What happens if Hosni Mubarak is ousted in Egypt?
He could always run for mayor of Chicago.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Super Bowl temperature outlook
Peter King looks ahead at the weather while the Packers and Steelers practice for Super Bowl XLV.
When the Packers and Steelers practice Wednesday through Friday -- Green Bay at the Cowboys' complex in Irving, Pittsburgh at the Texas Christian University facility in Fort Worth, 38 miles west of here -- the daily high temps will be 27, 36 and 38, respectively. Oh, and with snow showers and wintry mix off and on.
For most fans, the Super Bowl weather will be temperate - whatever they set the thermostat at. Sure, it's the same couch and TV you've used the whole season, but who really wants to blow all that money to go to the Super Bowl.
There's not much sympathy for the reporters covering the game.
You're at the Super Bowl, why should the weather matter?
When the Packers and Steelers practice Wednesday through Friday -- Green Bay at the Cowboys' complex in Irving, Pittsburgh at the Texas Christian University facility in Fort Worth, 38 miles west of here -- the daily high temps will be 27, 36 and 38, respectively. Oh, and with snow showers and wintry mix off and on.
For most fans, the Super Bowl weather will be temperate - whatever they set the thermostat at. Sure, it's the same couch and TV you've used the whole season, but who really wants to blow all that money to go to the Super Bowl.
There's not much sympathy for the reporters covering the game.
You're at the Super Bowl, why should the weather matter?
Remember when America had a real president?
Bob at the Journey does.
Time to update one of Reagan's famous sayings:
"Time Magazine, tear up this cover."
Time to update one of Reagan's famous sayings:
"Time Magazine, tear up this cover."
Sunday, January 30, 2011
A show for the Palin crowd
Discovery Channel has a new reality show - Sons of Guns.
Repeats of the first two shows came on Sunday afternoon, after a show my wife watched. Liberals will not be happy with the show.
It's about a shop in Louisiana where they make custom weapons. And at the end of the second show, they shot off a Civil War cannon. Real cool.
It's a show about real Americans and their interesting work. A show the Sarah Palin crowd.
The Sarah Palin hating crowd probably won't be tuning in.
Repeats of the first two shows came on Sunday afternoon, after a show my wife watched. Liberals will not be happy with the show.
It's about a shop in Louisiana where they make custom weapons. And at the end of the second show, they shot off a Civil War cannon. Real cool.
It's a show about real Americans and their interesting work. A show the Sarah Palin crowd.
The Sarah Palin hating crowd probably won't be tuning in.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
All Palin February
IOwntheworld is gearing up for "All Palin February."
Sorry Dana Milbank, but we'll be taking your readership.
We could declare a "Dana Milbank free month" but who would notice?
Sorry Dana Milbank, but we'll be taking your readership.
We could declare a "Dana Milbank free month" but who would notice?
On the air
It's time for DaTech Guy on the radio.
Big Fur Hat from IOwntheWorld just called, and noted this post.
In his dreams.
Big Fur Hat from IOwntheWorld just called, and noted this post.
In his dreams.
Lots on tots
President Obama may have gone too far Thursday - taking on tater tots.
Iowahawk fights back.
There's a Facebook group.
With a tater tot recipe for your enjoyment.
Why battle the poor tater tot? Listening to Obama speak, seems like he thinks just educating people about good food with make the difference. Really?
Has he ever worked in a fast food restaurant? Or will a caterer? Or a school cafeteria, like my mother-in-law did?
You want to serve the best food, but you've got to deal with logistics. How do you produce a mass quantity of food in a short period of time, and the lowest possible cost? Fresh fruits and vegetables spoil faster, and thus don't work as well for quick in, quick out eating.
Your kids have 30 minutes for lunch, and you're feeding hundreds in usually an hour and a half at most schools. Certain foods work better for that task. McDonald's doesn't make money selling food that people don't want.
I know which school kids probably have the best school lunches - home-school kids. Learn with your folks, and eat together at lunch. Probably more fresh fruits and fewer tater tots on the home school menu.
Think the president has thought of that?
Iowahawk fights back.
There's a Facebook group.
With a tater tot recipe for your enjoyment.
Why battle the poor tater tot? Listening to Obama speak, seems like he thinks just educating people about good food with make the difference. Really?
Has he ever worked in a fast food restaurant? Or will a caterer? Or a school cafeteria, like my mother-in-law did?
You want to serve the best food, but you've got to deal with logistics. How do you produce a mass quantity of food in a short period of time, and the lowest possible cost? Fresh fruits and vegetables spoil faster, and thus don't work as well for quick in, quick out eating.
Your kids have 30 minutes for lunch, and you're feeding hundreds in usually an hour and a half at most schools. Certain foods work better for that task. McDonald's doesn't make money selling food that people don't want.
I know which school kids probably have the best school lunches - home-school kids. Learn with your folks, and eat together at lunch. Probably more fresh fruits and fewer tater tots on the home school menu.
Think the president has thought of that?
Where are the 2012 Summer Olympics?
When pundits look at President Obama's two-year poll numbers - compared to Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton - they can feel Obama has a good chance at re-election also.
They forget an advantage Reagan and Clinton had - the Summer Olympics in the United States right before the election season.
Surely, you remember the pride of the U.S. winning so many medals in Los Angeles in 1984. It's morning in America, right there on the sports pages.
I remember watching the opening ceremonies in Atlanta in 1996, and thinking it would give Clinton a boost. You feel good about your country when the Olympics come, and the president basks in some of the glow.
Why do you think the Obama administration fought so hard for the 2016 Olympics to be in Chicago? He could close out his term with a patriotic boost for his chosen successor.
Unfortunately for that plan, the 2012 Summer Olympics are in London. The United States will do well, but Obama won't be the leader of the host country.
They forget an advantage Reagan and Clinton had - the Summer Olympics in the United States right before the election season.
Surely, you remember the pride of the U.S. winning so many medals in Los Angeles in 1984. It's morning in America, right there on the sports pages.
I remember watching the opening ceremonies in Atlanta in 1996, and thinking it would give Clinton a boost. You feel good about your country when the Olympics come, and the president basks in some of the glow.
Why do you think the Obama administration fought so hard for the 2016 Olympics to be in Chicago? He could close out his term with a patriotic boost for his chosen successor.
Unfortunately for that plan, the 2012 Summer Olympics are in London. The United States will do well, but Obama won't be the leader of the host country.
Instapundit - the Johnny Carson of the digital age
I'm gearing up for my appearance on DaTech Guy's radio program Saturday night.
Why am I, a lowly blogger from central Virginia, getting the air time in Massachusetts? DaTech Guy asked for some content ideas for his new show back in December and I sent him an email. He asked me to be a guest - along with American Glob - and that's providing content.
I've enjoyed reading DaTech Guy's stuff over the past year, since I found him when the Other McCain headed north for the Scott Brown special election. Now, I consider him "The Fedora-topped embodiment of the Tea Party movement."
Look at his story. This time last year, he's a guy looking for a job to support his family. Now, through his hard work, he's supporting the family with a radio show, articles on the internet and some help from Instapundit.
His one-hour of radio time expands to two in February. Instapundit appeared on the show two weeks ago, and often links DaTech Guy's good work. (And hopefully he'll link a note about this week's broadcast sometime Saturday evening). That got me thinking about Instalanches.
Like Johnny Carson in his late night career, Instapundit can be the kingmaker for bloggers. Comics would hone their craft for a chance to get on the Tonight Show, and hope that Johnny would call them over to sit on the couch. Just a minute with Carson could launch a career - it showed you had real potential.
Just ask some who sat on Johnny Carson's couch after a stand-up bit - Jerry Seinfeld, David Letterman, Jay Leno.
There's so many bloggers out there, hoping their insight gets noticed. Many toil away in their own areas, and an Insta-lanche gives hope. A series of Insta-lanche can show they've arrived.
DaTech Guy's hard work has him moving up. His base in Fitchburg isn't far from New Hampshire, where Republican candidates will be flooding in a few short months. Who's going to be the first to advertise on DaTech Guy's show, or appear as a guest?
I'll be there Saturday. Just riding in the wake of hits from Instapundit and DaTech Guy.
UPDATE: Instapundit links. DaTech Guy links and will have the podcast up from the show in a few days.
UPDATE2: Because Johnny Carson is much better than Ben Bernanke.
Why am I, a lowly blogger from central Virginia, getting the air time in Massachusetts? DaTech Guy asked for some content ideas for his new show back in December and I sent him an email. He asked me to be a guest - along with American Glob - and that's providing content.
I've enjoyed reading DaTech Guy's stuff over the past year, since I found him when the Other McCain headed north for the Scott Brown special election. Now, I consider him "The Fedora-topped embodiment of the Tea Party movement."
Look at his story. This time last year, he's a guy looking for a job to support his family. Now, through his hard work, he's supporting the family with a radio show, articles on the internet and some help from Instapundit.
His one-hour of radio time expands to two in February. Instapundit appeared on the show two weeks ago, and often links DaTech Guy's good work. (And hopefully he'll link a note about this week's broadcast sometime Saturday evening). That got me thinking about Instalanches.
Like Johnny Carson in his late night career, Instapundit can be the kingmaker for bloggers. Comics would hone their craft for a chance to get on the Tonight Show, and hope that Johnny would call them over to sit on the couch. Just a minute with Carson could launch a career - it showed you had real potential.
Just ask some who sat on Johnny Carson's couch after a stand-up bit - Jerry Seinfeld, David Letterman, Jay Leno.
There's so many bloggers out there, hoping their insight gets noticed. Many toil away in their own areas, and an Insta-lanche gives hope. A series of Insta-lanche can show they've arrived.
DaTech Guy's hard work has him moving up. His base in Fitchburg isn't far from New Hampshire, where Republican candidates will be flooding in a few short months. Who's going to be the first to advertise on DaTech Guy's show, or appear as a guest?
I'll be there Saturday. Just riding in the wake of hits from Instapundit and DaTech Guy.
UPDATE: Instapundit links. DaTech Guy links and will have the podcast up from the show in a few days.
UPDATE2: Because Johnny Carson is much better than Ben Bernanke.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Moving faster than you think
Looking at the "Sputnik moment" talk, can government keep pace with where technology is going?
It snowed in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, and there were terrible traffic jams as people tried to get home. Why are so many people working in a central location? How many of them could work from home much of the time, saving energy, time and money?
In 2000, the University of Virginia opened a new football press box. I remember taking the tour, and the pride of the network connections built in for the media members to use.
Ten years later, who needs network jacks? It's a wireless world.
What's out there, ready to be unleashed? More than a central government can imagine.
Instead of government suggesting the way to go, just let people dream. Don't put the legal roadblocks in their way.
How did we get to the moon? We used Nazi technology and found inspiration in Communists' work. We turned things as they were and put them to good use.
It snowed in Washington, D.C. Wednesday, and there were terrible traffic jams as people tried to get home. Why are so many people working in a central location? How many of them could work from home much of the time, saving energy, time and money?
In 2000, the University of Virginia opened a new football press box. I remember taking the tour, and the pride of the network connections built in for the media members to use.
Ten years later, who needs network jacks? It's a wireless world.
What's out there, ready to be unleashed? More than a central government can imagine.
Instead of government suggesting the way to go, just let people dream. Don't put the legal roadblocks in their way.
How did we get to the moon? We used Nazi technology and found inspiration in Communists' work. We turned things as they were and put them to good use.
We will bury you! Oops, never mind
Were Sarah Palin's comments about Sputnik and the collapse of the Soviet Union off the mark?
Instapundit highlights a comment that says, "probably not."
"It’s more complicated, but the essence is, Palin was right: the Soviets sowed the seed of their own collapse by setting off the Space Race.”
During the Sputnik era, the Russians were saying "We will bury you."
We know who got buried.
Instapundit highlights a comment that says, "probably not."
"It’s more complicated, but the essence is, Palin was right: the Soviets sowed the seed of their own collapse by setting off the Space Race.”
During the Sputnik era, the Russians were saying "We will bury you."
We know who got buried.
Weekend watchdog
Before the Super Bowl kicks off, the best of the rest head to Hawaii.
FOX has the NFL's Pro Bowl Sunday at 7 p.m., with the best players from 30 teams - the Packers and Steelers are gearing up for the real big game next week.
The best players, minus those who are injured. Or had another reason to get out of the contest.
Another group of all-stars gather in North Carolina this weekend - the NHL's best play on Versus at 4 p.m. Sunday. There's a draft to stock the teams Friday night, with the skills competition Saturday at 7 p.m.
The best, except for Penguins' star Sidney Crosby. He's missed most of January with a concussion, and will miss his third straight all-star weekend.
For lower level stars, the AHL skills competition from Hershey will be Sunday at 3 p.m. on Comcast.
The stars of the tennis world shine in the finals of the Australian Open this weekend. The women's title begins real early - Saturday at 3 a.m. on ESPN2 - and the men finish up Sunday at 3 a.m. Sorry fans, but that's prime time down under.
ESPN offers wild winter action - the 15th Winter X games. The second day of coverage starts Friday at noon on ESPN2 and 7 p.m. on ESPN. There's more Saturday at 4 p.m. on ESPN2 and 9 p.m. on ESPN, and action finishes up Sunday at 12:30 p.m. on ESPN.
The PGA tour returns to network TV this week, with the Farmers Insurance Open on CBS Saturday and Sunday starting at 3 p.m.
ABC gets its Sunday NBA package going with Miami's visit to Oklahoma City at 1 p.m. The Celtics take on the Lakers at 3:30 p.m.
ESPN has the Celtics' game with Phoenix Friday at 10:30 p.m., while Sunday at 10 p.m. the Jazz take on Golden State. The Wizards visit Oklahoma City Friday, then meet the Grizzlies in Memphis Saturday on Comcast.
For your ACC coverage, Saturday Virginia visits Wake Forest at 4 p.m. on NBC29, after Florida State takes on Clemson.
Comcast has a tripleheader Saturday, with George Mason at William & Mary at noon followed by St. Louis-George Washington and Delaware hosting James Madison.
There's an ACC doubleheader Sunday night - Miami at Virginia Tech at 5:30 p.m. followed by Maryland-Georgia Tech. Then Washington plays Washington State at 10:30 p.m.
On Saturday, ESPN and ESPN2 both have four games. ESPN starts at noon with Georgetown-Villanova, followed by N.C. State taking on North Carolina. Georgia meets Kentucky at 4 p.m., with Kansas State battling Kansas at 7 p.m. with the Primetime crew.
On ESPN2, Xavier takes on Richmond at noon and Bradley meets Wichita State at 2 p.m. Top-ranked Ohio State takes on Northwestern at 6 p.m., then Pittsburgh visits Rutgers.
CBS has games at 1 p.m. both days of the weekend -either Minnesota-Purdue or Florida at Mississippi State Saturday, then Duke meets St. John's Sunday.
On MASN Saturday, there's a pair of Big East games among the four contests on the slate - Louisville at Connecticut at noon and West Virginia-Cincinnati at 8 p.m. In between, it's Oklahoma State taking on Texas Tech at 4 p.m. followed by Coastal Carolina at Radford.
Sunday, Manhattan visits Marist at noon, then it's a Big East battle between Providence and Seton Hall.
Versus has BYU at New Mexico Saturday at 4 p.m.
Comcast gives you ACC women's basketball Sunday at 1 p.m. - Florida State at North Carolina State. ESPN2 features Georgia-LSU at 5 p.m.
For those interested in gymnastics, Auburn and Georgia hit the mats Sunday at 3 p.m. on ESPN2.
FOX has the NFL's Pro Bowl Sunday at 7 p.m., with the best players from 30 teams - the Packers and Steelers are gearing up for the real big game next week.
The best players, minus those who are injured. Or had another reason to get out of the contest.
The best, except for Penguins' star Sidney Crosby. He's missed most of January with a concussion, and will miss his third straight all-star weekend.
For lower level stars, the AHL skills competition from Hershey will be Sunday at 3 p.m. on Comcast.
The stars of the tennis world shine in the finals of the Australian Open this weekend. The women's title begins real early - Saturday at 3 a.m. on ESPN2 - and the men finish up Sunday at 3 a.m. Sorry fans, but that's prime time down under.
ESPN offers wild winter action - the 15th Winter X games. The second day of coverage starts Friday at noon on ESPN2 and 7 p.m. on ESPN. There's more Saturday at 4 p.m. on ESPN2 and 9 p.m. on ESPN, and action finishes up Sunday at 12:30 p.m. on ESPN.
The PGA tour returns to network TV this week, with the Farmers Insurance Open on CBS Saturday and Sunday starting at 3 p.m.
ABC gets its Sunday NBA package going with Miami's visit to Oklahoma City at 1 p.m. The Celtics take on the Lakers at 3:30 p.m.
ESPN has the Celtics' game with Phoenix Friday at 10:30 p.m., while Sunday at 10 p.m. the Jazz take on Golden State. The Wizards visit Oklahoma City Friday, then meet the Grizzlies in Memphis Saturday on Comcast.
For your ACC coverage, Saturday Virginia visits Wake Forest at 4 p.m. on NBC29, after Florida State takes on Clemson.
Comcast has a tripleheader Saturday, with George Mason at William & Mary at noon followed by St. Louis-George Washington and Delaware hosting James Madison.
There's an ACC doubleheader Sunday night - Miami at Virginia Tech at 5:30 p.m. followed by Maryland-Georgia Tech. Then Washington plays Washington State at 10:30 p.m.
On Saturday, ESPN and ESPN2 both have four games. ESPN starts at noon with Georgetown-Villanova, followed by N.C. State taking on North Carolina. Georgia meets Kentucky at 4 p.m., with Kansas State battling Kansas at 7 p.m. with the Primetime crew.
On ESPN2, Xavier takes on Richmond at noon and Bradley meets Wichita State at 2 p.m. Top-ranked Ohio State takes on Northwestern at 6 p.m., then Pittsburgh visits Rutgers.
CBS has games at 1 p.m. both days of the weekend -either Minnesota-Purdue or Florida at Mississippi State Saturday, then Duke meets St. John's Sunday.
On MASN Saturday, there's a pair of Big East games among the four contests on the slate - Louisville at Connecticut at noon and West Virginia-Cincinnati at 8 p.m. In between, it's Oklahoma State taking on Texas Tech at 4 p.m. followed by Coastal Carolina at Radford.
Sunday, Manhattan visits Marist at noon, then it's a Big East battle between Providence and Seton Hall.
Versus has BYU at New Mexico Saturday at 4 p.m.
Comcast gives you ACC women's basketball Sunday at 1 p.m. - Florida State at North Carolina State. ESPN2 features Georgia-LSU at 5 p.m.
For those interested in gymnastics, Auburn and Georgia hit the mats Sunday at 3 p.m. on ESPN2.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Singing star
She sings the National Anthem before all Flyers game, and I featured her picture during last year's run to the Stanley Cup.
Will the Flyers return to the Stanley Cup final? Maybe.
Will Lauren Hart get featured in this blog again? Probably.
UPDATE: The Other McCain links as part of Rule 5 Sunday.
UPDATE 2: A surge of hits thanks to Game 2 of the Flyers/Bruins series.
UPDATE 3: Winter Classic 2012? Another surge of hits.
Happy birthday, Keith Olbermann
ESPN's PTI show noted that today is Keith Olbermann's 52nd birthday.
He didn't enjoy his early present from MSNBC.
Daily Kos has its salute up.
On PTI, they wondered if Olbermann would return to sports broadcasting.
He loves baseball, so maybe a show about big baseball fans - with co-host George W. Bush.
Would you watch? Bet you would.
He didn't enjoy his early present from MSNBC.
Daily Kos has its salute up.
On PTI, they wondered if Olbermann would return to sports broadcasting.
He loves baseball, so maybe a show about big baseball fans - with co-host George W. Bush.
Would you watch? Bet you would.
Facebook makes you feel better about life
Wednesday, work let out at 1 p.m. It took 30 minutes to make the first four miles away from Charlottesville, but it was smooth sailing to Fishersville after that.
Checking Facebook, my high school classsmates have a thread about commuting in D.C. Wednesday. One had heard of an 11-hour commute after early dismissal, and another classmate had a seven-hour drive.
Compared to that, an extra half-hour isn't that bad. Besides, I don't have to live near Washington, either.
Checking Facebook, my high school classsmates have a thread about commuting in D.C. Wednesday. One had heard of an 11-hour commute after early dismissal, and another classmate had a seven-hour drive.
Compared to that, an extra half-hour isn't that bad. Besides, I don't have to live near Washington, either.
Just one waiver needed
Over 500 new waivers to Obamacare have been issued.
Only one is needed. Maybe if we slip the health care reform repeal into a pile of other waivers to sign, President Obama will waive the whole thing.
Sorry, it's a mistake, but we didn't know we put it there.
Only one is needed. Maybe if we slip the health care reform repeal into a pile of other waivers to sign, President Obama will waive the whole thing.
Sorry, it's a mistake, but we didn't know we put it there.
Our new logo
From American Glob, who is scheduled to appear on DaTech Guy's radio show Saturday.
Winning
The
Future
The
Future
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Fishersville snow
But the neighborhood playground equipment will be quiet for a few days.
Why watch?
Why watch the State of the Union and response when Jim Geraghty sums it up so perfectly.
The night in a nutshell: President Obama was the salesman assuring you that you can afford the new sports car. Paul Ryan was your accountant, reminding you that you can't.
The night in a nutshell: President Obama was the salesman assuring you that you can afford the new sports car. Paul Ryan was your accountant, reminding you that you can't.
Would Obama send the kids to school?
Schools out in Augusta County today, even though there's no ice or snow in Fishersville. Yet.
But there's some ice in far parts of the county. And the forecast calls for bad weather before school would be letting out. Instead of risking kids getting stuck on the bus on the way home, no school today.
There's a budget storm coming. Rep. Paul Ryan sees it. He's warning to take action.
Does President Obama see the storm? Does he think it will pass by? Or not be as bad as some think?
Will our kids be stuck in the middle of nowhere in the future because of his decisions now?
But there's some ice in far parts of the county. And the forecast calls for bad weather before school would be letting out. Instead of risking kids getting stuck on the bus on the way home, no school today.
There's a budget storm coming. Rep. Paul Ryan sees it. He's warning to take action.
Does President Obama see the storm? Does he think it will pass by? Or not be as bad as some think?
Will our kids be stuck in the middle of nowhere in the future because of his decisions now?
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Beer is essential
Pat offers budget advice for when you find you have less money than expected.
Government officials, take notice. It's all about setting priorities.
Government officials, take notice. It's all about setting priorities.
Is buying a lottery ticket an investment?
Blue Virginia tries economics - arguing for Democratic ideas of investment and against the Republicans' thoughts that those spending plans.
The difference between investment and spending?
Democratic investment sounds good in theory. Except for:
If you have the money, buy the steak. If not, tighten your belt and go with the less expensive meal to fill your stomach.
Educate the children? Great, do it on a home schooler's budget.
Pour money into mass transit? Where will it work (cities) and where will it not? Don't think if you build, they will come. With a computer and internet access today, we'll likely be less centralized in 10 years.
Invest on a budget. That's the way to go.
Because spending the money we'll need in the future today won't get us to a happy future. We've eaten enough "seed corn" on investments over the years. Let the "seed corn" grow before we gorge ourselves on it.
The difference between investment and spending?
- Investment - spending on what you want to spend money on.
- Spending - someone else spending money
Democratic investment sounds good in theory. Except for:
- their track record
- their investments are more than the minimum needed
- their priorities
- the state of the United States budget in 2011.
If you have the money, buy the steak. If not, tighten your belt and go with the less expensive meal to fill your stomach.
Educate the children? Great, do it on a home schooler's budget.
Pour money into mass transit? Where will it work (cities) and where will it not? Don't think if you build, they will come. With a computer and internet access today, we'll likely be less centralized in 10 years.
Invest on a budget. That's the way to go.
Because spending the money we'll need in the future today won't get us to a happy future. We've eaten enough "seed corn" on investments over the years. Let the "seed corn" grow before we gorge ourselves on it.
Ready for old-fashioned football
I wonder what kind of uniforms the Packers will wear? Maybe they'll follow Grandpa John's suggestion.
Monday, January 24, 2011
George Allen, the return
Old news or a man who can bring better days? If only I had a dollar for everytime somebody said "Macaca."
Look out for March 3
Getting ready for great Super Bowl?
I'm reading Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback, which is a balance of Super Bowl and labor strife.
I think he's trying to prepare us for the post-game letdown.
I'm reading Peter King's Monday Morning Quarterback, which is a balance of Super Bowl and labor strife.
I think he's trying to prepare us for the post-game letdown.
While you're "Staying tuned"
Larry Sabato has his take on what may be George Allen's big Monday announcement.
If the economy recovers before 2012, then Obama will pour resources into Virginia—which he carried in 2008 with 52.6%, a better showing than in Florida or North Carolina. Obama won’t want to lose all his Southern states, and a big Virginia presidential turnout could produce substantial coattails for the Democratic nominee. After all, it is very hard to imagine many voters choosing a split-ticket of Obama and Allen.
But if Obama and the economy fare poorly in ’12, or if Virginia Democrats can’t get their act together quickly, then Virginia’s recent Republican trend could continue. George Allen might join the circle of politics’ comeback kids, such as Dan Coats and Jerry Brown. Plan on a long, hot, nasty, and expensive campaign.
If the economy recovers before 2012, then Obama will pour resources into Virginia—which he carried in 2008 with 52.6%, a better showing than in Florida or North Carolina. Obama won’t want to lose all his Southern states, and a big Virginia presidential turnout could produce substantial coattails for the Democratic nominee. After all, it is very hard to imagine many voters choosing a split-ticket of Obama and Allen.
But if Obama and the economy fare poorly in ’12, or if Virginia Democrats can’t get their act together quickly, then Virginia’s recent Republican trend could continue. George Allen might join the circle of politics’ comeback kids, such as Dan Coats and Jerry Brown. Plan on a long, hot, nasty, and expensive campaign.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Tracking the numbers
Tom White at Virginia Right steps into the breach with his ranking of Virginia blogs.
I'm at 31 among the 73 Virginia blogs he tracks this week.
It's nice to have another way to track the blog's progress.
I'm at 31 among the 73 Virginia blogs he tracks this week.
It's nice to have another way to track the blog's progress.
To SOTU or not
Legal Insurrection has a poll up - should there be a live blog event while President Obama delivers the State of the Union address?
So far, the "no" votes are winning.
I enjoy reading the commentary, but please, please, please, don't make me watch. There's better things to do for an hour in January than watch politicians.
Although the drunk blog is a good idea.
So far, the "no" votes are winning.
I enjoy reading the commentary, but please, please, please, don't make me watch. There's better things to do for an hour in January than watch politicians.
Although the drunk blog is a good idea.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Now Palin can't run for President
What fun will a Sarah Palin run for the presidency be without Keith Olbermann on the air? None.
It would be great fun to watch his rants on TV, or on video clips. Now, we'll have to wait until his non-compete clause runs out.
With Olbermann still on MSNBC, just imagine the Pro-Palin TV ad:
Here's Keith Olbermann. He really hates Sarah Palin.
See how crazy he looks.
Do you want to be like him?
Didn't think so.
Vote for Sarah Palin.
It will drive Keith Olbermann even crazier.
It would be great fun to watch his rants on TV, or on video clips. Now, we'll have to wait until his non-compete clause runs out.
With Olbermann still on MSNBC, just imagine the Pro-Palin TV ad:
Here's Keith Olbermann. He really hates Sarah Palin.
See how crazy he looks.
Do you want to be like him?
Didn't think so.
Vote for Sarah Palin.
It will drive Keith Olbermann even crazier.
Time for a new party
Time for a new political party - "It's too damn cold party."
I would go to the NFL championship games Sunday to sign up supporters - but it's too damn cold.
I would go to the NFL championship games Sunday to sign up supporters - but it's too damn cold.
Murkowski - good or bad?
Lisa Murkowski survived a Tea Party challenge and kept her Alaska seat. Is her survival a good or bad thing for Republican politicians?
She's getting praise from the left. She's casting lone votes for laws against her former Republican colleagues.
Does her behavior mean the Tea Party failed? Or will work harder in 2012 to get its view across?
I'd bet on work harder. Her votes will be an inspiration - not the kind the left or establishment would like to see.
Murkowski will be even lonelier as fewer and fewer establishment types have power against the Tea Party wave.
She's getting praise from the left. She's casting lone votes for laws against her former Republican colleagues.
Does her behavior mean the Tea Party failed? Or will work harder in 2012 to get its view across?
I'd bet on work harder. Her votes will be an inspiration - not the kind the left or establishment would like to see.
Murkowski will be even lonelier as fewer and fewer establishment types have power against the Tea Party wave.
So long, Keith
Friday was the final night for the Keith Olbermann show on MSNBC.
Time to bring back a memory from his time at ESPN - meeting hockey great Gordie Howe up close and personal.
Time to bring back a memory from his time at ESPN - meeting hockey great Gordie Howe up close and personal.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The race is on
David Karaffa, the Augusta Conservative, is running for a spot on the Augusta County Board of Supervisors.
He's planning on telling the story of his run through his blog.
It's a long way, and probably a lot of posts, until November 8.
He's planning on telling the story of his run through his blog.
It's a long way, and probably a lot of posts, until November 8.
What day is it? Hey look, a squirrel
Did you know January 21 is Squirrel Appreciation Day?
I didn't until I saw it on Facebook.
Cosmo could not be reached for comment.
I didn't until I saw it on Facebook.
Cosmo could not be reached for comment.
Bloomberg for President? Snow chance
One of the beauties of winter 2010-11 has been the snows hitting New York City hard.
And mayor Michael Bloomberg especially, as Victor Davis Hanson notes.
But Bloomberg’s carefully constructed philosopher’s image was finally shattered by the December 2010 blizzard and his own asleep-at-the-wheel reaction. An incompetent municipal response to record snowfalls barricaded millions in their borough houses and apartments, amid lurid rumors of deliberate union-sponsored slowdowns by Bloomberg’s city crews.
No more dreams of a Bloomberg run. Not a snowball's chance in you know where.
And mayor Michael Bloomberg especially, as Victor Davis Hanson notes.
But Bloomberg’s carefully constructed philosopher’s image was finally shattered by the December 2010 blizzard and his own asleep-at-the-wheel reaction. An incompetent municipal response to record snowfalls barricaded millions in their borough houses and apartments, amid lurid rumors of deliberate union-sponsored slowdowns by Bloomberg’s city crews.
No more dreams of a Bloomberg run. Not a snowball's chance in you know where.
Weekend watchdog
The first two franchises to win Super Bowls were Green Bay and the New York Jets. They could return for Super Bowl XLV.
Green Bay gets the day started at 3 p.m. on FOX against the Bears in Chicago. The Packers have two Super Bowl trips in the 1990s to go with winning the first two games. Three years after the departure of Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers has the Pack almost back to the big game.
CBS has a Saturday afternoon tripleheader, starting in the Big Ten with Ohio State-Illinois. At 2 p.m., there's the choice between Stanford and UCLA or Tennessee at Connecticut, then Texas battles Kansas at 4 p.m.
Saturday's ESPN schedule starts at noon with Villanova-Syracuse. Kansas State faces Texas A&M at 2 p.m., followed by Duke-Wake Forest and Kentucky against South Carolina. The GameDay crew has Michigan State-Purdue.
ESPN2's four-game day starts at 1 p.m. with Arkansas-Little Rock meeting Florida Atlantic. Then it's Temple facing Xavier, Creighton-Missouri State and the Conference USA battle between Memphis and UAB at 7 p.m.
Comcast has three games on Saturday, starting with Massachusetts-Richmond at noon. Charlotte hosts Duquesne at 2 p.m., followed by VCU at Old Dominion.
MASN fills the schedule with five games Saturday. The Big East tips off the day at noon with Rutgers at Seton Hall, then Loyola plays Marist in a MAAC contest. At 4 p.m., Pittsburgh visits DePaul and Notre Dame hosts Marquette at 7 p.m. The night closes with Towson taking on UNC-Wilmington at 9 p.m.
Sunday, St. Peter's meets Manhattan at noon, followed by South Florida against West Virginia.
Versus offers New Mexico at UNLV Saturday at 4 p.m.
Comcast has a women's college basketball tripleheader on Sunday. Boston College visits Georgia Tech at 1 p.m., followed by Oregon State-Oregon and the ACC battle between Duke and North Carolina State at 5 p.m. ESPN2 heads to the ACC Sunday at 5 p.m. for North Carolina's game with Maryland.
On ESPN Friday, the NBA doubleheader starts when the Celtics head to San Antonio at 8 p.m. then the Lakers face the Nuggets. The Wizards host the Suns Friday on Comcast and the Celtics Saturday at 7 p.m.
Down under, the Australian Open reaches its midpoint. ESPN2 has coverage throughout the weekend - Thursday starting at 11 p.m., Friday at 9 p.m., Saturday at 9 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m.
The NHL season on NBC begins Sunday with Philadelphia at Chicago at 12:30 p.m. The Capitals visit Toronto Saturday on Comcast-plus.
The PGA tour heads to California this weekend, with the Bob Hope Classic on Golf Network.
Fresh off upsets of the top-seeded squads, the Packers and Jets hope for one more upset Sunday - and the first championship meeting of the lowest seeded playoff teams in each conference.
Green Bay gets the day started at 3 p.m. on FOX against the Bears in Chicago. The Packers have two Super Bowl trips in the 1990s to go with winning the first two games. Three years after the departure of Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers has the Pack almost back to the big game.The Jets haven't been to the Super Bowl since Joe Namath took them there in 1969. But they hadn't won in the state of Pennsylvania until beating the Steelers in December. The Steelers have plenty of experience making the Super Bowl, but have lost several times at home in the AFC championship. CBS has the coverage starting at 6:30 p.m.
In college basketball, Virginia hosts Georgia Tech Saturday at noon on NBC29 and the ACC Network. Clemson visits Maryland at 2:30 p.m., and Sunday at noon it's Miami taking on N.C. State.CBS has a Saturday afternoon tripleheader, starting in the Big Ten with Ohio State-Illinois. At 2 p.m., there's the choice between Stanford and UCLA or Tennessee at Connecticut, then Texas battles Kansas at 4 p.m.
Saturday's ESPN schedule starts at noon with Villanova-Syracuse. Kansas State faces Texas A&M at 2 p.m., followed by Duke-Wake Forest and Kentucky against South Carolina. The GameDay crew has Michigan State-Purdue.
ESPN2's four-game day starts at 1 p.m. with Arkansas-Little Rock meeting Florida Atlantic. Then it's Temple facing Xavier, Creighton-Missouri State and the Conference USA battle between Memphis and UAB at 7 p.m.
Comcast has three games on Saturday, starting with Massachusetts-Richmond at noon. Charlotte hosts Duquesne at 2 p.m., followed by VCU at Old Dominion.
MASN fills the schedule with five games Saturday. The Big East tips off the day at noon with Rutgers at Seton Hall, then Loyola plays Marist in a MAAC contest. At 4 p.m., Pittsburgh visits DePaul and Notre Dame hosts Marquette at 7 p.m. The night closes with Towson taking on UNC-Wilmington at 9 p.m.
Sunday, St. Peter's meets Manhattan at noon, followed by South Florida against West Virginia.
Versus offers New Mexico at UNLV Saturday at 4 p.m.
Comcast has a women's college basketball tripleheader on Sunday. Boston College visits Georgia Tech at 1 p.m., followed by Oregon State-Oregon and the ACC battle between Duke and North Carolina State at 5 p.m. ESPN2 heads to the ACC Sunday at 5 p.m. for North Carolina's game with Maryland.
On ESPN Friday, the NBA doubleheader starts when the Celtics head to San Antonio at 8 p.m. then the Lakers face the Nuggets. The Wizards host the Suns Friday on Comcast and the Celtics Saturday at 7 p.m.
Down under, the Australian Open reaches its midpoint. ESPN2 has coverage throughout the weekend - Thursday starting at 11 p.m., Friday at 9 p.m., Saturday at 9 p.m. and Sunday at 7 p.m.
The NHL season on NBC begins Sunday with Philadelphia at Chicago at 12:30 p.m. The Capitals visit Toronto Saturday on Comcast-plus.
The PGA tour heads to California this weekend, with the Bob Hope Classic on Golf Network.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Storm's a comin'
I just went to Wal-Mart, and two employees were putting out the big pallet of snow melt.
Guess going to work will be fun in the morning.
Guess going to work will be fun in the morning.
The taste of death
Why do some hate Sarah Palin so?
Why is the sky blue?
Why do McDonald's french fries taste so good?
Some questions can be answered. Some never.
James Taranto and Ace have taken their turns at the Sarah Palin question. Ace links the first appearance of Palin with the thoughts liberals might have had.
My other guess is that this is rooted in an emotional response they felt when they first saw her -- panic. Remember, up until Palin's nomination, Barack Obama was cruising easily towards victory. No poll ever showed McCain ahead, and few polls showed him even within 6 points.
But Palin changed that -- suddenly Obama wasn't a sure thing, but was behind, at least for two wonderful weeks.
I am thinking that the panic and fear they felt over that stayed with them, the same way that if you're eating a peppermint Jolly Roger when your doctor tells you you might have a deadly illness, you will probably never again wish to taste a peppermint Jolly Roger. That stimulus becomes locked by association with the fear of death. It becomes the taste of death.
So that's Sarah Palin -- the taste of death for unhinged liberals who thought Barack Obama was an unstoppable god.
Why is the sky blue?
Why do McDonald's french fries taste so good?
Some questions can be answered. Some never.
James Taranto and Ace have taken their turns at the Sarah Palin question. Ace links the first appearance of Palin with the thoughts liberals might have had.
My other guess is that this is rooted in an emotional response they felt when they first saw her -- panic. Remember, up until Palin's nomination, Barack Obama was cruising easily towards victory. No poll ever showed McCain ahead, and few polls showed him even within 6 points.
But Palin changed that -- suddenly Obama wasn't a sure thing, but was behind, at least for two wonderful weeks.
I am thinking that the panic and fear they felt over that stayed with them, the same way that if you're eating a peppermint Jolly Roger when your doctor tells you you might have a deadly illness, you will probably never again wish to taste a peppermint Jolly Roger. That stimulus becomes locked by association with the fear of death. It becomes the taste of death.
So that's Sarah Palin -- the taste of death for unhinged liberals who thought Barack Obama was an unstoppable god.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
It's the end of the world, dontcha know it?
According to Seth Rogen, George Lucas thinks the world will end in 2012.
Here's to 2013.
Maybe Lucas can come up with a decent idea for a new Star Wars movie after the world doesn't end.
And so what if the world ends? We've seen worse - Jar Jar Binks.
Here's to 2013.
Maybe Lucas can come up with a decent idea for a new Star Wars movie after the world doesn't end.
And so what if the world ends? We've seen worse - Jar Jar Binks.
Do ya, punk?
Jim Geraghty lets it all hang loose in his daily email, imagining the "Dirty Harry" confrontation with "Dingy Harry."
I would like to think that at some point, Eric Cantor will run into Harry Reid in some hallway in Congress, and he'll get a chance to squint and rasp through gritted teeth, "I know what you're thinking. 'If the Senate votes to repeal Obamacare, will I lose six Democrats or only five?' Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is the repeal bill, one of the most powerful mandates in the political world, and the political pressure on your Red State senators would blow your caucus apart, you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk?"
I would like to think that at some point, Eric Cantor will run into Harry Reid in some hallway in Congress, and he'll get a chance to squint and rasp through gritted teeth, "I know what you're thinking. 'If the Senate votes to repeal Obamacare, will I lose six Democrats or only five?' Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement I kind of lost track myself. But being as this is the repeal bill, one of the most powerful mandates in the political world, and the political pressure on your Red State senators would blow your caucus apart, you've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' Well, do ya, punk?"
Check out your dirty jobs
The Baltimore Sun has a good profile on Mike Rowe, the Discovery Channel host of "Dirty Jobs."
If people are willing to talk about a definition of what a good job is, we might be able to address some of these issues that really plague skilled labor today, such as a skills gap," Rowe said, calling that gap "one of the great looming disasters."
"It has become a topic of conversation as the economy has collapsed and people were laid off: Is a dirty job a bad job?"
Rowe and I both attended Towson State at the same time, and I think I knew him then. I know I knew the reporter of this article from our college newspaper.
If people are willing to talk about a definition of what a good job is, we might be able to address some of these issues that really plague skilled labor today, such as a skills gap," Rowe said, calling that gap "one of the great looming disasters."
"It has become a topic of conversation as the economy has collapsed and people were laid off: Is a dirty job a bad job?"
Rowe and I both attended Towson State at the same time, and I think I knew him then. I know I knew the reporter of this article from our college newspaper.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Instapundit's email of the day
Earlier Tuesday, Instapundit posted a note about the healthful effects of Ginger.
And got the following email.
“I always preferred Mary-Ann, but I’ll try anything for health.”
Taking you back to Gilligan's Island, here's Ginger vs. Mary Ann
And got the following email.
“I always preferred Mary-Ann, but I’ll try anything for health.”
On the road with George Allen
SWACgirl offers a report of George Allen's town hall meeting in Harrisonburg Tuesday.
And the coming attractions come at the end of the meeting.
3:56: Tommy Moser just introduced himself as a member of the local tea party who said he had heard the Governor may get back into the ring and he was here to say he would be there to back him along with many others. (Outburst of applause in the room.)
George Allen: "Stay tuned. (laugher) I'd love to have you by my side."
And the coming attractions come at the end of the meeting.
3:56: Tommy Moser just introduced himself as a member of the local tea party who said he had heard the Governor may get back into the ring and he was here to say he would be there to back him along with many others. (Outburst of applause in the room.)
George Allen: "Stay tuned. (laugher) I'd love to have you by my side."
The Tea Party - your neighbors
After much media bashing, disapproval of the Tea Party has reached a new high - 52 percent.
Will it stay there, and thus help President Obama and Democrats?
I doubt it. Democrats often cite the example of 1995, when the militia movement got the focus after Oklahoma City. Bill Clinton's popularity bounced back, and Democrats hope President Obama can bounce back with something similar.
But the militias were shadowy groups on the outskirts. The Tea Party has been out there for two years, on TV and in your community. Almost everyone knows a person who participates in Tea Party activities, even if it's a loose connection through work or Facebook.
When you remember the Tea Party is your friends and neighbors - not some crazy person far from you- it's harder to maintain disapproval.
Jim Geraghty thinks the Tea Party will bounce back, also.
I have my doubts that these impressions will last long. The Tea Parties are a reaction to government over-reach, unpopular policies, and difficult economic conditions. Coverage of the Tucson shootings will pass, and eventually there will be new outrageous examples of government over-reach, and difficult economic conditions.
Will it stay there, and thus help President Obama and Democrats?
I doubt it. Democrats often cite the example of 1995, when the militia movement got the focus after Oklahoma City. Bill Clinton's popularity bounced back, and Democrats hope President Obama can bounce back with something similar.
But the militias were shadowy groups on the outskirts. The Tea Party has been out there for two years, on TV and in your community. Almost everyone knows a person who participates in Tea Party activities, even if it's a loose connection through work or Facebook.
When you remember the Tea Party is your friends and neighbors - not some crazy person far from you- it's harder to maintain disapproval.
Jim Geraghty thinks the Tea Party will bounce back, also.
I have my doubts that these impressions will last long. The Tea Parties are a reaction to government over-reach, unpopular policies, and difficult economic conditions. Coverage of the Tucson shootings will pass, and eventually there will be new outrageous examples of government over-reach, and difficult economic conditions.
Your 2013 inaugural singers
DaTech Guy found this video of a couple singing their "Sarah Palin Battle Hymn."
Is it over the top? Probably?
Will it simply drive Palin-haters crazy? Definitely. Check the comments, if you have a strong stomach.
Listen to the singers, and enjoy their words.
"Sarah Palin, coming south to hunt some skunk."
Think what you want. This couple and their friends have a better chance of attending the 2013 inaugural than many of you.
Is it over the top? Probably?
Will it simply drive Palin-haters crazy? Definitely. Check the comments, if you have a strong stomach.
Listen to the singers, and enjoy their words.
"Sarah Palin, coming south to hunt some skunk."
Think what you want. This couple and their friends have a better chance of attending the 2013 inaugural than many of you.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Read the poll's internals
Is opposition to Obamacare waning?
Depends on who you ask.
Democratic partisans think it is.
People who look inside the number say no. Change the sample of Republican leaning voters, and you change the poll.
Just like Obamacare, the latest poll is a facade. Look inside and it falls apart.
Sorry, Democrats.
Depends on who you ask.
Democratic partisans think it is.
People who look inside the number say no. Change the sample of Republican leaning voters, and you change the poll.
Just like Obamacare, the latest poll is a facade. Look inside and it falls apart.
Sorry, Democrats.
They are asking help from them?
Peter King opens his Monday Morning Quarterback with a dose of gloom - 46 days until the NFL owners can lock out the players.
King reports on what some of the players side will be doing this week.
About 35 new player representatives and alternate player reps (Patrick Willis, Aaron Kampman, among others] will meet for orientation in Washington at NFL Players Association headquarters, then move on to meet and lobby key politicians on Capitol Hill, in case they need friends in high places when the two sides are at impasse and Congress debates getting involved.
The questions -
P.S. Players, avoid Nancy Pelosi. She'll say you should approve the new deal to find out what's in it.
King reports on what some of the players side will be doing this week.
About 35 new player representatives and alternate player reps (Patrick Willis, Aaron Kampman, among others] will meet for orientation in Washington at NFL Players Association headquarters, then move on to meet and lobby key politicians on Capitol Hill, in case they need friends in high places when the two sides are at impasse and Congress debates getting involved.
The questions -
- Are there key politicians on Capitol Hill?
- If we need their help to have NFL football in 2011, we're sunk.
P.S. Players, avoid Nancy Pelosi. She'll say you should approve the new deal to find out what's in it.
Let's go Packers
If the Packers win Sunday's NFC championship game, they will be the 10th different team to win in the last 10 years.
The streak began when the Rams played in Super Bowl XXXVI. Amazingly, these teams haven't been to the Super Bowl from the NFC since - Cowboys, Redskins, Vikings, 49ers. Teams that made plenty of trips during the first 30 Super Bowls.
If the Packers keep the streak alive, there's hope for the Redskins yet.
The streak began when the Rams played in Super Bowl XXXVI. Amazingly, these teams haven't been to the Super Bowl from the NFC since - Cowboys, Redskins, Vikings, 49ers. Teams that made plenty of trips during the first 30 Super Bowls.
If the Packers keep the streak alive, there's hope for the Redskins yet.
No thumbs up
The Other McCain gives his review of Zeitgeist, the movie that may have inspired Jared Loughner's Arizona shooting.
It's a review that gives away the movie's ending. But there's more to learn.
It's a review that gives away the movie's ending. But there's more to learn.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Zeitgeist vs. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
The Other McCain has been pounding the movie that motivated Jared Loughner "Zeitgeist."
The Big Boys of American journalism appear to be missing in action on this story. Even ABC News, which scored an exclusive in Wednesday’s interview with Zach Osler, has failed to follow up on this tantalizing suggestion of how Jared Loughner got so crazy. It will require a major New Media effort to force the MSM to focus on the Zeitgeist connection.
Follow the link and follow the action the mainstream media is missing. Or sleeping through.
The Big Boys of American journalism appear to be missing in action on this story. Even ABC News, which scored an exclusive in Wednesday’s interview with Zach Osler, has failed to follow up on this tantalizing suggestion of how Jared Loughner got so crazy. It will require a major New Media effort to force the MSM to focus on the Zeitgeist connection.
Follow the link and follow the action the mainstream media is missing. Or sleeping through.
We know Trog is happy
The Packers won Saturday. Troglopundit is celebrating.
The Ravens lost Saturday. Don't ask what I'm thinking.
The Ravens lost Saturday. Don't ask what I'm thinking.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Now I want to "Eat Mor Chikin"
Wyblog notes the latest trouble in the culture war - caused by the donation of Chic-Fil-A sandwiches.
Makes me want to stop by for a sandwich or nuggets.
But not on Sunday - they are closed.
Makes me want to stop by for a sandwich or nuggets.
But not on Sunday - they are closed.
Does it work?
It's the beginning of tax season. Offices that have been quiet since last April spring to life.
Locally, there's two Liberty Tax Service offices.
The ones with the inflatable Statue of Liberty balloons atop the business.
The ones where people wear the Statue of Liberty get-up on the side of the road, waving to motorists.
Does it bring traffic into the offices? It must, or we won't be seeing people in the get-up for the next three months.
I doesn't get me interested in using their service.
All I see is cold people.
Locally, there's two Liberty Tax Service offices.
The ones with the inflatable Statue of Liberty balloons atop the business.
The ones where people wear the Statue of Liberty get-up on the side of the road, waving to motorists.
Does it bring traffic into the offices? It must, or we won't be seeing people in the get-up for the next three months.
I doesn't get me interested in using their service.
All I see is cold people.
SEC and GOP
Fred Barnes looks at the college football conference that has won the last five national championships - and the political party that's doing well in the south.
Sometimes the two things go together.
Alabama Republican party chairman Mike Hubbard personifies the harmony between football and politics. He lives in the town of Auburn and runs the Auburn Network, which broadcasts Auburn sports. He was the mastermind behind the Republican landslide in November, personally raising the crucial $5 million. Now he’s the speaker of the Alabama House, proof that good football and Republican politics go together.
Sometimes the two things go together.
Alabama Republican party chairman Mike Hubbard personifies the harmony between football and politics. He lives in the town of Auburn and runs the Auburn Network, which broadcasts Auburn sports. He was the mastermind behind the Republican landslide in November, personally raising the crucial $5 million. Now he’s the speaker of the Alabama House, proof that good football and Republican politics go together.
My Technorati went ...thud
I like checking the Technorati site on Saturday, to see how my site ranks.
When Technorati redid its formula in the fall of 2008, I jumped from 31 to 532. Some others with more traffic were stuck at 1, but I've been in the 500s and up to 611 since then.
Until this Saturday.
There's the 1.
Don't know why I was so high, and don't know why I've dropped to 1. Numbers are fun, but what do they really mean.
At least my Alexa score went up this week. Yeah, Alexa.
When Technorati redid its formula in the fall of 2008, I jumped from 31 to 532. Some others with more traffic were stuck at 1, but I've been in the 500s and up to 611 since then.
Until this Saturday.
There's the 1.
Don't know why I was so high, and don't know why I've dropped to 1. Numbers are fun, but what do they really mean.
At least my Alexa score went up this week. Yeah, Alexa.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Celebrate Da Anniversary
The Other McCain knows where he was at this time last year - covering the Scott Brown campaign and staying at Casa DaTech Guy.
It was a good election day for Scott Brown, and the Other McCain highlights DaTech Guy's progress as a blogger and now radio host in 2010. For me, DaTech Guy is the "Fedora-topped embodiment of the Tea Party movement."
Follow the ride since last January:
I was before that moment a guy who was blogging a bit while looking for a tech support gig, finding interviews few and far between. I had not been on an Airplane in 17 years, had never been to DC, Virginia or Georgia and had not really met any of my fellow bloggers.
By the end of one week I was a credentialed Blogger at the Scott Brown Victory party. Over the course of the year i’ve been to CPAC, Started writing for Examiner.com, Covered tax day rallies in Boston and DC, Ridden on the Tea Party express, Covered a congressional race in Georgia, attended Blogcon, Stopped by the Black Family reunion, Interviewed Renne Ellmers who would eventually become Congresswomen Ellmers, Covered the 9/11 & 9/12 rallies in DC, Watched the production of the Dancing Barney Frank Video, Went on a road trip through 5 states, Interviewed Ann Marie Buerkle (now congresswoman Buerkle) , Covered congressional debates and attended victory parties and now host my radio show DaTechGuy on DaRadio.
And to celebrate the anniversary weekend, Instapundit appears on DaTech Guy on DaRadio Saturday at 9 p.m.
It was a good election day for Scott Brown, and the Other McCain highlights DaTech Guy's progress as a blogger and now radio host in 2010. For me, DaTech Guy is the "Fedora-topped embodiment of the Tea Party movement."
Follow the ride since last January:
I was before that moment a guy who was blogging a bit while looking for a tech support gig, finding interviews few and far between. I had not been on an Airplane in 17 years, had never been to DC, Virginia or Georgia and had not really met any of my fellow bloggers.
By the end of one week I was a credentialed Blogger at the Scott Brown Victory party. Over the course of the year i’ve been to CPAC, Started writing for Examiner.com, Covered tax day rallies in Boston and DC, Ridden on the Tea Party express, Covered a congressional race in Georgia, attended Blogcon, Stopped by the Black Family reunion, Interviewed Renne Ellmers who would eventually become Congresswomen Ellmers, Covered the 9/11 & 9/12 rallies in DC, Watched the production of the Dancing Barney Frank Video, Went on a road trip through 5 states, Interviewed Ann Marie Buerkle (now congresswoman Buerkle) , Covered congressional debates and attended victory parties and now host my radio show DaTechGuy on DaRadio.
And to celebrate the anniversary weekend, Instapundit appears on DaTech Guy on DaRadio Saturday at 9 p.m.
Weekend watchdog - Best NFL weekend of the year
Four games.
The four winners are the final four teams alive for the Super Bowl.
You can hear Chris Berman's excitement from here.
In primetime, FOX has the Packers visiting Atlanta. Matt Ryan won the first outing, but the perfect mark at the Georgia Dome ended on the final Monday Night game of the season.Sunday starts with the surprising Seahawks taking on Chicago at 1 p.m. Seattle won there early in the season.
CBS closes the weekend with the rubber match between New England and the New York Jets at 4:30 p.m. Both teams won at their home stadiums, with the Patriots putting a real thumping on the Jets in early December.
With college football done, ESPN calls this week "Conference Tip-off." Saturday, the day starts at 11 a.m. on ESPN2 with Marquette battling Louisville. Then it's Missouri-Texas A&M, the SWAC battle between Jackson State and Texas Southern and the MEAC contest of Morgan State and South Carolina State at 5 p.m.
ESPN offers Tennessee-Vanderbilt at noon, then Virginia has to battle top-ranked Duke at 2 p.m.
NBC29 has a pair of ACC games Saturday - N.C. State at Florida State at 4 p.m., then Wake Forest heads to Virginia Tech at 8 p.m.
CBS brings Maryland's trip to Villanova Saturday at 1 p.m., and Sunday it's Purdue at West Virginia.
Comcast has three games Saturday from the CAA, beginning with Northeastern against VCU at noon. Georgia State takes on George Mason at 2 p.m., then Old Dominion travels to Hofstra.
Sunday night, North Carolina visits Georgia Tech in the ACC game of the week at 7:30 p.m. followed by Washington at California.
Saturday on MASN, there's three games from the Big East, starting at noon with Cincinnati at Syracuse. Connecticut battles DePaul at 2 p.m., and Seton Hall's visit to Pittsburgh gets coverage at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Notre Dame takes on St. John's at noon.
In women's basketball, ESPN gives the showcase to Vanderbilt-Tennessee Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday, there's a doubleheader on ESPN2 with UCF-SMU at 2 p.m. followed by Illinois-Penn State.
Georgetown faces Providence Saturday at 4 p.m. on MASN.
There's a pair of high school basketball games added to the weekend mix. ESPN2 shows St. Patrick of New Jersey vs. Winter Park of Florida Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 4 p.m. St. Anthony's meets DeMatha.
In the NBA, ESPN offers San Antonio-Dallas Friday at 8 p.m., followed by Portland at Phoenix. The Wizards host Toronto Saturday at 7 p.m. and Utah Monday at 1 p.m. in an Martin Luther King Jr. holiday special.
A pair of Canadian teams visit the Capitals this weekend, with Vancouver in town Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast. Ottawa takes the ice Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Australian Open kicks off its two-week run Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
The PGA tour's Sony Open is on Golf Network this weekend.
The four winners are the final four teams alive for the Super Bowl.
You can hear Chris Berman's excitement from here.
The weekend starts with a big bang - Baltimore at Pittsburgh Saturday at 4:30 p.m. on CBS. The Ravens won by three points in early October, then the Steelers took the Sunday night contest in Baltimore by three. The Ravens haven't lost since then.
In primetime, FOX has the Packers visiting Atlanta. Matt Ryan won the first outing, but the perfect mark at the Georgia Dome ended on the final Monday Night game of the season.CBS closes the weekend with the rubber match between New England and the New York Jets at 4:30 p.m. Both teams won at their home stadiums, with the Patriots putting a real thumping on the Jets in early December.
With college football done, ESPN calls this week "Conference Tip-off." Saturday, the day starts at 11 a.m. on ESPN2 with Marquette battling Louisville. Then it's Missouri-Texas A&M, the SWAC battle between Jackson State and Texas Southern and the MEAC contest of Morgan State and South Carolina State at 5 p.m.
ESPN offers Tennessee-Vanderbilt at noon, then Virginia has to battle top-ranked Duke at 2 p.m.
NBC29 has a pair of ACC games Saturday - N.C. State at Florida State at 4 p.m., then Wake Forest heads to Virginia Tech at 8 p.m.
CBS brings Maryland's trip to Villanova Saturday at 1 p.m., and Sunday it's Purdue at West Virginia.
Comcast has three games Saturday from the CAA, beginning with Northeastern against VCU at noon. Georgia State takes on George Mason at 2 p.m., then Old Dominion travels to Hofstra.
Sunday night, North Carolina visits Georgia Tech in the ACC game of the week at 7:30 p.m. followed by Washington at California.
Saturday on MASN, there's three games from the Big East, starting at noon with Cincinnati at Syracuse. Connecticut battles DePaul at 2 p.m., and Seton Hall's visit to Pittsburgh gets coverage at 7 p.m.
Sunday, Notre Dame takes on St. John's at noon.
In women's basketball, ESPN gives the showcase to Vanderbilt-Tennessee Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday, there's a doubleheader on ESPN2 with UCF-SMU at 2 p.m. followed by Illinois-Penn State.
Georgetown faces Providence Saturday at 4 p.m. on MASN.
There's a pair of high school basketball games added to the weekend mix. ESPN2 shows St. Patrick of New Jersey vs. Winter Park of Florida Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 4 p.m. St. Anthony's meets DeMatha.
In the NBA, ESPN offers San Antonio-Dallas Friday at 8 p.m., followed by Portland at Phoenix. The Wizards host Toronto Saturday at 7 p.m. and Utah Monday at 1 p.m. in an Martin Luther King Jr. holiday special.
A pair of Canadian teams visit the Capitals this weekend, with Vancouver in town Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast. Ottawa takes the ice Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Australian Open kicks off its two-week run Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
The PGA tour's Sony Open is on Golf Network this weekend.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
And for an encore...
I do my best to avoid presidential speeches - they pay other people to do that. The best clips are boiled down for your viewing pleasure, and the best commentators go through the text for you.
The right side seems pleased with President Obama's speech in Arizona Wednesday. The president looked presidential - a good thing.
You can't stop the media sniping at Sarah Palin, but that's to be expected as well.
As a country in 2011, we need a grown-up in the White House. Hopefully, President Obama has used his time since the election - especially since the Saturday shooting - to be a more mature leader. Not just the golfing and defer to Democrats in Congress guy, but one who sets the tone in Washington.
He's got a few months - probably until summer - to become the mature leader before the 2012 presidential race heats up.
Let's see what good encore he has.
The right side seems pleased with President Obama's speech in Arizona Wednesday. The president looked presidential - a good thing.
You can't stop the media sniping at Sarah Palin, but that's to be expected as well.
As a country in 2011, we need a grown-up in the White House. Hopefully, President Obama has used his time since the election - especially since the Saturday shooting - to be a more mature leader. Not just the golfing and defer to Democrats in Congress guy, but one who sets the tone in Washington.
He's got a few months - probably until summer - to become the mature leader before the 2012 presidential race heats up.
Let's see what good encore he has.
Trail of inanity
Instapundit likes Jennifer Rubin's piece on what the left did wrong since Saturday's shooting.
The reason I believe that Obama entirely avoided politics, indeed rebuked the Krugman-Daily Kos narrative, is because he saw the pushing and shoving, read the polls, figured which way the wind was blowing, and steered clear of associating himself with the tone-deaf left. Conversely, because the left couldn't restrain themselves, they pounced immediately and left a trail of inanity on twitter and websites.
The reason I believe that Obama entirely avoided politics, indeed rebuked the Krugman-Daily Kos narrative, is because he saw the pushing and shoving, read the polls, figured which way the wind was blowing, and steered clear of associating himself with the tone-deaf left. Conversely, because the left couldn't restrain themselves, they pounced immediately and left a trail of inanity on twitter and websites.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
How did we survive the 14th century?
There's death on the battlefield, death due to the plague in towns, death on the road, and zombie monks.
At least Claire Foy's character survives the film. After watching the film, I wonder how mankind made it through that period.
After reading the reviews, I wonder how I survived the movie.
Yes, we Cain
The Other McCain has been promoting Herman Cain's thoughts of running for President in 2012.
Cain's website now talks about his presidential exploratory committee.
He's going to use the line "Cain is able," right?
Cain's website now talks about his presidential exploratory committee.
He's going to use the line "Cain is able," right?
Big snow on the East Coast? #BlamePalin
The Other McCain finds the universal thread to all woes in the world - #BlamePalin.
If you don't visit his site, he'll Blame Palin.
If you visit but don't like the content, he'll Blame Palin.
The snow's got to be Palin's fault also.
And you know the deer take marching orders from Palin.
If you don't visit his site, he'll Blame Palin.
If you visit but don't like the content, he'll Blame Palin.
The snow's got to be Palin's fault also.
And you know the deer take marching orders from Palin.
Dr. Ace on call
Ace sees crazy people in Day 4 of the Arizona shooting media analysis. I like the patterns he sees.
Since the left has gone Loughner, maybe I'll join them.
Paranoid schizophrenics see patterns and connections where there are none, and where tangible, real-world evidence tells us there are none.
Leftists see patterns and connections were there are none, and where tangible, real-world evidence tells us there are none.Therefore, leftists have become paranoid schizophrenics.
That may be true. But that's not how I feel. Here is how I currently feel, on Day 4 of being locked in a leftist Loughner Dream:
If you say a false narrative is crazy, you yourself have claimed to know what is crazy or is not crazy, and that belief is itself crazy.
Ace says this false narrative is crazy.
Therefore, Ace is crazy.
Since the left has gone Loughner, maybe I'll join them.
Paranoid schizophrenics see patterns and connections where there are none, and where tangible, real-world evidence tells us there are none.
Leftists see patterns and connections were there are none, and where tangible, real-world evidence tells us there are none.Therefore, leftists have become paranoid schizophrenics.
That may be true. But that's not how I feel. Here is how I currently feel, on Day 4 of being locked in a leftist Loughner Dream:
If you say a false narrative is crazy, you yourself have claimed to know what is crazy or is not crazy, and that belief is itself crazy.
Ace says this false narrative is crazy.
Therefore, Ace is crazy.
Too thin-skinned for the kitchen
Instapundit highlights a column comparing today's politicians with those from the era of Harry Truman.
Our current generation of politicians is much weaker, and much more thin-skinned, and vastly more endowed with a sense of entitlement, than in Truman’s day.
Come on, Professor Reynolds, tell us what you really think.
Our current generation of politicians is much weaker, and much more thin-skinned, and vastly more endowed with a sense of entitlement, than in Truman’s day.
Come on, Professor Reynolds, tell us what you really think.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Palin the innovator
My oldest had an appointment with the eye doctor Tuesday, so I got to read old magazines.
I picked the Time magazine person of the year issue, then the prior week about Sarah Palin.
Mark Zuckerberg and Sarah Palin.
Both innovators.
I wonder if Time picked up the connection from their own pages.
Both are changing the way the game is played. Time goes on and on about how Zuckerberg's Facebook gives people what they want - a way to connect yourself in a technology previously based on anonymity.
He started Facebook as a way for people on college campuses to communicate with and keep track of one another — and occasionally poke each other and leer at each other's pictures — but in a broader sense he was firing the first shot in his generation's takeover of the Internet. Zuckerberg just wanted people to be themselves. On earlier social networks like Friendster and Myspace, identity was malleable and playful, but Facebook was and is different. "We're trying to map out what exists in the world," he says. "In the world, there's trust. I think as humans we fundamentally parse the world through the people and relationships we have around us. So at its core, what we're trying to do is map out all of those trust relationships, which you can call, colloquially, most of the time, friendships." He calls this map the social graph, and it's a network of an entirely new kind.
Palin has changed how politicians connect - directly through Zuckerberg's Facebook and without the army of consultants. She doesn't play the presidential game the way it's been played for years, so the establishment fears she would lose in 2012.
But she's thinking outside the box, where people are in 2011. When people are tired of the old things, working the same old way (Mitt Romney, I'm talking about you) may not work.
Palin's way is new, exciting and catching fire. Time does catch some of that.
While other Republicans followed predictable and even plodding paths toward the White House this year, Palin has moved along two parallel tracks, one befitting a candidate, the other designed for a celebrity. It is often hard to tell where one stops and the other begins, and that is by design. A presidential candidate used to need a central headquarters and satellite offices in all the early primary states; now all a contender like Palin needs is a cable modem. Working largely from her lakeside house in Wasilla, Alaska, Palin raised millions of dollars, produced three viral Internet videos and endorsed more than seven dozen Republican candidates (most of whom prevailed).
Palin and Zuckerberg are successful in taking the existing technology and putting their personal spin on it. And finding their spin is what people are thirsting for.
I picked the Time magazine person of the year issue, then the prior week about Sarah Palin.
Mark Zuckerberg and Sarah Palin.
Both innovators.
I wonder if Time picked up the connection from their own pages.
Both are changing the way the game is played. Time goes on and on about how Zuckerberg's Facebook gives people what they want - a way to connect yourself in a technology previously based on anonymity.
He started Facebook as a way for people on college campuses to communicate with and keep track of one another — and occasionally poke each other and leer at each other's pictures — but in a broader sense he was firing the first shot in his generation's takeover of the Internet. Zuckerberg just wanted people to be themselves. On earlier social networks like Friendster and Myspace, identity was malleable and playful, but Facebook was and is different. "We're trying to map out what exists in the world," he says. "In the world, there's trust. I think as humans we fundamentally parse the world through the people and relationships we have around us. So at its core, what we're trying to do is map out all of those trust relationships, which you can call, colloquially, most of the time, friendships." He calls this map the social graph, and it's a network of an entirely new kind.
Palin has changed how politicians connect - directly through Zuckerberg's Facebook and without the army of consultants. She doesn't play the presidential game the way it's been played for years, so the establishment fears she would lose in 2012.
But she's thinking outside the box, where people are in 2011. When people are tired of the old things, working the same old way (Mitt Romney, I'm talking about you) may not work.
Palin's way is new, exciting and catching fire. Time does catch some of that.
While other Republicans followed predictable and even plodding paths toward the White House this year, Palin has moved along two parallel tracks, one befitting a candidate, the other designed for a celebrity. It is often hard to tell where one stops and the other begins, and that is by design. A presidential candidate used to need a central headquarters and satellite offices in all the early primary states; now all a contender like Palin needs is a cable modem. Working largely from her lakeside house in Wasilla, Alaska, Palin raised millions of dollars, produced three viral Internet videos and endorsed more than seven dozen Republican candidates (most of whom prevailed).
Palin and Zuckerberg are successful in taking the existing technology and putting their personal spin on it. And finding their spin is what people are thirsting for.
No Labels - this is your moment to shine
Since the shootings in Tucson, you've had left and right battling over what happened.
He's your crazy guy.
No, he's your crazy.
Your speech inspires a climate of hate.
No, it's your speech that poisons the climate.
Look at how your policies failed.
Here's more of your policies that failed.
Your leaders need to tone it down.
It's your leaders that haven't done enough.
Okay, No Labels. You want to show a way forward. Here's your chance to lead in a high stakes, high emotion story.
Bring us your solutions to calm the tone and help us build together.
This is your moment. What have you got?
Not much, I'd suspect.
He's your crazy guy.
No, he's your crazy.
Your speech inspires a climate of hate.
No, it's your speech that poisons the climate.
Look at how your policies failed.
Here's more of your policies that failed.
Your leaders need to tone it down.
It's your leaders that haven't done enough.
Okay, No Labels. You want to show a way forward. Here's your chance to lead in a high stakes, high emotion story.
Bring us your solutions to calm the tone and help us build together.
This is your moment. What have you got?
Not much, I'd suspect.
Caution: Crazy person listening?
Instapundit highlights a comment that sums up the "atmosphere of hate" meme.
“Anyone else find it creepy that new standard what we may and may not say is: How will it affect the behavior of an obviously crazy person who may or may not hear it?”
“Anyone else find it creepy that new standard what we may and may not say is: How will it affect the behavior of an obviously crazy person who may or may not hear it?”
Monday, January 10, 2011
It's not 1995 anymore
Ed Driscoll highlights a column on the differences between 1995 and today.
Oklahoma City was such a shock, with so many deaths, and brought a shadowy militia movement into the light as the bad guy.
Sarah Palin and the Tea Party have been in the spotlight through the 2010 election cycle. Charges of anger, racism and hatred have been thrown and keep sliding off.
The slime won't stick again.
Oklahoma City was such a shock, with so many deaths, and brought a shadowy militia movement into the light as the bad guy.
Sarah Palin and the Tea Party have been in the spotlight through the 2010 election cycle. Charges of anger, racism and hatred have been thrown and keep sliding off.
The slime won't stick again.
From one of Palin's favorite authors
DaTech Guy closes his roundup on the wacky left with quotes from the C.S. Lewis book "Screwtape Letters."
Yes, one of Sarah Palin's favorite authors. In the book where he overtook writing as a senior devil teaching a junior one how to tempt and defeat humans.
As one of the humans has said, active habits are strengthened by repetition but passive ones are weakened. The more often he feels without acting, the less he will be able ever to act, and, in the long run, the less he will be able to feel.
Yes, one of Sarah Palin's favorite authors. In the book where he overtook writing as a senior devil teaching a junior one how to tempt and defeat humans.
As one of the humans has said, active habits are strengthened by repetition but passive ones are weakened. The more often he feels without acting, the less he will be able ever to act, and, in the long run, the less he will be able to feel.
New childhood saying
Here's the new liberal saying for kids.
Sticks and stones may break my bones
but words will never hurt me......
unless Sarah Palin is involved.
Sticks and stones may break my bones
but words will never hurt me......
unless Sarah Palin is involved.
Blue, blue blue dogs
Which way will moderate/conservative Democrats go in the new Congress?
They probably won't be following Nancy Pelosi's lead.
Blue Dogs have already started having informal discussions with Republicans in the hope that they can help forge bipartisan deals like they did between President Bill Clinton and the GOP after the 1994 Republican takeover.
“We have an opportunity that’s the same opportunity the Blue Dogs did with welfare reform,” said Rep. Jim Matheson (Utah), who co-chairs the Blue Dog Coalition’s political action committee and replaced retired Rep. John Tanner (Tenn.) as one of the Democratic Caucus’ chief deputy whips. “They were the bridge and they were the group that held that together in a bipartisan way to make it happen.”
Making Nancy Pelosi unhappy. Sounds like a good thought to me.
They probably won't be following Nancy Pelosi's lead.
Blue Dogs have already started having informal discussions with Republicans in the hope that they can help forge bipartisan deals like they did between President Bill Clinton and the GOP after the 1994 Republican takeover.
“We have an opportunity that’s the same opportunity the Blue Dogs did with welfare reform,” said Rep. Jim Matheson (Utah), who co-chairs the Blue Dog Coalition’s political action committee and replaced retired Rep. John Tanner (Tenn.) as one of the Democratic Caucus’ chief deputy whips. “They were the bridge and they were the group that held that together in a bipartisan way to make it happen.”
Making Nancy Pelosi unhappy. Sounds like a good thought to me.
Progressive climate of hate
Michelle Malkin has the rundown of lovely words from lovely people over the past 10 years.
Pundette keeps her eyes on the vultures.
The Other McCain has some sweet words about vitroil.
Pundette keeps her eyes on the vultures.
The Other McCain has some sweet words about vitroil.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Today in NFL history
Good day for the Ravens, winning a first-round playoff game for the third straight year.
Hard to believe, but in 1977, the NFL season ended on January 9. John Madden had his only Super Bowl championship.
We still have four more weeks until the Super Bowl XLV champion is crowned. Enjoy the games while you can.
Hard to believe, but in 1977, the NFL season ended on January 9. John Madden had his only Super Bowl championship.
We still have four more weeks until the Super Bowl XLV champion is crowned. Enjoy the games while you can.
"All we know right now"
Five words all reporters, TV people and bloggers need to remember when there's a tragedy like Saturday's Tucson shooting.
"All we know right now."
The Other McCain continues his attempts to educate about what to fill the time after the incident.
It's hard for reporters, since there's no press releases instantly being issued. The people who know what's going on are too busy dealing with it to answer questions. There's air time to fill.
So "all we know right now" may be very, very little for a long time. But the facts are all that matter in the long run.
Let the professionals do their jobs. As news consumer, check in on the story, and back out.
For reporters, it may be boring to keep repeating "All we know right now." The audience will not be bored, and will return.
And that's all you need to know right now.
"All we know right now."
The Other McCain continues his attempts to educate about what to fill the time after the incident.
It's hard for reporters, since there's no press releases instantly being issued. The people who know what's going on are too busy dealing with it to answer questions. There's air time to fill.
So "all we know right now" may be very, very little for a long time. But the facts are all that matter in the long run.
Let the professionals do their jobs. As news consumer, check in on the story, and back out.
For reporters, it may be boring to keep repeating "All we know right now." The audience will not be bored, and will return.
And that's all you need to know right now.
Which is it?
Instapundit's roundup of the Tucson shooting concludes with this thought - something for those jumping to conclusions.
If you’re using this event to criticize the “rhetoric” of Sarah Palin or others with whom you disagree, then you’re either asserting a connection between the “rhetoric” and the shooting — which based on evidence to date would be what we call a vicious lie — or you’re not, in which case you’re just seizing on a tragedy to try to score unrelated political points, which is contemptible. So which is it?
If you’re using this event to criticize the “rhetoric” of Sarah Palin or others with whom you disagree, then you’re either asserting a connection between the “rhetoric” and the shooting — which based on evidence to date would be what we call a vicious lie — or you’re not, in which case you’re just seizing on a tragedy to try to score unrelated political points, which is contemptible. So which is it?
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Crazy is not an ideology
The Other McCain has a big roundup on the Arizona shooter.
Now that Loughner’s personality is coming into focus, we see that he wasn’t really into politics at all. His crime targeted a politician and, once he began his descent into madness, his online rantings had what might be called a pseudo-political aspect, but it is impossible to categorize his beliefs according to any normal political spectrum because, as I said before, “crazy” is not an ideology.
And just because you're involved in politics doesn't mean everything that happens has a political component. Or that everyone is an interested in politics as you are.
Now that Loughner’s personality is coming into focus, we see that he wasn’t really into politics at all. His crime targeted a politician and, once he began his descent into madness, his online rantings had what might be called a pseudo-political aspect, but it is impossible to categorize his beliefs according to any normal political spectrum because, as I said before, “crazy” is not an ideology.
And just because you're involved in politics doesn't mean everything that happens has a political component. Or that everyone is an interested in politics as you are.
"People are psychotic"
At a staff meeting a few months ago, I heard those words.
People do crazy things.
People do rotten things.
We don't know why they do those things, but they do.
And we don't need to add our preconceived notions to a tragedy and continue to make it worse.
People do crazy things.
People do rotten things.
We don't know why they do those things, but they do.
And we don't need to add our preconceived notions to a tragedy and continue to make it worse.
The chasm
Instapundit highlights two ways 2011 will be a year of chasms - between ordinary people and the public sector that has used tax funds to insulate itself from reality over the years.
The chasm in the global warming debate - the snow crisis demonstrated, in high definition, the gap between the fear-fuelled thinking of the elite and the struggles of everyday people. It illuminated the million metaphorical miles that now separate the fantasy politics of our so-called betters from the concerns of the rest of us.
And the pension tsunami - Spooked by the University of California's pension revolt - in which its highest paid executives are threatening to sue unless UC fattens their retirement benefits - a Democratic state lawmaker introduced a bill Thursday to prevent all public employees from gaining dramatically increased pension benefits.
The elites can't expect to keep living as they have, and asking the common man to pay for their continued lifestyle. It's a lesson the unions in New York are going to learn really soon.
The chasm in the global warming debate - the snow crisis demonstrated, in high definition, the gap between the fear-fuelled thinking of the elite and the struggles of everyday people. It illuminated the million metaphorical miles that now separate the fantasy politics of our so-called betters from the concerns of the rest of us.
And the pension tsunami - Spooked by the University of California's pension revolt - in which its highest paid executives are threatening to sue unless UC fattens their retirement benefits - a Democratic state lawmaker introduced a bill Thursday to prevent all public employees from gaining dramatically increased pension benefits.
The elites can't expect to keep living as they have, and asking the common man to pay for their continued lifestyle. It's a lesson the unions in New York are going to learn really soon.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Penny. Penny. Penny.
The family found the series "Big Bang Theory" recently and now we can't get enough of it. We have all three seasons on DVD, and the boys gave up "Winter Wipeout" Thursday to watch the latest episode.Jamie Jeffords likes the show too, finding pictures of Kaley Cuoco brings in the page views.
What happens when you put Penny and Sheldon together in a post?
Ill-inois
How are things going in the Land of Lincoln?
Check out Illinoisisbroke.
Instapundit and DaTech Guy have their posts on the trouble there.
Check out Illinoisisbroke.
Instapundit and DaTech Guy have their posts on the trouble there.
Instapundit on minivans
Talk about minivans gets Instapundit to bring back from good observations from a past column.
There’s also the decline in parental prestige over generations. My mother reports that when she was a newlywed (she was married in 1959) you weren’t seen as fully a member of the adult world until you had kids. Nowadays to have kids means something closer to an expulsion from the adult world. People in the suburbs buy SUVs instead of minivans not because they need the four-wheel-drive capabilities, but because the SUVs lack the minivan’s close association with low-prestige activities like parenting, and instead provide the aura of high-prestige activities like whitewater kayaking. Why should kayaking be more prestigious than parenting? Because parenting isn’t prestigious in our society. If it were, childless people would drive minivans just to partake of the aura.
And it's nice to know that my Highlander is "really just a minivan with plausible deniability."
There’s also the decline in parental prestige over generations. My mother reports that when she was a newlywed (she was married in 1959) you weren’t seen as fully a member of the adult world until you had kids. Nowadays to have kids means something closer to an expulsion from the adult world. People in the suburbs buy SUVs instead of minivans not because they need the four-wheel-drive capabilities, but because the SUVs lack the minivan’s close association with low-prestige activities like parenting, and instead provide the aura of high-prestige activities like whitewater kayaking. Why should kayaking be more prestigious than parenting? Because parenting isn’t prestigious in our society. If it were, childless people would drive minivans just to partake of the aura.
And it's nice to know that my Highlander is "really just a minivan with plausible deniability."
Weekend watchdog
Back in the old days, college football ended Jan. 1 - it was the big bowl games, and that was it.
In 2011, the second weekend of the New Year means college football championship games - one official, one assumed.
Friday, the Football Championship Subdivision (old I-AA) closes its expanded playoffs when Delaware meets Eastern Washington in Frisco, Texas on ESPN2. The playoffs previously ended before Christmas, but adding four teams - including a Coastal Carolina squad that lost to one-win Towson in September - meant the game had to be pushed into the New Year.
The Bowl Championship Series title game keeps going deeper and deeper into January. It lands January 10th this year, with Auburn trying to maintain the pride of the SEC against Oregon.
Several other bowls fill the weekend while awaiting Auburn-Oregon. FOX has the Cotton Bowl between Texas A&M and LSU Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday at noon, Pittsburgh and Kentucky square off in the Compass Bowl while Boston College faces Nevada Sunday at 9 on ESPN in the Fight Hunger Bowl from San Francisco. You'll figure out what brand of snacks to buy for the game.
The pros begin their march to the Super Bowl this weekend with four games. The last in will likely be the first out, as the 7-9 Seahawks host New Orleans at 4:30 p.m. Saturday on NBC. In the nightcap, Peyton Manning and the Colts take on the Jets.
Sunday, the Ravens invade Kansas City at 1 p.m. on CBS. The Packers, who began the campaign in Philadelphia back in September, will try to continue onward against the Eagles at 4:30 p.m. on FOX. The winners advance to next weekend's conference semifinals. The losers start talking about the looming labor agreement.
In college basketball, ESPN2 gets an early start Saturday when West Virginia meets Georgetown at 11 a.m. It's followed by Kansas State-Oklahoma State and Florida State's visit to Virginia Tech at 3 p.m. Vanderbilt plays South Carolina at 5 p.m. on ESPN2, while Connecticut takes on Texas at 4 p.m. on ESPN.
The ACC season heats up Saturday at noon when North Carolina visits Virginia on NBC29, followed by Wake Forest-N.C. State on CW29 at 2:30 p.m.
CBS follows NFL playoff football with Kansas heading to Michigan Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
Comcast has an afternoon doubleheader Saturday with George Mason-Old Dominion tipping off at 2 p.m. and Richmond meeting LaSalle at 4 p.m. On Sunday, the ACC prime time contest matches Maryland and Duke. The night concludes with UCLA taking on Southern Cal.
MASN offers five games Saturday - three from the Big East. The day begins at noon with Syracuse-Seton Hall, followed by Marquette at Pittsburgh. The action moves to the Atlantic 10 at 4 p.m. - UNC-Charlotte at St. Bonaventure - then Coastal Carolina takes on Liberty. Providence tackles Rutgers at 8 p.m.
Versus has the Mountain West Saturday at 4 p.m., with San Diego State heading to Utah.
CBS offers a women's basketball doubleheader while the NFL playoffs are on NBC. Connecticut tries to build a new winning streak at Notre Dame at 2 p.m., followed by Ohio State-Iowa.
Comcast has a pair of games Sunday afternoon - North Carolina-Boston College at 1 p.m., followed by James Madison at Old Dominion. ESPN2 has Dayton-Xavier at 3 p.m. Sunday, followed by Tulane's game with UAB.
ESPN's NBA twinbill on Friday starts with the Rockets in Orlando, then the Knicks visit the Suns. The Wizards host the Nets Friday on Comcast at 7 p.m., then visit Charlotte Saturday on Comcast-plus.
The Capitals take on Florida Saturday on Comcast.
You can think warm thoughts, since the new PGA season begins in Hawaii on the Golf Network.
In 2011, the second weekend of the New Year means college football championship games - one official, one assumed.
Friday, the Football Championship Subdivision (old I-AA) closes its expanded playoffs when Delaware meets Eastern Washington in Frisco, Texas on ESPN2. The playoffs previously ended before Christmas, but adding four teams - including a Coastal Carolina squad that lost to one-win Towson in September - meant the game had to be pushed into the New Year.
The Bowl Championship Series title game keeps going deeper and deeper into January. It lands January 10th this year, with Auburn trying to maintain the pride of the SEC against Oregon.
Several other bowls fill the weekend while awaiting Auburn-Oregon. FOX has the Cotton Bowl between Texas A&M and LSU Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday at noon, Pittsburgh and Kentucky square off in the Compass Bowl while Boston College faces Nevada Sunday at 9 on ESPN in the Fight Hunger Bowl from San Francisco. You'll figure out what brand of snacks to buy for the game.
The pros begin their march to the Super Bowl this weekend with four games. The last in will likely be the first out, as the 7-9 Seahawks host New Orleans at 4:30 p.m. Saturday on NBC. In the nightcap, Peyton Manning and the Colts take on the Jets.
Sunday, the Ravens invade Kansas City at 1 p.m. on CBS. The Packers, who began the campaign in Philadelphia back in September, will try to continue onward against the Eagles at 4:30 p.m. on FOX. The winners advance to next weekend's conference semifinals. The losers start talking about the looming labor agreement.
In college basketball, ESPN2 gets an early start Saturday when West Virginia meets Georgetown at 11 a.m. It's followed by Kansas State-Oklahoma State and Florida State's visit to Virginia Tech at 3 p.m. Vanderbilt plays South Carolina at 5 p.m. on ESPN2, while Connecticut takes on Texas at 4 p.m. on ESPN.
The ACC season heats up Saturday at noon when North Carolina visits Virginia on NBC29, followed by Wake Forest-N.C. State on CW29 at 2:30 p.m.
CBS follows NFL playoff football with Kansas heading to Michigan Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
Comcast has an afternoon doubleheader Saturday with George Mason-Old Dominion tipping off at 2 p.m. and Richmond meeting LaSalle at 4 p.m. On Sunday, the ACC prime time contest matches Maryland and Duke. The night concludes with UCLA taking on Southern Cal.
MASN offers five games Saturday - three from the Big East. The day begins at noon with Syracuse-Seton Hall, followed by Marquette at Pittsburgh. The action moves to the Atlantic 10 at 4 p.m. - UNC-Charlotte at St. Bonaventure - then Coastal Carolina takes on Liberty. Providence tackles Rutgers at 8 p.m.
Versus has the Mountain West Saturday at 4 p.m., with San Diego State heading to Utah.
CBS offers a women's basketball doubleheader while the NFL playoffs are on NBC. Connecticut tries to build a new winning streak at Notre Dame at 2 p.m., followed by Ohio State-Iowa.
Comcast has a pair of games Sunday afternoon - North Carolina-Boston College at 1 p.m., followed by James Madison at Old Dominion. ESPN2 has Dayton-Xavier at 3 p.m. Sunday, followed by Tulane's game with UAB.
ESPN's NBA twinbill on Friday starts with the Rockets in Orlando, then the Knicks visit the Suns. The Wizards host the Nets Friday on Comcast at 7 p.m., then visit Charlotte Saturday on Comcast-plus.
The Capitals take on Florida Saturday on Comcast.
You can think warm thoughts, since the new PGA season begins in Hawaii on the Golf Network.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Your true budget numbers
Does the Democrats' health care reform reduce the deficit?
In the same way that waking up from a dream ruins your chance to make out with a Playboy centerfold.
Neither was going to happen in the real world.
Douglas Holtz-Eakin takes out the Democrats' garbage.
In short, there was never any reason to believe that the law reduced the deficit by roughly $140 billion over ten years. Starting two new open-ended entitlements without fixing the existing budgetary cancers just doesn’t work that way.
In the same way that waking up from a dream ruins your chance to make out with a Playboy centerfold.
Neither was going to happen in the real world.
Douglas Holtz-Eakin takes out the Democrats' garbage.
In short, there was never any reason to believe that the law reduced the deficit by roughly $140 billion over ten years. Starting two new open-ended entitlements without fixing the existing budgetary cancers just doesn’t work that way.
Let the campaign begin
Off-years are big election years in Virginia, and SWAC blogger David Karaffa starts his campaign for the Augusta County Board of Supervisors Saturday.
Bob has the rundown at the Journey, and the News Leader puts the info on its website.
Karaffa's district borders Fishersville to the south and west.
Bob has the rundown at the Journey, and the News Leader puts the info on its website.
Karaffa's district borders Fishersville to the south and west.
From the people who brought you - it's still Bush's fault
Instapundit highlights two reactions to the "where's the change already, Republicans?" meme in the media.
Don Surber sums it up.
“Yes, House Republicans have been in power for 5 hours and they have not passed their entire agenda. The New York Times thinks they should be canned and Democrats put back in charge.”
Don Surber sums it up.
“Yes, House Republicans have been in power for 5 hours and they have not passed their entire agenda. The New York Times thinks they should be canned and Democrats put back in charge.”
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Different parties, different outlooks
The Other McCain sums up the difference between the Pelosi Democratic Congress of 2009-2010 and the new Republican led House.
The 112th Congress will read the Constitution. The 111th Congress never even read the bills they voted for.
The 112th Congress will read the Constitution. The 111th Congress never even read the bills they voted for.
More age, less wisdom
Instapundit highlights this interesting nugget from the 112th Congress - the average age of a Democratic House member is 60.2 years.
The average age of Republican members is 54.9.
They say with age comes wisdom. Not in this case.
The average age of Republican members is 54.9.
They say with age comes wisdom. Not in this case.
Happy Pelosi demotion day
It's an historic day. Nancy Pelosi gives back the gavel as Speaker of the House.
Let's see what good things the Republicans can do.
Let's see what good things the Republicans can do.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
"Cut and grow majority"
NRO's Corner highlights Eric Cantor's plans for the coming House session.
Cantor laid out a three-part rule by which he would seek to abide in the new Congress, which would entail asking every day if the Republican majority’s actions are focused on 1) job creation and economic growth, 2) cutting spending, and 3) shrinking government while protecting and expanding liberty. And if not, to ask, “Why are we doing it?”
Promoting a better future. That's why they're doing it.
Cantor laid out a three-part rule by which he would seek to abide in the new Congress, which would entail asking every day if the Republican majority’s actions are focused on 1) job creation and economic growth, 2) cutting spending, and 3) shrinking government while protecting and expanding liberty. And if not, to ask, “Why are we doing it?”
Promoting a better future. That's why they're doing it.
Our bodies, our bureaucrats
Jonah Goldberg looks at ways that liberals want government to take control of your bodies.
The paring knife loophole
Via Instapundit, NC Guns has the latest on the girl suspended from school for accidently bringing a paring knife.
Yes, this coverage is a cut above.
Yes, this coverage is a cut above.
Google rules
Mickey Kaus has an interesting point about Google.
P.P.P.S.: Why does this item have a cheesy headline like "Krugman vs. the Whippersnappers!"? Hey, you try to Search Engine Optimize an item like this. Google is the enemy of forthrightness, and of good humor. In the future, every headline will have the words "Sarah Palin"in it.
P.P.P.S.: Why does this item have a cheesy headline like "Krugman vs. the Whippersnappers!"? Hey, you try to Search Engine Optimize an item like this. Google is the enemy of forthrightness, and of good humor. In the future, every headline will have the words "Sarah Palin"in it.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Afton Mountain sunrise
Remembering 2010
Dave Barry offers his take on the past year.
How bad was it?
Let’s put things into perspective: 2010 was not the worst year ever. There have been MUCH worse years. For example, toward the end of the Cretaceous Period, the Earth was struck by an asteroid that wiped out 75 percent of all the species on the planet. Can we honestly say that we had a worse year than those species did? Yes we can, because they were not exposed to Jersey Shore
How bad was it?
Let’s put things into perspective: 2010 was not the worst year ever. There have been MUCH worse years. For example, toward the end of the Cretaceous Period, the Earth was struck by an asteroid that wiped out 75 percent of all the species on the planet. Can we honestly say that we had a worse year than those species did? Yes we can, because they were not exposed to Jersey Shore
Dream a dream of parody
Tygrrrr Express closed out 2010 with a bashing of the President and shows some show tune love to Susan Boyle.
So as we prepare to shove 2010 under the bus where Barack Obama keeps those no longer useful to him, I wonder how beautiful it would be if Barack Obama would officially whine and complain one last time by lamenting his fate to the beautiful soothing sounds of the Boyle Goddess.
Think of it as the new version of Boyle’s Law, which even Barack Obama and phony climate change hucksters admit is settled science. Combine the ultimate in substance with Ms. Boyle and add in a heaping dose of shallow words lacking any substance to balance it out with Barack Obama.
So as we prepare to shove 2010 under the bus where Barack Obama keeps those no longer useful to him, I wonder how beautiful it would be if Barack Obama would officially whine and complain one last time by lamenting his fate to the beautiful soothing sounds of the Boyle Goddess.
Think of it as the new version of Boyle’s Law, which even Barack Obama and phony climate change hucksters admit is settled science. Combine the ultimate in substance with Ms. Boyle and add in a heaping dose of shallow words lacking any substance to balance it out with Barack Obama.
Bring on K.C.
The Baltimore Ravens get to face Kansas City in the opening round of the playoffs Sunday. I'm happy they avoid a matchup with Peyton Manning and the Colts, even though that likely would have been the Saturday prime time game.
I've been on the field at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, just under 20 years ago, while attending the NAIA national basketball tournament. I joined West Virginia's Concord College for their trip, and our tournament hosts gave us a tour of the press box and weight room before we hit the old astroturf.
The press box had an interesting item - a poster for the Baltimore Colts. It was seven years after the move to Indy, but they hadn't updated the decor. Hopefully, it's gone now.
Let's win, Ravens, and bring on either Pittsburgh or New England the following week.
Trog's happy about Sunday's other game.
I've been on the field at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium, just under 20 years ago, while attending the NAIA national basketball tournament. I joined West Virginia's Concord College for their trip, and our tournament hosts gave us a tour of the press box and weight room before we hit the old astroturf.
The press box had an interesting item - a poster for the Baltimore Colts. It was seven years after the move to Indy, but they hadn't updated the decor. Hopefully, it's gone now.
Let's win, Ravens, and bring on either Pittsburgh or New England the following week.
Trog's happy about Sunday's other game.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
The economy, illustrated
How's the economy going, entering 2011? Let my youngest illustrate with a pumpkin and a downhill slope.
Democrats against bureaucrats
What's the best way Democrats can think of to save earmarks?
Blame bureaucrats.
Especially in southern West Virginia, where 20 years of earmarks and seeking federal funding for road projects has led to numerous bridges to nowhere.
“As far as earmarks in general, I cannot for the life of me figure out why any congressman or senator would want to stop earmarks,” Sen. Richard Browning, D-Wyoming, a long-time supporter of the Coalfields Expressway project in southern West Virginia, said. “Less than 1 percent of the federal budget goes for earmarks. If they can’t bring money home for special projects, we have to rely upon bureaucrats in Washington to do that, and it doesn’t happen."
Senator Byrd is dead. Earmarks will soon be dead. Time to find other reasons to get federal money to West Virginia.
It's not looking good for them.
Blame bureaucrats.
Especially in southern West Virginia, where 20 years of earmarks and seeking federal funding for road projects has led to numerous bridges to nowhere.
“As far as earmarks in general, I cannot for the life of me figure out why any congressman or senator would want to stop earmarks,” Sen. Richard Browning, D-Wyoming, a long-time supporter of the Coalfields Expressway project in southern West Virginia, said. “Less than 1 percent of the federal budget goes for earmarks. If they can’t bring money home for special projects, we have to rely upon bureaucrats in Washington to do that, and it doesn’t happen."
Senator Byrd is dead. Earmarks will soon be dead. Time to find other reasons to get federal money to West Virginia.
It's not looking good for them.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
"Bone-crushingly dumb"
Via Instapundit, a look at the anarchy we face from leftist anarchists in 2011.
We've seen this cycle before.
Anarchists will eventually discover, as George Orwell found in Catalonia, that they principally exist in order to prove spontaneity within the Left, to be those wisps of volatile material that flare for a brief moment and fall to the ground as forgotten ash. Their historical role is to signally sacrifice themselves for an impossible dream and be martyred with very much regret.
We've seen this cycle before.
Anarchists will eventually discover, as George Orwell found in Catalonia, that they principally exist in order to prove spontaneity within the Left, to be those wisps of volatile material that flare for a brief moment and fall to the ground as forgotten ash. Their historical role is to signally sacrifice themselves for an impossible dream and be martyred with very much regret.
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