147 Comments

Vera is calling. I gotta go.

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The College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) has released the All-Americans for the 2021-22 season and has granted the 9th and 17th place prelim finishers in events including Lia Thomas (100, 200, & 500 freestyle) first & second-team status respectively.

So CSCCAA is taking a rather curious stance on transgender swimmer Lia Thomas.

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Wordle and such

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somebody gave a like to this yesterday, but anyone doing Semantle?

https://semantle.novalis.org

got it fairly quickly yesterday (1st time doing it). today I'm at 107 and counting :-(

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"Just" got it in 32, have only played a couple of times. Feel like it can take an unlimited number of guesses to get something in the 1000s.

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just got #61 in 30. 5 guesses after my note below. and 29 was a variant of 30.

I solved Semantle #61 in 30 guesses. My first guess had a similarity of 10.85. My first word in the top 1000 was at guess #9. My penultimate guess had a similarity of 86.44 (999/1000). https://semantle.novalis.org/

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32 is quite good!

#60 or #61? have both going now. on 60, I got 994/1000 at Round 121! Up to 143 now

For #61, I got 785 at Round 9

when you say "in the 1000s", you mean in the top 1000?

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https://oec.world/en/tradle/ This plays more like Worldle for me but it's technically about the economic output of the country

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I'm enjoying Framed (framed.wtf) - but it's usually a 1 or 6 for me so I guess I have seen the movie or I haven't. I think the only one I got in the middle was Call Me By Your Name

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was told about that yesterday. got that one and today's in 5 (today shoulda been 4!)

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Worldle - my ignorance of Africa showed. I was close from the first guess but never got it right.

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Me too! I chose all African names, they were all close but it was a county that was not in my head at all. Have heard of the name before but easily forgotten.

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I think every try was 80+% but didn't get it right.

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older one, senior in HS, seems to be an expert at these mostly because it seems that she doesnt do much in school anymore.

Octordle >> 8x wordle >> https://octordle.com/

Duotrigordle >> 32x wordle >> https://duotrigordle.com/

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Quordle is about enough for me

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Quordle I got the 4 words in my last 4 guesses.

Daily Quordle 65

8️⃣6️⃣

7️⃣9️⃣

quordle.com

⬜⬜⬜🟨🟨 ⬜⬜🟨🟨⬜

⬜⬜🟨⬜⬜ 🟨⬜⬜⬜⬜

⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜

⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜ 🟨🟨🟩⬜⬜

⬜🟨⬜⬜🟩 ⬜🟩🟩🟩🟩

⬜🟨⬜⬜🟩 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

⬜⬜🟩⬜🟩 ⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 ⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛

⬜🟩⬜🟨⬜ ⬜⬜🟨⬜🟩

⬜⬜⬜🟩⬜ ⬜⬜⬜🟨⬜

⬜🟩⬜⬜⬜ ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜

⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜ 🟨⬜⬜⬜⬜

⬜🟨⬜⬜🟩 ⬜⬜⬜🟩⬜

🟩🟨⬜⬜🟩 ⬜⬜⬜🟩⬜

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 ⬜⬜⬜🟨⬜

⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛ ⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜

⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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I got 4 of 5 in the correct spots on the second try. I needed all 6 tries to get the final letter correct.

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I got zero in the correct spot on the second try, got it in 6.

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Regarding the picture at the top, the same is going on now in Chesapeake Bay.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2022/03/25/ever-forward-ship-stuck-chesapeake-bay/

So far efforts to dislodge have failed.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/30/ship-stuck-chesapeake-bay-refloat/

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My first thought was that the container ship had probably sailed out of the channel; the reporting said it had.

I pringled when I read that the same maritime company that owns the Ever Given, which got stuck in the Suez Canal last year also owns the Ever Forward. The Ever Given also navigated out of the deep water channel in the Suez Canal.

The first time is bad luck. The second time is, what, a pattern? I wonder if there's any overlap in the crews between the two ships.

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It's goldenone's birthday today. Taking stock of 2021 til now I've gained a few more gray hairs.

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Congrats on completing another journey around the sun!

May your day be very good, indeed!

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Happy birthday!

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HBD .. any good plans aside from counting the gray hairs?

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Happy birthday!!!

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HBD!

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Happy Birthday!

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Mar 30, 2022·edited Mar 30, 2022

Many happy returns. You share a birthday with Warren Beatty.

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Heaven Can Wait

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Shampoo

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Does goldenone like his kung pao spicy?

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Sure!

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Happy Birthday!!

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Thanks

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DBD AV Club

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MOON KNIGHT - Episode 1 was a ton of fun. Not really sure why the reviews for it have been mixed - really conveyed Steven (or is he Steven?)'s confusion and paranoia. Look forward to the rest of the series.

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This is good to hear. I always loved Moon Knight when I was kid and was really looking forward to this show.

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Watched the first episode of Pachinko - Apple+ 18/19 - great story, stunning cinematography, can't wait for more.

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there are several excellent k dramas on Netflix right now. Twenty Five Twenty One is great and Thirty Nine is Son Ye-Jin at her melodramatic finest

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I watched E1 the other night and wasn't sucked in. will try a few more.

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Severance...2 episodes in...having trouble staying awake...apparently it picks up?

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yeah, starts slow...but by E5 it's rocking!

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It's a dance party!

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looking forward the Dumbledore movie in a few weeks.

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But . . .why? The first two have been GOD AWFUL

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Top Gun trailer. I. CAN'T. WAIT.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giXco2jaZ_4

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Looks pretty good. Now I'm trying to remember if I watched the 2nd Fantastic Beasts.

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I saw "King Richard" in the movie theater. $5 Tuesday. Brand new theater with plush recliners - only two other couples in the whole theater. (14/19 WB) Will Smith did a very good job to transform himself into Richard Williams - father of Venus and Serena. Good acting. The script is understandably a bit constrained since it's non-fiction. But ultimately, I enjoyed it.

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I feel for Bruce Willis here. This is a terrible phase of life to enter, especially for an actor or a writer.

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Aphasia is my old age fear. That I know the damn words and can't get them out.

It's a fear because there's a family history of it.

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Apparently he had been really struggling on set for his past few projects. I know a hair and make up artist who worked with him and said it was getting pretty evident that his retirement was coming soon. Sad end to a long film career.

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I was trying to remember who on here mentioned that he was taking on all these movies because he was sick and trying to get as much money to set up his family once he had to retire. Was that you?

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I don't remember, but it is possible

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The end of a legendary acting career. I will pour out a little extra eggnog for John McClane this Christmas.

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Best Christmas movie ever.

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I'd seen so many people laud Abbott Elementary on Twitter, so my brother, his girlfriend, and I finally started watching it. Glad to see you and Cugel have been enjoying it, too!

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Has the cat started watching too?

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She's such an Ava

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Abbott Elem is which service?

Btw, does anyone watch *any* network shows anymore?

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Hulu

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ABC

Some episodes are free: https://abc.com/shows/abbott-elementary

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DirecTV Stream to the rescue...all free!

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NBC I think. I still watch many broadcast shows, but never live. I just download them every night to watch when I get a chance. I think I'm a week behind in catching up on shows.

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I was disappointed The Big Leap wasn't coming back. I wonder what they were going to do. Probably just a whole new cast with a few carryovers?

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Ukraine/Russia

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Mar 30, 2022·edited Mar 30, 2022

How does one negotiate with an adversary who is not to be trusted?

I can certainly understand Ukraine's desire for peace. Anyone with a clear view of the situation knows that Ukraine wants this nightmare to end. And yet, Russia is saying we'll ease up on the attacks on Kyiv and Chernhiv.

Ease up? Why doesn't Russia stop? And even then, how do we know that Russia will keep its word? Russia has been using disinformation as a pretext for the invasion and to justify its continuing assault against people who did NOTHING to provoke the offense Russia insists on pressing.

The whole situation is insane.

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Russia's respected head central banker tried to quit, gets involuntarily reappointed to another 5 year term.

https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/3/23/russia-central-banker-tried-to-quit-over-ukraine-putin-said-no

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Newcastle

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Visited there one weekend day when I was working in Sydney. Can't honestly remember much except walking along the waterfront.

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Being an English Premier League follower I think of Newcastle F.C. known by other supporters as the bar codes because of their uniforms. Recently the storied club was, to many, tainted by their acquisition by Saudi interests.

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Slowly but surely the last shreds of “working class institution” romance about English football are being scoured away by petrodollar sportswashing and American profit extraction. It makes a change from the domestic traditions of lower division teams being screwed over by buyers trying to set up dodgy real estate transactions I suppose.

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Speaking of lower divisions, did y'all get a load of what's going on in Staines?

https://twitter.com/Ollie_Bayliss/status/1508774223707267079

"Staines Town Football Club (STFC) regrets to announce that pursuant to third party breaches of Section 54 of The Modern Slavery Act 2015 and other information that has come to light, we are forced to temporarily suspend all primary operations including but not limited to competitive fixtures, until a thorough investigation into the practices of Downing LLP has been concluded by the relevant authorities.

In the first instance, STFC has an obligation under The Modern Slavery Act 2015 to ensure that our business and supply chains are free from human trafficking and slavery. Our actions, as a full member of The English Football Association (The FA), are compliant and fully concur with The FA statement on Slavery and Human Trafficking (See attached below). This statement and the adherence to The Modern Slavery Act 2015, has also been adopted by every other National Football Association within the United Kingdom and its major member clubs.

Of particular interest to those involved at all levels of football, both within the UK and globally, it has also come to our attention through both substantive and vast evidence from various sources, that Downing LLP, who control and fund the operation of our Landlord, The Thames Club, may be involved through its other holdings in the financing of large scale bribery and corruption. This includes the current funding of a Swiss Bank with international operations that has been found guilty in the United States Federal Court of conspiring to launder over $36 million USD in bribes to officials within the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and other football federations. These bribes were in furtherance of a scheme in which sports marketing companies bribed football officials in exchange for broadcasting rights to football matches.

[...]

Elsewhere, we have also been provided with vast amounts of evidence, that Downing LLP, may be involved through its other holdings in the financing of Environmental Crimes, Price Fixing, Deforestation, Forced Evictions, Human Rights Abuses, Child Labour, Slavery, Gender Discrimination and Murder.

[...]

Until absolute resolution is guaranteed, STFC will not go back to Wheatsheaf Park and play beneath the bloodied shadow of the profits of slavery, child abuse and all else. It simply will not be tolerated and is offensive and unacceptable in every form. Everyone associated with such practices must be stopped in their tracks and brought to book with urgency. This needs to start with the enablers of such acts who appear to operate with complete impunity under our noses, here in the United Kingdom.

[...]"

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So true. In 1973 I regularly went to see Arsenal at Highbury. I'd walk up to the gate an hour and half before the game and for less than a pound get a ticket to stand in the terraces. The last time I went to the Emirates a few years ago our tickets were fifty pounds each. If anything the salaries of top footballers are even more ridiculous than the ones paid in the NBA, NFL and MLB.

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When I think of things Newcastle is famous for, I have to admit “beer” is in maybe fourth place (after shipbuilding, “coal to Newcastle,” and shirtless soccer fans.) But I’ll admit that’s idiosyncratic

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1. Well upholstered under-dressed young ladies having had a bit too much to drink

2. The Angel of the North

3. Ships

4. Beer

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Beer is first for me

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Mar 30, 2022·edited Mar 30, 2022

When I hear "Newcastle" the first thing that comes to mind is the "coals to Newcastle" thing. Definitely not beer.

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The term "coals to Newcastle" is a British idiom, akin to "selling snow to Eskimos" in the US. Ironically, the coal capital of Australia is also Newcastle. I've been to the coal port there.

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English settlers were unoriginal in naming a settlement? The devil you say!

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I suppose Greenland and Iceland are peak creativity

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Vikings

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Mar 30, 2022·edited Mar 30, 2022

There's also a Newcastle, California. It's an exit off of I-80 in the Sierra foothills in Placer County. We pass it on our way up to Auburn, Colfax, or Tahoe.

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ELSEWHERE IN COLLEGE

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Seton Hall hires Shaheen Holloway and shows how you are supposed to go about hiring a dynamic young alum to run your basketball program...wish Knowlton had been paying attention but he was probably working out interview questions for Ben Howland...

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Huskies' LB crew just got thinner with All-Conference Ulofoshio going down with an injury that'll keep him out for the beginning of the season

https://theathletic.com/news/washington-lb-edefuan-ulofoshio-sidelined-with-unspecified-injury/gIbPcCoflg7D/

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Pac-12 Conference moving to remote work in effort to support staff, boost revenue distribution to schools

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/pac-12-conference-moving-to-remote-work-in-effort-to-support-staff-boost-revenue-distribution-to-schools/

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Then why, particularly, do Pac-12 HQs have to be in San Francisco? They could have remained in Walnut Creek.

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Larry's ego

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They don't, and didn't have to be; Larry Scott wanted it that way.

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Larry Scott continues to be the worst Pac-12 commissioner to date.

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Borderline incompetent. Did so little for the Conference.

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Mar 30, 2022·edited Mar 30, 2022

Heck, why did they need 110k square feet? I understand the need for a dedicated studio for Yam, Yogi, and others but the admin and support staff was way too bloated. Fiefdom of Larry Scott I guess.

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I've been sayin'...

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TODAY IN COVID

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I am well beyond 50 but have no underlying health issues and limited exposure to lots of people so I'm holding off for a second booster.

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I’m going for the annual checkup tomorrow anyway so I’ll ask then.

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My parents are going to Taiwan in a couple months (one-year anniversary of my grandmother's death, so there are some things to take care of), and I guess Taiwan is a fairly COVID-safe place to be, but my mom is probably staying until next year, so I'd feel better if they get their second booster before they go.

Will they actually listen to me? 🤷🏻‍♀️

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My uncle just went back a week or two ago and has to quarantine for 10 days. At least, they should let you leave after a series of negative tests.

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Yeah, the quarantine has relaxed since last year, when my parents had to quarantine in separate hotel rooms for 14 days.

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>50 yo...second booster? Wait?

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Probably to start, right? Then once the oldies get vax then lower the age requirement?

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well, I am an oldie (at least >50), so I'm in the mix.

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oh I misread what you posted. thought you were wondering why it was for >50 only.

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I tell you what, the discourse isn’t getting any less stupid online as your various mitigating policies get rolled back.

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OUR CRUMBLING DEMOCRACY

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Trump STILL going on about Hunter Biden, asks Putin to release dirt on him.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-asks-putin-release-info-hunter-biden-rcna22117

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This is a reminder that Clarence Thomas is a tax cheat, going back over 15 years

https://twitter.com/NoLieWithBTC/status/1508790680327495682

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A list of some of the people who talked to Trump during the 1/6 Insurrection when his call logs were blank

https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/trump-was-100-making-phone-calls-during-the-jan-6-attack-heres-the-list

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Trump - who claims to never have heard of the term "burner phone" used it when he sued his niece

https://twitter.com/MeidasTouch/status/1508929130590466049

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PRO

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Patriot owner Bob Kraft told reporters that he hasn't had a happy ending in 3 years

https://www.audacy.com/weei/sports/patriots/robert-kraft-is-unhappy-with-patriots-lack-of-playoff-wins

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Such a sad story. It tugs at your heart strings.

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I bet that rubs him the wrong way

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pqtm

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Lakers lose with 7 games remaining. They would not be in playoffs if the regular season ended today

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33627432/los-angeles-lakers-stumble-play-position-now-11th-western-conference

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It would be hilarious if they won the lottery with a pick that goes to another team.

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Well they do have to make room for Udonis Haslem and Andre Iguodala next year

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pqtm

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The college rule is fairer, more exciting, and easier to understand and follow than even the new NFL playoff rule. The reasons for not adopting the college rule for playoffs are frankly stupid (eg, stated concerns about the overtime going on too long, coming from the people who recently added a 17th game to the regular season)

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The NCAA rule is fairer (more fair?). That and $3.65 will get you a large cup of coffee at Peet's.

We're I to recommend a proposal to the NFL, I'd put forth a full 15 minute OT period that observes all the timing rules of the 4th quarter and gives each team 3 timeouts.

If the game is still tied at the end of the OT period, play another. In the playoffs, it becomes a game of attrition. The team with better depth should win.

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I'd be a fan of the NFL adopting the college rule, but move the starting point outside of field goal range, say the 45

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I agree with that - and maybe at all times require going for 2. But aside from minor tweaks like that I see no real reason to do something else. The college overtime rule IMO is the best overtime rule in all sport. It’s right there for the taking; I don’t get it

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IIRC the NFL doesn't like adopting rules from a lower tier of their sport

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Well they did adopt 2 point conversion from college.

Also why wouldn’t you view lower tiers as places to experiment and then take what works from there. Basically every other sport adopts this approach

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More exciting, yes, but I have zero issues with the NFL doing their own thing - it's like extra time in soccer.

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Make soccer like hockey. 3v3

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Salaries didn't go up 6.25% for the extra game did they? I'm going to guess no.

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The best thing the NFL could do for overtime in the regular season is ditch it. Ties are a legit outcome of a regular season game.

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I agree and it would make the end of the year playoff scenarios much more fun and interesting.

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CAL

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Just placed a deposit on four ND tickets.

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Looking like another year of OL issues. Unless the defense is great, we are going to struggle to get to 6 wins this season. The offense is going to be bad.

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Mar 30, 2022·edited Mar 30, 2022Author

Yeah, replacing 2 spots is tough. I guess Rohme, Cindric, and Coleman are presumptive starters. Johnson are Driscoll are the next most experienced. This leaves Swinney, Hamilton, Maroney, Aguilar, Jemtegaard, and Lange as the remaining six with a combined snap count of 1 between all of them.

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Plus replacing our starting QB, all of our starting WRs, starting TEs and our starting/most experienced RB. This offense is about to look real bad.

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Or a total revamp is exactly what they needed. They no longer have any commitments to entrenched starters. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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was going to say this. OL aside, we really needed a breath of fresh air at QB (also why I'm pulling for Millner) and the skill positions. it's entirely possible the offense improves overnight. either way, all TBD at this point and I have no expectations good or bad.. really looking forward to seeing the final product in the first few weeks of the season. only wish the ND game could be later in the schedule..

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Maybe.

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Go Bears!!!

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Remember this name: Mykolas Alekna. The freshman discuss thrower is the son of legendary Lithuanian discuss thrower Virgilijus - second farthest in the world. Earlier in the year, he threw the fourth best Cal discuss ever. Last weekend, he shattered the Cal record by 8 feet (218-10).

https://calbears.com/news/2022/3/27/track-field-alekna-crushes-school-record-flynt-sets-freshman-record.aspx

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[BASE] Bullpen gives up 5-2 lead, Bears lose 10-5 to St. Mary's.

https://calbears.com/news/2022/3/29/baseball-cal-falls-to-saint-marys-tuesday-night.aspx

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St. Mary's has a RPI in the 200's before this game. This one hurted.

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the bullpen remains a dumpster fire

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It's weird seeing a team with only 2.5 starters and the rest being relivers. Reliever WHIP is close to 2.0.

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