Friday, August 31, 2012

15 hours of football

Saturday's schedule is set.
College football starts at 9 a.m., since Notre Dame is playing Navy in Ireland.
Then there's plenty of action at noon, several primetime games and a few that will go past midnight.
Get your snacks and get comfortable.

What's the worse fail?

The Obama team keeps talking about Republican "failed policies of the past."
Better than failed policies of the present.

Eastwooding

You might have wondered what Clint Eastwood was doing Thursday night.
Lots of people liked it.
And the audience made sure he said "Go ahead, make my day."

Excited about Charlotte?

Now that the Republican convention is over, what do the Democrats have for their party?
Will their speakers inspire or just grate on your nerves?
Will Joe Biden's speech have you turning to the internet to watch Clint Eastwood again?
Will they be able to fill Bank of America Stadium Thursday?
Will they be able to say Bank of America Stadium?

Weekend watchdog

Back to school, and back to the gridiron.
The college football season kicked off Thursday, and continues Friday when Boise State meets Michigan State at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
Saturday starts across the pond, with Notre Dame meeting Navy in Ireland at 9 a.m. on CBS.
ESPN has four games scheduled Saturday, beginning at noon when Ohio plays Penn State. Bowling Green battles Florida at 3:30 p.m., with it's the Chick-fil-A kickoff contest between Clemson and Auburn at 7 p.m. Arkansas State meets Oregon at 10:30 p.m. to close the day.
ESPN2 offers Northwestern-Syracuse at noon.
Comcast has Virginia's season opener against Richmond Saturday at 3 p.m., while the ACC network brings Elon-North Carolina Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
ABC brings an ACC contest between Miami and Boston College Saturday at 3:30 p.m., along with Nebraska against Southern Mississippi. In primetime, it's the Cowboys Classic between Michigan and Alabama.
FX has the Mountain State battle between West Virginia and Marshall at 11 a.m. Saturday, and Colorado faces Colorado State at 4 p.m. In primetime, FOX offers Hawaii at Southern Cal.
ESPN adds a Sunday doubleheader, with Bethune-Cookman against Alabama State at noon. Kentucky meets Louisville at 3:30 p.m.
The CFL season nears its midway point, and NBC Sports network offers British Columbia at Montreal Friday at 7:30 p.m.
There's high school football on ESPN2 Sunday at 2 p.m., with Florida schools Manatee against Miramar.
The Orioles visit the Yankees for the weekend on MASN, with Sunday's game also on TBS. The Nationals host the Cardinals on MASN2 Friday and Sunday. The teams play on Fox Saturday at 4 p.m., along with the Phillies against Braves and Angels-Mariners. ESPN2 has the Sunday night game between the White Sox and Tigers.
NASCAR visits Atlanta for Labor Day, with the flag dropping Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN. The Nationwide racers go Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
The Indy car drivers take their second shot at the streets of Baltimore, starting Sunday at 2:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
CBS offers plenty from the U.S. Open, starting Saturday at noon and Sunday at 11 a.m. Third round play starts Friday at 1 and 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
It's a Friday through Monday tournament for the PGA tour, and NBC has coverage Sunday at 3 p.m. and Monday at 1:30 p.m.
Colorado meets Portland Friday at 10:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network, and Chivas USA plays San Jose Sunday at 9 p.m.
NBC shows the U.S. women's soccer team against Costa Rica Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Democratic doom and gloom

Blue Virginia has a nice post on canvassing for Democratic voters - and finding doom and gloom instead of more hope and change.
This passage shows the supposed vaunted Obama ground game may be more smoke and mirrors.
What surprised me was the number of people on the list who, when asked if they intended to vote for President Obama in November, said "No!", sometimes after admitting they had done so in '08. Just how was this list selected, I wondered, especially when, recognizing some of the names, I was pretty sure they were Republicans anyway.... Maybe in the past they split ticket, regularly voting Republican, but also supporting our local State Senator Chap Petersen, who is a moderate Democrat, and maybe that's how they got on the OFA list? Despite this glitch I did discover a fair percentage who were Obama supporters, or leaning Obama, but far too often they sounded resigned, more worried about Tea Party Republicanism than inspired by Obama.
Switching their vote from 2008.
Resigned about their support this time around.
Not the recipe for success.

You gotta let 'em go

Clint Eastwood may have rambled, but he nailed this line.
When somebody does not do the job, you gotta let ‘em go.”

Best of a weak bench

Blue Virginia thinks the Obama team is touting Tom Perriello for bigger and better things.
A one-term congressman, a fluke winner?
But he's the best they've got.
What kind of bench do the Democrats have for statewide office in Virginia? Slim to none.
Speaking of slim, how about the Democratic speakers for Charlotte next week?
When Obama loses in November, he would remain a top contender for 2016.
Democrats don't have much left.

Fading Obama poster

One of Paul Ryan's best riffs from Wednesday's speech focused on the young - disillusioned by four years of economic struggles.
College graduates should not have to live out their 20s in their childhood bedrooms, staring up at fading Obama posters and wondering when they can move out and get going with life.
Fits well into the "Obama has disappointed you" theme.
It's okay to put away childish things and vote for a responsible man.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Ryan speaks

The Other McCain provides the text of Paul Ryan's speech.
Here's a great quote.
He turned around the Olympics at a time when a great institution was collapsing under the weight of bad management, overspending, and corruption – sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Not a hostile takeover

There wasn't much red meat attacking President Obama in Chris Christie's keynote address Tuesday.
The Romney campaign isn't doing a hostile takeover of the country.
They are talking to the shareholders, showing them how the present leadership has failed and needs to be replaced.
The "poison pills" are coming from the Obama side.
And it's time for them to go.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

They had their chance

The convention brings back memories of George W. Bush's speech in 2000.
Only 10 words, but powerful.
"They had their chance. They have not led. We will."
Sounds even truer 12 years later.

All you need is Love

Mia Love gets some love from Instapundit and Legal Insurrection.

Ma-smacka goes big time

Legal Insurrection picks up the tale of John Douglass and his Republican tracker.

Today's Tied with me

Is it a failure to have the same Technorati ranking as Faildesk?

Campaign costs

NBC29 looks at how much it's going to cost to host President Obama Wednesday.
Good thing Tom Perriello paid the city and Albemarle County for Obama's visit in 2010. It doesn't look like the Obama campaign will be bringing any cash with them.
NBC29 brings up President Bush's visit to Monticello in 2008 for the July 4th naturalization ceremony. That wasn't a campaign stop, so the county was responsible for extra costs.
This is a campaign stop.
When you throw a party, you shouldn't leave others to pay your bill.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Education president

The University of Virginia decided holding classes was more important than hosting President Obama.
The city of Charlottesville now gets the honor, and students get a shorter day in school.
It might be better for students to have more math instruction, but that doesn't help Obama and the Democrats.

Latest from the Warren campaign

Staffer: Want our campaign to be remembered?
Warren: How?
Staffer: Someone pushed a Republican tracker and knocked down his camera. And it's all on tape.

The con is up

DaTech Guy put up with Chris Matthews Monday morning, so he deserves a link.
Obama in 2008 was lucky.
The right guy with no experience in the right spot.
He's not right for 2012.

Protest the visit

When President Obama visits Charlottesville Wednesday afternoon, the left will be protesting.
The Tea Party will be there too.
Wonder which group will have the best presentation for the media?

First day of school book

Happy Monday morning on Facebook.
Lots of kids going back to school today.
Thanks for sharing, but we can't help with your homework.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

When you run out of other people's money

Poor President Obama.
Being outspent by those evil Republicans.
The Tea Party has warned bad things happen when you run out of other people's money.
President Obama should have listened.

Back to school

Professor Jacobson has launched College Insurrection to give voice to conservative and libertarian students.
They've already been accused of being a funded plant.
Keep up the good work.

What's wrong with this ad

The latest anti-George Allen talks about how much debt went up during his six years in the Senate.
What about how much it's gone up since?
If you're running against Washington, remember who resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Ready for the new TV year

It's almost time for a new TV season.
New stars to catch, and familiar faces - like Hayden Penettiere - in new places.
Will it last long enough for another picture?

More Ma-smacka

Democratic candidate John Douglass says he regrets swatting at his opponent's tracker.
Should that be the end of it?
Hope not. I like the sound of "Ma-smacka."

Government in space

In the 1960s, the government helped man land on the moon.
Since then, the government helped keep man from going back.

Saturday song

Another one from Phil Collins. Can you feel it coming in the air tonight?


UVa? No way

Maybe President Obama should have gone to Martha's Vineyard after all.
The University of Virginia turned down the campaign's two choices for a venue Wednesday.
College is for learning, not providing props for candidates.

Facebook quote of the week

Hate the Beavers lost. But when they beat the Tigers next week, I will be the only one in my house cheering.....did I just say that? Oops?????

Friday, August 24, 2012

Fahrenheit 2016

Just got back from watching Obama 2016 - with lots of people in Harrisonburg and across the country.
Smitty has his review.
I enjoyed the excited scenes of the 2008 Democratic convention. Because I can't imagine any excitement at the Charlotte gathering in two weeks.
Obama 2012 will look pathetic next to Obama 2008.
So I don't think we'll need to be worrying about Obama in 2013.

What Romney means

When Republicans talk about government regulations slowing business, the Greenbrier provides a great example.
They want to run a luxury train from Washington to their resort.
They have the engine.
They have all kinds of stuff purchased.
They have red tape, according to owner Jim Justice.
"We were moving along great as far as refurbishing and all that," he said. "Then we ran into governmental regulations and all on how you're going to run the train. I really didn't expect that. I'm not a train expert. I thought we were pretty well covered. It's drug on and on and on.
"It's government regulations on how you're going to run it and how you're going to insure it," he said. "Beyond that, I can't give you a lot more detail."
A business has a good idea.
Can it survive the government?

Weekend watchdog

NASCAR heads to the hills of Bristol this weekend, racing and banging on the high-banked half mile.
ABC has coverage starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. With three races remaining until the Chase for the Cup, 10 drivers can clinch their spot in the 12-member field. We'll see how many cars survive the night on the short track.
The Nationwide drivers go under the lights Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN.
The Indy Car circuit visits Sonoma Sunday at 4 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
Little League baseball crowns its champion this weekend. ABC has the International final between Panama and Japan Saturday at 12:30 p.m., followed by the United States final matching Tennessee and California at 3:30 p.m.
The champion will be crowned Sunday at 3 p.m., after ESPN shows the consolation contest at 11 a.m.
The Nationals visit Philadelphia on MASN this weekend, while the Orioles host Toronto on MASN2.
Two contenders for the National League wild-card berths battle when Atlanta heads to San Francisco Saturday at 4 p.m. on Fox and Sunday at 8 p.m. on ESPN. Fox also offers Twins at Rangers and the Cardinals taking on the Reds. TBS has the Angels meeting Detroit Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Redskins take on the Colts Saturday at 4 p.m. on Comcast and NFL network. CBS has a pair of games this weekend - Bears vs. Giants Friday at 8 p.m. and Texans against the Saints Saturday at 8 p.m. Fox brings the 49ers taking on Denver Sunday at 4 p.m., with the Panthers meeting the Jets Sunday at 8 p.m. on NBC.
High school football starts this week, and ESPN2 shows Good Counsel of Maryland against Bishop Gorman of Nevada Friday at 9 p.m. There's three games Saturday on ESPN, starting at noon with a Florida battle between American Heritage and Cocoa. Missouri schools Staley and Lee's Summit West play at 3:30 p.m., and South Carolina's Byrnes plays Oscar Smith in Virginia at 7 p.m. ESPN2 heads west at 10 p.m. Saturday as Santa Margarita of California plays Arizona's Brophy Prep.
University School of Florida meets Ohio's Trotwood-Madison Sunday at 3 p.m. on ESPN, while ESPN2 offers Alcoa against Maryville from Tennessee at noon.
The PGA tour's Fed Ex Cup playoffs begin this weekend at the Barclays tournament. CBS has coverage of the top 125 golfers in this year's points Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
The road to the U.S. Open concludes with tournaments in New Haven and Winston-Salem. There's women's semifinals from New Haven Friday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on ESPN2, with a men's semifinal at 5 p.m. from Winston-Salem. CBS airs the men's finale Saturday at 12:30 p.m., and ESPN2 crowns the champion from New Haven at 3 p.m.
CBS offers Arthur Ashe kids day Sunday at noon as the stars arrive for the tournament.
NBC Sports network shows the Real Salt Lake's visit to Philadelphia Friday at 7:30 p.m., and Dallas takes on the Galaxy Sunday at 7 p.m. ESPN2 has Kansas City against the Red Bulls Sunday at 9 p.m.
Major League Lacrosse finishes with its championship weekend, as Long Island meets Denver in one semifinal at 1 p.m. on ESPN2. The championship contest will be Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Mystics host Atlanta Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, while ESPN2 shows the Dream against the Lynx Saturday at 7 p.m.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Ma-smacka

Virginia Democrat congressional candidate John Douglass didn't like being followed by a Republican tracker.
George Allen had Macaca in 2006.
For Douglass, it's "Ma-smacka."

Vote early and vote often

Via Ace, a link to 270towin.com.
You can make daily predictions on how the race will turn out.
Don Surber says 40 states for Romney.
Take your guesses which ones.

Obama built that

What campaign theme may take Romney to victory?
"You didn't build that."
If the meaning was so obvious, why can't it be twisted back?
Years of Obama built that theme.
Built it so strong Romney may walk to Washington on it.

Cartoon that Obama missed

Elmer and Bugs know how to spell "Ohio." Guess President Obama missed this in his youth.
UPDATE: Part of Troglopundit's weekly roundup.


New conference rules

Government employees need conferences to help their morale.
Those conferences should continue.
Just have a Tea Party approve the conference budget.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Biden in Tampa

Sounds like Joe Biden is exciting about being in Tampa during the Republican convention.
General Custer was probably excited before going to Little Big Horn, too.

It's a trap

DaTech Guy looks at traps for the right and left in the Todd Akin mess.
Hey, how much debt have we added the past year?
The past four years?
That's a more legitimate concern.

The Akin thesis

For Democrats celebrating Todd Akin's mis-speak, they need to remember Virginia in 2009.
It is reminiscent of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s 17-point win, when the Democrats and much of the media wanted to talk about McDonnell’s school thesis (I kid you not) on social issues. What mesmerizes Democratic elites is often irrelevant to actual voters.
Talk about jobs, and you can get the job.

Spend our money wiser

Not everybody has money.
Which is why government needs to watch its spending.
And it's smart to shop around for college.
It's sad that Obama doesn't know how to spend within limits.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Hometown news

It's rare to hear my hometown on the national news.
But Ellicott City, Maryland made big news Tuesday with a train derailment that killed two women.
Not the best way to be noticed.

Today's Tied with Me

Technorati has this blog sharing a ranking with Midwest Sports Fans.
Are you ready for fantasy football? They might have a tip you can use.

How about a Photoshop?

What's one of the reasons the Obama team has trailed Romney in recent fundraising?
Obama didn't want to have his picture taken with donors.
Didn't want to have to stand through a bunch of parties.
Guess a cardboard cutout or photoshop of the president didn't work for the donors.
Taking pictures with people isn't that hard. Paul Ryan can do it.


Not a serious plan

Good job by Texas senatorial candidate Ted Cruz on Meet the Press Sunday.
Zero votes should get zero respect.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Bad news for Akin

Missouri senatorial candidate Todd Akin had a rough day.
I bet Gordon Ramsey would want to talk to him about a new series, "Campaign Hell."
After he visits Chicago.

Romney/Ryan/Ingemi

DatechGuy reports from the latest Romney town hall meeting.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Happy Back to School Eve

Schools start back in Fishersville Monday, so we celebrated a fine Back to School Eve Sunday.
We did our last shopping, and remember the great stories of the holiday.
Like "Twas the night before Back to School"

The backpacks were hung by the front door with care.
In hopes the school bus soon would be there.

Back to School day is a holiday for parents, right?

You didn't grow that

Walking through Lowe's, I saw a display for Miracle Gro.
It said "You can gro that."
Are you sure?
Didn't the government help somehow?
Built the roads from your house to Lowe's, or the roads the product traveled to get to you?
Didn't Michelle Obama inspire your interest in gardening?
Thank the government for your crops and flowers.
If they don't grow?
Then it's your fault.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

All Macaca, all the time

Blue Virginia keeps going back six years, trying to restoke the fires of Macaca.
It's a different time.
Several trillion dollars of federal deficits ago.
Games that made a difference then should not have an impact now.

Back to school time

Some places have two more weeks to go.
Not Augusta County - school starts Monday.
Guess I know where I'm going to shop this weekend.

Who's the stand-in for Biden?

The Obama team has picked their stand-in for Paul Ryan in debate preparations - it's Maryland representative Chris Van Hollen.
The Republicans are looking for someone to stand-in for Joe Biden.
Is Bozo the Clown available?

Facebook quote of the week

OMG BWI - Hurry up and finish those runways!!! I had more peace in quiet when I lived in the city. Then the new roof construction at EES. Beep, beep, beep - BAM!! Enough already!

Saturday song

An idea for the Obama campaign song - Gimme just a little more time.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Where's Wilder?

Joe Biden's bumble in Danville brought former Governor Douglas Wilder back into the news cycle.
Bad news for Democrats.
Remember in 2009, when Creigh Deeds was begging for an endorsement?
It never came, and Deeds got drubbed.
Getting on the wrong side of Wilder can be a bad strategy for Democrats.

Will Biden campaign with Obama?

Mitt Romney has had some good events with Paul Ryan at his side.
They have some events planned for next week, gearing up for the Republican convention.
When will Joe Biden campaign together with Barack Obama?
When the Democrats head to Charlotte for their convention, I plan to visit Charlottesville. I bet that's where they told Biden the convention would be held.
UPDATE: Linked by Troglopundit.

New recycling in Fishersville

There's now a place I can get cash for my aluminum cans in Fishersville.
They paid 45 cents a pound today - the same as the Staunton facility I've been visiting.
Closer to home, so a better bargain.

Weekend watchdog

As major league baseball teams continue their quest for the postseason, the young stars meet in Williamsport.
The 66th Little League World Series began Thursday. The second day of games begins Friday when Canada meets Mexico at 1 p.m. on ESPN. New Jersey plays Texas at 3 p.m. and Oregon battles Indiana at 8 p.m., while ESPN2 it's Uganda against Panama at 5 p.m.
Thursday's losers try to stay alive Saturday on ABC at 3 p.m. and on ESPN at noon, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., while Sunday's action is on ESPN at 5 p.m., ESPN2 at noon and 7 p.m. and ABC at 2 p.m.
Elsewhere in youth sports, the Junior League baseball championship will be Saturday at 11 a.m. on ESPN2, while Junior League softball goes at 5 p.m.
The NL-East leading Nationals host the Mets on MASN this weekend, while the Orioles head to Detroit on MASN2 for the weekend.
It's Red Sox-Yankees time again - from Yankee Stadium this weekend. Fox has Saturday afternoon's game - along with Cardinals-Pirates - and ESPN shows the Sunday night game at 4 p.m. The Dodgers take on the Braves Sunday at 1:35 p.m. on TBS.
For the second week of the NFL preseason, the Redskins head to Chicago Saturday at 8 p.m. on Comcast and NBC29 in Charlottesville. Fox has the Ravens hosting Detroit Friday at 8 p.m., while NBC offers the Steelers taking on the Colts Sunday at 8 p.m.
NASCAR heads to Michigan, with the Sprint Cup racers going Sunday at noon on ESPN. The Nationwide racers go north of the border, racing in Montreal Saturday on ESPN starting at 2 p.m.
The PGA tour stays in the Carolinas, with the Wyndham Championships Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. on CBS.
D.C. United hosts Philadelphia Sunday at 5 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
The road to the U.S. Open continues in Cincinnati, with the Western and Southern Championship. ESPN2 has the quartefinals Friday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The men's semifinals start Saturday at 1 p.m. and women's semifinals are at 7 p.m. CBS shows the men's final Sunday at 12:30 p.m., with ESPN2 covering the women's final at 4 p.m.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

The way the cookie crumbles

Chris and his wife Kelly run "Crumb and Get It" in Radford.
Vice President Biden's crew thought it would be a nice place to visit for a photo op.
They passed.
A nice looking couple.
And smart.

Imagine a Jamaican announcer

A recent Obama commercial tries to slam Mitt Romney for how much taxes he paid in 2010.
How could the ad be more effective?
Hit the point they are trying to make?
Hire a Jamaican announcer.
"Taxes. Romney pays less and you pay mor' mon."
Isn't that the message they are trying to make?

Here's your starting point

Poor Blue Virginia. Looking for Medicare lies from Romney and Ryan when the truth is right in front of them.
Point #1 - Any insurance plan relies on younger, healthier subscribers' inputs (premiums) to pay for the less healthy older subscribers. The younger usually need less care.
That's where Ryan and Romney start. There aren't enough young people now and in the future to pay for the care of older subscribers.
If we make some changes, we might provide something for all into the future.
Without changes, the money could run out at any time. The "trust funds" are the will to tax in the future.
For more and more people, it's obvious there's not enough money to continue on the path. The rich don't have that much money hidden away.
Keeping Medicare as it has been won't work much longer - no amount of crying and lying can change that.

We did like that

A Radford restaurant declined a visit by Vice President Biden's team - citing the "You didn't build that" line.
A lot of people did like that Thursday.
By 1:30 p.m. Crumb & Get It Cookie Company on East Main Street had run out of dough but was still selling ice cream to customers.
Owner Chris McMurray said he was too busy helping customers today to talk about what happened with Biden's advance team, but he told WDBJ (Channel 7) reporter Orlando Salinas Wednesday that he politely turned down the offer to have the vice president make a stop at his 3-month-old bakery.
Sounds like he's making dough.

Move in season

When my brother went off to college in 1983, he took my mom's Hamilton Beach toaster to his dorm room.
It never came back and mom has never let him forget - even as his son goes off to college this year.
Choices are quite a bit different for college students arriving at the dorm now.
Making it easy to over prepare.
Still, the size of the rooms has remained much the same. So as students' shopping lists get longer, they're arriving with more gear than rooms can hold.
Mr. Moody, the American University administrator, says he still sees families show up with U-Hauls on move-in day. After realizing that they can't possibly fit everything into the school's average 180-square-foot dorm room, the parents return home with the truck full of things that didn't make the cut.

Barack Obama, Medicare slayer

Looks like the Republicans have a hit by emphasizing Obamacare's $716 million move of money from Medicare.
Obama tried to make the math look pretty, but shifting money from different accounts - and counting 10 years of taxes against fewer years of benefits - has not covered the reality.
As a Barbie doll once said "Math is hard."
For Obama, budget math is nearly impossible.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Biden's Macaca moment

An Instapundit reader brings the local angle to Joe Biden's Tuesday comment.
In 2006, it was all Macaca, all the time.
Every explanation from Democrats sought to make the comment worse.
Now, trying to push the Biden comment away?
Not going to work.

BFD - Biden Fails Democrats

The Paul Ryan selection has raised Mitt Romney's game.
And exposed Joe Biden's short-comings.
You can accuse Ryan of many things.
People can see Biden's many failings.

Virginia isn't for Democrats

Obama, 2008 in Lebanon - "Putting lipstick on a pig."
Obama, 2012 in Roanoke - "You didn't build that."
Biden, 2012 in Danville - "put y'all back in chains."
Maybe Obama/Biden ought to concede the state if they hope to win again.

Real dog whistle

More Seamus jokes.
Via Iowahawk, a cool photo response.
Did you know Obama ate dog meat?

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Raising his game

Has the Paul Ryan pick raising Mitt Romney's game?
Or just brought attention to Joe Biden's lousy game.

Hope and chains

Joe Biden sure can be entertaining.
He ought to have his own show on Comedy Central in January - after he and Obama lose in November.

Today's Tied with Me

This blog is tied with basic blog tips, which looks at guest blogging.
Make sure you're ready. And watch the blind requests to post your stuff.

Monday, August 13, 2012

New star in Baltimore

See the Orioles' fan in the mask?














Bet he got sunburned Sunday.

The Onion invades DNC

A great parody at The Onion on the Paul Ryan threat.
Do you get chills just thinking about how strong my appeal actually is?
Good chills on the Republican side.2012

Waiting for Sept. 6

Big crowds for Romney and Ryan.
Obama and Biden? Not so much.
But the crowd that matters is Thursday, Sept. 6. How filled will Bank of America Stadium be?
And how will it be filled?
I look forward to empty seats - something that can't be ignored.

Chick-fil-A on a Wednesday

DaTech Guy sees the crowds at Romney events - and thinks of chicken.
Take a look at that line, you would think it was Chick-Fil-A on a Wednesday.
I can't wait to see Bank of America Stadium on Sept. 6. How many Democrats will come dressed as empty seats?

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Silly and small

George Will describes the Obama years - and Democratic critics of Paul Ryan as vice presidential candidate.

From Manassas, Jubliant Romney Arrives

The Other McCain was on the scene for the Romney/Ryan show in Manassas.
The Washington Post has a lengthy article on Ryan, but you have to reach the end to get the great quote.
“When Trey Gowdy says something is the right thing to do in my district, people yawn,” Gowdy said. “When Paul Ryan says something is the right thing to do, it is like Reagan himself said it.”

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Fantasy vs. reality

The 2012 election now boils down to Fantasy (Democrats) vs. Reality (Republicans).
Let's have a liberal explain the stakes.
Ryan refutes the Democratic Party’s bogus arguments. He knows that our domestic spending trajectory is unsustainable and that liberals who fail to get it under control are leading their constituents over a cliff, just like in Europe. Eventually, you can’t borrow enough money to make good on your promises, and everyone’s screwed. Ryan understands that the longer we ignore the debt crisis and postpone serious budget cuts—the liberal equivalent of denying global warming—the more painful the reckoning will be. There’s nothing compassionate about that kind of irresponsibility.
Obama can continue to campaign in Fantasyland.
Reality is out there - whether they like it or not.

Ain't that a piss in a head

Via Dustbury, a cynical view of presidential choice.
With a great kicker at the end.
I guess he'd do a better job at holding a bucket of warm piss than Joe Biden*, but if that's not damning by faint praise, I don't know what is.
*On reading this aloud to Bobbi, she said "Only because Biden would try to read what it said on the bottom of the bucket by holding it upside down over his head."

Do they have mercy rules for debates?

Can you wait for the vice presidential debate this year?
Paul Ryan vs. Joe Biden.
Does it have to go 90 minutes?
Can they call it after Ryan makes Biden look foolish too many times?

What's the key word?

Obama's campaign has hit the emails when their protests of Paul Ryan.
Congressman Paul Ryan is best known as the author of a budget so radical The New York Times called it "the most extreme budget plan passed by a House of Congress in modern times."
What's the key word?
Passed.
The House passed a budget.
The Senate?
Not in 1200 days.

Facebook quote of the week

I read this today. I needed this today.
The Problem: "I am overwhelmed with anxiety!"
The Promise: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6,7)
The Problem: No one sees how much I have to carry!"
The Promise: "Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) "
. . . Jesus does not give us what we believe we need. He gives us what He knows we need, and He gives it out of love for us, deep, undeniable love." -- Sheila Walsh, "The Shelter of God's Promises"

Saturday song

The haunting sound of Mike and the Mechanics continues "Through the Living Years."

Friday, August 10, 2012

Making the case

Charles Krauthammer makes the case for Romney against Obama.
Hope the Romney crew is listening.

Last exit ramp before the death spiral

Mark Steyn's line may be too long for a campaign button, but it fits as a blog headline just fine.
More Americans have been disabled by Obama than have been given cancer by Mitt Romney. "Ask yourself, 'Are you more disabled now than you were four years ago?' Obama 2012." Followed by the wheelchair logo with the Obama "O" where the wheel should be. In the Democrats' Dependistan, the wheelchair ramp is downhill all the way.

Yeah, that's the ticket

Helping the Romney campaign out.
These guys mentioned it.
But I thought of it first.
Yeah, that's the ticket.

Weekend watchdog

Only a few more days of gold medals, then the Olympic flame will go out.
NBC closes out the 2012 London Summer Olympics this weekend. Highlights include the United States men's basketball semifinal Friday at 3:30 p.m. against Argentina. The winner advances to the gold medal game Sunday at 10 a.m. on NBC
NBC Sports network begins action Friday at 8 a.m. The men's marathon will be live on NBC beginning Sunday at 6 a.m.
Primetime Sunday will feature the closing ceremonies, and sending the Olympic flag to Rio for the next games in 2016.
Golf holds its final major of the year starting Thursday, with the PGA Championship from Kiawah Island in South Carolina. TNT has coverage Thursday and Friday at 1 p.m., and CBS takes over Saturday and Sunday - starting at 2 p.m. each day. TNT has three hours of early play Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11 a.m.
The Orioles host Kansas City for a four-game series, starting Thursday on MASN. The Nationals face Houston on MASN2 Thursday at 8 p.m., then head to Arizona for a three-game set starting Friday.
While Fox takes another week off, TBS shows the A's at White Sox Sunday at 2:10 p.m. The Braves visit the Mets Sunday at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
The road to Williamsport continues on ESPN and ESPN2 this weekend. Friday, a Mid-Atlantic semifinal goes at 11 a.m. on ESPN and the second one is at 3 p.m. There's a West regional semifinal at 9 p.m., after the first semifinal on ESPN2 at 5 p.m. Two tickets to the Little League World Series get punched Friday, with the Great Lakes final at 1 p.m. and Southern at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
ESPN offers four regional finals Saturday, starting in the Midwest at 2 p.m. The Northwest goes at 4 p.m., followed by the New England championship and West Regional at 8 p.m. The Mid-Atlantic regional final goes Sunday at 5 p.m. on ESPN2.
D.C. United heads to Kansas City Saturday at 8:30 p.m. on Comcast. NBC Sports network offers Houston against the Red Bulls Friday at 8 p.m., while Chivas USA plays the Galaxy Sunday at 11 p.m. on ESPN2.
The World Football Challenge continues on ESPN2 Saturday at 1:55 p.m. with Real Madrid against Celtic.
NASCAR goes to Watkins Glen, with the race starting Sunday at noon on ESPN. The Nationwide racers hit the track Saturday at 2 p.m. on ABC.
The U.S. Open series heads to Toronto, starting Friday at 1 and 7 p.m. The men's semifinals go Saturday at 4:30 and the final at 7 p.m. Sunday. There's a women's semifinal Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
The Senior League softball championship will be Saturday at noon on ESPN.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Rasmussen or Fox?

Watching Fox News, they tout a poll showing President Obama leading Mitt Romney by nine points.
Will we be hearing Faux News on this story?
Meanwhile, Rasmussen Reports has a daily tracking poll with Romney up four.
A 13-point swing between two polls.
It's only three months until the election. Time for the pollsters to get their acts together.

Turn-around artist

We keep waiting for the Romney campaign to tie his Bain experience to what the country needs - a turn-around from inept management.
The question that everyone will pose to himself on the first Tuesday in November is this: “Do I want four more years of this?” And Romney can drive it home: “Do you want four more years of massive unemployment? Do you want four more years of food stamps? Do you want to lose the job that you have? Do you want to be out of work when you get out of college? Or do you want to see this country get moving again? Barack Obama took his shot – the stimulus bill, Obamacare, and Dodd-Frank. And where has it left us? With the most anemic recovery in the history of this country!”
Can he say the case, and the Obama side would just collapse? Probably.

Too late for us

Work continues on the renovation at Fishersville's Wilson Elementary School.
It's not quite ready for school to start yet.
The project will be too late for my kids to enjoy - the youngest finished fifth grade in June. He'll pass all the fun of the first day of school there en route to the Wilson Middle School.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

The guy's only got one shirt

Ace wonders if the Obama campaign and their Super PACs coordinated ads - since the subject of their ads wears the same shirt in both.
Forget it. It's all Romney's fault.
The guy can only afford one shirt since Bain Capital closed his steel mill.
Politicians may have more than one shirt good enough to appear in a political commercial. Not this guy, and it's all due to Romney.

Watch out ladies

Al Gore plans to have a big role in Current TV's convention coverage.
He likes kissing when he's in the convention spotlight. Watch out ladies.
What will Keith Olbermann say?

Why bother polling?

If you're a polling outfit, why bother releasing results with a more Democratic sample than the 2008 electorate?
Obama up by four in Virginia, with a plus-seven Democratic sample.
In a state with Republicans ruling the roost since 2009.
Keep believing Obama's ahead - only 90 days until the truth comes out.

Instapundit at 11

It's the 11th anniversary of the start of Instapundit.
Go visit. He could use the traffic.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Why we like Allen West

Florida congressman Allen West has quickly become one of the favorite conservatives in Washington.
Now, months later, comes word he brought Chick-fil-A to a meeting of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Sorry if they didn't enjoy it.

Today's Tied with me

Gearing up for the NFL season?
So is Gang Green Nation, which covers the Jets.
Anything exciting happening up there?

Full of bigotry and ignorance

Slate highlights an article about the dangers to homosexuals of the views of Chick-fil-A's president and supporters.
The main thought from the author - y'all are too dumb to understand my research.
In my first book, The Belief Instinct, I explain how scientific studies are revealing how the human brain conjures up the subjective feeling of a morally concerned God that “communicates” his displeasure to us through natural disasters and other misfortunes.
In God's book, the Bible, he tells how Jesus came to earth, was crucified, killed and buried. Then He rose again.
Christians believe our Creator is involved in our lives. The author? Not so much.
God may seem real, but he is almost certainly all in our heads—a complex cognitive illusion melded by mindless evolutionary forces. At the very least, the chances of there being a God disproportionately focused on the sexual behaviors of one particular creature, a depilated primate, out of the billions of distinct species that have ever walked, flown, crawled, slithered or hopped upon his earth, is so minuscule that the idea requires a prodigious degree of egocentrism to entertain.
The author would do better to read C.S. Lewis.
Citing your own research as reasons to dump centuries of belief of millions and millions of people - there's the arrogance.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Ashland and where else?

Mitt Romney plans to visit Ashland Saturday as part of his bus tour of swing states.
What's next for his Virginia tour?

You'll have the time of your life

Like the movie Dirty Dancing?
It's been 25 years since the release of the movie - partly filmed at Virginia's Mountain Lake.
Pearisburg will be hosting a Dirty Dancing festival Saturday.
Nobody puts Giles County in a corner.

Another month of whiny emails

Mitt Romney and the Republicans raised over $101 million for the campaign in July.
Barack Obama and the Democrats will be issuing numerous whiny emails about being outspent through the month of August.
The numbers offer a lesson.
 - 94.13% Of All Donations Received In July Were $250 Or Less
-  $25.7 Million Raised By Donations Under $250 In July
Less than six percent of the donations were over $250, but that group brought in almost 75 percent of the total.
Big money is where the money is - in campaigns and in taxation.
Always has been, always will.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Keep your eyes to the skies

Mars has the headlines Sunday night - the latest explorer will try to land.
You can see Mars in the early evening sky, near Saturn and the star Spica.
If you like things closer to home, the International Space Station zooms up the east coast Monday just before 10 p.m. - flying almost right over Fishersville.

Can we survive until the election?

Only 93 days until Election Day.
Will we make it?
The last election cycle, I wasn't involved on Facebook and wasn't much into blogging. I set up FishersvilleMike the last week of October in 2008.
Those outlets make this year more intense.
You may not talk politics at work, but friend someone on Facebook and you find out interests.
You see who's pushy about their beliefs.
Can liberals and conservatives get along when they are thrust together in cyberspace?
Last week's Chick-fil-A fight brought out both sides - hard.
Some may suffer electoral burnout before the conventions.
Hopefully, they will remember why they friended people with differing opinions in the first place.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Healthy dose of smiting

Turn out the guy who posted his verbal assault on a Chick-fil-A worker may have read his Bible.
But he only read one verse, not two.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.
It's also reprinted at the end of Romans 12, so it's not like it's hidden under a bushel.

Captivating words

A pastor from Baltimore giving his thoughts on Chick-fil-A.
 I ate chicken because I want the government to know that people don’t like bullies. I also go to church with a bunch of sinners and misfits that celebrate every week because they are made new in Christ. You are free to come visit too, just don’t judge us, we’re all just trying to pursue God’s best plan for our lives. 

Facebook quote of the week

At least the advantage to getting up early is.....football practice is over early!!!

A trip to Chick-fil-A

Matt Labash tells of his favorite restaurant.
At most chains, you’re just happy if they keep the rodent parts out of the condiments. But Chick-fil-A has gone so far as to use chipper seniors as greeters. Sunny septuagenarians now inquire if you need a free refill, or offer to retrieve napkins. They’re so helpful that I’ve kidnapped a few, taking them home to do yard work and light grandparenting.
Watch out, employees.

Saturday song

Rod Stewart sings while the background girls dance in their interesting green plastic dresses in "This Old Heart of Mine."

Friday, August 3, 2012

What does Michelle Obama think of this?

The call went out - we need some cupcakes from the new place in Waynesboro.
The one next to the new Sweet Frogs Yogurt.
It was hard to find a parking spot.
Lots of people eating yogurt.
A line to get fresh cupcakes.
Cupcakes and frozen yogurt. How does that fit into Michelle Obama's menu for us?

How 'bout them Cowboys?

The Charleston, West Virginia newspapers must not understand Rule 5.
The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders visited town Thursday for the West Virginia Power game. And I can't find a picture on either paper's site.
Guess I'll have to use one from 2011.

Jobs - Obama's losing battle

Two charts appear the first Friday of every month.
One shows the number of jobs added to the economy - going up since 2010.
The other shows where the Obama administration promised jobs would be under the 2009 stimulus - with way lower unemployment.
This month's jobs reports may have exceeded lousy expectations - but the last few months don't make an economic record.
Good luck getting unemployed people to spend their free time boosting the guys with a lousy record since 2009.

Weekend watchdog

Last year, the NFL Hall of Fame game wasn't played.
This year, only a few people will be able to watch it.
The Saints and Cardinals kick off the 2012 preseason Sunday at 8 p.m. on NFL network since NBC is busy with the Olympics. The Saints have endured a tough offseason, sidelining coach Sean Payton for the year. The Cardinals are trying to return to the playoffs after last year's 8-8 mark.
ESPN covers the Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony Saturday starting at 7 p.m.
The Olympics hit their middle weekend from London, with coverage on the NBC family of networks. NBC begins coverage Friday at 8 a.m. The U.S. men's basketball team plays early Saturday on NBC Sports network. Track and field starts Friday, and swimming closes its run Sunday.
The Orioles continue their quest for a wild-card spot at Tampa Bay this weekend, taking on the Rays on MASN. The Nationals meet the Marlins for a series on MASN2.
While Fox takes a break from Saturday baseball this week, TBS shows the Angels' contest with the White Sox. ESPN has the Cardinals and Brewers Sunday at 8 p.m.
NASCAR makes its return trip to Pocono Sunday at noon on ESPN. The Nationwide racers head to Iowa, going Saturday at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
The Indy car circuit heads to mid-Ohio Sunday at 1 p.m. on ABC.
CBS offers the World Golf Championship Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
In MLS play, the Galaxy host Seattle Sunday at 9 p.m. on ESPN2. The Red Bulls meet Houston Friday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports network, and Dallas takes on Portland Sunday at 7 p.m.
The U.S. Open Series visits Washington this weekend, with action Friday at 5 p.m. on ESPN2. The semifinals are Saturday at 3 p.m., with the final Sunday at 4 p.m.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Shut up and deal

Interesting to have Facebook friends of all political stripes. On the Chick-fil-A day crowds, many were very happy. A few were not.
At the poker table, losers say "Shut up and deal." On Facebook, they had to deal with pictures of packed restaurants.
What could they say?
It wasn't that big a deal - just a small percentage of the population went there.
Of course, in other stories, a small percentage of the population can make it a big media deal.
Should you defriend someone who went to Chick-fil-A and you don't approve? You'll be more shocked Election Day than you would need to be.
Chick-fil-A didn't ask for this battle.
They have believed what they believe today throughout the years.
They want to serve more people chicken sandwiches.
They want people to enjoy life as they enjoy it - as children of God.
Some aren't happy with their stand on marriage.
They are missing out on some good chicken.
While stewing in their own juices.

Feel the Chick-fil-A momentum

How do you think the Obama campaign felt Wednesday, watching all the people going to Chick-fil-A?
They're doomed.
They are points when you can feel the momentum shift.
In 1996, I knew Clinton had a great chance at re-election during the Olympic opening ceremonies. Most people don't follow politics, but looking good in a major event kept momentum on his side.
In 2008, Obama had the momentum and the crowds at his Berlin speech showed his strength.
Wednesday's Chick-fil-A shows his weakness. His policies and reporters have been pushing one way, and instead of following along, the people pushed back Wednesday.
The crowds at Chick-fil-A are a big deal.
Any counter event will pale in comparison.

TR went haywire

George Will smacks around Teddy Roosevelt while boosting Texas senatorial nominee Ted Cruz.
After leaving the presidency in 1909, TR went haywire. He had always chafed under constitutional restraints, but he had remained a Hamiltonian, construing the Constitution expansively but respectfully. By 1912, however, he had become what the Democratic nominee, Woodrow Wilson, was — an anti-Madisonian. Both thought the Constitution — the enumeration and separation of powers — intolerably crippled government.

Reaping the whirlwind

DaTech Guy has a great take on Chick-fil-A day.
By the hundreds and the thousands and the hundreds of thousands they showed up. Restaurants ran out of food, lines were incredible nationwide and worse of all there was a lack of all the vitriol that the left would normally portray and the violence and threats came from the left, not their foes.
Lots of new Chick-fil-A customers Wednesday. And they will be back.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Can polls oversample Democrats more?

How bad are the recent polls on the presidential race?
The one showing Obama winning Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania?
When Quinnipiac asked its swing state samples, “Did you vote for Barack Obama or John McCain in 2008? Obama enjoys a 13 percentage point margin in Florida and a 15 percentage point margin in Ohio. Of course, in 2008, Obama won Florida by three percentage points and Ohio by 4.6 percentage points.
So these are some really heavily Democrat samples.
Pretty soon, they will be touting a new poll with Obama up 50-45. The sample will be 600 Democrats and three Republicans.
Maybe somebody did a poll today, when most of the world was in line at Chick-fil-A.

We eat chikn and we vote

Chick-fil-A day was fine success.
The scent of victory smells like chicken.

Schmookler vs. Obama

In the News Leader's article about a small business press conference, they conclude with Democratic candidate Andy Schmookler's next planned event.
Goodlatte’s Democratic opponent, Rockingham County author Andy Schmookler, is scheduled to make a 7 p.m. talk inside the Staunton Public Library to discuss the dangers of too much power being concentrated in the hands of a few.
Too much power in the hands of a few?
Hasn't that been the Obama plan for four years?