Saturday, October 18, 2008

Just how crazy is Michelle Bachmann?

Michelle Bachmann, Republican woman in Congress from Minnesota, gained notoriety on Friday when she said all liberals in Congress should be investigated for being anti-American, Joe McCarthy-style. Well, turns out she has a very long history of saying and doing downright insane things.

read more | digg story

Obama Rally Draws A Record 100,000 People in Missouri

 
Barack Obama attracted 100,000 people at a Saturday rally here, his biggest crowd ever at a U.S. event. It's 25,000 more people than the 75,000-person rally in Oregon, and must rank as the largest political rally in American history.

read more | digg story

Friday, October 17, 2008

Van Jones on "The Green Collar Economy" and Clean Energy





Van Jones is an Oakland-based author, activist, and spokesperghts who's known for his work in civil rights and against violence in Oakland. But I went to talk with him about his newest work: a book he wrote called The Green Collar economy.

"Marsha Brady" Maureen McCormick Tells Of Anal Sex and Steve Martin

In a post that will also see our revamped entertainment blog, Maureen McCormick, who played Marsha Brady  and was  a key reason I watched the "Brady Bunch" when I was little, got on Howard Stern's show and officially and suddenly erased every good and pure thought I had about her from childhood.

If course, Howard can do that.  He got the child star who's now 52 years old, living in Southern California, and generally making appearances connected with her now pop-culture legend alter-ego Marsha Brady, to just plain relax and open up; she talked about having anal sex.  This video shows what happened:


 

Rape Victim Against Sarah Palin, Stars In Anti-Palin Ad For TV




In this ad, the YouTube version which has gone viral, a young female rape victim speaks out against Sarah Palin's rather insensitive comments regarding rape victims and her assertion that the government should force her maintain a pregnancy she does not want.

Michele Bachmann's A Massive Racist Bigot Who's Anti-American

I just took time to listen to Chris Matthews question the ever-stupid in my view Congressperson Michele Bachmann (R-Min) on her blather about Senator Obama and the William Ayers matter.

Congresswoman Bachmann went into one of the most terrible and vile monologues I've ever listened to and said that the liberal and leftist members of the U.S. Congress should be investigated for being "anti-American."

Have you noticed that between Bachmann, and Sarah Palin the folks who are "anti-American" are the people who don't agree with them?   Think about it.

There's a "Dump Michele Bachmann" movement with this website: http://dumpbachmann.blogspot.com -- get her out of Congress!

Here's the video of what she said.  Be prepared to be upset:

The Pentagon's Image Problem in Latin America and Africa

 This is a must-read article for any Latin American and foreign policy enthusiast.  Indeed, Latin America is against U.S. interests and may not be safe for Americans to visit because of Pentagon activities. 

War Is Boring: The Pentagon's Image Problem in Latin America and Africa

David Axe - World Politics Review, October 15, 2008

http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/article.aspx?id=2776

The U.S.S. Kearsarge amphibious assault ship set sail from Norfolk, Va., in August, on a mission to provide free medical care to six Latin American countries. But five days into her four-month cruise, on Aug. 11, Kearsarge made an important detour, swinging within helicopter range of Miami to receive visitors. The roughly 20 people who clambered aboard from the hulking Marine Corps choppers represented a mix of U.S. military brass, civilian aid workers, local Miami elected officials and Spanish-language media.

"Our multinational team is dedicated to recommit and fortify our relationships in South America," Capt. Frank Ponds, ranking U.S. officer on Kearsarge, told the assembled VIPs in one of the 1,000-foot-long vessel's staterooms. He was specifically referring to the ship's current medical mission, but his words could also apply more generally to the July launch of the U.S. Fourth Fleet, a new headquarters for Latin American naval operations that is intended to boost U.S. military presence in what one analyst has called a traditionally "forgotten" part of the world. Kearsarge's cruise represented one of Fourth Fleet's first deployments.

Later, Ponds explained to the embarked reporters accompanying the vessel on her tour that ceremonies like the one on Aug. 11 were a key facet of Kearsarge's mission. Treating a few tens of thousands of patients in Latin America would not be enough: The Navy also needed to explain what it was doing, and why, to the hundreds of millions of people in the region who would not be receiving medical care. Ponds said this "strategic communications" was vital to "influencing generations to come."

But according to some experts, Ponds' efforts were too little, too late. Public opinion in Latin America has already turned against the Pentagon's reinvigorated activities in the region -- and against the United States in general. America's image has "eroded" in six Latin American countries surveyed in a recent Pew poll, according to the Associated Press. Meanwhile, a Chilean polling organization ranked President George W. Bush as the least popular world leader in the opinions of Latin Americans.

The United States has a major perception problem in the two world regions where the Pentagon has decided to focus greater effort. Latin America and Africa represent new frontiers for a military that in recent decades has mostly concerned itself with Western Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific. In addition to Fourth Fleet's recent launch, in October the Pentagon formally stood up Africa Command, a new headquarters overseeing all of Africa, save Egypt. The so-called AFRICOM has proved deeply unpopular among everyday Africans -- so much so that only one country, Liberia, offered to host the command's facilities. Rather than risk further alienating Africans, AFRICOM instead chose to keep its facilities in Germany.

Similarly, in the Southern Hemisphere, Fourth Fleet has been a magnet for criticism. Upon hearing of the Pentagon's intention to stand up the new headquarters, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez accused the U.S. of deliberately provoking a new "Cold War" in Latin America. Chávez followed up his accusation by inviting the Russian navy to conduct exercises off the Venezuelan coast. Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa supported the invitation. "The U.S. Fourth Fleet can come to Latin America but a Russian fleet can't?" Correa said.

Anti-U.S. rhetoric might be expected from the region's most hardline leftist regimes, but even current and former U.S. allies have protested renewed U.S. military interest in Latin America. The same day Kearsarge began delivering aid to impoverished eastern Nicaragua, that country's president, Daniel Ortega, accused the vessel of carrying spies. Chile, perhaps the staunchest U.S. ally in Latin America, lately has been skeptical of the Pentagon's intentions in the region. And Brazil, which sent doctors to help out aboard Kearsarge, nevertheless cited Fourth Fleet as a potential military rival. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Brazil's navy must protect the nation's newly discovered "subsalt" offshore oil reserves "because the men of Fourth Fleet are almost there on top of the subsalt areas."

This despite Fourth Fleet's largely humanitarian focus, perfectly reflected in the Kearsarge cruise. "Adm. Jim Stavridis, who is the commander of SOUTHCOM, speaks very eloquently about these missions of peace," says Bob Work, an analyst with the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. Of Fourth Fleet's five stated mission areas, three are humanitarian in nature. Nos. 4 and 5 are multinational naval training and counternarcotics. "Kinetic" combat doesn't even make the list.

But the Pentagon failed early on to impress upon Latin American leaders its essentially peaceful intentions in forming the new headquarters. According to Mark Schneider, an analyst with International Crisis Group, the U.S. government did not effectively consult with the region's governments before announcing Fourth Fleet. "If it had been done in a different way, it might have been accepted," Schneider says. "It needed to have been done in a collaborative way." The Pentagon should perhaps have expected a certain wariness among Latin Americans, especially considering the U.S. military's history in the region. "We know of many historical cases of U.S. intervention in Latin American countries," said Leonid Golubev, Russian ambassador to Bolivia. Indeed, the airstrip in eastern Nicaragua where Kearsarge landed her first batch of medical supplies in August was the same strip built by the U.S. as a base for the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion targeting Cuba.

AFRICOM's problems are similar in nature. Unlike Central Command, which has as its primary mission prosecuting the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, AFRICOM is mostly a training and humanitarian organization, with only a few thousand combat troops (those assigned to a Special Forces base in Djibouti). "This is not a kinetic environment," said AFRICOM boss Gen. Kip Ward. "We are there to help our partner nations build their capacity, working in totality with the overall U.S. government program in a particular country."

"Not focused on war fighting," is how Theresa Whalen, the Pentagon's top Africa official, characterized the new command.

That may be so, but in failing to clearly communicate this focus to the continent's leaders and to everyday Africans, the Pentagon didn't take into account the lingering fear of colonialism that is widespread in Africa. "U.S. AFRICOM project has a hidden agenda," one Nigerian commenter wrote in a post on the command's official Web site. "Washington should understand that Africa does not need AFRICOM to solve her problems, many of which have foreign coloration."

Soon after AFRICOM was announced in late 2006, stories circulated in the African press claiming that the U.S. planned to build permanent bases on the continent, and already operated a secret airbase in Botswana. "We could just not kill that rumor," Whalen said. She said African reporting on AFRICOM, dominated by Nigerian, South African and Kenyan news organizations, was "not particularly sophisticated." And even today, two years later, there's a "great deal of speculation, misinformation," according to Jerry Lanier, a State Department adviser to AFRICOM.

The Pentagon is at least partly to blame, says Jose de Arimateia da Cruz, a professor at Armstrong Atlantic State University in Georgia. "Two years into AFRICOM planning and launch, there is still very little dissemination of information."

As for Latin America, press conferences aboard U.S.S. Kearsarge cannot undo the long months of relative silence that preceded Fourth Fleet's launch, and which have undermined the new headquarters' "mission of peace."

David Axe is an independent correspondent, a World Politics Review contributing editor, and the author of "War Bots." He blogs at War is Boring. His WPR column, "War is Boring," appears every two weeks.

Petroecuador Gets Revenue From Old Occidental Petroleum Company Fields

Look at this report, because it shows just how much of an impact the seisure of Occidential Petroleum oil production facilities had on Petroecuador's overall revenues.  Moreover, one has to ask how the company is maintaining those facilities given its past failures. 

Dow Jones International News, October 15, 2008

QUITO (Dow Jones)--Petroecuador reported Tuesday oil export revenue of $526.33 million in September, a 20% decrease from the $656.12 million registered in the previous month.

According to Petroecuador data, the company exported 5.91 million barrels of crude oil in September, down 10% from 6.56 million barrels registered in August.

Petroecuador's exports include Napo crude from former Occidental Petroleum Company fields that were seized May 15, 2006. Ecuador claims Occidental broke the terms of its operating contract.

Exports of Oriente crude in September were 4.47 million barrels, while exports of Napo crude were 1.44 million barrels.

The average price of Oriente in September fell 11% to $90.24 a barrel from $100.86 in August. The price of Napo crude was $85.15 per barrel, a 13% decrease against $97.68 registered one month before.

Figures have been rounded.

Petroecuador is Ecuador's state oil company.

NFL WEEK 7 INJURY REPORT Week 7 Games (October 19-20) – THURSDAY

WEEK 7 INJURY REPORT – THURSDAY

Following is a list of injured players for Week 7 Games (October 19-20):


BALTIMORE RAVENS at MIAMI DOLPHINS

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Practice Report
   
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
S Dawan Landry (neck), CB Samari Rolle (shoulder, neck)

Thursday
S Dawan Landry (neck), CB Samari Rolle (shoulder, neck)

   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Yamon Figurs (knee), T Adam Terry (knee), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle)

Thursday
WR Yamon Figurs (knee), S Ed Reed (hamstring), T Adam Terry (knee)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
T Jared Gaither (neck), CB Fabian Washington (shoulder), S Tom Zbikowski (shoulder)

Thursday
T Jared Gaither (neck), CB Fabian Washington (shoulder), WR Demetrius Williams (ankle), S Tom Zbikowski (shoulder)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
DT Lamar Divens (illness)

Thursday
DT Lamar Divens (illness)

MIAMI DOLPHINS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
RB Casey Cramer (ankle)

Thursday
RB Casey Cramer (ankle), CB Andre' Goodman (not injury related)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Will Allen (knee)

Thursday
CB Will Allen (knee)



CLEVELAND BROWNS at WASHINGTON REDSKINS

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Practice Report
   
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
DT Shaun Smith (hand)

Thursday
DT Shaun Smith (hand)

   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
T Ryan Tucker (knee), TE Kellen Winslow (illness)

Thursday
RB Lawrence Vickers (not injury related), TE Kellen Winslow (illness)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
S Brodney Pool (ankle), T Kevin Shaffer (concussion)

Thursday
T Kevin Shaffer (concussion), T Ryan Tucker (knee)

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Practice Report
   
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
RB Ladell Betts (knee)

Thursday
RB Ladell Betts (knee)

   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
S Chris Horton (ankle), G Pete Kendall (knee), RB Clinton Portis (hip), T Chris Samuels (ankle)

Thursday
S Chris Horton (ankle), RB Clinton Portis (hip), CB Carlos Rogers (calf), T Chris Samuels (ankle), DE Jason Taylor (calf)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB Khary Campbell (calf), CB Carlos Rogers (calf), CB Fred Smoot (groin)

Thursday
LB Khary Campbell (calf), CB Fred Smoot (groin)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
G Pete Kendall (knee), CB Shawn Springs (calf)



DALLAS COWBOYS at ST. LOUIS RAMS

DALLAS COWBOYS

Practice Report
   
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Thursday
WR Sam Hurd (ankle)

   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB Kevin Burnett (calf), WR Sam Hurd (ankle), RB Felix Jones (hamstring), G Kyle Kosier (foot), CB Terence Newman (abdomen), QB Tony Romo (right finger), LB Anthony Spencer (hamstring)

Thursday
LB Kevin Burnett (calf), RB Felix Jones (hamstring), G Kyle Kosier (foot), CB Terence Newman (abdomen), LB Anthony Spencer (hamstring)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
S Keith Davis (thumb), DT Tank Johnson (ankle)

Thursday
S Keith Davis (thumb), DT Tank Johnson (ankle), QB Tony Romo (right finger)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
S Pat Watkins (neck), S Roy Williams (forearm)

Thursday
S Pat Watkins (neck), S Roy Williams (forearm)

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Drew Bennett (foot), CB Tye Hill (knee)

Thursday
WR Drew Bennett (foot), CB Tye Hill (knee), T Orlando Pace (thigh), RB Antonio Pittman (lower leg)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
T Orlando Pace (thigh), RB Antonio Pittman (lower leg)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
G Jacob Bell (foot), QB Marc Bulger (right finger), WR Keenan Burton (knee), WR Dane Looker (concussion)

Thursday
CB Ron Bartell (shoulder), G Jacob Bell (foot), QB Marc Bulger (right finger), WR Keenan Burton (knee)



DETROIT LIONS at HOUSTON TEXANS

DETROIT LIONS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
DT Chuck Darby (calf), WR Calvin Johnson (concussion), RB Kevin Smith (shoulder)

Thursday
DT Chuck Darby (calf)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Travis Fisher (knee), G Stephen Peterman (hand), DE Corey Smith (hamstring)

Thursday
CB Travis Fisher (knee), G Stephen Peterman (hand), DE Corey Smith (hamstring)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
WR Calvin Johnson (concussion), RB Kevin Smith (shoulder)

HOUSTON TEXANS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
S Dominique Barber (hamstring), RB Chris Taylor (quadricep)

Thursday
S Dominique Barber (hamstring), RB Chris Taylor (quadricep)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
T Duane Brown (ankle), TE Mark Bruener (hamstring), RB Ahman Green (foot)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
T Duane Brown (ankle), TE Mark Bruener (hamstring), RB Ahman Green (foot)



INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at GREEN BAY PACKERS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
RB Joseph Addai (hamstring), DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), WR Roy Hall (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), LB Freddy Keiaho (groin), DE Robert Mathis (not injury related), TE Gijon Robinson (ankle), S Bob Sanders (knee)

Thursday
RB Joseph Addai (hamstring), LB Gary Brackett (not injury related), WR Roy Hall (knee), CB Kelvin Hayden (knee), CB Tim Jennings (not injury related), TE Gijon Robinson (ankle), S Bob Sanders (knee)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
DE Dwight Freeney (not injury related), LB Freddy Keiaho (groin), DE Robert Mathis (not injury related)

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
S Atari Bigby (hamstring), DE Jason Hunter (hamstring), CB Patrick Lee (back), DE Mike Montgomery (ankle), DT Ryan Pickett (tricep), CB Charles Woodson (toe)

Thursday
DE Jason Hunter (hamstring), DE Mike Montgomery (ankle), DT Ryan Pickett (tricep), CB Charles Woodson (toe)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
T Chad Clifton (hamstring), CB Al Harris (spleen), WR James Jones (knee), QB Aaron Rodgers (right shoulder)

Thursday
S Atari Bigby (hamstring), T Chad Clifton (hamstring), CB Al Harris (spleen), WR James Jones (knee), CB Patrick Lee (back), QB Aaron Rodgers (right shoulder), C Scott Wells (shoulder, chest)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB A.J. Hawk (groin), S Aaron Rouse (concussion)

Thursday
LB A.J. Hawk (groin)



MINNESOTA VIKINGS at CHICAGO BEARS

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB Erin Henderson (knee), LB David Herron (hip)

Thursday
LB David Herron (hip)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Bernard Berrian (knee), TE Jim Kleinsasser (foot), WR Sidney Rice (knee), CB Benny Sapp (hamstring), S Madieu Williams (neck)

Thursday
WR Bernard Berrian (knee), LB Erin Henderson (knee), TE Jim Kleinsasser (foot), WR Sidney Rice (knee), CB Benny Sapp (hamstring), S Madieu Williams (neck)

CHICAGO BEARS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Marty Booker (back), RB Matt Forté (not injury related), WR Brandon Lloyd (knee), S Danieal Manning (hamstring), CB Charles Tillman (shoulder)

Thursday
WR Brandon Lloyd (knee), S Danieal Manning (hamstring), P Brad Maynard (left hamstring), CB Charles Tillman (shoulder)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Rashied Davis (knee), CB Marcus Hamilton (heel), DT Tommie Harris (knee), DT Marcus Harrison (ankle), DT Israel Idonije (ankle), P Brad Maynard (left hamstring), CB Trumaine McBride (shoulder), LB Nick Roach (shoulder), CB Nathan Vasher (wrist)

Thursday
WR Marty Booker (back), WR Rashied Davis (knee), DT Tommie Harris (knee), DT Marcus Harrison (ankle), WR Devin Hester (toe), DT Israel Idonije (ankle), CB Trumaine McBride (shoulder), LB Nick Roach (shoulder), CB Nathan Vasher (wrist)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
CB Marcus Hamilton (heel)



NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at CAROLINA PANTHERS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
RB Reggie Bush (knee), DT Sedrick Ellis (knee), G Jahri Evans (ankle), DT Antwan Lake (groin), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), G Carl Nicks (illness)

Thursday
RB Reggie Bush (knee), DT Sedrick Ellis (knee)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Marques Colston (thumb), CB Aaron Glenn (ankle), S Kevin Kaesviharn (back), TE Jeremy Shockey (hernia)

Thursday
WR Marques Colston (thumb), G Jahri Evans (ankle), CB Aaron Glenn (ankle), S Kevin Kaesviharn (back), DT Antwan Lake (groin), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (hernia)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
G Carl Nicks (illness)

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR D.J. Hackett (knee)

Thursday
WR D.J. Hackett (knee), C Ryan Kalil (ankle), T Jeff Otah (ankle)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB Thomas Davis (ankle), C Ryan Kalil (ankle), WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee), T Jeff Otah (ankle), LB Adam Seward (thigh)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
LB Thomas Davis (ankle), WR Muhsin Muhammad (knee), LB Adam Seward (thigh)



NEW YORK JETS at OAKLAND RAIDERS

NEW YORK JETS

Practice Report
   
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
K Mike Nugent (right thigh)

Thursday
K Mike Nugent (right thigh)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR David Clowney (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DT Kris Jenkins (back), LB Bryan Thomas (calf)

Thursday
WR David Clowney (shoulder), WR Laveranues Coles (thigh), DT Kris Jenkins (back), LB Calvin Pace (foot), LB Bryan Thomas (calf)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Justin Miller (foot)

Thursday
CB Justin Miller (foot)

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
DE Derrick Burgess (tricep)

Thursday
DE Derrick Burgess (tricep), TE Ben Troupe (foot)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (elbow), LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (shoulder)

Thursday
LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (shoulder)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
CB Nnamdi Asomugha (elbow)



PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CINCINNATI BENGALS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Dallas Baker (shoulder), RB Carey Davis (ankle), LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring), DT Casey Hampton (groin), RB Willie Parker (knee), T Marvel Smith (back), WR Hines Ward (not injury related)

Thursday
WR Dallas Baker (shoulder), RB Carey Davis (ankle), LB Keyaron Fox (hamstring), RB Willie Parker (knee), T Marvel Smith (back)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
DT Casey Hampton (groin)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
WR Hines Ward (not injury related)

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Practice Report
   
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
C Kyle Cook (toe), LB Corey Mays (ankle), QB Carson Palmer (right elbow)

Thursday
C Kyle Cook (toe), LB Corey Mays (ankle), QB Carson Palmer (right elbow)

   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Jamar Fletcher (hamstring), K Shayne Graham (right groin), WR Glenn Holt (ankle), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (ankle), LB Dhani Jones (foot), S Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring), T Levi Jones (back), CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle), RB Chris Perry (shoulder), TE Ben Utecht (chest)

Thursday
CB Jamar Fletcher (hamstring), WR Glenn Holt (ankle), S Herana-Daze Jones (hamstring)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
K Shayne Graham (right groin), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (ankle), TE Ben Utecht (chest)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
DT John Thornton (achilles)

Thursday
LB Dhani Jones (foot), T Levi Jones (back), CB Johnathan Joseph (ankle), RB Chris Perry (shoulder), DT John Thornton (achilles)



SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at BUFFALO BILLS

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Chris Chambers (ankle), WR Craig Davis (groin), RB Darren Sproles (ankle), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (toe), LB Jyles Tucker (hamstring)

Thursday
WR Chris Chambers (ankle), WR Craig Davis (groin), LB Jyles Tucker (hamstring)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
RB Mike Tolbert (ankle), S Eric Weddle (shoulder)

Thursday
RB Darren Sproles (ankle), RB Mike Tolbert (ankle)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB Marques Harris (hamstring)

Thursday
LB Marques Harris (hamstring), RB LaDainian Tomlinson (toe), S Eric Weddle (shoulder)

BUFFALO BILLS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Terrence McGee (knee), DE Aaron Schobel (foot)

Thursday
C Melvin Fowler (elbow), CB Terrence McGee (knee), DE Aaron Schobel (foot)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
TE Derek Fine (hand), WR Roscoe Parrish (hand)

Thursday
TE Derek Fine (hand), CB Ashton Youboty (foot)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
QB Trent Edwards (head), S Ko Simpson (hamstring)

Thursday
QB Trent Edwards (head), WR Roscoe Parrish (hand), S Ko Simpson (hamstring)



SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at NEW YORK GIANTS

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Practice Report
   
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
CB Shawntae Spencer (knee)

   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
CB Walt Harris (not injury related), T Jonas Jennings (shoulder), S Mark Roman (knee)

Thursday
T Jonas Jennings (shoulder)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
RB Frank Gore (not injury related), LB Manny Lawson (hamstring), CB Donald Strickland (hip)

Thursday
LB Manny Lawson (hamstring), S Mark Roman (knee), CB Donald Strickland (hip)

NEW YORK GIANTS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
C Shaun O'Hara (toe), LB Antonio Pierce (quadricep), LB Gerris Wilkinson (knee)

Thursday
LB Antonio Pierce (quadricep), LB Gerris Wilkinson (knee)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
C Shaun O'Hara (toe)



TENNESSEE TITANS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

TENNESSEE TITANS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
DT Tony Brown (ankle), WR Justin Gage (knee), DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin)

Thursday
DT Tony Brown (ankle), WR Justin Gage (knee), WR Justin McCareins (hamstring)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Justin McCareins (hamstring)

Thursday
DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (groin)

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Jeff Webb (not injury related)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Thursday
TE John Paul Foschi (foot), CB Patrick Surtain (shoulder)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
T Branden Albert (elbow), QB Brodie Croyle (right shoulder), LB Donnie Edwards (ankle)

Thursday
T Branden Albert (elbow), QB Brodie Croyle (right shoulder), LB Donnie Edwards (ankle)



SEATTLE SEAHAWKS at TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Practice Report
   
OUT (DEFINITELY WILL NOT PLAY)

Wednesday
QB Matt Hasselbeck (back)

Thursday
QB Matt Hasselbeck (back)

   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
WR Deion Branch (heel), S Deon Grant (knee), TE Will Heller (knee), WR Koren Robinson (knee)

Thursday
WR Deion Branch (heel), TE Will Heller (knee)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
T Walter Jones (not injury related), QB Seneca Wallace (calf)

Thursday
S Deon Grant (knee), T Walter Jones (not injury related), QB Seneca Wallace (calf)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
DE Patrick Kerney (neck), S C.J. Wallace (knee)

Thursday
DE Patrick Kerney (neck), WR Koren Robinson (knee), S C.J. Wallace (knee)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
RB B.J. Askew (hamstring), WR Maurice Stovall (hamstring)

Thursday
RB B.J. Askew (hamstring), WR Maurice Stovall (hamstring)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
K Matt Bryant (right hamstring), RB Warrick Dunn (not injury related), WR Joey Galloway (foot), QB Brian Griese (right elbow), LB Barrett Ruud (knee), G Arron Sears (knee)

Thursday
K Matt Bryant (right hamstring), WR Joey Galloway (foot), QB Brian Griese (right elbow), G Arron Sears (knee)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring)

Thursday
LB Derrick Brooks (hamstring), LB Barrett Ruud (knee)



DENVER BRONCOS at NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS on Monday night

DENVER BRONCOS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB Boss Bailey (ankle), WR Brandon Stokley (concussion)

Thursday
WR Brandon Stokley (concussion)

   
LIMITED PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
TE Tony Scheffler (groin), RB Ryan Torain (elbow), RB Selvin Young (groin)

Thursday
TE Tony Scheffler (groin), RB Ryan Torain (elbow), RB Selvin Young (groin)

   
FULL PARTICIPATION IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
T Ryan Clady (groin), DE Elvis Dumervil (finger), DE Ebenezer Ekuban (groin), DE John Engelberger (knee), TE Daniel Graham (finger), WR Darrell Jackson (calf), RB Spencer Larsen (groin), S Marquand Manuel (thumb), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), WR Eddie Royal (ankle), DT Josh Shaw (groin)

Thursday
LB Boss Bailey (ankle), T Ryan Clady (groin), DE Elvis Dumervil (finger), DE Ebenezer Ekuban (groin), DE John Engelberger (knee), TE Daniel Graham (finger), WR Darrell Jackson (calf), RB Spencer Larsen (groin), S Marquand Manuel (thumb), DT Dewayne Robertson (knee), WR Eddie Royal (ankle), DT Josh Shaw (groin)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Practice Report
   
DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN PRACTICE

Wednesday
LB Eric Alexander (hamstring), DE Jarvis Green (ankle), RB LaMont Jordan (calf), T Nick Kaczur (ankle), T Matt Light (knee), RB Laurence Maroney (shoulder), WR Kelley Washington (ankle)

Thursday
LB Eric Alexander (hamstring), DE Jarvis Green (ankle), RB LaMont Jordan (calf), T Nick Kaczur (ankle), RB Laurence Maroney (shoulder), WR Kelley Washington (ankle), CB Jonathan Wilhite (flu)

NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL FALL MEETING ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 15, 2008 - NFL Media.com

NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL FALL MEETING ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 15, 2008

RE: Lengthening the regular season to 17 or 18 games.

…to support our relationship with our fans, because of the length of the season. That included weather conditions, with the potential for the season to go into late February. It involved, obviously, our relationship with the players, our relationships with media companies and the quality of the preseason. We’ve discussed this also in the context of the offseason. Again, that goes to the part about football readiness and how there’s greater interest from our fans of having a longer and deeper relationship with the NFL all year round.

I’m not suggesting playing games all year, but there was a suggestion about idea of a spring game of some type. A preseason-type game.

Q: You don’t want to give us an offseason, do you?

RG: We know you don’t want one.

Q: Any suggestion that two preseason games would hurt the evaluation process for teams as they make their final roster cuts?

RG: I think that’s what we mean about football readiness. I think that has to be evaluated. From a football perspective, there are two purposes. One, you want to get your team ready. Two, you make your evaluations of who will make your team. Those are the two primary objectives. We want to make sure teams have the ability to do that.

The likelihood is that teams will adjust to this, work in more scrimmages or other ways to evaluate players. The second point is, and I think I mentioned this yesterday, a developmental league of some type. That’s another question that a lot of clubs raised: how do we continue to develop our players?

Q: Before there is a vote on this, will the proposal include a definitive number (17 or 18 games), or will there be more discussion as the CBA negotiations move along?

RG: First, we have a lot more work to do on the analysis. This is something we will continue to pursue and will continue to evaluate. Eventually, we’ll have to decide strategically which proposal would be most beneficial to our players, our media partners, and other parties involved.

Q: Do you have a timetable for when you’ll decide on a proposal and then make it?

RG: We’re working on a proposal now. The major focus is analyzing the labor agreement and assessing the impact that this could bring to the table. We’re talking about cost recognition, the overall economics of the labor agreement, including stadium construction, retired players, and potential of expanding to more regular season games within the 20-game format. All of those things are factors that we’re considering.


Q: Is it clear whether or not the proposal will be 17 or 18 games yet?

RG: There are different viewpoints on that. I would say the prevailing thought that I sensed in the room was that it would be 18 games rather than 17 right now. People were still debating that.

RE: Are you exploring expanding the number of teams in the playoffs?

RG: There was some discussion of that. That came up. Some folks thought that was important to consider and include. Others had a different view on that also.

Q: What is your personal preference?

RG: We have to evaluate it a little bit more. I think it should be very special to get to post-season. I think to set a bar where to make it into post-season you have to achieve success, and make that special, is something we should continue.

RE: Super Bowl ticket prices

RG: The core prices have been set. We’re still evaluating some things.

RE: NFLN and whether there is any chance that negotiations with Comcast will be restarted before there’s a ruling by the judge

RG: We would hope so. We still believe that this should be settled at the negotiating table. Ultimately, that’s what’s in the best interest of all parties, most particularly the consumers. We would like to engage in a dialogue. We think the FCC ruling is significant from the standpoint that it is very clear that there is discrimination. We would like to get that done either at the negotiating table, or if we’re forced, to go through the process with the judge.

RE: When the last negotiations took place with Comcast?

RG: I’ll have to get back to you on that.

RE: Issue of players being fined after the game on plays that did not draw a penalty

RG: It’s always been an issue. That’s not new or recent. We’ve had that over the years, and it happens. When you see something that’s an illegal technique or something that we think that’s not proper and it wasn’t called, we’ll take whatever actions are appropriate to make sure the player and the coach understands that’s not permissible.

Q: You don’t feel it weakens the officials’ calls?

RG: I don’t think so. I think they do a great job.

RE: The role the economy will play in the upcoming season for the league and the clubs

That’s a pretty broad question, but the reality is it’s going to impact us. The economy is impacting us directly, and our business partners and our fans. So we’re sensitive to that, and we’re looking at everything we do, whether it’s our facilities, our stadium financing, or our pricing at the club level. We’re looking at all of those issues to determine how to best work our way through this.

RE: Do you get a sense from the union that they are more sensitive to the risks the owners are taking on?

RG: I really believe the players recognize what’s going on out there. Our business isn’t immune. This is a very significant time with what’s happening with the economy. And I don’t believe our players would be insensitive to that either.

Q: Is that based on conversations with union executives or individual players?

RG: I have had discussions with union executives and with players.

RE: Is there a change? Previously, they ignored your complaints.  Has there been a change in emphasis?

RG: I wouldn’t agree that they ignored it. Obviously, the developments over the last couple weeks… We’ve seen this coming for quite some time. We’ve discussed this publicly and privately. There are risks in the marketplace. These risks are shifted to the owners and that’s a significant risk that usually results in difficult economic consequences. That’s what we’re seeing in the market. I think the players recognize that, certainly in the economy we’re in right now. 

RE: Priority on security for the Super Bowl

RG: People derive comfort from knowing that we’re taking significant steps to ensure their safety. People come to our stadiums and want to know they’re safe. This Sunday here in Tampa you saw a good example of that. We had the pat downs and want to be able to accomplish that. People seemed to be generally accepting of it. People recognize it’s part of an everyday reality. We have a significant initiative to improve the experience at the stadium, not only security but making sure people feel comfortable.

Q: What’s the priority for you in terms of ensuring that fan behavior is within these standards?

RG: The big issue to me is making sure that everyone who comes to our stadium enjoys the event and that nobody stays away from our stadiums because of others’ behavior. There was a point made in our presentation this morning that one individual’s actions can affect up to 20 people’s view of the experience at the stadium.  Most of the people who come to our stadiums come and enjoy them and have a great time. Unfortunately, somebody can behave in such a manner that can ruin it for a lot of other people. If they do, we are going to deal with it properly. First action is taken in the stadium, and the second is to revoke their ticket privileges.

Q: Is adding two more teams to the playoffs two total or two per conference?

RG: We haven’t gotten into the specifics of it. There have been proposals over the last 10 years or so of extending the playoffs.


RE: Those haven’t gotten much support. Do you sense more support?

RG: There was support last time. I think there was quite a bit of discussion when we realigned the league. It’s been a few years.

Q: Do you think there would be more support if it comes in conjunction with a longer season?

RG: I’m not certain whether there is a strong correlation between the two. They are two distinct decisions. I think in some people’s minds those might impact on their ultimate vote. But I think they are ultimately two distinct decisions at this point in time. As we evaluate it, we might draw that this is something that should be done as part of that, if we get to the conclusion that we should expand or restructure the season.

RE: Adding a potential regular season game to the back end of the season as opposed to the starting the season earlier

RG: That is how we discussed it this morning and that is how we’re analyzing it. On the other hand, there are people who want to discuss how fans perceive that if they are going to regular season games in January. That is something we have got to be sensitive to. We’re going to evaluate that and doing some studies on that to see what we can determine.

Q: So you’re still open to starting the season a little earlier?

RG: Yeah, I wouldn’t rule anything out.

Q: Are you looking at reintroducing the idea of reducing debt cap?

RG: Yes. In this kind of market every company is evaluating their debt levels and we’re not different from that. We have an obligation to do that on an annual basis. We’re all concerned about debt in this kind of environment. You can see what it can do. Companies that are over-leveraged – that is what this is – this is a massive de-leveraging on a global basis. It can have significant consequences for a business and that is what we want to avoid.

Q: Is it a concern that the Union will once again file a complaint if the NFL wants to lower its debt?

RG: They very well might, but we’re running our business. We have to be able to run our business just like everyone else and managing your debt is a big part of that, just as it is for everybody.

Q: You mentioned a spring preseason game. Is there an appetite for that?

RG: It is interesting. That was raised by a few clubs. It is more in the context of what colleges do with their spring game. It can be in the form of a scrimmage. It was an interesting concept that has been raised before and was discussed this morning by a number of people.

Q: Is it one team playing another?

RG: It could be. It was an interesting idea, which we’ll look at. It was raised by more than one club.

Q: Do you plan to look into the assault charge against Larry Johnson?

RG: Yes.

RE: Are stadium costs the fastest rising costs you have?

RG: I’d have to look at it statistically. Either player costs or stadium costs, yes. Our costs continue to rise and revenues are under pressure right now.

RE: Backlash regarding the NFL going overboard on cracking down on over the top touchdown celebrations.

RG: It is a fine line between an emotion and enthusiastic response that is natural versus something that is predetermined that is nothing more than to affect the other team or reflect poorly on the game. We always try to find that balance.

Q: So you are not trying to discourage it when it is spontaneous?

RG: No. It is a passionate part of our game, it is a big part of our game so we don’t discourage that, but it can cross the line where it becomes staged and inciting to the other team, and that is a problem.

# # #

Barack Obama For President - Washington Post

The Washington Post endorsed U.S. Senator Barack Obama for President, writing:




THE NOMINATING process this year produced two unusually talented and qualified presidential candidates. There are few public figures we have respected more over the years than Sen. John McCain. Yet it is without ambivalence that we endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president. 
The choice is made easy in part by Mr. McCain's disappointing campaign, above all his irresponsible selection of a running mate who is not ready to be president. It is made easy in larger part, though, because of our admiration for Mr. Obama and the impressive qualities he has shown during this long race. Yes, we have reservations and concerns, almost inevitably, given Mr. Obama's relatively brief experience in national politics. But we also have enormous hopes.
Mr. Obama is a man of supple intelligence, with a nuanced grasp of complex issues and evident skill at conciliation and consensus-building. At home, we believe, he would respond to the economic crisis with a healthy respect for markets tempered by justified dismay over rising inequality and an understanding of the need for focused regulation. Abroad, the best evidence suggests that he would seek to maintain U.S. leadership and engagement, continue the fight against terrorists, and wage vigorous diplomacy on behalf of U.S. values and interests. Mr. Obama has the potential to become a great president. Given the enormous problems he would confront from his first day in office, and the damage wrought over the past eight years, we would settle for very good. MORE 

Sarah Palin Thinks New Hampshire's In The Northwest - Gets Booed

Wow, how many times now have we seen Alaska Governor and GOP VP Candidate Sarah Palin make a "geographic" mistake?  She did in in Iowa, where she mistook Cedar Rapids for another city for example.  And there are other times she's done it.  But this one's a hoot and I think the first time she actually got booed, reflecting her decending poll numbers.

I can't wait to see SNL.

See this..