juniors might be able to step in as new starters and win a lot of games. The addition of Defensive Coord. Corwin Brown sparked hope that the defense would be so much improved that a little fall off on the offensive side of the ball wouldn't spoil the chance for a successful season.
Saturday's 33 to 3 loss to Ga Tech provided a rude awakening. Most of the criticism has been directed at the offensive line which was unable to protect Soph QB Demetrius Jones from an agressive Ga Tech rush. Some point out that Demetrious looked indecisive and a little intimidated by the rush, and failed to take advantage of the few opportunities he had. Ditto Travis Thomas, the senior running back. The question remains, as it was last year, is the offensive line incapacitated by a lack of talent or poor coaching by line coach Latina?
But now there's a new wrinkle: did Charlie Weis strategize badly? I'm not expert enough to evaluate the argument that Charlie erred in trying to adopt the West Virginia "spread option" offensive model. By playing his most mobile quarterback to neutralize Ga Tech's aggressive defense he gave up the possibility of using a quick read short passing game which might have worked better against Ga Tech.
The defense is improved, but probably became discouraged as well as fatigued as the game progressed. Another loss by a similar margin should drown the hopes of the Irish fans, but I don't think that's going to happen.
The stage is set for the emrgence of a new hero and a new legend in the person of freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen. If the offensive line can't play better than they did on Satuday though, maybe they should leave Jimmy on the bench and play Frazier (if U Conn will let us have him back.)
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