Thursday, January 31, 2013

For your Super Bowl safety

There will be plenty of things during the CBS Super Bowl pre-game show Sunday.
An interview with President Obama will air around 4:30 p.m.
If you throw something at your TV during that segment, you won't have much time to get a new one before kickoff.
Best to avoid that part of the pre-game show entirely.

Around the firewall

If you'd like to learn about the Baltimore Ravens, their hometown paper has a firewall up - only a certain number of stories are free to view each 30 days.
Do you break down and pay them for their stuff?
Or find a way around?
The firewall counts against a single computer - so fire up another computer or restore an older one for a new set of stories.
I went to the office today and enjoyed several articles at lunch. No trouble with the firewall there.
Plenty of other groups cover the big game - like Press Box Online or CSNBaltimore.com.
Save your money for more food while watching the game - and commercials.

Goodlatte goes long

The left is all upset that Rep. Bob Goodlatte, now chair of the House Judicary Committee, supports a Tax Code Termination Act.
Let's rip the whole thing up and start from scratch.
Watching the stampede of states looking at getting rid of income taxes, sounds like that's where the action is.
Besides, if the debt limit doesn't matter, why have taxes? Just borrow more.

Kaley in Purple


Kaley Cuoco will star in a Super Bowl ad for Toyota.
She's wearing purple.
The Ravens wear purple.
A good omen for Baltimore?

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Look out for Cato

The youngest has decided he'd like to be ninja-like, trying to attack me without me knowing he's there.
He reminded me of Inspector Clouseau's mighty fights in Cato in the Pink Panther movies of the 1970s.

Beware the house

Dustbury shares the story of a house in Oklahoma City where three straight families had twins.
Reminds me of my family's first house.
We had three boys.
In 1977, we sold to a family with three boys.
They sold to a family with two boys.
The wife said - no more kids.

The trouble with Twitter

Matt Lewis liked Twitter when it started.
Not so much now.
Once everyone was on Twitter, everyone's problems were on Twitter. The early adopters might have been tech-utopians, but the succeeding waves were angry cynics and partisan cranks who used the technology to make the world even louder and worse than it was before Twitter.
Compounding the problem is that — unlike everyone else — if you work in journalism, you can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave. Being on Twitter is now part of the job, meaning that you can't not be on Twitter. What was once an inspiring place that gave you a competitive advantage became a prison.

There is an answer

Ed Driscoll checks the video on the Newtown dad asking a question - and NBC reporting the answer is "cruel heckling."

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Let the Conversation begin

Breitbart debuts a new feature Wednesday - the Conversation.
Several noted conservatives will be part of the group, including Ace.
The idea (which I was interested in for years, and still am) is trying something a bit more conversational, like the old Corner. Less a blog and more an interaction.

Hello Mali

Looks like the "Arab Spring" is turning into a Mali winter.
Good thing the military has lots of desert gear from Iraq and Afghanistan. They might be needing it soon.

Today's Tied with me

Wordpress has jobs available.
The blog listing those jobs is tied with this blog on Technorati today.
Lots of project work - or you could head to Bangalore.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Get your gun

An interesting column in the New York Times by a gun-toting liberal.
For those who blame the right for the rough nature of the gun control debate, he sees another side.
But in the weeks since Newtown, I’ve watched my Facebook feed, which is dominated by my coastal friends, fill up with anti-gun dispatches that seemed divorced from reality. I agree it would be nice if the world had exactly zero guns in it. But I don’t see that happening, and calling gun owners “a bunch of inbred rednecks” doesn’t do much to advance rational discussion.       

Nobody bothers me

Chris Graham gives some advice for advertisers trying to get people to remember their stuff.
He remembers an ad from his youth.
Thanks to Youtube, you can relive the magic.


How about that Cuccinelli?

Driving back to Richmond on I-64 Friday, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and his driver noticed a fire as they passed a truck.
They got the driver to stop and assisted in putting out the fire.
What a great guy. Good thing he's still on the job as Attorney General, holding meetings in Staunton and helping truckers in need.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Another study to ignore

The Combating Terrorism Center at West Point has a new study.
Is it worth the paper it's printed on?
At 148 pages, probably not. Unless you like recaps of the history of the KKK.
They look at "far-right terrorism" over the past 20 years. With the help of the Southern Poverty Law Center, they claim 350 attacks by "far-right groups" in 2011.
We haven't heard much about such attacks, and in our media environment I'm sure victims and their families would be featured prominently - if the attacks were a major concern.
From the study, the most dangerous places - California and New York.
When I think far right, I don't think of those two states.
After talking about the history of the KKK most of the study, they talk about states where the KKK is strongest now. And it's not where the "far-right" attacks have been recently.
Most attacks were by single people, and 35 percent were under age of 20.
Most of the attacks were classified as "vandalism."
When some see "far right attacks," it's easy to see just juvenile delinquent behavior.
If you think conservatives ideas spark violent behavior - or wish to tie them to violence - the study pushes your agenda.
If you think some political groups want to lump conservatives with "far-right" for their advantage, you can easily dismiss this study. We've seen these claims before and slapped them down.

Sentry on the job

Hot Air posts the thoughts of a Iraqi war veteran on women in combat.
I’m a female veteran. I deployed to Anbar Province, Iraq. When I was active duty, I was 5’6, 130 pounds, and scored nearly perfect on my PFTs. I naturally have a lot more upper body strength than the average woman: not oI’m a female veteran. I deployed to Anbar Province, Iraq. When I was active duty, I was 5’6, 130 pounds, and scored nearly perfect on my PFTs. I naturally have a lot more upper body strength than the average woman: not only can I do pull-ups, I can meet the male standard. I would love to have been in the infantry. And I still think it will be an unmitigated disaster to incorporate women into combat roles. I am not interested in risking men’s lives so I can live my selfish dream.nly can I do pull-ups, I can meet the male standard. I would love to have been in the infantry. And I still think it will be an unmitigated disaster to incorporate women into combat roles. I am not interested in risking men’s lives so I can live my selfish dream.
Washington can make a policy. It can't make women taller or bigger for combat.

Hitching a ride

An interesting story of innovation against bureaucracy from the Wall Street Journal.
Using a smart phone to get a ride? You'll be doing more of it soon, despite the government and its friends.
What has Mr. Kalanick learned so far from his Uber experience? "The regulatory systems in place disincentive innovation. It's intense to fight the red tape." His advice for others: "Stand by your principles and be comfortable with confrontation. So few people are, so when the people with the red tape come, it becomes a negotiation."

Good advice from Lance

After all the bad publicity Lance Armstrong has gotten recently, I found something he did right - inspire Vince Vaughn's character in "Dodgeball."


Where do we go from there?

National Review held an institute this weekend to look at the path forward for Republicans.
Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has some good ideas.
First, “stop listening to the New York Times” and “understand that…you were elected to the House by the same people that elected President Obama.” Second, “stop bad legislation,” and third, “use leverage points…to push forward serious solutions to the crushing fiscal and economic challenge facing this country.”

Saturday, January 26, 2013

The camel says

Troglopundit provides the good news for Ravens' fans - we're winning the Super Bowl.
A camel made its choice.
Time to get more graham crackers.
Woo hoo.

Saturday song

Just remember this Firefall song from the 70s


Facebook quote of the week

You know it's cold when the Klondike derby is canceled!

Friday, January 25, 2013

What's right with Kansas

Kansas governor Sam Brownback knows tax cutting.
The New York Times tells of those who think he will fail, but adds what neighboring states are doing - looking at tax cuts as well.
Kansas’ tax policy has caught the attention of its neighbors. Gov. Dave Heineman of Nebraska, a Republican, has introduced a bill to eliminate a variety of taxes, including ones on individual income and small businesses. Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, also a Republican, plans to call for modest income tax cuts, and Missouri lawmakers have discussed reforming their tax code.       

Rush was, and is, right

Ace likes the Politico story on conservatives who called President Obama liberal all along.
What Limbaugh said about Obama -- and what Levin said, and Hannity, and so on -- was completely true.
It was completely true, but the enforcers of Tact at the Great National Conversation decided that the truth that Obama was a left-liberal stewed his entire life in fashionably radical politics (and keep in mind the radical years in which he came of age) Should Not Ever Be Spoken.

Weekend watchdog

While we await Super Bowl XLVII, the NBA moves into its Sunday afternoon TV slots.
The first weekend on ABC brings two top matchups. The Heat head to Boston at 1 p.m., and the Thunder close their six-game road trip at the Lakers at 3:30 p.m.
On ESPN, the Spurs meet the Mavericks Friday at 8 p.m. The Hawks take on the Knicks Sunday at 6:30 p.m.
The Wizards play the Timberwolves on Comcast-plus Friday at 7 p.m., and the Bulls come calling Saturday at 7 p.m.
In college basketball, the ACC network will show Wake Forest taking on Georgia Tech Saturday at 3 p.m. The Hokies meet Clemson Sunday at 1 p.m.
CBS brings ACC basketball Saturday at 1 p.m., with Maryland facing Duke. Sunday at 1 p.m., Michigan State battles Indiana.
Virginia takes on Boston College Saturday at 1 p.m. on Comcast, and James Madison hosts Old Dominion at 4 p.m.
ESPN has Georgetown-Louisville Saturday at noon. Oklahoma meets Kansas at 4 p.m., and the GameDay crew catches North Carolina and North Carolina State at 7 p.m.
\Saturday features five contests on ESPN2, with Ohio State-Penn State at noon. It's Alabama against Tennessee at 2 p.m. followed by Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State. Butler meets Temple at 6 p.m. before the nightcap matching Florida and Mississippi State.
MASN has five Big East games over the weekend, with three on Saturday. Notre Dame heads to South Florida at noon, then it's Providence-Marquette and DePaul goes against Pittsburgh. Sunday, Seton Hall and St. John's battle at noon, followed by Rutgers facing Connecticut.
Liberty hosts Charleston Southern Saturday at 8 p.m.
Dartmouth heads to Harvard Saturday at 2 p.m. on NBC Sports network, followed by New Mexico-San Diego State.
The James Madison women play Hofstra Sunday at 5:30 p.m. on Comcast. MASN has Big East women's basketball matching Marquette and South Florida Saturday at 6 p.m. There's two games on ESPN2 Sunday, with North Carolina facing Miami at 2 p.m. before Purdue plays Michigan State.
The PGA tour gets coverage this weekend, with the Farmers Open on CBS Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
The best players not going to the Super Bowl - or their injury replacements - meet in the Pro Bowl Sunday at 7 p.m. on NBC. NFL network has the Senior Bowl Saturday at 4 p.m.
The Capitals visit New Jersey Friday at 7 p.m on Comcast. Buffalo heads to Washington Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Wild meet the Blues Sunday at 6 p.m. on NBC Sports network, which offers Yale-Cornell in college hockey Friday at 7:30 p.m.
ESPN's X Games light up the mountains in Aspen this weekend. ESPN has action Friday at 3 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., and Saturday ESPN coverage is at 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. The thrills on the slopes close Sunday at 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The Australian Open closes its run on ESPN2, with the women's final Saturday at 3 a.m. The men crown their champion Sunday at 3 a.m.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Freezing their butts again in old Obamaville

Wyblog shares the woes of Hurricane Sandy survivors - living without heat during the current cold snap.
There are more than 2,600 homes on Staten Island still without heat. Three months after the hurricane hit. And long after Dear Leader and his celebutard buddies packed up their "relief" vans and moved on to the next cause. Gun Control is where it's at now! If you're still freezing in the dark, they don't have time for you anymore. Unless you need a gun to protect what's left of your house. Then they'll say "no."

Gunned down

What's a gun show that prohibits modern rifles from the arena?
Cancelled.
Guess they will find other shooting friends to visit the next few weeks.

Are you an Oniomaniac?

Instapundit linked this post on typical financial troubles.
I had never heard the word "oniomaniac."
I thought it might be someone who always reads "The Onion."
It's payday Friday. There's plenty of good advice there.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Bringing some friends to Hawaii


The NFL has all-star cheerleaders to go along with all-star players at the Pro Bowl.
Patricia from the New England Patriots made the all-star squad. The players for her team will be on the field this year, not preparing for the Super Bowl.

Bohemian Rhapsody testimony

How do you think Hillary Clinton did in front of the Senate?
Did she school them, or did she sound like somebody with a concussion?
What difference, at this point, does it make?
Really, Secretary Clinton.
I know you fans think you're now going to rest up for the 2016 campaign.
I think you're ready for a Wayne's World remake.


"Nothing really matters to me."

Wamp wamp wa wah wamp

The child voice actor from "Charlie Brown Christmas" has been arrested for stalking.
Does he still think all adults sound the same?
When he goes to court, will he hear - "Wamp wamp wa wah wamp."

Would you have aborted the quarterback?

Two days before the Roe v. Wade anniversary, Colin Kaepernick led the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
His birth mother watched, from a distance, with pride.
She gave her son life, and a chance, by giving him up for adoption.
She didn't end his life with an abortion.
She gave him a chance at life - more of a chance than 55 million babies have had since 1973.
She gave the 49ers a quarterback and hopes of an NFL title.
Wonder if the San Francisco fans appreciate this fact?
Or are they stuck thinking abortion helps women from being "punished with a baby."

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Inaugural straw man

NRO's Yural Levin does a great individual job collecting all the straw men in President Obama's Monday speech - and the false choices he offers.
The individual acting alone or the entire nation acting through its government, those are the only options we have. The space between the individual and the state is understood to be empty at best, and at worst to be filled with dreadful vestiges of intolerance and backwardness that must be cleared out to enable the pursuit of justice.

Today's Tied with me

Technorati has this blog tied with one in Portland, which looks at trouble for the IRS pushing through licensing for tax preparers.

Ravers or 49ens?

When there's a game with divided loyalities, you'll see a split shirt.
At an event in South Carolina in the 1980s, the local TV guy had a shirt with "Clemlina" on one side and "Caroson" on the other.
Will there be shirts supporting the "Rav-ers" or "49-ens?"
Probably just HarBowl stuff.

Can we have our pipeline now?

Remember the XL pipeline?
Nebraska still does.
What's the excuse to delay it this time?

Monday, January 21, 2013

Did they play Risk?

From the SI archives, the story of the Harbaugh brothers.
My brothers and I could never finish the board game Risk.
It was under the sofa when someone got mad.
Watching the Harbaugh brothers play Risk would be an interesting experience.

Ray's legacy

Have you heard enough about Ray Lewis the last few weeks?
Are you prepared to hear more the next two?
As a Baltimore native, his story has been inspirational - getting the team into the Super Bowl after a lousy December.
But his past remains in the forefront for many people - even Wes Welker's wife.
Should Lewis be judged by what happened in Atlanta after Super Bowl XXXIV, or for the man he's become?
The man who wears a Psalms 91 t-shirt under his uniform and leads the chapel? From Monday Morning Quarterback.
Finally, this tweet from @ConnorBarwin98 of the Houston Texans: "Ray Lewis is going to make tebow look like an atheist the next two weeks." Not bad, Mr. Barwin.
We'll see and hear lots of Lewis the next two weeks.
He's definitely leaving a legacy as he leaves the Ravens.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Woo hoo

The Ravens are going to the Super Bowl in their 17th NFL season.
The Orioles won the 1970 World Series in their 17th season.
Woo hoo.

Badgering the bank

Instapundit highlights a sad bank robber - trying to get money to deal with student debt.
With a plastic Star Wars toy gun in his pocket, Hubatch told police, he wrote a note demanding $500 and told a teller not to stall because he didn't want to hurt anyone. He said he also wrote that he would shoot anyone who followed him to his car, noting to (detective Tom) Helgren that he put in the reference to the car to throw people off because he doesn't have a car.
He told Helgren he has $250,000 in student loans that he can't pay. He said he asked for $500 because he thought Summit would not care about $500 and would simply give it to him.

Both representing the people

In a Politico story about Bill Clinton talking gun control, we find a meeting between Clinton and an NRA lobbyist.
Clinton said that an National Rifle Association lobbyist threatened him over his veto in the state house, saying that the group would cause problems for his upcoming presidential campaign in rural states like Texas.
“Right there in the lobby,” Clinton said. “They thought they could talk to governors that way.
“I knew I was getting older when I didn’t hit him,” Clinton said. Clinton recalls telling the NRA lobbyist, “If that’s the way you feel, you get your gun, I’ll get my gun and I’ll see you in Texas.”
Governor and lobbyist. They both represent people.
Maybe more of our politicians need to hear straight talk, not what they want to hear.

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Guns across America

NiceDeb has videos from across the country for Gun Appreciation Day.
From sea to shining sea, and even in Minnesota.

Farewell to Earl of Baltimore

As Baltimore watches an emotional run to a championship led by a retiring leader, another Baltimore leader has passed on.
Earl Weaver died early Saturday morning after a Hall of Fame career. His first retirement came in 1982, and the Orioles lost the division title to the Milwaukee Brewers on the final game of the season.
The city mourns its past leader, and hopes for football celebration Sunday night.


Facebook quote of the week

As a former huge fan of Lance Armstrong, I find the worst thing about the whole situation is that... the French were right. I hate it when that happens.

Saturday song

Lots of different styles in Electric Light Orchestra's "Living Thing" from 1976.


Time for appreciation

Happy Gun Apprecation Day.
It's time for self control, not pushing gun control.
It is important that we demonstrate to the rest of the country and the world (as the world will be watching) that gun owners and advocates are peaceful, ordinary citizens who love our liberty.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Wisdom from Obama

It's always good to remember how Barack Obama viewed rising debt before he became president.
Increasing America's debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that ``the buck stops here.'' Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem.
Will he be reminded of these thoughts?

Weekend watchdog

The last ride for Ray Lewis continues.
The Harbaugh brothers still have a chance at a Harbaugh Super Bowl.
Atlanta will host its first championship game.
nfl playoffsTom Brady in an AFC championship game? What a surprise.
Plenty of good storylines as the NFL holds its conference championships Sunday. Fox has the opening game at 3 p.m., with the 49ers taking on the Falcons.
San Francisco lost last year's NFC title game to the Giants, and return to the contest with a different starting quarterback. The Falcons have made only one Super Bowl appearance in franchise history - winning at Minnesota en route to Super Bowl XXXIII.
In the nightcap, it's a rematch of last year's AFC championship on CBS at 6:30 p.m. The Patriots escaped with a 23-20 victory before going to their fifth Super Bowl since the 2001 season.
The Ravens won a thrilling 31-30 contest in September and will play in their third AFC championship game in five years. They last won the Super Bowl after the 2000 season, with Lewis the MVP in the win over the Giants.
College all-star games are on NFL network - East-West Shrine game Saturday - and the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN2.
With the NHL lockout over, opening day will be Saturday. NBC offers a pair of games Saturday at 3 p.m., led by Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles starting the campaign against Chicago. Other parts of the country will see the Penguins against the Flyers. Sunday at 12:30 p.m., the Flyers take on the Sabres.
The Capitals begin their season in Tampa Bay Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast. The Blackhawks meet Phoenix Sunday at 10:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
NBC Sports network offers college hockey Friday at 7:30 p.m., when Harvard meets Yale.
In college basketball, Virginia Tech plays Wake Forest on the ACC network Saturday at 2 p.m. Virginia hosts Florida State at 4 p.m.
West Virginia travels to Purdue on CBS Saturday at 2 p.m. before UCLA meets Oregon.
ESPN has five games on Saturday, starting with North Carolina-Maryland at noon. It's off to the SEC for Missouri-Florida at 2 p.m., and Syracuse plays top-ranked Louisville at 4 p.m. Ohio State takes on Michigan State at 6 p.m., and the GameDay crew catches Butler-Gonzaga at 9 p.m.
Pittsburgh against Connecticut starts the day on ESPN2 Saturday at noon, then Texas Tech plays Oklahoma State and Creighton battles Wichita State.
MASN shows four Big East games on Saturday. St. John's heads to DePaul at noon, then Villanova meets Providence at 4 p.m. Georgetown plays South Florida at 6 p.m. before Rutgers going against Notre Dame.
Drexel meets William & Mary Saturday at 2 p.m. on Comcast, followed by SMU-UTEP.
NBC Sports network has three games Saturday. Columbia collides with Cornell at 3 p.m., then Hofstra plays George Mason. It's UNLV-Colorado State in the nightcap at 7 p.m.
Comcast brings a pair of ACC women's games Sunday. Wake Forest meets Boston College at 1 p.m. and Florida State battles N.C. State at 3 p.m.
Seton Hall visits Georgetown in women's basketball on MASN Saturday at 2 p.m. ESPN2 has two games Sunday, with Maryland-Georgia Tech at 3 p.m. followed by Texas A&M against Georgia.
ESPN's Friday night NBA schedule starts at 8 p.m. with Bulls-Celtics, followed by the Thunder traveling to Dallas.
The Wizards face Denver Friday at 9 p.m. on Comcast, then head to L.A. Saturday to battle the Clippers at 10:30 p.m.
ESPN has high school basketball between Huntington Prep and New Hampton School Sunday at 5 p.m.
Action from the Australian Open continues on ESPN2, starting at 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Ready for the big game

The Ravens advanced to the AFC championship for the third time in five years.
WIll they and their cheerleaders head to New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII?

Raise and spend

Reason looks at the troubles of another debt ceiling increase - how are we going to play it back?
The credit rating groups are talking.
Earlier this week, Fitch put the U.S. government on notice: Yes, it wants the debt limit raised without a major fight, but it also warned that the fundamental strengths of the country’s creditworthiness “are being eroded by the large, albeit steadily declining, structural budget deficit and high and rising public debt.” Without a credible medium term deficit reduction plan, the agency says, a downgrade of the U.S. credit rating is likely by the end of this year.
Are we listening?

A day school leaders hate

It's after noon. Where's the snow?
It's too dry in the sky.
It's too warm for snow to drop.
Forecasters thought it would be colder. Not yet.
Albemarle County closed its schools for the day. You don't want to send kids to school and have them return on snowy roads before usual closing time.
Other area schools are closing early.
School leaders have a choice on days like this.
Be cautious, and kids might watch cold rain out the window.
Or send them to school, and risk a quick turn to cold weather.
Today, the weather has held off. For a while.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Impotence

Ed Morrissey isn't impressed by President Obama's slew of executive orders.
The President also announced almost two dozen executive orders that he will sign to bypass Congress on gun violence, a threat that had civil libertarians outraged over potential abuses of power. Instead, the list is a demonstration of executive impotence, procrastination, and an approach that has little to do with the actual Newtown mass murder.

What's your favorite order?

SWACgirl runs the list of 23 executive orders signed by President Obama Wednesday.
My favorite?
Number 11 - nominate an ATF director.
Isn't that part of the job?
Why is this among the executive orders?
Right in the middle.
Maybe it's there for padding.
I guess they thought 23 was a cool number.

Bringing the fire

DaTech Guy enjoys the latest NRA ad, and the reaction from the Morning Joe crew.
The Democrats won an election by pushing the class warfare line, the 1% line, the idea that Mitt Romney was an elite that didn’t care about you and your families. It was a sell that worked with low information voters.
Now you have the same message being played by the NRA to the same voters. It’s the class warfare argument, the 1%, the argument that the President and the rich Washington elites don’t care about your families as long as their own kids are safe.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

The gun made me do it

Althouse gets to the crux of the "gun control" debate - it's easier to blame guns than to blame the devil.
It occurred to me, after the Sandy Hook murders, that blaming guns is a secular substitute for blaming the devil. People find it too challenging to figure out why a human being would do this terrible thing and they latch on to the idea that the gun made it happen. Suicide presents a similar challenge, and one way to fathom it is to say: It was the gun. Isn't it like saying the devil made him do it? The gun/the devil is a great go-to answer, freeing you from wracking your brain about the workings of the human mind.

Faster than a speeding bullet

How quickly will there be protests to President Obama's gun control proposals?
Faster than a speeding bullet.

Today's Tied with me

Technorati has this blog tied with Sports Collectors Daily, which looks at the 2013 Topps baseball cards.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Numbers game

Althouse celebrates nine years of blogging today.
Legal Insurrection passed the 8,000 post mark.
My blog celebrates five seasons of Ravens' wins in the playoffs - ever since I started in October 2008.

Some global warming might be enjoyable

I just saw the long-range forecast for next Monday, when the inaugural ceremonies will be held.
A cold front coming through with highs in the 30s.
After a very windy Sunday.
The right kind of weather for mid-winter, right?

Try with your credit card company

Do you ask your credit card company to raise the credit limit because you promised to buy your kid a car?
Why should Democrats consider a raise for the debit limit based on their promises they can't pay for?

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Woo hoo

Troglopundit's post reminded me of his celebrations when the Packers won the Super Bowl in 2011.
He could use a cute kid.
 

I had to settle for Joe Flacco. I couldn't find a photo of a cute kid with a Raven on his head.

See you in primetime in 2013

Troglopundit sadly notes the end of the Packers' season.
The Ravens continue on, and will host Green Bay sometime in 2013 - I'm betting on a Sunday night or Monday night. Maybe the Thursday night opener if the Ravens win the Super Bowl.
As for the Ravens' win Saturday, I have two words
Woo
Hoo.

Fight my battle

The silliness of the "Redskins" name controversy reared its head this week.
A column complained about the name again.
The mayor added his silliness - you can't come back to the city with that name.
The Redskins have a great stadium next to the Beltway - easily accessed by fans in both Maryland and Virginia. Why would they consider a move back into the city?
If FedEx Field needs replacement, Maryland and Virginia will vigorously bid for the right to host it - no strings attached to the name.
Now another silly column - RGIII could make a name change happen but probably won't.
Why should he?
RGIII has great talent, and some sports columnists want him to use that talent to boost their causes.
If he doesn't do their bidding, they attack him as a corporate shill.
If you don't want the team to be called Redskins, win your battle on your own. Don't rely on threats and belittling those who don't push the question for you.

Saturday, January 12, 2013

What would Tebow do?

Last year, Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos to an overtime playoff win.
Saturday, Peyton Manning and the Broncos lost in overtime.
A nice regular season record doesn't get you much when you lose.

It started in Blacksburg

Instapundit highlights a petition on the White House website, asking that gun-free zones replace the Secret Service as protection for politicians.
The petition creator is from Blacksburg.
The petition needs about 7,000 signatures in the next 10 days to get consideration.
Better chances than the Joe Biden reality show idea that got coverage on the Today show.

Cold in Denver

The playoff game will be in Denver Saturday.
It's 50 degrees warmer in Baltimore.
Can Peyton Manning handle the cold?
We know the fans can.

Facebook quote of the week

Had planned to take girls to movies today, but they have decided enjoying this beautiful weather outside instead is what they want to do.....yay!!!!! Enjoy your day everyone! I know I will!

Saturday song

After hearing this song in many commercials, time for the full version.

Friday, January 11, 2013

No Rocky VI

West Virginia senator Jay Rockefeller has decided to call it a senate career after five terms.
Would he like coal as a present for his farewell?

Not this weekend

Going to the local grocery store, they have snow shovels and snow melt out front.
With expected temperatures in the 60s this weekend, you won't need to stock up right now.

Weekend watchdog

nfl playoffsThe end is near for NFL football. Time to savor the best weekend of action.
The final eight set their sights on Super Bowl XLVII - four teams coming off wins and four teams that earned first-round byes.
The action begins Saturday with a Harbaugh doubleheader. John Harbaugh and the Ravens travel to Denver as part of Ray Lewis' farewell tour Saturday at 4:30 p.m. on CBS. Peyton Manning and the Broncos rolled to a 34-17 victory over the Ravens - the third of Baltimore's three-game late season losing streak.
Fox has the Saturday prime time game, matching the Packers and Jim Harbaugh's 49ers. They met on the season's opening weekend, with the 49ers posting the victory. The Packers have won four of the five postseason meetings between the squads.
Sunday's play begins at 1 p.m. on Fox, with the Falcons hosting Seattle. The Seahawks won at Washington last Sunday, the first road playoff win by the franchise since 1983. The Falcons have made the playoffs four times in the past five seasons, but are still awaiting their first postseason win since the Michael Vick era.
New England hosts Houston Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on CBS. The Texans were riding high at 11-1 when they made their first visit to Gillette Stadium, and the Patriots cruised to a 42-14 victory.
By Sunday night, we're down to the final four teams and last four NFL games of the season.

Virginia takes on Clemson Saturday at noon on the ACC network, followed by Virginia Tech against Georgia Tech.
CBS offers Ohio State against Michigan Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, ESPN has a pair of ACC games with Duke-N.C. State at noon before the Tar Heels battle Florida State.
There's three games on ESPN2 Saturday, starting in the Big East with Georgetown-St. John's at 11 a.m. Tennessee battles Alabama at 1 p.m. before Oklahoma meets Oklahoma State.
MASN has four Big East games on the schedule Saturday, starting at noon with Villanova-Syracuse. It's Connecticut against Notre Dame at 2 p.m., followed by South Florida traveling to Louisville. Cincinnati plays Rutgers at 8 p.m. The Big South takes the stage at 6 p.m. with Coastal Carolina meeting Liberty.
MASN2 shows Kansas State at West Virginia Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday on MASN, Seton Hall hosts Providence at noon.
Four games fill the slate on NBC Sports network Saturday, with Butler meeting Dayton at 2 p.m. It's James Madison-Drexel at 4 p.m. then Pennsylvania faces Princeton before the Colorado State meets San Diego State at 8 p.m.
Delaware and Georgia State meet on Comcast at noon, and the Boston College-Wake Forest game is joined in progress at 4:30 p.m.
ESPN shows the Bulls at Knicks Friday at 8 p.m., with the Thunder meeting the Lakers at 10:30 p.m. The Wizards host the Hawks Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
ESPN2 offers a pair of women's basketball games Sunday. Nebraska faces Penn State at 2 p.m. and California meets Stanford at 4 p.m. On Comcast, it's Boston College-Clemson at 1 p.m. followed by Miami-Florida State.
There's high school basketball Saturday at 4 p.m. on ESPN, with Huntington Prep taking on Cape Henry.
The Australian Open starts its two week run Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
While awaiting the start of the lockout-shortened NHL season, NBC Sports network has a college ice hockey doubleheader Friday. Union plays Princeton at 7:30 p.m., followed by Nebraska-Omaha at Denver.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

A petition to read this take on petitions

Ed Morrissey takes a look at the current fascination with petitions - especially those at the White House website.
Now we have constant stories about petitions at the White House suddenly becoming significant at 25,000, and big stories at 100,000. Why? In November, somewhere north of 125 million people cast ballots in the election. Even 250,000 signatures on a petition would amount to 0.2% of the electorate, which is less than a rounding error in elections and way below the margin of error in polling.

Haggle over Hagel

Legal Insurrection checks in on Chuck Hagel, and a website he probably didn't endorse.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Want to go to Mars?

Instapundit links a story about recruiting for a Mars' mission.
One-way, with hopes to launch in September 2022.
Who wants to go?
Who would you want to send on a one-way trip to Mars?
Best of luck to whoever decides to volunteer, and their backers.

"Guns are icky"

Michael Graham boils down the gun control debate.
According to the Washington Post, Obama’s task force has already blown past the return of the so-called “assault weapons” ban and a ban on high-capacity magazines. They’ve moved on to “regulations that would require universal background checks for firearm buyers, track the movement and sale of weapons through a national database, strengthen mental health checks, and stiffen penalties for carrying guns near schools or giving them to minors.”
I thought the point of this White House task force was to “prevent more tragedies” like Newtown, as the president said when he announced it. If so, please re-read the last paragraph. Am I missing something?

Is texting far behind?

Major League Baseball will allow teams to use T-Mobile to call the bullpen this season.
With security to make sure you can't make your own call to the bullpen.
Wonder if Moe Drabowsky could have figured a way around the system?

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Back to work

The NHL lockout has ended.
Carrie Underwood will have a few chances to watch her husband Mike Fisher in action before touring season starts.
UPDATE: Leadoff link on Rule 5 Sunday.

It will be a blast

The Blaze highlights Jan. 19 as Gun Appreciation Day.
Don't conceal your support for the second amendment.

For Elvis' birthday

Since it's the 78th anniversary of Elvis Presley's birth, time to bring back a song parody about our fiscal situation.
We're caught in a trap. Brings to mind "Suspicious Minds."

We’re caught in a trap
We can’t get out
Because you spend way too much money

Why can’t you see
How worthless bonds will be?
When you don’t control your spending?

We can’t go on together
With deficit spending (deficit spending)
And we can’t build a future
On this pile of debt

So, old friend, I know
When I drop by to buy gold
Will there be suspicions on your eyes?

Here we go again
Asking for more credit
You can’t see these bills are real
I’m holding (bills I'm holding)

We can’t go on together
With deficit spending
And we can’t build a future
On this pile of debt

Oh can the world survive
Or pay the debts that you’ve got
Let’s not make our children cry
When Obama, you know
I can’t bail you out
Mmm, yeah, yeah

We’re caught in a trap
We can’t get out
Because you spend way too much money

Why can’t you see
How worthless bonds will be?
When you don’t control your spending?


And here's the inspiration.

Today's Tied with me

Technorati has this blog tied with Prairie Weather, which looks at the Chuck Hagel nomination for Secretary of Defense.

Monday, January 7, 2013

How to run a government

Ace shares the good news from Texas - reduce taxes and revenue can boom.
(Republican comptroller Susan) Combs reported Monday that the state collected $8.8 billion more revenue during the current 2012-2013 revenue cycle than she initially forecast, giving lawmakers breathing room in settling a $5.2 billion deficit in the current budget.
Look south, Washington.

On to the cuts

It's going to be fun watching Democrats trying to deal with trillion dollar deficits.
Especially since they don't want to.
They seem to have two talking points
  • We must pay what we've promised to pay
  • Focus on job growth, not cutting.
What if we've overpromised?
Or just used continuing resolutions to ignore having to cut anything?
And how best to create jobs?
Suggest that over-regulation limits job growth, and they doubt that.
How about paying Democrats their salaries in IOUs?
Might catch their attention about the seriousness of the problem.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

It will be different next time

The Ravens won their playoff game Sunday and celebrated the career of Ray Lewis.
Lewis won't be there when the 2013 home season starts. But I expect plenty of attention on the schedule, with five playoff teams - Cincinnati, New England, Houston, Green Bay and Minnesota - coming to town.
We'll be watching how well the Ravens reload without Lewis.

Thrilla from the Zilla

It's time for the Zilla awards.
Troglopundit is happy, and so are many others.
UPDATE: Wyblog is happy too.

NFL, my NFL

Two NFL playoff games today.
Both in Maryland.
Let's enjoy Ray Lewis' dance one more time.



Saturday, January 5, 2013

You're rich; pay up

It's going to be a fun 2013 in Virginia - with Ken Cuccinelli running for governor and Democrats going crazy about him.
The latest irritant?
A battle with the EPA about water.
Bearing Drift cheers Cuccinelli for saving Virginia taxpayers $300 million.
Blue Virginia gripes.
The only argument of the plaintiffs for which I might have any sympathy is the question of "unfunded mandates" -- it is true that Congress creates, and Federal agencies enforce, requirements without any money provided to help local governments achieve them. That said, Fairfax County is the third-wealthiest county in America, not likely to go bankrupt any time soon. And if you want more Federal support for local environmental progress, don't empower Tea Party government-hating types like Ken Cuccinelli.
Come on, Fairfax County. You've got enough money to put up with whatever folly the EPA gives. On one stream in a large urban area.
There's not enough money to meet this standard in all waterways in that county.
What's to stop the EPA from demanding other governments meet their standard - without regard to cost?
Another good job by Cuccinelli.

New Starbucks flavor

Going up to the Starbucks drive-through, I saw the employee trying to catch an insect in a plastic cup.
She put the cup against the window, trapped the insect and put a lid on the cup.
Coming soon to Starbucks, the stinkbug latte.

Facebook quote of the week

Just finished packing up Christmas and taking down he tree. The house looks so stark now. :(

Saturday song

Our debt will keep going higher and higher, if the pattern of the fiscal cliff continues.
Rita Coolidge did Higher and Higher better.
Calvin Coolidge did spending better.


Friday, January 4, 2013

Da Grandfather

DaTech Guy tells a great story about his grandfather in Depression-era Massachusetts - who didn't believe in handouts.
In the court they stood before the judge and the man made a complaint saying he had threatened him with his razor. The judge being a sensible man listened to the story and asked Tony if he threatened him. Antonio answered the man had no business coming into his store and telling him how to support his children. As for the razor, he was shaving a customer at the time and had his razor in his hands. If he had not been in the middle of a shave he would have would have punched him and thrown him out.
The judge replied that if he had struck him there would have been a $10 fine.
My grandfather reached into his pocket, took one of those $10 bills that he worked so hard to earn, put in on the bench before the judge, turned to the man standing next to him and decked him.
No handouts. Punchouts were another matter.

Missing something?

My first paycheck of 2013 comes next Thursday night.
Thus, I missed the excitement of the small change in FICA deductions with the start of the year.

Weekend watchdog

By late Monday night, we will have
A college national champion
A champion of the playoff division
Our final eight NFL teams.
The NCAA National Championship Game between Alabama and Notre Dame caps the big football weekend. ESPN has the action Monday at 8:30 p.m. as the Crimson Tide attempt to defend their national title.
Notre Dame last topped the nation in 1988. The Fighting Irish have won eight national titles since 1936, just one behind Alabama.
Before the big game, a few more bowls fill the schedule. Fox has the Cotton Bowl between Texas A&M and Oklahoma Friday at 8:30 p.m. Pittsburgh meets Mississippi in the Compass Bowl Saturday at 1 p.m. on ESPN, and then the GoDaddy.com Bowl matches Kent State and Arkansas State Sunday at 9 p.m.
Sam Houston State and top-seeded North Dakota State clash for the FCS title Saturday at 1 p.m. on ESPN2.
The NFL playoffs begin Saturday with a doubleheader on NBC. The Bengals travel to Houston in a rematch of last year's contest at 4:30 p.m., while the Vikings and Packers battle again at 8 p.m. Sunday, the Colts take on the Ravens at 1 p.m. on CBS before RG III and the Redskins meet Seattle on Fox.
ESPN adds high school football to the schedule Friday at 5 p.m., with the Under Armour All America Game. NBC offers the U.S. Army All America Game Saturday at 1 p.m.
ACC basketball coverage begins Saturday at noon on the ACC network, with the Hokies facing Maryland. Miami visits Georgia Tech at 2:30 p.m. Comcast shows Clemson-Florida State at 4 p.m.
CBS has Temple-Kansas Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
ESPN2 offers Memphis against Tennessee Friday at 8 p.m. There's Big East play at 11 a.m. Saturday with Rutgers going against Pittsburgh.
There's five games on MASN Saturday, starting with a pair from the Big East. Seton Hall faces Notre Dame at noon, followed by Georgetown-Marquette. West Virginia hosts Big 12 foe Oklahoma at 4 p.m., then it's off to the Big South for UNC-Asheville at Liberty at 6 p.m. Big East action closes the day at 8 p.m. as DePaul faces Providence.
Syracuse travels to South Florida Sunday at noon.
Comcast offers CAA basketball Saturday, with Delaware at Old Dominion at noon followed by George Mason against William & Mary.
NBC Sports network features Lehigh and VCU Saturday at 5 p.m. and Florida travels to Yale Sunday at 5:30 p.m.
ESPN features the battle of L.A. Friday at 10:30 p.m., with the Clippers meeting the Lakers. The Bulls take on the Heat at 8 p.m.
The Wizards host Brooklyn Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, then travel to Miami Sunday at 6 p.m.
CBS offers women's college basketball Saturday afternoon as the NFL playoffs kick off. Purdue battles Nebraska at 2 p.m., followed by Connecticut against Notre Dame. The Virginia women head to Miami Sunday at 1 p.m. on Comcast.
ESPN2 has high school basketball between Montverde from Florida and Simeon of Illinois Saturday at 6 p.m.
The PGA tour year starts in Hawaii, and NBC shows the Tournament of Champions Sunday at 3 p.m.
Colorado College plays Nebraska-Omaha in college ice hockey Friday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Pow

Best of the Web highlights the latest zero tolerance folly - suspending a six-year-old for pointing his finger and saying "Pow."
The boy's lawyer?
Robin Ficker, former famous heckler at Washington Bullets games.
We ought to be heckling some school administrators for trying to take the boy out of this boy.

What's next?

Megan McArdle tries to figure out the next move on the deficit - it's a trillion dollars, remember that?
Both of our parties seem increasingly detached from fiscal reality, perhaps because most American voters have themselves moved to la-la land, where we can have a balanced budget, no tax increases except on the rich, and no spending cuts except in foreign aid. Luckily for us, so far the bond market seems to be vacationing there as well.

Your show of shows

American Glob joins the group pitching ideas for new shows on Al Jazeera America.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Ready for the big game

Alabama and Notre Dame arrived in Miami Wednesday for the national championship game.
A good time to feature Alabama cheerleaders.
UPDATE: Part of Rule 5 Sunday.

Win or lose

Is the latest deal a win for President Obama, or a loss since he didn't get tax rates raised down to $250,000?
I'm waiting for the next big crisis vote.
Bet it will be during the Super Bowl on February 3.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

TMQ explains it all

Gregg Easterbrook gives you football knowledge and a dash of politics in his weekly column.
He briefly and correctly discusses the fiscal problems we're facing.
As Washington grapples with the fiscal cliff, every interest group will demand cuts in other groups' spending while calling its own money untouchable.

It's going to be a long four years

If the second term for President Obama continues like the fiscal cliff debacle of the next few weeks, it's going to be a long slog.
New Year's Day should be for parades and football, not Congress continuing to irritate the country.,

Today's Tied with me

This blog starts 2013 tied with the recipes at Taste of Home.
Resolve to try some new recipes this year.