Frank Rich: "Such is the disconnect that Washington and the news media react with slack-jawed shock when one of those good soldiers we support so much speaks up at a town hall meeting in Kuwait and asks the secretary of defense why vehicles that take him and his brothers into battle lack proper armor." [NYT]
Bob Herbert: "Any tragedy is awful for the relatives of those who perished. But this is a catastrophe of a different magnitude. "This," as one observer noted, "is like confronting the apocalypse." [NYT]
House ethics are going by the wayside with this Republican plan. "After a summary of the Republican plans became public on Thursday, officials of the organizations said the changes appeared to represent a step backward and could cripple the ethics panel in efforts to hold lawmakers accountable for suspect conduct." [NYT]
Friday, December 31, 2004
Are We Stingy? Yes
Are we stingy? YES!
"We hope Secretary of State Colin Powell was privately embarrassed when, two days into a catastrophic disaster that hit 12 of the world's poorer countries and will cost billions of dollars to meliorate, he held a press conference to say that America, the world's richest nation, would contribute $15 million. That's less than half of what Republicans plan to spend on the Bush inaugural festivities."
I'm glad that Bush decided to step up his initial offer of $15 million, and offer aid of $35 million. Yeah, that's LESS than what Bush is spending on his coronation ceremony on January 20th ($40+ million). But, one has to ask, is that it? Wow...we're sending an aircraft carrier! [NYT]
Price of Inauguration (coronation) too rich for even the 'haves.' [NYT]
"We hope Secretary of State Colin Powell was privately embarrassed when, two days into a catastrophic disaster that hit 12 of the world's poorer countries and will cost billions of dollars to meliorate, he held a press conference to say that America, the world's richest nation, would contribute $15 million. That's less than half of what Republicans plan to spend on the Bush inaugural festivities."
I'm glad that Bush decided to step up his initial offer of $15 million, and offer aid of $35 million. Yeah, that's LESS than what Bush is spending on his coronation ceremony on January 20th ($40+ million). But, one has to ask, is that it? Wow...we're sending an aircraft carrier! [NYT]
Price of Inauguration (coronation) too rich for even the 'haves.' [NYT]
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Untold Horrors
Tsunami death toll reaches 125,000+ (as of 8 PM EDT). [Yahoo]
Olbermann reports that Reuters saying maybe 400,000+ dead. "Now, the latest Reuters count, is 125,282. But according to Indonesia's ambassador to Malaysia, three days from now, we may find it equally impossible to believe that this number was so low." [MSNBC] [Malaysia] [Yahoo]
Olbermann reports that Reuters saying maybe 400,000+ dead. "Now, the latest Reuters count, is 125,282. But according to Indonesia's ambassador to Malaysia, three days from now, we may find it equally impossible to believe that this number was so low." [MSNBC] [Malaysia] [Yahoo]
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
2004 Misinformer of the Year
I want to wish a hearty congratulations to the King of the Douchebags, Bill O'Reilly. [Media Matters]
Here are the 10 Most Outrageous Statements of the Year:
Ex: "Rush Limbaugh on the Abu Ghraib photos: "I'm talking about people having a good time, these people, you ever heard of emotional release? You ever heard of need to blow some steam off?" [Media Matters]
Here are the 10 Most Outrageous Statements of the Year:
Ex: "Rush Limbaugh on the Abu Ghraib photos: "I'm talking about people having a good time, these people, you ever heard of emotional release? You ever heard of need to blow some steam off?" [Media Matters]
The Year the Earth Fought Back
The year the earth fought back [NYT]
Most reported totals of the devastation are around 80,000 dead and climbing. [Buzzflash] [Yahoo] [CNN]
And the Earth wobbled, and began to spin just a little bit faster. [CNN]
UNC wins 96-75 over UNC-Wilmington last night, for their 10th straight win. [UNC] [CBS] [Box]
Most reported totals of the devastation are around 80,000 dead and climbing. [Buzzflash] [Yahoo] [CNN]
And the Earth wobbled, and began to spin just a little bit faster. [CNN]
UNC wins 96-75 over UNC-Wilmington last night, for their 10th straight win. [UNC] [CBS] [Box]
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Disaster
Experts now fear that over 44,000 people may have died in the tsunamis in Southeast Asia. "Mourners in Sri Lanka used their bare hands to dig graves Tuesday while hungry islanders in Indonesia turned to looting in the aftermath of Asia's devastating tsunamis. Thousands more bodies were found in Indonesia, dramatically increasing the death toll across 11 nations to around 44,000."
[AP] [NYT] [Yahoo] [Tribune] [Red Cross] [Blogs] [Help] [Geology] [Supermodel]
[AP] [NYT] [Yahoo] [Tribune] [Red Cross] [Blogs] [Help] [Geology] [Supermodel]
Monday, December 27, 2004
Robbed!
The Chicago Bears were robbed yesterday in Detroit on an apparent 43-yard TD pass with 1:26 to play. The replays CLEARLY showed that Bernard Berrian caught the ball, and that it was a TD that would have put the Bears ahead by 1. Officials called it an incomplete pass, giving the Bears their 10th loss of the season. [Tribune] [CBS] [Bears]
Bob Herbert: "You might think that the debacle in Iraq would be enough for the Pentagon, that it would not be in the mood to seek out new routes to unnecessary wars for the United States to fight. But with Donald Rumsfeld at the apex of the defense establishment, enough is never enough." [NYT]
Bob Herbert: "You might think that the debacle in Iraq would be enough for the Pentagon, that it would not be in the mood to seek out new routes to unnecessary wars for the United States to fight. But with Donald Rumsfeld at the apex of the defense establishment, enough is never enough." [NYT]
Friday, December 24, 2004
Happy Consumer-Mas!!!
Before I leave today to go to see my Wife's family in La Crosse and Eau Claire (WI), I wanted to wish you all a "Happy Chrismahanukwanzakah!"
BenPac will return to its regularly scheduled programming on Sunday night or Monday. Have a wonderful Consumer-Mas!!!
BenPac will return to its regularly scheduled programming on Sunday night or Monday. Have a wonderful Consumer-Mas!!!
Bring Them Home
Bob Herbert: "This week's hideous attack in Mosul reminded me of those long ago days. Once again American troops sent on a fool's errand are coming home in coffins, or without their right arms or left legs, or paralyzed, or so messed up mentally they'll never be the same. Troops are being shoved two or three times into the furnace of Iraq by astonishingly incompetent leaders who have been unable or unwilling to provide them with the proper training, adequate equipment or even a clearly defined mission. It is a mind-boggling tragedy. And the suffering goes far beyond the men and women targeted by the insurgents. Each death in Iraq blows a hole in a family and sets off concentric circles of grief that touch everyone else who knew and cared for the fallen soldier. If the human stakes were understood well enough by the political leaders of this country, it might make them a little more reluctant to launch foolish, unnecessary and ultimately unwinnable wars." [NYT]
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Why We're Losing 2
This is why the Democrats are losing! Just give the right control over another one of our core issues: the issue of choice over a woman's body.
We CAN'T move to the middle, or to the right...This is sacrificing the very principles that Democrats supposedly stand for when this happens. Do we really need/want an pro-life Democratic Party chair, just to pick up a few more so-called "moral values voters?" I say NO!!!!!!!!! We want Howard Dean!
Stand for something, or you'll fall for anything! [Yahoo]
We CAN'T move to the middle, or to the right...This is sacrificing the very principles that Democrats supposedly stand for when this happens. Do we really need/want an pro-life Democratic Party chair, just to pick up a few more so-called "moral values voters?" I say NO!!!!!!!!! We want Howard Dean!
Stand for something, or you'll fall for anything! [Yahoo]
Why We're Losing
Thomas Friedman: "We may lose because of the defiantly wrong way that Donald Rumsfeld has managed this war and the cynical manner in which Dick Cheney, George Bush and - with some honorable exceptions - the whole Republican right have tolerated it. Many conservatives would rather fail in Iraq than give liberals the satisfaction of seeing Mr. Rumsfeld sacked. We may lose because our Arab allies won't lift a finger to support an election in Iraq - either because they fear they'll be next to face such pressures, or because the thought of democratically elected Shiites holding power in a country once led by Sunnis is anathema to them."
Bringing democracy to Iraq is a worthy goal, but at what cost? What has happened to the Iraqi people under Saddam Hussein is unconscionable. Yet, this continues through the insurgency; the Iraqi people. They want to bring Iraq back to theocratic control. [NYT]
MoDo the Dragon Lady: "President Bush finally acknowledged that the Iraqis can't hack it as far as securing their own country, which means that America has no exit strategy for its troops." [NYT]
Bringing democracy to Iraq is a worthy goal, but at what cost? What has happened to the Iraqi people under Saddam Hussein is unconscionable. Yet, this continues through the insurgency; the Iraqi people. They want to bring Iraq back to theocratic control. [NYT]
MoDo the Dragon Lady: "President Bush finally acknowledged that the Iraqis can't hack it as far as securing their own country, which means that America has no exit strategy for its troops." [NYT]
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Ninth Staight Win
Even with star Rashad McCants showing up late, and sitting on the bench to start the game, he scored 19 points, and the Tarheels defeated the Vermont Catamounts 93-65 Tuesday night. Sean May had 20 points and 8 rebounds, and Raymond Felton had 10 and 7. The Heels held Vermont star center Taylor Coppenrath to 13 points and 5 rebounds. That's 9 straight for UNC! [UNC] [CBS] [Box]
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Attack in Mosul Kills 24
A rocket attack on a mess tent while US troops were eating lunch has killed 24, and wounded 60. "A radical Muslim group, the Ansar al-Sunnah Army, claimed responsibility for the deadliest attack on a U.S. base in Iraq. The dead included U.S. military personnel, U.S. contractors, foreign national contractors and Iraqi army, said Brig. Gen. Carter Ham, commander of Task Force Olympia in Mosul." [NYT] [Tribune] [Yahoo] [CNN]
Researchers have found male fish in the Potomac River (DC area) that are carrying eggs. Due to pollution in the river, these male fish have become females. "Nine male smallmouth bass taken from the Potomac near Sharpsburg, about 60 miles upstream from Washington, were found to have developed eggs inside their sex organs, said Vicki S. Blazer, a scientist overseeing the research for the U.S. Geological Survey." [Yahoo] [CNN]
Just announced: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth book of the Harry Potter series, will be released on July 16th. [JKRowling] [CNN] [Yahoo]
Researchers have found male fish in the Potomac River (DC area) that are carrying eggs. Due to pollution in the river, these male fish have become females. "Nine male smallmouth bass taken from the Potomac near Sharpsburg, about 60 miles upstream from Washington, were found to have developed eggs inside their sex organs, said Vicki S. Blazer, a scientist overseeing the research for the U.S. Geological Survey." [Yahoo] [CNN]
Just announced: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth book of the Harry Potter series, will be released on July 16th. [JKRowling] [CNN] [Yahoo]
Monday, December 20, 2004
When Grown Men Cry
Bob Herbert: "The Bush administration, which has asked so much of the armed forces, has established a pattern of dealing in bad faith with its men and women in uniform. The callousness of its treatment of the troops was, of course, never more clear than in Donald Rumsfeld's high-handed response to a soldier's question about the shortages of battle armor in Iraq."
"From the earliest planning stages until now, the war in Iraq has been a tragic exercise in official incompetence. The original rationale for the war was wrong. The intelligence was wrong. The estimates of required troop strength were wrong. The war hawks' guesses about the response of the Iraqi people were wrong. The cost estimates were wrong, and on and on.
Nevertheless the troops have fought valiantly, and the price paid by many has been horrific. They all deserve better than the bad faith and shoddy treatment they are receiving from the highest officials of their government." [NYT]
What happened to Freedom of the Press???
"Among the strange wrinkles in this case is that Mr. Novak, who first published Ms. Plame's name, seems to be in no jeopardy, while Mr. Cooper faces jail time stemming from an article he wrote exposing the administration's seamy motive of retaliating against Ms. Plame's husband for criticizing Iraq policy. Stranger still is Mr. Fitzgerald's decision to entangle Ms. Miller, since she never wrote a single article about the Plame controversy" [NYT]
"From the earliest planning stages until now, the war in Iraq has been a tragic exercise in official incompetence. The original rationale for the war was wrong. The intelligence was wrong. The estimates of required troop strength were wrong. The war hawks' guesses about the response of the Iraqi people were wrong. The cost estimates were wrong, and on and on.
Nevertheless the troops have fought valiantly, and the price paid by many has been horrific. They all deserve better than the bad faith and shoddy treatment they are receiving from the highest officials of their government." [NYT]
What happened to Freedom of the Press???
"Among the strange wrinkles in this case is that Mr. Novak, who first published Ms. Plame's name, seems to be in no jeopardy, while Mr. Cooper faces jail time stemming from an article he wrote exposing the administration's seamy motive of retaliating against Ms. Plame's husband for criticizing Iraq policy. Stranger still is Mr. Fitzgerald's decision to entangle Ms. Miller, since she never wrote a single article about the Plame controversy" [NYT]
Welcome to the ACC!
UNC dominated Virginia Tech on Sunday, 85-51, in Virginia Tech's first ever ACC game. Sean May and Jawad Williams each had 17 points, and the Heels won their eighth straight. [UNC] [CBS] [Box]
UNC moves up to #4 following a loss by then #3 Georgia Tech to Gonzaga. [Poll]
Breaking News: TO will miss the entire NFL Playoffs with a fractured right fibula, and will have surgery on Wednesday to repair the sprained deltoid ligament in his ankle. His trainer predicted that the earliest he could start running is two weeks before the Super Bowl. Big blow to the Eagles title hopes.
UNC moves up to #4 following a loss by then #3 Georgia Tech to Gonzaga. [Poll]
Breaking News: TO will miss the entire NFL Playoffs with a fractured right fibula, and will have surgery on Wednesday to repair the sprained deltoid ligament in his ankle. His trainer predicted that the earliest he could start running is two weeks before the Super Bowl. Big blow to the Eagles title hopes.
Friday, December 17, 2004
The Environment
Here is a link to the LCV (League of Conservation Voters) scorecard that rates how each member of the House and Senate did on voting for the environment. On the right hand side, there is a box to input your zip code, and it shows how your Representatives did. Both of my senators, both Democrats, rated 100%. My Congressional Representative, Jerry Kleczka, rated 100%. Jim Sensenbrenner, the Republican from my district was rated at 18%. Most of the ratings had to do with a few issues: the failed Energy Bill, environmental funding, public lands, and transportation. [LCV]
Bush is going to freeze or significantly cut domestic spending. I've got an idea: instead of cutting domestic spending, why don't we stay out of illegal wars that kill thousands! Or, how about not giving tax cuts to the rich. Or, reduce the trade deficit. Or the deficit! "But House and Senate aides, speaking on condition of anonymity, said cuts appeared destined for such programs as housing, grants for community development, purchases of new equipment for the Federal Aviation Administration, and Army Corps of Engineers water projects." Yep, now that it gets cold out, we can cut funding to get people off the streets, help low-income families afford housing, develop communities, help the FAA make our air travel safer, or help protect our water resources. [CNN]
Bush is going to freeze or significantly cut domestic spending. I've got an idea: instead of cutting domestic spending, why don't we stay out of illegal wars that kill thousands! Or, how about not giving tax cuts to the rich. Or, reduce the trade deficit. Or the deficit! "But House and Senate aides, speaking on condition of anonymity, said cuts appeared destined for such programs as housing, grants for community development, purchases of new equipment for the Federal Aviation Administration, and Army Corps of Engineers water projects." Yep, now that it gets cold out, we can cut funding to get people off the streets, help low-income families afford housing, develop communities, help the FAA make our air travel safer, or help protect our water resources. [CNN]
Morning Reading
Bob Herbert: "The White House seems to have slipped the bonds of simple denial and escaped into the disturbing realm of utter delusion." If we gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom to three people who did such a bad job in Iraq, what do we give to those who actually DID their jobs? [NYT]
Paul Krugman: We can learn a lot from other countries that have gone the privatization route. This really just isn't a good idea. Yeah, we need some reform, but the system is solvent until 2052. If it isn't broke, don't fix it! [NYT]
Frank Rich: "What is this about? How can those in this country's overwhelming religious majority maintain that they are victims in a fiery battle with forces of darkness? It is certainly not about actual victimization." [NYT]
The American Express Green-Zone? MoDo the Dragon Lady explains. [NYT]
Paul Krugman: We can learn a lot from other countries that have gone the privatization route. This really just isn't a good idea. Yeah, we need some reform, but the system is solvent until 2052. If it isn't broke, don't fix it! [NYT]
Frank Rich: "What is this about? How can those in this country's overwhelming religious majority maintain that they are victims in a fiery battle with forces of darkness? It is certainly not about actual victimization." [NYT]
The American Express Green-Zone? MoDo the Dragon Lady explains. [NYT]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Bush Monkey Art
You will notice the picture that I just posted...here are some links to the "controversy" over this piece of art.
"From afar, the painting offers a likeness of Bush, but when you get closer you see the image is made up of chimpanzees or monkeys swimming in a marsh. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-bred artist said he was happy for all the attention paid to his work but said the decision to shutter the exhibit was "a blatant act of censorship."
Welcome to Bush's AmeriKKa, 1984 style.
[Mirror UK] [Reuters UK] [Yahoo]
Here's some other pics: [Google] [PoliticalHumor]
"From afar, the painting offers a likeness of Bush, but when you get closer you see the image is made up of chimpanzees or monkeys swimming in a marsh. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-bred artist said he was happy for all the attention paid to his work but said the decision to shutter the exhibit was "a blatant act of censorship."
Welcome to Bush's AmeriKKa, 1984 style.
[Mirror UK] [Reuters UK] [Yahoo]
Here's some other pics: [Google] [PoliticalHumor]
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
New Features
I got my start in the "blogosphere" just over a month ago. I can't tell you how much I love this!!!
I have listed my favorite blogs along the side, political websites and resources, as well as my favorite links. These are my favorite sports teams, favorite beers, and websites of interest, including the American Diabetes Association, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
My newest feature is to add headlines from Buzzflash.com. Excellent website! These 10 headlines will update continously as Buzzflash is updated.
Tell me what you think! [Email Ben]
I have listed my favorite blogs along the side, political websites and resources, as well as my favorite links. These are my favorite sports teams, favorite beers, and websites of interest, including the American Diabetes Association, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
My newest feature is to add headlines from Buzzflash.com. Excellent website! These 10 headlines will update continously as Buzzflash is updated.
Tell me what you think! [Email Ben]
Mmm...Beer!
I stumbled across this article in the NY Times about how geology has effected the production and taste of beer for centuries. "Beer is more than 90 percent water, and because almost all brewers use water from wells, not rivers or lakes, the different styles of beer were traditionally derived from the rocks that the breweries sat upon." Fascinating article about the origin of beer, how brewers had to change how they made beer (or the ingredients) because of geology, and what makes each beer different. [NYT]
The One Ring
The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King (Platinum Series Special Extended Edition) comes out today on DVD. It comes with 4 DVD's, and 50 minutes of extra footage that is incorporated into the film.
To me at least, this is a once in a lifetime movie series. The Lord of the Rings is definitely my favorite book series, and now, my favorite movies.
[LOTR] [Amazon] [OneRing]
To me at least, this is a once in a lifetime movie series. The Lord of the Rings is definitely my favorite book series, and now, my favorite movies.
[LOTR] [Amazon] [OneRing]
Monday, December 13, 2004
Majority Rules
Republicans are going further than ever to take away the rights of the minority party in the Senate. Democrats have blocked the confirmation of only 10 of Bush's 229 judicial nominations. This is much less than the Republicans blocked in Clinton's second term. "If they, for whatever reason, decide to do this, it's not only wrong, they will rue the day they did it, because we will do whatever we can do to strike back," incoming Senate Democratic leader Harry M. Reid (Nev.) said last week. "I know procedures around here. And I know that there will still be Senate business conducted. But I will, for lack of a better word, screw things up." Just remember, you won't be the majority forever, and turnabout is fair-play! [Yahoo]
Meanwhile, John McCain (and the rest of the sane world) give a vote of "no-confidence" in Rummy. [Buzzflash]
The daughter of Strom Thurmond and his then 16-year old black maid speaks out. Just remember, as Al Franken says, "the pecker knows no bigotry." [Tribune]
Two careers ruined [NYT]
GOP "tough-guy" was having TWO affairs at the same time. [Buzzflash] And was corrupt as hell. [MSNBC] We almost let a guy that dropped out of High School in the ninth grade run the Department of Homeland Security...nice.
Meanwhile, John McCain (and the rest of the sane world) give a vote of "no-confidence" in Rummy. [Buzzflash]
The daughter of Strom Thurmond and his then 16-year old black maid speaks out. Just remember, as Al Franken says, "the pecker knows no bigotry." [Tribune]
Two careers ruined [NYT]
GOP "tough-guy" was having TWO affairs at the same time. [Buzzflash] And was corrupt as hell. [MSNBC] We almost let a guy that dropped out of High School in the ninth grade run the Department of Homeland Security...nice.
Trade
The Milwaukee Brewers traded CF Scott Podsednik and RHP Luis Vizcaino to the Chicago White Sox for OF Carlos Lee today. The Brewers lose a MLB leading 70 stolen bases, but gain a 28 year old .305 hitter with 31 HR and 99 RBI last year (and a $16.5 million salary over the next two seasons). [MLB] [CBS] [Brewers]
Ron Santo is a finalist for the 2005 Ford C. Frick Award. This gives him a chance to be named to the MLB Hall of Fame as a broadcaster. He is also on the Veteran's Committee ballot to be named as a player. [Cubs] [MLB]
Complete MLB Winter Meetings coverage [MLB]
UNC moved up to fifth in the newest AP Poll (and sixth in the Coaches Poll) today after a 109-60 rout of Loyola-Chicago last night. [Poll] [CBS] [UNC] [Box]
Ron Santo is a finalist for the 2005 Ford C. Frick Award. This gives him a chance to be named to the MLB Hall of Fame as a broadcaster. He is also on the Veteran's Committee ballot to be named as a player. [Cubs] [MLB]
Complete MLB Winter Meetings coverage [MLB]
UNC moved up to fifth in the newest AP Poll (and sixth in the Coaches Poll) today after a 109-60 rout of Loyola-Chicago last night. [Poll] [CBS] [UNC] [Box]
Eventual Cure?
"A vaccine against the most serious form of diabetes is to be tested on humans for the first time, raising the prospect that a cure could be widely available within 10 years, The Times reported."
Oh, I read this article, and it made me very hopeful for a cure to this NASTY disease. I've had Type I Diabetes for 9 years now, and the thought of a cure (even if it's 8 years away) gets me SO excited.
[Yahoo]
Oh, I read this article, and it made me very hopeful for a cure to this NASTY disease. I've had Type I Diabetes for 9 years now, and the thought of a cure (even if it's 8 years away) gets me SO excited.
[Yahoo]
Sunday, December 12, 2004
Sunday Morning
Sports Roundup:
Complete MLB Winter Meetings coverage [MLB]
Notre Dame has found a new football coach to replace fired Tyrone Willingham: Charlie Weis of the New England Patriots. The Chicago Tribune says its final, but CBS Sportsline says a deal has not been finalized, and could still fall apart. [Tribune] [CBS]
Atlanta Braves acquire closer Danny Kolb from the Milwaukee Brewers and get P Jose Capellan in return. [CBS]
Marquette tops Wisconsin for state bragging rights. [CBS]
USC QB Matt Leinart wins the Heisman Trophy. In other news, who cares! [CBS]
This weeks sign of the apocalypse:
Six soldiers find themselves accused of felonies after "scrounging" supplies. They went and found abandoned vehicles, spare parts, and used them for the benefit and safety of their fellow soldiers, and now they are being charged with felonies? These soldiers were just doing what they had to do to survive and protect themselves, and all the army can do is court-marshall them and charge them with felonies. [Tribune]
How has George Carlin kept it going so long? He's figured out how to offend everyone.
"Of course, Mr. Carlin appointed himself. Since at least 1973, when he performed his famous routine "Filthy Words," describing the seven words you can never say on television, Mr. Carlin has made a point of saying things no one else would dare and mocking the sacred — religion, patriotism and every conceivable political group and ideology. Along the way, he has managed to find the holy grail of show business: a constantly renewing audience, a steady stream of moderately disaffected people with a high threshold for being offended." [NYT]
MoDo the Dragon Lady on the REAL 12 days of Christmas. [NYT]
Complete MLB Winter Meetings coverage [MLB]
Notre Dame has found a new football coach to replace fired Tyrone Willingham: Charlie Weis of the New England Patriots. The Chicago Tribune says its final, but CBS Sportsline says a deal has not been finalized, and could still fall apart. [Tribune] [CBS]
Atlanta Braves acquire closer Danny Kolb from the Milwaukee Brewers and get P Jose Capellan in return. [CBS]
Marquette tops Wisconsin for state bragging rights. [CBS]
USC QB Matt Leinart wins the Heisman Trophy. In other news, who cares! [CBS]
This weeks sign of the apocalypse:
Six soldiers find themselves accused of felonies after "scrounging" supplies. They went and found abandoned vehicles, spare parts, and used them for the benefit and safety of their fellow soldiers, and now they are being charged with felonies? These soldiers were just doing what they had to do to survive and protect themselves, and all the army can do is court-marshall them and charge them with felonies. [Tribune]
How has George Carlin kept it going so long? He's figured out how to offend everyone.
"Of course, Mr. Carlin appointed himself. Since at least 1973, when he performed his famous routine "Filthy Words," describing the seven words you can never say on television, Mr. Carlin has made a point of saying things no one else would dare and mocking the sacred — religion, patriotism and every conceivable political group and ideology. Along the way, he has managed to find the holy grail of show business: a constantly renewing audience, a steady stream of moderately disaffected people with a high threshold for being offended." [NYT]
MoDo the Dragon Lady on the REAL 12 days of Christmas. [NYT]
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Poisoned
Tests now confirm that Ukranian opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned with dioxin in his soup. I'd rather have a fly. [NYT] [Yahoo]
Bush to start search for new Homeland Security Director after Kerik withdraws over immigration concerns involving a family housekeeper. How can you control National immigration, when you can't control your own household? [Statement] [NYT] [Yahoo]
Can you spare a brigade? Nicholas Kristof continues his mission to drum up support and troops for Iraq. As a frame of reference, of the 28 Allied countries that still have troops in Iraq, only eight have more than 500. "Most are there as window dressing. And because of language and equipment difficulties, some contingents - like Macedonia's 28 or Kazakhstan's 29 - may be more trouble than they are worth." [NYT]
Bush to start search for new Homeland Security Director after Kerik withdraws over immigration concerns involving a family housekeeper. How can you control National immigration, when you can't control your own household? [Statement] [NYT] [Yahoo]
Can you spare a brigade? Nicholas Kristof continues his mission to drum up support and troops for Iraq. As a frame of reference, of the 28 Allied countries that still have troops in Iraq, only eight have more than 500. "Most are there as window dressing. And because of language and equipment difficulties, some contingents - like Macedonia's 28 or Kazakhstan's 29 - may be more trouble than they are worth." [NYT]
Friday, December 10, 2004
The Democrats Da Vinci Code
How do we win? We have to turn the debate to the things that matter most: the economy, the poor, education, and healthcare, not God, guns, and gays. It's still about the economy, stupid.
David Sirota offers seven lessons for the Democratic Party to find its way out of the wilderness.
1. Fight the Class War: emphasize economic populism
2. Champion Small Business Over Big Business
3. Protect the "Every-Man" and the farmers
4. Appeal to Hunters, Conservationists, and Exurbs
5. Actually Be Tough on Crime-Don't be afraid to take on the "Goliaths" of corporate crime
6. Clean up Government-Cut Government waste, deficits, corruption
7. Use the Values Prism-use values to our advantage; the environment, economy, workers rights and welfare are all values.
"In the aftermath of the recent election, the stale cadre of campaign consultants who helped run the party into the ground now say the solution is for Democrats to simply invoke God more often and radically change their positions on social issues. But the point is not to impulsively lunge rightward in some cheap, unprincipled gesture to red America that would reek of political strategizing.The point is to follow red-region Democrats who have diminished the electoral impact of traditional social issues by redefining the values debate on economic and class terms." [AlterNet]
David Sirota offers seven lessons for the Democratic Party to find its way out of the wilderness.
1. Fight the Class War: emphasize economic populism
2. Champion Small Business Over Big Business
3. Protect the "Every-Man" and the farmers
4. Appeal to Hunters, Conservationists, and Exurbs
5. Actually Be Tough on Crime-Don't be afraid to take on the "Goliaths" of corporate crime
6. Clean up Government-Cut Government waste, deficits, corruption
7. Use the Values Prism-use values to our advantage; the environment, economy, workers rights and welfare are all values.
"In the aftermath of the recent election, the stale cadre of campaign consultants who helped run the party into the ground now say the solution is for Democrats to simply invoke God more often and radically change their positions on social issues. But the point is not to impulsively lunge rightward in some cheap, unprincipled gesture to red America that would reek of political strategizing.The point is to follow red-region Democrats who have diminished the electoral impact of traditional social issues by redefining the values debate on economic and class terms." [AlterNet]
Borrow, Speculate, and Hope
Krugman: "For it is now apparent that the Bush administration's privatization proposal will amount to the same thing: borrow trillions, put the money in the stock market and hope." Why do we want to let market forces decide when we retire? Personally, I can't think of anything scarier than diverting payroll taxes into a personal account to be played in the stock market. Who is the big winner in all of this? Wall Street, due to all of the HUGE brokerage fees we'd be paying them to manage these funds. I'll keep my money with the Government run program, thanks. [NYT]
OPEC is going to cut oil production by 1 million barrels a day starting January 1st. I can't wait for gas prices to go up! The American people will have to foot the bill and do without, while the Saudis get rich. Oil prices are still up by a third this year. [Yahoo] [NYT]
OPEC is going to cut oil production by 1 million barrels a day starting January 1st. I can't wait for gas prices to go up! The American people will have to foot the bill and do without, while the Saudis get rich. Oil prices are still up by a third this year. [Yahoo] [NYT]
Science
Frank Rich discusses "The Plot Against Sex in America." Why has our culture shied away from discussing sex? Then you have pharmacists that won't fill a person's prescriptions based on their own "moral" grounds. You now have schools that are trying to get rid of science curriculum based on the Theory of Evolution. The government will only provide funding for abstinence-only sex education. Nevermind the fact that the religious-right comes up with such crazy notions that "masturbation causes pregnancy."
Science shows that abstinence-only programs don't work..."A recent Columbia University study found that teens who make "virginity pledges" to delay sex until marriage still have premarital sex at a high rate (88 percent) rivaling those that don't, but are less likely to use contraception once they do. It's California, a huge blue state that refuses to accept federal funding for abstinence-only curriculums, that has a 40 percent falloff in teenage pregnancy over the past decade, second only to Alaska." [NYT]
Science shows that abstinence-only programs don't work..."A recent Columbia University study found that teens who make "virginity pledges" to delay sex until marriage still have premarital sex at a high rate (88 percent) rivaling those that don't, but are less likely to use contraception once they do. It's California, a huge blue state that refuses to accept federal funding for abstinence-only curriculums, that has a 40 percent falloff in teenage pregnancy over the past decade, second only to Alaska." [NYT]
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Air America Radio
Air America radio host Al Franken has signed a 2-year extension to his contract with Air America Radio. Randi Rhodes signed a 3-year extension to stay with Air America Radio.
I stream both of these shows on my computer, the O'Franken Factor, and the Randi Rhodes Show everyday. Most of you probably remember Al Franken from his recurring stint on Saturday Night Live as Stuart Smalley. Well, he's even funnier on the radio. If you haven't heard of Randi Rhodes, what's wrong with you!? I love listening to her! She's very intelligent, funny, and just tells it like it is; Randi doesn't pull any punches. [Air America] [Tribune]
I stream both of these shows on my computer, the O'Franken Factor, and the Randi Rhodes Show everyday. Most of you probably remember Al Franken from his recurring stint on Saturday Night Live as Stuart Smalley. Well, he's even funnier on the radio. If you haven't heard of Randi Rhodes, what's wrong with you!? I love listening to her! She's very intelligent, funny, and just tells it like it is; Randi doesn't pull any punches. [Air America] [Tribune]
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Coalition of the "Willing"
US troops in Iraq get the chance to complain to Rumsfeld over the issues they face in Iraq. Soldiers listed such "non-issues" as lack of body and vehicle armor and extended deployments. Now there are reports that US soldiers were forced to look through dumps and Iraqi landfills for pieces of ballistic glass and scrap metal just to try to protect themselves. Excellent way to support the troops. [Yahoo] [CNN] [NYT]
Nicholas Kristof tries to recruit more troops for Iraq from our coalition of the "willing." The tiny country of Estonia currently has 55 troops in Iraq. By the basis of their understanding, Estonia has sent 55 soldiers to Iraq, therefore, if Estonia should come under attack or invasion from Russia, the US is expected to "get their back."
"And that's the problem with our coalition: it's mostly made up of leaders counting on rewards, rather than of nations that are really behind us." [NYT]
By the way, eight of our "partners" have fewer than 100 soldiers in Iraq.
Nicholas Kristof tries to recruit more troops for Iraq from our coalition of the "willing." The tiny country of Estonia currently has 55 troops in Iraq. By the basis of their understanding, Estonia has sent 55 soldiers to Iraq, therefore, if Estonia should come under attack or invasion from Russia, the US is expected to "get their back."
"And that's the problem with our coalition: it's mostly made up of leaders counting on rewards, rather than of nations that are really behind us." [NYT]
By the way, eight of our "partners" have fewer than 100 soldiers in Iraq.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Hooray for Morals!
Great story out of Iowa. So, who gave the Republicans control of the moral high ground? What with Rush, O'Reilly, Gingrich, Bennett, Swaggart, Bakker...the list just keeps on going...
[Yesterday] "Bush introduced Mike and Sharla Hintz, a couple from Clive, whom he said benefited from his tax plan. Last year, because of the enhanced the child tax credit, they received an extra $1,600 in their tax refund, Bush said. With other tax cuts in the bill, they saved $2,800 on their income taxes. Mike Hintz, a First Assembly of God youth pastor, said the tax cuts also gave him additional money to use for health care. He said he supports Bush's values. "The American people are starting to see what kind of leader President Bush is. People know where he stands," he said.
[and Today] "A Des Moines youth pastor is charged with the sexual exploitation of a child. KCCI learned that the married father of four recently turned himself in to Johnston police. Rev. Mike Hintz was fired from the First Assembly of God Church, located at 2725 Merle Hay Road, on Oct. 30. Hintz was the youth pastor there for three years. Police said he started an affair with a 17-year-old in the church youth group this spring.
What a difference a day makes!
My favorite Senator, Russ Feingold on Condoleeza Rice: " I admire Dr. Rice's obvious intellectual gifts and her communication skills, and I congratulate her. But I am deeply troubled by the signal that this nomination appears to send -- a signal suggesting that the modest moderating influence of the State Department over the last four years will disappear, and that the next four years will be guided even more closely by the voices that shouted loudest in the first term, and that led our country into seriously flawed foreign policies. Our country cannot afford to continue down the foreign policy path that was forged during the first term of the Bush Administration." [Feingold]
With Powell leaving, any moderating influence is gone.
[Yesterday] "Bush introduced Mike and Sharla Hintz, a couple from Clive, whom he said benefited from his tax plan. Last year, because of the enhanced the child tax credit, they received an extra $1,600 in their tax refund, Bush said. With other tax cuts in the bill, they saved $2,800 on their income taxes. Mike Hintz, a First Assembly of God youth pastor, said the tax cuts also gave him additional money to use for health care. He said he supports Bush's values. "The American people are starting to see what kind of leader President Bush is. People know where he stands," he said.
[and Today] "A Des Moines youth pastor is charged with the sexual exploitation of a child. KCCI learned that the married father of four recently turned himself in to Johnston police. Rev. Mike Hintz was fired from the First Assembly of God Church, located at 2725 Merle Hay Road, on Oct. 30. Hintz was the youth pastor there for three years. Police said he started an affair with a 17-year-old in the church youth group this spring.
What a difference a day makes!
My favorite Senator, Russ Feingold on Condoleeza Rice: " I admire Dr. Rice's obvious intellectual gifts and her communication skills, and I congratulate her. But I am deeply troubled by the signal that this nomination appears to send -- a signal suggesting that the modest moderating influence of the State Department over the last four years will disappear, and that the next four years will be guided even more closely by the voices that shouted loudest in the first term, and that led our country into seriously flawed foreign policies. Our country cannot afford to continue down the foreign policy path that was forged during the first term of the Bush Administration." [Feingold]
With Powell leaving, any moderating influence is gone.
Inventing a Crisis
Paul Krugman takes a vacation from his vacation for a quick hit on why we shouldn't mess with Social Security.
"Projections in a recent report by the Congressional Budget Office (which are probably more realistic than the very cautious projections of the Social Security Administration) say that the trust fund will run out in 2052. The system won't become "bankrupt" at that point; even after the trust fund is gone, Social Security revenues will cover 81 percent of the promised benefits. Still, there is a long-run financing problem.
But it's a problem of modest size. The report finds that extending the life of the trust fund into the 22nd century, with no change in benefits, would require additional revenues equal to only 0.54 percent of G.D.P. That's less than 3 percent of federal spending - less than we're currently spending in Iraq. And it's only about one-quarter of the revenue lost each year because of President Bush's tax cuts - roughly equal to the fraction of those cuts that goes to people with incomes over $500,000 a year.
Given these numbers, it's not at all hard to come up with fiscal packages that would secure the retirement program, with no major changes, for generations to come." [NYT]
"Projections in a recent report by the Congressional Budget Office (which are probably more realistic than the very cautious projections of the Social Security Administration) say that the trust fund will run out in 2052. The system won't become "bankrupt" at that point; even after the trust fund is gone, Social Security revenues will cover 81 percent of the promised benefits. Still, there is a long-run financing problem.
But it's a problem of modest size. The report finds that extending the life of the trust fund into the 22nd century, with no change in benefits, would require additional revenues equal to only 0.54 percent of G.D.P. That's less than 3 percent of federal spending - less than we're currently spending in Iraq. And it's only about one-quarter of the revenue lost each year because of President Bush's tax cuts - roughly equal to the fraction of those cuts that goes to people with incomes over $500,000 a year.
Given these numbers, it's not at all hard to come up with fiscal packages that would secure the retirement program, with no major changes, for generations to come." [NYT]
Nomah!
Nomar Garciaparra gets to keep his 'r' for at least one more season in Chicago, by agreeing to a one year deal worth eight million, plus incentives. Reports are saying that the Cubs may re-sign 2B Todd Walker today as well. I for one welcome these two signings. The Cubs are obviously saying they prefer offense to defense, but Walker is a .981 career defender, and Garciaparra is a career .969 defender. I'll take those numbers. Walker excelled last year when starting for Mark Grudzielanek, and Nomar hit .297 for the Cubs in 43 games since the July 31st trade.
[Cubs] [ChicagoSports]
[Cubs] [ChicagoSports]
To Your Health
Hardee's Monster Thickburger...only 1,420 calories and 107 grams of fat! [Tribune]
I'm literally having a heart attack just thinking about the three slices of cheese, four slices of bacon, two delicious 1/3 # angus beef patties, all nestled deliciously between two buttered, sesame-seed buns, and mayo dripping off. Oh God, I need to find a Hardee's!
Hangover cures? Maybe that would be the Monster Thickburger from above. [NYT]
Or, maybe try a Kamikaze! [DrinkNation] Happy Pearl Harbor Day!
I'm literally having a heart attack just thinking about the three slices of cheese, four slices of bacon, two delicious 1/3 # angus beef patties, all nestled deliciously between two buttered, sesame-seed buns, and mayo dripping off. Oh God, I need to find a Hardee's!
Hangover cures? Maybe that would be the Monster Thickburger from above. [NYT]
Or, maybe try a Kamikaze! [DrinkNation] Happy Pearl Harbor Day!
Monday, December 06, 2004
Religion and the War on the Environment
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Weekend Roundup
Secretary of Health & Human Services, Tommy Thompson has stepped down. His parting shot was to say that he can't believe that terrorists haven't struck the US through the food supply yet. Yeah, good idea to let them know that we're WIDE OPEN. Do you feel safer?? Another day, another terror warning downplayed by Bush. Does this guy even have a pulse? [Yahoo]
The Chicago Bears beat the Minnesota Vi-Queens 24-14! Final line on Chad Hutchinson: 18-30 for 213 yards, and 3TD's. I think he'll probably start next week at Jacksonville! :) [Bears] [CBS]
Big win for the North Carolina Tarheels Saturday! UNC beat eighth ranked Kentucky 91-78 to improve to 6-1. Rashad McCants had 28 points, and Sean May had 14 points and 19 boards to lead the Heels. [CBS] [UNC] [Charlotte] [Box]
The Chicago Bears beat the Minnesota Vi-Queens 24-14! Final line on Chad Hutchinson: 18-30 for 213 yards, and 3TD's. I think he'll probably start next week at Jacksonville! :) [Bears] [CBS]
Big win for the North Carolina Tarheels Saturday! UNC beat eighth ranked Kentucky 91-78 to improve to 6-1. Rashad McCants had 28 points, and Sean May had 14 points and 19 boards to lead the Heels. [CBS] [UNC] [Charlotte] [Box]
Friday, December 03, 2004
Choose The Blue
I found this website through an e-mail that I received on the Wisconsin for Kerry Yahoo group mailing list. The site tells you which corporations donated to which political party in the 2003-2004 election cycle, and how much. It gives a good guide to buying goods and services from causes that support Democratic causes. [Choose The Blue]
Check out this cereal bar! They opened it up at Arizona State University a while back, and it's been a big hit so far. Here's what the website has to say: "At Cereality, customers choose from their favorite brands and toppings. Pajama-clad Cereologists™ fill the orders. And customers choose and add their own milk, just the way they like it." Sounds like they have something like 36 toppings for the cereal including malted milk balls. [Cereality]
Check out this cereal bar! They opened it up at Arizona State University a while back, and it's been a big hit so far. Here's what the website has to say: "At Cereality, customers choose from their favorite brands and toppings. Pajama-clad Cereologists™ fill the orders. And customers choose and add their own milk, just the way they like it." Sounds like they have something like 36 toppings for the cereal including malted milk balls. [Cereality]
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Welcome to Nascar-Land!
Frank Rich welcomes all of you to Nascar-Land! So, does that mean that we live either in a Jeff Gordon State, or a Earnhardt Junior State? Liberal media my ass!!!!!! [NYT]
The 9/11 Bubble by Thomas Friedman. So, which generation is going to foot the bill and the debt for this Administration's inept policies? Yes, that would be you, 20-year olds. [NYT]
MoDo the Dragon Lady asks if maybe it's time we have a woman or a black person take over a nightly news desk. I guess it's still a man's world on the boob-tube. (Is that an FCC violation?) They can put whomever they want on the nightly news, I still won't watch it, The Simpsons are on!!! Of course if they had put Katie Couric in Tom Brokaw's spot, I'd probably start drinking heavily. (oh...wait) [NYT]
Oh, and those "new" 12,000 troops going to Iraq? Yeah...10,400 of them are ALREADY THERE. They are just extending their tours of duty by 60 days, even though they've already been there for a year. Great idea! [NYT] [Tribune] [WP]
The 9/11 Bubble by Thomas Friedman. So, which generation is going to foot the bill and the debt for this Administration's inept policies? Yes, that would be you, 20-year olds. [NYT]
MoDo the Dragon Lady asks if maybe it's time we have a woman or a black person take over a nightly news desk. I guess it's still a man's world on the boob-tube. (Is that an FCC violation?) They can put whomever they want on the nightly news, I still won't watch it, The Simpsons are on!!! Of course if they had put Katie Couric in Tom Brokaw's spot, I'd probably start drinking heavily. (oh...wait) [NYT]
Oh, and those "new" 12,000 troops going to Iraq? Yeah...10,400 of them are ALREADY THERE. They are just extending their tours of duty by 60 days, even though they've already been there for a year. Great idea! [NYT] [Tribune] [WP]
5-1
UNC survived a superb effort by Indiana in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge to win 70-63. UNC looked particularly weary, but won it's 5th straight to improve to 5-1. Marvin Williams had 12 boards, Rashad McCants had 19 points, and Raymond Felton contributed 18 points in the victory. Sean May struggled in front of his "home" crowd. He is a former Mr. Basketball in Indiana, and is from Bloomington. His father, Scott May, was the Player of the Year for Indiana in 1976. There were chants of "traitor" all night. [CBS] [UNC]
[Box] [Roy] [Photos]
UWGB won a tough road game in Chicago, to improve to 3-1. [GB P-G]
[Box] [Roy] [Photos]
UWGB won a tough road game in Chicago, to improve to 3-1. [GB P-G]
A Plan to Win
What's the matter with Democrats?
That's what Thomas Frank, author of "What's the Matter with Kansas?" asks. It's a good question. Where do we go from here? How do we pick up the pieces and move forward? Changing our core beliefs is certainly not the answer, but that seems to be the way the party is moving under current leadership.
"Having already moved to the right on economic issues, the party seems ready to don the mask of social conservatism – as in the appointment of an anti-abortion Harry Reid as the Senate Minority leader – to hold on to a sliver of power.
That's exactly the wrong strategy to beat the Republicans, says Tom Frank. The solution is not Bible-thumping but economic populism. Liberals need to respond to the faux populism of the GOP – which pits "real" working class Americans against over-educated, snotty liberals – with the real deal. Frank argues it's time for the Democratic Party to return to its roots, to rediscover its lost soul. To become once again the champion of the working class." [AlterNet]
I think it all comes down to selecting the right person at the top, Howard Dean. He started the largest grassroots organization in history, and can change the entire direction of this party. While trickle-down economics doesn't work, trickle-down leadership does.
That's what Thomas Frank, author of "What's the Matter with Kansas?" asks. It's a good question. Where do we go from here? How do we pick up the pieces and move forward? Changing our core beliefs is certainly not the answer, but that seems to be the way the party is moving under current leadership.
"Having already moved to the right on economic issues, the party seems ready to don the mask of social conservatism – as in the appointment of an anti-abortion Harry Reid as the Senate Minority leader – to hold on to a sliver of power.
That's exactly the wrong strategy to beat the Republicans, says Tom Frank. The solution is not Bible-thumping but economic populism. Liberals need to respond to the faux populism of the GOP – which pits "real" working class Americans against over-educated, snotty liberals – with the real deal. Frank argues it's time for the Democratic Party to return to its roots, to rediscover its lost soul. To become once again the champion of the working class." [AlterNet]
I think it all comes down to selecting the right person at the top, Howard Dean. He started the largest grassroots organization in history, and can change the entire direction of this party. While trickle-down economics doesn't work, trickle-down leadership does.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
World AIDS Day
Today, December 1st is World AIDS Day. [Google] [website] [Studentsfight]
HIV/AIDS is something that I feel very strongly about. My uncle Scott died of AIDS in 1994. I think of him constantly.
We need to do more as a society, as a country, as humans, to spread awareness of this deadly virus. I heard a statistic today that 70% of 18-year olds have had sex at least once. The Bush Administration has not only stopped all efforts to try to teach safe sex to our students, but has thwarted any attempts to educate our children about safe sex. They preach abstinence, which is good...but it can't be the only option (and well, try to tell a horny teenager to keep it in his pants). We need to teach everyone about safe sex: condoms, protection, selecting partners carefully, etc, and yes, abstinence. [Advocatesforyouth]
Tom Brokaw retires tonight. I'll actually be sad to see him go. He's one of the few with integrity. Brokaw coined the term "The Greatest Generation" referring to the World War II veterans. His swan song airs tonight on NBC at 5:30-6 PM Central time. [MSNBC] [CNN]
Kristof on China. Sounds more like the US all the time. We don't even protect our journalists or their sources anymore. Well, not the right ones anyways. [NYT]
HIV/AIDS is something that I feel very strongly about. My uncle Scott died of AIDS in 1994. I think of him constantly.
We need to do more as a society, as a country, as humans, to spread awareness of this deadly virus. I heard a statistic today that 70% of 18-year olds have had sex at least once. The Bush Administration has not only stopped all efforts to try to teach safe sex to our students, but has thwarted any attempts to educate our children about safe sex. They preach abstinence, which is good...but it can't be the only option (and well, try to tell a horny teenager to keep it in his pants). We need to teach everyone about safe sex: condoms, protection, selecting partners carefully, etc, and yes, abstinence. [Advocatesforyouth]
Tom Brokaw retires tonight. I'll actually be sad to see him go. He's one of the few with integrity. Brokaw coined the term "The Greatest Generation" referring to the World War II veterans. His swan song airs tonight on NBC at 5:30-6 PM Central time. [MSNBC] [CNN]
Kristof on China. Sounds more like the US all the time. We don't even protect our journalists or their sources anymore. Well, not the right ones anyways. [NYT]
Psych Test
Under pResident Bush's "New Freedom Initiative" that recently passed Congress, schools will now receive funding to perform mandatory psychological testing on students, WITHOUT parental consent. So...how are already stretched schools going to find time to test students? Who is going to do the testing? What are they going to do with the results?
Yet another aspect of "Big Brother" from Orwell's 1984 is coming to pass. Let's just take the parents out of the equation when it comes to health choices for their own kids. [InfoWars]
Yet another aspect of "Big Brother" from Orwell's 1984 is coming to pass. Let's just take the parents out of the equation when it comes to health choices for their own kids. [InfoWars]
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
"Jeopardy"
Ken Jennings has finally lost.
After a 74-game whirlwind, and $2,520,700 in earnings, Jennings finally handed his "Jeopardy" crown to Nancy Zerg, of California.
This was so huge that I just had to post something about it. [Yahoo!]
After a 74-game whirlwind, and $2,520,700 in earnings, Jennings finally handed his "Jeopardy" crown to Nancy Zerg, of California.
This was so huge that I just had to post something about it. [Yahoo!]
You're Fired!
Reports indicate that Tom Ridge is going to resign. I say good riddance to the color-coded terror alerts. Randi Rhodes of Air America put it best when she said after New York was put on "orange-plus" alert, that New York City is now a cool, refreshing, breakfast drink. [CNN] [Yahoo!]
Notre Dame fires Tyrone Willingham after 3 seasons. He went 21-15. Not good enough for the golden domers. He still had 2 years left on his contract. What does it take to win at ND? Maybe they'll look to add Nick Saban from LSU...everyone else is. [CBS] [Yahoo!]
Butch Davis also "steps down" as coach of the Cleveland Browns. He was forced to resign after the Browns got off to a 3-8 record so far this year. [CBS]
Notre Dame fires Tyrone Willingham after 3 seasons. He went 21-15. Not good enough for the golden domers. He still had 2 years left on his contract. What does it take to win at ND? Maybe they'll look to add Nick Saban from LSU...everyone else is. [CBS] [Yahoo!]
Butch Davis also "steps down" as coach of the Cleveland Browns. He was forced to resign after the Browns got off to a 3-8 record so far this year. [CBS]
Monday, November 29, 2004
Alright, back to the madness...
Oh, the poor children. Frank Rich knocks it out of the park again. [NYT]
UNC won the Maui Invitational last Wednesday with a 106-92 victory over Iowa. Last night, they destroyed USC 97-65. This game was over with 10 minutes left in the first half. [CBS]
Next up: Indiana in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. 8 PM Wednesday on ESPN.
The Air America: Unfiltered Talking Point for 11/23/2004:
Oh, the poor children. Frank Rich knocks it out of the park again. [NYT]
UNC won the Maui Invitational last Wednesday with a 106-92 victory over Iowa. Last night, they destroyed USC 97-65. This game was over with 10 minutes left in the first half. [CBS]
Next up: Indiana in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. 8 PM Wednesday on ESPN.
The Air America: Unfiltered Talking Point for 11/23/2004:
"Just moments before a vote, House Speaker Dennis Hastert pulled the Intelligence Reform bill from the floor – this bill is the recommendations of the 9/11 commission, our country’s main response to 9/11.
So why did he do it? Because he was worried that the bill had too much Democratic support. It would have passed easily, but the Republicans can’t stand to pass anything that Democrats might vote for. So, no government response to Nine-Eleven:
No new security reforms.
No national intelligence director.
And nobody walking the plank for the worst intelligence failures in our nation’s history." [Unfiltered]Welcome Back, Kotter!
After my extended weekend in Green Bay for Thanksgiving, I'm back!
Great weekend. Thursday was the best. We all got together at my Grandpa & Grandma's house for "Thanks-mas." Now, you're probably asking what "Thanks-mas" is. This is a twist on "Christmukkah" that has been popularized by Seth Cohen on The O.C. Since my Grandparents go to Florida every winter now, they don't stay much past Thanksgiving. So, our new tradition is to have Thanksgiving dinner, then we do Christmas; hence "Thanks-mas" or "Christ-giving." Now, just to clarify, it's ALWAYS around 85-90 degrees in my Grandpa & Grandma's house. So, when you pack 20 people in a basement room to celebrate, it gets REALLY hot. Good times.
Great weekend. Thursday was the best. We all got together at my Grandpa & Grandma's house for "Thanks-mas." Now, you're probably asking what "Thanks-mas" is. This is a twist on "Christmukkah" that has been popularized by Seth Cohen on The O.C. Since my Grandparents go to Florida every winter now, they don't stay much past Thanksgiving. So, our new tradition is to have Thanksgiving dinner, then we do Christmas; hence "Thanks-mas" or "Christ-giving." Now, just to clarify, it's ALWAYS around 85-90 degrees in my Grandpa & Grandma's house. So, when you pack 20 people in a basement room to celebrate, it gets REALLY hot. Good times.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Happy Pumpkin Pie Day!!!
That's what my wife calls it.
Anyways, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! I will be in Green Bay with family, and won't be posting until at least Sunday night, or Monday morning.
Enjoy!
Anyways, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! I will be in Green Bay with family, and won't be posting until at least Sunday night, or Monday morning.
Enjoy!
The War on America
The war against women rages on. The ongoing struggle for women to obtain and safeguard basic reproductive rights has suffered another setback with the passage of the omnibus spending bill. Why would a spending bill cut back on women's rights? Well, instead of worrying about the HUGE federal deficit, Republicans decided to include provision that is intended to curtail the options women have with regards to their reproductive rights. This provision cuts options that women have to speak to their doctor, get an abortion, or get information regarding reproductive health. [NYT]
The war on taxpayers rages on. A back-door provision was inserted into the very same spending bill that would have allowed your lawmakers to view your tax returns, without regard to privacy protections. Of course, they don't tell you that the omnibus spending bill was given to lawmakers less than 24 hours before the vote. Oh well you say? Yeah, it was 14 inches thick! So, some nefarious "evildoer" inserted this provision into the bill. Luckily, it was caught and defeated. Hmmm...Who could have put that in there...A staffer? Nevermind that fact that they voted on the bill at about 4 AM! [NYT]
Oh, and Dan Rather announced his retirement effective in March 2005. I never really had any problems with the guy. He is 73, and even though the end of his tenure was marked with controversy, his legacy will be a positive one. He's still no Walter Cronkite (my journalistic idol), but he lasted 24 years. [Yahoo]
The war on taxpayers rages on. A back-door provision was inserted into the very same spending bill that would have allowed your lawmakers to view your tax returns, without regard to privacy protections. Of course, they don't tell you that the omnibus spending bill was given to lawmakers less than 24 hours before the vote. Oh well you say? Yeah, it was 14 inches thick! So, some nefarious "evildoer" inserted this provision into the bill. Luckily, it was caught and defeated. Hmmm...Who could have put that in there...A staffer? Nevermind that fact that they voted on the bill at about 4 AM! [NYT]
Oh, and Dan Rather announced his retirement effective in March 2005. I never really had any problems with the guy. He is 73, and even though the end of his tenure was marked with controversy, his legacy will be a positive one. He's still no Walter Cronkite (my journalistic idol), but he lasted 24 years. [Yahoo]
Maui Wowie!
UNC defeated Tennessee last night, 94-81, in a game that wasn't even that close. The Heels led by 20 at halftime, and never looked back. [CBS]
Rashad McCants had 27 points, Sean May had 13 boards, and Felton had 9 assists. I was particularly impressed by freshman F Marvin Williams and senior Jawad Williams. They also shot 58.8% from the field for the game, which never hurts. Their defense is starting to come around, and it is clearly a different team with Felton running the show.
UNC vs Iowa tonight at 8:30 PM on ESPN for the Championship of the Maui Invitational.
UWGB got hammered by Michigan State. [CBS]
Wisconsin beat UC-Santa Barbara. [CBS]
A good article by Scott Miller from Sportsline about how the Cubs need to part ways with Sammy Sosa...and FAST. [CBS]
Rashad McCants had 27 points, Sean May had 13 boards, and Felton had 9 assists. I was particularly impressed by freshman F Marvin Williams and senior Jawad Williams. They also shot 58.8% from the field for the game, which never hurts. Their defense is starting to come around, and it is clearly a different team with Felton running the show.
UNC vs Iowa tonight at 8:30 PM on ESPN for the Championship of the Maui Invitational.
UWGB got hammered by Michigan State. [CBS]
Wisconsin beat UC-Santa Barbara. [CBS]
A good article by Scott Miller from Sportsline about how the Cubs need to part ways with Sammy Sosa...and FAST. [CBS]
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Something Wicked This Way Comes!
Today is the release of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third movie in the Harry Potter series. [Amazon] [Harry Potter]
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this movie was a huge departure from the first 2 installments in the series, which had both been directed by Christopher Columbus (not THAT Christopher Columbus!). I actually went and saw this movie on opening night here in Milwaukee with my sister. VERY awesome movie. She got me interested in the Harry Potter books about the time that the 2nd movie came out. I've read all five of the books about three times each. I just love them. This is the best movie of the series so far, even if it follows the book the least of the three.
I'm such a hopeless nerd...
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this movie was a huge departure from the first 2 installments in the series, which had both been directed by Christopher Columbus (not THAT Christopher Columbus!). I actually went and saw this movie on opening night here in Milwaukee with my sister. VERY awesome movie. She got me interested in the Harry Potter books about the time that the 2nd movie came out. I've read all five of the books about three times each. I just love them. This is the best movie of the series so far, even if it follows the book the least of the three.
I'm such a hopeless nerd...
Domination
UNC improved to 1-1 after a thorough drubbing of BYU last night, 86-50. Sean May had 18 pts and 8 boards. They are on ESPN tonight in the semifinals of the Maui Invitational against Tennessee. Biggest story of this game: Buzz Peterson is the head coach at Tennessee, and a former player at UNC.
[Recap] [Photos I] [Photos II]
[Recap] [Photos I] [Photos II]
Monday, November 22, 2004
Just Livin' the Dream
Bob Herbert on poverty in America and trying to earn a living wage. It's not easy, and 11.2% of the American population lives in poverty. But, people don't want to hear about that...[NYT]
An article from MoDo the Dragon Lady. Why do we even have checks and balances in government? Or a better question is why did we, because they aren't there anymore. Oh, and the new budget...over 15 BILLION in "pork" added. Such necessary spending additions: antiabortion legislation, and a toilet paper hall of fame. Nice. If they're serving up pork, I want ribs. [NYT]
This is an article about the "Motown brawl" from this past Friday night, where Ron Artest of the Indiana Pacers was doused in beer, then proceeded to charge into the stands. Seriously, whomever threw that beer deserves to be held responsible, and to be banned from coming to future games. But, Artest just snapped. He deserves what he got. [NYT]
An article from MoDo the Dragon Lady. Why do we even have checks and balances in government? Or a better question is why did we, because they aren't there anymore. Oh, and the new budget...over 15 BILLION in "pork" added. Such necessary spending additions: antiabortion legislation, and a toilet paper hall of fame. Nice. If they're serving up pork, I want ribs. [NYT]
This is an article about the "Motown brawl" from this past Friday night, where Ron Artest of the Indiana Pacers was doused in beer, then proceeded to charge into the stands. Seriously, whomever threw that beer deserves to be held responsible, and to be banned from coming to future games. But, Artest just snapped. He deserves what he got. [NYT]
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Stem-Cells
Never has something so tiny caused so much controversy. Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle has introduced a $750 million plan for a biotechnology research institute on the UW-Madison campus. This research institute would allow
"Embryonic stem cells are master cells that can form any tissue or organ in the body and may hold the cures for spinal cord injuries, diabetes, Alzheimer's and other illnesses. Adult stem-cells are less "plastic," meaning they can only become cells of the tissue from which they were taken, such as the brain or blood vessels." [JS]
These embryonic stem-cells can be harvested from fertility clinics as an alternative. As a sufferer of Type I Diabetes (insulin-dependent), this is extremely important to me. This could provide millions of sufferers of Diabetes, Alzheimer's, spinal injuries, a chance at a cure...a more normal life. But because of concerns over what it might do to a clump of cells, it might not be passed. This would also create jobs, boost the economy of
Everyone that is reading this has been, or will be affected by one of these serious illnesses. I urge everyone to really think about what effect this could have to millions of people. We are just starting to unlock the potential of embryonic stem-cells. Write your Wisconsin Legislator and tell them to please support this measure from Governor Jim Doyle. [WI Legislature]
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Controversy?
So, what's the controversy here? Err...there was some innuendo, but really, that's about it. Here is the link to the MNF video. If you have realplayer, you can click on it and watch it full-screen. Honestly, I can see the point that maybe it wasn't completely appropriate for kids under the age of say, 12. But it really wasn't that bad. Some of the media is making this out to be an issue because TO is African-American, and Sheridan is white. So what? Watch for yourself and decide. [IndyChannel]
Friday, November 19, 2004
Auspicious Debut
I haven't written a lot about sports yet, but I'm a fanatic. I'm a rabid sports junkie. I've of course fallen for the teams that are the "lovable losers," and the "team that almost won it." I make no secret about the fact that I'm a HUGE Chicago Cubs fan. I've got a team (or 2) in every sport. My allegiances are as follows:
MLB: Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, and whomever is playing the Yankees. Did I mention that NL baseball is superior to AL baseball? Designated hitter? I don't even know her!
NFL: Chicago Bears
NBA: well, I really don't like the NBA...at all. I root for the Milwaukee Bucks though.
NHL: Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks (I know, impossible!); God I miss the NHL right about now! At least we have the Wisconsin Badgers college hockey team. They are definitely 'East Coast Canadian,' EH?!
College Football: Wisconsin Badgers, Nebraska Cornhuskers (my uncle Otis went to school there and was the athletic trainer under legendary coach, Tom Osborne), my DIII fave: the UW-Whitewater Warhawks!
College Basketball: Here is where it gets muddled...I LOVE the UNC Tarheels. I'm also a big fan of the UWGB Phoenix, the Wisconsin Badgers, and whomever is playing Dook. I don't mind Marquette too much either. I give most of my love to the ACC. Best conference in the land, hands down. Gotta give props to the Big Ten (11?) though!
So, my Tarheels debuted tonight in Oakland against Santa Clara. NOT good...They were without Raymond Felton (PG). They played poorly and ended up losing 77-66, to start the season 0-1. [CBS] [UNC] [ESPN]
MLB: Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, and whomever is playing the Yankees. Did I mention that NL baseball is superior to AL baseball? Designated hitter? I don't even know her!
NFL: Chicago Bears
NBA: well, I really don't like the NBA...at all. I root for the Milwaukee Bucks though.
NHL: Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks (I know, impossible!); God I miss the NHL right about now! At least we have the Wisconsin Badgers college hockey team. They are definitely 'East Coast Canadian,' EH?!
College Football: Wisconsin Badgers, Nebraska Cornhuskers (my uncle Otis went to school there and was the athletic trainer under legendary coach, Tom Osborne), my DIII fave: the UW-Whitewater Warhawks!
College Basketball: Here is where it gets muddled...I LOVE the UNC Tarheels. I'm also a big fan of the UWGB Phoenix, the Wisconsin Badgers, and whomever is playing Dook. I don't mind Marquette too much either. I give most of my love to the ACC. Best conference in the land, hands down. Gotta give props to the Big Ten (11?) though!
So, my Tarheels debuted tonight in Oakland against Santa Clara. NOT good...They were without Raymond Felton (PG). They played poorly and ended up losing 77-66, to start the season 0-1. [CBS] [UNC] [ESPN]
The Politics of Persecution
Never has any President had to endure such hardship. Never has one man had to stand as strong under the harsh light of scrutiny, all the while trying to steer a nation to a safe port in the storm. I don't think that Bill Clinton was the greatest President ever...But I do think that he was treated very poorly. Yes, he had "relations" with an intern (not cool). While this was wrong, and it is what most people remember of his Presidency, that's not what it was all about. I will always have a special place in my heart for Bill Clinton; he was the first President that I had a chance to vote for. He wasn't perfect. But, I would take another 8 years of Clinton economic prosperity and safety over another 4 years of deficit, illegal war on Iraq, the environment, and the American people. Pundits will look for a legacy; Bill just tried to defend his. [SFGate]
What will King George II's legacy? Protest????? [AP] [CommonDreams]
Bob Herbert: "History will show that the Bush crowd of incompetents brought tremendous amounts of suffering to enormous numbers of people." [NYT]
Morals? Really? Not the Republicans...Sorry, wrong number. They would rather just change the rules so that no one notices that even if they get convicted of a FELONY, they can stay in Congress, and even keep their leadership positions. [NYT] [SeattleWeekly]
What will King George II's legacy? Protest????? [AP] [CommonDreams]
Bob Herbert: "History will show that the Bush crowd of incompetents brought tremendous amounts of suffering to enormous numbers of people." [NYT]
Morals? Really? Not the Republicans...Sorry, wrong number. They would rather just change the rules so that no one notices that even if they get convicted of a FELONY, they can stay in Congress, and even keep their leadership positions. [NYT] [SeattleWeekly]
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Media Censorship
Frank Rich NAILS it again...So, why won't you air "Saving Private Ryan?" Afraid of a fine for running a movie about a 60-year old war with a few expletives and some (although very graphic) gore. If you don't like it, don't watch. This was supposed to air on VETERAN'S DAY!
So, let's not show this "offensive" movie, and then we won't show the truth of Iraq either...Let's toe that line the Administration has drawn in the sand and follow in lockstep with Fox News!!!
[NYT]
You WILL be loyal subjects!!! King George II is your one true ruler!!!
"Not only are the Bush officials who failed to protect the country and misled us into war not losing their jobs. They're getting promoted."
MoDo the Dragon Lady (ala Bartcop). [NYT]
Apologize? Why? What ABC should have said after the Monday Night Football "incident": "We have heard from conservative America whose shallow take on our country lends more importance to lost family values and media images rather than the real issues of the world. We realize how the bare back of an attractive woman might upset them. But we don't apologize; we aren't sorry and no matter what the media says, we know there are plenty of people out there who agree that this whole thing is ridiculous." [ESPN]
Then, a member of the media gets it right, protects his source, and now he's going to jail. [Yahoo] So...Why isn't Robert Novak in jail instead of this guy???
So, let's not show this "offensive" movie, and then we won't show the truth of Iraq either...Let's toe that line the Administration has drawn in the sand and follow in lockstep with Fox News!!!
[NYT]
You WILL be loyal subjects!!! King George II is your one true ruler!!!
"Not only are the Bush officials who failed to protect the country and misled us into war not losing their jobs. They're getting promoted."
MoDo the Dragon Lady (ala Bartcop). [NYT]
Apologize? Why? What ABC should have said after the Monday Night Football "incident": "We have heard from conservative America whose shallow take on our country lends more importance to lost family values and media images rather than the real issues of the world. We realize how the bare back of an attractive woman might upset them. But we don't apologize; we aren't sorry and no matter what the media says, we know there are plenty of people out there who agree that this whole thing is ridiculous." [ESPN]
Then, a member of the media gets it right, protects his source, and now he's going to jail. [Yahoo] So...Why isn't Robert Novak in jail instead of this guy???
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Empty Cabinet
All the rats are jumping ship. Six Cabinet members have tendered their resignations, as well as Richard Armitage, Deputy Secretary of State. [ABC]
And Condi as the new Secretary of State?? Don't they want someone that will challenge the Administration on its hawkish policies??? Oh wait...
Alberto Gonzales is also a terrible choice for Attorney General. Are the Republicans trying to gain favor with Hispanic voters by nominating what could be the first Hispanic to hold that office? Sorry, wrong Hispanic, wrong time. Of course, there is the school of thought that anyone is better than John Ashcroft. I believe that to be true. BUT, Gonzales is the same guy who condoned the torture at Abu Ghraib prison and sent a memo stating that the Geneva Conventions don't apply to terrorism. [Guardian]
Well, I don't mean to call Colin Powell a rat, because he isn't. He was the one voice of reason in that entire administration. I can even forgive him for his terrible plea in front of the UN last year regarding WMD's in Iraq (that don't exist). [Bloomberg]
So, which direction does the new Bush Cabinet take? Does he reject the Christian-right that re-elected him and move toward unity, or does he pursue revolutionary changes on the right, and the country be damned? Ask Nicholas Kristof. [NYT]
Oh, and good news! Tom Delay gets to keep his leadership position as Majority Leader of the Senate if he is indicted by a Texas grand jury for state political corruption charges. Yes, that is a felony. This guy has been reprimanded three times in the last month by the House Ethics committee. [Yahoo]
And Condi as the new Secretary of State?? Don't they want someone that will challenge the Administration on its hawkish policies??? Oh wait...
Alberto Gonzales is also a terrible choice for Attorney General. Are the Republicans trying to gain favor with Hispanic voters by nominating what could be the first Hispanic to hold that office? Sorry, wrong Hispanic, wrong time. Of course, there is the school of thought that anyone is better than John Ashcroft. I believe that to be true. BUT, Gonzales is the same guy who condoned the torture at Abu Ghraib prison and sent a memo stating that the Geneva Conventions don't apply to terrorism. [Guardian]
Well, I don't mean to call Colin Powell a rat, because he isn't. He was the one voice of reason in that entire administration. I can even forgive him for his terrible plea in front of the UN last year regarding WMD's in Iraq (that don't exist). [Bloomberg]
So, which direction does the new Bush Cabinet take? Does he reject the Christian-right that re-elected him and move toward unity, or does he pursue revolutionary changes on the right, and the country be damned? Ask Nicholas Kristof. [NYT]
Oh, and good news! Tom Delay gets to keep his leadership position as Majority Leader of the Senate if he is indicted by a Texas grand jury for state political corruption charges. Yes, that is a felony. This guy has been reprimanded three times in the last month by the House Ethics committee. [Yahoo]
Born to Run
I haven't run in a while. After I finished my college eligibility at UW-Whitewater, I really had to search for the desire to keep running. It shouldn't have been hard, but it has been. I'm not lazy. I just haven't had the motivation or desire to start up with it again. Some of my friends have started (or started and stopped) since, and I praise them for it. It's a large time commitment. I always wondered why people started running, and when in history.
I found this article that talks about the evolution of running and how it affected the evolution of man. [NYT] [Yahoo]
I also wanted to say congratulations and good luck to the two individuals from UW-Whitewater that will be competing in this Saturday's NCAA Division III Cross-Country National Championships in Eau Claire. [UW-W]
I found this article that talks about the evolution of running and how it affected the evolution of man. [NYT] [Yahoo]
I also wanted to say congratulations and good luck to the two individuals from UW-Whitewater that will be competing in this Saturday's NCAA Division III Cross-Country National Championships in Eau Claire. [UW-W]
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
My Wife ROCKS!!!
Becky finished her first Grad School class tonight!!! 3 credits down, 32 to go! [Becky ROCKS!]
This got me thinking about the state of education in the US, and about our finances. With Becky in Grad School, our finances are tighter than ever. Once she finishes, eventually, she will make slightly more money. But, not enough to keep up with inflation. Teacher pay has only risen 1.3 percent each year since 2001. That is much less than the average rate of cost of living increase each year. Tough to make a living. Even after she gets these two Grad degrees, she may have to find another job that pays more.
As of 2003, Wisconsin ranked 23rd in average teacher pay. [WEAC]
This article sites stagnant resources as jeopardizing our public school systems. [NEA]
I'm told that my readership has increased a bit. Keep 'em coming! You can e-mail me with comments at [gmail] or [yahoo].
This got me thinking about the state of education in the US, and about our finances. With Becky in Grad School, our finances are tighter than ever. Once she finishes, eventually, she will make slightly more money. But, not enough to keep up with inflation. Teacher pay has only risen 1.3 percent each year since 2001. That is much less than the average rate of cost of living increase each year. Tough to make a living. Even after she gets these two Grad degrees, she may have to find another job that pays more.
As of 2003, Wisconsin ranked 23rd in average teacher pay. [WEAC]
This article sites stagnant resources as jeopardizing our public school systems. [NEA]
I'm told that my readership has increased a bit. Keep 'em coming! You can e-mail me with comments at [gmail] or [yahoo].
Monday, November 15, 2004
A Time For Renewal
A time for Renewal is upon us.
"There is now a debate within the Democratic Party over what to do in the 2004 election's aftermath. Some, of a very pragmatic (and, some of the less-charitable of us would say, amoral) mindset, encourage us to move even further to the right "because that's where the votes are." But do we want to govern from there? What would that mean for the moral principles that motivated our political involvement in the first place? Shall the Democrats become Goya's Saturn, eating our own children?
No, my friends, this is our 1964." [DU]
I realize at this point that my readership is well...me. I don't let this stop me! I just want to have some fun with this foray into the blogosphere!
"There is now a debate within the Democratic Party over what to do in the 2004 election's aftermath. Some, of a very pragmatic (and, some of the less-charitable of us would say, amoral) mindset, encourage us to move even further to the right "because that's where the votes are." But do we want to govern from there? What would that mean for the moral principles that motivated our political involvement in the first place? Shall the Democrats become Goya's Saturn, eating our own children?
No, my friends, this is our 1964." [DU]
I realize at this point that my readership is well...me. I don't let this stop me! I just want to have some fun with this foray into the blogosphere!
Bear Down!
Who would have thought that the Chicago Bears offense could score 3 points, and they would WIN! Sunday, my beloved Chicago Bears won to improve to 4-5 with a 19-17 OT win over the Titans! [Sportsline]
Too bad that middle linebacker Brian Urlacher will be out 4-6 weeks after a lower leg injury. OUCH!
This article is on The Politics of Victimization. I received it in an e-mail, and thought it was definitely worth reading for any Democrat that is still reeling from the recent election. [Mathew Gross]
Too bad that middle linebacker Brian Urlacher will be out 4-6 weeks after a lower leg injury. OUCH!
This article is on The Politics of Victimization. I received it in an e-mail, and thought it was definitely worth reading for any Democrat that is still reeling from the recent election. [Mathew Gross]
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Friday, November 12, 2004
"The Things They Wrote"
Yesterday, I posted a link to a NY Times article that had excerpts from the last letters/e-mails/correspondence from soldiers to family. This is a follow up article by Bob Herbert about the same subject. It also has snippets of the last correspondences from soldiers. [NYT]
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Sorry Everybody!
I thought this site was completely hilarious. Check it out!!!!!!
"Some of us — hopefully most of us — are trying to understand and appreciate the effect our recent election will have on you, the citizens of the rest of the world. As our so-called leaders redouble their efforts to screw you over, please remember that some of us — hopefully most of us — are truly, truly sorry. And we'll say we're sorry, even on the behalf of the ones who aren't."
Click on Gallery on the top [Sorry!]
"Some of us — hopefully most of us — are trying to understand and appreciate the effect our recent election will have on you, the citizens of the rest of the world. As our so-called leaders redouble their efforts to screw you over, please remember that some of us — hopefully most of us — are truly, truly sorry. And we'll say we're sorry, even on the behalf of the ones who aren't."
Click on Gallery on the top [Sorry!]
Veteran's Day
I wanted to give a big thank you to ALL of our Veterans, past and present. Thank you for safeguarding our freedoms!!!!!! Now, lets get the current troops out of Iraq, and bring them home! By all accounts, as of today, the Pentagon is reporting at least 1,152 dead, and the count of wounded is over 10,000, with OVER 100,000 Iraqi civilians dead (countless maimed). Why? [Casualty Count]
This is an article titled "The Things They Wrote." It is from soldiers that were stationed in Iraq, and were killed in action, to their families. Pretty powerful. [NYT]
Also from the NY Times, this article talks about the "morals" from this past election. Frank Rich NAILS it. [NYT]
This is an article titled "The Things They Wrote." It is from soldiers that were stationed in Iraq, and were killed in action, to their families. Pretty powerful. [NYT]
Also from the NY Times, this article talks about the "morals" from this past election. Frank Rich NAILS it. [NYT]
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
"The Virgin Suicides"
This is my first foray into the world of "blogging," hence the virgin from the title. I've read a few, including my best friend Mike's Blog.
Well, as a small introduction, my name is Ben. I'm huge into politics, sports, TV/Movies, most of everything. I'll try to post on here as much as time allows, but when you are married, time does not allow!
How about that election last week? I think that's where the suicides part of the title comes in. I love it when smart people vote against their best interests. At least Russ Feingold (D-WI) won! I worked on the Kerry/Edwards Campaign here in Milwaukee, WI. At least we went Blue!
Well, as a small introduction, my name is Ben. I'm huge into politics, sports, TV/Movies, most of everything. I'll try to post on here as much as time allows, but when you are married, time does not allow!
How about that election last week? I think that's where the suicides part of the title comes in. I love it when smart people vote against their best interests. At least Russ Feingold (D-WI) won! I worked on the Kerry/Edwards Campaign here in Milwaukee, WI. At least we went Blue!
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