President Obama dropped a lemon on us with his health care reform.
Bluefield, West Virginia has a lemon dropping to ring in 2014.
Sounds like a good place to pucker up.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Let there be light
Did you get your light bulbs before production ended?
I guess with lousy light, you won't be able to tell how lousy Obamacare is.
I guess with lousy light, you won't be able to tell how lousy Obamacare is.
More pain in 2014
The problems of Obamacare erupting in the fall of 2013 are just a preview of the pain of 2014.
Which party passed it and which party tried to stop it?
Vote accordingly in November.
Which party passed it and which party tried to stop it?
Vote accordingly in November.
Today's Tied with me
Technorati has this blog tied with Riggo's Rag, which follows the woes of the Washington Redskins.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Get ready to whine
Megan McArdle pictures the bad news looming if the Obama administration try to hit some taxpayers with the individual mandate.
If the administration had been resolute in the face of early complaints, and had stuck to the rules it wrote before October, then it would be in a stronger position to deny the next round of complainers. But it hasn’t. And each round of special exceptions makes denying the next one harder: “The president was willing to help them, but not us! What’s wrong with us? Doesn’t the president care about people like me?” When you stick to the rules for everyone, you are not making any particular statement when you enforce them in an individual case.
Think we'll have any problems finding families hurt by Obamacare.
If the administration had been resolute in the face of early complaints, and had stuck to the rules it wrote before October, then it would be in a stronger position to deny the next round of complainers. But it hasn’t. And each round of special exceptions makes denying the next one harder: “The president was willing to help them, but not us! What’s wrong with us? Doesn’t the president care about people like me?” When you stick to the rules for everyone, you are not making any particular statement when you enforce them in an individual case.
Think we'll have any problems finding families hurt by Obamacare.
Best of the year
I was thinking about what posts to highlight from 2013.
But what difference, at this point, does it make?
But what difference, at this point, does it make?
No cherries, only pits
Ann Althouse has a great line about efforts to highlight good things from Obamacare.
You can only cherry-pick where there are some cherries.
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, after all.
You can only cherry-pick where there are some cherries.
You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, after all.
Your time is up
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Making history
For the first time since this blog started, the Ravens aren't going to the playoffs.
Probably because they didn't want to play in a Super Bowl in New York.
There's probably going to be a blizzard that weekend.
Yeah, I'll go with that.
Probably because they didn't want to play in a Super Bowl in New York.
There's probably going to be a blizzard that weekend.
Yeah, I'll go with that.
Almost Republican, West Virginia
Hot Air looks at declining Democratic chances in West Virginia.
Charleston Democrat leaders are already tossing out statements saying that the GOP can’t “run against Obama” in these races, and if voters want to vote against the President they should, “wait until he runs for school board in Illinois.” It’s obvious at this point that the entire Democrat Party in West Virginia is in full speed retreat away from Barack Obama and all things related to him, but it’s going to be hard for their candidates to erase their combined records of previous support.
Charleston Democrat leaders are already tossing out statements saying that the GOP can’t “run against Obama” in these races, and if voters want to vote against the President they should, “wait until he runs for school board in Illinois.” It’s obvious at this point that the entire Democrat Party in West Virginia is in full speed retreat away from Barack Obama and all things related to him, but it’s going to be hard for their candidates to erase their combined records of previous support.
Placebo care
DaTech Guy finds a solution to Obamacare - tell people to believe they have healthcare.
Rather than actually worry about providing treatment to people what if the Obama administration uses their persuasive powers to magnify the placebo effect among the low information voters who are their base?
Picture…a massive network of “Placebo” clinics staffed by out of work actors, gender studies Majors , professional protesters, out of work union members and liberal arts majors who can’t find work in the actual Obama economy.
The Obama years have been based on belief more than reality.
They will probably jump at this.
Rather than actually worry about providing treatment to people what if the Obama administration uses their persuasive powers to magnify the placebo effect among the low information voters who are their base?
Picture…a massive network of “Placebo” clinics staffed by out of work actors, gender studies Majors , professional protesters, out of work union members and liberal arts majors who can’t find work in the actual Obama economy.
The Obama years have been based on belief more than reality.
They will probably jump at this.
Feel bad for the insurance companies
If the insurance companies had a spine, they probably wouldn't ask to keep it.
The continuing rollout troubles of Obamacare make you wonder if they are the villians of health insurance or rubes that the politicians play with.
The naivety I had witnessed during the Clinton Wars was still in force. Many of us tried to warn the industry that they would regret this arrangement. Yes, they might be assured of modest profits, but the cost of sacrificing their autonomy would be far too high. They would become little more than public utilities. They would lose all control over benefit design, marketing practices, and rate setting. They would have no idea of the risks they were enrolling and would have to set premiums blindly.
The continuing rollout troubles of Obamacare make you wonder if they are the villians of health insurance or rubes that the politicians play with.
The naivety I had witnessed during the Clinton Wars was still in force. Many of us tried to warn the industry that they would regret this arrangement. Yes, they might be assured of modest profits, but the cost of sacrificing their autonomy would be far too high. They would become little more than public utilities. They would lose all control over benefit design, marketing practices, and rate setting. They would have no idea of the risks they were enrolling and would have to set premiums blindly.
It has become much, much worse than I ever imagined. Obamacare is not even fully in effect yet and already we are seeing the President playing with the carriers like a toddler plays with toy trucks.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Oh man, what a year
Don Surber finds a man who epitomizes the year 2013.
I don't know what we are going to do! We had insurance and Obama took it from us. I didn't vote for Obama and did not support Obamacare. I knew Obamacare would fail but I truly did not want Obamacare to fail. Only an idiot would want it to fail when its failure would mean havoc and no insurance for my children.
We had insurance and Obama took it away. We have tried everything to get new insurance. The president has placed my family in an untenable position. This Obamacare nightmare reminds me of another collectivization attempt; in 1932 Stalin confiscated the farms of Ukraine. He issued impossible quotas and starved 10,000,000 to death in the Holodomor. The parallels of robbing families and children of such a basic necessity is terrifying!
I don't know what we are going to do! We had insurance and Obama took it from us. I didn't vote for Obama and did not support Obamacare. I knew Obamacare would fail but I truly did not want Obamacare to fail. Only an idiot would want it to fail when its failure would mean havoc and no insurance for my children.
We had insurance and Obama took it away. We have tried everything to get new insurance. The president has placed my family in an untenable position. This Obamacare nightmare reminds me of another collectivization attempt; in 1932 Stalin confiscated the farms of Ukraine. He issued impossible quotas and starved 10,000,000 to death in the Holodomor. The parallels of robbing families and children of such a basic necessity is terrifying!
The year that was
You can't go wrong checking out Dave Barry's review of 2013.
Were there any new trends in 2013? Yes, but they were not good. Kale, for example. Suddenly this year restaurants started putting kale into everything, even though it is an unappetizing form of plant life that until recently was used primarily for insulation. Even goats will not eat it. Goats, when presented with kale, are like, “No thanks, we’ll just chew on used seat cushions.”
Another annoying 2013 trend was people who think it is clever to say “hashtag” in front of everything. Listen carefully, people who think this is clever: hashtag shut up.
Were there any new trends in 2013? Yes, but they were not good. Kale, for example. Suddenly this year restaurants started putting kale into everything, even though it is an unappetizing form of plant life that until recently was used primarily for insulation. Even goats will not eat it. Goats, when presented with kale, are like, “No thanks, we’ll just chew on used seat cushions.”
Another annoying 2013 trend was people who think it is clever to say “hashtag” in front of everything. Listen carefully, people who think this is clever: hashtag shut up.
Queen of welfare fraud
Mickey Kaus examines the legacy of the welfare queen often talked about by Ronald Reagan during his presidential career.
What Levin documents with deadpan detail is that Taylor wasn’t that bad. She was much, much worse–a multitasking con artist who, in addition to routinely bilking the welfare state, quite possibly murdered someone and kidnapped at least one baby and generally left a stunningly long trail of misery and death.
Old Lib CW: Reagan was wrong because his “bogus” story was “a gross exaggeration of a minor case of welfare fraud.” (Paul Krugman)
New Lib CW: Reagan was wrong because his accurate story minimized Taylor’s crimes!
Fraud fires up the voters who tire of seeing their tax money wasted.
It's why they feel Taxed Enough Already.
What Levin documents with deadpan detail is that Taylor wasn’t that bad. She was much, much worse–a multitasking con artist who, in addition to routinely bilking the welfare state, quite possibly murdered someone and kidnapped at least one baby and generally left a stunningly long trail of misery and death.
Old Lib CW: Reagan was wrong because his “bogus” story was “a gross exaggeration of a minor case of welfare fraud.” (Paul Krugman)
New Lib CW: Reagan was wrong because his accurate story minimized Taylor’s crimes!
Fraud fires up the voters who tire of seeing their tax money wasted.
It's why they feel Taxed Enough Already.
Saturday song
The Duck Dynasty and their fans like this song.
Cause every girls crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man.
Cause every girls crazy 'bout a sharp-dressed man.
Honor your father, not your TV exec
Who won the Duck Dynasty flap?
The family that prays together stays together.
The family that prays together stays together.
Facebook quote of the week
Q: Why weren’t there any nativity scenes in Washington D.C.?
A: They couldn’t find three wise men.
A: They couldn’t find three wise men.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Hey TV execs, think next time
Who had A&E folding in nine days in the pool?
Let the post-mortems roll.
But what probably helped turn the tide in the Robertsons’ favor was that the debate wasn’t as clear-cut as the network and many in the media initially assumed. Robertson and his supporters argued that his anti-gay statements were an extension of his passion for the Bible. Once that frame gained a foothold — that this fight is about religion, and the freedom to endorse biblical teachings — A&E was stuck in the awkward position of appearing to advocate against both its own star and orthodox Christianity.
Phil and the family won't be bothered reading these discussions.
The guys are out duck hunting.
Let the post-mortems roll.
But what probably helped turn the tide in the Robertsons’ favor was that the debate wasn’t as clear-cut as the network and many in the media initially assumed. Robertson and his supporters argued that his anti-gay statements were an extension of his passion for the Bible. Once that frame gained a foothold — that this fight is about religion, and the freedom to endorse biblical teachings — A&E was stuck in the awkward position of appearing to advocate against both its own star and orthodox Christianity.
Phil and the family won't be bothered reading these discussions.
The guys are out duck hunting.
Duck, duck, lose
A&E's "indefinite hiatus" of Phil Robertson lasted nine days.
Ace wasn't impressed by the networks' statement.
Our current social understanding of free speech is this: You can speak your mind freely if you have a large enough army of supporters to pressure a company into resisting pressure from a large army of Speech Police.
This is not free speech. This is free speech as an exceptional thing -- only for those with a wide, passionate following -- not as a routine thing.
A&E is a cowardly organization. First it puts Robertson on "indefinite hiatus" under pressure from one group of people, then it puts him back on the air because they've been pressured by a somewhat larger group of people.
Ace wasn't impressed by the networks' statement.
Our current social understanding of free speech is this: You can speak your mind freely if you have a large enough army of supporters to pressure a company into resisting pressure from a large army of Speech Police.
This is not free speech. This is free speech as an exceptional thing -- only for those with a wide, passionate following -- not as a routine thing.
A&E is a cowardly organization. First it puts Robertson on "indefinite hiatus" under pressure from one group of people, then it puts him back on the air because they've been pressured by a somewhat larger group of people.
Weekend watchdog
The last two years, the Cowboys have lost in a final winner-take-all primetime contest.
They get another chance Sunday night.
NBC gets the Cowboys finale again, hosting the Eagles Sunday at 8:30 p.m. The winner advances to the playoffs as NFC East champion.
The last two NFC East champions finish up the season Sunday at 1 p.m., with the Redskins at Giants on Fox. The NFC North title comes down to Packers facing the Bears at 4:25 p.m.
CBS has the Ravens needing to beat the Bengals to get into the playoffs at 1 p.m. The Patriots look to clinch a first-round bye against the Bills in the nightcap.
The college bowl season continues Friday at 2:30 p.m. when Marshall meets Maryland in the Military Bowl on ESPN, followed by Syracuse-Minnesota from Texas and BYU against Washington from San Francisco at 9:30 p.m.
There's four more bowls on ESPN Saturday. From Yankee Stadium, Rutgers takes on Notre Dame at noon before North Carolina meets Cincinnati in Charlotte. Future ACC foes battle at 6:45 p.m. when Miami faces Louisville before Michigan takes on Kansas State. The restaurant will stay open until the game ends.
The Wizards face the Pistons Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
On the college court, Nebraska takes on Cincinnati Saturday at noon on ESPN2 followed by Eastern Michigan-Duke. Missouri faces North Carolina State at 8 p.m., then Alabama meets UCLA at 10 p.m.
CBS brings a doubleheader Saturday, with Villanova against Syracuse at 2 p.m. before Louisville battles Kentucky.
Richmond hosts Old Dominion Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network. TCU takes on Texas Southern Sunday at 2 p.m. on MASN2.
In women's basketball, Illinois faces Georgia on Comcast Saturday at 4 p.m. while ESPN shows Cincinnati-Connecticut Sunday at 5 p.m.
NBC brings Cardiff City-Sunderland Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
The Capitals host the Rangers Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, then visit Buffalo Sunday at 5 p.m.
The road to Sochi continues Friday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports network with Speed Skating trials. Canada plays the United States in women's ice hockey Saturday at 4 p.m.
ESPN has the World Championship of Bowling Sunday at 1 p.m.
They get another chance Sunday night.
NBC gets the Cowboys finale again, hosting the Eagles Sunday at 8:30 p.m. The winner advances to the playoffs as NFC East champion.
The last two NFC East champions finish up the season Sunday at 1 p.m., with the Redskins at Giants on Fox. The NFC North title comes down to Packers facing the Bears at 4:25 p.m.
CBS has the Ravens needing to beat the Bengals to get into the playoffs at 1 p.m. The Patriots look to clinch a first-round bye against the Bills in the nightcap.
The college bowl season continues Friday at 2:30 p.m. when Marshall meets Maryland in the Military Bowl on ESPN, followed by Syracuse-Minnesota from Texas and BYU against Washington from San Francisco at 9:30 p.m.
There's four more bowls on ESPN Saturday. From Yankee Stadium, Rutgers takes on Notre Dame at noon before North Carolina meets Cincinnati in Charlotte. Future ACC foes battle at 6:45 p.m. when Miami faces Louisville before Michigan takes on Kansas State. The restaurant will stay open until the game ends.
The Wizards face the Pistons Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
On the college court, Nebraska takes on Cincinnati Saturday at noon on ESPN2 followed by Eastern Michigan-Duke. Missouri faces North Carolina State at 8 p.m., then Alabama meets UCLA at 10 p.m.
CBS brings a doubleheader Saturday, with Villanova against Syracuse at 2 p.m. before Louisville battles Kentucky.
Richmond hosts Old Dominion Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network. TCU takes on Texas Southern Sunday at 2 p.m. on MASN2.
In women's basketball, Illinois faces Georgia on Comcast Saturday at 4 p.m. while ESPN shows Cincinnati-Connecticut Sunday at 5 p.m.
NBC brings Cardiff City-Sunderland Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
The Capitals host the Rangers Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast, then visit Buffalo Sunday at 5 p.m.
The road to Sochi continues Friday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports network with Speed Skating trials. Canada plays the United States in women's ice hockey Saturday at 4 p.m.
ESPN has the World Championship of Bowling Sunday at 1 p.m.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Choose your view
ESPN and friends will be showing the National Championship game on January 6 in multiple formats on multiple channels.
They are hoping for a close game.
No number of choices will keep interest in a blowout.
They are hoping for a close game.
No number of choices will keep interest in a blowout.
Bring on spring
Pat in Shreveport has already moved past Christmas.
Our local Target was faster - they had a Valentine theme to the pet toys area before the store closed Christmas Eve.
Our local Target was faster - they had a Valentine theme to the pet toys area before the store closed Christmas Eve.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
It's a Wonderful Facebook Life
In the modern version of "It's a Wonderful Life," every time a post gets a like, an angel gets its wings.
Lots of wings given Christmas Eve and Day.
Lots of wings given Christmas Eve and Day.
A real silent night
A repeat from last Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Hope you are having a great Christmas Eve.
It's hard to understand what people have against the Christmas celebration, trying to change to words to a "inclusive" holiday celebration.
An answer may be found driving around Christmas Eve night.
Stores close early.
No pizza delivery.
The fast food joints are dark.
Just a few stores stay open into the night.
Basically the world goes dark for 24 hours from 6 p.m. Christmas Eve to 6 p.m. Christmas Day.
It's a night to be part of events with family and friends.
If you're not part of that, there's no denying it.
There's not much open to distract you.
Few very places to gather with people who are not part of the family festivities.
It's all Christmas, all the time Christmas Eve night.
Each year, there's a few more places that open on Christmas Day to give you a place to go. Few enough it's a big deal - Starbucks in Waynesboro has had a banner up for weeks noting its Christmas hours.
You can catch a new movie Christmas night but not much else.
Christmas isn't just a holiday.
It's different.
It's a day the whole world stops - for just a moment.
It's the way it's supposed to be - no one who has lived has been like Jesus of Nazareth.
There's no denying it.
Even if you wish to distract the attention of people away from the fact.
Merry Christmas.
Hope you are having a great Christmas Eve.
It's hard to understand what people have against the Christmas celebration, trying to change to words to a "inclusive" holiday celebration.
An answer may be found driving around Christmas Eve night.
Stores close early.
No pizza delivery.
The fast food joints are dark.
Just a few stores stay open into the night.
Basically the world goes dark for 24 hours from 6 p.m. Christmas Eve to 6 p.m. Christmas Day.
It's a night to be part of events with family and friends.
If you're not part of that, there's no denying it.
There's not much open to distract you.
Few very places to gather with people who are not part of the family festivities.
It's all Christmas, all the time Christmas Eve night.
Each year, there's a few more places that open on Christmas Day to give you a place to go. Few enough it's a big deal - Starbucks in Waynesboro has had a banner up for weeks noting its Christmas hours.
You can catch a new movie Christmas night but not much else.
Christmas isn't just a holiday.
It's different.
It's a day the whole world stops - for just a moment.
It's the way it's supposed to be - no one who has lived has been like Jesus of Nazareth.
There's no denying it.
Even if you wish to distract the attention of people away from the fact.
Today's Tied with me
Technorati has this blog tied with Travel Freak, which looks at Christmas trees from around the world.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Cause we like the Robertsons
DaTech Guy looks at the causes behind the Duck Dynasty controversy - and wonders what's next.
Remembering the Carnival
Among my first blogging experiences was contributing to the Carnival of Christmas in 2008.
Wonder how many of the links still work?
Wonder how many of the links still work?
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Hear the bells
Time to post one of my favorite Christmas carols again.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men
I thought how, as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men
And in despair I bowed by head
"There is no peace on earth," I said
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men"
Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep
"God is not dead nor doth he sleep;
For wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men"
Then ringing, singing on its way,
The World revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men
I thought how, as the day had come
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men
And in despair I bowed by head
"There is no peace on earth," I said
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men"
Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep
"God is not dead nor doth he sleep;
For wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men"
Then ringing, singing on its way,
The World revolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men
Ancestrophobia
With the Phil Robertson saga, the word "homophobia" gets thrown around.
When you're looking for fear, it's on the homosexual side.
They fear the voices of their ancestors.
Everybody alive has ancestors who belief the same thing Phil Robertson said in this interview.
How do you feel about your ancestors?
It's Christmas, a time of tradition. You have pictures of your grandparents holding you as a baby.
The people who held them as babies would agree with Phil Robertson.
The Robertson clan loves their current family, and loves their ancestors who worked hard in the past.
And they want their ancestors' view to continue into future generations.
They don't just focus on the present.
The present comes from the past and builds a better future.
If you're upset with what Phil Robertson says today, you're saying his pappy and grandpappy are wrong too.
He loves his ancestors and isn't going to change his voice of them for you.
Do you love your ancestors?
Or fear their voices?
When you're looking for fear, it's on the homosexual side.
They fear the voices of their ancestors.
Everybody alive has ancestors who belief the same thing Phil Robertson said in this interview.
How do you feel about your ancestors?
It's Christmas, a time of tradition. You have pictures of your grandparents holding you as a baby.
The people who held them as babies would agree with Phil Robertson.
The Robertson clan loves their current family, and loves their ancestors who worked hard in the past.
And they want their ancestors' view to continue into future generations.
They don't just focus on the present.
The present comes from the past and builds a better future.
If you're upset with what Phil Robertson says today, you're saying his pappy and grandpappy are wrong too.
He loves his ancestors and isn't going to change his voice of them for you.
Do you love your ancestors?
Or fear their voices?
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Frisco kids
In two weeks, a college football champion will be crowned.
There will also a National Championship game at the Rose Bowl, but two days before that the two playoff survivors will meet in Frisco, Texas.
My school, Towson, and North Dakota State both won three playoff games to advance this contest.
No polls or power points.
There will also a National Championship game at the Rose Bowl, but two days before that the two playoff survivors will meet in Frisco, Texas.
My school, Towson, and North Dakota State both won three playoff games to advance this contest.
No polls or power points.
Obama's terrible year in review
With the President Obama in Hawaii, John Podhoretz unloads the list of his 2013 struggles.
In the eyes of his friends and admirers, who are shocked at how badly things have gone, Obama did not raise “barriers and defenses” to prepare for the exigencies of fortune and now “everything is flying before it, all are yielding to its violence, without being able in any way to withstand it.”
In the eyes of his friends and admirers, who are shocked at how badly things have gone, Obama did not raise “barriers and defenses” to prepare for the exigencies of fortune and now “everything is flying before it, all are yielding to its violence, without being able in any way to withstand it.”
Who are the haters?
TMZ tells who pushed A&E on suspending Phil Robertson - gay members of the crew.
What's their motivation?
Feeling hate or feeling guilt?
What's their motivation?
Feeling hate or feeling guilt?
Facebook quote of the week
Let's stop being mad at the 1 Percent who control 90 percent of this country's wealth and instead focus on the 1 Percent who want to remove all the fun and make everything in this country politically correct. Here's the solution: If you don't like something don't watch it! Stay home, turn off the radio or TV, don't buy it at the newstand. But quit forcing your morales and political correctness on me. Thanks.
Saturday Christmas song
If your Christmas cards have not all been sent, it's probably too late.
But you can still enjoy Karen Carpenter's song.
But you can still enjoy Karen Carpenter's song.
Friday, December 20, 2013
How do you make a fruit cordial?
Mark Steyn asks the important questions, and remembers the jokes from yesterday you'd better not say today.
Here are two jokes one can no longer tell on American television. But you can still find them in the archives, out on the edge of town, in Sub-Basement Level 12 of the ever-expanding Smithsonian Mausoleum of the Unsayable. First, Bob Hope, touring the world in the year or so after the passage of the 1975 Consenting Adult Sex Bill:
“I’ve just flown in from California, where they’ve made homosexuality legal. I thought I’d get out before they make it compulsory.”
And
Second joke from the archives: Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra kept this one in the act for a quarter-century. On stage, Dino used to have a bit of business where he’d refill his tumbler and ask Frank, “How do you make a fruit cordial?” And Sinatra would respond, “I dunno. How do you make a fruit cordial?” And Dean would say, “Be nice to him.”
Here are two jokes one can no longer tell on American television. But you can still find them in the archives, out on the edge of town, in Sub-Basement Level 12 of the ever-expanding Smithsonian Mausoleum of the Unsayable. First, Bob Hope, touring the world in the year or so after the passage of the 1975 Consenting Adult Sex Bill:
“I’ve just flown in from California, where they’ve made homosexuality legal. I thought I’d get out before they make it compulsory.”
And
Second joke from the archives: Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra kept this one in the act for a quarter-century. On stage, Dino used to have a bit of business where he’d refill his tumbler and ask Frank, “How do you make a fruit cordial?” And Sinatra would respond, “I dunno. How do you make a fruit cordial?” And Dean would say, “Be nice to him.”
Inspire and draw fire
Powerline uses science to show how Sarah Palin and the Tea Party help Republicans.
The Republican leadership should stop denying this science.
The Republican leadership should stop denying this science.
Weekend watchdog
You'll be bowled over the next 17 days.
The college bowl season kicks off Saturday with four games. There's only three days without a contest before Auburn and Florida State battle for the National Championship on January 6.
The New Mexico Bowl starts the action at 2 p.m. on ESPN, with Washington State meeting Colorado State. There's a battle of top 25 teams on ABC at 3:30 p.m. with Fresno State against Southern Cal in Las Vegas.
It's off to the blue turf for Buffalo-San Diego State in the Potato Bowl at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN. Tulane and Louisiana-Lafayette meet in the New Orleans Bowl at 9 p.m.
New Hampshire heads to top-seeded North Dakota State in a semifinal for the FBS Division Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN2. The best of Division II meet when Lenoir-Rhyne faces Northwest Missouri State Saturday at noon on ESPN2.
Candlestick hosts its last regular season game Monday when the 49ers take on the Falcons at 8:40 p.m. NBC used the flex to grab the Eagles' game with the Bears Sunday night.
The Ravens and Patriots have the second game on CBS Sunday at 4:25 p.m., following Broncos-Texans. The Redskins and Cowboys play on Fox at 1 p.m.
On ESPN, the Rockets visit Indiana Friday at 8 p.m. before the Timberwolves face the Lakers. It's a Saturday afternoon matchup for the Wizards and Celtics Saturday at 1 p.m. on Comcast.
CBS offers Michigan State facing Texas Saturday at 4 p.m. and Georgetown faces Kansas Saturday at noon on ESPN.
ESPN2 has four contests Saturday, starting at 3:30 p.m. with Gonzaga against Kansas State. Illinois plays Missouri at 5:30 p.m., followed by Notre Dame-Ohio State. Oklahoma State battles Colorado at 11:30 p.m.
St. John's takes on Youngstown State Saturday at 2 p.m. on FoxSports1, then Villanova hosts Rider. Sunday, Seton Hall meets Eastern Washington at 5 p.m. before California plays Creighton.
Comcast brings Houston against Rice Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Ohio-Richmond Sunday at 1 p.m.
NBC Sports network goes to Richmond for James Madison facing Hampton Saturday at 3 p.m. before Virginia Tech meets VCU.
Among the women, Connecticut clashes with California on ESPN Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
The Capitals play Carolina Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast and the Devils Saturday at 7 p.m.
Getting ready for Sochi, the United States women play Canada Friday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
The NCAA crowns its volleyball champion Saturday at 9:30 p.m.
In the Premier League, NBC Sports network offers Liverpool-Cardiff City at 7:45 a.m., followed by Manchester United against West Ham United. Southampton faces Tottenham Hotspur Sunday at 8:30 a.m., then it's Swansea City-Everton.
It's the Scorpion Championship on the PBA tour Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN.
The college bowl season kicks off Saturday with four games. There's only three days without a contest before Auburn and Florida State battle for the National Championship on January 6.
The New Mexico Bowl starts the action at 2 p.m. on ESPN, with Washington State meeting Colorado State. There's a battle of top 25 teams on ABC at 3:30 p.m. with Fresno State against Southern Cal in Las Vegas.
It's off to the blue turf for Buffalo-San Diego State in the Potato Bowl at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN. Tulane and Louisiana-Lafayette meet in the New Orleans Bowl at 9 p.m.
New Hampshire heads to top-seeded North Dakota State in a semifinal for the FBS Division Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN2. The best of Division II meet when Lenoir-Rhyne faces Northwest Missouri State Saturday at noon on ESPN2.
Candlestick hosts its last regular season game Monday when the 49ers take on the Falcons at 8:40 p.m. NBC used the flex to grab the Eagles' game with the Bears Sunday night.
The Ravens and Patriots have the second game on CBS Sunday at 4:25 p.m., following Broncos-Texans. The Redskins and Cowboys play on Fox at 1 p.m.
On ESPN, the Rockets visit Indiana Friday at 8 p.m. before the Timberwolves face the Lakers. It's a Saturday afternoon matchup for the Wizards and Celtics Saturday at 1 p.m. on Comcast.
CBS offers Michigan State facing Texas Saturday at 4 p.m. and Georgetown faces Kansas Saturday at noon on ESPN.
ESPN2 has four contests Saturday, starting at 3:30 p.m. with Gonzaga against Kansas State. Illinois plays Missouri at 5:30 p.m., followed by Notre Dame-Ohio State. Oklahoma State battles Colorado at 11:30 p.m.
St. John's takes on Youngstown State Saturday at 2 p.m. on FoxSports1, then Villanova hosts Rider. Sunday, Seton Hall meets Eastern Washington at 5 p.m. before California plays Creighton.
Comcast brings Houston against Rice Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Ohio-Richmond Sunday at 1 p.m.
NBC Sports network goes to Richmond for James Madison facing Hampton Saturday at 3 p.m. before Virginia Tech meets VCU.
Among the women, Connecticut clashes with California on ESPN Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
The Capitals play Carolina Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast and the Devils Saturday at 7 p.m.
Getting ready for Sochi, the United States women play Canada Friday at 8 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
The NCAA crowns its volleyball champion Saturday at 9:30 p.m.
In the Premier League, NBC Sports network offers Liverpool-Cardiff City at 7:45 a.m., followed by Manchester United against West Ham United. Southampton faces Tottenham Hotspur Sunday at 8:30 a.m., then it's Swansea City-Everton.
It's the Scorpion Championship on the PBA tour Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Off to buy some Duck Dynasty stuff
What's the best reaction to Phil Robertson's dismissal by A&E?
Buy a Duck Dynasty item at Wal-Mart.
The family discussion of this will make a great episode one day.
Buy a Duck Dynasty item at Wal-Mart.
The family discussion of this will make a great episode one day.
Get out of the pajamas
I found a great graphic on Facebook.
Unfortunately, the Obama crew is preparing questions to talk about during "Christmas Story" like - did Flick's family have good health insurance?
Unfortunately, the Obama crew is preparing questions to talk about during "Christmas Story" like - did Flick's family have good health insurance?
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Pajama-rama
Amazing how one tweet makes the internet explode - into mockery.
The harsh truth is that the advertising machine behind the Obama administration seems not to really know what normal human beings are like. In Colorado, when OFA-wannabe group, ProgressNowColorado, was charged with selling the law to young people, it drew on the worst of cartoons. All the women were sluts; all the men were idiots; all the girls were playing extremely violent sports.
Better to go back to the days of Doris Day.
The harsh truth is that the advertising machine behind the Obama administration seems not to really know what normal human beings are like. In Colorado, when OFA-wannabe group, ProgressNowColorado, was charged with selling the law to young people, it drew on the worst of cartoons. All the women were sluts; all the men were idiots; all the girls were playing extremely violent sports.
Better to go back to the days of Doris Day.
The cost of Obamacare
Don Surber finds the suckers in Obamacare - the federal government.
The main problem with Obamacare is that it gave the federal bureaucracy a new field to regulate, which amounted to a blank check for insurance companies, who are crying all the way to the bank on Obamacare.
Insurance company lobbyists found the feds easier to roll than the states, who have been regulating insurance companies for 70 or so years. Obamacare kicked that expertise and experience to the curb. The feds always know best.
The main problem with Obamacare is that it gave the federal bureaucracy a new field to regulate, which amounted to a blank check for insurance companies, who are crying all the way to the bank on Obamacare.
Insurance company lobbyists found the feds easier to roll than the states, who have been regulating insurance companies for 70 or so years. Obamacare kicked that expertise and experience to the curb. The feds always know best.
Please help Pajama Boy
Who's the most famous face of Obamacare today?
Pajama Boy.
His mother could not be reached for comment.
Pajama Boy.
His mother could not be reached for comment.
Lots to choose from
The Lonely Conservative looks forward to listing Democratic mistakes of 2013.
Fourteen days may not be enough.
Fourteen days may not be enough.
Making it up as you go along
Mickey Kaus goes into the smoke-filled room to see the latest changes in Obamacare "rules."
The idea–or one idea– animating Obamacare is that competition can cut costs and foster innovation without compromising care. A seat-of-the-pants corporatist bargain seems unlikely to achieve this optimal outcome, and more likely to impose extra burdens on the public.
The idea–or one idea– animating Obamacare is that competition can cut costs and foster innovation without compromising care. A seat-of-the-pants corporatist bargain seems unlikely to achieve this optimal outcome, and more likely to impose extra burdens on the public.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
If you like this ad, you can keep it
Powerline highlights the new ad that Democrats should fear in 2014.
Aborting the contraception mandate
Ace offers a thorough review of a court's striking down the contraception mandate in Obamacare.
1. This is the first litigation to result in a final injunction against the contraception mandate for religious non-profit organizations that come within the Obama Administration's purported exemption to the mandate. The 7th, 10th, and D.C. Circuit Courts of Appeals have all found the mandate to be an unacceptable burden on the free exercise of religion for for-profit businesses that don't come under the exemption. This case is important, though, because it recognizes that even the act of having to claim the exemption is an unacceptable burden on religion.
This mandate doesn't have a prayer.
1. This is the first litigation to result in a final injunction against the contraception mandate for religious non-profit organizations that come within the Obama Administration's purported exemption to the mandate. The 7th, 10th, and D.C. Circuit Courts of Appeals have all found the mandate to be an unacceptable burden on the free exercise of religion for for-profit businesses that don't come under the exemption. This case is important, though, because it recognizes that even the act of having to claim the exemption is an unacceptable burden on religion.
This mandate doesn't have a prayer.
Today's Tied with me
Technorati has this blog tied with Pocket Doppler, which enjoys the Packers' win over the Cowboys.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Why we love facebook
A high school classmate who now lives in Denver posted this Argentine ad on Facebook.
How would I have found this before Facebook?
How would I have found this before Facebook?
Lawsuit threat didn't stand
A great review of a fifth grade play performed for a standing-room only crowd in Texas - using the words of the founders to support religious freedom.
The recitations by the Founding Fathers were re-enacted by fifth grade class members, often in period costume. Direct quotes affirming the role of religion in America from the writings of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and William Bradford (governor of Plymouth Plantation in the 1600's), were recited without elaboration or interpretation, allowing the writers to speak for themselves.
Great use of freedom of speech.
The recitations by the Founding Fathers were re-enacted by fifth grade class members, often in period costume. Direct quotes affirming the role of religion in America from the writings of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and William Bradford (governor of Plymouth Plantation in the 1600's), were recited without elaboration or interpretation, allowing the writers to speak for themselves.
Great use of freedom of speech.
Guess he's done with the coding
President Obama plans to bring in the New Year in Hawaii.
While millions will bring in the new year without insurance due to Obamacare regulations.
That will make some interesting stories on the evening news.
While millions will bring in the new year without insurance due to Obamacare regulations.
That will make some interesting stories on the evening news.
You're going the wrong way
Grandpa John found a great illustration of the problem with the path Democrats are taking.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Look up and appreciate
Ace of Spades has a weekly astronomy post, and this week looks at the reason to look up.
Consider this: the stars you see at night are almost exactly identical to what your parents, grandparents, etc could see. Perhaps the light pollution has blotted out a few, but from a darker site, it's the same. Christmas hasn't exactly been the same for me since the death of my grandmother a few years back. She would occasionally go outside her house in the country, drink in hand, and look up. Knowing my interest in astronomy as a child, she asked me a question I haven't thought about for some time: "do you ever just look up and appreciate it for what it is? I do."
It brought me comfort, looking up in the sky on a clear night last week, that the sky above me is the same as it was when she asked me. It felt like that was a moment frozen in time, and I was experiencing that all over again, but with a greater appreciation that I could have ever possessed twenty years ago. Perhaps there's a loved one no longer physically with you. Go outside on a clear night this week, and do what I did: look up and appreciate it for what it is.
Consider this: the stars you see at night are almost exactly identical to what your parents, grandparents, etc could see. Perhaps the light pollution has blotted out a few, but from a darker site, it's the same. Christmas hasn't exactly been the same for me since the death of my grandmother a few years back. She would occasionally go outside her house in the country, drink in hand, and look up. Knowing my interest in astronomy as a child, she asked me a question I haven't thought about for some time: "do you ever just look up and appreciate it for what it is? I do."
It brought me comfort, looking up in the sky on a clear night last week, that the sky above me is the same as it was when she asked me. It felt like that was a moment frozen in time, and I was experiencing that all over again, but with a greater appreciation that I could have ever possessed twenty years ago. Perhaps there's a loved one no longer physically with you. Go outside on a clear night this week, and do what I did: look up and appreciate it for what it is.
Harry Potter and the government that's doomed
Via Instapundit, a look at the contrasting worlds of Harry Potter and Katniss Everdean
Saturday, December 14, 2013
G, it works again
Virginia's Class A, Division 2 crowned its football champion Saturday.
For nine of the past 11 years, the school with a G starting its name won.
Today's contestants were Giles and Brunswick.
Guess who won?
For nine of the past 11 years, the school with a G starting its name won.
Today's contestants were Giles and Brunswick.
Guess who won?
Name game
Don Surber gives a go at the college bowl system - which names should stay and which should go.
Snow job
I'm watching Army and Navy play football through snow showers in Philadelphia.
There's a little dusting of snow on the ground here in Fishersville.
Happy fifth anniversary to Al Gore's comment that the Arctic would be ice free today.
There's a little dusting of snow on the ground here in Fishersville.
Happy fifth anniversary to Al Gore's comment that the Arctic would be ice free today.
Feed Sriracha to the bureaucrats
Via Instapundit, you'd better stock on Sriracha sauce now.
California bureaucrats want to make sure it's safe.
Even though there's been no complaints about its safety.
Let's just gather these bureaucrats together.
And feed them sriracha sauce until someone gets sick.
Or they need to join Weight Watchers.
California bureaucrats want to make sure it's safe.
Even though there's been no complaints about its safety.
Let's just gather these bureaucrats together.
And feed them sriracha sauce until someone gets sick.
Or they need to join Weight Watchers.
Saturday Christmas song
Last week, the guys on the Glenn Beck show mentioned this song with Bing Crosby and David Bowie.
So I had to post it.
So I had to post it.
Both evil and useless
Don't like Obamacare?
Wait a minute, they will change something.
Moe Lane isn't impressed.
On the one hand, the insurance companies (more specifically, the people running the insurance companies) invited this upon themselves by working with the administration in the first place. On the other hand, the fallout from a White House smear campaign will fall on the deserving and the undeserving alike. On the gripping hand… it’s not going to [expletive deleted] fix the actual problem, which makes the White House’s strategy both evil and useless.
Wait a minute, they will change something.
Moe Lane isn't impressed.
On the one hand, the insurance companies (more specifically, the people running the insurance companies) invited this upon themselves by working with the administration in the first place. On the other hand, the fallout from a White House smear campaign will fall on the deserving and the undeserving alike. On the gripping hand… it’s not going to [expletive deleted] fix the actual problem, which makes the White House’s strategy both evil and useless.
Facebook quote of the week
With a finalists list that included the likes of Eddie Snowden, Syrian President Bashar Assad, Iranian President Hassab Rouhani, Ted Cruz and Miley Cyrus the Vatican put out the following statement: "This is quite an honor. Wait. Time magazine is still publishing?. . ."
Friday, December 13, 2013
I "triple-dog-dare" ya to visit
Are you ready for 24 hours of Christmas Story?
If you're headed to Indiana, you can find a new statue.
Lick at your own risk.
If you're headed to Indiana, you can find a new statue.
Lick at your own risk.
They put the "fun" in funeral
Mark Steyn lists the laughs and mirth from celebration of Nelson Mandela's life.
Speaking of enjoying themselves, back in the VIP seats President Obama, Danish prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, and British prime minister David Cameron carried on like Harry, Hermione, and Ron snogging in the back row during the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup presentation.
Speaking of enjoying themselves, back in the VIP seats President Obama, Danish prime minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, and British prime minister David Cameron carried on like Harry, Hermione, and Ron snogging in the back row during the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup presentation.
Weekend watchdog
There's one final act to the college football regular season - Army vs. Navy.
The Cadets and Midshipmen will march into Lincoln Financial Field at Philadelphia before their mates battle in the 114th contest between the service academies. CBS has coverage beginning at 3 p.m.
Navy has won 11 straight games, including last year's 17-13 triumph. The Middies will advance to a bowl game, and can claim the Commander-in-Chief trophy with a win.
Six of the top collegiate players gather in New York for the presentation of the Heisman Trophy Saturday at 8 p.m.
There's eight teams left in the Bowl Championship Subdivision. ESPN2 has Towson's visit to Eastern Illinois Friday at 8 p.m., while Coastal Carolina heads to North Dakota State Saturday at noon on ESPN.
A pair of 2012 playoff teams finish out the string Sunday when the Redskins visit Atlanta at 1 p.m. on Fox. The Packers and Cowboys try to stay in the playoff hunt at 4:25 p.m., while CBS offers Jets-Panthers at 4 p.m.
NBC brings the Steelers and Bengals at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, then ESPN has Ravens-Lions Monday at 8:40 p.m.
The Thunder host the Lakers Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN, with the nightcap featuring the Rockets at Warriors. The Clippers visit Washington Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
On the college court, Michigan hosts Arizona Saturday at noon on CBS.
Rivals clash on ESPN Saturday, with Notre Dame-Indiana at 3:15 p.m. before Kentucky takes on North Carolina.
ESPN2 brings five contests Saturday, starting at noon with Louisvile facing Western Kentucky. There's Tennessee against Wichita State at 2 p.m., followed by Michigan State-Oakland and New Mexico facing Kansas. The night concludes with Illinois playing Oregon at 9 p.m.
On FoxSports1, it's Marquette against IUPUI Saturday at 3 p.m., and Xavier takes on Cincinnati at 8 p.m. After years of battling in the Big East, new ACC member Syracuse meets St. John's Sunday at noon. Villanova host LaSalle at 2:30 p.m., then DePaul meets Chicago State at 4:30 p.m.
Comcast offers Pittsburgh against Youngstown State Saturday at noon, followed by Florida Atlantic-Maryland. Georgia Southern takes on UAB Sunday at 8 p.m.
Massachusetts meets Northern Illinois Saturday at 3 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
Oklahoma takes on Tulsa on MASN Saturday at 5 p.m., then Troy travels to Kansas State Sunday at 6 p.m.
The Capitals face Florida Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast and the Flyers Sunday at 3 p.m.
Wisconsin meets Colorado College Friday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network.
NBC Sports network offers a trio of games from the Premier League Saturday. Manchester City faces Arsenal at 7:45 a.m., followed by Chelsea-Crystal Palace and Hull City against Stoke City at 12:30 p.m. There's two more contests Sunday as Aston Villa battles Manchester United at 8:30 a.m. before Tottenham Hotspur takes on Liverpool.
NBC brings the Franklin Templeton shootout Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
The Dew Tour hits the slopes Saturday and Sunday at noon on NBC.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
New tax day deadlines
In response to the latest press conference on Obamacare, the health insurance industry has announced new deadlines for next year's Tax Day.
You won't have to pay by April 15 if you paid last year.
Just pay when you can.
If deadlines don't matter with health insurance, why should they matter with taxes?
You won't have to pay by April 15 if you paid last year.
Just pay when you can.
If deadlines don't matter with health insurance, why should they matter with taxes?
Vermont is a success story?
Megan McArdle looks behind the health insurance numbers in Vermont.
Per Kaiser, 5 percent of Vermont’s population, or about 31,000 people, bought individual policies before Obamacare. Eight percent, or 50,000 people, are uninsured; some of those will be expected to move onto the exchange. And this source says that “An estimated 118,000 individuals and employees from the small group market will be served by the health benefits exchange in the first year.”
In other words, Vermont is supposed to sign up 20 percent of its population through the exchanges, 12 percent of whom must have had some other form of insurance. And unlike in other states, the law offered no way for those people to buy insurance outside of the exchanges.
That means that in theory, almost 10 percent of the population of Vermont needs to sign up for insurance in the first three weeks of December, just to avoid losing coverage.
Doesn't sound like the success story they say it is.
Per Kaiser, 5 percent of Vermont’s population, or about 31,000 people, bought individual policies before Obamacare. Eight percent, or 50,000 people, are uninsured; some of those will be expected to move onto the exchange. And this source says that “An estimated 118,000 individuals and employees from the small group market will be served by the health benefits exchange in the first year.”
In other words, Vermont is supposed to sign up 20 percent of its population through the exchanges, 12 percent of whom must have had some other form of insurance. And unlike in other states, the law offered no way for those people to buy insurance outside of the exchanges.
That means that in theory, almost 10 percent of the population of Vermont needs to sign up for insurance in the first three weeks of December, just to avoid losing coverage.
Doesn't sound like the success story they say it is.
President Peter Pan
The selfie photo at the Mandela funeral gathering makes one wonder - will he ever grow up?
Such perfect self-centeredness at the ultimate "popular kids' lunchroom table"! Unglaublich!
Such perfect self-centeredness at the ultimate "popular kids' lunchroom table"! Unglaublich!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Why is our government doing this to us?
Gateway Pundit survived a health scare this summer.
Now he'll have to go on without his current health insurance.
Thanks to the excellent insurance I carried I was able to receive life-saving medical treatment at St. Louis University.
This week I found out I am going to lose my insurance. The company that carried me is leaving the Missouri market. I will have to find something else.
I am one of the millions who will be looking for new insurance. God willing, I will be able to keep my doctors at St. Louis University. I trust them. They saved my life. Please pray for me and the millions of working Americans who are going through this same ordeal.
Another Obamacare story that Obama doesn't want you to hear.
Now he'll have to go on without his current health insurance.
Thanks to the excellent insurance I carried I was able to receive life-saving medical treatment at St. Louis University.
This week I found out I am going to lose my insurance. The company that carried me is leaving the Missouri market. I will have to find something else.
I am one of the millions who will be looking for new insurance. God willing, I will be able to keep my doctors at St. Louis University. I trust them. They saved my life. Please pray for me and the millions of working Americans who are going through this same ordeal.
Another Obamacare story that Obama doesn't want you to hear.
Where's the Sebelius selfie?
There have been reports that Secretary Kathleen Sebelius only met once with President Obama in preparing for the Affordable Care Act.
If she visited more, there would be proof?
How many selfie pictures did the president take with her in their meetings?
If she visited more, there would be proof?
How many selfie pictures did the president take with her in their meetings?
Down with Upworthy
Megan McArdle looks at potential problems for Upworthy - what if Facebook tightens its way of promoting items.
Upworthy, on the other hand, pretty much has one asset: It is very good at getting content to go viral on social media (which mostly means getting it to go viral on Facebook). But Facebook can change the rules at any time to make Upworthy’s system stop working.
Upworthy, on the other hand, pretty much has one asset: It is very good at getting content to go viral on social media (which mostly means getting it to go viral on Facebook). But Facebook can change the rules at any time to make Upworthy’s system stop working.
Will Friday the 13th be lucky?
The MegaMillions lottery will have a jackpot of at least $400 million Friday.
Two rules on lotteries.
Some people think Obamacare will become popular, too.
UPDATE: Part of Paco's assortment.
And I was wrong. Nobody won Friday.
Maybe Tuesday?
Two rules on lotteries.
- Someone has to win.
- It won't be you.
Some people think Obamacare will become popular, too.
UPDATE: Part of Paco's assortment.
And I was wrong. Nobody won Friday.
Maybe Tuesday?
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Today's Tied with Me
Technorati has this blog tied with ToeMail today.
Don't you want to see pictures of barefeet in Paris?
Don't you want to see pictures of barefeet in Paris?
Why did Kennedy allow Mandela's arrest?
DaTech Guy and the Other McCain note the partisan bickering in the midst of coverage of Nelson Mandela.
Blame Reagan for Mandela's support of communists?
Might as well blame President Kennedy for Mandela's arrest during his term.
The South African authorities did what they did.
America and the Soviets tried to get various groups on their side throughout the Cold War.
When the Cold War ended, Mandela got his release.
Thus, Reagan actually freed Mandela.
Blame Reagan for Mandela's support of communists?
Might as well blame President Kennedy for Mandela's arrest during his term.
The South African authorities did what they did.
America and the Soviets tried to get various groups on their side throughout the Cold War.
When the Cold War ended, Mandela got his release.
Thus, Reagan actually freed Mandela.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Ready for the wreck
I saw a picture with multiple cars in a highway crash earlier today.
I thought it was the perfect illustration for the Obamacare exchanges.
Legal Insurrection thought the same thing.
Not enough tow trucks to clear this wreck.
I thought it was the perfect illustration for the Obamacare exchanges.
Legal Insurrection thought the same thing.
Not enough tow trucks to clear this wreck.
Reefer your friends madness
Fox had a story tonight about the Denver Post adding a marijuana editor since the state legalized its use.
They need to do all kinds of stories about this issue.
Like how new pot stores will try to attract customers.
Maybe they'll ask current shoppers to "Reefer a friend."
They need to do all kinds of stories about this issue.
Like how new pot stores will try to attract customers.
Maybe they'll ask current shoppers to "Reefer a friend."
Obamacare woes will be heard again
The troubles of Obamacare have dropped from the top of the news.
There's Nelson Mandela.
Now bad weather on the East Coast.
But if you want to have health insurance by Jan. 1, you only have two weeks.
The troubles will rise to the top of the news cycle again.
Soon.
There's Nelson Mandela.
Now bad weather on the East Coast.
But if you want to have health insurance by Jan. 1, you only have two weeks.
The troubles will rise to the top of the news cycle again.
Soon.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
The sound of money
DaTech Guy congratulates Carrie Underwood and crew for winning the ratings race Thursday.
What about the critics?
They'll have to deal with more shows that bring in plenty of viewers.
What about the critics?
They'll have to deal with more shows that bring in plenty of viewers.
Can we have this weather for the Super Bowl?
There's NFL games in Washington, Baltimore and Philadelphia today.
Snow at all three, heavier as you go north.
This year's Super Bowl will be in the Meadowlands.
I'd love to see snow.
Wouldn't you?
Snow at all three, heavier as you go north.
This year's Super Bowl will be in the Meadowlands.
I'd love to see snow.
Wouldn't you?
Cold air is dry
I'm watching TV, seeing all the church services cancelled due to the threat of icy weather.
Going outside, there's a few specks of ice on the windshield.
Still a threat, but not as early or widespread as expected.
The weather guys wonder if there's enough moisture in the air to get snow/ice to the ground.
Not yet.
Going outside, there's a few specks of ice on the windshield.
Still a threat, but not as early or widespread as expected.
The weather guys wonder if there's enough moisture in the air to get snow/ice to the ground.
Not yet.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
For your snow needs
Before a snowstorm hits Virginia, it usually drops some on Oklahoma.
Dustbury put a new snow shovel to use Friday.
If you need an idea before Sunday, he's got it.
Although you'll probably need an Amazon drone to get it before the storm.
Dustbury put a new snow shovel to use Friday.
If you need an idea before Sunday, he's got it.
Although you'll probably need an Amazon drone to get it before the storm.
Recycling update
Another recyling day, another 45 cents a pound of cans in Fishersville.
A little jingle in my pocket before Christmas.
A little jingle in my pocket before Christmas.
Facebook quote of the week
UGH why did I say I would go in early! Who invented 3 AM? I'm getting to old for this stuff.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Let her sing
The hills are alive
Chris Saxman knows Sound of Music.
He watched Sound of Music on NBC Thursday.
Don't think he wants an encore.
He watched Sound of Music on NBC Thursday.
Don't think he wants an encore.
Weekend watchdog
Who's going to be in the national championship game?
We'll know for sure Sunday.
It's a weekend of conference championship game leading up to the announcement of the final BCS title contest Sunday at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN. Next year, teams will be vying for a spot in the four-team national playoff.
The top two undefeated teams hit the field Saturday at 8 p.m. Top-ranked Florida State goes for the ACC championship against Duke on ABC, while second-ranked Ohio State plays Michigan State in the Big Ten title game on Fox.
The third and fourth-ranked teams - Auburn and Missouri - await their chance at the national championship game on CBS at 4 p.m. Northern Illinois can claim a spot in one of the BCS games Friday at 8 p.m., facing Bowling Green in the MAC championship.
In Conference USA, Marshall faces Rice at noon on ESPN2, and Pac-12 decides its champion when Stanford visits Arizona State on 7:45 p.m. on ESPN.
The Big 12 closes its regular season Saturday with Oklahoma-Oklahoma State on ABC at noon. Fox has Texas-Baylor at 3 p.m. Other American Athletic Conference teams finish up Saturday with Central Florida at SMU on ESPN at noon and South Florida takes on Rutgers at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
NBC gets the benefit of a flex game Sunday night, with the Panthers' trip to New Orleans moving to primetime.
Slumping teams not on a warpath meet Sunday, when the Chiefs meet the Redskins on CBS at 1 p.m. Fox brings Eagles-Lions at 1 p.m., and the 4:25 p.m. game features Seahawks-49ers.
ESPN has Cowboys against Bears Monday night.
For the other football, ESPN2 shows the World Cup draw Friday at 11:30 a.m. Only six months until the games start in Brazil.
The MLS crowns its champion Saturday at 4 p.m., with Kansas City meets Real Salt Lake on ESPN.
There's a trio of Premier League games on NBC Sports network Saturday. Manchester United plays Newcastle United at 7:45 a.m., followed by Southampton-Manchester City and Sunderland meeting Tottenham Hotspur at 12:30 p.m. Fulham faces Aston Villa at 8:30 a.m., then it's Arsenal-Everton.
It's Nuggets visiting the Celtics on ESPN Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The Wizards host Milwaukee Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
On the college court, CBS brings UCLA at Missouri Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Kentucky faces Baylor Friday on ESPN at 10 p.m.
Former conference foes meet Saturday at 3:15 p.m. with Kansas against Colorado, then UNLV battles Arizona.
FoxSports1 Arizona State heading to DePaul Friday at 7 p.m.
There's four games on Saturday, starting at noon with Colgate-Georgetown. Bowling Green visits Xavier at 2 p.m. before Florida Gulf Coast faces Florida International. The day closes at 6 p.m. with North Dakota at Butler. Sunday at 6 p.m., Creighton hosts Nebraska.
Comcast North Carolina State facing Long Beach Saturday at 2 p.m., followed by Delaware and Notre Dame in the Gotham Classic. Sunday at 1:30 p.m., VCU takes on Old Dominion.
LaSalle faces Stony Brook Saturday at 11 a.m. in the MSG Holiday Festival on MASN2, then Loyola travels to Mount St. Mary's at 2 p.m. on MASN.
It's the BB&T Classic Sunday on MASN, with Oklahoma-George Mason at 1 p.m. followed by George Washington taking on Maryland.
In women's hoops, Duke plays Oklahoma Sunday at 4 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The Capitals host Nashville Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast before facing the Rangers Sunday at 7 p.m.
Massachusetts heads to Notre Dame for college ice hockey Friday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network, with a rematch Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
NBC has the PGA World Challenge Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
ESPN has the World Series of Bowling Sunday at 1 p.m.
We'll know for sure Sunday.
It's a weekend of conference championship game leading up to the announcement of the final BCS title contest Sunday at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN. Next year, teams will be vying for a spot in the four-team national playoff.
The top two undefeated teams hit the field Saturday at 8 p.m. Top-ranked Florida State goes for the ACC championship against Duke on ABC, while second-ranked Ohio State plays Michigan State in the Big Ten title game on Fox. The third and fourth-ranked teams - Auburn and Missouri - await their chance at the national championship game on CBS at 4 p.m. Northern Illinois can claim a spot in one of the BCS games Friday at 8 p.m., facing Bowling Green in the MAC championship.
In Conference USA, Marshall faces Rice at noon on ESPN2, and Pac-12 decides its champion when Stanford visits Arizona State on 7:45 p.m. on ESPN.
The Big 12 closes its regular season Saturday with Oklahoma-Oklahoma State on ABC at noon. Fox has Texas-Baylor at 3 p.m. Other American Athletic Conference teams finish up Saturday with Central Florida at SMU on ESPN at noon and South Florida takes on Rutgers at 7:30 p.m. on ESPN2.
NBC gets the benefit of a flex game Sunday night, with the Panthers' trip to New Orleans moving to primetime.
Slumping teams not on a warpath meet Sunday, when the Chiefs meet the Redskins on CBS at 1 p.m. Fox brings Eagles-Lions at 1 p.m., and the 4:25 p.m. game features Seahawks-49ers.
ESPN has Cowboys against Bears Monday night.
For the other football, ESPN2 shows the World Cup draw Friday at 11:30 a.m. Only six months until the games start in Brazil.
The MLS crowns its champion Saturday at 4 p.m., with Kansas City meets Real Salt Lake on ESPN.
There's a trio of Premier League games on NBC Sports network Saturday. Manchester United plays Newcastle United at 7:45 a.m., followed by Southampton-Manchester City and Sunderland meeting Tottenham Hotspur at 12:30 p.m. Fulham faces Aston Villa at 8:30 a.m., then it's Arsenal-Everton.
It's Nuggets visiting the Celtics on ESPN Friday at 7:30 p.m.
The Wizards host Milwaukee Friday at 7 p.m. on Comcast.
On the college court, CBS brings UCLA at Missouri Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
Kentucky faces Baylor Friday on ESPN at 10 p.m.
Former conference foes meet Saturday at 3:15 p.m. with Kansas against Colorado, then UNLV battles Arizona.
FoxSports1 Arizona State heading to DePaul Friday at 7 p.m.
There's four games on Saturday, starting at noon with Colgate-Georgetown. Bowling Green visits Xavier at 2 p.m. before Florida Gulf Coast faces Florida International. The day closes at 6 p.m. with North Dakota at Butler. Sunday at 6 p.m., Creighton hosts Nebraska.
Comcast North Carolina State facing Long Beach Saturday at 2 p.m., followed by Delaware and Notre Dame in the Gotham Classic. Sunday at 1:30 p.m., VCU takes on Old Dominion.
LaSalle faces Stony Brook Saturday at 11 a.m. in the MSG Holiday Festival on MASN2, then Loyola travels to Mount St. Mary's at 2 p.m. on MASN.
It's the BB&T Classic Sunday on MASN, with Oklahoma-George Mason at 1 p.m. followed by George Washington taking on Maryland.
In women's hoops, Duke plays Oklahoma Sunday at 4 p.m. on FoxSports1.
The Capitals host Nashville Saturday at 7 p.m. on Comcast before facing the Rangers Sunday at 7 p.m.
Massachusetts heads to Notre Dame for college ice hockey Friday at 7:30 p.m. on NBC Sports network, with a rematch Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
NBC has the PGA World Challenge Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
ESPN has the World Series of Bowling Sunday at 1 p.m.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
It takes balls
A friend visited the post office today and wanted to buy some stamps with the Christmas ornaments on them.
She was told they aren't ornaments, but holiday balls.
It takes balls to make that kind of a policy.
At least Starbucks sells "Christmas blends."
They are private enterprise. They have to stay on the good side of customers to keep them coming.
She was told they aren't ornaments, but holiday balls.
It takes balls to make that kind of a policy.
At least Starbucks sells "Christmas blends."
They are private enterprise. They have to stay on the good side of customers to keep them coming.
If he's old, what am I?
What's worse?
Turning 50?
or having a younger brother turn 50?
Hey bud, that's my bottle.
And it's my house.
Turning 50?
or having a younger brother turn 50?
Hey bud, that's my bottle.
And it's my house.
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
MSNBC - Martin Stinks, NoBody Cares
We bid a fond farewell to Martin Bashir from MSNBC.
I doubt if I ever watched him for more than 10 seconds.
Where do you go when you leave MSNBC?
I doubt if I ever watched him for more than 10 seconds.
Where do you go when you leave MSNBC?
The Climategate carol
Time to bring out my favorite environmental take on a Christmas song.
Al Gore speaks, no one's listening
In the lane, lights are glistening
Oh what a sight
With houses really bright
Seeing all the Christmas lights are on
Gone away is good science
Here to stay, blind allegiance
We're singing our song
Yet lights come on
Look how all the Christmas lights are on
On computers we can cook some data
then pretend that it is warmer now
They'll ask: Are you sure?
We'll say: You know, man
And here's the hockey stick
that we have found
Later on, we'll conspire,
With warnings, that are dire
Make the people afraid
We'll pass cap and trade
No more seeing Christmas lights turned on
On computers we can cook some data
And say skeptics are just circus clowns
We'll have lots of fun with our bad data
Until our own emails knock us down.
When we speak, ain't it thrilling
People's hearts, they are chilling
We'll frolic and play, the socialist way,
No more seeing Christmas lights turned on
Al Gore speaks, no one's listening
In the lane, lights are glistening
Oh what a sight
With houses really bright
Seeing all the Christmas lights are on
Gone away is good science
Here to stay, blind allegiance
We're singing our song
Yet lights come on
Look how all the Christmas lights are on
On computers we can cook some data
then pretend that it is warmer now
They'll ask: Are you sure?
We'll say: You know, man
And here's the hockey stick
that we have found
Later on, we'll conspire,
With warnings, that are dire
Make the people afraid
We'll pass cap and trade
No more seeing Christmas lights turned on
On computers we can cook some data
And say skeptics are just circus clowns
We'll have lots of fun with our bad data
Until our own emails knock us down.
When we speak, ain't it thrilling
People's hearts, they are chilling
We'll frolic and play, the socialist way,
No more seeing Christmas lights turned on
Questions needing answers
CNN collects the three biggest questions on the Obamacare exchanges.
When it comes to Obamacare and the frantic White House effort to right the listing website meant to bring private health insurance to the uninsured, there's a lot more we know we don't know than hard information we can point to.
Forget showing us individual stories. Show us the money going to insurance companies to pay for your promises.
When it comes to Obamacare and the frantic White House effort to right the listing website meant to bring private health insurance to the uninsured, there's a lot more we know we don't know than hard information we can point to.
Forget showing us individual stories. Show us the money going to insurance companies to pay for your promises.
More Anxious in an Already Anxious World
Peggy Noonan hits the major problem with Obamacare - creating uncertainty about health insurance instead of providing it for more people.
The program he created in 2009-10, ran on in 2012, and whose implantation he delayed until one year after that election—in retrospect, that delay seems meaningful, doesn’t it?—has turned out to be wildly misleading as to its basic facts.
Millions are finding you can’t keep your plan, your premium, your deductible, your doctor. And millions more will discover this when the business mandate kicks in.
The program he created in 2009-10, ran on in 2012, and whose implantation he delayed until one year after that election—in retrospect, that delay seems meaningful, doesn’t it?—has turned out to be wildly misleading as to its basic facts.
Millions are finding you can’t keep your plan, your premium, your deductible, your doctor. And millions more will discover this when the business mandate kicks in.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Like an Eminem Christmas album
How well is the Obamacare website really working?
I'd say like an Eminem Christmas album.
Democrats have wondered for 100 years why they couldn't have universal health care.
Now they are learning why.
Eminem can sing.
Lots of singers do Christmas albums.
But putting together Eminem and Christmas doesn't seem like a good mixture.
Even if you like ths parody.
I'd say like an Eminem Christmas album.
Democrats have wondered for 100 years why they couldn't have universal health care.
Now they are learning why.
Eminem can sing.
Lots of singers do Christmas albums.
But putting together Eminem and Christmas doesn't seem like a good mixture.
Even if you like ths parody.
Hail, hail to old Notre Dame
Notre Dame has joined the fight against the Obama administration and Obamacare.
Today's Tied with me
Technorati has this blog tied with Kathmandu Clothing, which gives a good reaction shot.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Survive and advance
Megan McArdle sees the lofty rhetoric of Obamacare changing to the grind of survival for a few more months.
The administration has given up on success, as it might once have defined it. The object is no longer 7 million people signed up through the exchanges, with 2.7 million of them young and healthy, and the health-care cost curve bending back toward the earth. It is to keep the program alive until 2015. The administration's priorities are, first, to keep Democrats from undoing the individual mandate or otherwise crippling the law; second, to keep insurers from raising premiums or exiting the marketplace; third, to tamp down loose talk about the failures on the exchanges; and, only fourth, to get to the place where it used to think it would be this year, with lots of people signed up for affordable insurance. It is now measuring the program’s success not by whether it meets its goals, but by whether it survives at all. And all of its choices are oriented toward this new priority.
Survive and advance worked for Jim Valvano in 1983.
The Obama administration has to fight longer.
Which means more chances for failure.
The administration has given up on success, as it might once have defined it. The object is no longer 7 million people signed up through the exchanges, with 2.7 million of them young and healthy, and the health-care cost curve bending back toward the earth. It is to keep the program alive until 2015. The administration's priorities are, first, to keep Democrats from undoing the individual mandate or otherwise crippling the law; second, to keep insurers from raising premiums or exiting the marketplace; third, to tamp down loose talk about the failures on the exchanges; and, only fourth, to get to the place where it used to think it would be this year, with lots of people signed up for affordable insurance. It is now measuring the program’s success not by whether it meets its goals, but by whether it survives at all. And all of its choices are oriented toward this new priority.
Survive and advance worked for Jim Valvano in 1983.
The Obama administration has to fight longer.
Which means more chances for failure.
Not ready for cyber Monday
Private firms have been planning for big crowds on cyber Monday since last year.
The Obamacare website?
It has sigh-ber Monday.
Sigh, I must come back later.
Sigh, I don't have insurance January 1 - will I be able to get it?
The Obamacare website?
It has sigh-ber Monday.
Sigh, I must come back later.
Sigh, I don't have insurance January 1 - will I be able to get it?
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Next for coach Tomlin
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin may face a hefty fine for nearly blocking the Ravens' Jacoby Jones during Thursday's game.
Maybe Jones should recommend Tomlin for the next season of "Dancing with the Stars."
Tomlin will have more time this offseason, since the Steelers look like they'll miss the playoffs again.
Maybe Jones should recommend Tomlin for the next season of "Dancing with the Stars."
Tomlin will have more time this offseason, since the Steelers look like they'll miss the playoffs again.
Doctors hoping to cure Obamacare
Several doctors are Republican candidates for Senate in 2014?
Can they cure the problems of Obamcare?
Rep. Phil Gingrey (R), an OB-GYN running in Georgia’s open Senate race, said that doctors are looking to elected office because they’re worried about the consequences of the Affordable Care Act.
“A lot of doctors are so frightened by ObamaCare, and if it gets roots, and if it becomes eventually a single-payer system, that these doctors would no longer enjoy the practice of medicine. They don’t want to practice for the government, they want to practice for their patients,” he said.
Can they cure the problems of Obamcare?
Rep. Phil Gingrey (R), an OB-GYN running in Georgia’s open Senate race, said that doctors are looking to elected office because they’re worried about the consequences of the Affordable Care Act.
“A lot of doctors are so frightened by ObamaCare, and if it gets roots, and if it becomes eventually a single-payer system, that these doctors would no longer enjoy the practice of medicine. They don’t want to practice for the government, they want to practice for their patients,” he said.
Ducks for a buck
Duck Dynasty merchandise is everywhere.
I heard on the radio today there's a line of wine and Christmas album out.
I'm waiting for the 1970s episode to come.
Disco Duck Dynasty.
I heard on the radio today there's a line of wine and Christmas album out.
I'm waiting for the 1970s episode to come.
Disco Duck Dynasty.
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