Happy New Grill ← FREE KRAUT!

Happy New Grill 305

This Jeff Pearlman anti-Bonds screed in The Athletic is a little nutso. There aren’t enough ways to argue against Bonds’ enshrinement without first wrapping your white self in Hank Aaron’s struggle?

And, just, this writing…

This is what it was to be a black man in America.

This is what it was to be a black man in America, having the gall to erase a beloved white icon from the record books.

This is what it was.

Aaron, as we all know, is tougher than salted leather, and on April 8, 1974, he hit home run No. 715 into the Braves’ bullpen at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. Over the next 2 1/2 seasons he socked 40 more, and when his 23-year career wrapped with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976, 755 wasn’t merely a baseball figure, but a civil rights figure.

Arguably the civil rights figure.

Then—like flame to paper—Barry Bonds came along, cheated and rendered the number irrelevant.

Poof.

Seems to me that desperation like this suggests Pearlman knows Bonds is going to get in soon.

Anyway, I’m low on links, but the grill is hot. Toss ’em on.

305 thoughts on “Happy New Grill

  1. 5Aces Dec 29,2017 10:46 am

    This Jeff Pearlman anti-Bonds screed in The Athletic is a little nutso.

    FTFY

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  2. andeux Dec 29,2017 11:16 am

    Bonds/Clemens are running at around 72% of the publicly disclosed ballots so far, just under the 75% threshold. But they have also done worse overall than on the published ballots in past years, probably because those who publish their ballots skew younger. And most voters have made up their minds on that particular issue. So I would expect them to continue falling short for at least a few more years.

    TINSTAAFK
    • Future Ed Dec 29,2017 5:55 pm || Up

      vegan ryan has made a name for himself

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  3. Glorious Mundy Dec 29,2017 1:11 pm

    Forgive me if this is a repost, but here are the A’s ZIPS projections.

    Favorite No. 1 comps:

    AJ Puk = Jon Lester
    Matt Olson = Mo Vaughn
    Boog Powell = Curt Flood
    Chris Hatcher = Jim Mecir
    Simon Castro = Ryan Dempster

  4. Glorious Mundy Dec 29,2017 1:29 pm
    • Future Ed Dec 29,2017 5:19 pm || Up

      Is there an “n-word” for vulcan?

      I’d rather have john woo

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • AV Dec 29,2017 9:30 pm || Up

        why am i mr pink?

        because you’re a tribble, alright?!

        *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  5. andeux Dec 30,2017 10:49 am

    Cook’s Country recommends Eden organic sauerkraut. Runner-up Libby’s.

    TINSTAAFK
  6. Glorious Mundy Dec 30,2017 11:08 am

    Bed bait in yesterday’s NYT crossword:

    Eight letters for “Smokin’ hot”

  7. doctorK Dec 30,2017 2:42 pm

    Iowa State has made football much less stupid today.

    • Soaker Dec 30,2017 4:53 pm || Up

      I realize that all of these bowl games outside of the Playoff are exhibitions, but for the Pac-12 to follow a very mediocre regular season with a 1-8 record in its bowls is an embarrassment. They didn’t even need Cal to chip in with a loss to get to that record. C’MON MAN. I didn’t watch that much of it, except for Furd getting the 21-3 lead the other night and then getting blown out of the building for the last 2-1/2 quarters.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  8. FreeSeatUpgrade Dec 30,2017 7:23 pm

    Jeff Pearlman, making a career of hypocritical trolling since at least 1999.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  9. andeux Dec 31,2017 11:14 am

    What’s the point of letting both networks show doubleheaders for the last week if you then move all the relevant games to the later time slot?

    TINSTAAFK
    • Soaker Dec 31,2017 12:31 pm || Up

      At least dump out of this hideous Jets game which is going to ~80% of the country (I know, Tom Brady!) and let us watch the Browns go for ignominy.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • andeux Dec 31,2017 12:46 pm || Up

        Shouldn’t they be taking him out at some point? Or are his magical antioxidants enough to protect him from injury?

        TINSTAAFK
      • andeux Dec 31,2017 1:01 pm || Up

        Ha, on 4th down, Kizer makes an amazing escape, finds an open receiver, and the pass goes right through his hands.

        TINSTAAFK
      • andeux Dec 31,2017 1:07 pm || Up

        You’re doing a heckuva job DePo.

        TINSTAAFK
      • Soaker Dec 31,2017 1:13 pm || Up

        The graphic providing one final kick in the teeth.

        View post on imgur.com

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • FreeSeatUpgrade Dec 31,2017 3:32 pm || Up

          After all these years of failure, from spectacular to mundane, somehow the Browns can still out-Browns themselves. It’s remarkable, really.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
          • andeux Dec 31,2017 5:08 pm || Up

            And with the Bills win, I guess the Browns (2002) are also the new incumbent for longest streak without making the playoffs.

            TINSTAAFK
            • Soaker Dec 31,2017 5:10 pm || Up

              Seattle Mariners (2001)? (in the major pro sports)

              What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  10. Glorious Mundy Dec 31,2017 12:15 pm

    Stanford should be very embarrassed to blow a 17-point lead at home to this Cal men’s basketball team.

  11. Soaker Dec 31,2017 2:59 pm

    One wonders what horror awaits the Buffalo Bills in the next hour and a half.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Dec 31,2017 3:30 pm || Up

      I dunno, somehow they’re feeling Cinderella-y to me. Could the glass mukluk fit?

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • doctorK Dec 31,2017 3:32 pm || Up

      Surely not nearly as horrible as Raiders fans have endured all season.

      I’m hoping the Gruden rumors are true – this entire coaching staff needs to go.

      • Soaker Dec 31,2017 3:39 pm || Up

        I doubt MikeV, even in his wildest alcoholic dreams, would have seen the Niners finishing with the same record as the Raiders.

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • MikeV Dec 31,2017 6:43 pm || Up

          JIMMY G IS NEVER GOING TO LOSE A GAME.

          And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

          Thanks, and go As.

          • nevermoor Jan 1,2018 7:13 pm || Up

            He’s for real. Now we just need 21 more.

            "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
            • MikeV Jan 1,2018 8:04 pm || Up

              If they hit like they did in the draft again this year, they’re a playoff team next season.

              And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

              Thanks, and go As.

              • nevermoor Jan 2,2018 7:45 pm || Up

                The week 16 win certainly suggests that.

                "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Dec 31,2017 3:44 pm || Up

        Yeah, I’ve been a JDR fan but when different parts of the scheme fail every week you kind of run out of people to point at. That said, reunion coaching gigs seem to fail a lot more than they succeed.

        Best part of today’s game was the long camera shot of Mark Davis sucking his fingers like dolt.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
        • doctorK Dec 31,2017 4:05 pm || Up

          That 4th-and-one call at their own 17 should seal JDR’s fate.

          • Soaker Dec 31,2017 4:07 pm || Up

            Greg Papa: “The Raiders’ offensive unit is the most disappointing unit in the whole league.”
            Tom Flores: “Embarrassing. Embarrassing.”
            Lincoln Kennedy: “Yep.”

            What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
          • andeux Dec 31,2017 5:09 pm || Up

            Del Rio officially fired.

            TINSTAAFK
    • andeux Dec 31,2017 3:40 pm || Up

      LeSean McCoy ankle injury is a solid start.

      TINSTAAFK
      • Soaker Dec 31,2017 3:51 pm || Up

        It comes down to asking the Cincinnati Bengals to hold on to a lead on the road…

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • Soaker Dec 31,2017 4:25 pm || Up

          whoops

          What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • ptbnl Dec 31,2017 4:26 pm || Up

          Clearly too much to ask.

          If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
        • Soaker Dec 31,2017 4:44 pm || Up

          One last teASe in 2017.

          What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
          • doctorK Dec 31,2017 4:51 pm || Up

            HOLY FKING SHIT

          • Soaker Dec 31,2017 4:52 pm || Up

            Holy shit, the A’s never do that.

            What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
          • andeux Dec 31,2017 4:59 pm || Up

            Playoffs?! PLAYOFFS??!

            TINSTAAFK
            • Soaker Dec 31,2017 5:01 pm || Up

              Yay andeux!

              When I’m posting from the nursing home in 2047, and Cal needs to score on fourth and goal with :03 remaining in the Big Game to get to the Rose Bowl, please remember that I was rooting for you on December 31, 2017.

              What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
              • andeux Dec 31,2017 5:04 pm || Up

                If NCAA Football is still around in 30 years, I will do so.

                TINSTAAFK
            • Future Ed Jan 1,2018 9:44 pm || Up

              I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Dec 31,2017 5:00 pm || Up

        Apparently the ghost of Marvin Lewis is a Bills fan.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  12. ptbnl Dec 31,2017 3:59 pm

    Roll-call of your most bizarre holiday gifts.

    I’ll start with toss-up between some weight-lifting gloves and a water-damaged Eric Plunk Topps card.

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • Future Ed Dec 31,2017 7:00 pm || Up

      Does literal garbage count? FIL and sMIL go to the recycling center at the Amherst dump. Every year some of the gifts in the big christmas package is from there. This time it was wood cut nesting cats. Its not as bizarre as it is useless.

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Future Ed Dec 31,2017 7:02 pm || Up

      Also very disappointed that the 31 new comments were CTE ball and not Bed saying HNY

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • Soaker Dec 31,2017 8:22 pm || Up

        Bed must be at the super-secret Phil Collins NYE show. I’m enjoying Phish at MSG (midnight ET edit: Soul Planet > Auld Lang Syne > Free), with My Morning Jacket from Colorado later. I decided to retire from any direct NYE participation unless something unusually appealing comes up in the future.

        It crossed my mind to do a separate football thread which could be ignored, a la the World Cup which I appreciated and I guess also served as a spoilers thread, but aside from the Bills I don’t think there’s enough FKers’ interest in what remains of football, college or NFL, to justify it.

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • Future Ed Jan 1,2018 9:28 am || Up

          I don’t mind. allows me to stay informed.

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • colin Dec 31,2017 8:19 pm || Up

      3 lb bag of Japanese salt

      • AV Jan 1,2018 11:58 am || Up

        huh. my oddest gift was a stovetop salt cellar.

        *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
        • AV Jan 1,2018 12:03 pm || Up

          not odd, but bolstering my personal rule about not giving an expert something within his/her expertise (derived from the time someone found out i was into hot sauce and they got me… tapatío), i got a really, really badly designed, and badly printed, book about book design.

          *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
          • nevermoor Jan 1,2018 7:16 pm || Up

            Large quantities of hand lotion (which I never use)

            "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
      • ptbnl Jan 2,2018 9:47 am || Up

        Always love the weighty/bulky gifts for the folks who have to fly home.

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
        • colin Jan 2,2018 9:55 am || Up

          There was also a bottle of soy sauce, which I was sure was going to break in my luggage (but it didn’t).

    • doctorK Jan 1,2018 6:27 pm || Up

      We did a gift exchange this year where all the adults get to choose and steal from each other. The way it worked out, I ended getting my own gift.

      • colin Jan 2,2018 8:19 am || Up

        Oh yeah, we did one of those with my wife’s cousins and it is a strong contender for most bizarre holiday gift. Two of the cousins independently gifted Poo-Pourri toilet spray, so of course my wife and I ended up with both bottles. I contributed three cans from Tree House Brewing, which took ~80 minutes of waiting in line in Massachusetts December weather.

        • ptbnl Jan 2,2018 9:47 am || Up

          The left-over Tree House was delicious, thanks.

          If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
      • dmoas Jan 2,2018 9:47 am || Up

        Should have a rule that if you have your own gift at the end, you get the option to steal.

        • ptbnl Jan 2,2018 12:49 pm || Up

          The trouble with the white elephant/gift grab games is being #1, with the risk of hours of boredom if the gift you get is something crappy that no-one would ever steal.

          My favorite strategy in that situation is to select a gift but refuse to unwrap it.

          If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
          • Glorious Mundy Jan 2,2018 12:56 pm || Up

            Hmmm, now I’m wondering if I can turn next year’s event into a Monty Hall Problem for someone.

          • Future Ed Jan 2,2018 1:37 pm || Up

            i like it

            I have $5. No I don\'t.
          • dmoas Jan 2,2018 2:30 pm || Up

            It needs more random elements to make things interesting. Like a dice roll after each round where if you hit something like 1, you have to randomly pull a name of someone who already has a gift out of a hat and swap. So sure, you can swap out the worst gift for the best, but there’s still a chance afterward of being forced to swap it back or swap it with someone else. That way the person stuck with the worst always has the potential of not getting stuck with the bad one. Maybe even do something after that 1 is hit so that whoever has the worst gift has a higher chance of getting selected.

            • ptbnl Jan 2,2018 2:41 pm || Up

              The family who does it best in my circle has a spin-the-wheel element that includes various swap-combos.

              If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
              • dmoas Jan 2,2018 2:55 pm || Up

                That would actually work pretty well. And with mobile phone spinners, you can add and tweak options each round.

  13. Soaker Dec 31,2017 11:28 pm

    (pitches 2017 over railing of Bill King Deck onto granite boulders below)

    May 2018 bring us a team that’s competitive enough to hold our interest well into August (I’m optimistic) and a new ballpark plan that can actually proceed past the “pretty pictures” stage (less so). Happy New Year, FKers!

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 1,2018 9:29 am || Up

      Happy New Year to FKers near and far. Less than three months until Opening Day (which promises to be quiet if they don’t actually put tickets on sale).

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  14. ptbnl Jan 1,2018 10:42 am

    Another interesting piece in the emerging history of the fossil fuel industry’s long knowledge of the danger of anthopogenic climate change … a 1959 keynote address to the American Petroleum Institute by Edward FKing Teller!

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  15. batgirl Jan 1,2018 4:27 pm

    1. Happy New Year!!
    2. Go Bills!
    3. I Tonya is pretty good. Worth a DVD. She had a pretty lousy childhood. If her mom is even a 10th of what’s depicted…OMG.

  16. doctorK Jan 1,2018 6:22 pm

    Buster Sooner

    • nevermoor Jan 1,2018 7:18 pm || Up

      Sad day. Lincoln got dramatically outcoached at halftime, and man does #9 the linebacker suck.

      "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
      • doctorK Jan 1,2018 7:31 pm || Up

        I was kinda looking forward to being able to post “Iowa State 38, National Champs 31”. Oh well.

  17. AV Jan 2,2018 10:17 am

    is it june yet?

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
    • MikeV Jan 2,2018 10:26 am || Up

      :(

      And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

      Thanks, and go As.

      • AV Jan 2,2018 10:31 am || Up

        shit. i’m gonna have to do better remembering what i can and can’t say.

        *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
        • MikeV Jan 2,2018 10:34 am || Up

          It’s OK, I’m just going to root for Messi to get his.

          And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

          Thanks, and go As.

          • AV Jan 2,2018 10:36 am || Up

            me too. he deserves it.

            *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
    • AV Jan 2,2018 10:37 am || Up

      i jumped the gun.

      is it march yet?

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  18. FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 3,2018 9:35 am

    A’s finally announce ticket sale dates.

    * Tickets for Free April 17 50th Anniversary game available Weds Jan 10.
    * Individual game tix available to registered fans (i.e. those who get the emails) in pre-sale Tues Jan 16 at 4pm.
    * Individual game tix available to regular stiffs Weds Jan 17
    * Fan Fest is Sat Jan 27, 10am at Jack London Sq.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  19. Glorious Mundy Jan 3,2018 10:34 am

    oooooooooook

    • dmoas Jan 3,2018 11:13 am || Up

      Those are a lot of words for a saying absolutely nothing truthful.

    • AV Jan 3,2018 11:26 am || Up

      god dammit. it’s been like 30 minutes and i still can’t get “up in here, up in here” out of my head.

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
      • Glorious Mundy Jan 3,2018 11:31 am || Up

        SAME!!!!!!!!!

        • AV Jan 3,2018 12:12 pm || Up

          lol

          *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
          • Glorious Mundy Jan 3,2018 2:32 pm || Up

            The funny thing is that I wasn’t even fully conscious of how it got in there until you mentioned it. But I had been muttering “y’all goan make me lose my mind” to myself.

    • Future Ed Jan 3,2018 12:26 pm || Up

      Lebendowski had nothing to do with the campaign
      Manafort had nothing to do with the campaign
      Bannon had nothing to do with the campaign

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • AV Jan 3,2018 12:37 pm || Up

        hmm.

        bannon says the probe is gonna end up on laundering.

        trump insults bannon.

        sanders goes live to explicate insults.

        meanwhile, manafort announces suit, that his laundering had nothing to do with election.

        —-

        i’m not saying they’re in concert. it’s just all so sudden after a get-the-story-straight break.

        *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
      • dmoas Jan 3,2018 12:43 pm || Up

        Junior had nothing to do with the campaign.
        Kushner had nothing to do with the campaign.
        Pence had nothing to do with the campaign.
        Donald Trump Sr. had nothing to do with the campaign.

  20. Glorious Mundy Jan 3,2018 10:42 am
    • AV Jan 3,2018 10:51 am || Up

      In a 1997 interview in Cigar Aficionado magazine with Arthur Marx, Peter Falk said: “I remember once in high school the umpire called me out at third base when I was sure I was safe. I got so mad I took out my glass eye, handed it to him and said, ‘Try this.’

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  21. Glorious Mundy Jan 3,2018 10:53 am

    • dmoas Jan 3,2018 11:13 am || Up

      Yes. “Exciting.”

      • Glorious Mundy Jan 3,2018 11:14 am || Up

        Exciting for her! Anyway, it’s more full-time people covering the A’s, which I like.

        • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 3,2018 1:48 pm || Up

          Until the Athletic vanquishes the print dailies, as per their explicit goal, at which point I assume the layoffs and salary cuts begin.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  22. Future Ed Jan 3,2018 12:55 pm

    wait, you can do this?

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • andeux Jan 3,2018 1:21 pm || Up

      Sure, can’t you sue anyone for pretty much anything?

      TINSTAAFK
      • Glorious Mundy Jan 3,2018 1:27 pm || Up

        If you are willing to eat the Rule 11 sanctions, yes.

    • colin Jan 3,2018 1:54 pm || Up

      Seems to me like there is a distinct chance that Manafort’s suit will backfire, resulting in a judge’s ruling that Mueller can investigate whatever the FK he wants. Not that it would prevent Trump from continuing to whine.

      On the other hand, maybe Manafort is filing the lawsuit somewhere where he knows he will get a sympathetic hearing.

      • Glorious Mundy Jan 3,2018 2:03 pm || Up

        He filed it in the federal court for the District of Columbia, and it was assigned to the same Obama appointee who has his criminal case. I suspect she will view this as a stunt.

        • colin Jan 3,2018 2:09 pm || Up

          I’m glad to hear that this isn’t looking like some savvy tactical move then.

          • Future Ed Jan 3,2018 2:28 pm || Up

            I just filed suit against the DA in all my cases.

            Check and mate, sir.

            I have $5. No I don\'t.
          • ptbnl Jan 3,2018 2:31 pm || Up

            asvd

            If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
          • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 3,2018 3:35 pm || Up

            I’m beginning to think Paul Manafort may not be the brilliant tactician I took him for.

            "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  23. ptbnl Jan 3,2018 1:32 pm

    Arsene Wenger’s head is going to explode.

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  24. FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 3,2018 6:07 pm

    FSU Rootability Index, NFL version:

    1. Buffalo. Just Marv Levy is reason enough.
    2. Philly. The nicest fans on earth deserve this.
    3. Minnesota. Almost as much fail as Buffalo.
    4. Jacksonville. As NFL owners go I’ll take Shad Kahn.
    5. LA Rams. Goff.
    6-7-8. Tennessee Atlanta New Orleans. I can’t bring myself to care about any of these.
    9. KC. I can’t wait to see how Andy Reid blows it this time.
    10. Carolina. As NFL owners go especially fuck Racist McGropesalot.
    11. Pittsburgh. As NFL QBs go especially fuck Rapist McDrunkalot.
    12. New England. The undiluted seed of Satan.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • ptbnl Jan 3,2018 6:26 pm || Up

      So you’re saying we should bet on a Pittsburgh/New England superbowl?

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
      • andeux Jan 3,2018 6:41 pm || Up

        How much would you like to bet on that?

        TINSTAAFK
        • ptbnl Jan 3,2018 10:20 pm || Up

          I’ll be laughing all the way to the bank when the NFC is abolished on January 20th and the AFC Championship game is declared the Superbowl by proxy.

          If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 3,2018 6:58 pm || Up

        I dunno, anyone who bet along with the FSURI in 2017 MLB postseason made out pretty well.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • MikeV Jan 3,2018 8:43 pm || Up

      12. Evil League of Evil.

      And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

      Thanks, and go As.

    • doctorK Jan 4,2018 8:36 am || Up

      12 – In addition to everything else about the team that I hate, Brady is a major seller of woo. Perhaps we should refer to the team as “Woo England”.

    • 5Aces Jan 4,2018 9:26 am || Up

      I believe in this index and would like to purchase funds in it.

      I might move LA up simply as the hometown team. (gargles bleach as I finish saying that)

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 19,2018 6:22 pm || Up

      The better FSURI teams are 5-3 heading into the Conf championships, and the NFC is sure to be repped by a fine team in LII. Now go Jags! Slay the beast!

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • sslinger Jan 19,2018 6:38 pm || Up

        Agreed on the NFC! I’m tempted to say if the Vikes win that I’d love for them to play and beat the best in the Super Bowl so bring on the Pats, but I’ve seen that script before. So Blake Bortles, you go on and be da man!

  25. Glorious Mundy Jan 4,2018 7:40 am

    The president fake threatening a lawsuit to prevent publication of a book that hurts his feelings while a major motion picture about the Pentagon Papers is in theaters is a bit much.

    Also, maybe these dipshits should google the “Streisand Effect.”

  26. AV Jan 4,2018 11:19 am

    well that figures.

    went to sleep listening to the last podcast in my queue. the one that would zero out my unlisteneds. so i can start with fresh new pods this morning.

    (ok, so i meant to do this by 1/1. there were a lot of pods tho.)

    woke up, however, to a fucking brick sleeping next to me. (and i reacted with as much horror as the dude with the horse head in godfather.)

    two weeks for the repair. i’m going to be so very pod-behind.

    i mean, by 9am i already was!!!

    sigh.

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
    • Future Ed Jan 4,2018 12:00 pm || Up

      You should always wear a bicycle helmut

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 4,2018 1:17 pm || Up

        Kohl? Schmidt? For nighttime use I recommend Newton.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
        • Future Ed Jan 4,2018 1:21 pm || Up

          av will know

          ” frameborder=”0″ gesture=”media” allow=”encrypted-media” allowfullscreen>

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
          • AV Jan 4,2018 1:41 pm || Up

            it was my first thought.

            *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
    • Glorious Mundy Jan 4,2018 1:42 pm || Up

      I’m dipping into Treks and the City which your boy Lovett just appeared on.

      • AV Jan 4,2018 1:46 pm || Up

        the level of can’t wait till my phone comes back fixed keeps going up.

        *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
        • MikeV Jan 4,2018 3:28 pm || Up

          Wha happen?

          And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

          Thanks, and go As.

          • AV Jan 4,2018 3:45 pm || Up

            semi-bricked via some “known issue” with a recent update. not sure what update, or if it was even an android one. i accept them all as soon as they come. there may have been 2 or 3 yesterday.

            it tries to power on but doesn’t ever get there and starts the cycle again. in recovery mode, it said “no command.”

            shipped back to samsung now.

            *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
            • AV Jan 4,2018 3:48 pm || Up

              either that or spectre meltdown!!!!!

              *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  27. Glorious Mundy Jan 4,2018 4:54 pm
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 4,2018 5:39 pm || Up
      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Future Ed Jan 4,2018 6:18 pm || Up

        “Roy was not gay. He was a man who liked having sex with men….”

        -roger stone

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Future Ed Jan 4,2018 6:16 pm || Up

      Here is a video. we have 6 named sources corroborating. A statement from trump and geotags from his phone. All showing/saying he was on 5th ave on May 13, 2016 shooting and killing a hobo.

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  28. FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 4,2018 6:12 pm

    Joe Thornton got in a fight tonight in which a handful of his beard hair got ripped out. This hurts just to think about.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  29. Future Ed Jan 4,2018 7:18 pm

    this cannot be true, but it makes me happy

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • andeux Jan 4,2018 7:31 pm || Up

      It took me until midway through the third paragraph to be sure.

      TINSTAAFK
      • 5Aces Jan 8,2018 10:16 am || Up

        He would never kneel. He’d have 2 lackeys come in and raise the TV up to his level.

        Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  30. Future Ed Jan 5,2018 12:14 pm
    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  31. Glorious Mundy Jan 5,2018 12:16 pm

    Someone must be spiking the punch at P.F. Chang’s.

    • andeux Jan 5,2018 12:23 pm || Up

      What’s Tom Walsh doing these days?

      TINSTAAFK
  32. FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 5,2018 12:20 pm
    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • Soaker Jan 5,2018 2:15 pm || Up

      Oh no. Reach for the Peach!

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  33. Future Ed Jan 5,2018 8:33 pm
    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 5,2018 9:23 pm || Up

      Can the charity intermediary really spend interchangeably relative to the govt? Is an entire state budget just as easily run as a 501c3?

      Funny that the cited precedent is a religious school donation case.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  34. Soaker Jan 5,2018 11:06 pm

    If Bed happens to be lurking…the book I have selected for the February plant-my-ass on the beach in Maui trip is Grant by Ron Chernow.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  35. FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 6,2018 3:59 pm

    If Mariotta can throw himself another TD or two the Chiefs could yet blow this game.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 6,2018 4:48 pm || Up

      Hah hah hah LOL Chiefs.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Future Ed Jan 6,2018 5:23 pm || Up

        . I can’t wait to see how Andy Reid blows it this time.

        satisfied?

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
        • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 6,2018 6:54 pm || Up

          Yes, an inexorable collapse can sometimes be even better than a cataclysmic fuckup.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • Glorious Mundy Jan 6,2018 5:21 pm || Up

      Hang on…he was clearly across the line of scrimmage when he tried to throw that. Not a penalty because was immediately deflected?

      • MikeV Jan 6,2018 5:49 pm || Up

        No, the rule is silly. The entire body has to be across the line.

        And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

        Thanks, and go As.

    • doctorK Jan 7,2018 1:30 pm || Up

      Only two things could out-do the Chefs’ failure – the Titans winning next week in Fuxboro, and the Jags beating the Stillers.

  36. ptbnl Jan 7,2018 9:47 am

    Squeaky bum time in Nottingham.

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • Future Ed Jan 7,2018 9:55 am || Up

      who needs to go to 11

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • ptbnl Jan 7,2018 9:58 am || Up

        A penalty that wasn’t, illegally dispatched, should be enough.

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • MikeV Jan 7,2018 10:04 am || Up

      Eric Lichaj sighting!

      And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

      Thanks, and go As.

      • ptbnl Jan 7,2018 10:22 am || Up

        “My wife said she would let me have a dog if I scored a hat-trick this year”, says Lichaj in his post-match interview. “But Kieran [Dowell] wouldn’t let me have the last penalty. He told me to go away.”

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  37. elcroata Jan 7,2018 10:53 am

    Offensive firework in Jacksonville

    Because survival is insufficient
    • Soaker Jan 7,2018 11:00 am || Up

      This isn’t even a good pitchers’ duel. Nothing but pop flies and routine grounders.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • ptbnl Jan 7,2018 11:06 am || Up

        4th & 1 on the 3 yard line … how do they screw it up, andeux?

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • MikeV Jan 7,2018 11:27 am || Up

      It is absolutely amazing to me that Bortles and Taylor are the QBs of playoff teams

      And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

      Thanks, and go As.

      • elcroata Jan 7,2018 11:33 am || Up

        Bills were counting on snowstorms throughout the playoffs

        Because survival is insufficient
    • elcroata Jan 7,2018 11:27 am || Up

      Sure, go for the two passes toward the sidelines, so that Jacksonville doesn’t have to burn any timeouts

      Because survival is insufficient
      • elcroata Jan 7,2018 11:37 am || Up

        They managed to:
        1) Get a personal foul on a punt return
        2) Shave off entire 22 seconds off the clock with Jags using only one timeout
        3) Punt 34 yards

        Because survival is insufficient
  38. FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 7,2018 11:46 am

    That was an anemic half of playoff football to be sure. But gripping!

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • Glorious Mundy Jan 7,2018 11:49 am || Up

      But the announcer just called it “magisterial football!!”

      Oh wait, that’s Ray Hudson calling the Real Madrid game.

      • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 7,2018 11:58 am || Up

        In America we don’t do royalty, our football is “plutocratic”.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Future Ed Jan 7,2018 12:34 pm || Up

        Words like “magisterial” can only be read in a ray hudson voice

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
        • Glorious Mundy Jan 7,2018 12:48 pm || Up

          I have only ever heard that word screamed by him.

  39. FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 7,2018 12:27 pm

    Now the Jags will run the Four Corners until the clock expires.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • Soaker Jan 7,2018 12:28 pm || Up

      It has been 18 years since America was subjected to the atrocity of a Bills playoff game and I hope it’s 18 more years before we get stuck with another one.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • elcroata Jan 7,2018 12:33 pm || Up

        I watched Syracuse vs. Notre Dame yesterday. Not sure which is uglier

        Because survival is insufficient
  40. elcroata Jan 7,2018 12:33 pm

    Raise your hand if you had Bortles as the leading rusher in the game

    Because survival is insufficient
    • Glorious Mundy Jan 7,2018 12:41 pm || Up

      My leading rusher was also named Bortles.

  41. Soaker Jan 7,2018 1:14 pm

    Peterman miracle ending not happening.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • elcroata Jan 7,2018 1:15 pm || Up

      Miracle would have been a game without interception

      Because survival is insufficient
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 7,2018 1:40 pm || Up

      See, though, that start vs LA earlier prepared him for just this situation. About the same INT-per-minute rate, too.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • doctorK Jan 7,2018 1:42 pm || Up

      Here’s an idea. In order to simplify these catch/no-catch calls, how about this – if the ball touches the ground, it’s incomplete.

  42. Glorious Mundy Jan 7,2018 5:48 pm

    They really throw the book at you for intentional grounding.

  43. Soaker Jan 8,2018 10:39 am

    ESPN has 20 separate productions for the Alabama-Georgia championship game. ESPNU will show all 5 of the “Voices” productions simultaneously, which sounds like a mess.

    More on Voices Presentation
    ESPNU will feature all five shows, plus the game, in a six quadrant viewing experience. While being able to see all six productions, each production you hear will change throughout the night, jumping around from show-to-show throughout the night. However, for fans interested in one particular production, they can go on ESPN3 where all five will have a dedicated ESPN3 feed.

    List of all 20 telecasts (many only available via streaming)

    Update listing additional names for Voices and Coaches Film Room

    For me, Coaches Film Room is the one that makes it worth watching.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Soaker Jan 8,2018 9:14 pm || Up

      2nd and 26 with a choketastic kicker waiting to blow it again…

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 8,2018 9:28 pm || Up

        The unknown frosh backup QB redeemed him. Too bad, it really looked like Alabama was ready to be vanquished.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
        • Soaker Jan 8,2018 9:33 pm || Up

          The coaches on Film Room were all screaming “Where the hell is Jalen?” during and after that first series out of halftime, but boy had they changed their tune by the end of the game.

          What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  44. Future Ed Jan 8,2018 11:19 am

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  45. ptbnl Jan 8,2018 3:39 pm

    Driving down the Eastshore Freeway in our 2007 Subaru Outback on Xmas night, out of nowhere the car filled with smoke and every light on the dashboard started flashing.

    Fast forward 1 week and $200, and the Subaru dealership tells me the radiator cracked and lost all the cooling fluid and as a result the engine overheated and blew its head gasket.

    Fast forward 2 weeks and $2000, and they’ve now removed and disassembled the engine and discovered that is is indeed bricked.

    What now?

    Having the dealership install a new engine would cost more than the Blue Book, but we would end up with a car we like with a new engine under warranty.

    Having a non-dealership mechanic install a salvaged engine would surely be cheaper, but with a greater risk of becoming a pit we keep shoveling money into.

    Writing it off would mean going car shopping again, just as we need a winter’s worth of Tahoe trips.

    Thoughts?

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 8,2018 5:40 pm || Up

      Big picture: if my family only had one car, which often went on vacation trips, I’d want the peace of mind from something more reliable than a 10 year old car on a second engine. Especially if there may be reasons to think more trouble might be coming.

      Details:

      * $2,200 spent and nothing’s been fixed yet? That’s way too much for a diagnosis. Does that get credited against the final repair total in some way (e.g., mechanic pulled the engine so that covers much of the labor if I do have them replace it)?

      * The order of failure is important here. A radiator losing fluid and blowing a head gasket is common enough. But not likely to seize the entire engine unless this was a longer-running problem. Had the temp gauge been running high? Had you needed to keep topping off the coolant? Sudden radiator failure can happen but rarely with that costly a catastrophic failure.

      * “Car filled with smoke…” Literally smoke? Or might it have been steam? Because if the root cause was electrical first, causing smoke, maybe a melting plastic smell, the harness is garbooned. Don’t invest another cent and run away from this car. If it might have just been steam then that fits the radiator-first theory (but again you likely would have seen symptoms earlier).

      * A salvaged engine isn’t necessarily a bad choice, if you trust the source and the mechanic who installs it. I’ve been told that Japan’s air quality restrictions functionally force cars off the road much sooner than here, and reliable lightly-used Japanese engines are then exported here.

      So, the replace path could work out, if you’re certain of the initial cause and feel good that the car is otherwise good for another 50,000 miles. But, if the cause might be something else, or augurs poorly for other car health indicators, OR if you consider how you’ll feel driving steep narrow snowy roads and you worry, then maybe time to get a new ride.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • ptbnl Jan 8,2018 7:28 pm || Up

        I was hoping you’d chime in!

        Big picture: if my family only had one car, which often went on vacation trips, I’d want the peace of mind from something more reliable than a 10 year old car on a second engine. Especially if there may be reasons to think more trouble might be coming.

        Definitely what gives us pause about a reconditioned engine.

        * $2,200 spent and nothing’s been fixed yet? That’s way too much for a diagnosis. Does that get credited against the final repair total in some way (e.g., mechanic pulled the engine so that covers much of the labor if I do have them replace it)?

        As I understand it (and I’m seeking clarification) this is for removing the engine and disassembling it enough to tell that it is toast. The first $200 was a 1 hour diagnosis; the next 10 got us to “its a brick”. And yes, if we put a new engine in they obviously won’t have to remove the old one.

        * The order of failure is important here. A radiator losing fluid and blowing a head gasket is common enough. But not likely to seize the entire engine unless this was a longer-running problem. Had the temp gauge been running high? Had you needed to keep topping off the coolant? Sudden radiator failure can happen but rarely with that costly a catastrophic failure.

        The temperature gauge definitely hadn’t been running high, and there was no sign of a long-term coolant leak (we always keep an eye out for stains on the driveway). It had fairly recently had all the fluids checked and we hadn’t had to top anything off. It seems it was a sudden radiator failure.

        * “Car filled with smoke…” Literally smoke? Or might it have been steam? Because if the root cause was electrical first, causing smoke, maybe a melting plastic smell, the harness is garbooned. Don’t invest another cent and run away from this car. If it might have just been steam then that fits the radiator-first theory (but again you likely would have seen symptoms earlier).

        Sudden smoke just before it stopped running – I’d assumed burning oil after the gasket blew. No plastic smell though.

        * A salvaged engine isn’t necessarily a bad choice, if you trust the source and the mechanic who installs it. I’ve been told that Japan’s air quality restrictions functionally force cars off the road much sooner than here, and reliable lightly-used Japanese engines are then exported here.

        Any recommendations for source and/or mechanic? We started with Art’s Automotive on San Pablo, who were great to work with but not especially good at, y’know, fixing things.

        So, the replace path could work out, if you’re certain of the initial cause and feel good that the car is otherwise good for another 50,000 miles. But, if the cause might be something else, or augurs poorly for other car health indicators, OR if you consider how you’ll feel driving steep narrow snowy roads and you worry, then maybe time to get a new ride.

        Aye, there’s the rub. Up till now it has been extremely reliable, but this was so unheralded that it is hard to be confident that other things won’t just suddenly fail.

        If we do write it off, what do we do with an engine-less body? One of your Lemons friends?!

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
        • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 8,2018 9:20 pm || Up

          With the caveat that I don’t know what you authorized {“Fix it, damn the expense!”), $2,200 just to be told your engine seized seems wildly unreasonable. Like, didn’t give you sufficient info on the possible outcomes unreasonable. My cost point is not that you don’t pay to reinstall a dead engine, obv, but that the price they quote for a new engine install includes labor you’ve now already paid and thus should be credited for, if you end up doing the full job.

          Art’s has a good rep and I’ve used them. No idea who else might do a refurb engine.

          I’m still stuck on the cause. No signs of leaks, no previous need to regularly top off the rad. Maybe if you were at the end of a six hour drive without stops during which a fresh substantial leak arose? Or if the rad caught a big piece of debris. Put it this way: unless the mechanic can show you exactly where the rad failed, I’d be worried about another underlying cause, that may well still exist after a new/refurb engine, magnifying the loss many times over and leaving youm right where you are now.

          Not much demand a 2007 Subaru shell, maybe get $100 for the scrap metal from Pick n Pull.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
          • MikeV Jan 9,2018 12:24 am || Up

            $2,200 just to be told your engine seized seems wildly unreasonable.

            100% in agreement. I would be absolutely losing my shit over this, honestly.

            And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

            Thanks, and go As.

            • ptbnl Jan 9,2018 2:32 pm || Up

              They quote 20 hours labor to remove, disassemble, fix, reassemble, and reinstall the engine, and 12 of those just to remove and disassemble (which seems oddly imbalanced); if we got a new engine they’d then charge the other 8 hours to assemble and install it.

              They also said they’d “never heard” of someone towing their vehicle away without the (dead) engine being reassembled and reinstalled, but grudgingly agreed that that could be done!

              They couldn’t find the technician, so couldn’t tell me exactly what state the engine is currently in that makes it irreparable.

              Being a 2007, the $6700 “new” engine isn’t even new, but re-manufactured (1 year, unlimited mileage warranty). It also doesn’t come with the heads, which would need to be machined ($1000).

              If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
              • ptbnl Jan 9,2018 2:48 pm || Up

                Meanwhile Art’s is quoting 10 hours instead of 20 and offer a 3 year warranty on a $5500 re-manufactured engine with heads.

                If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
              • MikeV Jan 9,2018 9:29 pm || Up

                For $6700 you could buy an entire 2007 Subaru Outback.

                And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

                Thanks, and go As.

          • ptbnl Jan 9,2018 2:56 pm || Up

            re. underlying cause, I was just waiting to be told it was due to running the gas tank dry …

            If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
            • AV Jan 9,2018 3:50 pm || Up

              all that does is clog up your gas filter with tank debris.

              you end up on the side of the road going, “how can this car be stalled?? gauge says there are still a couple cl’s in the tank!!”

              *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
          • ptbnl Jan 9,2018 3:03 pm || Up

            And this just in from the technician:

            “The whole engine is warped from overheating, also looks like the heads have been machined in the past and one of them has a crack in it.”

            Warped sounds obvious enough that you wouldn’t need to do much disassembly before writing it off, but I guess they charge the quoted hours regardless.

            If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
            • Soaker Jan 9,2018 3:36 pm || Up

              All you’re missing at Tahoe is rain, anyway.

              What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
              • ptbnl Jan 9,2018 3:40 pm || Up

                There is that!

                If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
                • Soaker Jan 9,2018 11:21 pm || Up

                  It’s not the driest winter I have seen here. It is, however, the warmest. Ponds and estuaries that are reliably frozen from Thanksgiving into February are liquid. Usually on a dry morning in December and January, when I wake up and check the thermometer it’s around 15°-18°; I don’t think I’ve seen <20° but a couple times and it's usually been more like 26°-30°.

                  What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
            • dmoas Jan 9,2018 4:39 pm || Up

              If the “whole thing is warped” that sounds like something that you’d be able to tell without even touching it.

            • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 9,2018 5:54 pm || Up

              “Warped” in this is case an amount sufficient to impede the cylinders, not necessarily clear to the naked eye. However, once the heads were off at least you should be able to manually rotate the crankshaft with a breaker bar, or in failing to do so learn that the engine was seized. I suppose they might say that they didn’t want to risk doing more damage that way, but I agree they more likely just charged you the quoted hourly rate.

              "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • Soaker Jan 8,2018 7:03 pm || Up

      The easiest and most convenient solution sounds like having the dealership put in a new engine, but as someone who tends to hold on to cars too long (16 years for that first-generation RAV4), I dislike making a huge expenditure like that at >10 years because then you’ll feel obligated to keep fixing all the smaller things that will certainly go wrong anyway. That’s a mistake I’ve made that I swear not to repeat, although it will require overcoming my tightwad personality. Going car-hunting now is probably the best solution in the long run.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • ptbnl Jan 8,2018 7:38 pm || Up

        Indeed … hard to put another $8K into installing a new engine and then treat that as a sunk cost.

        Ideally a new engine should get us another 150K miles or more, but even at 12K-15K miles/year that would still make it a 20+ year old body.

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
        • Soaker Jan 8,2018 9:28 pm || Up

          I defer to FSU on the mechanical aspects, but just on the psychological part if we’re talking $8K there’s no issue. I was mad that I spent $1500 on the old RAV4 and realized a few months later it was a waste. It sucks that you can’t take the deduction until April 2019 but that 1-877 song might be a pretty good solution here.

          What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
          • Future Ed Jan 9,2018 5:33 am || Up

            almost anyone else, though, they are pretty bad as a charity

            I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 8,2018 9:24 pm || Up

        We’ve invested too much to stop now! That’s when a car has gone Vietnam on you.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • AV Jan 8,2018 9:48 pm || Up

      similar.

      my 1991 6-cyl diesel has a bad head or cracked cylinder or something horrific. coolant disappears, and reappears as gray frothy oil in the dipstick. hyrdolock is a word i’ve learned. mech will open the head for $1k to diagnose. engine was about 300K miles.

      there’s a for-parts of the same model, 100k miles, up beyond chico in a non-op title for about $1k. plus hitch rental to get it here. plus actual mechanic (whom i do trust) for ~2k? 3k?

      apparently these engines are great. unless you lose the rare lotto on the same thing that happened to mine.

      the upswing is all those other spare parts in the second car… maybe i can fix the sunroof? future sunk cost is already paid for!

      should i?

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
    • ptbnl Jan 9,2018 9:46 pm || Up

      The latest chapter in the saga (after spending the afternoon dealing with a neighbor stealing our mail, forging a check to herself, and trying to cash it) was to canvas the businesses on the street, since we’re just off Broadway Auto Row, and get an offer of $4K total to install a “good” replacement engine.

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
      • nevermoor Jan 10,2018 2:51 pm || Up

        Man. Tell me more about the charms of life in the East Bay…

        (that said, we have installed one of those locked mailboxes since one of the “great benefits” of NextDoor is that whenever anyone has their mail stolen, the entire city–and most especially Mrs. N–gets to be scared by it.

        "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
  46. Glorious Mundy Jan 9,2018 11:59 am

    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 9,2018 5:43 pm || Up

      Slight elaboration: “We’re 100 percent focused on Oakland and the best location that marries the community as well the A’s needs and we’ve identified three final locations,” Kaval said, adding that this time, there is no timetable for an announcement. “We had a preferred location, a lot of thought went into that and we just want to make sure before we make another announcement that we’re very thoughtful about how we approach it.” Kaval is good with teh words.

      And kinda neat about the A’s new offices at 55 Harrison: a memorabilia display which includes “…the orange ball Charlie Finley proposed using, and, side-by-side, the amateur scouting reports on Reggie Jackson and Matt Olson.”

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • dmoas Jan 9,2018 5:54 pm || Up

        Kaval is worlds better at handling PR/Fan Relationship than the prior Prez.

        • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 9,2018 6:01 pm || Up

          Yes, a great example of how even making the effort to appear responsive can gain you better support. That won’t last forever, they still need to deliver a stadium and a winning ball club. But it beats the previous regime by miles. And it essentially costs them nothing.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  47. MikeV Jan 9,2018 9:31 pm

    OMG.

    And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

    Thanks, and go As.

  48. andeux Jan 9,2018 9:40 pm

    TINSTAAFK
    • Soaker Jan 9,2018 11:29 pm || Up

      I’m surprised by that. I figured he would be one of the three or four who would rotate for 30-40 games each per season when Fosse retires or dies.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • Soaker Jan 10,2018 10:01 am || Up

        The encouraging part being the suggestion that Fosse is either talking retirement or being pushed that way.

        Mulder said Tuesday night he had “no clue” what had happened. “They told me a little over a month ago that they were going in a different direction,” he said. “The only thing I can really think of is that they are looking for someone who will maybe want the job full-time, not just part of the season like me.”

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • andeux Jan 10,2018 11:16 am || Up


          I like Braden too, but I’m worried that he’ll wear thin a little faster than Mulder.
          On the plus side, Braden on the sidelines (and Kara, for “selected home games”) presumably means no Angela.

          TINSTAAFK
          • Soaker Jan 10,2018 11:31 am || Up

            While it’s good to be rid of Angela, Kara’s presence indicates that they’ve defined the job to be “conducting annoying, distracting interviews with people in the stands and pitching merchandise while the game is going on” so that part of it isn’t going to get any better. Not a criticism of Kara, rather a criticism of the broadcast content.

            What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
            • Future Ed Jan 10,2018 12:09 pm || Up

              kara is good people, though

              I have $5. No I don\'t.
            • Future Ed Jan 10,2018 12:10 pm || Up

              Angela may be good too, but in the kimited times I saw her, she didn’t have personality or knowledge.

              I have $5. No I don\'t.
            • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 10,2018 12:30 pm || Up

              Kara’s function is mostly in-stadium bits between innings, only has ancillary broadcast role. Not really comparable to the unlamented Angela.

              "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
          • Soaker Jan 10,2018 12:23 pm || Up

            Here’s the RSN ratings summary for 2017. The A’s had the lowest average rating among the 29 US teams, and worse, the Giants’ telecasts outdrew the A’s by more than a 5:1 ratio (2.92 to 0.56) in spite of the Giants falling on their faces right at the start of the season, losing nearly 100 games and losing 28% of their audience vs. 2016. This puts Braden on the telecasts for 89 games, and while I wouldn’t say Mulder is a “scapegoat”, I can see where Braden would bring some spice to the telecasts that Mulder couldn’t. Hardcore fans who might think Braden wears thin will be watching anyway.

            What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
            • Future Ed Jan 10,2018 12:29 pm || Up

              braden *feels* like you have a window into the clubhouse, Mulder is dime a dozen analyst. Fosse is waiting for dusk on the 4th of july so the fireworks and Sousa Music will finally drown out pappy’s stories you have heard every summer since you were 5.

              I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Soaker Jan 9,2018 11:40 pm || Up

      Also I’m glad to see you apparently survived your crash through the table at the playoff game party.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • andeux Jan 10,2018 9:51 am || Up

        The bruises are mostly psychological.

        TINSTAAFK
  49. MikeV Jan 10,2018 8:59 am

    Free Tickets acquired for 4/17.

    I declare tailgate.

    And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

    Thanks, and go As.

    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 10,2018 10:54 am || Up

      You guys tailgate?!

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • MikeV Jan 10,2018 11:01 am || Up

        I’m out of practice. According to twitter, Casey Pratt and Slusser will stop by. I have apparently owed her grilled eggplant for a few years now.

        And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

        Thanks, and go As.

    • ptbnl Jan 10,2018 12:40 pm || Up

      4 tickets here too .. G/A is going to be a zoo.

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
      • MikeV Jan 10,2018 1:17 pm || Up

        I’m tempted to do the “tailgate and stay in the lot” thing, but I’ll have my boys with me so we’ll probably go in at some point and just float around

        And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

        Thanks, and go As.

  50. colin Jan 10,2018 11:41 am
  51. Glorious Mundy Jan 10,2018 1:21 pm

    “Sneaky Dianne Feinstein”

    That one needs some workshopping.

  52. ptbnl Jan 10,2018 1:23 pm

    Oakland Police Department has an online form to report a crime, but you’re not allowed to use it if you know whodunnit!

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • Soaker Jan 10,2018 1:31 pm || Up

      Now that I’ve gotten used to going to the post office every other day or so to pick up my mail from the locked box (since USPS doesn’t deliver to residences here), I find the notion of having mail delivered to an unlocked box at my house unthinkable. There are also those places like UPS Store that have locked boxes, probably more expensive than the post office but maybe more convenient.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • ptbnl Jan 10,2018 1:36 pm || Up

        We’ll probably go the locked box route, though we haven’t had any problems in 17 years till yesterday.

        At this point we have a name, address, phone number and facebook account for the perp, and two witnesses and security video at the bank. Now all we need to do is get OPD interested (6 hours and counting since we called; no response yet).

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
        • Future Ed Jan 10,2018 9:16 pm || Up

          if you get OPD interested, then you need to get the DA.

          its a long road in a county where real crime happens.

          (here in SF, use of SLFs card are home depot, verison and burger king has resulted in 0 investigations, 0 arrests and 0 convictions)

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • ptbnl Jan 10,2018 8:03 pm || Up

      11 hours and counting to submit an OPD crime report.

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
      • AV Jan 10,2018 9:03 pm || Up

        the young buck who had me stand on the sidewalk telling him about my assault a few years back had zero ability to listen and less to write down all the details i was giving.

        maybe spend your wait by writing the narrative down in short, easy to parse sentences, and making sure your stapler is loaded.

        *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
        • ptbnl Jan 10,2018 9:09 pm || Up

          Because we know who did it, the report has to be taken by a local beat officer.

          Because it’s not a crime in progress, it’s not a priority.

          Basically we have to wait till there is no crime in progress in Oakland before we can make our report.

          12 hours and counting.

          If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
          • AV Jan 10,2018 9:32 pm || Up

            but reported crimes are down 23% in oakland!!

            …wait a minute.

            *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
      • Future Ed Jan 10,2018 9:17 pm || Up

        we gave up on a home burglary (when we were home) because the process was so ridiculous

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Future Ed Jan 10,2018 9:11 pm || Up

      CYA-652P?

      good form

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  53. Soaker Jan 10,2018 3:40 pm

    Please tell me “KodakCoin” is an early April Fools joke.

    Part of that article, written yesterday, is way out of date. Closing prices of Eastman Kodak (KODK) stock:

    Monday: $3.10
    Tuesday: $6.80
    Today: $10.70 (traded as high as $13.27)

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • andeux Jan 10,2018 3:57 pm || Up

      “For many in the tech industry, ‘blockchain’ and ‘cryptocurrency’ are hot buzzwords

      You don’t say.

      (Related)

      TINSTAAFK
    • Soaker Jan 10,2018 5:34 pm || Up

      Going back in the Historical Data table, KODK was around $15-$16 at the beginning of 2017 before falling to $3, and further back than that it was in the low $30s at times in 2014.

      Which means the SearsCoin announcement should be coming no later than Friday.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  54. Soaker Jan 10,2018 4:40 pm

    Same money as Billy Butler. I think this will be your Better DH Value.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  55. AV Jan 10,2018 10:08 pm

    i admit i didn’t read this. didn’t want it to ruin the headline.

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  56. Englishmajor Jan 11,2018 6:45 am

    Lemurs conquered BBC reporter

  57. Glorious Mundy Jan 11,2018 7:31 am

    This may be the worst techbro idea ever, and that’s a very competitive category.

    • Future Ed Jan 11,2018 11:33 am || Up

      did I hit the wrong link? because some nonsense popped up

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • Glorious Mundy Jan 11,2018 12:33 pm || Up

        It’s an app for creating a quickie contract demonstrating that you have consent before you do the nasty with someone.

  58. Glorious Mundy Jan 11,2018 10:11 am

    He’s going to run from his constituents and move houses to run in the jungle primary against one of his Republican colleagues? This would be amazing.

    • andeux Jan 11,2018 10:36 am || Up

      Vaping congressman vs. arson congressman?

      TINSTAAFK
      • Future Ed Jan 11,2018 11:33 am || Up

        WARNING! STEP AWAY FROM MY CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT!

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
  59. andeux Jan 11,2018 11:17 am
    TINSTAAFK
  60. Glorious Mundy Jan 11,2018 12:31 pm

    • colin Jan 11,2018 2:21 pm || Up

      I did not even remember that he was on the A’s

      • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 11,2018 2:53 pm || Up

        I remember cursing his name a few times.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  61. Glorious Mundy Jan 11,2018 2:29 pm

    Wow. This is really something.

    • Glorious Mundy Jan 11,2018 3:24 pm || Up

      Cool state of affairs we’ve got here.

      • Future Ed Jan 11,2018 5:33 pm || Up

        yes, can we now just admit Clinton lost because there are enough states that are majority racist? Or do we have to continue pretending she didn’t appeal enough to “working” class?

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
        • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 11,2018 5:39 pm || Up

          Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania. Clinton ran a shit campaign.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
          • Future Ed Jan 11,2018 5:59 pm || Up

            she could have done better. Yes.

            But Feingold got trounced in Wisconsin. racists showed up.

            It was assumed that trump was too racist to win, but turns out racism wins

            I have $5. No I don\'t.
          • andeux Jan 12,2018 10:45 am || Up

            TINSTAAFK
      • Soaker Jan 12,2018 7:33 am || Up

        I figure a lot of Norwegians woke up this morning thinking, “Why would I want to emigrate to that shithole?”

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Future Ed Jan 11,2018 8:34 pm || Up

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  62. FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 11,2018 7:38 pm
    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • AV Jan 15,2018 12:18 pm || Up

      apparently not. called off for today/tomorrow.

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 15,2018 1:25 pm || Up

        Yeah, surf’s still big but both winds and tides are unfavorable. The new WSL management seems to have their shit together a lot more than the clowns who had it the last few years.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  63. Glorious Mundy Jan 11,2018 8:30 pm

    • Glorious Mundy Jan 12,2018 3:54 pm || Up

      • AV Jan 12,2018 6:58 pm || Up

        wolves like anal??

        *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
      • elcroata Jan 15,2018 6:47 am || Up

        Croatia, replacing anal/fecal references with carnal ones since 925.

        Because survival is insufficient
  64. Future Ed Jan 12,2018 12:27 pm

    yeah yeah yeah we know he is a monster, but this is so fucking outrageous.

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  65. Glorious Mundy Jan 12,2018 3:11 pm

    There’s a CBGB-branded restaurant in the Newark Airport with fake graffiti on the walls and everything.

    • AV Jan 12,2018 3:41 pm || Up

      and fake pee smell.

      unless that’s just newark.

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
    • Future Ed Jan 12,2018 7:30 pm || Up

      dog poop?

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  66. AV Jan 12,2018 3:43 pm

    when they previewed that bob garfield would interview michael wolf, i was excited for contentiousness about method.

    but it was all softballs.

    boooooo.

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  67. Future Ed Jan 12,2018 8:15 pm

    i love this account

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  68. Future Ed Jan 14,2018 9:31 am

    EPL sound on fox is better than bundeslige

    bundeslige must have the A’s style guide

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  69. andeux Jan 14,2018 5:15 pm

    OMG, Skol, Vikings.

    TINSTAAFK
    • Glorious Mundy Jan 14,2018 5:17 pm || Up

      The FK was that cornerback thinking?

      • andeux Jan 14,2018 5:21 pm || Up

        I like how Keenum seemed just as stunned as everyone else in the building.

        TINSTAAFK
        • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 14,2018 6:45 pm || Up

          The Vikings always play the role of devastated victim in this script, and everyone there knew it, right up to the moment when they didn’t.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 14,2018 6:46 pm || Up

      Hopefully the 100 year old lady sits out the Philly trip.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  70. sslinger Jan 15,2018 10:30 am

    We’re in Cambridge watching the littlest Sslinger so we recorded the game. Watching it late we got right up to where NO was going to kick the fg and the recording ended. As a Vikes fan, I figured that was just adding insult to injury, but figured I should check online just to confirm he made it. Holy FK did I get a surprise.

    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jan 15,2018 1:23 pm || Up

      This almost happened to me too. Comcast’s “automatically extend” DVR setting is a crock of shit. In my case I had fortunately caught up with the live broadcast by then, so after a moment of DVR terror I switched over to Ch. 5 in time to not miss anything.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Soaker Jan 15,2018 2:43 pm || Up

        Time blocks for NFL games are usually 3:00 (ha ha) or 3:30. For regular season games I extend the DirecTV DVR for 60 or 90 minutes to get to 4:30, which would always be safe for OT except for something like a lightning delay. Yesterday I went super-safe to 6 hours each. I have plenty of space on there, which reminds me I need to get around to watching that MLB Network Billy Martin documentary.

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • Soaker Jan 28,2018 8:09 pm || Up

        The CBS time block for today’s PGA Tour event was 12-3:30. I knew CBS had the Grammys so in the event of a playoff they would have to cut away no later than 4:30. I extended the recording 1 hour to 4:30.

        If there were a playoff, it would go over to Golf Channel, possibly as early as 3:30. I set a recording for Golf Channel from 3:30 to 5:30, because there was no way they could play in San Diego past 5:30 unless they were using the fans’ smart phone flashlights.

        At 5:30 Jason Day and Alex Noren were walking up to the green on the 5th playoff hole, basically playing under cell phone flashlights, when my recording ended.

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • Soaker Jan 28,2018 10:26 pm || Up

          And, by the way, they’re coming back at 8:00 a.m. for the 6th playoff hole on Golf Channel. I set the recording for 4 hours, 8 a.m. to noon…

          What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  71. andeux Jan 15,2018 2:24 pm

    McCutchen to the Giants.
    Gerrit Cole to the Astros.
    The Pirates hate us.

    TINSTAAFK
    • doctorK Jan 15,2018 5:38 pm || Up

      I’m less annoyed about McCutchen than about Cole.

      • Future Ed Jan 15,2018 10:29 pm || Up

        mccutchen seems nice, but he is bad at the outfield

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
  72. Glorious Mundy Jan 15,2018 2:27 pm

    FK you too, Marcell Ozuna.

    • Soaker Jan 15,2018 3:06 pm || Up

      Matt Holliday II successfully avoided. It’s a common-enough sentiment, as seen by the no-trade specifications in contracts, and will be until the new ballpark opens, but most guys are smart enough to keep their mouths shut.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  73. AV Jan 15,2018 5:25 pm

    i’m rebuilding my podlist. this is a pain in the ass.

    but found this gem. (haven’t listened yet. the gem is the title itself…)

    the only thing you should name an english-language podcast about argentine soccer.

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  74. ptbnl Jan 16,2018 8:33 pm

    I’m in Santiago for conference, and the amount of soccer shit-talking between the Chilean and Argentinian cosmologists is impressive.

    The most tragic moment was when an Argentinian whose children were born and are being raised in the US confessed that his daughter supports Brazil.

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • AV Jan 16,2018 9:58 pm || Up

      i gather this was presented as evidence for a paper on how the world actually ended in 2012 as predicted by the precolumbians, and that everything that’s happened ever since is merely a perverse reflection of reality based on our worst nightmares.

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
      • ptbnl Jan 17,2018 4:31 am || Up

        It certainly makes more sense then any other explanation.

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.

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