Athletics Nation: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: Iron Bowl Thoughts... Right Now

11/17/06 DLD: FIRE GEREN NOW!

Okay, so now that we're done with the whole stadium distraction, on to some other news....

  • The A's have a manager! Woo hoo! Read about his luggage here
  • Frank Thomas, Blue Jays DH. Good luck on the turf.
  • And in case anyone forgot, today is FRIDAY!!

So sit back, grab a frosty cold something, and enjoy the last day before the weekend!!

0 recs  |  Comment 254 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

The Dugout brings the funny
Click conversation for full article:
Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
BigLeagueChoo: rerish noooo

by JLaff on Nov 17, 2006 8:45 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Do you have a link to the original?
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 12:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Awesome analysis of
Tim Hudson's changing mechanics (with animated gifs!)

Baseball Analysts

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 8:45 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

oh goody - another day of offseason!
who are we losing today?
"San Jose A's of Fremont" is pathetic

by ArakSOT on Nov 17, 2006 8:47 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

ArakSOT
(finally)
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 8:48 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

be careful what you wish for
they'll just replace me with TokyoOak
"San Jose A's of Fremont" is pathetic

by ArakSOT on Nov 17, 2006 9:09 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Pupkits Here!
Because what would AN be without controversy and spirited debates, pick your side on this one. A Brazilian couple says their cat, Mimi, mated with a dog and produced these.

Real or hoax?

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

"Oakland has a way of bringing out the joy in the game." NYT, 9/22/06

by SportySpice on Nov 17, 2006 8:47 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Real, I hope.
Mighty tasty if so.
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 8:48 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

well played
I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Nov 17, 2006 8:55 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Winner!!!
"Oakland has a way of bringing out the joy in the game." NYT, 9/22/06

by SportySpice on Nov 17, 2006 9:03 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

LOL!
"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Nov 17, 2006 3:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

would those be kuppies, or pittens?
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 2:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

well
You should have seen what happened after these two mated:

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Rickey Henderson: 35, 24, hall of fame!

by Athletics fan and runner on Nov 17, 2006 2:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

conflicting reports,
so is geren the best man at beane's 1st wedding (accdg to ratto) or 2nd wedding (accdg to shea?) ???

by arch on Nov 17, 2006 9:05 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Usher at 1st wedding.
Promoted to best man at 2nd wedding after lengthy interview process.
"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 17, 2006 9:07 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Only
Because Billy wouldn't commit to Washington as bestman and Wash ended up being best man at Paul Depodesta's wedding instead.
I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Nov 17, 2006 9:14 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Hope there isn't a 3rd wedding
with that kind of progression it suggests that wedding #3 would involve some of those San Fransisco values we were hearing about recently.
Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Nov 17, 2006 9:16 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

maybe by the 3rd wedding
geren gets promoted into the middle, as the groom...to whom? lew wolff??

by arch on Nov 17, 2006 9:24 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If Geren and BB are meant to be together ...
well then this hiring was cleary a conflict of interest so FIRE GEREN NOW!!!!

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 9:33 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

again, LOL!
"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Nov 17, 2006 3:01 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Minor Leagues
Kevin Goldstein chat.

Of note:

estopped (fresno): What's your take on the year that was in the A's system? I can't think of a worse year for their system in terms of injuries and disappointing performances.

Kevin Goldstein: No doubt about it, it was definitely a nightmare. Nearly every top prospect has some sort of major injury -- many of them freakish.

At the same time, you did see some players (Travis Buck immediately comes to mind) take a step forward, and I liked what they did in the draft despite not having a first-round pick.

and

Jesus (Heaven): Is Borat the best movie of the year? I laughed so hard thru it all, that I even snorted at times. The girlfriend didn't like it, but she's a little sensitive.

Kevin Goldstein: If your girlfriend doesn't like Borat, it's time to get a new girlfriend.

That last one is even funnier when you see who submitted the question.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 9:17 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Jesus is a lesbian?
"Come on, you douche bags, we're all on the same team!"

by Jennifer on Nov 17, 2006 9:22 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Do unto others...
"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 17, 2006 9:28 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

God may be a woman ...
but Jesus was an actual living, breathing human being ... I think it's safe to say that he would manifest his eternal soul as a lesbian.

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 9:30 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

He is a living human being.
Dude cleans our lobby once a week. Nice guy. He was a doctor in Venezuela.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:03 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That was my question
I chat on ESPN as "estopped from fresno."
I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Nov 17, 2006 9:40 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

whoops
I also chat on BP as "estopped from fresno," forgot which chat it was
I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Nov 17, 2006 9:41 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Are you
banned from entering Fresno?

by mikeA on Nov 17, 2006 11:47 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

No
But I probably should be.
I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Nov 17, 2006 12:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Would such a ban have as much effect
on you as it would on me, which is to say none?

by DavidA on Nov 17, 2006 1:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I myself am banned from entering ...
... Fresno on serf.

The last time I rode my vassal into town, the peasantry took umbrage at my palindromic presumption.

People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 1:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The Great Ape Trust of Iowa, huh?
Not to be confused with the Great Ape Mistrust of the 2000 ALDS.
"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 17, 2006 9:27 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

the Great Ape Mistrust of another 2000 event
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 10:21 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Only his relatives?
"When the alarm sounded the next morning, 'I went to check on Pan, and she was sitting there next to it with a smile on her face,' lead scientist Sue Savage-Rumbaugh said."

I heard that a savage rumbaugh always beings a smile to monkeyball's face.

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Nov 17, 2006 9:29 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

following on the SF values/miscegenation theme
... I still say a "Savage Rumbaugh" is the result of a three-way between two talk-radio hosts and an exSecDef ...
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 10:16 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I think the three-way would
be more fun with Dan rather than Michael.
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 10:18 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

not necessarily ...
... there's all sorts of tales-out-of-school about Mikey and his early social-climbing days in SF. Ask FSU ...
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 10:20 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

"Santorum"
And that's all I have to say about that.
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 10:26 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't have a dog in that fight
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 10:34 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

What if we added Fred to the mix?
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 2:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

who do you think I am -- Mark Foley?
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 2:31 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Shh.
You'll be accused of being all political.

People will cry.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 2:43 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Nice.
That post looks political, but really, it isn't political at all.
"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 17, 2006 10:38 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Doing what you suggest, palindromically:
FSU:  SF...?
"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Nov 18, 2006 4:22 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

plagiarist!
http://www.athleticsnation.com/comments/2006/10/23/11246/557/163#163
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 10:17 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

So, Oz...Vancouver, you say?
I kid, I kid.

But a British man was jailed for tracking down an internet message board foe and beating him.

"A British man said to have carried out the country's first "Web rage" attack was jailed for 2-1/2 years on Friday for assaulting a man with whom he had exchanged insults over the Internet...After several more verbal and written exchanges, during which Jones threatened to track down Gibbons and give him a severe beating, Gibbons and a friend went to his victim's house in Essex, east of London, armed with a pickaxe and a machete."

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Nov 17, 2006 9:36 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Gibbons, bonobos...
I've had it with these mf'in apes in the mf'in link dump!
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 9:39 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

So, salb...Cambridge, you say?
"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Nov 17, 2006 9:44 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yes.
Cambridge...UK.
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 9:49 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

technically ...
... only bonobos qualify as "mf'in" ...
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 10:18 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Just goes to show
that people should be careful about what they say on the internet.
Some are sabermetricians.

by andeux on Nov 17, 2006 9:57 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I wonder if Morris accepted the offer
I love the first response comment:  Everyone else hits him, why shouldn't you?
"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Nov 17, 2006 10:09 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Don't let fear hold you back.
In Vancouver, I'm considered a tough guy.

Of course, this is also a city where, if you're standing on the side of a main road, the traffic will stop on both sides in case you want to cross.

Really annoying when you're waiting for a cab.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:06 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Well, given the comparative Aussie/Canadian images
I'd think that Yahoo Serious would be considered a tough guy in Vancouver.

By comparison, my disfiguring scars, missing teeth, and facial tattoos don't even get me threatening street urchin status in Oakland.

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Nov 17, 2006 4:34 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

can we start calling you ...
... The Artful Upgrader?
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 5:05 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Sounds like Nomar
is about to re-sign with the Dodgers.
Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Nov 17, 2006 9:46 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Bo Schembechler passes away....
That really sucks on the eve of the biggest college football game in years.....
Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Nov 17, 2006 9:47 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Hmmm...
Maybe biggest REGULAR SEASON game in years.  Its not obvious at all whether or not Mich-Ohio St. is a bigger game than USC-UT was.

by DavidA on Nov 17, 2006 10:19 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That was a huge game...
but also did not involve two of the biggest rivals in all of sports.  I think that adds so much to this game.  It is a huge game if they are both .500....undefeated, 1 vs 2 for the BCS title game....Insane.
Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Nov 17, 2006 4:10 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

OT: Get a grip, people.
So far, wanting one of the new Sony Playstations can get you robbed, shot or injured.
"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 17, 2006 9:53 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Pfffft.
So can posting in chat rooms (see above).
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 9:58 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

So can needing a DH.
Well, the robbed bit anyway.

See Blue Jays, Toronto.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

with Frank, likely the 'injured' bit, too
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 1:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and if he tangles with Gibbons...
..or slides for a base, they've got the 'killed' angle wrapped up.
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 2:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

ME!
"Come on, you douche bags, we're all on the same team!"

by Jennifer on Nov 17, 2006 10:14 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Don't say anything!!!!!!!!!!
I'm going to watch it tonight when I get home from work!
There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Nov 17, 2006 10:23 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

<sigh>
I heart Alex.
"Come on, you douche bags, we're all on the same team!"

by Jennifer on Nov 17, 2006 10:28 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Pretty good episode,
but that show peaked on "Code Black."  Now if only they were willing to have more explosions...
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 10:28 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

LOL
"Come on, you douche bags, we're all on the same team!"

by Jennifer on Nov 17, 2006 10:29 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The Code Black and 17 sec
are my favorite eps.  <Thud>

by AsGirl on Nov 17, 2006 10:31 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

"Into You Like a Train"
Ugly. Crying.
"Come on, you douche bags, we're all on the same team!"

by Jennifer on Nov 17, 2006 10:34 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I can't watch that episode.
I didn't even watch it the first time. I saw the preview and they said it was a train accident and I decided not to watch.

I was in a train accident a few years ago, a little traumatic! My mom watched the ep and told me not to watch it. So I probably never will. Only episode I have not seen.

"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Nov 17, 2006 12:35 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Man...
**SPOILER ALERT**
The Chief "leaves" Ellis Grey once again to save his marriage.  

Izzie and Alex talking in third person was hilarious.  And I can't believe Alex is putting up with Sloan.  That's so not like him... but it's funny.

Also, George knows!  What do you think will happen to Christina/Burke when everyone finds out?  Eeek.  

Next week's promo:
Christina:  We crossed the line.  (Ya think?)
Burke:  You made me cross the line.

Can't wait.

by AsGirl on Nov 17, 2006 10:32 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

For sure...
The third person was AWESOME. Cracked me up, and reminded me of Rickey. Hilarious.

George frustrated me a lot of the time. Dude...just stand up for yourself and stop being treated like crap! Argh!

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Nov 17, 2006 11:36 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I <3 George!!
<sobs>

And I am starting to warm up to Callie! She annoys me a little, but I really like the fact that they have a REAL woman on that show! And she was so good with his brothers, I totally started balling when they finally "got it!"

Her and McSteamy!! EW!! That needs to stop! She should be with George!

Izzie and Alex are too much for me! He is freaking HOT and they are just too cute together! I love how he jumped back into the third person again at the bar. That was sweet.

That episode made me want to take a bath!!

I Love that show!!

"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Nov 17, 2006 12:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

if you use craigslist for prostitutes...
You better stop.  Seattle PD busted over 100 johns in a sting.  You can bet stings like those are going to be happening all over the country after that success.

http://tinyurl.com/yyxlvz

by 31Boots on Nov 17, 2006 10:14 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I hate it when my ...
... john gets caught in a sting. Ouch!
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 10:17 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

They busted Sting, too?
I hear he's worth 100 johns, anyway.
"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Nov 17, 2006 10:20 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

They should bust Sting.
Anyone heard his album of 16th century lute love songs?

Pretentious, thy name rhymes with 'bling'.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

truth be told ...
... I'm actually really interested in hearing it.

Yeah, Sting's a pretentious git (and I'm guessing it's overproduced, Chieftains/Loreena McKennit-like garbage) and hasn't done anything interesting in 25 years, but I'm a big early music fan, and it could be kinda intriguing.

People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 1:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

First concert I ever went to:
Sting, with Geggy Tah opening at the Concord Pavilion.  I was 11 years old, turned to my friend and said, "What's that smell?"  "I don't know," says Mike.  His parents, who had brought us, smiled at each other.

I figured it out a few years later.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 1:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I had the same experience ....
... at about the same age, at a far more embarassing concert.
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 1:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Having heard it...
..trust me, you're not interested in hearing it.

Especially the bits where he reads ancient love poems.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:43 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

oh, well ...
... maybe I'll buy it and keep it on hand to drive away the post-crash new-underclass zombies from my urban fortress. ;)
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 1:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It'll work.
I played a track from it on my radio show, and the lights on the phones lit up with people saying TURN IT OFF!

Haven't had that kind of response since I played the Gina Gershon album, Prey for Rock n Roll.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

that could be big trouble for the
ted haggard wing of the republican party

by danh on Nov 18, 2006 3:24 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Fire ESPN NOW!!!
"But you know he'll be watching, and fans all over baseball will be watching. "You tend to want to treat it like a life-and-death situation, and it's not," Oakland A's first baseman Nick Swisher said of the typical Major League lifestyle, just before being selected to the All-Star Game last season. "You can't let your highs get too high and your lows get too low. This game is so mental."

Swisher an All-Star??? Did I miss something???

http://www.silverandblackpride.com/

by saint on Nov 17, 2006 10:20 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Yes
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin, Seattle Mariners

by Helloooo 1st on Nov 17, 2006 10:32 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

am I the only one ...
... who has serious doubts about the overall feasibility of Lew's grand condo plan for Cisco Field, given the dolorous-and-about-get-more-dolorous state of the housing sector, not to mention the general economy?
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 10:38 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Housing is cyclical ...
it's down now, but it will likely be hitting its stride after the rebound by the time these units are actually ready to hit the market.

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 10:48 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

also, it's the bay area
specifically silicon valley.  i really doubt this will be an issue, it's not like we're moving into the post-information age and san jose is the next detroit.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 11:04 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

houses will bounce higher ...
... from the next Big One.
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 11:09 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I've always said that rubber houses
would help us deal with earthquakes ...

in hurricane alley they can build unanchored houses with attached parachutes ...

here, in sacramento, we can go with land base house boats ...

and along the Gulf, they can build houses with lots of holes cut in them ...

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 11:13 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

people have been saying that ...
... every Friedman Unit for the last 6 years.
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 11:05 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

why would people say that
"housing is down but will recover soon" for the last six years when it's only been down for the last 1-2 years?
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 11:26 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

housing and economy
the economist had been predicting a housing crash in a few countries (UK, US and others) for a few years now.  i think the US housing market will recover soon.  you can't build housing in california fast enough, i think the shortage is like 200k units and growing all the time.  

as far as the general economy is concerned, GDP is growing at around 3-3.5% and has been for many quarters now, and unemployment has been low for the last 14 years.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 11:02 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, and wages are stagnant or decreasing ...
... and the unemployment numbers have been tweaked 6 ways to Wednesday, and the vast proportion of the GDP growth has been going to people who build their own McMansions (and ballpark/malls), not buy $1M-$3M condos.
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 11:08 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

whatever you say dailykos
say what you want about unemployment numbers, the fact is they've been low for 14 years now.

i bet quite a bit of that GDP growth is going to people who will buy $1-3 million condos, and much of it is going to people who want to buy those condos in the southern bay area.

the US is a pretty diverse place, i don't think wolff is trying to sell condos to poor families in louisiana, single moms in ohio or steel workers in pa.
there's a massive housing shortage in california, and the economy here is doing quite well.  i'm sure talkingpoints memo will start covering it now that the dems have taken congress.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 11:23 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

lol
oh, man...  right on the money (so to speak).
"When I got injured, I felt disrespected. Waaannnh!" - Mark Kotsay

by FoolshGame22 on Nov 17, 2006 12:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

actual unemployment numbers are stratospheric
Unemployment numbers have continually changed in how they're calculated over the last four years (well, ten years, really).

People who have given up on finding work are no longer counted. People who go back to school because they can't get a job aren't counted. People who went from full time work to part time (24 hrs or less per week) are considered 'employed', and there's never been more of them than right now. People who joined the army because they couldn't find a job aren't considered unemployed either.

People who have downgraded their jobs so they have an income (for example, getting laid off in a managerial position and taking a job stacking shelves at Wal*Mart) are not counted, though those people are massive in number.

You can take the Kool-Aid and play the 'looney lefty' card all you like, but actual financial stats that aren't tweaked by vested interests, like average wage, average working hours, number of active participants paying into unemployment insurance, size of manufacturing sector, etc, have gone off the scale the last three six years.

Oh, and if you work out the employment growth of the entire Bush term, not to be partisan or anything, but he's only added two million jobs (of any type - fulltime or part time) in six years. That's an awful, awful stat, even if your own situation is peachy.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:35 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

three six = six.
I initially thought it was three, but then I checked my stats. It's six.
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

do you actually read the posts
that you respond to?

i never disputed what monekyball said about unemployment numbers, just that they've been low for 14 years now.  
how they are calculated has changed over the last 10 years, according to you.  so?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 3:04 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

So it has changed in order to keep numbers..
...artifically low.

"Wow, unemployment is only 4%! That's great!"

While at the same time, some 20% of people who were in full time work in 2000 and now part timers, and another 20% are earning less than they were as full-timers.

You can cherrypick numbers to crow about, but the reality is that peoples is hurtin'.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 3:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

again
considering the GDP growth that this country has experienced pretty much from the early 1980s until now, clearly not everyone is hurting.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 3:23 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

CEOs are doing great.
Companies that outsource jobs to China are doing great. Meanwhile full-time worker numbers in EVERY SINGLE INDUSTRY except services have shrunk over the past four years.

IE: If you sling fries, you're in a growth industry. If you don't, you're making ends meet while your boss cleans up.

If you're lucky.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 3:38 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

"EVERY SINGLE INDUSTRY except services"
what is considered "services"?

because the US GDP by sector is:
agriculture: 1%
industry: 20.4%
services: 78.7%

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 4:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm sorry, did you miss where I said...
.."worker numbers" in every single industry?

You quoted me GDP. That's a measure of what the industry owners are making, not the people working the wheel in the basement.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 4:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

once again
do you know what all is considered services?

here's a hint, it's essentially everything that's not agriculture or industry.  they divide it into those three sectors, there are no other options.  notice how 1 + 20.4 + 78.7 = 100.1% of GDP, that's everything.

i'm betting 90% of the people reading this right now are in the service sector.  do YOU work in agriculture?  industry?

the vast majority of US workers are in the services sector.  so to call that "slinging fries" and then to state that every single other sector has shrunk is about as disingenuous as you can possibly get.  obviously agriculture and industry are shrinking.

another way to say that would be "we live in a post-industrial developed nation."

notice the US is blue:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Gdp-and-labour-force-by-sector.png

that's not all CEOs and industry owners.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 6:13 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Clearly you don't know what makes up services..
...when it comes to US industry breakdowns.

Services is retail, hopsitality and tourism.

It's slinging fries, cleaning hotel rooms and serving drinks. It's running price checks at Wal*Mart. It's telemarketing.

It ain't manufacturing. It ain't IT (which is down some 19% in the last four years). It ain't even consulting or design or managerial services.

It's 'serving'. Working the Starbucks. That's the ONLY industry in the US that has any growth over the last four years.

And your map demonstrates the fact.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 18, 2006 11:31 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and that's 79% of the US economy?
the lower map shows that 80% of the US labor force is in service.  
wow, things really are bad if 80% of americans sling fries, clean hotel rooms, and serve drinks.  yet i don't know a single person who does any of those things.  i must be a CEO.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 18, 2006 11:41 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, XB. That's exactly the case.
The largest employer in America is Wal*Mart.

They're also the lowest paying employer in America of all Fortune 1000 companies.

You've got 12m undocumented workers eating jobs in agriculture and construction. You've got massive outsourcing in manufacturing. You've got massive drops in IT.

But hey, you don't know any poor people, so I guess they don't exist.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 18, 2006 3:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

wal mart
obviously i don't know any poor people, because i don't know anyone who works at wal mart.  i know no one from that huge 0.006 percent of the US population (1.8 million / 300 million) that are wal mart employees.

the service sector, those that sling fries, clean hotel rooms, and serve drinks, also includes:

The service sector consists of the "soft" parts of the economy such as insurance, government, tourism, banking, retail and education. In soft sector employment, people use time to deploy knowledge assets, collaboration assets, and process-engagement to create productivity (effectiveness), performance improvement potential (potential) and sustainability. Typically the output of this time is content (information), service, attention, advice, experiences, and/or discussion (aka, "intangible goods"). Other examples of service sector employment include:

Franchising
Restaurants
Retailing
Entertainment, including the Record industry, Music industry, Radio, Television and Movies.
News media
Leisure industry / hotels
Consulting
Transport
Healthcare / hospitals
Public utilities are often considered part of the tertiary sector as they provide services to people, while creating the utility's infrastructure is often considered part of the secondary sector, even though the same business may be involved in both aspects of the operation.

---

so if i don't anyone in the service sector because i don't know anyone who slings fries, cleans hotel rooms, and serves drinks" i guess i also don't know any of STARVING peoploe who work in insurance, government, banking, education, entertainment, media, consulting, health care, public utilities, etc...

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 19, 2006 12:53 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Dude, I don't know where you're getting your stats
...but the media is not in the service industry, it's in the media industry.

Banking is not in the service industry, it's in finance.

Are there people who 'serve' in those industries? Sure, but you're getting yourself way confused here.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 19, 2006 9:49 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Just in case you guys are still going ...
I'll point out that you're arguing in circles, because you're arguing using different definitions.

What is the service economy? To XbX it's everything that doesn't include a factory or a hoe. Manufacturing, agriculture, service, nada mas. In that definition, service includes essentially every single office job in America, as well as Walmart and McDonalds, as well as Miramax and Universal.

To Oz it's a much smaller segment of the economy. I'm not exactly sure what is cut out of it -- but he seems to think it only includes Walmart, McDs and similar.

I don't know how to sort out your definitions ... but the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that:
Industry 01/96 01/01 08/06
GoodsPro 23194 24534 22427
Services 94998 107937 113177

Which shows:
an 8.5% loss in Goods Production (manufacturing and construction) since 01 and 3.3% since 96.
and
a 4.9% increase in Services since 01 and 19.1% since 96.

But that doesn't answer the big question -- what constitutes Services.

Segments included with "Services" include "Retail", "Wholesale" and "Hospitality", but it also includes "Professional and Business Services", "Education and Health Services" and "Government"

Over the periods mentioned above,
Retail has dropped by 1% since 01 and increased by 9% since 06.
Wholesale has declined negligibly since '01 but increased by 7% since '96.
Hospitality has increased by 9.4% since '01 and 23% since '96.
Professional/Business has increased by 3.3% since 01 and 33% since 96 (it fell off over '01 but has grown steadily since early '03).
Education/Health has increased by 16% since '01 and 32% since '96.
Government has increased by 5.7% since 01 and 13.2% since '96.

Also, the growth in Walmart jobs has been offset by declines from their competitors as Department Stores have declined by 11.4% since '01 and 3.8% since '96.

But what we really care about is earnings.
In 1982 dollars the average private sector employee makes $275.82 as of August '06 (about $550 in today's dollars). That's an increase of $.99 since '01 and $20.76 since '96.
All "Services" earn $259.04 today, an increase of $3.25 and $24.56.
All "Retail" earn $186.07, a decrease of $5.80 since '01 but an increase of $11.40 since '96.
Professional/Business earn $322.91, up $14.65 and $50.04.
Education/Health earn $274.30, up $14.19 and $29.71.

I'll leave it to you guys to draw conclusions -- but there is the actual data.

by devo on Nov 19, 2006 11:50 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

largest employer in america is wal-mart?
i'd have to disagree with that.  in fact, wal-mart isn't even the largest employer in the service sector.  since the service sector includes the government (local, state and federal), the largest employee in america and in the service sector would be the federal government.

14.6 million employees vs 1.8 million employees.
all slinging fries, cleaning hotel rooms, serving drinks, running price checks, and telemarketing.  poor bastards.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 19, 2006 1:11 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

oh, and ...
the government employs folks in Service, Manufacturing and Agriculture.

by devo on Nov 19, 2006 11:51 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

what about this
"I'm sorry, did you miss where I said...
.."worker numbers" in every single industry?
You quoted me GDP. That's a measure of what the industry owners are making"

first of all, GDP is not "a measure of what the industry owners are making" but that's not the point.  

the point is, the map had the "worker numbers" you were looking for, right?  
the GDP numbers for services was around 80%.  
the worker numbers for services was around 80%.  
imagine that.  

so when you say "EVERY SINGLE INDUSTRY except services have shrunk over the past four years" what you really mean is that EVERY SINGLE INDUSTRY except what makes up 80% of our GDP and 80% of our work force.  

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 19, 2006 1:00 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You're right ...
and making an important point -- but XbX is also right in that it has nothing to do with what he was saying. He wasn't saying that the middle/lower classes aren't getting screwed -- he was saying that Lew isn't building low/middle income housing and that the people who would buy Lew's housing are doing fine ... which may or may not be true, but doesn't really have anything to do with the burger flipping crowd, one way or the other.

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 4:02 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and what do you mean by "stratospheric"?
clearly you haven't spent much time in countries that actually have stratospheric unemployment rates, like belgium france or germany.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 3:25 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I have, but that's neither here nor there.
The point is, they're honest with their numbers.

The US, unfortunately, isn't. Australia likewise.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 3:39 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

are you saying
unemployment in the US and australia is worse or just as bad as in germany or belgium?

and as far as your earlier post, are those contries NOT counting the "underemployed" as employed?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 4:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm saying it's the same.
Which sucks for Americans, since those countries actually give their unemployed a bi-weekly payment to help them stay fed.

By the way, did you see yesterday that, because there's so many people in the US who claim they went hungry for at least part of last year, that the S Govt is now changing what the statistic is called from 'starving' to 'lack of food security'?

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 4:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

you're right, let's all move to france and germany
sure the GDP per capita is $12,000 less than here, the GDP growth rate is usually around 1/3 of ours, and the unemployment rate is double what it is here, but at least they get money from the government.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 6:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

screw that!
Let's all move to Kazakhstan!
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 6:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I would prefer that
you direct your free market fervor toward Sweden instead of the great nations of FrAnce and GermAny.

by mikeA on Nov 17, 2006 6:32 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

i will
as soon as swede posts another diary.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 6:35 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I am
"frank"ly at a loss as to what to think about the move, the new manager, the loss of Frank, and the possibility of signing Bonds.

A pull-no-punches Swede diary on each subject would be just what the doctor ordered.

by mikeA on Nov 17, 2006 6:49 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Hey!
KAzAkhstAn has three times as many A's as those punk-ass representatives of Old Europe.

Now, the Kazakhs don't quite have the, shall we say, competitive ruthlessness of Karimov and the Uzbekis ... but they do have more A's!

People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 6:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Market fervor, sorta like Mumia ...
... is unjustly imprisoned.
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 6:41 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

also
all three countries have center-right governments, so i attacked sweden as well, this discussion might look political.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 6:42 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

From what I understand..
the Chirac government suffers from the twin C's of corruption and cronyism.  Appreciators of irony can smile upon the fact that Hayek-minded advocates of small government are consistently proven correct by their chosen representatives.  

by mikeA on Nov 17, 2006 6:59 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I myself prefer the twin C's ...
... of Scarlet Johanssen.
</HollywoodOz>
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 7:03 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Oz
is more interested in her ass.

Oops...

Oz is more interested in biting her ass, with the expectation of reciprocal benefits.

by mikeA on Nov 17, 2006 7:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'll take any part of Scar-Jo that's going.
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 18, 2006 11:32 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

something tells me
"center-right" in france does not mean "Hayek-minded advocates"...  i don't think there are many Hayek advocates in france in any party.  

but the main scandal in france at the moment is the clearstream thing, where de villepin tried to destroy nicolas sarkozy (both from the same party).

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 7:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'll stop talking bout Scarlett ...
... if you two will shut up about Salma.
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 7:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

based on your other comment
i assume you mean scarlett o'hara
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 7:48 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and it's not just a french hatred
of germanic people, i don't think even frederic bastiat (one of my other favorite economists) is very big in france these days.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 7:37 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

What offsets that:
As you pointed out, the unemployed get money from the government to keep them above the poverty line.

In addition, GDP per person is less than in the US precisely BECAUSE they work less than Americans do. The work week in France is 34 hours. In the US it's 44.

They also get universal health care, old age pensions... I could go on.

And let's not even start talking about what Canadians get that the US doesn't, with a tax rate that's only 2% higher.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 18, 2006 11:35 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

whatever money people get from the govt
is factored in to the GDP, yet americans make $12k more.  and sure the french are lazy, but americans are also more productive.

here we keep people above the poverty line by making people work and actually earn money:

Though their numbers remain steady, the lot of America's poor may be improving in ways not reflected by the official figures

Aug 30th 2006
http://www.economist.com/agenda/displaystory.cfm?story_id=E1_SRVPVPS

"The poverty rate is over a percentage point lower than it was when Mr Clinton signed the infamous bill. Child poverty has fallen even more dramatically."
...
"Obesity is now the chief nutritional woe facing America's poor. And those under the poverty line now have nearly as much house space and amenities as the average family in 1980."

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 18, 2006 12:03 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Oh please.
You're going to quote the most right-leaning publication around to tell me poverty isn't a problem?

How's this then, from the Washington Post a few days ago:

The U.S. government has vowed that Americans will never be hungry again. But they may experience "very low food security."

Every year, the Agriculture Department issues a report that measures Americans' access to food, and it has consistently used the word "hunger" to describe those who can least afford to put food on the table. But not this year.

Mark Nord, the lead author of the report, said "hungry" is "not a scientifically accurate term for the specific phenomenon being measured in the food security survey." Nord, a USDA sociologist, said, "We don't have a measure of that condition."

The USDA said that 12 percent of Americans -- 35 million people -- could not put food on the table at least part of last year. Eleven million of them reported going hungry at times. Beginning this year, the USDA has determined "very low food security" to be a more scientifically palatable description for that group.

The United States has set a goal of reducing the proportion of food-insecure households to 6 percent or less by 2010, or half the 1995 level, but it is proving difficult. The number of hungriest Americans has risen over the past five years. Last year, the total share of food-insecure households stood at 11 percent.

Let's call it how it is - last year, 11% of American families STARVED.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 18, 2006 4:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

the economist is the most right-leaning
publication around?  around where?  using what definition of right-leaning?  the economist endorsed kerry in 04, just like the washington post.

and that information from the washington post doesn't contradict anything from the economist article.  i'd like to see you find information that does.

the post: "The number of hungriest Americans has risen over the past five years."

the economist: "The poverty rate is over a percentage point lower than it was when Mr Clinton signed the infamous bill. Child poverty has fallen even more dramatically."

those two things are not mutually exclusive.  i think the economist's point is more relevant HERE as we were discussing government handouts, and it's looking at figures since clinton signed the welfare reform bill in the early 90s.  that doesn't mean the number of hungry americans didn't rise over the last FIVE years.

and the point wasn't that "poverty isn't a problem", where did you get that straw man argument from?

and i think there's a difference between "hungry" (the post) and "STARVED" (you).

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 19, 2006 12:42 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Unable to feed your children is not 'hungry'.
When I get home from work I'm hungry. When you can't feed little Timmy because you don't get your check for two weeks, that's starving.

Ask Consuela when she's finished cleaning your deck.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 19, 2006 9:50 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

When were underemployed folks
ever counted as unemployed?

Granted, the growth of the service industry has made it a lot easier to be underemployed ...

I'm not disagreeing with your larger points ... I'd just like a bit of clarification there ...

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 3:59 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Reagan started the number changing.
Before him, unemployment numbers included anyone seeking full-time work, whether they were part timers or people who had run out of employment insurance.

Clinton was perhaps the worst offender, at least over his first couple of years. The economy wasn't yet kicking off and his numbers wee in the toilet.

Bush II, however, has taken it to the level of a martial art. Right now, in order to be considered unemployed, you basically have to be on UI and not earning anything at all in casual, part-time or even volunteer work.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 4:23 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

any further reading you can refer me to?
I knew that it is the way it is -- but I was under the impression that was pretty much how it had always been. I'm curious to learn more.

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 4:44 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'll do some digging and link you.
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 4:57 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

In 6 or 8 years ...
I expect to be in a place where buying a million dollar condo is reasonable ... well at least, doable, based on my family income, not really reasonable, given that it would still entail spending a million bucks on a glorified apartment ...

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 11:28 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

housing bad
i think the US housing market will recover soon.  you can't build housing in california fast enough

The US housing market might not suffer too badly for too long, might.  However in the places where the runup has been greatest, it will probably take much, much time to find our bottom.  Last California cycle saw it's peak in 1990 and didn't hit bottom until 1997, that's a long time to wait it out.

And it's even worse now because of all the insane loans out there.  80% on ARMs, a ton of those are IO ARMS.  These haven't even begun to reset.  When they do and people are $100,000 underwater, it's Bankruptcy/foreclosure city.  And all that housing you couldn't build fast enough?  Builders are severely discounting their stock right now, which puts added downward pressure on the resale market, which is where the comps going forward come from.

It is going to get ugly.  And the Feds are not going to lower rates any time soon to cushion the loss.

Check out this blog for a running discussion of all things housing related.

by jakarta on Nov 17, 2006 11:28 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That's a good point ...
those IO folks are going to have some serious problems, which will affect the market seriously, if this thing doesn't rebound soon.

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 11:31 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

There's a reason, a month ago, that I bought...
..the domain Panicseller.com

It's going to be a bankruptcy tsunami, and with the new bankruptcy laws that don't let you get out of your bankruptcy until you've paid your debt (doesn't apply to corporations, natch), it'll hurt for a long, long, long time.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

every coastal Californian ...
... should have an earthquake kit, and an End Times kit.
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 1:38 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Close.
They got an End of Days Governor.

Now, if they could just get another Total Recall...

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 2:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

perhaps you missed it
november 7, 2006.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 3:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I saw it.
It saddened me.

Though everything else about the day made me joyful.

You?

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 3:10 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

i don't belong to any political party
so my day was mixed.  i was disappointed when steele and ford jr. lost.  i proudly voted for arnold for the second time.  this time was easier because gary coleman wasn't on the ballot so there was really no alternative.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 4:44 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

but congrats
i take it you're a democrat, or whatever the canadian equivalent is.  it must have been nice after the disappointment of 00, 02, and 06.  
good luck in 08 trying to get to 4/11 on prez elections since lbj.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 4:48 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

It was nice.
However, I suspect you might want to do a little more research on who you vote for next time. Steele was passing aorund campaign literature that passed him off as a Democrat, right up to the morning of the vote.

Weak.

And as for Arnold... well, he's softened a little since the days when Enron financed the Davis recall and Arnold's election bid, only for him to turn around as soon as he was elected and settle all California's court claims against Enron for pennies on the dollar.

But I should probably stop. FWIW, I'm not actually a Democrat, but since there's only one more option in American politics than there is in China, you take the closest to your leanings and go with it.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 4:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Not true ...
in China, in addition to the Chinese Communist Party, there's also a Democratic Party and eight other small parties.

Just like in America, the President has identified the Democratic Party as a subversive group.

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 5:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

In China-owned Hong Kong...
..you can have as many political parties as you like. But you're only allowed to vote if you're a member of the Communist Party.
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 18, 2006 11:27 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Hey! That's an incorrect allegation!
Steele wasn't passing out those flyers.

... the homeless (excuse me, "food-and-shelter-insecure") he had bussed in from Philly were distributing 'em!

People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 5:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

research on who i vote for?
i didn't vote for either steele or ford, jr. because i don't live in maryland or tennessee.  i mentioned them because those are the two candidates i like that lost.  
obviously i also liked plenty of candidates from both parties that won, and i was hoping the republicans would lose control based on the performance of the 109th Congress and because i don't like the idea of all branches of government being controlled by a single party.

why should i care whether steele tries to pass himself off as a democrat?  i just said that i don't belong to any political party.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 6:34 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

<Reads Mark Halperin
book for advice on how to sway coveted independent voters like xbhaskarx.>

<Instead becomes dummmer>

<Cant even spel no more>

<Poppy's baws fires me all thancks to Halperin>

by mikeA on Nov 17, 2006 6:43 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

in 08
it'll probably depend on which party's base is politically smart enough to give the nomination to a moderate candidate.  

my dream matchup would be bayh-ford jr against romney-giuliani.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 6:51 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

you have weird dreams, dude
My dream matchup is Mirren-Deneuve vs Johanssen-Dorleac.
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 6:58 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

that's better ...
but my dream match up Johanssen-Dorleac v Devo ...

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 7:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Hmmm ...
I note the capital "D" and wonder if you have Mothersbaugh issues.
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 7:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Mirren-Deneuve?
wow, you're really into the mature ladies, as in born before the end of world war II.
maybe you have grandmother issues.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 7:35 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

better than Grand Mal issues ...
Hey, they're my dreams -- Deneuve ca. '67, Mirren about 4 years later. But Helen's still hawt.

Et alas, pauvre Francoise, taken before her time.

People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 7:59 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I prefer Ford Sr.
Someone needs to stick it to the Jews.

by mikeA on Nov 17, 2006 7:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I prefer Ford Prefect
Someone needs to be the candidate from outer space.
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 7:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

but we're interested
specifically in housing in the southern bay area, and how that does depends on how the tech industry does.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 11:32 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

the job market in the Bay Area
may very well be more stable going forward (emphasis on may) but the housing market isn't that different from the rest of the country. There are a ton of folks in the area who bought houses they can't really afford, especially the IO folks whose houses will be on the market in the next two or three years and who likely won't be in any position to buy again.

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 11:50 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Lew is a big boy
and so I have no doubt that he is factoring in worst case scenarios in this plan, and that an A's stadium and increase in value of the franchise is a kind of hedge on the land deal.  

But the Bay Area is not only not immune to the housing slump we are just starting to experience, it's perfectly set up to be hit hard.  The median household income is high here, but still ONLY $75,000 or so.

But let's double that to the roughly %15 of households who make $150,000 plus.  Can they afford a $800,000 house/condo on a %10 down 90% carried 30 year fixed mortgage?  That's $5000 a month before Taxes and insurance, so ballpark it to $6000/month.

That's almost a %50 ratio, which historicly has been a no go for any legit lender.  All this has been fine if you are using an option ARM and can count on appreciation of your home, but in a stagnant period, option ARMs are death traps.

Just saying, the transfer of the equity bubble to the housing bubble worked for a while and helped keep our state from having to face it's serious budget issues.  But interest rates are back up again and not going to allow an easy bailout for so many screwed borrowers.  The numbers don't add up right now.  And a soft RE market for a few years combined with inflation eating in real value is needed to get things back in whack.

by jakarta on Nov 17, 2006 11:56 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

15% who make 150k plus
includes 200k, 250k, 300k...
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 12:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

right
it sure does.  But there are hundres of thousands of homes worth over a million dollars in the bay area.  $800,000 is closer to the median than it is to the high end.  

My main point, and I don't know if you are arguing this or not, is that prices are not affordable using traditional loans.  I'm not even saying too high or too low, I'm saying that these prices, driven up by speculation, cheap money, cheaper credit, crooked appraisers, are only affordable using non-standard loans OR if you are BETTING on prices going up to bail you out in a refi or house flip situation.  Not to mention that the ratio of rent to mortgage is also so out of whack.

Look, there is no doubt that Bay Area RE will always command a premium, but inventories are sky high, sales are in the toilet, prices are falling and the buyers still are not showing up, and the IO loans won't even start to reset on mass until 2007.  

by jakarta on Nov 17, 2006 12:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

THAT's what I'm talkin' 'bout
Thanks for filling in the massive gaps in my argument, jakarta.

xbx (or should I riposte and call you "Professor Reynolds"?), of course Lew isn't marketing his ballpark housing to the poor -- but neither is he planning on marketing them to the super-rich. He's going to be marketing them to the upper end of the middle class -- and that's precisely the sector that's experiencing the fastest loss of traction in the economy right now and for the immediate projected future. And add to that the fact that at some point in the next 5 years, taxes will be raised fairly significantly (not advocating for it, just projecting that they likely will), with special focus on upper-tier incomes ...

Plus, the demonstrated needs in housing aren't for upper-echelon housing. And there's no such thing as a trickle-down effect in housing -- when Joe Moneybags gets kicked out of his condo, it's not as if 6 families get to move Soviet-style into the unit.

Hey, I'm neither a real estate mogul nor a savvy investor. But it seems to me even in my ig'nint state that there's some distinct potential for a development this massive to carry a hefty dose of risk, and that aspect of the project has not heretofore been discussed hereabouts.

People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 12:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

okay, then i guess we all agree
jakarta is right about interest rates and a lot of that other stuff.  

of course there is risk, but the southern bay area isn't really much of a risk.

like i trust beane when he trades hudson and mulder, based on his past success as GM, i tend to trust lew wolff when it comes to this deal based on his success as a developer.

did you just call me a blogging law professor at tennessee?  i'm really offended.  please don't call me professor volokh next, i would be devastated.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 3:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

again, of all the places in the Bay Area ...
... outside of San Jose itself, yeah, absolutely, Fremont makes the most sense. And for Lew's particular scheme, it probably makes more sense (economically) than an urban location.

I'm in no way saying that LEW'S STADIUM PLAN IS GONNA DIE!!!, just that I find it interesting that, in such a market fraught with obvious risks (and potential for it to get worse and not recover by the time the sales office opens, which will be well in advance of the actual groundbreaking let alone completion), Lew is moving forward with the plan as outlined. Wolff is one confident man.

... just as I'm devastated by your calling me a high-tech entrepreneur ...

People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 3:50 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

"high tech"?
i think you're confusing kos with john chambers.  
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 4:32 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

So that leaves maybe 10% of the Bay Area that
can afford it ... which is about 650k people ... that's not a small number.

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 12:27 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

call it 300,00 households
That's median household income.

but we haven't even begun discussing personal savings versus debt.  It gets worse (harder to justify affordability) if we factor in credit card debt, auto loans, student loan debt, etc...

This whole debt swarm is why they pushed bankruptcy "reform" when they did.  The hyper-extention of credit post equity bubble and during the historically low interest rate times was buoying up the economy on consumer borrowing.  

by jakarta on Nov 17, 2006 12:35 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

lets not talk about debt vs savings ...
auto loans, check, student loans, check credit card debt (aka loans for things student loans did not cover -- books, alcohol, etc ...), check ...

Yeah, if I could wipe my debt clean, I could buy a house today, even with prices the way they are ... 3 more years ... and the only debt I'll have will be interest free ... that'll be nice ... now as debt starts to roll off as early as next spring, I just have to keep to my goal of not increasing spending and instead direct that income to savings ...

You're right ... we're screwed ... now I'm depressed.

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 12:57 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

That's why Lew is moving to Fremont
"The median household income is high here, but still ONLY $75,000 or so."

The median household income in Fremont is $93,606.  The median home price:  $620,000.

For Oakland:  Median Household Income = $48,432
                     Median Home Price = $473,250

"When I got injured, I felt disrespected. Waaannnh!" - Mark Kotsay

by FoolshGame22 on Nov 17, 2006 12:38 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

bingo
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 4:42 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

No, it won't.
Points of fact:
  1. In the Northeast and Midwest, housing prices are actually falling right now, with some sellers unable to find buyers even after six months of listing. In Australia, prices have dropped 20% in the last year, after four years straight of hard rises - and the market is crumbling. UK ditto. Canada is dropping, with only Vancouver holding flat by virtue of climate, Olympics coming in 2010, and limited land availability.
  2. Over 70% of new mortgages in the California market over the last five years have been interest only - these turn into deathtrap mortgages when housing prices start dropping hard and people begin to owe more than they borrowed, with no actual possibility that they'll ever pay off their mortgage. People start to bail, owing thousands, chaos ensues.
  3. This year, billions of dollars worth of 5-year variable rate mortgages left their honeymoon rates of 4-5% and jumped to rates of 7-8%, leaving people who 'upgraded' to suddenly either have to sell and downgrade to something they can afford to pay for, or double their mortgage payments each month. Next year, the number of mortgages that will experience this is due to triple. Ditto the year after that.
  4. Realtors in the northeast and midwest are leaving the profession in droves, saying bad things are on the way and claiming people aren't buying. When realtors bail, real estate is in trouble.
  5. Flippers have moved their money into the share market, because nobody is buying flips anymore. Hence the sudden share market spike, and real estate price drop.
  6. New starts have continued to increase, despite sales decreasing sharply. There's a big oversupply of new developments across North America, especially in the cities, and city councils all over are having to deal with holes in the ground that are being left abandoned by developers on high priced pieces of land.
  7. Rentals no longer cover mortgage costs - not by a long shot - leaving people in financial trouble no option but to sell, and since nobody is buying, they're selling at a loss. Panicselling equals big price drops.
  8. I just sold my condo, taking a nice profit but missing the peak value spot by a few months. We're going to go rent for a while, thereby cutting our monthly expenses by nearly half without any downgrade in living situation. Once the drop has hit bottom, we're getting back in, but we bought 18 months ago for $197k. We sold yesterday for $295k. If we'd have sold a month ago, we could have got $335k. A neighbor listed his identical property at that price two weeks ago because another neighbor got $335k a month ago, and he can't get anyone to even look at it. He's now dropping his price to $290k in hope of getting a nibble.
The drop is real, and ongoing.

I could go on. In fact, I just did. Don't hold on expecting a bounce - there's no buyers in the market right now - only long term investors and silly money from people hoping that a bounce will happen. Sell if you can and wait it out, because this is just the beginning of a really bad scene.

As for Lew, he won't have to worry until 2011, and chances are that'll coincide with prices stabilizing, if not growing.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:25 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

northeast and midwest
yes, prices are falling and realtors are leaving the profession in droves.  perhaps you haven't noticed, but the entire US population is shifting south and west, and has been pretty much ever since air conditioning took off.  good thing wolff isn't building those million dollar condos in pittsburgh or cleveland.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 3:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't know if it is feasible
But I am certainly planning to buy one!! In about 3-5 years I will be going on 30 <shudders> and in theory should be at a place in my life where I could afford it. So I have already started saving! =D AN Party at my place! Put it on your calendars!!
"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Nov 17, 2006 12:43 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Whoa
A pilot who could have been in Lidle's plane dies in a different plane crash shortly after.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15759622/?GT1=8717

Funny, wasn't there a Final Destination reference in the link dump a few days ago?

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Nov 17, 2006 10:42 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

WTF
That's pretty eerie.
Certum est quod certum reddi potest.

by oblique on Nov 17, 2006 11:59 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Please tell me ESPN was also supposed to be there.
Pleeeeease.
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:39 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Big, Bearded Gary...
over at ESPN, has an interesting point in his chat:

Brad (NM): Hey Gary..awesome we can still talk baseball in November isn't it? Since the A's let Frankie T go, who will they target to spend some money on?

SportsNation Gary Gillette: Bonds would be a good fit for several reasons, not the least of which would be to raise their visibility in the South Bay
vis-a-vis the Giants as they build their new palace in Fremont.

by CyZito on Nov 17, 2006 11:37 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

I just vomited in my mouth.
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:39 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

anyone watching sopranos season 6 on dvd?
does joe girardi play little paulie?
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 17, 2006 11:38 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Drew contract w/BoSox: 2 yrs 30 mil
but no linkage
"San Jose A's of Fremont" is pathetic

by ArakSOT on Nov 17, 2006 11:57 AM PST reply actions   0 recs

Gah.
I think I'm going to sick about hearing about JD Drew.
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 11:59 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

local radio (WEEI)
"San Jose A's of Fremont" is pathetic

by ArakSOT on Nov 17, 2006 12:07 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks!
That sounds pretty legit.

by CyZito on Nov 17, 2006 12:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

the hosts thought it was a bad move
they imagine the fan base here will take umbrage with his apparent laid-back attitude, or, to use their phraseology, because "he's not a dirt dawg"
"San Jose A's of Fremont" is pathetic

by ArakSOT on Nov 17, 2006 12:49 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

While we're on the subject
of acquiring players that none of particularly care for, who else sees Beane trying to get Trot Nixon?  Obvious warts: platoon splits, injury issues, down year in 2006.  Upside: could be had cheaply (2 yrs/12 MM maybe?), complements Bobby Kielty nicely, is used to a platoon role.

He and Kielty can platoon next year in LF.  He could be cheaper that Catalanatto.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 12:04 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Interesting idea
But could we maybe sign a healthy player for a change?
Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Nov 17, 2006 12:08 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

a healthy player?
we're talking about the A's.  Come on.  I think its a good idea, and if he looks like he's in too good of health we should get tonya harding to help...

by CyZito on Nov 17, 2006 12:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If the A's wanted healthy players..
..wouldn't you think they'd sign a trainer than knows what acupuncture is?

And isn't, um, a tad overweight...?

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:41 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

a tad?
Maybe a Tad Lincoln overweight.
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 1:43 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking a..
...Lincoln Continental overweight.
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 1:54 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

"Tad Lincoln Continental"
<files away in fictitious-character-name database>
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 1:59 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

"Tad Lincoln Continental Divide"
Files away in 'never to be used' geography terms list.
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 2:09 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Tad Lincoln Continental Divide-and-Conquer
Files away in the never to be used office politics strategy file.
"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Nov 17, 2006 2:16 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

TadLinolnContinentalDivideAndDarvaConquer.
To be filed away in the 'never to be talked about again former reality show mini-celebrities who I would have totally done given half a chance just so I could say I did, and hey, what's she doing now?' drawer.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 2:20 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

TadLincolnContinentalDivideAndDarvaLemurConker
To be filed away in the "Really arcane British prep school games/Mondegreen car dealerships" drawer.
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 2:34 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

TadLincolnContinentalDivideAndDarvaLemurPeruConker
To be filed under 'capitols of South America mangled by BabelFish's translation issues'
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 2:39 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

TadLincolnContinental ...
... DivideAndDarvaLemurBobbyPeruConker

Filed under "overly prolix David Lynch villains."

People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 3:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

And when he flies away at supersonic speed
he'll travel on the TadLincolnContinentalDivideAndDarvaLemurBobbyPeruConcorde.
"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Nov 17, 2006 4:05 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and when he starts the Nazi party...
He'll burn the ReichsTadLincolnContinentalDivideAndDarvaLemurBobbyPeruConcorde
"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 4:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Post of the bunch!
"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Nov 17, 2006 4:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

we're not done yet!
WilhelmReichsTadLincolnContinentalDivideAndDarvaLemurBobbyPeruConcorde

... all of the previous, locked inside a wooden box inside an iron box inside a wooden box!

People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 5:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Just getting started...
KaiserWilhelmReichsTadLincolnContinentalDivideAndDarvaLemurBobbyPeruConcorde

- Started World War I!

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 18, 2006 11:26 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I know it has been decades now
That players make this, but I still have a hard time including "6 million a year" and the word "cheap", in the same sentence.  You are not wrong, I just still kinda jolt when I hear that.  I wish my boss felt the same way.  I would be glad to work "cheaply".  

by mikedaviswhereareyou on Nov 17, 2006 12:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Indeed!
At least the real world pay scale doesn't place as much emphasis on service time.  And we don't have to wait to be tendered contracts in our early years.
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Nov 17, 2006 12:39 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

unlike, say, mathematicians
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 2:35 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Danny Haren's getting married today
I remember the date from his blog, which was apparently abandoned in August. Congrats. Let's see if it works out... long-distance relationships can be hard when one partner is gone all/most of the time.
"It really doesn't matter who we play," Haren said. "If we get the Tigers, we'll beat the Tigers. If we get the Yankees, we'll beat them, too."

by Chavinator on Nov 17, 2006 1:34 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

who's his best man?
Just so we know who in 20 years, when Haren's GM, the manager will be. :)
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 1:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I'm ready
Fire Tommy Chong Now!
In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Nov 17, 2006 1:48 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

SOOOOO close
FIRE UP TOMMY CHONG NOW!!!
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 1:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Even closer... if we're lucky.

'Fire on' Rae Dawn Chong.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Nov 17, 2006 2:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Best Man?
Noah Lowery or Tony Garcia
while I'm GM, I'd get the black uniform tops back into the mix, make high socks mandatory and add a beer tap in the press box-Mychael Urban

by jb on Nov 17, 2006 3:52 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Se?or Clutch!
This week, Scutaro displayed the peskiness and timely hitting that earned him the nickname "Se?or Clutch" in the Venezuelan Winter League. He went 8-for-22 with three walks, a stolen base, six runs scored and an RBI, and he is now hitting an even .400 in 30 at-bats. In fact, the native Venezuelan has a hit in all seven games he's played for the Leones del Caracas.

and some AFL updates

by gotgreen on Nov 17, 2006 1:37 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

AN has no offseason
14 new diaries today... so far
"San Jose A's of Fremont" is pathetic

by ArakSOT on Nov 17, 2006 1:39 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

sure it is ...
not one of them exceeded the minimum character count by more than three words ... we're all taking it easy ...

by devo on Nov 17, 2006 1:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

And they all could be combined into one...
"BONDS"

See...now THAT is the problem with him as the DH.

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Nov 17, 2006 1:56 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

unrecommend diaries
sometimes i feel that AN should have an UNRECOMMEND button and if enough people unrecommend that diary, it gets deleted.

by gotgreen on Nov 17, 2006 2:00 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

THAT is a good idea.
I recommend it!
Certum est quod certum reddi potest.

by oblique on Nov 17, 2006 2:11 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Ah
The ever-elusive SMITE option.
Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Nov 17, 2006 2:28 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You know what we need?
400 more diaries about Barry Bonds.
"Come on, you douche bags, we're all on the same team!"

by Jennifer on Nov 17, 2006 4:42 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

get on that, why doncha?
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 5:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

City/County dwellers get (slim) consolation prize
In a development that means, as of now, that the Raiders are not actively suing us at this moment, an appeals court has ruled that the Coliseum Joint Powers Authority does not owe the Raiders $34 million for failing to deliver on the promised sellout crowds.

Presumably Al Davis' minions have already brought him the requisite writs and his appealin' quill.

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" --Johnny Rotten

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Nov 17, 2006 5:25 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

<vomits in mouth>
Please, FSU, do we really need to think about Al's appealin' quill?
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 5:30 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

that's appalling
"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Nov 18, 2006 11:01 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

ENHANCING SUBSTANCES BAN LIFTED!!!
link
People wanted Washington because he would do a better job of establishing the run. -- andeux @('.')@

by monkeyball on Nov 17, 2006 5:29 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

If the A's
hire Dr. Daniel Schulz, I am done being a fan.

by mikeA on Nov 17, 2006 5:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Bill Mueller retired
because of a knee injury and will be a special assistant to Ned Colletti.

link

by gotgreen on Nov 17, 2006 7:22 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Aw crap.....
It's F@#$%ing cold in my apartment....
There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Nov 17, 2006 10:04 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

where is the saturday DLD?
there are so many important news items to discuss.  tom cruise got married, silicone breast implants are legal again...
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Nov 18, 2006 12:08 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation blog about Oakland Athletics.

Community Guidelines ANcillary Terms
Start posting about the Athletics »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Pulp_fiction_small
A's interested in Cuban defector Arguelles
Wishyouwerehere250_small
AFL PitchFX Pt. 1: James Simmons
Imgp0089_editedagasin_small
DLD 11/24/09 - Fine, I'll make another video game dump
Me_at_att_park_small
Greener Grass, Episode 7: Transportation Proclamation
Me_at_att_park_small
Old McPherson is an A, e yi e yi yoooooooo

Recent FanPosts

Waregroupcheck_small
DLD 11.25.09 - Thanksgiving eve
Small
The A's Move to Oakland in 1968
Funny-pictures12_small
If Jack Cust Traded, Then To Whom And For What?
Small
Jack Cust Drawing Trade Interest?
Depaulbluedemons_small
Community Prospect List #18

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

SPONSORS


Managers

Tyler_at_maya_school_small Tyler Bleszinski

08-_the_author_small 67MARQUEZ

Baseball_small baseballgirl

Poochini-butt_in_box_2_small Nico

As_kings_cal_small louismg

Editors

Countdown_small Taj Adib

Ziegler160px_small Flashfire

527918550406_0_bg_small notsellingjeans