National Review Online has added a sports blog to its lineup.
How long until they pass my standing in Technorati?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Team naming time
The beginning of youth soccer season means you need a team name.
Baseball is easy. Pick a major league team, or one's been picked for you.
Or get one related to your school's nickname.
Soccer?
Every season is different.
The oldest played his first season on the "Red Hot Chili Peppers." The jersey was red, of course.
When I coached the youngest on his kindergarten team, we were the Green Tornadoes.
The youngest is now in the fourth grade. His team jersey color is Maroon.
What to call them?
He suggested Maroon 5 for the band. But there's 11 on the roster and seven on the field at a time.
Coach asked them for a name at the end of today's practice.
They suggested "Bloody Beasts."
Coach wasn't quite too sure, but we'll see if it sticks the next game.
Then I'd be the proud parent of a Bloody Beast.
Baseball is easy. Pick a major league team, or one's been picked for you.
Or get one related to your school's nickname.
Soccer?
Every season is different.
The oldest played his first season on the "Red Hot Chili Peppers." The jersey was red, of course.
When I coached the youngest on his kindergarten team, we were the Green Tornadoes.
The youngest is now in the fourth grade. His team jersey color is Maroon.
What to call them?
He suggested Maroon 5 for the band. But there's 11 on the roster and seven on the field at a time.
Coach asked them for a name at the end of today's practice.
They suggested "Bloody Beasts."
Coach wasn't quite too sure, but we'll see if it sticks the next game.
Then I'd be the proud parent of a Bloody Beast.
Weekend watchdog
In college basketball, four teams are vying for number one.
In major league baseball, everybody's tied for first place.
The 2011 Major League Baseball season gets going on a Thursday this year, with three games on ESPN. The Tigers visit the Yankees at 1 p.m. and the Padres take on the Cardinals at 4 p.m.
The night closes with a big bang, as World Champion San Francisco Giants host the Dodgers by the Bay at 8 p.m.
ESPN continues the opening action Friday with a pair of games - Houston at Philadelphia at 1 p.m. followed by Boston-Texas. Weather permitting in Philly.
Sunday night on ESPN2, the Dodgers and Giants close out their series at 8 p.m.
The Nationals open the season at home against the Braves. MASN has the first pitch Thursday at 1 p.m., and the last two games of the series Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
In major league baseball, everybody's tied for first place.
The 2011 Major League Baseball season gets going on a Thursday this year, with three games on ESPN. The Tigers visit the Yankees at 1 p.m. and the Padres take on the Cardinals at 4 p.m.The night closes with a big bang, as World Champion San Francisco Giants host the Dodgers by the Bay at 8 p.m.
ESPN continues the opening action Friday with a pair of games - Houston at Philadelphia at 1 p.m. followed by Boston-Texas. Weather permitting in Philly.
Sunday night on ESPN2, the Dodgers and Giants close out their series at 8 p.m.
The Nationals open the season at home against the Braves. MASN has the first pitch Thursday at 1 p.m., and the last two games of the series Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
The Orioles start the year in Tampa Bay, playing Friday at 7 p.m. on MASN. The teams play Saturday night on MASN and Sunday afternoon on MASN2.
NCAA basketball closes its season with the men's Final Four in Houston and the women's championship in Indianapolis.
Who had VCU playing Butler for a spot in the national championship game? It sounds more like a Bracket Buster game from February. But these two have advanced to Saturday's 6 p.m. game, and one will play either Kentucky or Connecticut for the title Monday.
NCAA basketball closes its season with the men's Final Four in Houston and the women's championship in Indianapolis.
Who had VCU playing Butler for a spot in the national championship game? It sounds more like a Bracket Buster game from February. But these two have advanced to Saturday's 6 p.m. game, and one will play either Kentucky or Connecticut for the title Monday.
On the women's side, Texas A&M plays Stanford in one semfinal Sunday and it's a Big East battle between Notre Dame and Connecticut in the other on ESPN. The victors meet Tuesday for the national championship.
Before the Final Four, the NIT crowns its champion Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPN. Wichita State, which eliminated Virginia Tech, takes on Alabama.
NASCAR invades the paper clip this weekend, as the racers cruise around the Martinsville Speedway starting at Sunday 1 p.m. on FOX.
The PGA tour gets ready for the Masters with the Shell Houston Open on NBC Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
TNT returns Thursday NBA doubleheader action as the Celtics visit San Antonio at 8 p.m. followed by the Mavericks against the Lakers. ESPN offers a Friday twinbill, with the Celtics at the Hawks at 8 p.m. The Lakers visit the Jazz at 10:30 p.m.
The NBA on ABC opens April with the Suns at San Antonio Sunday at 1 p.m. Then the Nuggets face the Lakers.
A tough task faces the Wizards Friday - a Cleveland team coming off a win over LeBron and the Heat. Comcast has the coverage at 7 p.m., then Sunday at 6 p.m. the Wizards head to Charlotte.
The Capitals host Columbus Thursday at 7 p.m. and the Sabres Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast. NBC has the Rangers facing the Flyers Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Tennis stars compete at the Sony Ericsson Open this weekend. ESPN2 has coverage Thursday and Friday starting at 1 p.m., and Friday at 7 p.m., then CBS takes over Saturday and Sunday.
In college baseball, Florida meets Tennessee Saturday at 1 p.m. on Comcast. Sunday at 2 p.m., Alabama hosts Arkansas. If you want college football, ESPN has the Texas preseason finale Sunday at 3 p.m.
ESPN2 has a women's soccer match between England and the USA Saturday at 3 p.m.
The SEC women's gymnastics championship will be on ESPN2 Sunday at 3 p.m.
Before the Final Four, the NIT crowns its champion Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPN. Wichita State, which eliminated Virginia Tech, takes on Alabama.
NASCAR invades the paper clip this weekend, as the racers cruise around the Martinsville Speedway starting at Sunday 1 p.m. on FOX.
The PGA tour gets ready for the Masters with the Shell Houston Open on NBC Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
TNT returns Thursday NBA doubleheader action as the Celtics visit San Antonio at 8 p.m. followed by the Mavericks against the Lakers. ESPN offers a Friday twinbill, with the Celtics at the Hawks at 8 p.m. The Lakers visit the Jazz at 10:30 p.m.
The NBA on ABC opens April with the Suns at San Antonio Sunday at 1 p.m. Then the Nuggets face the Lakers.
A tough task faces the Wizards Friday - a Cleveland team coming off a win over LeBron and the Heat. Comcast has the coverage at 7 p.m., then Sunday at 6 p.m. the Wizards head to Charlotte.
The Capitals host Columbus Thursday at 7 p.m. and the Sabres Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast. NBC has the Rangers facing the Flyers Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Tennis stars compete at the Sony Ericsson Open this weekend. ESPN2 has coverage Thursday and Friday starting at 1 p.m., and Friday at 7 p.m., then CBS takes over Saturday and Sunday.
In college baseball, Florida meets Tennessee Saturday at 1 p.m. on Comcast. Sunday at 2 p.m., Alabama hosts Arkansas. If you want college football, ESPN has the Texas preseason finale Sunday at 3 p.m.
ESPN2 has a women's soccer match between England and the USA Saturday at 3 p.m.
The SEC women's gymnastics championship will be on ESPN2 Sunday at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Listen to the poll doctor
The Other McCain unleashes his experience on lousy polling.
“Rift in the Right: Many Conservatives Reject the Tea Party’s Paranoid Views” makes for a catchy headline, but when you start scratching under the surface of this study, the stench of bovine excrement is overpowering.
Try as I might, I could find nothing there that told me how the UWash survey was identifying “conservatives” (except by asking people to label themselves), nor was their any apparent effort to screen for likely voters, or to match the “conservative”/”Tea Party” self-IDs to partisan affiliation. When you consider that 20% of self-identified “conservatives” voted for Obama in 2008, you realize that this label doesn’t necessarily mean to some people what most of us think it means. So taking a sample of random adults (i.e., 18-and-older, not screened for registered voters or likely voters) and then asking them whether they’re “conservative,” prior to surveying them on a bunch of tendentious questions, isn’t likely to provide you with any information that’s really useful, from the standpoint of electoral politics.
Polls are such fun to analysis what's below the surface. Many times, it's not what the writer of the story or blog says it is.
“Rift in the Right: Many Conservatives Reject the Tea Party’s Paranoid Views” makes for a catchy headline, but when you start scratching under the surface of this study, the stench of bovine excrement is overpowering.
Try as I might, I could find nothing there that told me how the UWash survey was identifying “conservatives” (except by asking people to label themselves), nor was their any apparent effort to screen for likely voters, or to match the “conservative”/”Tea Party” self-IDs to partisan affiliation. When you consider that 20% of self-identified “conservatives” voted for Obama in 2008, you realize that this label doesn’t necessarily mean to some people what most of us think it means. So taking a sample of random adults (i.e., 18-and-older, not screened for registered voters or likely voters) and then asking them whether they’re “conservative,” prior to surveying them on a bunch of tendentious questions, isn’t likely to provide you with any information that’s really useful, from the standpoint of electoral politics.
Polls are such fun to analysis what's below the surface. Many times, it's not what the writer of the story or blog says it is.
Appreciating coal
A coal-miner's grandson offers words to consider about coal vs. nuclear.
Why must coal be the bad boy poster child for the national go-green movement? Maybe it’s just me, but I would definitely prefer to live next door to a coal mine than a nuclear plant.
Why must coal be the bad boy poster child for the national go-green movement? Maybe it’s just me, but I would definitely prefer to live next door to a coal mine than a nuclear plant.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Hop to it
UPDATE: Top of the links at the Other McCain.
They're coming to Virginia
Running on empty
National Review Online has a pair of outstanding looks at President Obama's terrible speaking style.
Like this:
It’s amazing that he has a reputation as a good communicator; what he perfected long ago is the art of saying nothing in a convincing fashion to “folks” who already believe — not in what he’s saying, but in him. Without that — and when the speech is not all about him — he’s limp, tired, petulant, angry, or all of the above.
That’s why he does so poorly without a sympathetic audience. What he needs, as his best campaign appearances showed, is an adoring crowd of true believers that he can whip up and then, as their enthusiasm crests, feed off their energy as he sings his song of himself. He’s like a surfer, catching one wave after the next for an exhilarating ride. But you can’t surf in a placid, shallow lake.
And this
In Obama’s speech last night, I couldn’t get past his relentless hand gestures, and especially the fact that after just about every compound sentence that is typical of his rhetoric, he would flop his hands on the podium, which the microphone would pick up as an audible “thump.” But at some point — and maybe that point was reached last night — his thumps made for cloddish rhetoric that made the speech land with an overall thud.
I wonder if the nickname Thumper will stick.
Sorry Democrats, he won't stick around for a second term. At this rate, I could get the Republican nomination and beat Obama.
Like this:
It’s amazing that he has a reputation as a good communicator; what he perfected long ago is the art of saying nothing in a convincing fashion to “folks” who already believe — not in what he’s saying, but in him. Without that — and when the speech is not all about him — he’s limp, tired, petulant, angry, or all of the above.
That’s why he does so poorly without a sympathetic audience. What he needs, as his best campaign appearances showed, is an adoring crowd of true believers that he can whip up and then, as their enthusiasm crests, feed off their energy as he sings his song of himself. He’s like a surfer, catching one wave after the next for an exhilarating ride. But you can’t surf in a placid, shallow lake.
And this
In Obama’s speech last night, I couldn’t get past his relentless hand gestures, and especially the fact that after just about every compound sentence that is typical of his rhetoric, he would flop his hands on the podium, which the microphone would pick up as an audible “thump.” But at some point — and maybe that point was reached last night — his thumps made for cloddish rhetoric that made the speech land with an overall thud.
I wonder if the nickname Thumper will stick.
Sorry Democrats, he won't stick around for a second term. At this rate, I could get the Republican nomination and beat Obama.
President Obama as Flounder
Instapundit links this bit of brilliance by Donald Sensing. The United States is like fraternity pledges that the brothers make mop up the frat house floor on Sunday morning after an all-night kegger that they didn’t attend. In the world of Animal House, that makes us Flounder. Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.
Busted bracket? Blame Obama
POH diaries laments the lousy state of the NCAA tournament in 2011.
Why is it lousy?
Once Obama picked all four one’s they were doomed; and his crappiness spread all the way to the number two seeds as well.
Why is it lousy?
Once Obama picked all four one’s they were doomed; and his crappiness spread all the way to the number two seeds as well.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Let's not and say we did
Did you watch President Obama's speech on Libya
Or just check out the drunk-blog?
Life's too short to take this president seriously. Especially when someone else watches so they can write lines like this.
4:32PM Gravitas is lacking. This is a war speech, but his speech is fast and his voice is lacking its usual resonance. Message: This is not all that important.
Or just check out the drunk-blog?
Life's too short to take this president seriously. Especially when someone else watches so they can write lines like this.
4:32PM Gravitas is lacking. This is a war speech, but his speech is fast and his voice is lacking its usual resonance. Message: This is not all that important.
Winner of the sweater platypus contest
Wyblog shares the secret of his blogging success - a picture of Perry the Platypus.
Who's that? Check out the video.
Who's that? Check out the video.
Wisdom of Scott Adams
Before checking the Other McCain, I didn't know Scott Adams was being flogged for his blog.
I've enjoyed Dilbert for years, and checked out Adams' blog from time to time.
Joining the controversy, I see several pieces of brilliant wisdom in Adams' writing and explanation of the fuss.
The short answer is that I write material for a specific sort of audience. And when the piece on Men's Rights drew too much attention from outside my normal reading circle, it changed the meaning. Communication becomes distorted when you take it out of context, even if you don't change a word of the text.
Simply put, people who normally read Adams know his style. If you read anybody for a length of time, you know their style - quirks, interests and what they focus on. People who didn't know Adams got mad at him for their own reasons.
And this summary explains the anger in Wisconsin, and why it's going to be so hard to get the budget and entitlements under control.
You can't expect to have a rational discussion on any topic that has an emotional charge. Emotion pushes out reason. That is true for all humans, including children, men, women, and people in every range of mental ability. The path of least resistance is to walk away from that sort of fight. Men generally prefer the path of least resistance. The exception is when men irrationally debate with other men. That's a type of sport. No one expects opinions to be changed as a result.
Our budget has trod the "path of least resistance" for years. Resistance is looming.
People are going to be angry and hurt. They will be unhappy with the people making decisions and their motives.
Step back and enjoy your Dilbert. Learn his lessons and don't get mad.
I've enjoyed Dilbert for years, and checked out Adams' blog from time to time.
Joining the controversy, I see several pieces of brilliant wisdom in Adams' writing and explanation of the fuss.
The short answer is that I write material for a specific sort of audience. And when the piece on Men's Rights drew too much attention from outside my normal reading circle, it changed the meaning. Communication becomes distorted when you take it out of context, even if you don't change a word of the text.
Simply put, people who normally read Adams know his style. If you read anybody for a length of time, you know their style - quirks, interests and what they focus on. People who didn't know Adams got mad at him for their own reasons.
And this summary explains the anger in Wisconsin, and why it's going to be so hard to get the budget and entitlements under control.
You can't expect to have a rational discussion on any topic that has an emotional charge. Emotion pushes out reason. That is true for all humans, including children, men, women, and people in every range of mental ability. The path of least resistance is to walk away from that sort of fight. Men generally prefer the path of least resistance. The exception is when men irrationally debate with other men. That's a type of sport. No one expects opinions to be changed as a result.
Our budget has trod the "path of least resistance" for years. Resistance is looming.
People are going to be angry and hurt. They will be unhappy with the people making decisions and their motives.
Step back and enjoy your Dilbert. Learn his lessons and don't get mad.
Ship shape
Smitty liked the Reaganite Republican's descriptions of these three classes of naval ships.
Remember, when you're assigned to the USS Barack Obama, watch out for the poop deck.
Remember, when you're assigned to the USS Barack Obama, watch out for the poop deck.
Joys of parenthood
The youngest - age 10 - decided to check out YouTube and watched the Michael Jackson video "Beat it."
I decided it was time to show him Weird Al's "Eat it."
Watching them back-to-back, he loved it.
A great moment in fatherhood.
I decided it was time to show him Weird Al's "Eat it."
Watching them back-to-back, he loved it.
A great moment in fatherhood.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
The 2012 Democratic ticket
Given his struggles in the polls, President Obama might need to select a new Vice Presidential candidate in 2012.
Given his love of college basketball, maybe he'll ask a successful coach to join the ticket.
Thus
Obama-Smart 2012.
And Smart is from Wisconsin.
Given his love of college basketball, maybe he'll ask a successful coach to join the ticket.
Thus
Obama-Smart 2012.
And Smart is from Wisconsin.
Road repair - Japanese style
Ace highlights the repair of a key road in Japan - in six days.
As the repair of a 4-mile stretch of I-81 southbound looms near Fishersville, I tip my hat to the quick work.
As the repair of a 4-mile stretch of I-81 southbound looms near Fishersville, I tip my hat to the quick work.
Science project
At the Lego competition, a science experiment. Will being spun around in a chair hurt your team's chances?
Virginia loves sweater puppies
All hail VCU, the team many people thought didn't belong in the NCAA tournament.
They play Sunday for a berth in the Final Four.
Thus, get the prime spot in this week's entry in the sweater puppy contest - honoring the best basketball in Virginia this season.
And don't forget the great run by Richmond to reach the Sweet 16.
They play Sunday for a berth in the Final Four.
Thus, get the prime spot in this week's entry in the sweater puppy contest - honoring the best basketball in Virginia this season.
And don't forget the great run by Richmond to reach the Sweet 16.
UPDATE: My entry is in trouble. Forget the proper linkage aspect of the game.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
We are the champions
The team from Fishersville's Wilson Elementary won the Augusta County unofficial First Lego League robot competition, besting four other schools.
The youngest, a fourth grade, joined six other fourth and fifth graders from his school in designing a Lego vehicle to navigate an obstacle course. A high school student from the county assisted each of the teams in the project, with after school work the past few weeks.
Wilson's prize for best overall - a new plastic tub of Legos. More possibilities for next year's project.
One of the team members took the tub and kissed it like it was the Stanley Cup.
Victory is sweet, and so are more Legos.
Wilson's prize for best overall - a new plastic tub of Legos. More possibilities for next year's project.
One of the team members took the tub and kissed it like it was the Stanley Cup.
Victory is sweet, and so are more Legos.
Steyn goes to war
Libya gives Mark Steyn a chance to whack at the international coalition, pushing the United States to do the hard work.
How hard?
How difficult could it be even for Arab armies to knock off a psychotic transvestite guarded by Austin Powers fembots?
How hard?
How difficult could it be even for Arab armies to knock off a psychotic transvestite guarded by Austin Powers fembots?
Friday, March 25, 2011
For those who love gerrymandering
Via NRO's Campaign Spot, a Democratic plan to boost their chances in Arkansas - the pig trail.
The map is the Democrat’s solution to the partisan problem presented by the changes in population from the latest U.S. Census. The Third Congressional District, ripe with predominately Republican voters, has about 110,000 too many people, while the fourth district and the first district each need to pick up several thousand new residents.
Thus, the Democrats playing with the new Congressional maps have come up with the solution of trying to pull out Democratic area of the third instead of the Republican areas which line the borders. The only concentration of reliably Democrat voters are in the Fayetteville area.
Of course, the problem is Fayetteville is roughly 60 miles away from the fourth district with their Democrat voters tucked behind several hundred thousand voters in the Fort Smith area. However, this will not deter the Democrat mapmakers determined to hold on to the one remaining Democratic district and perhaps even win back at least one of the seats they lost. Therefore their map is being drafted which goes around any population centers and takes in roughly sixty miles of national forest to get to the Democratic voters in the Fayetteville area.
Check out the map and you'll never fuss at Republicans in Virginia.
The map is the Democrat’s solution to the partisan problem presented by the changes in population from the latest U.S. Census. The Third Congressional District, ripe with predominately Republican voters, has about 110,000 too many people, while the fourth district and the first district each need to pick up several thousand new residents.
Thus, the Democrats playing with the new Congressional maps have come up with the solution of trying to pull out Democratic area of the third instead of the Republican areas which line the borders. The only concentration of reliably Democrat voters are in the Fayetteville area.
Of course, the problem is Fayetteville is roughly 60 miles away from the fourth district with their Democrat voters tucked behind several hundred thousand voters in the Fort Smith area. However, this will not deter the Democrat mapmakers determined to hold on to the one remaining Democratic district and perhaps even win back at least one of the seats they lost. Therefore their map is being drafted which goes around any population centers and takes in roughly sixty miles of national forest to get to the Democratic voters in the Fayetteville area.
Check out the map and you'll never fuss at Republicans in Virginia.
Official song of Earth Hour
Saturday is Earth Hour again.
They say turn off the lights for an hour.
I play Trace Adkins doing the opposite.
They say turn off the lights for an hour.
I play Trace Adkins doing the opposite.
Trog awaits millionth hit
It's almost time to watch the hitmeter turn over 1,000,000 for Troglopundit.
Too bad Wisconsin couldn't have won.
Go visit, and say you knew him when.
Too bad Wisconsin couldn't have won.
Go visit, and say you knew him when.
Weekend watchdog
The Cinderella stories have enjoyed their moment in the sun - especially in Richmond. Now it's time to boil down the field to the Final Four.
CBS and TBS offer doubleheaders Friday to complete the regional final field for this weekend. The Cinderella stories from Virginia will be on TBS as Richmond takes on top-seeded Kansas at 7:27 p.m. before VCU meets Florida State in a 10-11 matchup that broke many brackets.
Sunday's regional finals begin at 2 p.m., then it's off to Houston for the Final Four next weekend.
The women's Sweet 16 fills the weekend on ESPN. Ohio State meets Tennessee at noon Saturday, followed by Oklahoma-Notre Dame. Out west, it's Gonzaga-Louisville at 9 p.m. with Stanford meeting North Carolina in the nightcap on ESPN2.
Sunday's contests start with Georgetown facing Connecticut at noon on ESPN, with the winner meeting either DePaul or Duke (2:30 p.m. on ESPN2) for the Final Four berth. The final regional kicks off with Georgia battling Texas A&M, followed by Green Bay against top-seeded Baylor.
NCAA Division II's Elite Eight concludes as BYU-Hawaii faces Bellarmine Saturday at 1 p.m. on CBS. Division II crowns its women's champion - either Clayton State or Michigan Tech - Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
In the week between Bristol and Martinsville, where does NASCAR go? California.
FOX has the Auto Club 500 Sunday at 3 p.m., while the Nationwide drivers are on ESPN Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
The IndyCar season opens in St. Petersburg, with ABC covering Danica and the other drivers Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
MASN gets ready for opening day with the Nationals playing the Cardinals Friday at 6 p.m. The Orioles take on the Red Sox Sunday at 1 p.m.
ESPN has the Braves taking on the Phillies Friday at 1 p.m. Saturday at 4 p.m., ESPN2 shows the Cubs against the Rangers.
Comcast offers college baseball Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. as Georgia Tech visits Miami.
After the college basketball quiets down Sunday night, ESPN shows Portland at Oklahoma City at 8 p.m. Dallas plays Phoenix in the nightcap.
The Wizards head west, facing Denver Friday at 9 p.m. on Comcast and Golden State Sunday at 9 p.m.
The Capitals take on Ottawa Friday on Comcast-plus and Montreal Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
Major League Soccer has started for the year, and Comcast has D.C. United's game at New England Saturday at 4 p.m. At 11 p.m., Houston takes on Seattle.
As time for the Kentucky Derby approaches, MASN shows Spiral Stakes Saturday at 5 p.m. and the Sunland Derby from New Mexico Sunday at 7 p.m.
CBS and TBS offer doubleheaders Friday to complete the regional final field for this weekend. The Cinderella stories from Virginia will be on TBS as Richmond takes on top-seeded Kansas at 7:27 p.m. before VCU meets Florida State in a 10-11 matchup that broke many brackets.CBS has the games from Newark, with North Carolina playing Marquette in the opener before Ohio State takes on Kentucky.
Then CBS has coverage of the final seven contests. The first member of the Final Four will be either Butler or Florida, who play Saturday at 4:30 p.m. That's followed by Connecticut against Arizona from the West Regional.Sunday's regional finals begin at 2 p.m., then it's off to Houston for the Final Four next weekend.
The women's Sweet 16 fills the weekend on ESPN. Ohio State meets Tennessee at noon Saturday, followed by Oklahoma-Notre Dame. Out west, it's Gonzaga-Louisville at 9 p.m. with Stanford meeting North Carolina in the nightcap on ESPN2.
Sunday's contests start with Georgetown facing Connecticut at noon on ESPN, with the winner meeting either DePaul or Duke (2:30 p.m. on ESPN2) for the Final Four berth. The final regional kicks off with Georgia battling Texas A&M, followed by Green Bay against top-seeded Baylor.
NCAA Division II's Elite Eight concludes as BYU-Hawaii faces Bellarmine Saturday at 1 p.m. on CBS. Division II crowns its women's champion - either Clayton State or Michigan Tech - Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.
In the week between Bristol and Martinsville, where does NASCAR go? California.
FOX has the Auto Club 500 Sunday at 3 p.m., while the Nationwide drivers are on ESPN Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
The IndyCar season opens in St. Petersburg, with ABC covering Danica and the other drivers Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
MASN gets ready for opening day with the Nationals playing the Cardinals Friday at 6 p.m. The Orioles take on the Red Sox Sunday at 1 p.m.
ESPN has the Braves taking on the Phillies Friday at 1 p.m. Saturday at 4 p.m., ESPN2 shows the Cubs against the Rangers.
Comcast offers college baseball Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. as Georgia Tech visits Miami.
After the college basketball quiets down Sunday night, ESPN shows Portland at Oklahoma City at 8 p.m. Dallas plays Phoenix in the nightcap.
The Wizards head west, facing Denver Friday at 9 p.m. on Comcast and Golden State Sunday at 9 p.m.
The Capitals take on Ottawa Friday on Comcast-plus and Montreal Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
Major League Soccer has started for the year, and Comcast has D.C. United's game at New England Saturday at 4 p.m. At 11 p.m., Houston takes on Seattle.
As time for the Kentucky Derby approaches, MASN shows Spiral Stakes Saturday at 5 p.m. and the Sunland Derby from New Mexico Sunday at 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Kelly day anyway
Jeffords breaks his rule - a Kaley Cuoco picture on a day without a new Big Bang Theory.
No complaints yet.
No complaints yet.
Obama Trumped
DaTech Guy thinks Donald Trump raising the birth certificate issue may change the "birther" meme.
My wife is starting a new job, we will be getting new insurance because of it. We are REQUIRED to provide not only our marriage certificate but the long form copies of the birth certificates of both of our children.
Having to produce a birth certificate is not an irregular occurrence for the average person so when Trump says this to the general public, they understand it.
It's not about where you think Obama was born. But why he's kept the issue alive when it can be pretty easily settled.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, It’s my opinion that the president is born in Hawaii, I believe that the reason for withholding permission for the certificate was to keep this alive as a club to beat people with, but I’m starting to think it is backfiring. The whole idea that something is being hidden is so embedded in the public’s mind that it establishes an idea of “otherness” that is going to hurt come re-election time. This is the law of unintended consequences.
My wife is starting a new job, we will be getting new insurance because of it. We are REQUIRED to provide not only our marriage certificate but the long form copies of the birth certificates of both of our children.
Having to produce a birth certificate is not an irregular occurrence for the average person so when Trump says this to the general public, they understand it.
It's not about where you think Obama was born. But why he's kept the issue alive when it can be pretty easily settled.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, It’s my opinion that the president is born in Hawaii, I believe that the reason for withholding permission for the certificate was to keep this alive as a club to beat people with, but I’m starting to think it is backfiring. The whole idea that something is being hidden is so embedded in the public’s mind that it establishes an idea of “otherness” that is going to hurt come re-election time. This is the law of unintended consequences.
It's not enough to be "not Bush"
I had to work some overtime Wednesday, so upon leaving work I turned on the radio.
Instead of Hannity, I got the Ed Show.
Yuck. But enlightening.
He gives Obama high grades for Libya so far.
Why? Mostly because he's not Bush.
Obama's not going on his own, and he's following the United Nations resolutions.
Good enough? Probably not. There's plenty to criticize the President and his administration about in the handling of this issue. And likely problems to come in the future - those unknown unknowns.
Being "not Bush" could get you elected. If that's all you got, it's likely you won't be re-elected.
Instead of Hannity, I got the Ed Show.
Yuck. But enlightening.
He gives Obama high grades for Libya so far.
Why? Mostly because he's not Bush.
Obama's not going on his own, and he's following the United Nations resolutions.
Good enough? Probably not. There's plenty to criticize the President and his administration about in the handling of this issue. And likely problems to come in the future - those unknown unknowns.
Being "not Bush" could get you elected. If that's all you got, it's likely you won't be re-elected.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Name your mission
I enjoyed SWACgirl linking the top 10 names Obama didn't pick for the Libya mission.
My favorite?
Operation Unlike Bush Wars This One Is Justified Because Hey Look A Squirrel
Cruising the channels, I found Lawrence O'Donnell had a Last Word contest to name the mission.
Following the rules, here's the mission name for the Obama presidency:
Operation: Obstinate Fool.
My favorite?
Operation Unlike Bush Wars This One Is Justified Because Hey Look A Squirrel
Cruising the channels, I found Lawrence O'Donnell had a Last Word contest to name the mission.
Following the rules, here's the mission name for the Obama presidency:
Operation: Obstinate Fool.
Some Virginia pro football
If you have a team, you need cheerleaders.
Kimberly is going to be the dance team director, and this weekend the squad will have final auditions.
Don't think this football league will have a lockout.
UPDATE: Part of Rule 5 Sunday.
Phone fun
Taken from a friend's Facebook post.
(Repost from my friend Karl) Heard in the office: "AT&T and T-Mobile are getting married. There will be no reception."
(Repost from my friend Karl) Heard in the office: "AT&T and T-Mobile are getting married. There will be no reception."
The world's Keystone Kops
Instapundit brings together the Libya coverage and knocks Obama down.
Under Bush, we were the world’s policeman. Under Obama, the world’s Keystone Kops.
Under Bush, we were the world’s policeman. Under Obama, the world’s Keystone Kops.
Maryland March Madness
My folks live in Maryland, so I've got to check out the Maryland Republicans' contest for the worst tax increase idea.
I'd say the gas tax hike must be the top seed.
Vote early and vote often.
h/t Jimmie Bise and Old Line Elephant
I'd say the gas tax hike must be the top seed.
Vote early and vote often.
h/t Jimmie Bise and Old Line Elephant
Coal coming
SpikeTV has a new show "Coal" debuting next week.
So there's preview events in the coalfields this week, including Pikeville, Kentucky.
Thom Beers said he loves the challenge of telling a story with “high risks and high rewards,” and after a four- to five-year search, he found the right people to work with — Tom Roberts and Mike Crowder, president and chief executive officer, respectively, of Cobalt Coal — and the result is an incredible insider’s look at the underground coal mining industry, the likes of which has never been seen before.
But what will the environmentalists think?
“Until we figure out a way to replace that 50 percent of electricity that keeps these lights on, I don’t want to hear about it,” Beers said. “My job is to make everyday heroes out of these coal miners,” he said. ‘Coal’ is not about politics. It’s about these men."
Sounds like something good to watch.
So there's preview events in the coalfields this week, including Pikeville, Kentucky.
Thom Beers said he loves the challenge of telling a story with “high risks and high rewards,” and after a four- to five-year search, he found the right people to work with — Tom Roberts and Mike Crowder, president and chief executive officer, respectively, of Cobalt Coal — and the result is an incredible insider’s look at the underground coal mining industry, the likes of which has never been seen before.
But what will the environmentalists think?
“Until we figure out a way to replace that 50 percent of electricity that keeps these lights on, I don’t want to hear about it,” Beers said. “My job is to make everyday heroes out of these coal miners,” he said. ‘Coal’ is not about politics. It’s about these men."
Sounds like something good to watch.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
7 million hits or bust
The Other McCain reached six million hits recently.
He's enhancing his chances of reaching seven million very quickly.
He's enhancing his chances of reaching seven million very quickly.
Cindy Lou Who Democrats
Reading the Other McCain's take on unhappy liberals made me LOL at LUL (Liberals Unhappy about Libya).
An image popped into my head - little Cindy Lou Who from the animated Grinch.
She wakes up and finds the Grinch taking the Christmas tree
"Why, Santie. Why?"
Poor little trusting Democrats. Thinking Barack Obama would be a different kind of politician.
We don't know if his heart (or brain) will grow three sizes after this military action. We do know liberals won't learn their lesson this time, either.
An image popped into my head - little Cindy Lou Who from the animated Grinch.
She wakes up and finds the Grinch taking the Christmas tree
"Why, Santie. Why?"
Poor little trusting Democrats. Thinking Barack Obama would be a different kind of politician.
We don't know if his heart (or brain) will grow three sizes after this military action. We do know liberals won't learn their lesson this time, either.
If you can read this blog, thank a teacher
Teacher Ken has spearheaded an effort to highlight unionized teachers.
He's got a lengthy post at Blue Virginia on why he's a union teacher. It's good reading, but a point jumps out - we need the union to keep government lackies from putting their own lazy people in the schools.
nepotism - too many people forget when school boards would hire people who were related to them by blood or political affiliation even if they were unqualified. Absent protections, qualified people would be forced out for the nephews and the political contributors.
See, here's a point of agreement between the unionized teachers and Tea Party. You can't trust government to make the right decision.
Government officials look out for their own self-interest - whether hiring family members or giving pay and benefits beyond budgetary reality. It's not the fault of teachers that politicians didn't think ahead, but now we all need to think ahead.
It's not just oil companies that have money. Government workers - who think of themselves as working class - are high up the ladder nowadays.
The kids - the ones you're helping prepare for the future - will bear the future tax burdens for what you want now.
That's what the battle is about.
Teaching is important.
Getting out of debt is important.
Read what the teachers have to say. And read the bottom line.
He's got a lengthy post at Blue Virginia on why he's a union teacher. It's good reading, but a point jumps out - we need the union to keep government lackies from putting their own lazy people in the schools.
nepotism - too many people forget when school boards would hire people who were related to them by blood or political affiliation even if they were unqualified. Absent protections, qualified people would be forced out for the nephews and the political contributors.
See, here's a point of agreement between the unionized teachers and Tea Party. You can't trust government to make the right decision.
Government officials look out for their own self-interest - whether hiring family members or giving pay and benefits beyond budgetary reality. It's not the fault of teachers that politicians didn't think ahead, but now we all need to think ahead.
It's not just oil companies that have money. Government workers - who think of themselves as working class - are high up the ladder nowadays.
The kids - the ones you're helping prepare for the future - will bear the future tax burdens for what you want now.
That's what the battle is about.
Teaching is important.
Getting out of debt is important.
Read what the teachers have to say. And read the bottom line.
Silence of the Liberals
Cool graphic over at Ace's.
Cool comment at Instapundit.
Since the bombing started, I’ve made a mental note to keep my eye out for my Facebook friends to chime in about Libya. I know they’re not bashful about political subjects; every five minutes they post another link to another story about the plight of those poor teachers’ unions in Wisconsin, or poor, poor NPR and the threat from those GOP meanies. So far, since the bombing started on Saturday, I’ve counted a grand total of one post about Libya, and even it was on the subject of missing journalists. I can barely contain my disgust.
Cool comment at Instapundit.
Since the bombing started, I’ve made a mental note to keep my eye out for my Facebook friends to chime in about Libya. I know they’re not bashful about political subjects; every five minutes they post another link to another story about the plight of those poor teachers’ unions in Wisconsin, or poor, poor NPR and the threat from those GOP meanies. So far, since the bombing started on Saturday, I’ve counted a grand total of one post about Libya, and even it was on the subject of missing journalists. I can barely contain my disgust.
Monday, March 21, 2011
It's a gas
If you're unhappy with how gas prices have jumped in the past month, how you are going to feel with a 25-cent federal tax increase on a gallon of gas?
Sneaking that past the public will be like sneaking sunrise past a rooster.
Better luck next time, Obama administration.
Sneaking that past the public will be like sneaking sunrise past a rooster.
Better luck next time, Obama administration.
Giving Obama 19 months to prepare
In Israel, Sarah Palin utters a line I'm sure we'll hear if she debates President Obama before the 2012 presidential election.
Why are you apologizing all the time?
Israel shouldn't apologize. President Obama shouldn't apologize for the United States.
He ought to apologize for his administration, though.
Why are you apologizing all the time?
Israel shouldn't apologize. President Obama shouldn't apologize for the United States.
He ought to apologize for his administration, though.
Baby you can drive my car
Bob talks me out of buying a Volt.
Mike lives in Fishersville and works in Charlottesville. He has a mountain between him and his place of employment. Most days he'll be lucky to get to Crozet on his electric charge. Then he'll be getting about 30mpg. I'll cruise by him in my 1991 Mazda getting around 38. Since electricity isn't free, I doubt Mike would get any real savings from buying a Volt.
It's nice to be an object lesson.
Mike lives in Fishersville and works in Charlottesville. He has a mountain between him and his place of employment. Most days he'll be lucky to get to Crozet on his electric charge. Then he'll be getting about 30mpg. I'll cruise by him in my 1991 Mazda getting around 38. Since electricity isn't free, I doubt Mike would get any real savings from buying a Volt.
It's nice to be an object lesson.
Trouble on the Obama-Gadhafi ticket
I wrote last month how President Obama's 2012 fortunes are tied to Libya.
If only Gadhafi hadn't gone rogue, Obama's supporters would still be happy rubes.
If only Gadhafi hadn't gone rogue, Obama's supporters would still be happy rubes.
Protest scheduled - hey, it's a new cause - get new signs
Inside the story of Japan earthquake aftermath is this gem:
The crisis has galvanized Japan’s anti-nuclear groups, and an estimated 1,000 people rallied near Olympic Stadium in Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park on Sunday, then marched into the heart of the Shibuya shopping district, chanting: “Stop all nuclear power!”
The protest was initially organized by labor union officials to oppose the Iraq war, but it gained momentum in the aftermath of the earthquake as a platform to vent anger about the government’s nuclear energy policies and a failure to provide food and gasoline to victims.
The crowd was mostly composed of middle-age protesters, many affiliated with labor unions, along with university students who came from as far as Hiroshima in the south and Miyagi prefecture in the north. It was a motley coalition of causes, but the main rallying cry was to get relief to stricken areas. The rally included speeches by anti-nuclear and antiwar activists. As the group marched, protesters blew whistles, beat drums and waved flags and signs that said “No Nukes” and “Unite Workers to Help Victims.” They shouted “Get Kan out!” — a reference to Prime Minister Naoto Kan — and chanted, “No food, no gas is reaching the shelters!”
The crisis has galvanized Japan’s anti-nuclear groups, and an estimated 1,000 people rallied near Olympic Stadium in Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park on Sunday, then marched into the heart of the Shibuya shopping district, chanting: “Stop all nuclear power!”
The protest was initially organized by labor union officials to oppose the Iraq war, but it gained momentum in the aftermath of the earthquake as a platform to vent anger about the government’s nuclear energy policies and a failure to provide food and gasoline to victims.
The crowd was mostly composed of middle-age protesters, many affiliated with labor unions, along with university students who came from as far as Hiroshima in the south and Miyagi prefecture in the north. It was a motley coalition of causes, but the main rallying cry was to get relief to stricken areas. The rally included speeches by anti-nuclear and antiwar activists. As the group marched, protesters blew whistles, beat drums and waved flags and signs that said “No Nukes” and “Unite Workers to Help Victims.” They shouted “Get Kan out!” — a reference to Prime Minister Naoto Kan — and chanted, “No food, no gas is reaching the shelters!”
Virginia: 2% of states, 12.5% of the Sweet 16
Stolen from Troglopundit, and Virginia's entries are 11 and 12 seeds.
Enjoy this for a few minutes, VCU and Richmond, before gearing up for the next game.
Enjoy this for a few minutes, VCU and Richmond, before gearing up for the next game.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Important message from the NCAA
All members of the NCAA men's basketball selection committee have been hospitalized.
They all sprained their shoulders patting themselves on the back after VCU made the Sweet 16.
P.S. Note to James Wolcott.
This is a parody.
They all sprained their shoulders patting themselves on the back after VCU made the Sweet 16.
P.S. Note to James Wolcott.
This is a parody.
Nice on ice
Grandpa John celebrates the Wisconsin women's ice hockey team before heading to the eye doctor.
If it's good enough for President Obama
Carol at No Sheeples Here has announced her second March Madness sweater puppy competition.
Which team to pick to increase my chances of winning?
President Obama picked Kansas, so I will also.
Which team to pick to increase my chances of winning?
President Obama picked Kansas, so I will also.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Facebook quote of the week
On the start of Daylight Savings Time
Spring forward; fall back into bed as soon as I get home.
Spring forward; fall back into bed as soon as I get home.
New tax rates for Obama supporters
Should we raise taxes on the rich to cut into the deficit?
Republicans say no, that will kill job creation and bring in less money that proponents think.
Democrats say yes, and here's a plan to raise taxes on those earning over a million dollars a year.
How do we answer the question? An experiment.
All Democrats making over a $1 million a year should use the new brackets. Now.
It's patriotic.
Republicans say behavior would change to reduce the tax burden.
Prove them wrong.
How do we know which people should pay the Democratic rates? People who publicly supported President Obama in 2008, obviously. And Stephen King. Put your money where your mouth is.
Isn't it unfair? If it works, then a major Republican talking point is lost. Passing higher tax rates on the rich will be easier with the real-world data collected.
Besides, you should do what's right no matter how much it hurts.
Republicans are waiting for you to show you're serious about the federal budget.
Republicans say no, that will kill job creation and bring in less money that proponents think.
Democrats say yes, and here's a plan to raise taxes on those earning over a million dollars a year.
How do we answer the question? An experiment.
All Democrats making over a $1 million a year should use the new brackets. Now.
It's patriotic.
Republicans say behavior would change to reduce the tax burden.
Prove them wrong.
How do we know which people should pay the Democratic rates? People who publicly supported President Obama in 2008, obviously. And Stephen King. Put your money where your mouth is.
Isn't it unfair? If it works, then a major Republican talking point is lost. Passing higher tax rates on the rich will be easier with the real-world data collected.
Besides, you should do what's right no matter how much it hurts.
Republicans are waiting for you to show you're serious about the federal budget.
The boy from Spendaholica
Mark Steyn takes his weekly whack at President Obama.
America is the brokest country in history. We owe more money than anyone has ever owed anyone. And Obama and Reid say relax, that's no reason not to spend more – because the world hasn't yet concluded we have no intention of paying it back. When they do, the dollar will collapse, like those buildings in Sendai.
And an important update - President Obama picked correctly 29 of the 32 first-round games. He's tied with a 1,000 guys living in the basement of their parents' house.
America is the brokest country in history. We owe more money than anyone has ever owed anyone. And Obama and Reid say relax, that's no reason not to spend more – because the world hasn't yet concluded we have no intention of paying it back. When they do, the dollar will collapse, like those buildings in Sendai.
And an important update - President Obama picked correctly 29 of the 32 first-round games. He's tied with a 1,000 guys living in the basement of their parents' house.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Obama's bracket - one in a million
What unique insights do we have from President Obama doing an NCAA tournament bracket for ESPN?
He picked Kansas to meet Ohio State in the championship game April 4.
So did 19.4 percent of people picking brackets.
Give a rough estimate of 5 million ESPN entries, and there's almost a million with the same final as the President.
Not a completely unique experience.
Through Friday's early games, he's picked 22 of 24 right. Fourteen people have all 24 right so far.
Since 20 of the 24 higher seeds have won, it's a good start for the President. If only he'd start concentrating on being a President.
He picked Kansas to meet Ohio State in the championship game April 4.
So did 19.4 percent of people picking brackets.
Give a rough estimate of 5 million ESPN entries, and there's almost a million with the same final as the President.
Not a completely unique experience.
Through Friday's early games, he's picked 22 of 24 right. Fourteen people have all 24 right so far.
Since 20 of the 24 higher seeds have won, it's a good start for the President. If only he'd start concentrating on being a President.
A nice hot cup of doom
Via Ace, Monty spins the news that Americans are living longer.
I'll be able to slave away in the salt-mines until I'm ninety, at this rate! Yay me!
I'll be able to slave away in the salt-mines until I'm ninety, at this rate! Yay me!
Weekend watchdog
It used to be called Court TV. This week, it's hardcourt TV.
CBS shares the NCAA tournament with the new contract, adding TBS, TNT and TruTV (formerly Court TV) so all games can be seen in their entirety on cable systems across the country.
You caught the first four tournament games on TruTV, didn't you? Play-in games Tuesday and Wednesday were on the channel. Hokie fans couldn't watch after being left out of the tournament again.
The second day of the opening round starts Friday at noon on CBS with Texas playing Oakland. TruTV starts at 12:30 p.m. with Tennessee-Michigan, while TBS offers Notre Dame taking on Akron at 1:30 p.m. and TNT starts its day at 2 p.m. with George Mason against Villanova.
Each network has four games Friday. TNT covers the formerly barren area between 5-7 p.m., when CBS shows local and national news. So race home from work and watch college basketball the rest of the night.
CBS continues its full weekend schedule starting Saturday at noon and Sunday at noon. TNT has two games Saturday beginning at 6 p.m., while TBS begins its weekend coverage at 7 p.m.
Then it's down to 16 teams, and likely no more basketball on TruTV until next year.
The women's tournament gets going Saturday at 11 a.m. on ESPN2. Play in the Charlottesville region starts Sunday at noon on ESPN2 when Miami faces Gardner-Webb. Local favorite James Madison plays Oklahoma at 2:30 p.m.
ESPN shows a second-round NIT game Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m.
For more top college athletes, ESPN shows the NCAA wrestling championships Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
NASCAR heads to Bristol this weekend, with the Sprint Cup race Sunday at 1 p.m. on FOX. Danica Patrick and the Nationwide racers hit the track Saturday at 2 p.m. on ESPN.
The surging Capitals take on New Jersey Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, while the Rangers visit Pittsburgh Sunday on NBC.
Comcast offers the Flyers at Dallas Saturday at 8 p.m.
The Wizards play at Toronto Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast-plus.
The PGA tour is on NBC Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. for the Transitions Championship.
MASN has a Nationals exhibition game against the Tigers Sunday at 1 p.m.
CBS shares the NCAA tournament with the new contract, adding TBS, TNT and TruTV (formerly Court TV) so all games can be seen in their entirety on cable systems across the country.
The second day of the opening round starts Friday at noon on CBS with Texas playing Oakland. TruTV starts at 12:30 p.m. with Tennessee-Michigan, while TBS offers Notre Dame taking on Akron at 1:30 p.m. and TNT starts its day at 2 p.m. with George Mason against Villanova.
Each network has four games Friday. TNT covers the formerly barren area between 5-7 p.m., when CBS shows local and national news. So race home from work and watch college basketball the rest of the night.
CBS continues its full weekend schedule starting Saturday at noon and Sunday at noon. TNT has two games Saturday beginning at 6 p.m., while TBS begins its weekend coverage at 7 p.m.
Then it's down to 16 teams, and likely no more basketball on TruTV until next year.
The women's tournament gets going Saturday at 11 a.m. on ESPN2. Play in the Charlottesville region starts Sunday at noon on ESPN2 when Miami faces Gardner-Webb. Local favorite James Madison plays Oklahoma at 2:30 p.m.
ESPN shows a second-round NIT game Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m.
For more top college athletes, ESPN shows the NCAA wrestling championships Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
NASCAR heads to Bristol this weekend, with the Sprint Cup race Sunday at 1 p.m. on FOX. Danica Patrick and the Nationwide racers hit the track Saturday at 2 p.m. on ESPN.
The surging Capitals take on New Jersey Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, while the Rangers visit Pittsburgh Sunday on NBC.
Comcast offers the Flyers at Dallas Saturday at 8 p.m.
The Wizards play at Toronto Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast-plus.
The PGA tour is on NBC Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. for the Transitions Championship.
MASN has a Nationals exhibition game against the Tigers Sunday at 1 p.m.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Union top 10
Wyblog passes along Theo Spark's list of top 10 ways to tell you might be a member of a public sector union.
It includes this goody that we shouldn't hear for nine more months.
9.) On a snow day, when they say "non-essential" people should stay home you know who they mean.
It includes this goody that we shouldn't hear for nine more months.
9.) On a snow day, when they say "non-essential" people should stay home you know who they mean.
President Obama said..
..the chances of any dangerous radiation reaching the United States are extremely remote.
But still more likely than the chances he'll have a decent NCAA bracket.
But still more likely than the chances he'll have a decent NCAA bracket.
An insult to empty suits
GrandpaJohn has the official photograph.
Yes, the problems he's having now were apparent to many back in 2008.
Yes, the problems he's having now were apparent to many back in 2008.
Penny candy
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Who is Paul?
VotefortheWorst thinks Paul is the one to keep around this week.
I tried watching a little of the show tonight - but the contestants are too young. Hearing songs from the early 1990s isn't my idea of a good night's entertainment.
I tried watching a little of the show tonight - but the contestants are too young. Hearing songs from the early 1990s isn't my idea of a good night's entertainment.
Barack-etology
Iowahawk strikes
h/t Smitty
If you check the seedings, there's a 14 missing and a pair of 9 seeds.
That's okay, Obama can't count either.
And his picks aren't that impressive.
If you are looking for a daring NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament bracket full of upsets and bold picks, turn your attention away from the one filled out by President Obama.
If you want a bracket that votes present, President Obama has one for you.
h/t Smitty
If you check the seedings, there's a 14 missing and a pair of 9 seeds.
That's okay, Obama can't count either.
And his picks aren't that impressive.
If you are looking for a daring NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament bracket full of upsets and bold picks, turn your attention away from the one filled out by President Obama.
If you want a bracket that votes present, President Obama has one for you.
I don't know how to quit you, bracket
It's so nice to see President Obama getting slammed for his NCAA bracket - especially when you just pick the top four seeds to make the Final Four.
Where's your special insight, man? I pick a bracket with the top seeds just to see how well it does.
My personal interest in doing a bracket has waned. Too much luck involved whether a team advances all the way.
You know there's going to be upsets, so you pick some and instead have double the losses - other lower seeds win while the team you thought would lose moves on. Sure, somebody in the country gets all 32 first-round games right, but that's bound to happen with millions of brackets being considered.
Let's look to next year. It's the primary season for the 2012 Presidential campaign.
Republicans are crossing the country, talking about issues.
President Obama is back on ESPN, talking college basketball.
President Obama is getting near his "Killer Rabbit" moment. His "vomit in Japan" moment. When the nagging concerns people have about him coalesce into the main image.
Obama cares more about hoops than jobs.
President Obama needs to learn how to quit the bracket hype.
Where's your special insight, man? I pick a bracket with the top seeds just to see how well it does.
My personal interest in doing a bracket has waned. Too much luck involved whether a team advances all the way.
You know there's going to be upsets, so you pick some and instead have double the losses - other lower seeds win while the team you thought would lose moves on. Sure, somebody in the country gets all 32 first-round games right, but that's bound to happen with millions of brackets being considered.
Let's look to next year. It's the primary season for the 2012 Presidential campaign.
Republicans are crossing the country, talking about issues.
President Obama is back on ESPN, talking college basketball.
President Obama is getting near his "Killer Rabbit" moment. His "vomit in Japan" moment. When the nagging concerns people have about him coalesce into the main image.
Obama cares more about hoops than jobs.
President Obama needs to learn how to quit the bracket hype.
Hey, union dudes - it's "we" shall overcome "you"
Althouse and New Media Meade continue their coverage of Wisconsin protests.
If there were to be a class struggle here, they would be taken aback to find themselves in the role they actually have in this economy: the oppressors!
If there were to be a class struggle here, they would be taken aback to find themselves in the role they actually have in this economy: the oppressors!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
In the world today
In Japan, government leaders struggled to deal with the earthquake aftermath and possible nuclear meltdown.
In Europe and the Middle East, government leaders struggled with what to do about Libya.
In the United States, President Obama struggled with his college basketball bracket.
In Europe and the Middle East, government leaders struggled with what to do about Libya.
In the United States, President Obama struggled with his college basketball bracket.
My pet bracket
When I wrote it Sunday, I just knew President Obama would be doing an NCAA bracket on ESPN again.
Let the piling on begin.
Instapundit
Campaign Spot
John Podhoretz
This president makes piling on too easy.
Let the piling on begin.
Instapundit
Campaign Spot
John Podhoretz
This president makes piling on too easy.
Obama - President or punchline?
Paco hits Obama hard on the "I'm not really a president, but I play one on TV" angle.
It's mid-March 2011.
Does Obama even matter to what's going on in the world? Or is he just in the way?
It's mid-March 2011.
Does Obama even matter to what's going on in the world? Or is he just in the way?
Monday, March 14, 2011
A classroom action suit
Thanks to an alert Facebook friend, I got to see the story of a New York mom suing a pre-school.
A Manhattan mom is suing a $19,000-a-year preschool, claiming it jeopardized her daughter's chances of getting into an elite private school because she had to slum with younger kids.
A $19,000-a-year preschool? Some people have more money than sense.
Of course, with this mom, she could have just a dollar and have more money than sense.
headline h/t to the Facebook friend's friend
A Manhattan mom is suing a $19,000-a-year preschool, claiming it jeopardized her daughter's chances of getting into an elite private school because she had to slum with younger kids.
A $19,000-a-year preschool? Some people have more money than sense.
Of course, with this mom, she could have just a dollar and have more money than sense.
headline h/t to the Facebook friend's friend
For his birthday, eat more chikn
Not only is today the 5th anniversary of Obi's Sister, but the 90th birthday of Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy.
Eat mor chikin tonight.
Eat mor chikin tonight.
Shameless blogwhoring works
I liked my post on Obama and the NCAA bracket, so I sent it on to NRO's Jim Geragthy.
And get a nice mention in the Morning Jolt and link at Campaign Spot.
What's the Morning Jolt? Subscribe and check it out.
And get a nice mention in the Morning Jolt and link at Campaign Spot.
What's the Morning Jolt? Subscribe and check it out.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
She's not blue today
Carol at No Sheeples Here is celebrating Duke's win and top-seed in the NCAA tournament.
She's got her first-round graphic up.
She plans to keep going until April 4. We'll see if the Blue Devils can keep her from being blue.
She's got her first-round graphic up.
She plans to keep going until April 4. We'll see if the Blue Devils can keep her from being blue.
The committee said...
...we got an at-large school from Virginia.
Just missed it by a few hundred miles.
Sorry Hokies.
Just missed it by a few hundred miles.
Sorry Hokies.
Almost spring in the Valley
Daylight Savings Time means this is the shortest weekend of the year.
But being out this weekend, I can see the signs of warmer weather coming
But being out this weekend, I can see the signs of warmer weather coming
- Willy's Ice Cream in Waynesboro has opened
- The baseball fields in Fishersville have teams practicing
- A neighbor has already mowed his lawn - he saw green shoots coming up after leaving the grass long for winter.
- Soccer practice for the youngest should start this week.
Is he going to do a bracket again?
It's Selection Sunday.
The last two years, President Obama has appeared on ESPN to present his NCAA tournament bracket. Will he do it again?
In a week of civil war in Libya, major earthquake in Japan, budget battle in D.C., and Wisconsin?
I sure hope not.
If he does, it's "I vote present on the world stage, but here's what I'm thinking about today - college basketball."
Time to relive my take on his bracket last year.
UPDATE: Linked as part of Jim Geragthy's Morning Jolt.
The last two years, President Obama has appeared on ESPN to present his NCAA tournament bracket. Will he do it again?
In a week of civil war in Libya, major earthquake in Japan, budget battle in D.C., and Wisconsin?
I sure hope not.
If he does, it's "I vote present on the world stage, but here's what I'm thinking about today - college basketball."
Time to relive my take on his bracket last year.
UPDATE: Linked as part of Jim Geragthy's Morning Jolt.
Some debts are just hard to collect
Some debtors just won't come to terms with paying what they owe, no matter how long it takes.
The Obama campaign still owes Springfield, Illinois for the costs of security when President Obama announced his vice presidential candidate.
You can imagine the scene.
President Obama - You got this, Joe?
Biden - I thought you had it?
h/t No Sheeples Here
The Obama campaign still owes Springfield, Illinois for the costs of security when President Obama announced his vice presidential candidate.
You can imagine the scene.
President Obama - You got this, Joe?
Biden - I thought you had it?
h/t No Sheeples Here
What's more dangerous?
Should you worry about possible release of radioactive material in Japan?
Or panic due to network TV speculating about possible problems?
Or panic due to network TV speculating about possible problems?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
My bad news for the NFL
The NFL lockout is on. Whatever kind of season we have in 2011, it isn't going to be pretty.
I spent 11 years as a newspaper sports reporter, and since then I've found myself watching more NFL football and NHL hockey. I loved baseball the most as a kid, but I can't remember the last time I watched more than a few minutes on TV.
Why?
One reason is my team - Baltimore - has stunk since the year my oldest was born. He's now already as tall as me and getting ready for high school.
But baseball has such roster turnover nowadays. Each year, it seems Baltimore has 15 new players on the 25-man roster. Players stay on a team five years at the most, and then they're gone. It's hard for the casual fan to develop rooting interest in a constantly shifting roster.
Football and ice hockey are different. The players are basically interchangeable. They wear helmets and their individual skills are less important than their teamwork on the field. You know a few stars on the field, but mostly it's guys you only see in the intros at the start of the game.
I watch football for the action. I watch ice hockey for the action.
The NFL is a mult-billion dollar business because of the players. But it doesn't matter which players.
Thus, the problem of the NFL lockout. The players don't want to reduce their slice of the piece, since only a few earn the super big bucks.
But it won't be too long until they are on the sidelines. Will all the players give up a year of their careers - for many 25% of their NFL time - for possible future money down the road?
Now we face weeks and possibly months of learning a whole new roster - lawyers and spokesmen and hangers-on on the labor battle.
At least we've got ice hockey and college basketball (another sport where the team surpasses the individual) to keep us busy for the next few months.
I spent 11 years as a newspaper sports reporter, and since then I've found myself watching more NFL football and NHL hockey. I loved baseball the most as a kid, but I can't remember the last time I watched more than a few minutes on TV.
Why?
One reason is my team - Baltimore - has stunk since the year my oldest was born. He's now already as tall as me and getting ready for high school.
But baseball has such roster turnover nowadays. Each year, it seems Baltimore has 15 new players on the 25-man roster. Players stay on a team five years at the most, and then they're gone. It's hard for the casual fan to develop rooting interest in a constantly shifting roster.
Football and ice hockey are different. The players are basically interchangeable. They wear helmets and their individual skills are less important than their teamwork on the field. You know a few stars on the field, but mostly it's guys you only see in the intros at the start of the game.
I watch football for the action. I watch ice hockey for the action.
The NFL is a mult-billion dollar business because of the players. But it doesn't matter which players.
Thus, the problem of the NFL lockout. The players don't want to reduce their slice of the piece, since only a few earn the super big bucks.
But it won't be too long until they are on the sidelines. Will all the players give up a year of their careers - for many 25% of their NFL time - for possible future money down the road?
Now we face weeks and possibly months of learning a whole new roster - lawyers and spokesmen and hangers-on on the labor battle.
At least we've got ice hockey and college basketball (another sport where the team surpasses the individual) to keep us busy for the next few months.
Bring back the old NFL
I'm not looking forward to the NFL lockout.
Bring back the old days, when these ladies were Baltimore Colts cheerleaders.
Bring back the old days, when these ladies were Baltimore Colts cheerleaders.
Class letter
Grandpa John finds one of the union inspired letters in Wisconsin.
Spelling? I got spell check for that.
Spelling? I got spell check for that.
Wisconsin has been too sweet
Jim Geraghty gets some advice from his buddy Obi-Wan.
Jim: From what you’re saying, you seem very optimistic about 2012.
Obi: Optimistic isn’t the word. The Democrats have no idea that they were unraveling at the start of the last decade. Nor do they know what saved them: The old broadcast networks went fully anti-Republican, the Bush administration refused to have a communications strategy and defend itself and replaced a political strategy based on conservative ideas with consultant maneuvers. Then came the economic crisis.
The public is seeing what the Dems are about on fiscal, national security, and social issues. And the leader of their party is unrelentingly far-left. Obama has become a GOP attack ad.
Jim: From what you’re saying, you seem very optimistic about 2012.
Obi: Optimistic isn’t the word. The Democrats have no idea that they were unraveling at the start of the last decade. Nor do they know what saved them: The old broadcast networks went fully anti-Republican, the Bush administration refused to have a communications strategy and defend itself and replaced a political strategy based on conservative ideas with consultant maneuvers. Then came the economic crisis.
The public is seeing what the Dems are about on fiscal, national security, and social issues. And the leader of their party is unrelentingly far-left. Obama has become a GOP attack ad.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Weekend watchdog
It's time for those mid-March traditions - waiting for the NCAA tournament field to be announced, and watching either Duke or North Carolina win the ACC championship.
The 58th edition of the ACC tournament began Thursday with Miami edging Virginia in overtime. For that, the Hurricanes get to face North Carolina Friday at noon on NBC29 and other ACC network affiliates.
Six leagues crown their champs on ESPN2 Saturday - America East at noon, followed by MEAC, Southland, MAC, Big West and WAC. The Big 12 championship game is Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN before the Big East finale.
ABC offers the Southeastern Conference final Sunday at 1 p.m.
Comcast has the first two games of the Atlantic 10 tournament Friday at noon. The Pac-10 semifinals will air after Capitals' ice hockey Friday, with the first game joined in progress at 10 p.m.
MASN has a semifinal from the Big 12 tournament Friday at 12:30 p.m.
Versus brings the mens and womens final from the Mountain West Saturday. The women tip at 4 p.m. and the mens teams battle at 7 p.m.
The women's field will be announced Monday on ESPN, and there's plenty of tournament action this weekend. Comcast has the Big 12 championship Saturday at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Pac-10. Sunday at 1 p.m., the CAA crowns its champion.
MASN shows a Big South semifinal Saturday at 4 p.m. and championship game Sunday at 2 p.m.
The pros play this weekend also. ABC has Orlando at Phoenix Sunday at 3 p.m., while the Wizards host the Clippers Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
Spring training takes the air Friday on MASN, with the Nationals playing the Astros at 6 p.m. Saturday, it's the Yankees playing Washington at 1 p.m.
TPC Blue Monster hosts the PGA tour this weekend, with the WGC-Cadillac Championship on NBC Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Capitals are home this weekend, hosting Carolina Friday on Comcast and Chicago Sunday afternoon on the NBC Game of the Week.
The 58th edition of the ACC tournament began Thursday with Miami edging Virginia in overtime. For that, the Hurricanes get to face North Carolina Friday at noon on NBC29 and other ACC network affiliates.Fourth-seeded Clemson plays Boston College at 2:30 p.m., with Duke tipping off the night session against Maryland at 7 p.m. and Florida State-Virginia Tech in the final game at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday's semifinals start at 1:30 p.m., with the final Sunday at 1 p.m.
Outside the ACC area, ESPN2 has the Friday coverage and ESPN shows the semifinals and final.
The Big East tournament has reached its semifinals Friday at 7 and 9 p.m. The championship is Saturday at 9 p.m.
As the home of the NCAA tournament, CBS gears up with some big games. Conference USA crowns its champion Saturday at 11:30 a.m., then it's the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament. The PAC-10 conference final will be at 8 p.m.
Sunday, the Atlantic 10 title tilt is at 1 p.m. followed by the Big Ten championship. Then it's wait to see who's in, who's not and who's going where at 6 p.m.
ESPN has the Big Ten tournament in the afternoon Friday, with top-seed Ohio State meeting Northwestern at noon followed by Michigan-Illinois. After midnight, there's a WAC semifinal. On ESPN2, Lafayette and Bucknell battle for the Patriot League crown at 4:30 p.m.As the home of the NCAA tournament, CBS gears up with some big games. Conference USA crowns its champion Saturday at 11:30 a.m., then it's the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament. The PAC-10 conference final will be at 8 p.m.
Sunday, the Atlantic 10 title tilt is at 1 p.m. followed by the Big Ten championship. Then it's wait to see who's in, who's not and who's going where at 6 p.m.
Six leagues crown their champs on ESPN2 Saturday - America East at noon, followed by MEAC, Southland, MAC, Big West and WAC. The Big 12 championship game is Saturday at 6 p.m. on ESPN before the Big East finale.
ABC offers the Southeastern Conference final Sunday at 1 p.m.
Comcast has the first two games of the Atlantic 10 tournament Friday at noon. The Pac-10 semifinals will air after Capitals' ice hockey Friday, with the first game joined in progress at 10 p.m.
MASN has a semifinal from the Big 12 tournament Friday at 12:30 p.m.
Versus brings the mens and womens final from the Mountain West Saturday. The women tip at 4 p.m. and the mens teams battle at 7 p.m.
The women's field will be announced Monday on ESPN, and there's plenty of tournament action this weekend. Comcast has the Big 12 championship Saturday at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Pac-10. Sunday at 1 p.m., the CAA crowns its champion.
MASN shows a Big South semifinal Saturday at 4 p.m. and championship game Sunday at 2 p.m.
The pros play this weekend also. ABC has Orlando at Phoenix Sunday at 3 p.m., while the Wizards host the Clippers Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
Spring training takes the air Friday on MASN, with the Nationals playing the Astros at 6 p.m. Saturday, it's the Yankees playing Washington at 1 p.m.
TPC Blue Monster hosts the PGA tour this weekend, with the WGC-Cadillac Championship on NBC Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
The Capitals are home this weekend, hosting Carolina Friday on Comcast and Chicago Sunday afternoon on the NBC Game of the Week.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Time to par-tay
Iowahawk has the lowdown on President Obama's latest attempt to get the youth of America to listen to him.
Verbal and Twitter sparring matches
Another week, another NFL deadline.
Things aren't sounding good after Thursday.
As if the day was not strange enough, verbal and Twitter sparring matches broke out between after the sun went down. It started with NFL executive vice president of labor/league counsel Jeff Pash telling the media: "If both sides have an equal commitment to getting this deal done, it will get done. I don't know if both sides have an equal commitment."
Union executive director DeMaurice Smith, who was headed home, head the comments and had his driver detour back to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service building, where the media were camped out. He wanted to reiterate the players' commitment to getting a deal done.
Technology.
Giving us more ways to fight.
Things aren't sounding good after Thursday.
As if the day was not strange enough, verbal and Twitter sparring matches broke out between after the sun went down. It started with NFL executive vice president of labor/league counsel Jeff Pash telling the media: "If both sides have an equal commitment to getting this deal done, it will get done. I don't know if both sides have an equal commitment."
Union executive director DeMaurice Smith, who was headed home, head the comments and had his driver detour back to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service building, where the media were camped out. He wanted to reiterate the players' commitment to getting a deal done.
Technology.
Giving us more ways to fight.
Fine Virginia whines
Wisconsin may be having all the fun, but Virginia progressives add their whines to the wails of the Badger State.
Despite last night's vote potentially violating Wisconsin's open meeting laws, Governor McDonnell has expressed his support for Governor Walker's undemocratic and controversial vote.
It's not Walker or McDonnell's fault that Wisconsin Democrats like hanging out in Illinois.
Despite last night's vote potentially violating Wisconsin's open meeting laws, Governor McDonnell has expressed his support for Governor Walker's undemocratic and controversial vote.
It's not Walker or McDonnell's fault that Wisconsin Democrats like hanging out in Illinois.
Walker tall
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker says his piece in the Wall Street Journal. With a reminder of the difference between the public sector and the private one.
My brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store. They have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class Wisconsin family. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his family's health-insurance premium and a modest 401(k) contribution. He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing.
Should private employers do more for their employees, like the public does?
Or do they offer fewer benefits because of the high taxes needed to provide the public sector benefits?
It's nice to say others should have the benefits you have. But the other are already paying more so you can have more.
My brother works as a banquet manager at a hotel and occasionally works as a bartender. My sister-in-law works at a department store. They have two beautiful kids. They are a typical middle-class Wisconsin family. At the start of this debate, David reminded me that he pays nearly $800 per month for his family's health-insurance premium and a modest 401(k) contribution. He said most workers in Wisconsin would love a deal like the one we are proposing.
Should private employers do more for their employees, like the public does?
Or do they offer fewer benefits because of the high taxes needed to provide the public sector benefits?
It's nice to say others should have the benefits you have. But the other are already paying more so you can have more.
Bring it, Lardbutt
The Daily Caller's Tatler lays into Michael Moore after his appearance on Rachel Maddow Wednesday night.
Michael Moore, noted rich union buster who makes his money decrying capitalism to a stupidly receptive leftist audience, declares war. I’m not usually one for playground insults and taunts, but I’ll make an exception in his case.
Read on from there.
Michael Moore, noted rich union buster who makes his money decrying capitalism to a stupidly receptive leftist audience, declares war. I’m not usually one for playground insults and taunts, but I’ll make an exception in his case.
Read on from there.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Not good for the lawyer, not good for young moms
My friend Paige remembers the movie scene that slowed potty training for one of her children.
One of the boys was two-years-old and potty training when Jurassic Park came out on video Anybody remember the scene in which the man got eaten by a dinosaur while sitting on the toilet? That scene launched us straight back into diapers for another year!
Nice that we can relive the scene.
One of the boys was two-years-old and potty training when Jurassic Park came out on video Anybody remember the scene in which the man got eaten by a dinosaur while sitting on the toilet? That scene launched us straight back into diapers for another year!
Nice that we can relive the scene.
Hello Lumber-kitty
Dustbury has the chain saw for the manli-est man.
The guy you wouldn't laugh at for having a Hello Kitty chain saw.
The guy you wouldn't laugh at for having a Hello Kitty chain saw.
Wow, my gas only cost an arm today
Remember the good old days - three weeks ago - when gas was under $3 a gallon?
I just paid $3.35 a gallon in Charlottesville - and felt pretty good. It's the best of the bad deals all around.
And there's more fighting in Libya. Yikes.
UPDATE: Troglopundit likes the headline.
I just paid $3.35 a gallon in Charlottesville - and felt pretty good. It's the best of the bad deals all around.
And there's more fighting in Libya. Yikes.
UPDATE: Troglopundit likes the headline.
Why drive that '65 Mustang?
Good things cars aren't like computer software.
Forget how much you like that old car - our new car is better.
Microsoft has a website to encourage upgrading from Internet Explorer 6.
Isn't it good to know computers can still use 10-year-old technology to reach the internet? That people who can't afford to upgrade their computers can still use that IE it came with?
You can keep spending the weekend with your classic car. But there's no Classic Microsoft.
They don't want to support it.
h/t Dustbury.
Forget how much you like that old car - our new car is better.
Microsoft has a website to encourage upgrading from Internet Explorer 6.
Isn't it good to know computers can still use 10-year-old technology to reach the internet? That people who can't afford to upgrade their computers can still use that IE it came with?
You can keep spending the weekend with your classic car. But there's no Classic Microsoft.
They don't want to support it.
h/t Dustbury.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Views of liberals
Drill for more oil? - won't help.
More highways? - won't resolve congestion.
More government? - that's what I want.
More highways? - won't resolve congestion.
More government? - that's what I want.
Prolific commenters
Pundette liked my thoughts on a new Social Security means test - setting your retirement date by the number of kids you raise.
One commenter can retire at 54.
The second at 51.
Glad to inspire people who are producing the future.
One commenter can retire at 54.
The second at 51.
Glad to inspire people who are producing the future.
Look up, Fishersville
The Space Shuttle has departed the space station, but they pass overhead on the Mid-Atlantic coast this evening.
Look up and see the show. Or check http://www.heavens-above.com/ to check on the viewings in your area.
h/t Booths Corner Stephen
Look up and see the show. Or check http://www.heavens-above.com/ to check on the viewings in your area.
h/t Booths Corner Stephen
Monday, March 7, 2011
What we were saying last year
The latest email from President Obama's Organizing for America contains the priceless line.
The final budget cannot be dictated solely by one party or a narrow set of interests -- it will affect every American.
I think we were saying that last March during the health care vote.
The final budget cannot be dictated solely by one party or a narrow set of interests -- it will affect every American.
I think we were saying that last March during the health care vote.
Where were we? Here, all along
My favorite complaint against the Tea Party is - "Where were you when George W. Bush was president? Why weren't you complaining about spending then?"
For most Tea Party supporters, the answer is easy - we were saying the same thing we're saying now.
The current economic struggles have helped focus the attention, but for many the attention has always been there. There's now more media attention, but our attention has been fixed for some time.
We've hoped the country could grow/work its way out of the coming debacle, but feared it wouldn't.
We don't want to see our fears realized. But we won't be surprised if they are.
For most Tea Party supporters, the answer is easy - we were saying the same thing we're saying now.
The current economic struggles have helped focus the attention, but for many the attention has always been there. There's now more media attention, but our attention has been fixed for some time.
We've hoped the country could grow/work its way out of the coming debacle, but feared it wouldn't.
We don't want to see our fears realized. But we won't be surprised if they are.
Maybe there's hope
The NFL sides are still talking. Will they be rich or foolish this week?
The pressure on both sides is enormous at the moment. Revenues and ratings hit all-time highs in 2010, and even in the second-worst economy in this country's history the league negotiated lucrative new TV deals, and, according to Judge Doty, strong-armed some companies into deals that included lockout protection for the owners.
A player familiar with the negotiations reiterated over the weekend that the union isn't looking for a fight, but fairness and financial transparency. However absent that, the players are willing to decertify and try their hand in court.
The pressure on both sides is enormous at the moment. Revenues and ratings hit all-time highs in 2010, and even in the second-worst economy in this country's history the league negotiated lucrative new TV deals, and, according to Judge Doty, strong-armed some companies into deals that included lockout protection for the owners.
A player familiar with the negotiations reiterated over the weekend that the union isn't looking for a fight, but fairness and financial transparency. However absent that, the players are willing to decertify and try their hand in court.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Show us the 400
Let's give Michael Moore the benefit of the doubt - that 400 uber-rich people have as much wealth as the bottom 155 million people.
Who are the 400?
How do you know they have such political power?
If they have so much money, how do you get the money from them?
The left's delusion lies in living in conspiracy - those uber-rich manipulate the rest of the population. Instead of the majority rising up against the top one percent, we're divided and they stay on top.
Come on, Michael Moore. Show us the money.
Show us the people you say are manipulating us. I doubt it will show what you say it does.
Instead of checking under the bed, the tea party is checking the bottom line. The "aging population and exploding health care costs" are real, not imagined by some political hack.
Claiming "we aren't broke" doesn't help answer the question. We're not broke now, but we can't fulfill the promises made in the past.
No matter how rich, 400 people won't make a dent in the problem.
Who are the 400?
How do you know they have such political power?
If they have so much money, how do you get the money from them?
The left's delusion lies in living in conspiracy - those uber-rich manipulate the rest of the population. Instead of the majority rising up against the top one percent, we're divided and they stay on top.
Come on, Michael Moore. Show us the money.
Show us the people you say are manipulating us. I doubt it will show what you say it does.
Instead of checking under the bed, the tea party is checking the bottom line. The "aging population and exploding health care costs" are real, not imagined by some political hack.
Claiming "we aren't broke" doesn't help answer the question. We're not broke now, but we can't fulfill the promises made in the past.
No matter how rich, 400 people won't make a dent in the problem.
Nothing to sneeze at
Dustbury rails at the latest Oklahoma effort to curtail sales of pseudoephedrine in the battle against meth.
Will it work? Probably not.
Some Monday morning, you could lock up every gram of pseudoephedrine on the planet, load it aboard a rocket, and fire it into the sun, and there would be meth labs by the weekend. Count on it.
Will it work? Probably not.
Some Monday morning, you could lock up every gram of pseudoephedrine on the planet, load it aboard a rocket, and fire it into the sun, and there would be meth labs by the weekend. Count on it.
"Rage against the drying-up of the government teat"
Teachers, you're on the path journalists have already trod.
Instapundit's thoughts on the "lower education bubble" got me thinking. How do you deal with being in an important position when the funding source dries up?
For journalists, the internet has changed the game - and hurt the former professionals. The funding source - classified ads - has dried up while easier access to publishing lowered the bar to anybody to write.
The more writers, the less the public has to pay. Good for the public, bad for the professionals.
Like journalists, teachers have an important corporate spot in the world.
Individually? Not so much.
Parents teach their kids for free. And how much added value does the individual teacher provide? If lesson plans are mandated by the state - to be the same to pass standardized tests - are teachers just "do you want fries with that?" people with Master's degrees?
Get the standardized lesson plan off the web, get your kids to pass them and see which costs less. It's coming quickly to the college level, and probably quicker than we think to the secondary level.
Yes, we'll need highly paid professionals to create and maintain the lesson plan. But fewer of them will be able to cover more of the nation. Just like we're using fewer paid journalists.
It's better for a country where the funding source - tax money - is drying up. Those used to better days of better pay had better adapt.
Instapundit's thoughts on the "lower education bubble" got me thinking. How do you deal with being in an important position when the funding source dries up?
For journalists, the internet has changed the game - and hurt the former professionals. The funding source - classified ads - has dried up while easier access to publishing lowered the bar to anybody to write.
The more writers, the less the public has to pay. Good for the public, bad for the professionals.
Like journalists, teachers have an important corporate spot in the world.
Individually? Not so much.
Parents teach their kids for free. And how much added value does the individual teacher provide? If lesson plans are mandated by the state - to be the same to pass standardized tests - are teachers just "do you want fries with that?" people with Master's degrees?
Get the standardized lesson plan off the web, get your kids to pass them and see which costs less. It's coming quickly to the college level, and probably quicker than we think to the secondary level.
Yes, we'll need highly paid professionals to create and maintain the lesson plan. But fewer of them will be able to cover more of the nation. Just like we're using fewer paid journalists.
It's better for a country where the funding source - tax money - is drying up. Those used to better days of better pay had better adapt.
Clean up in the communion aisle
DaTech Guy brought a post about the latest misadventures of the Girl Scouts to Mass Sunday.
I gave a copy of McCain’s article to a local girl scout leader after mass today. I think her jaw dropped off and rolled down the front stairs.
I gave a copy of McCain’s article to a local girl scout leader after mass today. I think her jaw dropped off and rolled down the front stairs.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
People of Madison
You've heard of the People of Wal-Mart website. With the interesting clothing choices of people at stores across the country.
People who've been featured on the site look at this guy and think "Man, he's nasty. I can't believe he's sleeping like that.
"And look at those feet."
"And look at those feet."
This union is a blast
Mark Steyn finds the union responsible for Wednesday's attack in Germany that killed two U.S. airmen.
There are so many of these "lone wolves" and "isolated extremists" you may occasionally wonder whether they've all gotten together and joined Local 473 of the Amalgamated Union of Lone Wolves and Isolated Extremists, but don't worry about it: As any Homeland Security official can tell you, "Allahu akbar" is Arabic for "Nothing to see here."
There are so many of these "lone wolves" and "isolated extremists" you may occasionally wonder whether they've all gotten together and joined Local 473 of the Amalgamated Union of Lone Wolves and Isolated Extremists, but don't worry about it: As any Homeland Security official can tell you, "Allahu akbar" is Arabic for "Nothing to see here."
Let's go Chants
Coastal Carolina hosts the Big South championship at 4 p.m. Saturday.
Win and these cheerleaders will be at the Big Dance instead of Waccamaw Elementary.
UPDATE: The team didn't win, but the cheerleaders made the Rule 5 roundup. Isn't that more important?
Friday, March 4, 2011
Facebook quote of the week
From a discussion about grading parents, since we grade teachers for their performance.
But I'm just a barren old crone, so what do I know?
But I'm just a barren old crone, so what do I know?
Keep it out of the courts
Peter King's latest on the NFL lockout contains good news for NFL fans, and bad news for fans of courtroom drama.
The league has one more reason to want to make a deal now, two sources close to the talks say. The owners are desperate to not have U.S. District Judge David Doty supervise this bargaining agreement any longer -- and if the CBA expires, Doty retains control of the legal issues surrounding it. So Doty, unwittingly, has become the fourth major issue in the talks between players and owners. For months, the big three issues have been the owners' desire to have an additional $1 billion exempted from the revenue they share with players, the owners pushing a rookie wage scale, and the owners wanting an 18-game regular-season schedule to boost revenues for both sides.
An awful lot of pushing on the owners' side.
The league has one more reason to want to make a deal now, two sources close to the talks say. The owners are desperate to not have U.S. District Judge David Doty supervise this bargaining agreement any longer -- and if the CBA expires, Doty retains control of the legal issues surrounding it. So Doty, unwittingly, has become the fourth major issue in the talks between players and owners. For months, the big three issues have been the owners' desire to have an additional $1 billion exempted from the revenue they share with players, the owners pushing a rookie wage scale, and the owners wanting an 18-game regular-season schedule to boost revenues for both sides.
An awful lot of pushing on the owners' side.
End of an era
During my time as a sports writer, I got to cover the West Virginia Conference basketball tournament seven times. And in those years, our local team Concord College won three championships and played in the final another year.
The head coach for most of that time - Steve Cox - announced his retirement Wednesday after 22 years at the helm.
His second year - 1991 - the school won the conference tournament and bid to the NAIA national tournament in Kansas City. I got to tag along, as they won once before losing to the eventual national champion.
Riding halfway across the country with college basketball players and cheerleaders can be quite an experience. We got to tour the Kansas City Chiefs' stadium, and the players and cheerleaders did the electric slide on the turf at Arrowhead.
The school has moved on from NAIA and now coach Cox moves on. But leaves great memories behind.
The head coach for most of that time - Steve Cox - announced his retirement Wednesday after 22 years at the helm.
His second year - 1991 - the school won the conference tournament and bid to the NAIA national tournament in Kansas City. I got to tag along, as they won once before losing to the eventual national champion.
Riding halfway across the country with college basketball players and cheerleaders can be quite an experience. We got to tour the Kansas City Chiefs' stadium, and the players and cheerleaders did the electric slide on the turf at Arrowhead.
The school has moved on from NAIA and now coach Cox moves on. But leaves great memories behind.
Weekend watchdog
Want to know which teams will be playing in Dayton when the NCAA tournament opens in two weeks?
They're the ones who will be cutting down the nets this weekend.
With the expansion of the field to 68 teams, there will be four NCAA tournament games in Dayton March 15-16 - two to find first-round opponents for the top-seeded teams and two other battles between the bottom four at-large teams.
ESPN2 closes the weekend with a pair of games from the West Coast Conference tournament Sunday starting at 8 p.m.
MASN offers four Big East games Saturday. Georgetown visits Connecticut to start the action at 2 p.m., followed by DePaul at Syracuse. Marquette heads to Seton Hall at 6 p.m. then South Florida takes on St. John's.
There's a game from the MAAC tournament Saturday at 10 p.m.and the second semifinal Sunday at 4 p.m.
Comcast has a Pac-10 game Saturday at 10:30 p.m.
Versus offers UNLV at Utah Saturday at 4 p.m.
The ACC women's tournament has two quarterfinal games at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Comcast. The two semifinals are Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m. and the final tips Sunday at 1 p.m.
MASN shows a game from second round of the Big East womens' tournament Saturday at noon.
ESPN2 has a pair of championship games Sunday - the Big Ten at 3:30 p.m. and SEC at 5:30 p.m.
NASCAR heads to Las Vegas for the weekend, with FOX dropping the flag at 3 p.m. Sunday. The Nationwide Drivers are on ABC Saturday at 3 p.m.
Hang on, baseball's coming. MASN shows the Nationals playing the Braves at 1 p.m. Sunday.
ESPN has a Florida theme Friday with NBA games, with the Bulls at Orlando in the first game and Heat at the Spurs at 10:30 p.m.
ABC's Sunday doubleheader starts with the Bulls facing Miami at 1 p.m., and the Lakers play San Antonio at 3:30 p.m. ESPN adds two more games in the evening - Knicks-Hawks at 6:30 p.m. and the Celtics in Milwaukee for the nightcap.
The Wizards meet Minnesota Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, and visit Detroit Sunday on Comcast-plus.
The Capitals head south to play Florida Sunday at 5 p.m. NBC shows the Flyers at Rangers Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
The PGA tour heads to the East Coast, with the Honda Classic on NBC Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. both days.
ESPN offers college gymnastics between Alabama and Georgia Sunday at 2 p.m.
They're the ones who will be cutting down the nets this weekend.
With the expansion of the field to 68 teams, there will be four NCAA tournament games in Dayton March 15-16 - two to find first-round opponents for the top-seeded teams and two other battles between the bottom four at-large teams.The first automatic qualifiers earn their tickets to the field Saturday, and could likely face a trip to Dayton on the road to an impropable national title. ESPN2 shows the Big South tournament final Saturday at 4 p.m., followed by the Atlantic Sun and Ohio Valley Conference.
CBS shows the Missouri Valley Conference championship Sunday at 2 p.m. as part of its regular season finale weekend. There's four games on Saturday, beginning at noon when Kansas heads to Missouri. There's a split national window at 2 p.m., with either Oregon at Arizona or Michigan State-Michigan on the air. It's off to the Big East at 4 p.m. when Villanova plays Pittsburgh, then in primetime Duke visits North Carolina.
Sunday, Kentucky plays Tennessee at noon and top-ranked Ohio State hosts Wisconsin at 4 p.m.
Virginia closes out its regular season at Maryland Saturday at 2 p.m. on NBC29. Sunday at noon, Wake Forest heads to Boston College followed by Miami at Georgia Tech at 2:30 p.m.
ESPN offers a rare Friday college basketball contest as Akron faces Kent State from the Mid-American Conference.
Virginia Tech looks to secure its spot in the NCAA tournament at Clemson Saturday at noon on ESPN2. Then South Carolina meets Mississippi State at 2 p.m.
ESPN opens Saturday with a pair of games from the Big East - Louisville-West Virginia at noon followed by Notre Dame against Connecticut. Then it's off to the Big Ten for Purdue-Iowa and Florida facing Vanderbilt at 6 p.m. The GameDay crew has the Big 12 matchup between Baylor and Texas.ESPN2 closes the weekend with a pair of games from the West Coast Conference tournament Sunday starting at 8 p.m.
MASN offers four Big East games Saturday. Georgetown visits Connecticut to start the action at 2 p.m., followed by DePaul at Syracuse. Marquette heads to Seton Hall at 6 p.m. then South Florida takes on St. John's.
There's a game from the MAAC tournament Saturday at 10 p.m.and the second semifinal Sunday at 4 p.m.
Comcast has a Pac-10 game Saturday at 10:30 p.m.
Versus offers UNLV at Utah Saturday at 4 p.m.
The ACC women's tournament has two quarterfinal games at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Comcast. The two semifinals are Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m. and the final tips Sunday at 1 p.m.
MASN shows a game from second round of the Big East womens' tournament Saturday at noon.
ESPN2 has a pair of championship games Sunday - the Big Ten at 3:30 p.m. and SEC at 5:30 p.m.
NASCAR heads to Las Vegas for the weekend, with FOX dropping the flag at 3 p.m. Sunday. The Nationwide Drivers are on ABC Saturday at 3 p.m.
Hang on, baseball's coming. MASN shows the Nationals playing the Braves at 1 p.m. Sunday.
ESPN has a Florida theme Friday with NBA games, with the Bulls at Orlando in the first game and Heat at the Spurs at 10:30 p.m.
ABC's Sunday doubleheader starts with the Bulls facing Miami at 1 p.m., and the Lakers play San Antonio at 3:30 p.m. ESPN adds two more games in the evening - Knicks-Hawks at 6:30 p.m. and the Celtics in Milwaukee for the nightcap.
The Wizards meet Minnesota Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, and visit Detroit Sunday on Comcast-plus.
The Capitals head south to play Florida Sunday at 5 p.m. NBC shows the Flyers at Rangers Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
The PGA tour heads to the East Coast, with the Honda Classic on NBC Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. both days.
ESPN offers college gymnastics between Alabama and Georgia Sunday at 2 p.m.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Another Social Security means test
When saving Social Security gets discussed, it's often means testing - limiting benefits for the richest retirees.
But the demographic problem that dooms Social Security comes from the lack of young workers to pay for current and future retirees.
How about means testing by the number of kids you have and support?
No kids - wait until 75 to retire. And the age drops three years for each child you have and support to adulthood.
Two kids - retire at 69.
Six kids, like the Other McCain? - you can retire at 57.
Ten kids? You can retire at 45, if you're done with the kids by then (both my grandfathers had children when they were 45).
Why not let people with more kids retire early? They have produced the next generation to pay the bills.
It might be too late to save Social Security. But the future belongs to the fertile.
But the demographic problem that dooms Social Security comes from the lack of young workers to pay for current and future retirees.
How about means testing by the number of kids you have and support?
No kids - wait until 75 to retire. And the age drops three years for each child you have and support to adulthood.
Two kids - retire at 69.
Six kids, like the Other McCain? - you can retire at 57.
Ten kids? You can retire at 45, if you're done with the kids by then (both my grandfathers had children when they were 45).
Why not let people with more kids retire early? They have produced the next generation to pay the bills.
It might be too late to save Social Security. But the future belongs to the fertile.
Hungry like the Wolf
Dr. Milton Wolf takes a good shot at Michael Moore's redistributionist plan.
"Please Mr. Moore, that food's not yours, it's a national resource, it's ours."
"Please Mr. Moore, that food's not yours, it's a national resource, it's ours."
"A database somewhere in his lower intestine"
Iowahawk gets serious, and does some serious damage to Paul Krugman.
Mr. Krugman (please note - I don't call anyone "Doctor" unless they can write me a prescription for drugs) doesn't mention where he gets his dropout statistic from. I suspect a database somewhere in his lower intestine. So I endeavored to find most detailed / recent / comprehensive state-by-state dropout table, which appears to be this 2006-7 report from the National Center for Education Statistics.
Event Dropout Rates for 9th-12th graders during 2006-7 school year:
White students: Texas 1.9%, Wisconsin 1.2% (national average 3.0%)
Black students: Texas 5.8%, Wisconsin 7.8% (national 6.8%)
Hispanic students: Texas 5.6%, Wisconsin 5.2% (national 6.5%)
h/t DaTech Guy
Mr. Krugman (please note - I don't call anyone "Doctor" unless they can write me a prescription for drugs) doesn't mention where he gets his dropout statistic from. I suspect a database somewhere in his lower intestine. So I endeavored to find most detailed / recent / comprehensive state-by-state dropout table, which appears to be this 2006-7 report from the National Center for Education Statistics.
Event Dropout Rates for 9th-12th graders during 2006-7 school year:
White students: Texas 1.9%, Wisconsin 1.2% (national average 3.0%)
Black students: Texas 5.8%, Wisconsin 7.8% (national 6.8%)
Hispanic students: Texas 5.6%, Wisconsin 5.2% (national 6.5%)
h/t DaTech Guy
"Funny thing about taxpayers. We hold the purse strings."
The Other McCain has a blue comment that requires answering.
Instapundit email of the day
The news of slow sales of electric cars - only 67 Nissan Leafs sold in February - brought this electrifying email to Instapundit.
“Sounds like Nissan is finding it hard to turn over new Leafs.”
“Sounds like Nissan is finding it hard to turn over new Leafs.”
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