Take a day off

The Today Show made a big deal of the Matthew Broderick "Bueller" Super Bowl commercial.
I'm looking forward to VW's Star Wars surprise and the Doritos winner (Go Great Dane).

Abortion and arrogance

Ace has a great post dissecting the Obama administation - and it's decision to limit religious freedom for those organizations that provide insurance for their employees.
It's more Obama my way or the high way.
Obama is a moralist, and an arrogant one. For all the talk of Christians being rigid moralists, the dirty little secret is that the left is far more rigidly, arrogantly moralistic, and it is cheerleaded by our cultural institutions (media, academia) rather than pushed back against, so its arrogance is encouraged.
Obama is pushing, very hard, a rigid moral system, and attempting to "shove it down the throats" of people who do not seek nor need his moral instruction.
The Anchoress tries to find the silver lining - uniting divided Catholics.

Today's Tied with Me

In Technorati's U.S. Politics ranked, this blog is tied with 24th state. That Missouri-based blog has information on Rick Santorum becoming the first candidate to visit ahead of the looming primary.
The race goes one.

January goes out like a lamb

January 31.
Highs expected in the 60s.
Isn't it nice to enjoy unexpected warm weather instead of trying to push your political agenda?

To the moon

Dustbury has a good idea for Newt Gingrich's moon base.
Here’s my own stimulus program:

1. Build, as Newt Gingrich suggests, a base on the moon.
2. Move the Federal government to this base.
3. Activate the self-destruct mechanism on the vessel, making a return trip impossible.

Prospects should improve literally within days.

Typical Monday evening in January

It's a tad bit warmer than normal in Fishersville tonight.
How warm is it?
While walking the dog, I saw that a neighbor was cooking on his outdoor grill. Just what you'd expect on a mid-winter Monday evening.

Tea Party time

Smitty has plan for March 24 - hanging with his Tea Party friends on the east side of the Capitol.
Looking forward to warm weather and a big crowd.

Remember the Stimulus

Don Surber gives his rallying cry for November.

While Newt Gingrich and his team snarl at Mitt Romney’s team for snarling at Newt, let us remember that revelations of today will be gone like today’s snow by November. This election is a referendum on the presidency of Barack Obama, and not them. Provided the eventual Republican nominee does not go Full Dukakis on us, he should carry 30 states or more. There are 787 billion reasons for this: The $787 billion stimulus failed so massively that no Democrat should ever again utter the word “stimulus.” A column in the New York Post reminded me of this simple fact.

Having a politician stimulate the economy is like having a blind man pick out your wallpaper.
UPDATE: Linked by Citizen Tom.

Send some global warming

So far this school year, no snow days in Augusta County.
The biggest snow of the year was two days before Halloween.
You want winter weather?
Check out the interior of Alaska.
And the pictures of two college swim teams taking pictures outside in the minus-40 temperatures.

These scientists say

Via Instapundit, the London Daily Mail has data that the earth hasn't warmed since 1997.
Those who talk global warming and the need for action mention CO2 as the problem.
But sun strength and ocean temperature also have their impacts.
Those two point toward global cooling.
So we have more time to study, analyze data and compare before panicking.
Dig some coal in celebration of this data.

Cain makes plain he'll endorse Newt's campaign

Herman Cain finally threw his support behind Newt Gingrich Saturday.
Do endorsements make a difference?
The endorsements of Mitt Romney by John McCain and Bob Dole don't bring anything to his campaign. We'll see if any Cain supporters were still waiting to pick a candidate.

Way to go, team

My college, Towson, doesn't appear on ESPN much.
But today, they made the crawl while I was watching basketball. They won their first game of the season, breaking a 41-game losing streak.
Won't be seeing them in March Madness, I bet.

Recycling update

I got 50 cents per pound on aluminum cans Saturday, same as November.
And I saw four signs of houses for sale on a two-block drive to the recycling place.
For sale by owner.
And our economy is recovering?

Facebook quote of the week

During the State of the Union address:
So what I am hearing is .......blah blah blah....and.....blah blah blah ........oh there is another blah...blah....blah.......
UPDATE: Linked by Political Clown Parade.

Why so many debates?

Two debates last week in South Carolina.
Two debates this week in Florida.
Nineteen so far in the campaign.
Why so many?
Ratings.
Don Surber has the chart.
It's like having so many college bowl games. It's a programming choice by ESPN as much as anything.
How often does CNN get 5 million viewers during a stretch of primetime?

Saturday song

Chicago doesn't just mean President Obama's adopted hometown.
It's a group that roared through the 70s with plenty of big hits, including this one. "Baby what a big surprise."

Here comes Sarah

Legal Insurrection posts Sarah Palin's thoughts on the Republican race this week.
It's not a good night for the establishment.

Pep talk on every drop

I've had a bit of a winter cough, so I've been using Hall's Cough Drops to get through the work day.
This year, the drops have "peppy" sayings to read.
The latest drop said

Be resilient
Go for it
Flex your "can do" muscle
Get back in there, champ

Now we know what President Obama's speechwriters are doing when they aren't working on the State of the Union speech.

Newt and friends

Establishment Republicans like Bob Dole make the case against Newt Gingrich - he didn't work well with them in the 1990s.
Isn't that the point?
Do you think the Tea Party inspired freshmen will be more like Gingrich's vision than Republicans of the past?
The Republicans whose failures led to four years of Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Weekend watchdog

From the ice to the tropical sun, the best players gather this weekend.

The NHL holds its All-Star game Sunday at 4 p.m. in Ottawa, just before the NFL's Pro Bowl in Hawaii.

Due to his action last Sunday, the Capitals' Alex Ovechkin plans to miss the festivities on NBC Sports Network. The skills competition goes Saturday at 7 p.m. before the offensive stars attack the goal for 60 minutes.

The Pro Bowl now kicks off Super Bowl week, meaning the best players of the best two teams will miss the event. Instead of canceling the trip after the big game. NBC has the coverage starting at 7 p.m.

The stars of the future play in the Senior Bowl Saturday at 4 p.m. on NFL Network.

For other stars on ice, NBC shows the U.S. Figure Skating Championships Saturday at 4 p.m. and again at 9 p.m. Only two more years until the next Winter Olympics.

The stars of tennis close out the Australian Open this weekend, with the women's final Saturday at 3 a.m. and men's final Sunday at 3 a.m.

The PGA tour begins the new year on CBS, with coverage of the Farmers Insurance Open Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.

Virginia Tech faces Maryland in ACC basketball Saturday at 2:30 p.m., after Wake Forest plays Clemson at noon. Sunday at 1 p.m., Miami takes on Boston College.

CBS has Texas vs. Baylor Saturday at 1 p.m., then Michigan battles Ohio State Sunday at 1 p.m.

ESPN starts Saturday with St. John's at Duke at noon, followed by Kansas taking on Iowa State. Georgetown faces Pittsburgh at 4 p.m., and Washington heads to Arizona at 7 p.m.

ESPN2's Saturday begins at noon when Marquette plays Villanova. Three more games follow at 4 p.m., as Purdue takes on Northwestern and Auburn plays Tennessee. The night closes with Virginia traveling to N.C. State at 8 p.m.

Comcast has a CAA doubleheader Saturday, with James Madison going to George Mason at 2 p.m. followed by William & Mary vs. Old Dominion.

MASN features the Big 12 Saturday at 4 p.m. as Oklahoma State plays Texas A&M, then it's off to the Big East for a pair of games. Cincinnati meets Rutgers at 6 p.m, followed by Louisville-Seton Hall. The night ends with Hawaii's game in Idaho at 10 p.m. Sunday, Notre Dame battles Connecticut at noon.

ABC starts a new season of Sunday afternoon NBA, with the Bulls meeting the Heat at 3:30 p.m. ESPN offers the Knicks against the Nets Friday at 8 p.m., and the Spurs' visit to Dallas Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

The Wizards head to Houston Friday at 8 p.m. on Comcast, then visit Charlotte Saturday at 7 p.m.

ESPN's Winter X Games fill the weekend, starting Thursday. There's more from Aspen Friday at 10:30 p.m., Saturday at 9 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 9 p.m.

The Virginia Tech women host N.C. State Sunday at 1 p.m. on Comcast. At 7 p.m., CAA women take the stage with Delaware at James Madison. ESPN2 offers Penn State taking on Michigan State Sunday at 3 p.m., followed by Tennessee-Georgia.

NBC Sports Network has college ice hockey Friday at 7:30 p.m., with Harvard meeting Yale.

The CONCACAF women's qualifying tournament will be Sunday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports Network.

End of cheerleading season looms

The NFL season is down to the Pro Bowl Sunday and Super Bowl next week.
What will cheerleaders like Amanda of the Patriots do?
Amanda just got her doctorate in pharmacy. Maybe she'll know something to help fans get over the end of the season.
UPDATE: Linked by the Daley Gator.

Scientists against global warming

Blue Virginia has touted a new website - Forecast the Facts.
They want TV weathercasters to talk more about global warming and connect weird weather to that.
So I checked the about page on the website.
TV meteorologists have worked for years to build respectability for their profession. What began as a glorified announcer position has morphed into a true scientific pursuit, with graduate degrees, a professional association, and standards for certification.
So let me get this straight.
TV weathermen have brought science to their profession.
Many TV weathermen don't believe global warming.
But don't all scientists believe global warming?
If TV weathermen have scientific degrees and training, and don't believe global warming, doesn't that mean that some scientists don't believe global warming?
If there's scientists who don't believe global warming, why fuss that TV weathermen don't focus on a scientific consensus that's not really a total consensus.
Stand proud, Topper Shutt.
What's his scientific standing?
Topper earned the American Meteorological Society's Seal of Approval for both television and radio in 1988.

Taxing situation

Megan McArdle has the breakdown on the taxes paid by Warren Buffett's secretary.

In sum, the presentation of these numbers is quite confusing, and I suspect a little bit of cherry-picking to maximize the invidiousness of the comparison.  Ms. Bosanek probably does have a somewhat higher effective federal tax rate than her boss, and it may even be much higher.  But if so, this is because she is a very unusual taxpayer--exactly the opposite of what is implied by comparing Warren Buffett's taxes to those of his secretary.

We were there. We remember.

Legal Insurrection has the links of those who remember Newt Gingrich insulting Ronald Reagan - and those who remember him closely working with the President.
We all were there. And we have our memories as well.

30 percent? I'll take it

TaxProf highlights an article suggesting Mitt Romney's tax rate is actually 44.75 percent.
Why do we have lower tax rates for capital gains?
So people will save their money for the future and invest.
What do you call people who spend everything they have, not thinking about the future?
Government.

How Obama saves money

He just recycles the same lines and phrases from past State of the Union addresses.
No need for another repeat in 2013.

Commercial of the year

Republicans everywhere need to follow the example of Florida's Mark Oxner, with this great commercial.


Just insert your opponent's face next to Obama.

Why I'm glad to telework

My office allows some employees to work from home, avoiding the drive back and forth to Charlottesville.
Today was a good day to miss the drive to the office - numerous wrecks on I-64 heading into town.

You lie

Just getting ready for President Obama's State of the Union speech.

Like Father, like son

Forty years ago, Bob Irsay became owner of the Baltimore Colts and began dismantling the famous squad. Quarterback Johnny Unitas finished his days as a San Diego Charger.
Will Peyton Manning be leaving Indianapolis for parts unknown in a few weeks. Only the younger Irsay knows for sure.

Blame Peggy

Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas made the news by declining to visit the White House Monday.
Discover has the video of why he couldn't make it.

Mark Steyn's show prep

Mark Steyn is the guest host for Rush Limbaugh Tuesday.
Wonder what he might mention from Pundette?

Take the Big Mac bridge

McDonnell's idea
Is it a fave?
Ads by the highway
Burma Shave

On TV tonight

At 8 p.m. the Biggest Loser on NBC.
At 9 p.m., he's on all the networks.

I, Romney

Jonah Goldberg looks at Romney's real problem.
I have long thought that Romney would be the best candidate to beat Obama, and I still believe that — but just barely. His Al Gore like inability to break through his android shell is really grating on me.
Can they reset the factory defaults?

The Republican's Howard Dean

As people try to get their minds around Newt Gingrich's latest surge, why not look back to 2004?
Remember Howard Dean?
The first choice of those so upset with the first term of the president.
The true believer.
And the party went with the boring guy from Massachusetts.
Gingrich will last longer than Dean, but he taps the same vein of anger in the out-of-power party.
Will Republicans go with the boring guy from Massachusetts, instead of the guy who shares their disdain for the current leadership?
Wonder how well Gingrich can do a "Dean scream?'

The candidate for a mature voter

Ann Althouse, who voted for Obama in 2008, comes to terms with the Newt phenomenon.
Why?
Words matter more than style.
Third, Gingrich has achieved his position through the sheer force of putting ideas into words, words that people heard. There's something quite beautiful about that, quite American. And it's beautiful without the man being beautiful.

Who do you like?

Legal Insurrection and Dan Riehl have the links to "woe is me, Newt's going get us killed" chorus.
We've gone up and down with the Newt rollercoaster since the spring, and he keeps popping back up.
If you like Romney, why besides he has the best chance to win?
And lots of establishment Republicans like him?
We live in a Tea Party world now. Pushing establishment can be the kiss of death, not the plan to turn it around.
We live in a world that's upset with the establishment, not just Obama and Democrats.
It's going to be a fun few weeks.

Reagan only needed one debate

Newt Gingrich wants to challenge President Obama to seven Lincoln-Douglas style debates in the fall.
Want to put the country to sleep?
It's doubtful Obama will agree to such lengthy debates when Gingrich could shine.
But it probably doesn't matter how many times Obama would debate in the fall.
Ronald Reagan had just one debate with Jimmy Carter.
We know how that ended.
"There you go again."

Excuses, excuses

Byron York's reporting shows the Romney team isn't willing to accept the reality of South Carolina.
In their view, Gingrich has barely run a campaign.  As they see it, Team Gingrich doesn't have the money, professionalism, brains, or organization of the Romney campaign.  They see the former Speaker as somewhat unstable and vulnerable to continued attack on issues of ethics and morals.  And most of all, they see Gingrich as a candidate who owes his very existence to the never-ending series of Republican debates -- and not much more.
If the Romney team had brains, they wouldn't be in this situation.
Do you think Sarah Palin would have won the first three contests if she was in the race?

Newt Scootin' Boogie

The networks call the South Carolina primary for Newt Gingrich as the polls close?
They'll be dancing at his headquarters, and I've got a new song for them.

Down in Carolina I think we got a sign
This primary fight will go on for some time
The battle continues as we head on to Florida
Romney led early but it looks like he choked
It's still a contest folks, thanks to the Newt scootin' boogie

He did a good job debating John King
Looks like he won't back down from anything
He fired up the base that wants Obama gone
Upstate, Lower State, all over the place
He kept making his case for the Newt scootin' boogie

Yeah, here we go, battle's on, let's go Newt scootin'
Oh, Bain Cap, healthcare facts, attacks right on the money
He was down, turned it around, dancin' the Newt scootin' boogie

Voters ask me, say son what'll it be
I want a candidate I think will listen to me
He's gotta love the country, be proud of the Fourth of July
D.C. has outlaws, cheaters, crooks and fakes. We want to see them quake
We're doing the Newt scootin' boogie

Yeah, here we go, battle's on, let's go Newt scootin'
Oh, Bain Cap, healthcare facts, attacks right on the money
He was down, turned it around, dancin' the Newt scootin' boogie

A video of the inspiration.

Santorum wins

If it's not the headline in South Carolina, it ought to be out there.
Can Santorum get a makeup call for the Iowa undercount?

Big endorsement

Dan Riehl has given his support to Newt Gingrich, now that the Perry campaign is done.
And he links another big Gingrich endorsement.

That's the end of the game

It's the end of an era as Mac McGarry retires after 50-plus years hosting "It's Academic" in Washington. For many of those years, he also hosted the Baltimore show that I appeared on in 1978-80.

View more videos at: http://nbcwashington.com/?__source=embedCode.

Facebook quote of the week

Three mile run in the cold this morning = best part of my day. Going to dentist = worst part. Dentist wanted to chat about med school while jabbing sharp objects at me.

Saturday song

Looking forward to the Ravens' weekend in New England - and hopefully earning a week in Indianapolis.

C'mon Marianne

The interview with Newt Gingrich's second wife brought to mind this song, and produced this parody.

Whoa-ho-ho here I am on the stage again
I think I have a chance to be Mr. Right
Now I understand, an interview's your plan, c'mon Marianne

No matter the media say, it didn't happen that way
They want to hear you speak just to knock me down
Now you understand, a hit's their plan

C'mon Marianne, c'mon Marianne
C'mon Marianne, can't you please understand?
No Marianne, Marianne, Marianne, Marianne

Well now the big media are all full of it
All the bitterness saving Obama's rear.
Now I speak my piece, leave John King for dead

C'mon Marianne, c'mon Marianne
C'mon Marianne, I know that you understand
My Marianne
C'mon Marianne, c'mon Marianne
Marianne, Marianne, Marianne, Marianne

Marianne
Marianne
Marianne

A video of the inspiration

If Newt wins

What happens in 24 hours if Newt Gingrich snags first place in the South Carolina primary?
Glenn Beck's mind explodes.
It's not over before the Super Bowl.
Legal Insurrection rules.
It's a whole newt ball game.
I'll keep turning off the radio ads during Rush. Virginians don't have a real choice in the primary, so why listen to the ads?

Weekend watchdog

We know Madonna's going to be doing the halftime show February 5.

We know there's going to be some good commercials.

Sunday night, we'll know which teams will meet in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI.

The AFC goes first, at 3 p.m. on CBS. New England and its dominant offense face the Ravens and their tough defense - third in the NFL for the season.

The teams met two years ago in Foxborough, with the Ravens bursting out of the gate on Ray Rice's 83-yard touchdown run on the first play from scrimmage. Tom Brady sure remembers his first home playoff loss.

On Fox at 6:30 p.m., the 49ers host the New York Giants for the NFC crown. The teams met in the playoffs several times in the 1980s, and New York's trip to Super Bowl XXV included a victory at San Francisco in the NFC championship.

San Francisco has five Super Bowl trips on its resume, but hasn't been to the big game since 1994. The Giants have won all four NFC championship games they've played.

Saturday at noon, the ACC network has Boston College hosting Wake Forest followed by Georgia Tech facing Clemson at 2:30 p.m.

CBS has a college basketball tripleheader Saturday. Play begins at noon with Alabama at Kentucky, followed by Michigan taking on Arkansas. At 4 p.m. it's split coverage between Kansas-Texas and Connecticut vs. Tennessee.

ESPN starts Saturday in the Big Ten at noon with Purdue-Michigan, followed by a top-five battle between Baylor and Missouri. It's ACC action at 4 p.m. with Florida State taking on Duke, then top-ranked Syracuse plays Notre Dame. The night closes at 9 p.m. with Louisville visiting Pittsburgh.

On ESPN2, Saturday starts at 1 p.m. with Dayton taking on Xavier. Indiana State plays Creighton at 3 p.m., followed by Iowa State-Texas Tech and Mississippi State against Vanderbilt.
Comcast starts Saturday in the Atlantic 10 with St. Bonaventure meeting Fordham at noon. It's off to the Patriot League for Army-American at 2 p.m., then Towson plays George Mason at 4 p.m. There's more CAA at 8 p.m. as Old Dominion battles VCU.
MASN has four games Saturday, starting and ending in the Big East. Rutgers visits Georgetown at noon, and at 9 p.m. Marquette takes on Providence. In between, Winston-Salem meets Fayetteville State at 4 p.m. and Charlotte faces George Washington in an Atlantic-10 game at 7 p.m.
Kobe and the Lakers head east this week, meeting the Magic Friday at 8 p.m. on  ESPN. In the nightcap, the Clippers host Minnesota.
The Wizards host Denver Friday on Comcast-plus and take on the Celtics Sunday at 1 p.m. on Comcast.
The Capitals host Carolina Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, then play the Penguins on NBC Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
The first week of Australian Open coverage closes on ESPN2 Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 9 p.m. each night.
NBC Sports network has college ice hockey Friday, as Michigan plays Notre Dame.
Saturday at 6 p.m., the network has a new college football all-star game - the NFLPA Bowl. The NFL Network shows the East-West Shrine Game Saturday at 4 p.m.
In Big East women's basketball, MASN shows West Virginia at Pittsburgh Saturday at 2 p.m. while Comcast offers CAA play between Delaware and Drexel Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ESPN2 has a pair of games Sunday afternoon - Iowa vs. Penn State at 3 p.m. before Louisville plays Georgetown.
Looking for some outdoor extreme sports? NBC has the Pantech Invitational from Vermont Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

I hear the train a-coming

A friend links NPR's report on the Keystone XL rejection.
Among the alternatives to a pipeline - trains.
But the administration says there are ways of getting that oil to refineries in Texas without the Keystone XL, namely through “other new domestic pipelines, expansions or reversals of existing pipelines, and other modes of transport such as rail, that could play a role in increasing imports of crude oil from Canada to the United States, including to refineries in the U.S. Gulf Coast area.”
How long will the trains have to be to match the capacity of a pipeline.
And trains have to return north to pick up more crude. Do they go back empty?
I can't wait to hear about the carbon footprint of that idea.

Our brilliant Vice President

Vice President Biden proudly proclaimed the other day that the Giants were going to the Super Bowl.
In San Francisco.
Home of the 49ers
And the baseball Giants.
The New York football Giants appreciate the show of support.
The crowd? Not so much.
Get that video in a commercial. Run it in the fall, showing the brillance of this group.

Study the issue

If only President Obama had studied the prospects for Solyndra as intently as he wants to study the Keystone XL pipeline.

SOPA - Screw Obama's Political Activity

Did the websites going dark have an effect?
Apparently, Hollywood is quite unhappy with President Obama's decision to threaten a veto on SOPA.
Internet sites on their SOPA-Strike may be conducting a blackout but Hollywood studios are conducting a boycott. I’ve learned that Hollywood studio chiefs individually and as a group are drawing a line in the sand on the piracy issue with the Obama re-election campaign and refusing to give any more donations.
Obama has donors on both sides of the issue - big donors.
And he can't vote present.

It's Idol time

The new season of American Idol began Wednesday with the usually audition show stuff - big crowds, hopeful kids and some lousy singers.
The Atlantic will be there all year. Even though it's not as cool as it once was.
Idol need not fear The Voice, which will be competing against it on NBC this season. Nor needed it have feared Simon Cowell's unpleasant autumn endeavor The X Factor. Because, ultimately, why would we continue to smoke the cheap stuff when the premium grade — the original, the non-gimmicky, the pure white product — is right there, waiting for us with its sparkly January smile? That come hither glint that says "Hey, pull up a chair, we've missed you so much." And we can't help but respond, despite knowing we should know better, after all these years, "Hey. I've missed you too."

Hot in the kitchen

You have cooking shows.
You have competitive cooking shows.
You have celebrity reality shows.
Thus, Food Channel offers a celebrity competitive cooking show - Rachel vs. Guy.
Taylor Dayne has made it through the first three weeks of the show.
We'll see how well she's cooking this Sunday.

Obama - chasing dreams, ignoring reality

How do Republicans win in 2012?
Not a squeaker, but a stomper. One that leaves Democrats wounded for a long, long time.
The Keystone XL "decision" shows the way.
If you don't want to make a decision, you always need more information.
When you get more information, there's always "one more question."
The Republicans in Congress tried to get President Obama to make a decision before the election - and instead he whined about an "arbitrary deadline."
The reality Obama ignores is - oil is the fuel that drives our economy now.
It's nice to have dreams of clean energy carrying us into the future.
It's easy to give soaring speeches about those dreams.
But if you don't have the money to switch all your engines to something new, at the same time, you need to continue with the legacy fuel.
Canada's sitting on a pool of the fuel of now. And needs a way to get it to market.
The United States can help or be left out - that's the reality.
There's plenty of pipelines criss-crossing the United States - that's reality.
It's three years until 2015. In the "Back to the Future" movies, we have flying cars in 2015. And hover-conversions to outfit your old car for the new technology.
Even in your dreams of the future, you've got to deal with the reality of where people are.
Selling dreams won Obama the 2008 election.
In 2012, he's got to deal with reality.

Canada, go north

If the Obama administration won't approve the Keystone XL pipeline, which way does Canada go?
Over the Rockies to the Pacific Coast?
That sounds pretty hard.
How about going north to the Arctic Ocean?
Sure, there's ice now. But China's going to use the oil even if Democrats keep seeking the clean energy of the future - and bankruptcies of the present.
The Chinese economy pollutes. And will continue to pollute.
Which is why they'll take the Canadian fuel.
The Arctic ice pack will melt. No need for icebreakers to get to the fuel.
Or the Canadians can just wait a year.
It won't take long for the new Republican president to approve the project. He might do it before leaving Capitol Hill on inauguration day.

Blue in the red

Don Surber notes which states are in the deepest debt trouble - the Democratic states.

For the most part, these are undisciplined, spendthrift states who back a president who spends just like them.

States that like Obama since they act like him.

Good day for a bad decision

If you're going to choose a day to reject the Keystone XL pipeline, it might as well be the day Wikipedia goes dark.
You'll have to find other ways to find out about the pipeline.

Keep this thing going

Virginia may not have much of a say in the 2012 Republican primaries, but other states remain after South Carolina.
Sarah Palin hopes they have their say, and the vetting of the candidates continues.
If Romney's the most electable, let's get him really ready for the Obama attacks.

Today's Tied with Me

As the Baltimore Ravens keep playing, this blog slowly moves up the Technorati rankings for football - now standing at 212.
Tied with the Toronto Star's basketball blog, with covers all sports - including Muhammad Ali's 70th birthday.

Mickey Mouse recall

The foes of Wisconsin governor Scott Walker have submitted their signatures for a recall election.
How many times can Mickey Mouse sign a petition?
If you recall Walker, you've got to find the money to match the savings that Walker has wrought.
Don't think Mickey Mouse will be helping with that.

41 years ago

It's the 41st anniversary of Super Bowl V, won by the Baltimore Colts on a last-minute field goal.
It wasn't the prettiest Super Bowl, but it was quite fun for an 8-year-old to have his city's baseball and football teams win championships.

Another debate night

No Saturday debates this week - that's when they vote in South Carolina.
Pat is among the bloggers watching the action from Myrtle Beach.

Old stomping ground

I worked for just over three years in South Carolina, leaving just before the 1988 primaries.
So I missed the fun of those Republican contests.
It's cool to see Rick Perry campaigning a block from our newspaper office, and to see Newt Gingrich holding a town hall at a restaurant where I ate many meals.
Hopefully, the South Carolina Republicans will choose wisely Saturday.

Obama 2012 - it's still Bush's fault

Probably going to be lots of talk Monday about the Newsweek cover story - smacking at Obama critics.
Starts with two basic points

• Things were worse in 2009 than we thought.
• Things would be worse now if not for our actions.

Sorry, but "you broke it, you bought it."
George W. Bush has been retired for three years. You can't keep blaming all our problems on him.
There's so many complaints against Obama, it's hard to focus on just a few.
When we're paying $4 a gallon for gas in May, that will help our focus a bit.

Can we have a Bro Bowl?

Who's going to Super Bowl XLVI?
Will it be a repeat of the Har-Bowl of Thanksgiving, with John and the Ravens vs. Jim and the 49ers?
How about Eli playing on the field big brother Peyton calls home?
Jim Harbaugh played in Indy before Peyton arrived.
The sports guys will need something else to talk about with Tim Tebow done.

Weekend in New England

The Ravens will be in New England next Sunday for a chance to play in the Super Bowl.
Time to remember a good trip last time.

Follow the Surber Rule

Don Surber has a simple rule about the 2012 election posted on his blog - Republicans must focus on the economy and they will win.
He's got numbers to back up his rule.

But if only 23% of the public on November 6 believe they will be better off in the next 4 years under Obama, Rick Perry could drive a tank in a dress while singing, “I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it” and win in a landslide.

Hit the tip jar, not the deer

Does Mitt Romney have agents among the deer in the North Carolina wilderness?
The Other McCain passed his first obstacle on the way to Myrtle Beach and some campaign coverage.

It's the Ravens' turn

Of the four NFL games this weekend, the one with the least publicity would probably be the Ravens' game with Houston Sunday at 1 p.m.
Need info on it? A college classmate has plenty of stats.
I found a pattern of Baltimore home playoff games since 1970 that gives me hope.
1970 - won first home playoff game, won Super Bowl V
1976 - lost home playoff game
1977 - lost home playoff game
2000 - won first home playoff game, won Super Bowl XXXV
2003 - lost home playoff game
2006 - lost home playoff game
2011 - win home playoff game, win Super Bowl XLVI?
I hope so.

Saturday song

More 70s goodness, from Pablo Cruise.
Whatcha gonna do?

Facebook quote of the week

Thinking of doing the stash thing to show my support for our ravens. Opinions? I'm going to the gym in a while. Might do it after that. If I look funny guess it would grow back. LOL!

Tebow 3:16

ESPN notes the amazing string of 3,1,6 in the stat line at last week's Broncos win over the Steelers.
On Jan. 8, 2012, three years to the date that he caused millions of football fans to Google the meaning of John 3:16, Tebow played his first playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. And … Tebow threw for 316 yards.
Look for some 666s.
I dare you.

Obama is...

President Obama is...

1. Incompetent
2. Evil
3. Evilly incompetent
4. Incompetently evil
5. All of the above

With so many good choices, how is one choice going to get the majority?

At least we have Kaine vs. Allen

It's official - only two candidates on the Virginia Republican primary ballot.
Booooring.
The other states have all the fun.
Until the fall.
Democrats think Virginia will be their firewall.
They'll probably end up with singed eyebrows as their firewall burns down.
And George Allen returns to the Senate.

Weekend watchdog

If you watch ESPN at all, you know Chris Berman's going to be excited this weekend.

It's time for the final eight NFL teams to meet. Four teams with first round byes hosting the four teams that won last weekend.

The weekend starts off Saturday at 4:30 p.m., as the Saints visit San Francisco on FOX. Both teams finished 13-3, and Drew Brees' record-passing season will go against a tough 49er defense.

In primetime, the Patriots host Tim Tebow and the Broncos on CBS. New England seemed to end "Tebow magic" in week 15, but Tebow rallied Denver to an overtime victory last Sunday.

Sunday, the second-seeded Ravens host Houston at 1 p.m. on CBS. Baltimore has won four road playoff games the last three years, but hasn't won a home playoff game since the run to the Super Bowl XXXV championship in 2001.

The Packers continue their defense of the Super Bowl XLV title when the Giants come calling at 4:30 p.m. on FOX. The Giants' trek to winning Super Bowl XLII included a win at Green Bay in this round.

NBC starts its NHL game of the week package Saturday, with Chicago taking on Detroit at 12:30 p.m.  Comcast-plus shows the Capitals' visit Tampa Bay Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday Carolina visits Washington at 5 p.m.
The Rangers visit Montreal Sunday at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Network.
CBS has college basketball Saturday at 3:30 p.m., with Oregon going to Arizona. Sunday after the Ravens' game, Indiana visits Ohio State.
The ACC network has two games set for the weekend - N.C. State vs. Wake Forest Saturday at 1 p.m. and Georgia Tech vs. Maryland Sunday at 4 p.m.
ESPN has a Saturday afternoon doubleheader, starting at noon with Kentucky-Tennessee before the ACC contest between North Carolina and Florida State. ESPN2 shows three games Saturday as Notre Dame and Connecticut play at 11 a.m. Then it's off to the Big 12 for Missouri-Texas and Baylor vs. Oklahoma State at 3 p.m.
Comcast starts Saturday with CAA action between Hofstra and Old Dominion, then Virginia Tech heads to Boston College at 3 p.m. Sunday, UCLA meets USC at 9 p.m.
MASN offers four Big East games on Saturday, beginning at noon with Villanova playing Cincinnati. Rutgers takes on West Virginia at 2 p.m., followed by DePaul-Louisville and Pittsburgh against Providence. Radford meets VMI at 8 p.m. Georgetown plays St. John's at noon Sunday.
UNLV plays San Diego State Saturday at 4 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
ESPN2 has women's basketball Sunday afternoon. Temple plays Dayton at 2 p.m., followed by Ohio State against Michigan State. Comcast offers ACC women's basketball Sunday at 1 p.m. - Georgia Tech at Boston College.
ESPN starts Friday with the Bulls taking on the Celtics at 8 p.m, then the Heat battle the Nuggets. Sunday at 9 p.m., the Suns play the Spurs.
The Wizards travel to Philadelphia Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, and the teams meet in Washington Saturday at 7 p.m.
BC Sports Network has college ice hockey Friday at 7:30 p.m., matching Minnesota-Duluth and Nebraska-Omaha.
The Australian Open starts its two-week run Sunday at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
ESPN offers high school basketball Sunday at 4 p.m., with Tilton playing Brewster in New Hampshire.
The PBA World Championship final will be Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN.

Don't let Romney be Romney

If we're entering the inevitability part of the Republican primaries - looks like it's going to be Romney - what do conservatives have to look forward to?
After four years of "Barack's going to make you change, whether you like it or not," maybe it's not a bad idea to have "I agree with what 51 percent agree to" in the Oval Office.
With Romney, there's hope the flip-flops can be flipped your way - especially with Tea Party support in the House and Senate.
Don't like a Romney position?
Get 51 percent of the population on your side and he'll change his mind.
If you're part of the 49 percent, get your two percent from the other side and Romney will follow.
Don't let Romney be the bad Romney of the past. He can be a good Romney in the future.
We just have to show him the way.

Election Day Tea Party

President Obama's conservative cousin - Dr. Milton Wolf - links the announcement of ElectionDayTeaParty.com.
More reasons to look forward to November 2012 - and 2013.

Keep campaigning - we still have checks

The Other McCain takes a break from the campaign trail.
Too bad Rick Perry hasn't.
There's going to be some interesting things written when this campaign is over.

Into the Devils' den

It's hard to pay attention to college basketball early in the season, with so much football to watch.
Virginia has risen to the top 20, with only one loss.
How good are they?
We'll probably see tonight, when the Cavaliers play at Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Ready for the postseason

The Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders will be doing something Sunday they haven't done in 11 years - cheer at a home playoff game.
It might be a little cold for these outfits.

Paranoia vs. reality

The Virginia legislature starts its session Wednesday, and Gov. Bob McDonnell offers his state of the state address.
Time to see if Blue Virginia's paranoia meets reality.
Or if Blue Virginia's only reality about Republicans is paranoia.

On to South Carolina

The Republicans head south - to my old stomping grounds - for 11 days of campaigning before the next big contest.
We'll see if Romney can keep his surge going.

Bain and Kaine? This campaign is insane

Virginia Right lists some of the top donors to the Tim Kaine campaign - including Bain Capital.
Mitt Romney's Bain Capital.
Why the donations?
Trying to buy some love from the Democrats?
Or showing their true colors - establishment money helping establishment politician against the people's choice of George Allen?
Very interesting to follow the Bain money.
UPDATE: Picked up by Smitty.

Today's Tied with me

Technorati has this blog tied withPassive Family Income, giving tips on finding January bargains.
Gas isn't a bargain. Thanks, President Obama.

Before leaving New Hampshire

DaTech Guy posts his interviews from New Hampshire primary eve.
Lots can happen while some people watch football.

It's just a game

The Steelers' loss didn't go well for a Waynesboro man, according to the News Leader.
Police tried to subdue him, but Fisher kicked, flailed and bit at officers, Edwards said. When they couldn't handcuff him, police Tasered him to no effect. He was carried to the squad car.
In another struggle at the police station, Fisher was Tasered a second time. He was placed in handcuffs, leg chains and a waist belt.

BCS World Cup final

It's halftime of the BCS championship game.
Through 90-plus minutes of play this season, neither Alabama nor LSU have scored a touchdown in their games.
Only field goals.
I hope this game doesn't end in penalty kicks.

Supervisor at work

SWACgirl shares photos of new Augusta County supervisor David Karaffa taking the oath of office
And celebrating with those who worked hard to get him into this position.

There will be sleet in the Valley

I didn't seem sleet in the forecast this week.
Yet I see it on the ground at lunchtime.
Some people want to see snow, but I'm ready for warmer weather.

Soaring prices ahead

Will gas prices in 2012 follow the pattern of 2011?
If so, we'll be looking at $4 a gallon gas as the summer starts.
Sorry, President Obama.
You might think high gas prices could help out Obama, since it could tend to make more people think about hybrid or alternate technology vehicles. (Well… unless you’re already toasting marshmallows on the smoldering remains of your electric car.)

Get me a Tebow quote

Which politician will have the best Tim Tebow quote Monday in New Hampshire?
You know they are talking about it in morning meetings.

The Drive vs. The Quick End

The legend of Tim Tebow continues.
A quick end to join John Elway's playoff drive in 1987.
One overtime pass, an 80-yard completion, and it's off to New England next Saturday night.
Tebow's skill running meant the Steelers secondary was closer to the line than normal. So no one was there to help after the catch.
See you next year, Steelers.

Gearing up for the playoffs

With the Ravens eyeing the Super Bowl, I thought I'd check out the selection of jerseys at the Ravens' website.
They still sell a Kyle Boller jersey.
Would you pay $44 for the jersey of a player who hasn't been on the team in years? And wasn't popular during his tenure?

He's coming back

It's been more than a year, but Carl Kilo has a new post up at his blog.
Boogity, boogity, boogity. Let's go blogging, boy.

Why women live longer - thanks Dad

Instapundit links an interesting study about the transfer of cells between the mother and baby in utero.
There’s also tantalizing evidence that fetal cells may offer the mother increased resistance to certain diseases, thanks to the presence of the father’s immune system genes.
That baby can be a bundle of joy at birth and for years after.

For your win, you get to face the Ravens

After 10 seasons in the league, the Houston Texans have their first playoff victory.
And a date in Baltimore next Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Ravens won an October meeting with starter Matt Schaub in action. How will things go with third-string T.J. Yates?

Trog at 5000

The Troglopundit was so excited about reaching 5,000 posts, he forgot what year it was.
Soon, it will be three years of Trog.
How could he forgot last year was the big second blogiversary?

I care. About you, not so much

Over at Ace, Andy expounds on Mark Steyn's column on Democratic empathy.
Liberals stake out this moral high ground where they "care" about all sorts of "people": The Poor™, The 99%™, The Children™, Minorities™, Undocumented Citizens™, etc. ad nauseam.
But they sure don't seem to give a crap about any individual human beings, do they? It's all about creating and preserving groups that can be pitted against one another for electoral advantage.
As a matter of fact, they're downright hostile to individuals. And especially those in the earliest stages of life.

Facebook quote of the week

Gonna buy a big-girl snowboard with my Christmas money ... YAY!!!!!

Saturday song

Love those 70s outfits, like Amii Stewart in "Knock on Wood."

Profoundly pro-life

Via Wyblog, The Bitter Americans post an impressive poster.

Beggars can't be choosers

Penn State has a new head coach.
And unhappy former players and fans.
After all the bad publicity of the last few months, they ought to be happy somebody wants to go to Happy Valley.
We'll see if Tom Brady approves of the decision.

Amazon recovery

The unemployment number dropped in December.
Why?
More discouraged workers giving up.
FedEx and UPS hiring temporary workers to deliver orders from Amazon and other online retailers.
The weather's turning colder, and so will the unemployment report.

Weekend watchdog

The best two teams in college football meet Monday.

The best of the college football playoff level meet Saturday afternoon.

Saturday and Sunday, the NFL starts its run to the Super Bowl.

It's a good time to be a football fan.

New Orleans hosts two of the big games - a Saints playoff game and the BCS National Championship between LSU and Alabama. ESPN has coverage Monday at 8:30 p.m.

LSU enters the game as the top-ranked team in the nation, thanks to a 9-6 overtime win over Alabama in November. With other rivals dropping down the stretch, the Crimson Tide climbed back into the championship game rematch.

There's a few more games before the Tigers and Tide battle. FOX has the Cotton Bowl Friday at 8 p.m., matching Kansas State and Arkansas. Saturday at 1 p.m., Pittsburgh faces SMU in the Compass Bowl on ESPN, and Sunday at 9 p.m. Northern Illinois plays Arkansas State in the GoDaddy Bowl.

The real Division I playoff concludes Saturday at 1 p.m. on ESPN2, with Sam Houston State playing North Dakota State.

It's the wild-card weekend for the NFL. NBC has a pair of games Saturday, beginning in Houston as the Texans make their first-ever postseason trip against Cincinnati. In primetime, the Saints host Detroit at 8 p.m. in the Lions' first playoff game since 1999.

Sunday, FOX shows the Falcons' battle with the New York Giants at 1 p.m. CBS heads west at 4:30 p.m. as the Steelers take on Tim Tebow and the Broncos.

Before offering the NFL on Sunday, CBS shows Wisconsin at Michigan. Watch the clock.

The ACC Network shows Virginia Tech taking on Wake Forest Saturday at noon, followed by North Carolina-Boston College.

ESPN2 gets an early start Saturday, matching Tennessee and Florida at 11 a.m. Florida State and Clemson meet at 4 p.m. Comcast starts Saturday in the PAC-12, as Washington heads to Utah at 2 p.m. Then it's CAA matchups between Delaware and William & Mary at 4 p.m. followed by Georgia State meeting George Mason at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Comcast features Arizona-USC at 5:30 p.m. before a CAA contest between VCU and Drexel.

MASN has five Big East games on the schedule Saturday, beginning at noon with Georgetown at West Virginia. St. John's visits Cincinnati at 2 p.m., then Marquette travels to Syracuse. It's Seton Hall-Providence at 6 p.m., with the nightcap of Connecticut battling Rutgers at 8 p.m.

Sunday at noon, DePaul takes on Villanova.

ESPN has the Bulls visiting Orlando Friday at 8 p.m., followed by the Trail Blazers at the Suns.

The Wizards host the Knicks Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast and the Timberwolves Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Capitals are out west, facing San Jose Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on Comcast. The newly-named NBC Sports Network has Detroit vs. Chicago Sunday at 7:30 p.m.. The network, formerly Versus, shows college ice hockey Friday at 7:30 p.m., with Dartmouth taking on RPI.

CBS has a women's college basketball doubleheader Saturday - Michigan State taking on Penn State at 2 p.m. before Notre Dame plays host to Connecticut. Comcast offers ACC women's basketball Saturday at noon, as Georgia Tech battles Maryland.

From the high school ranks, ESPN2 has a basketball contest between Simeon of Illinois and Miller Grove of Georgia.

The People's Choice

Awards season starts this Wednesday with the People's Choice Award.
Kaley Cuoco will be the host.
We already knew she was the people's choice.

You deserve a link today

Where's the hopping place to post to your blog?
The Other McCain and DaTech Guy will be spending time at different McDonald's in New Hampshire the next few days.
I'll take Wi-Fi with my Big Mac.

Stealing money, $5 at a time

Interesting story in the News Leader.
A pizza store manager was arrested for embezzling money from the store.
Which chain?
When arrested, she was "Caught, caught."

Why go to New Hampshire?

The Other McCain and DaTech Guy will be heading to New Hampshire Thursday to follow Rick Santorum and the other candidates around the Granite State the next few days.
Mitt Romney is supposedly the frontrunner due to his years as Massachusetts governor. But aren't there problems Romney left behind (cough, Romneycare, cough) that a visit across the border could highlight?
Boston TV stations and newspapers easily cross the border. Talk about what Romney didn't do in Massachusetts and boost your chances of getting the nomination.
New Hampshire gets its spot in the sun this weekend. And Massachusetts could cast a shadow over Romney.

Just three months

I'm tired of the cold already.
Only three months until baseball opening night in Miami.
In two months, spring training games begin.
There is hope.

No more Bachmann Turnout Overdrive

Michelle Bachmann has become the first official casualty of Tuesday's Iowa caucus.
She had one shining day in the sun. But you can't build a house with straw.

Eight votes

Lots to think about the Iowa caucuses.
National Review gathers some opinions, and plenty will flow throughout the day.
Great job by Rick Santorum, doing the groundwork and riding the wave at the right time.

Ride the Santorum surge

The Other McCain rides out of Iowa Wednesday after a week following the Santorum surge.
Next stop, New Hampshire.
I've done some body surfing at New Hampshire beaches.
We'll see how long Santorum can ride the wave.

His fantastic four?

On the day of the 2012 Iowa caucus, President Obama's team wants you to remember 2008.
It's pretty incredible to see candidate Obama talk about what President Obama ultimately did. He makes four specific promises -- on reforming health care, making college more affordable, ending the war in Iraq, and putting us on the path to energy independence -- all of which today, four years later, are promises kept.
What's the reality about Obama's fantastic four?

1. Health care reform? The Supreme Court has something to say about that in a few months.
2. College more affordable? As your local Occupy Wall Street protester.
3. Ending the war in Iraq? Thanks, George W. Bush, for the surge.
4. Path to energy independence? Solyndra

Keep thinking you're doing great stuff, Obama team. Lots of people without jobs have more time on their hands to examine the record.

The game won't be the same

A former co-worker will be watching Tuesday's Virginia Tech game with a heavy-heart - his father passed away since the Hokies last took the field.
I will miss watching Hokie games with my dad, and getting texts from him during the game. Virginia Tech football is a big part of our lives together. If the Hokies lose big to Michigan tonight, he wouldn't be surprised. But he would still be ticked. Because it does matter.

Today's Tied with me

Overall, this blog is tied with one of the top 100 celebrity blogs.
I didn't watch "The Bachelor," but for those who did, here's their take.

Back to work

The holidays are over.
It's going to be below freezing all year long.
Just remember, you're not President Obama.
He had to leave Hawaii to return to this cold weather.
And he knows his time on the job is short.

Who's Wisconsin playing?

Watching the Rose Bowl is kind of hard.
It's easy to see Wisconsin.
Oregon? They blend into the grass on the long shots.
I know they're there. They are scoring plenty of points.

Plenty of prime time choices

The end of the regular season means you know who you'll be playing in the 2012 regular season.
Lots of good choices for the Ravens to be on Sunday Night or Monday night football.
Maybe the home opener reserved for the Super Bowl champion?

Back to school, Augusta County

Since New Year's Day was on Sunday, today's a holiday at work.
But some groups consider this just another day - like Augusta County schools.
The boys head back to school after Christmas break - a fact we didn't realize until Sunday afternoon.
I'm surprised.
The boys were crushed.
Stunned.
In disbelief.
We always consider Monday the 2nd to be a holiday after a Sunday New Year's Day.
Sorry.

Beware the Ides of January

The Ravens won their third AFC North title Sunday, in a game that went down to the last play.
They've won playoff games on the road the past three years, but have failed to win in their last two home playoff games (2003 and 2006).
January 15th will be a fun day - Ravens game at 1 p.m. and Packers at 4:30 p.m.

A strike against Santorum

Rick Santorum may be surging in the Iowa polls.
But he has lousy taste in football teams.

Best thing about New Year's Day

Hurray, it's January 1.
The latest fundraising deadline has passed.
Obama fundraising emails won't be cluttering the inbox - for a few days.
Maybe if they offered to remove you from fundraising emails for a $3 donation.

Sue me if you do, sue me if you don't

What's the lesson the Virginia GOP should take away from the primary mess?
If only two candidates make the cut, since you changed enforcement of the rules due to the threat of a lawsuit, you'll still get a lawsuit.
Cracking on candidates you didn't make the cut doesn't get them to go away.
It just prolongs the process.

First laughs of the year

Begin 2012 right by reading Dave Barry's highlights of the past year.