Instapundit has been mentioning the "higher-education bubble" plenty of times recently.
We've dealt with the housing bubble in recent years.
How about thinking how the connection between the two keeps the housing bubble deflated for a long time.
For housing prices to finally pick up - reinflate the burst bubble - you need buyers. Young people looking for their first houses. If the young people are burdened with high levels of student debt due to the higher-education bubble, they can't buy houses.
Maybe your house is a move-up house. Great. Except your buyers need a buyer of a starter house before they can buy your house. Given the choice of two houses, they would like your house. But they are stuck with theirs.
Let's cut the cost of college education by 25 percent immediately. It's for the economy. If college remains so expensive, President Obama and Democrats will lose upcoming elections.
College administrators, you need to take one for the team.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
A blue day in Bluefield
Today ends the 2010 Appalachian League season, and the 53-year affiliation between the Baltimore Orioles and Bluefield, W.Va.
I was lucky enough to cover the team for seven-plus years, from 1988 to 1995. I met former Orioles who I grew up watching, other former major leaguers passing through town to help the new crop and plenty of great fans.
Covering the Orioles allowed me to write for the Baltimore Evening Sun, Baseball America, and assist the writer from Reader's Digest with his article in the June 1994 edition of that famous magazine.
But time moves on. Bluefield hasn't had a winning record since 2003, the year after the Orioles added the Aberdeen Ironbirds to the system. The better first-year players went to Cal Ripken's packed stadium, and Bluefield got the leftovers. Add the Orioles' return to Florida's Gulf Coast League - 18-year-old players under the hot Florida sun with no fans - and there was no more need for Bluefield in the system.
Unfortunately, the Orioles didn't send many good players through Bluefield during my era. While Cleveland had future Hall-of-Famers Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome, most Bluefield players who reached the majors lasted just a few games.
But it was great to be part of professional baseball, and hopefully Bluefield will remain home to major league hopefuls for years to come. Even if the Yankees decide to put a team there, I could root for them.
I was lucky enough to cover the team for seven-plus years, from 1988 to 1995. I met former Orioles who I grew up watching, other former major leaguers passing through town to help the new crop and plenty of great fans.
Covering the Orioles allowed me to write for the Baltimore Evening Sun, Baseball America, and assist the writer from Reader's Digest with his article in the June 1994 edition of that famous magazine.
But time moves on. Bluefield hasn't had a winning record since 2003, the year after the Orioles added the Aberdeen Ironbirds to the system. The better first-year players went to Cal Ripken's packed stadium, and Bluefield got the leftovers. Add the Orioles' return to Florida's Gulf Coast League - 18-year-old players under the hot Florida sun with no fans - and there was no more need for Bluefield in the system.
Unfortunately, the Orioles didn't send many good players through Bluefield during my era. While Cleveland had future Hall-of-Famers Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome, most Bluefield players who reached the majors lasted just a few games.
But it was great to be part of professional baseball, and hopefully Bluefield will remain home to major league hopefuls for years to come. Even if the Yankees decide to put a team there, I could root for them.
Beck's crowd? 15 million
I got the number from the folks who give us the number of jobs saved or created by the stimulus bill.
I used their dartboard.
Rich Lowry looks at the funny stimulus numbers in his column.
I used their dartboard.
Rich Lowry looks at the funny stimulus numbers in his column.
Wrong? We're never wrong
Jonah Goldberg looks at the millstone of health care reform dragging Democrats to devastation in November. And why none of the supporters say it's a problem.
No wonder the political salience of Obamacare’s unpopularity isn’t getting the attention it deserves from so many outlets. That would amount to a confession of error by a whole class of people who like to believe they are never wrong.
No wonder the political salience of Obamacare’s unpopularity isn’t getting the attention it deserves from so many outlets. That would amount to a confession of error by a whole class of people who like to believe they are never wrong.
No laughing matter
Clive Crook's report on Glenn Beck and his rally ends with a anecdote.
This afternoon, walking back to my home in predominantly white North-West DC, I paused for a bite to eat in the predominantly white Dupont Circle area, in a cafe whose clientele was predominantly white. There, I did see something mean. A family wearing "Restoring Honor" T-shirts walked by outside, and a little girl tripped over and hurt herself. The couple at the next table laughed.
This afternoon, walking back to my home in predominantly white North-West DC, I paused for a bite to eat in the predominantly white Dupont Circle area, in a cafe whose clientele was predominantly white. There, I did see something mean. A family wearing "Restoring Honor" T-shirts walked by outside, and a little girl tripped over and hurt herself. The couple at the next table laughed.
The best to you each morning
GrandpaJohn takes an idea from Troglopundit and introduces some ways to make breakfast cereal boxes more exciting.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Pick your poll
Best wishes, Carl
Carl at Spark It Up posts why he's been pretty silent recently - health problems.
He's been an enjoyable part of my blogging experience, even though I did poorly in his NASCAR fantasy league last year.
Here's hoping he does well through his coming medical treatments.
He's been an enjoyable part of my blogging experience, even though I did poorly in his NASCAR fantasy league last year.
Here's hoping he does well through his coming medical treatments.
Crabby environmentalists
Two takes on this Washington Post article on the environmental movement.
Green Miles - we're not struggling, and the Post is becoming too conservative.
Ace of Spades - guys in crab suits don't convince.
Dude.
Remember, folks, just like in the real world, a human being dressed as a crab is a spectacle, not a persuasive case that we should hobble the economy to serve the interests of...well, I'm not even sure whose interests these enviroweenies purport to be defending.
Green Miles - we're not struggling, and the Post is becoming too conservative.
Ace of Spades - guys in crab suits don't convince.
Dude.
Remember, folks, just like in the real world, a human being dressed as a crab is a spectacle, not a persuasive case that we should hobble the economy to serve the interests of...well, I'm not even sure whose interests these enviroweenies purport to be defending.
Palin the high-wire act
Ace approves of the risk-taking Sarah Palin in a sea of safe, drab, and gray liberal women.
Sarah Palin is attractive partly because she lives such a dangerous life -- flying solo, taking fire. Female liberals can't ever live dangerous lives like this in their cushy think-tanks and nicely taken care of by the still-mostly-male establishment that will see to it they always have a job, somewhere.
Risk-taking is usually called a male behavior; females have it, too, of course, but women are usually considered more risk-averse. As the establishment has become more feminized, it has also become risk-averse, to the point where no one working within it can really be any kind of gutsy maverick. The establishment -- both wings of it -- attacked Palin ferociously and drove her as far as possible out of any sort of safe career trajectory.
Ironically, though, this now puts Palin in the position of an Amelia Earhart, a Teddy Roosevelt -- someone living the vigorous, dangerous life. Which makes her all the more attractive to a public which can't help but notice that most of the vitality, most of the blood seems drained from public life and public ambition.
Sarah Palin is attractive partly because she lives such a dangerous life -- flying solo, taking fire. Female liberals can't ever live dangerous lives like this in their cushy think-tanks and nicely taken care of by the still-mostly-male establishment that will see to it they always have a job, somewhere.
Risk-taking is usually called a male behavior; females have it, too, of course, but women are usually considered more risk-averse. As the establishment has become more feminized, it has also become risk-averse, to the point where no one working within it can really be any kind of gutsy maverick. The establishment -- both wings of it -- attacked Palin ferociously and drove her as far as possible out of any sort of safe career trajectory.
Ironically, though, this now puts Palin in the position of an Amelia Earhart, a Teddy Roosevelt -- someone living the vigorous, dangerous life. Which makes her all the more attractive to a public which can't help but notice that most of the vitality, most of the blood seems drained from public life and public ambition.
What's going on? Al-aska
The Other McCain brings together the latest news from the Alaskan Republican primary.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Palin envy
Jennifer Rubin coins a great phrase to describe feminists' trouble dealing with Sarah Palin.
Palin has proved by example that a woman politician need not spout the pro-big government, pro-abortion, pro-welfare-state line. “Ms. Palin has spent much of 2010 burnishing her political bona fides and extending her influence by way of the Mama Grizzlies, a gang of Sarah- approved, maverick-y female politicians looking to ‘take back’ America with ‘common-sense’ solutions.” She sure did, and she proved herself to be the most effective female politician in the country. Sorry, Hillary — while you have been playing errand girl for the Obama foreign-policy train wreck, Palin has ascended to the throne. (Nancy Pelosi’s days are numbered.) The left is waving the white flag of surrender.
Palin has proved by example that a woman politician need not spout the pro-big government, pro-abortion, pro-welfare-state line. “Ms. Palin has spent much of 2010 burnishing her political bona fides and extending her influence by way of the Mama Grizzlies, a gang of Sarah- approved, maverick-y female politicians looking to ‘take back’ America with ‘common-sense’ solutions.” She sure did, and she proved herself to be the most effective female politician in the country. Sorry, Hillary — while you have been playing errand girl for the Obama foreign-policy train wreck, Palin has ascended to the throne. (Nancy Pelosi’s days are numbered.) The left is waving the white flag of surrender.
SWACgirl gets an Insta-lanche
Instapundit features SWACgirl's post for the Washington Examiner. It's about Gov. McDonnell's visit to Harrisonburg, and if you haven't already, read the whole thing.
Why I like Hurt in the 5th District
Shopping at Wal-Mart Sunday, I saw a car with a Robert Hurt for Congress bumper sticker.
It would be fitting for Hurt to represent a district where pain (L.F. Payne) was once Congressman.
At first, I thought the bumper sticker said Hurt Congress. Lots of people might agree with that.
It would be fitting for Hurt to represent a district where pain (L.F. Payne) was once Congressman.
At first, I thought the bumper sticker said Hurt Congress. Lots of people might agree with that.
A good place for your $10
No Sheeples Here features the latest 10 buck Friday poll. Follow the links, pick your favorite and help their campaign.
Less than 10 weeks until those 10 buck donations make a difference.
Less than 10 weeks until those 10 buck donations make a difference.
Dying to meet you
Dustbury finds that special place to meet a special undead person - ZombieHarmony.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
The ballad of Loathsome Rhodes
Keith Olbermann has gotten plenty of mileage out of calling Glenn Beck "Lonesome Rhodes" from some movie before I was born.
Maybe Olbermann needs a nickname - "Loathsome Rhodes."
And his own song, based on "I'm so lonesome I could cry." Because somewhere, Keith Olbermann is crying tonight.
Hear the popular talk show host
His fans come in sky high
My numbers took another blow
I'm so loathsome I could cry
I've never seen a crowd so big
They fill the mall, oh my
Hear Sarah Palin wow the crowd
I'll hide my face and cry
Did you ever see a grown man cry
When his hope begins to die?
That means nobody watches my show
I'm so loathsome I could cry
Can't silence this big radio star
Can't beat him though I try
And as I drop out of sight
I'm so loathsome I will cry
UPDATE: Linked by Don Surber
How about a little Hank Williams Sr. doing the original classic.
Maybe Olbermann needs a nickname - "Loathsome Rhodes."
And his own song, based on "I'm so lonesome I could cry." Because somewhere, Keith Olbermann is crying tonight.
Hear the popular talk show host
His fans come in sky high
My numbers took another blow
I'm so loathsome I could cry
I've never seen a crowd so big
They fill the mall, oh my
Hear Sarah Palin wow the crowd
I'll hide my face and cry
Did you ever see a grown man cry
When his hope begins to die?
That means nobody watches my show
I'm so loathsome I could cry
Can't silence this big radio star
Can't beat him though I try
And as I drop out of sight
I'm so loathsome I will cry
UPDATE: Linked by Don Surber
How about a little Hank Williams Sr. doing the original classic.
Let's automotivate this
Missed it by that much
This November can't come fast enough
Instapundit shares the thoughts of a big Obama supporter from 2008 - but not now.
“Have to say, I thought you were overstating the dangers of Obama before the election. Sheesh. This November can’t come fast enough.”
“Have to say, I thought you were overstating the dangers of Obama before the election. Sheesh. This November can’t come fast enough.”
Entering the working world
I dropped off the oldest son this morning for soccer referee training. Hopefully, when we pick him up at 6 p.m., he will be a registered referee.
Then he'll be a working stiff, at least on Saturday mornings.
He's looking forward to extra money for video games.
President Obama and the Democrats are looking forward to his tax money. Not yet, guys. He's just 13.
Then he'll be a working stiff, at least on Saturday mornings.
He's looking forward to extra money for video games.
President Obama and the Democrats are looking forward to his tax money. Not yet, guys. He's just 13.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Money can't buy you love
Jay Cost looks at Democratic advantages headed into November and finds them wanting.
So far this year the Republicans have enjoyed a sizable and sustained lead in the generic ballot, something that has never happened in the history of the poll. Currently, the GOP lead is at 4.5%. If that holds through November, the Democratic money advantage will not be enough to alter the orientation of the electorate sufficiently: if the RCP average has the GOP up 5 points in the generic ballot the day before, the GOP should have around a 5 point advantage on Election Day.
So far this year the Republicans have enjoyed a sizable and sustained lead in the generic ballot, something that has never happened in the history of the poll. Currently, the GOP lead is at 4.5%. If that holds through November, the Democratic money advantage will not be enough to alter the orientation of the electorate sufficiently: if the RCP average has the GOP up 5 points in the generic ballot the day before, the GOP should have around a 5 point advantage on Election Day.
Read the best
Virginia Right features the best of the week, as picked by Watchers of Weasels.
The number of the week for Virginia Right is 53.
The number of the week for Virginia Right is 53.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Tossing out some RINO dead weight
Ace of Spades compares the Tea Party takeover of the Republican party with the all-huff and no change battle within the Democratic party the past two election cycles.
I wonder how jealous guys like Kos are right now. They couldn't even replace Liebermann in Connecticut. While Angle, Rubio and Paul haven't won their races, it's a pretty good bet at least one and likely two of the the three will. Add that to Lee in Utah and (fingers crossed) Miller in AK and that's a nice haul.
Sure we might have to live with Kirk in IL and Castle in DE (and fingers crossed again) Fiorina in CA but diverse governing coalitions are a feature, not a bug of the American system.
The Democrats had to move to the center, at least rhetorically, to win their majority (think Tester in MT, Webb in VA plus a whole bunch of House members who are now running from the left). Meanwhile, the GOP has a very good chance of improving its numbers by moving right, while tossing out some RINO dead weight.
I wonder how jealous guys like Kos are right now. They couldn't even replace Liebermann in Connecticut. While Angle, Rubio and Paul haven't won their races, it's a pretty good bet at least one and likely two of the the three will. Add that to Lee in Utah and (fingers crossed) Miller in AK and that's a nice haul.
Sure we might have to live with Kirk in IL and Castle in DE (and fingers crossed again) Fiorina in CA but diverse governing coalitions are a feature, not a bug of the American system.
The Democrats had to move to the center, at least rhetorically, to win their majority (think Tester in MT, Webb in VA plus a whole bunch of House members who are now running from the left). Meanwhile, the GOP has a very good chance of improving its numbers by moving right, while tossing out some RINO dead weight.
Sounds good to me
Blue Virginia mocks Scott Rigell for signing the Tea Party pledge.
There's several points from the pledge in the post. I read them and agreed with them. They are:
*Congress should "set America on the right fiscal track by supporting a Balanced Budget Amendment or similar Constitutional amendment."
*"Internet neutrality," "campaign finance reform" and the "fairness" doctrine somehow "abridge free speech."
*Congress should pass legislation that "defunds, repeals, and replaces the Affordable Health and Patient Recovery Act and actively promotes free market solutions to address the nation's healthcare concerns."
*It's essential to "fight any measure that subverts U.S. sovereignty, whether through trade, currency, environmental causes, the United Nations, immigration amnesty, or under the guise of human rights."
And I bet voters will, also.
There's several points from the pledge in the post. I read them and agreed with them. They are:
*Congress should "set America on the right fiscal track by supporting a Balanced Budget Amendment or similar Constitutional amendment."
*"Internet neutrality," "campaign finance reform" and the "fairness" doctrine somehow "abridge free speech."
*Congress should pass legislation that "defunds, repeals, and replaces the Affordable Health and Patient Recovery Act and actively promotes free market solutions to address the nation's healthcare concerns."
*It's essential to "fight any measure that subverts U.S. sovereignty, whether through trade, currency, environmental causes, the United Nations, immigration amnesty, or under the guise of human rights."
And I bet voters will, also.
Macarena remembered
My youngest came home from school yesterday and showed what he's learned - the Macarena. The class does the dance towards the end of the school day.
It reminded me when the dance was so hot, even Al Gore tried it.
He might have been better off doing this in Portland and other places in recent years.
It reminded me when the dance was so hot, even Al Gore tried it.
He might have been better off doing this in Portland and other places in recent years.
The Butterfly party
Time to rethink the "Tea Party." It's not a reactionary part of the Republican party. It's a whole new better way to do things.
It reminds me of the story of the "Butterfly" stroke in swimming. Now one of the four main strokes in Olympic events, it evolved from the breaststroke in the 1930s.
Swimmers studied the breaststroke, looking for ways to improve it. They came up with the butterfly, and at first swimmers using the new style were disqualified. But within 20 years, the butterfly had become its own event at the Olympics. The old breaststroke is still there, but not as fast as the butterfly.
(Everybody loves those big, swooping arm motions, you know).
Democrats drool at the thought of the Tea Party breaking apart the Republicans. What if it makes them faster and better instead?
Then the Democrats will be left to flounder.
It reminds me of the story of the "Butterfly" stroke in swimming. Now one of the four main strokes in Olympic events, it evolved from the breaststroke in the 1930s.
Swimmers studied the breaststroke, looking for ways to improve it. They came up with the butterfly, and at first swimmers using the new style were disqualified. But within 20 years, the butterfly had become its own event at the Olympics. The old breaststroke is still there, but not as fast as the butterfly.
(Everybody loves those big, swooping arm motions, you know).
Democrats drool at the thought of the Tea Party breaking apart the Republicans. What if it makes them faster and better instead?
Then the Democrats will be left to flounder.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
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