Acantha

Thanks Rubes! I ran the first two drives again last night and focused specifically on Ellison the whole time (just curious to see how bad he really is). Fact is, he played a pretty good game. There were two plays that I thought he was out of position on (including the 2-12 play - I agree with Kelly that his reaction to the play was slow), but outside of that he was hitting his assignments and was always running to the ball. On White's TD run, he did a an excellent job pushing through a block and plugging the whole on his side. Poz wasn't able to shed his in time, and the TD went that way. He obviously has a history of bad play, but I saw a lot of crap written about him after this game too, and he didn't deserve it. BTW, I noiticed it during the game and was hoping that stop on 3rd and 10 with all of the DB's crowding the line would have an impact on DJ. See, Dick? You CAN be aggressive!

I was thinking they must have reached in and grabbed the vodka.

Hold out for the paperback.

I'm just having a good time picturing Vick running the no-huddle.

Partly true. When there wasn't someone lined up directly across from him, he had trouble deciding where to go. One play in particular he looked absolutely lost and almost tripped (untouched) because he didn't know where to go and was off-balance. I certainly don't have anything against Levitre; he's a rookie who is still learning his job. But to say he graded out the highest of anyone is either a lie or a hard knock on the rest of the Oline. I do agree with the hands to face thing though. It wasn't just on that one play either. He had hands under his face mask a few times. BTW, if anyone wants to rag on someone for his blocking skills, watch the game again and focus on Shouman. Absolutely horrible. If he doesn't shape up he's going to make people really miss Royal.

Dean's about 10,000 posts from the top. That's a lot of room to make up.

So you're judging them off 5 plays? I did watch the plays, over and over. I admit I'm not an O-line guru, so there are things that pass me by, but from what I can tell, Woods was the far better player overall. I'm not talking about how many blocks were missed, or who got pushed back on one play. I'm talking over the course of their time in the game, who did the better job of taking their guy out of position to make a play. Levitre may get to his block, but he is usually the one being controlled once contact is made. How well these two read the defense and know their assignments is a big question, but even if they are horrible, it's something that should be expected and will be fixed with practice and repetition. And by the way, I think Hangartner did a very good job. I wasn't as focused on him, and may go back and watch again to do so, but when I did watch him he always picked up his guy and kept him out of the play. He wasn't dominating, but he did what he had to do.

I spent a lot of time watching Harris last night, and overall really liked what I saw. He's physical, aggressive, and seems to be catching on to LB well. There were two plays I noticed that he let his aggressiveness take him away from the play (biting on mis-direction), but that's a rookie thing that he can work on. As much as I liked him, I'm not sure I'd want him out there week 1. I think he's going to need more time to learn his assignments in the defense. But considering it's his first game in the NFL, and at a new position, his future looks bright. If we could get Maybin on the field, this defense could go places.

I think it's a pretty good album, but is far behind the recent White Stripes and Raconteurs releases. I like the slower bluesy sound on some of the tracks, but overall it didn't live up to my lofty expectations.

Link

Ditto

We really need to get away from this begging to be taxed thing.

Damn.

Of course. Not really even a question.

Well then you have something to look forward to.

I'd check out the Tampa/St Pete area. I'm generally very against living in FL, but that area is the one area I would consider (I have never been to Miami, so I can't say one way or the other about it. I'm actually working on getting a new job now (wouldn't be moving until March), and because of the job there, I am considering St Pete. Not sure where it is on my list exactly, but I'd say there's a decent chance I end up there. Tampa/St Pete: Younger crowds (St Pete used to be very old, but from what I understand it has changed a lot over the past 10-15 years). Away from the touristy areas of Daytona Beach and Orlando, but still close enough for a day trip. There's lots to do (festivals, outdoors stuff, anything on the water) and if your into the bar/club scene, both Tampa and St Pete are good for it (I"m really not, so I can't elaborate....that's just what everyone does/says in that area). Sports! Ya got Bucs and Bulls for football, Lightning hockey, and Rays Baseball. Miami isn't exactly close, but it's close enough to take the trip if you want to see the Bills play. Orlando Magic only an hour away. Friggin sports heaven! I only lived in Tampa for 6 months, but my sister lived there for about 3 years, so I visited the area often. St Pete I only know about through word of mouth. I lived between Daytona and Orlando for years and still have family in the area, can't say enough bad about it. So overcrowded, too many tourists, and the city/residents ruin the only good things about the place (spring break, bike week, race week, etc...). They B word about all the commotion during those times, so laws are passed restricting things, then there's no money coming into the area! Orlando is packed, focused around Disney and Universal (which is fun for about 10 mintues), and seems to be just going downhill to me. I've known people who like JAX, but I've always thought it was a hole. Never had a good experience there. I lived in Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral area for a couple years, and it's okay. Somewhat touristy, but more relaxing. Just gets very boring over there. I always like going to that area for a day or even a weekend, but wouldn't want to live there again. The pan-handle has some decent areas, but it's very "southern". More like living in Alabama or Georgia than FL. So if that's your thing it might be worth looking into. Of course you know about the heat, but it should be a serious thought. Getting closer to the coasts helps a little. Property taxes are really high and climbing fast, as are insurance rates. Due to hurricanes and flooding, insurance can make an otherwise perfect situation unaffordable (depends on the area). Just some quick thoughts. I haven't lived in FL for about 11 years, but still visit at least once a year. So I may be dated on some places.

I was just thinking of that. I was in a class once and the instructor kept saying that. During one of the breaks I wrote across the whiteboard: * = asterisk

Here's the video: Rep Steve Cohen and FBI director Robert Mueller No, I'm not a police officer. In the past my job has had me working directly with law enforcement, but never in the drug field or traffic stops.

I saw a link about 2 or 3 weeks ago where some congressman used that line while questioning to someone about legalizing. Can't remember for the life of me the people/situation involved. I'll try to look around for it.

I just went and checked. There is a post over there with a similar title, but the 5 page thread doesn't appear to have anything to do with it. At least 2 and half pages were dedicated to the word "outside".

We have no chance.

You walked RIGHT into that, Lana.

Very bizarre. But really: What is the point of this??

You ever look at the "Top 10" viewed stories on CNN.com (other "news" sites have similar)? Scandals and celebrities dominate, while world affairs give a spattered showing, if they are new and exciting. Media will always give what sells.