The Whole Delivery

The 2010 US Open Thread/Sports Thread #2/The Live Thread For 9/8/10: Wozniacki Advances, Federer-Soderling At "The Wind Bowl"

2010-09-08T19:41:00.002-04:00

Caroline Wozniacki defeated Dominika Cibulkova to advance to the semifinals of the US Open for a second straight year in a match where both players were runner up to the brutal wind.

It was the win that clearly mattered in the match for the top seed, as both players had to deal with speeds up to 30 MPH. It was a day where "Arthur Ashe Stadium" could be renamed "The Wind Bowl", as the Dane overcame the fiesty Slovakian to advance to the final four at Flushing Meadows in as many years.

Vera Zvonareva awaits Wozniacki in what will probably be the first semifinal on Friday, as Venus Williams and defending champion Kim Clijsters encounter certainly will be the highlighted match.

The live tennis continues, as Roger Federer and Robin Soderling will duel for a place to take on Novak Djokovic on Saturday in men's quarterfinal #2. Just check right down below.

The Album Sales Review/Music Thread For 9/8/10: Nothing Disturbing About This Rock Group

2010-09-08T18:48:00.000-04:00

For a group that doesn't get A-list attention, they sure do have a very accomplished resume :

Rock band Disturbed claims its fourth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200, as "Asylum" debuts atop the list with 179,000 sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

It's the act's fourth consecutive studio set to debut at No. 1, a feat achieved by only two other rock bands in the history of the chart: Metallica and Dave Matthews Band.

And guess what took the runner-up spot?

Disturbed's newest is one of five albums that debut in the top 10 this week. It's followed by the "Now 35" compilation, which starts at No. 2 with 105,000.

That's a surprise considering who ended up not even with the bronze medal this week, despite getting another #1 song:

Eminem's "Recovery" holds at No. 3 with 93,000 (down 6%). Last week's No. 1, Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream," slips to No. 4 with 88,000 (down 54%). Perry does, however, retain the No. 1 rank on the Digital Songs chart with that album's title tune, selling 221,000 (down 15%).

That's quite the drop for Perry, and her chances of going platinum domestically seem to be in serious jeopardy before another album comes from her.

The final six spots in the Top include Fantasia's "Back To Me" in 5th, Lyfe's "I Still Believe" in 6th, Goo Goo Dolls "Something For The Rest Of Us" in 7th, Justine Bieber in 8th with "My World 2.0", 9th is "Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam", and the rock band Heart with "Red Velvet Car".

The 2010 US Open Thread/Sports Thread #1 For 9/8/10: Djokovic Thru To The US Open Semis Once More

2010-09-08T16:30:00.001-04:00

For the fourth straight year, Novak Djokovic has advanced to the semifinal stage of the US Open, a straight sets win over his talented but mentally challenged friend Gael Monfils.

The 7-6 (2), 6-1, 6-2 was Djokovic's 4th straight win without conceding a set, giving the Serbian enough fuel in the tank to possibly win on both Saturday and Sunday to claim an unlikely 2nd Grand Slam title.

It was a total disappointment from Monfils, who started the match so well with the aggressive tactics coach Roger Rasheed urged from him. But as that first set progressed, the wind started to get into the Frenchman's head, and his usual alarming passivity spelled his demise. Though Djokovic also had his typical negatives flare up in this encounter (getting frustrated easily, poor volleying at the net), he maintained his consistency enough on the big efforts.

Djokovic awaits the winner of Roger Federer and Robin Soderling tonight in what will probably be the first semifinal on Saturday.

The 1st Thread/The Early Deliveries For 9/8/10

2010-09-08T11:03:00.001-04:00

Why is the guy still on your tax dollars payroll?

Joan Wlash with a good one.

Yup, this chart is important:

The Read International/The 1st Thread For 9/7/10: Another Lesson We Better Learn

2010-09-07T16:53:00.000-04:00

As rich and well off overlords like Peter Orztag continue their absurd assault on Social Security here, over across the Atlantic in Paris-land, the people are not really taken to kindly to their President trying to screw them over once more:

Hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of France to register their anger over the government's austerity measures.

The rallies came as a 24-hour national strike disrupted flight and rail services, and closed schools.

Officials said 1.1 million people had joined protests, but unions claimed the figure was 2.5 million.

The activists are angry at government plans to overhaul pensions and raise the retirement age from 60 to 62.

France's retirement age is lower than many countries in Europe, but analysts say the issue is polarising politics in the country.

Just like over here with the supposed fears of that evil budget deficit yelled by our elites to the workers, the proletariat in "Les Blues" have to digest the "we need to save by you sacrificing first" message fed by their elected officials .

Ministers have done little to lower the temperature in the run-up to the day of action, insisting pension overhaul is essential to balance pension accounts by 2018, reduce the public deficit and preserve the country's credit rating.

The increase in age would still be well under the average of around 64 in the OECD group of wealthy democracies, despite France having one of the world's longest life expectancies.

But French workers also pay high social charges on their salaries through their career and need to build up relatively long periods of paid employment to qualify for a full state pension.

Retirement at 60 was seen as one of the left's signal victories in the first term of late Socialist president Francois Mitterrand, and its defence is seen as a bulwark against future liberal economic reform.

According to opinion polls some two-thirds of voters think Sarkozy's plan is unfair and support the day of protest, but two-thirds also think the strikes will make no difference.

The unions will be just as mobilized here if the same thing transpires to our land with the Catfood Commission swaying Congress and probably our President like, right now.

You already see the former CBO director for the Administration pushing to reform Social Security (and insisting that tax cuts remain in place for 3 more years) instead of preaching for egressing out of stupid wars and keeping illegal contractors on our books. The momentum on touching our best functioning public system just keeps keeping on.

And we had better heed to the lessons of that supposed socialist country truly on the verge of doing a completely un-socialist and highly unpopular thing.

It's hard for us to learn obvious lessons though.

The 2010 US Open Thread/Sports Thread #1 For 9/6/10: Wozniacki Tastes A Sweet Win Over Sharapova

2010-09-06T15:57:00.001-04:00

What a display today from the top seed, as her placidity on the court when Sharapova pressed her was terrific to see. And she was able to remain level headed by being so forceful at times with her serve, forehand, and her brilliant two handed backhand.

The full review is here.

The Labor Day 1st Thread For 9/6/10: Their Day

2010-09-06T13:14:00.000-04:00

Demonized almost every single day of the year, today is the day where unions of all shapes and sizes can possibly be praised (or not have to hear another deranged verbal assailment on them.)

So for the SEIU, the AFL-CIO, AFSCME, UAW, and all the other inions in this country who have dealt with the hard times and battles of fighting for workers rights, happy Labor Day indeed to them.

Because their enemies really do hate that a holiday is given towards these unions.

Sports Sunday Thread For 9/5/10: Andy Murray Is Knocked Out Of The US Open By Stanislas Wawrinka

2010-09-05T19:35:00.001-04:00

It has been the number one Swiss that has dispatched of Andy Murray in our modern day Grand Slam times. Today, it was the number two who accomplished that feat.

Stanislas Wawrinka has produced the result of the tournament, knocking out Andy Murray in a shocking 4-set win in the third round of the US Open. The 6-7 (3), 7-6, 6-3, 6-3 result is of course a massive win for the 25th seed and utter dejection for the Scot and his many supporters.

Murray was in for a long day from the get go, as Wawrinka brought his A game today on his serve, forehand, and outstanding feel. Nevertheless though, after surviving the first set with an authoritative win in the tiebreak, Murray seem to be able to overcome today's hurdle towards his 1st Grand Slam by serving for the second set at 5-3.

But that is where the match turned on its head, as Wawrinka stayed the course and broke back. From then on, Murray lost his edge with a troubling amalgamation of poor shot selection and the usual high tension on his forehand when he's pushed in an encounter.

Still, Wawrinka earned this win by keeping his aggression high, not allowing Murray to never get comfortable at all. He truly exhibited why he was in the Top 10 a few years ago on Armstrong today, and will certainly bring that confidence he played with today into his 4th Round meeting with Sam Querrey. The backhand drop shot that he hit three feet behind the baseline to get back in the massive 4th game of the 4th set he broke Murray in exhibited how it truly was his match.

At the end of the day though, the story of this match centers around Murray painfully succumbing to the weight of expectations once more. He could never sustain any momentum from failing to take the two sets to love lead. And this defeat in the third round (where he will certainly fall out the Top 4 in the ATP World Tour Rankings) may probably be even more of a disappointment for him than losing to Roger Federer in the those two Grand Slam finals.

The Saturday 1st Thread For 9/4/10: The Safest City To Drive Is Somewhere In Colorado

2010-09-04T13:05:00.000-04:00

First, let's bring in Luda:

It's the Saturday 1st Thread, making a needed return to your day.

The theme of this week's Saturday 1st Thread is this interesting look at how it's more dangerous to drive in LA and even Philly than it is the Big Apple apparently:

Fort Collins, Colorado has again been named America's Safest Driving City, while drivers in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Dallas leave a lot to be desired—if you wish to avoid an accident, that is.

So assesses Allstate Insurance Company [NYSE:ALL], in its annual America's Best Drivers Report, which looks at collision frequency in the 200 largest U.S. cities.

Those in Fort Collins are in a collision once every 14.5 years (about 31 percent less likely than average), while those in Philadephia will be in a crash once every 6.5 years (nearly 54 percent more likely than average).

And of course, your Saturday Fun Thread couldn't be compete with De La Soul:

De La Soul - Roller Skating Jam Named Saturday
Uploaded by Brownsugar18. - Explore more music videos.

The Flashback Fridays/The Summer Soul For 9/3/10: Mary J. Blige- Real Love (1992)

2010-09-03T16:53:00.001-04:00

The Catch Up Thread For 9/2/10 (Final Edition): Brewing Up An Epic Disaster

2010-09-02T14:11:00.001-04:00

Can small business even make it to 2014 before health insurance reform comes in? Unless the states they are in are able to opt out of it like Ron Wyden would want , maybe not with those absurd rates.

Arizona's nutcase governor must have gotten tongue tied with wanting to say "border control" to have this unbelievable disaster:

Mike Pence is on of their top mascots. They have many top mascots though .

Calculated Risk thinks the unemployment rate will increase to 9.6% . And he also highlights how the lack of quality reporting on non-Census public sector jobs is a major problem.

Among Democracy Now's headlines, BP has paid $93 million in television ads.

Hopefully they just won't cave :

Democrats led by Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chair Raul Grijalva are drawing a line in the sand before the White House's fiscal commission: If your report recommends cuts or other changes to Social Security, they will say, you'll lose our support.

In a letter to be sent to President Obama, obtained by TPM, House Democrats will pledge to vote against any legislation based on the commission's report unless Social Security is taken off the table.

"We oppose any cuts to Social Security benefits, including raising the retirement age," the letter reads. "We also oppose any effort to privatize Social Security, in whole or in part.... If any of the Commission's recommendations cut or diminish Social Security in any way, we will stand firmly against them."

Amy Goodman sat down with Eve Ensler . It is really worth the read.

Reason #67889 why Colbert rules:

Other that, those are those most notable things in US political news.

The 2010 US Open Thread/Sports Thread #1 For 9/1/10: The Jank Yanks Out Roddick Again; Azarenka Okay After Scary Moment; Llodra Takes Out Berdych In Straights

2010-09-02T00:08:00.001-04:00

Janko Tisparevic has dispatched Andy Roddick once again in the early stages of the Grand Slam, defeating him 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (4) in the 2nd Round of this US Open.

Also on the day, Victoria Azarenka is in good condition after collapsing on the court in her second round match to Gisele Dulko on the Grandstand court.

The biggest upset in the men's 1st round came at the hands of Wimbledon finest Tomas Berdych, who fall victim to the always dangerous and hilarious character that is Michael Llodra 7-6, 6-4, 6-3 today. It was a masterful serve and volley performance from the capricious Frenchmen, knocking out one of the in form players this year on the ATP Tour.

And American sweetheart Melanie Oudin continues her major sophomore slump, as she lacked the consistency required to take out Alona Bondarenko 6-2, 7-5.

The Fun Thread #1 For 9/1/10: Kitten Playing Dunk Hunt

2010-09-01T13:35:00.000-04:00

The Awwwwwwww of the day:

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

The Democracy Now & Early Morning Deliveries Thread For 9/1/10: The Hottest Summer Ever

2010-09-01T11:10:00.001-04:00

Here's what you missed on Democracy Now today that you can easily see now:

They were all over Iraq today as expected with Nir Rosen's perspective and how the government still continues to shell out millions of dollars on Iraqi bases (and let's not even get to contemplating about the weapons we still will supply to them.

And never mentioned in our public discourse about Iraq is how the years of US sanctions really hurt the country . Joy Gordon has been all over that "Invisible War" indeed.

Now towards the other deliveries about Iraq:

He like the rest of the Bushies will never have any shame:

Never ever.

The hottest summer ever here in NYC will continue today on September 1st. And somehow the climate change deniers will continue to claim victory over Al Gore.

Still the greatest campaign ever .

After John McCain's presidential campaign decided to withdraw from Michigan, his vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin dissented. Once the Secret Service learned of Palin's plan to drive to Michigan one morning anyway, it got a blunt response upon asking how to handle it: "Shoot out the tires."

STILL.

Music Wakeup Call For 9/1/10: Donnell Jones- Love like This (2010)

2010-09-01T10:08:00.000-04:00

The return of the wake up call:

The Live Thread for 8/31/10: A Centrist Is A Centrist, Even On Iraq

2010-08-31T20:01:00.001-04:00

It was the typical down the middle stuff from President Obama in his Presidential address tonight, where despite an obvious recognition of the history of events as always, the 44th executive chief continued to protect the previous Administration's screw ups and not tell the full narrative to the America public about our dumb wars.

Maybe the most salient moment of the address did not stem from talk about Iraq or relating its cost to how it has contributed greatly to our current pathetic economical situation. Rather, the comments he made on Afghanistan in regards to "conditions on the ground" being the bases on how fast the troop withdrawal will be is the one that should raise the most eyebrows in my mind.

It is the typical safe centrist crap answer, where we are beholden to the military complex no matter what. "Conditions on the ground" for withdrawal in Afghanistan could easily mean just a few troops leaving at a very slow pace. This will certainly give a smile to General Petraus, as wavering already on a serious withdrawal in a lost war from the President seems to be taken place.

Giving a nice little symbol of "draw down" to supporters is the plan, while their overall aspirations are far from getting a significant departure from Kabul and the cities around it.

Oh, and back to Iraq, there was not even a thought in Obama's mind about mentioning contractors to the American public. No explanation of how they will surge right back in Iraq and probably continue to do the reckless insane behavior they are quite known for. Let's replace the troops in Iraq with the mercenaries while we handle things in Afghanistan is the bright idea from our current government.

Boy was that address helpful or what, huh?

The Catch Up Thread For 8/30/10: Gallup Poll Shows Historic Numbers.....That Are Bad For Democrats

2010-08-30T19:52:00.000-04:00

While the site hasn't been active today, here is what has transpired in the major headlines today.

I'm not one to follow polls vigorously, but some of them you just can't ignore. This Gallup poll of registered voters (the one that is much more accurate than the antiquated "likely voter" model) is not very good news for the Democratic Party and voter enthusiasm.

The ACLU has a powerful vote on the lawsuit to stop Obama's assassination plan:

Where in the hell is Jerry Brown? This guy is more invisible than Adam Smith's hand.

75% of US cases at Guantanamo Bay on suspected terrorists have been defeated. "What a surprise" when someone gets a fair trial down there....what a surprise.

They all want their Nevada man, including Joey Lie, to stay at the head of the House of Lords .

Certainly not one of Rick Sanchez's finer moments.

Goodness gracious, what was he thinking there?

And if they get some power again, guess what they are going to do with it ?

They never want to govern, even when they are earn power.

All the stuff that The Whole Delivery had to catch up on today.

The 2010 US Open Thread/Sports Thread #1 For 8/30/10: Day 1

2010-08-30T12:15:00.001-04:00

The 2010 US Open has already commenced so far, as here is live coverage of the tournament.

While it would be a surprise if the likes of Federer, Nadal, Murray or even both Roddick and Djokovic fail to win the title on the men's side, the women's field does provide a very wide open feel with Serena Williams' freak injury caused by a beer bottle.

With how the draw has worked out, Caroline Wozniacki is snake bitten by drawing Maria Sharapova in the 4th round, while Kim Clijsters really should have a free run to at least the semis before she plays Victoria Azarenka (unless Venus Williams somehow shows ominous form, something really unlikely considering her time off and non clinical showings at the Grand Slams this year.) Jankovic is off form, Dementieva's week in New Haven a few days ago signifies her struggles, and Kuznetsova is Kuznetsova.

At fortnight's conclusion, regretfully, I think the Shriester that is Sharapova will take home her 4th Grand Slam (provides her nerves hold up when expectations start to weigh on her shoulders, something that has led to her cracking). On the men's side however, it will be a finally sweet first time for Andy Murray in my view.

Already, French Open champion Francescs Schiavone is the first winner of this year's main draw brackets, as she advanced in ease with 6-1, 6-0 demolition over Ayumi Morita of Japan. And Melanie Oudin kicked off her quarterfinal points defending campaign with a nice 6-3, 6-0 win over Olga Savchuk of Ukraine 6-3, 6-0. Both Oudin and Schiavone could meet each other in the 3rd round.

The live coverage to live tennis at Ashe Stdaium, Louie Armstrong, the Grandstand, and all those other courts on USOPEN.org.

The 1st Thread For 8/30/10: TWD Is Back!

2010-08-30T10:59:00.000-04:00

It's been a few days of other issues and just trying to get some life things in order. But the site is back after a few days of little to no activity.

The Saturday 1st Thread For 8/28/10: The Usuals Suspects

2010-08-28T13:57:00.000-04:00

Luda.....

.....De La Soul:

The Flashback Fridays/The Summer Soul For 8/27/10: Zhane- Hey Mr. DJ (1993)

2010-08-27T20:16:00.000-04:00

"Hey D.J. won't you play my song, ON, and ON, and ON, and ON!"

Your late Flashback Friday selection for the week from 1993, it's "Hey Mr. DJ!" from Zhane!

The 1st Thread For 8/27/10: Your Postracial Society Happily Continues

2010-08-27T16:43:00.001-04:00

Little colored boy and girl, you are too dark to be our middle school class President, even in the year 2010 of our first black President.

Another great moment in "post racial America", brought to you by the state of Mississippi and this school titled Nettleton Middle School. Thankfully, the long time policy had the needed change.

A needed change deep in our "post racial society."

The Sleep Time and Rise "n" Shine Thread For 8/26-27/10: Mario Kart Comes To Life

2010-08-27T00:32:00.002-04:00

This is amazing:

EMBED-Mario Kart Bike Lane Prank - Watch more free videos

Goodness, these laws are not just dumb, but just outright weird, including this:

In Southington, Connecticut, the sale of silly string is banned. Why? Because about 15 years ago, a group of kids sprayed a police officer with silly string. Seriously.

The largest hailstorm ever recorded .

Teens have replaced sleeping for texting , what a surprise Washington Post!

The Catch Up News Thread For 8/26/10 (Final Edition): The Ad Of The Day

2010-08-26T18:39:00.003-04:00

Positive ads don't get any better than this:

Mother of a child: "They wanted to close our schools. They didn't care what happened to us or our children." The camera then goes to a close-up of a child asking, "Where am I going to go if they close my school?" Back to the mother, who says, "I didn't have an answer for her."

Grayson: "My five children go to public school right here in Orlando. I fought for $200 million to save our schools for them and for all of us."

Children: Alan Grayson saved our schools."

Close: "I'm Alan Grayson, and I improved this message."

What more could be said about the messages this ad elicits to the public, especially Grayson "swing" district?

It clearly displays the political figure on the side of the people he represents, and doesn't throw an assortment of accomplishments and facts in a half-minute span. Not that accurate information about a politician's record isn't a bad thing of course, but the soul can sometimes be lacking from those efforts.

No lacking of warm sentiments can be said about this fine delivery from Grayson. And with how the nutcase party and the corporate media always try to frame him as angry and out of control in their continued fight to exploit any weakness in him, this former lawyer plays it smooth and natural by delivering a complete 180 from what they think of him.

Even the Washington Post had to give credit where credit is dude, as they labeled this 31 seconds of pure goodness their "Ad of the Day."

Commentary on this ad cannot go without mentioning how Grayson clearly emphasizes how his five children go to public schools. In current times where "Race to the Top" centrist nonsense facilitates the yearning for charter schools, it's encouraging to see an attention grabbing official give praise to our key source of education in this country.

And it's encouraging to see a positive, true ad like this from anyone, especially a diligent fighter like Grayson.

Maybe if he said "310 billion" tits, he would have gotten fired ?

But at the White House, Jennifer Psaki, the deputy communications director, said, “Alan Simpson has apologized and while we regret and do not condone his comments, we accept his apology and he will continue to serve.”

So his apology is good enough over Andrew Breitbart and Glenn Beck targets, huh? And he can continue to enthusiastically defecate all over Social Security, leading this proud Commission to messing with the healthiest social program arguably in the whole world?

Maybe next time, anybody that has a controversy brewing up like Shirley Sherrod and Van Jones needs to immediately switch to being a Republican (or have their names changed to Alan Simpson to make the controversy go away sooner).

That way, they will guarantee that all will be forgiven and that their good employment can happily continue.

Music Wakeup Call For 8/26/10: Drake feat Lil Wayne- Miss Me (2010)

2010-08-26T09:35:00.000-04:00

The most low budget video for a supposed rising and establish artist/ Man, no wonder why the director was pissed: