Lakota Declare Independence.

This makes me sad.

I've often pondered the issue of the plains and other Indians in the USA. I can understand why people would not want to assimilate into our culture today. Heck, there are huge swaths of our culture that mystify, sicken, disgust and bother me. But after 150 years, what is the Federal Government going to do? Send in troops? Federal Agents? This can't end well and sending delegates to foreign embassies is troublesome too.

What's the answer? I doubt its possible to have a rational discourse with these people. Forgive my rudimentary historical knowledge from that time frame, but I think those treaties were signed to prevent sending in troops.

Sad.

NFL player killed.

***UPDATE*** looked up the etymology for the phrase and found this on Wikipedia (a source that is interesting).


I read this article from Jason Whitlock, whom I've cited here before.

His writing is powerful and salient. Why does he seem to be the only voice with this message? I suppose Bill Cosby is close. I wanted to write, "Whitlock is a guy that calls a spade a spade", which I think is a poker reference, but I feared it would be taken as a racial slur. What is this world coming to?

Stephen King and his scary comment.

Saw this from the master of horror. Horror indeed.

Let me get this straight. King obviously believes waterboarding is torture. So the rational, intellectual method to forward discussion is to suggest the daughter of the President be subjected to torture? I suppose he's another of the "compassionate" liberals? I guess it's an interesting tactic, to suggest that another human be subjected to what you believe is torture to prove it is torture. What a jerk. I've read very little of Mr. Kings works, and I think I liked what I read. I doubt if I'm a fan now of the Liberal in the closet. Ha, now that's a true horror story.

Thanksgiving? You bet.

Loved this Mark Steyn article.

Aside from Britain and France, the Europeans cannot project power in any meaningful way anywhere. When they sign on to an enterprise they claim to believe in — shoring up Afghanistan’s fledgling post-Taliban democracy — most of them send token forces under constrained rules of engagement that prevent them doing anything more than manning the photocopier back at the base.

It’s not just Americans and Iraqis and Afghans who owe a debt of thanks to the U.S. soldier but all the Europeans grown plump and prosperous in a globalized economy guaranteed by the most benign hegemon in history.

Brilliant.

The Hawk has his work cut out for him.

Good economic history of Buffalo in this article. You can probably replace Buffalo with Toledo in many instances, except being "showered" with Federal funding. I suspect that Buffalo suffers from the same political leadership vacuum as Toledo. Strong Democratic counties, both Erie and Lucas.

Global warming is a scam.

From the guy that founded The Weather Channel? The same channel that has Heidi Cullen screeching about global warming and insisting that scientist that don't agree should be disowned by the NWS?

See link here.

Fascinating.

Missed October. Drat.

I guess the arrival of new family members will do that.

Did I miss anything?

Mom v. Islamofacism

I love these kinds of stories.

I'm sure there are people like this in all countries/cultures, but it seems like an "American" type of activity. If I have any skill the government can use, I'd probably try to parlay it into a paying job. If I had a hobby that could help.........well, I'd probably still try to get some coin.

I've mentioned it here before, but translation and speaking and understanding the language is probably still a headache for our intelligence services.

Good work, lady in SC.

Not the end of the world? Refreshing.

I really like this article. I'm disturbed by the effect of political considerations and need to win elections on America's foreign policy. Well, that's probably not accurate, as I suppose it has always been the case in our Federal Republic. It certainly makes it difficult. Somebody might say they were for something before they were against it, or something equally dumb. Maybe I expect our politicians to be slick enough to take advantage of our clear successes in Iraq. At first you say, "This 'surge' is a horrible idea and will never work. It will waste American lives." Then after the results are grudgingly accepted, you say, "Our troops are clearly the best in the world. Making a plan like that work. Dang near a miracle. Let's not forget, Iraq is still a very dangerous place. But, staying in Iraq will never work. It's a disaster and is a waste of our resources." Ah heck, it is hard to make these political stands. I don't know how the Dems and the left do it.

The article also makes me wonder about the Vietnam war and the argument that media hurt America. I think it lends some truth. Something to ponder.

Top 25 Skills Every Man Should Know

Per Popular Mechanics.

1. Patch a radiator hose
2. Protect your computer
3. Rescue a boater who has capsized
4. Frame a wall
5. Retouch digital photos
6. Back up a trailer
7. Build a campfire
8. Fix a dead outlet
9. Navigate with a map and compass
10. Use a torque wrench
11. Sharpen a knife
12. Perform CPR
13. Fillet a fish
14. Maneuver a car out of a skid
15. Get a car unstuck
16. Back up data
17. Paint a room
18. Mix concrete
19. Clean a bolt-action rifle
20. Change oil and filter
21. Hook up an HDTV
22. Bleed brakes
23. Paddle a canoe
24. Fix a bike flat
25. Extend your wireless network

Wow, tough list. Looks like I've got some learnin' to do.

After review of the previous post, I almost ended the blog. This blog has jumped the shark.

He's so damn talented.

I may post this every month.

Tiger Woods plays SoCom?!?

No Way!

I hereby extend the invite to Tiger to participate in our Sunday night league night.

He just mentioned SoCom as a video game he plays during an interview on ESPN radio.

A non-NRO linked post about Bill & Hillary

Consider this my weak effort to avoid the charge that I'm a NRO parrot.

Dick Morris has an interesting opinion of HillBill here. I have always said it's about the power with these two. A guy that knows them says virtually the same thing.

What I find revealing is Morris' detailing Hillary's record in the Senate. Junk. Pathetic. Yet she's always in the news.

Sick of Sub-Prime mumbo-jumbo.

Here's a little perspective.

My question is, what's the reason for the press? This can't be having a big effect on the economy. Why is it news for so long?

Bonds is a cheater.

In more ways than one.

Saw this article recently. Curious. Because I despise Bonds, I'd like to believe this.

I've always railed against his body armor, but don't know if I'm giving him a mechanical advantage.

PS Classic 2007

Another classic in the books. What a great time.

It's really a glory tour for the namesake. I haven't seen the official scores and totals, but PS won by about 10 strokes. Consistently good, all the way around. He even pulled it together on the back at Maumee Bay, when it looked like the wheels were about to come off after number 11.

Apparently, sand-bagging is an important element in The Classic. PS bemoaned his putting before and lamented his 3 putts, but he probably didn't have one until Stone Ridge and after 45 holes could count them on one hand.

Matt also tried to lay some beachwear before the first tee. Only played a couple of times this summer. Game not in good shape. Hacked up Butler National the Wednesday before The Classic. Then goes out and plays really well, finishing in second. I think garnered the most birdies. All while hitting an iron off the tee for the majority of The Classic.

I met with some difficulty at The Legacy. Started off ok, but the back nine still has gears and flywheels and shards of metal from the complete detonation of my game. Couldn't get it together, although was able to restore some semblance of respect at Maumee Bay. Doubt the delayed equipment change would have made any difference.

Got a chance to see Bart on Saturday night and had a great time. Really glad he made the trip in and met us for dinner and refreshment. War stories are funny.

As far as the after Classic meetings, it looks like the fourth round is going to stay and all seemed to enjoy Stone Ridge as a venue. Although, if that course becomes private, we'll have to start hunting for another venue and may have to abandon the Arthur Hills theme.

Good times, good times.

What about the child?

What happens to the kids in cases like this? As a society, we should be anxious about this ruling and asking these kinds of questions.

Check the link to the Stanley Kurtz article at the bottom.

Remember the best interests of the child?

86 Rules of Boozing

Link.

Worst President ever? Guess again.

***HAT TIP*** Pat in Covedale

Check this series from IBD. The chilling entry is the last, that connects current D presidential candidates with Jimmy.

While some of the logic is tenuous, the articles are important. Can we require these to be read before voting?

Racial discussions need this type of thinking.

I'm impressed with Jason Whitlock. See an article here. He seems to have a fantastic thought process on race in America. I'll have to see if I can find more examples. I had a similar discussion with a colleague and racial attitudes in society. I wonder what that status of race relations would be if more people in the black community embraced Whitlocks thoughts?

Turn off the Spanish TV? Exactly right.

Arnold is right. See the story here. The comments from Mr. Nogales and Ms. Marrero are the exact mindset Arnold is trying to change. To say that Mexican immigrants are too busy working to learn English is deplorable. It's just a miracle that the French, German, Polish, Czech, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese etc, immigrants from the last 200 years have been able to work AND learn some English.

No Mr. Nogales, what's really sad is that people might believe you and think it's naive to learn the language of the country where they choose to live and work.

Kansas tornado damage revisited.

I found this article striking. Two things stand out: First, the resiliency of the Midwesterners. In an earlier piece, the author touches on the spirit of the people directly affected. This article is a nice follow up to that story. Hope to hear more out of Greensburg and the success of the people. Second, the hypocrisy of the left and especially the Democrat governor of Kansas. Trying to politicize or gain political capital from a natural disaster (Katrina) and the suffering of her own constituents. While partying at Jazzfest with another governor that pulled the same shtick? Deplorable. Despicable.

Toledo's travails.

I had been considering a post detailing some of the actions of the Mayor of Toledo. Looks like I've been scooped. Check this link.

I also found this from a former Lucas County Commissioner, link here.

I can't believe the people of Toledo elected this guy. He is single-handedly running the city into the ground. The man has NO economic development experience, yet is the director for Toledo. His policy consists of spending taxpayer dollars frivolously and suing any company with economic interest in Toledo.

He demands action from his employees, yet makes his top officials sit in his waiting room, refusing to start scheduled meetings on time. Ironically, he holds a press conference to announce a hot line that citizens can use to report city workers for loafing on the job.

He is surrounded by inexperienced youths, that serve as "Yes-Men" afraid to provide any advice or say no.

Ever see Seinfeld? He's a real life George Steinbrenner. Calzones.

Gas prices too high?

At least here in NWO. Should come down by about a $1.00. That's my prediction. Let's see what happens.

No-hitter silence Ok?

From a discussion on sports talk radio this morning: If a pitcher is throwing a no-hitter, do you talk to him?

Cowherd thinks the silent treatment is ludicrous. I think I'm more a traditionalist. But if the guy is talking to me, I'm gonna answer him.

Science, Physics and stuff.

I know I shouldn't open this can of worms, but can anybody with any amount of education make the statement, "It's the first time in history that fire melted steel?"

What's really sad is that people have had to spend time explaining the chemistry, physics and you know, general science-type stuff to these idiots. Time that could be better spent probably (Cue the irony music, brought to you by the time-wasting blogger guy).

My pops used to say, "It's hard to soar like an eagle when you're penned up with chickens."

I saw that Shery Crow comment last week. Dang, why do the hot ones have to be so crazy sometimes?

So, it'd be like Toledo now, only bigger?

Unigov?

This does not seem like a good idea to me. It will be very interesting to see what the ideas are for "streamlining" local government. It's probably easier to raise taxes.....

I've often thought Toledo would be a great place for political scientists and psychologists to study. Amazing group dynamics. The Democratic party has no real challenge, so it splintered into an A team and a B team (can't get the tv theme song outta my head everytime I read it). These factions actually run candidates against each other.

At any rate, I'm sure that Indianapolis is a fine place, but if this is such a fabulous idea, why hasn't anybody else done it?

Nice work, "Your Honor."

This guy is a freakin' judge? You gotta be kidding me. We should arrange a sock party for this doofus.

There must always be a United States of America.

Krauthammer is right here. Especially at the end of the piece.

Mr. Krauthammer clearly explains why the UN and EU and even NATO are ineffective. The components do not have the same interests.

Can you believe the Dutch didn't want to discourage dialogue at the expense of those sailors? Outrageous, especially from the country that should know better when dealing with Islamist ideology.

We need to counter Russia and China economically. Develop new sources of energy at the least. It would be nice to remove the strategic importance of the Middle East and thus remove that lever. Of course, what do I care about the UN Security Council? That forum is a joke. Incremental withdrawl is an excellent plan.

Yeah, they may hate us out there, but they need us.

They Banned Legos?

Not going to send my children to a place like this.
The thought process is astounding. Damn our capitalistic society and it's winners and losers! We don't want our children to be prepared for that!

American MI5?

A fascinating article in yesterday's WSJ by Fed Circuit Judge Richard Posner called for the creation of a domestic intelligence agency. Link Here. Judge Posner cites the mission of the FBI as the basis for its lack of effectiveness in combating domestic terrorism.

I think he's right. The FBI is a law enforcement entity, not an intelligence entity. But how hard will it be to convince Congress and the public that a domestic intelligence agency is needed? The CIA seems to be the butt of many jokes today and the recent issues in the run-up to Iraq and beyond are shaking my faith. It can't be much different for the rest of the masses. If we don't think the CIA is doing its job, how will a domestic agency be any better? On the other hand, if you told the Dems that the staffers could be unionized, it might just fly (consider that my bitter sarcasm for the post).

Not to mention the flap the D's created over domestic wire taps. The cries will be loud if this idea is ever proposed. But if it is, I'm behind it.

Gonzales goes from "flap" to "crisis."

I think Fred Barnes gets it right here.

The WSJ ran an excellent opinion on the unprecedented firing of US Attorneys under the Clintons. All for political reasons, mind you. Vast right wing conspiracy? Ha! Vast Clinton conspiracy. Designed to discourage and terminate investigations into the Clintons and their friends.

The Bush Derangement Syndrome runs so deep and strong, I'm almost beginning to hope the Dems will really screw up the 08 elections. Almost.

Have guns, will (Blues) Traveler.

For this weeks WTF file. See this story.

Mike from Colorado, a classmate, once detailed a long plane flight back from Amsterdam sitting next to Mr. Popper. Just before the band became famous. Comedy.

Top 10 Most Played songs on my iPod

1. Bulls on Parade - Rage Against the Machine
2. Cumbersome - Seven Mary Three
3. Here Comes the Boom - POD
4. Killing in the Name Of - Rage Against the Machine
5. Number One Spot - Ludacris
6. Only - Nine Inch Nails
7. Flossin' - Mike Jones
8. Easy Lover - Phil Collins & Phil Bailey
9. Figured You Out - Nickelback
10. Control - Puddle of Mudd

The Ruskies are getting scary again.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, I was really worried that they wouldn't have the infrastructure to maintain security around their nuclear missiles/technology.

Guess I was wrong about that. Seems the KGB(I know they call their security service something else now, but I can't remember what) can do whatever it wants, possibly here in the US.

See this story. And this.

Not to mention that these yah-whos keep selling military and nuclear technology to various regimes in the Levant.

Putin is sounding like the French when he says that Russia needs to act as a counter-balance to the lone super-power.

The U Groove Controversy.

***UPDATE***
See the Golf Channel equipment guru's take on this issue here.


***Hat Tip*** Pat in Covedale

Could be trouble for hackers like me. Is my brand allegiance to Ping in trouble? Check this developing story.

Equipment rules are all over the board anymore. Does the USGA have this under control? I generally defer to R&A and the USGA. I'm starting to think they should have an official ball and let ya swing whatever chunk of semi-precious metal you can forge.

Mr. Carbon footprint.

It's almost comical. Al Gore wins an Academy Award for his opus. Meanwhile, his house consumes more electricity in one month than the average American home does in one year. Hypocrisy. So he reduces his carbon footprint by giving money to some green charity? Left hand gives the right hand some money and it's all good. How does he expect the average American to reduce their carbon footprint? Don't expect to see plastic over the storm windows at Chez Gore anytime soon.

JetBlue. What would you do?

I'm not sure I could take being trapped in an airplane for 10 hours. A 10 hour flight, sure. But sitting on the runway? Not good. Since I have some air travel planned in the not too distant future, I'm working on my strategies for dealing with this type of situation. I suppose I should read some of the FAA regs and maybe the CFR.
My initial reaction was to use my cell phone and call 911. Fake an epileptic siezure? Claim diabetes and demand to be released? What are the chances that there is an air marshall on any of those planes?
These episodes are totally unreasonable. I'd definitely be checking on the efficacy of a false imprisonment claim and any other potential lawsuit. You'd think that air carriers owed you an extra duty of safety and security. Crank up the pleadings machine.

The PTI guys got this one totally wrong.

Do you watch Pardon The Interruption on ESPN? I really like the show. Tony and Mike have a great chemistry and I can only imagine what the sports room at the Washington Post used to be like.
At any rate, they missed big yesterday while discussing the Vanderbilt coach and the player from Florida. If you didn't see it, the coach had the ball in his hands and the kid tried to grab it. The coach knocked the kids hands away and then the kid grabbed the ball. The PTI guys were all over the coach.
What? The coach? Tony said the coach was delaying the game and should have been Teed. Wilbon was off his rocker. Wilbon advocated the kid elbowing the coach. Are you kidding me? Wilbon, get ahold of yourself. Since when is it okay for the player to elbow the opposing coach? Since when is it okay to try and grab the ball out of the opposing coach's hands? When did it become desireable for players to physcially interact with the other coach? Wilbon thinks that college basketball has a problem because the coaches can't be controlled. I think the kid should have looked to the referee to control the situation and yes, the coach should have been called for a technical foul for delaying the game. But to come out and advocate violence against the coach or to blame the coach is wrong.

Why am I continually astounded by this former President?

What is Mr. Carter doing? Attacking the Wiesenthal Center? That's just crazy. See this link.

I have no idea.

I don't have much recollection of him while he was President. I remember our family was concerned about the economy and the hostages in Iran. Nice work.

Refreshing commentary from a D.

**Hat Tip** Pat in Covedale

Check this from Joe Liberman. Right on the money.

Awful. Terrible. Devastating. Crushing.

These are the only words I can come up with right now to describe Ohio State's defeat in the BCS Championship game.

My concern is this loss is more than just a loss. It's a setback to Coach Tressel and to the program. How will they recover? Only time will tell.