=== Platform ===

The mini-chat-board-index in the sidebar rocks. 

Under previous D-O-V and SSI iterations, the articles looked fine, but I had a little trouble carrying on conversations.  Especially multiple conversations.

Now, the sidebar threads cycle to the top when commented/bumped, just like at (say) Mariner Central.  And one thing I've not seen before, is a snippet-lead of the poster's comment on each line, in readable fashion, no less.  So in the right sidebar, I can scan 8-10 conversations in a few seconds, and frictionlessly jump into whichever one.

You like?

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Cosmetics continue to move forward, as well.  The font has more white space in it, and the comments have the shade boxes that Dr. D has coveted for so long.  That particular feature - shade boxes in the comments - is one that I hold especially dear.

The 1894-1921 world chess champion once pointed out that there is no reason in the world for a chess / checkerboard to be in two colors -- other than to provide piton-holds for the human brain to process the field of play more quickly.

I'm huge on 'chunking' as a route to faster info-processing.  The comments are now shaded and subtly offset, with more white space, making them far more pleasant from my own point-of-view.

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Per request, the admins are working on SSI Kindle availability.  Word is that there will be no premium section to SSI for the forseeable future, also.

How sweet it is.  Give it up for the admins.

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Have input as to color scheme, functionality, aesthetics?  Let 'er buck, Hidalgo.

.

=== Radio ===

Is there noplace to listen to an in-season Mariners broadcast on FM radio?  KIRO's FM subsidiary doesn't seem to broadcast the M's.  Only portable radio I have is an iPod with FM only.

Today's ST game can be heard on the radio -- for a couple of bucks.  Yowch, these MLB corporates take no prisoners.

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Before Garrett Olson got pulped today, Luke French pitched to seven batters:

• 4 fly balls, all caught
  
• 2 ground balls, both delivered to the 1B timely
  
• 1 walk
• 0 strikeouts

SSI will uncharitably quibble that in terms of a Ron Shandler PQS -- judging a start by skills, not ER -- the first thing you notice is the infinitely bad CTL ratio.  ;- )  As Luke French's designated cynic, I'll grouse that five fly balls and walks to two ground balls and 0 strikeouts isn't exactly what will land him a 3.50 ERA this year.

As Matt reminds, let's not read too much into the first two innings of the year :- ) and I've got to admit that French allowed 3 fewer runs than did my hero Doogie.

In case y'missed it the first time, I'm not analyzing.  I'm curmudgeoning.

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Matt Tuiasosopo playing SS today.  That's significant, to him and Wok, anyway.

He has a chance to make the club, and if so, he's got to play backup SS as well as backup 2B and 3B.  I heard it on Geoff Baker Live!

Tui has to impress as having an adequate glove at SS, and if so, his bat could carry him to the 25-man.

But Hannahan is the org darling, and for both Hannahan and Tui to make the 25-man (say, if Tui hits .400 this March) the M's would have to go to 11 pitchers.  Which they'd like to, if Felix and Lee give them an excuse to do so.

Cheers,

Dr D