TPS

Obviously we all have biases. I think Mag and I actually agree on many things, but we view them from very different perspectives. He has always said that speculators are not problematic because they can only have short term influence. My argument is that they now dominate futures markets (which were designed to hedge commercial interests' risk), so their ability to influence prices is greater. They influence prices for longer periods, AND (the key) they have increased price volatility (though he has argued previously the markets were more volatile several years back). That creates greater uncertainty for producers. Should I continue to develop sources that need $120/bl to generate a sufficient return, or not? All commoditiy prices are more volatile now because of the increased investment flows. I don't argue against speculation, I argue, like Greenberg the former CFTC member, that speculator/investor flows should not dominate markets designed for hedging. But, hey, I don't understand how markets work...

Just saw the replay and noticed you too. I can see why Wood did the double take. You and Jasper would make one heck of an interior line!

A little over a week ago, Bernie Sanders released confidential CFTC data from the 2008 oil price run up, and that's the data that show investor/speculators controlled 80% of the oil futures contracts at the end of June that year. Of course, he's the bad guy for releasing the data...

This thread motivated me to get tickets to their September 15th show in Hamilton, Ont. Seats are off to the side of the stage, but Ed usually goes over and sings a song or two those seated in the crappy seats.

My link

And many were calling last year's draft class a bust. This year will go a long way to judging them more accurately.

Thanks for that Faustus. I was fortunate enough to live and work there for several years, many years ago. A wonderul place and people.

Have you seen them live? Always liked them, then I saw them, and was hooked. Usually they end their concerts with Yellow Ledbetter. Awesome. I will see them any chance I get. Btw, this version of Corduroy makes me want to pick up the guitar again...

I Sound like a Canadian when I say the. inititals..

Just finished watching it too TC, and same thoughts. Maybe it helps to go in expecting really bad things? I was expecting to see things that would change my opinion about their chances this year, but did not. The bad: - Fitz had a bad night. - D gave up too many medium range pass plays. - Some key drops by WRs, especially Easely's leading to a drive-killing INT. The good: - The front 7 was pretty solid against the run. - Troup looked good, even with the club. - Batten mostly played well. - Two good drives in the second half. I think we'll see a much better performance against Jax.

Good post. There are definitely reasons for people to feel taken and angry by Ralph's team, but in the end it's only football. While I can get pissed and frustrated watching the games, I never try to let a game influence my outlook on life. Some people are just negative and frustrated in general; some are simply trying to get a rise out of people. Like you, I am very optimistic about the change in management, and the changes that have taken place. Being in the optimistic minority, I believe, with some good luck on the injury front this year, the Bills' could be a turn around team too. Someone posted a topic about a nickname for the O--maybe "Ryan's Hope" would be fitting... Go Bills!

Reports from Thursday's camp were a dominant 1st string D-line of Dareus-Williams-Carrington, as Edwards was sidelined. Carrington has all of the tools and will bookend with Dareus and dominate. I like the idea of Williams in the middle of those two. Pick your poison! Now, if only #56 can stay healthy...

I'm surprised it wasn't brought back after the draft, since the assumption was Dareus would be gone. Not only do we have the 5 technique, but if Merriman is healthy, we have all 3 elements OP mentioned for a successful 3-4. Excellent stuff!

While I'm sure most here would agree to that idea, on the other side of the coin I'd suggest we do what the Europeans are doing and add a financial transactions tax. Finance is currently doing more to hinder the economy than help.

While we're at it, eliminate the payroll tax on businesses too. The payroll tax penalizes companies for hiring workers. Instead, charge businesses a VAT. Lump any tax paid by businesses into a single VAT--10%?

What do they smoke in Elma? Dude, Bushjr and Obama have been the two worst presidents since WWII--Carter was better.

Drive-by? Your car doesn't have an engine... And the Bush tax cuts did what exactly? Oh crap! I think I just fell for his drive by...

Apparently Jets fans aren't so enamored with their depth (and a second round pick!)? So even when you draft them higher, there's no guarantee... Ducasse

I thought the most glaring one was about Parrish.

If you read Buffet's actual editorial he says total federal taxes, not just income taxes. He is including payroll taxes. It is funny though that the guy who actually makes billions says tax me (us) more, but the tools still argue against him. He suggests that the top rate be increased on income of $1 million, and a further bump for the really rich bastards over $10 million. Way to go Warren!

I re-watched the first half and saw 4 plays where the O-line made a play-killing mistake. 1. Urbik's whiff on the run play. 2. Wang Bull rushed 3 and 4. Two whiffs by Wrotto. There were a couple of plays that looked bad on first sight, but weren't. 1. A broken screen play, where Thigpen ended up running left. 2. A decent pocket, but Thigpen either thought he saw daylight or it was a designed QB draw, because he took off straight up the middle, without hesitation. Other than that, Fitz' second and last drive should've ended with a TD. CJ might have scored if he continued across the field instead of darting up field (though a better downfield block by Urbik on Urlacher also would've at least got the first down). The drive was really killed by Jones' PI, but they still got the FG. Thigpen/Smith engineered a scoring drive that was also nullified by a penalty. The O-line wasn't as bad as some suggest.

I try to be rationally optimistic, but no one is right all the time, well almost no one... When Jauron passed on Ngata for Whitner, I was leery of that regime. The two drafts under this new regime make me optimistic.

Yeah, I had to laugh at people saying he was a bust last year. Guy's from a small school. I think he'll work his way into the starting lineup at some point this year. And, like many D-linemen, it will probably take until his 3rd year to really break out.

As one of the optimists, I ignore much of the crap, as it's mostly trolls. Also, we're all simply stating opinions. Truth will show itself soon enough....

The fact that Brad Smith is a legitimate WR threat has me giddy. What's a defense to do when he is on the field? Will he line up at WR or QB? I didn't realize he was so big either.