MLB and Congressional hearings.

As I listen to espn hammer Congress over the handling of the steroid/hgh hearings, and as much as I hate espn, they are right. What a joke. These people can't pronounce the names? "Mr. Palmeiri's 300 hits?" 300? Mr. Palmeiri? Then the guy has the temerity to snark at the guy, "are you familiar with this case?"

It is fightening. If you're going to hold Congressional Hearings, wouldn't you do a little prep first?

Jeeze, I shoulda dropped out of high school, got a factory job and then run for Congress. This is worse than the old saw, "I can't believe I'm losing to this guy." I can't believe we're being governed by these guys.

Know. The. Freakin. Names.

Hilliary Insight.

2 shocking developments here:
1. Pat in Covedale sending a link to a Camille Paglia article
2. Me actually reading Camille Paglia

Well here's the link.

Fairly harsh, but I think accurate. I've always thought the Clintons were about power, I've made the same observation here on other ocassions. But what the heck do I know?

Union wages and reality.

"the days when manual sunskilled labor can deliver $65-per-hour in wages and benefits are disappearing." - Steve Miller, CEO of Delphi, an auto parts manufacturer.

What a mind boggling quote. The context for this post comes from an article in the WSJ on 1.7.08 and concern the fight between Delphi and its labor unions while Delphi is reorganizing during bankruptcy. (I won't link to the WSJ as you have to have a subscription).

Consider the auto industry and its current condition. $65 an hour? Manual, unskilled labor? Our country and culture have a lot of soul searching to do when planning our economy in the future. I'm just amazed and salty. I should've applied for every factory job in sight while in high school. Higher education? Pah! I'd be close to retirement now, or considering a buyout. Manual unskilled labor.

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.

Whatever, Gwyn...

Tired of seeing Gwyneth Paltrow and her anit-American views. The most recent occurred in an interview with a Portugese daily newspaper. Paltrow said Americans were "uncivilized" and "less inteligent" than her now current neighbor Brits.
I remember her wailing about American patriotism in the past. Her move to England and marrying of the Coldplay dude says enough. Why do I know all this? I don't know, but I do know that she can take her back-pedaling attempt to save her bank account outta here (see this) .
I find the attempt to preserve her box office appeal sadly transparent. If I could respect you, I could respect you more if you admitted your bias and moved on. The publicist styled effort to claim being misquoted is pathetic. We know your true colors, Gwyn, and they're not Red, White and Blue.

Polonium-210?

I cannot get enough of this story.

How do you explain this type of radiation poisioning outside of Moscow operatives? How?

It's real life James Bond stuff. Unreal.

Check this article from NRO.

The streak is broken.

Didn't make a post for October 2006. Bummer. Almost missed November.

What did I miss?

Former President detached from reality.

**UPDATE**
Here's what Oliver North has to say. Some solid points. Is assassination illegal?



I'm sure you've seen the FoxNews interview with Bill Clinton. I watched it. What a fraud. It's embarassing that this guy was the freakin' President. TWICE. I always said it was about the power, with him and his wife. In a heated exchange with an avowed liberal, my final retort was, "words mean something." Not to this guy. Just recreate and redefine all you want. Now he's on a crusade to protect his "legacy." Good luck with that. Talk about tilting at windmills

Here's a great response from NRO.

"The France of North America."

Classic.

Rich Lowry puts the beat down on that state up north. Harsh. True?

Islamic Hypocrisy reaches new heights.

**UPDATE**
Krauthammer agrees.

**UPDATE**
Find a weighty article here discussing some of the tenets of the "religion of peace." It doesn't seem Muslim scholars are willing to explain/accept discrepancies in the Koran as it relates to jihad and peace. What a shock.

Of course I have to say "new heights" because Islamic hypocrisy has attained heights before.

I read this article and was appalled. It's amazing to see the Islamic countries, organizations, clerics, etc come out of the woodwork to criticize the Pope for his comments. It reminds me of the Mohammed cartoons. Some of the quotes from these people are amazing. Especially since you never hear a peep out of these people when Islamic terrorists are killing Americans on 9/11, Spainiards on trains, Brits in the subway, Coalition forces in Iraq, soldiers in Afghanistan, attack after attack. Yet when the Pope quotes a text from the 14th century, they pull out all the stops, going so far as to enact a parliamentary resolution and demand an apology? You have got to be kidding me. Did any of them do the same for 9/11? I don't know the answer, but I seriously doubt it.

Frankly, I have begun to have serious reservations about the roots of Islamic faith. A careful study of history doesn't reveal a "religion of peace." I used to subscribe to the "a few bad apples spoil the bushel" theory, but my opinion is beginning to waiver.

Dominating crisis for my generation.

Terrorism and the Middle East. Synonymous, really.

Check this article from Krauthammer. Absolutely terrifying. I haven't blogged about this recently because it's so overwhelming.

Within a year? Wow. I had always believed that Israel would prevent a nuclear Iran. They have to. But after the recent tussle with Hezbollah, I'm not very confident in Israeli ability.

Recently, George Will argued that the doctrine of preemption was dead. I wonder if he still feels the same?

PS Classic 2006

***UPDATE***
PS claims that Matt had the first birdie, on the front at RHR. Useful. Useful golf shot.

***UPDATE***
Here's the link for a possible fourth round for next year: Stone Ridge
Comments welcome.

Another Classic is in the books.

What a dominating performance by the namesake of The Classic. He came out on Saturday morning and put the iron boot down and then when asked what is best in life, he growled: "Crush your enemies. See them driven before you. Hear the lamentation of their women." Apparently, his new training regimen worked like a charm. In the past, we saw a weekend swoon, but not this year. There were minor signs of fading starting on 15 of Maumee Bay, but by that time, he was so far ahead, he still coasted to victory. If only we all could have "crappy shots" like his on 16 at the Legacy, that land 10 feet, oops he reminded me it was 6 feet, from the pin.

2006 provided the most complete field in PS Classic history. John was able to get a complete tournament score and also started strong on Saturday, finishing in second place after RedHawk Run. A back injury forced his game off track, but he still competed and completed. Based on some truly impressive green play, he garnered the first Boss of the Moss title. He also got stuck on the couch, which probably didn't help the injury, but he never complained. I tried to tell him the next day how much of an excellent golf companion he is, but he brushed me off and told me to stop mocking him. Let it be known, that JP is still playing the same equipment, and if he wasn't such a great father and good person, he would upgrade in an effort to keep up with the PS arms race.

The new Pops was impressive as usual. After making an equipment change after RHR, Matt brought his drives under control and chopped down his scores. He will be forgiven for allowing Frunk and Dunk to play through at the Legacy, and I'm sure he'll forgive me for giving him all of 5 practice shots at the range. Special nod for bringing his own copy of Old School. Special nod also for his expression after he asked where my inspiration for attending OSU came from, and I pointed at him. The jacket man, the jacket.

Winning this years Seismograph Award is me. It's like the line from Airplane, "13,000 to 900 feet. What an a**hole." I was all over the board. I also made an equipment change after RHR, but I'll take small credit for Matt's change, as it was my need for ammo that gave us the opening to go to Golf Galaxy. At one point, I was going to start my own splinter tourney and call it the Sir-Sucks-A-Lot Open. Only one invitee, me. Thank God PS has seen me hack it up enough to make an effective reccomendation for a new wedge.

The post tourney meetings provided some interesting insight. The Classic Committee had previously broached the topic of rotating venue, and it was discussed again. Also getting strong consideration is adding a fourth round. It was based on my suggestion that it may be the only way we reel in PS, by tiring him out. The discussion focused on a 2-1-1 format, with Friday, Saturday and Sunday golf. Keeping with the Arthur Hills theme, we discussed Stone Ridge as a possible venue. This format will garner serious Committee attention for next year's Classic.
Quoting PS, "Best Classic yet."

Not sure who recorded the first birdie of The Classic, but Frank the Tank is still the preferred celebration.

Put 'Em On The Glass!

Random Middle East Thoughts.

Cowards. I've called the terrorists that before, but it still holds. Indescriminately launching rockets into Israel. NBC has the gall to question Israeli artillery crews about the accuracy of their shells? Shame on you Brian Williams. What are the targets for the Hezbollah rockets? You never get that info. Isn't it important? Shouldn't the MSM say, "Hezbollah lauched an attack on an Israeli munitions depot"? Wait, that's not what happens, is it? Hezbollah just fires rockets at civilian populations and they are granted a pass from the National Broadcast Company? Why don't the American people ask these questions of NBC?

Why do the terrorists always wear hoods and masks? Why do they disguise themselves? What is it that they are fighting for? Shouldn't they be proudly out in front of the cameras, declaring their allegiance? So the command from Allah is, go out and kill the infidels, but hide your face while you do it? Why? What are they ashamed of? And where do they get the old lady to pose for the picture of her holding a rocket launcher? Why isn't she wearing a hood?

How does Israel continue to exist? A small country, geographically and in population. These giant Arab countries continue to espouse the complete and utter destruction of Israel, but do nothing. The entire problem in the area is the existence of this tiny little country? Why don't the Arab countries, Syria(population 18 million), Saudi Arabia (pop 27 million), Iraq (pop 26 million), Iran (pop 68 million), Egypt(pop 78 million) get together and end Israel(pop 6.5 million)? That's roughly 217 million Arabs (not including the rest of the Middle East) versus 6.5 million Jews. Is it really possible these 6.5 million people are the problem?

Why don't we call it the Levant anymore?

Nobody is that stupid.

Where are Lenny and Squiggy when you need them?

Check this video.

Israel is right to defend itself.

Head over to the Washington Post and check out the most recent Krauthammer column, linked here.
Once again, Charles Krauthammer nails it. What is the point in negotiating? The Islamofacists see negotiation as a sign of weakness. Humor me for a minute, but what if Israel decided to cede ALL land? Just quit existence as a state? Would that create immediate peace in the Middle East? The answer is no. You have to look no farther than the Sunni terrorists in Iraq to get your answer.
I'm shocked at the admonitions handed out to Israel by the hypocrites around the world. How is Israel's response any different than the Russians to Chechnya? It's not. France and Ivory Coast? Same. No nation should be required to "measure" or limit it's defense of soverignty. Get off your high horse, Putin and Co.
This is time to be proud to be an American. Standing up to terrorists and supporting our Allies that must do the same.

Can you imagine a terrorist group in Montana, supported financially by Mexico and buying weapons from China/North Korea/Russia attacking Canada and our government doing NOTHING? Launching rockets at Calgary and invading Canadian soil and kidnapping Mounties?

Open Comment Thread.

Interview with Arthur Hills.

Great article here.

Not sure I knew he is a Toledo native. I'd like to get a complete list of his courses and start playing them. Check it off the list, man!!

Why is it Ok to say Muslim prayers in public school?

Did you see this article? How is this possible? Oh yeah, 9th Circuit, again. This is truly frightening stuff to me.
I'm disappointed the article doesn't explain how the "ed consultant" is involved.
Parents out there better get involved, fast.

Music again. 50 worst artist list.

Here they are. Kinda funny list.

"Why take him from where he's happy and put him where he's not?"

I can't believe these people don't get the danger. Without a dobut, if that lion ever gets out of that cage, somone will die. There can be no argument about that.

I'd like to ask that lady if she thinks lions are lining up in the wild to get into a 300 square foot cage? (Check this link for facts on lions) Home ranges in the wild of 8 to 160 SQUARE MILES? Are lions out there trying to construct a cage and bemoaning the lack of opposable thumbs? How can any wild animal be "happy" in a cage? Very few domestic animals can be "happy" in a cage, right? What they oughta do is move their whole family to the place where lions are found in a natural state and live there. Then all the lions can be pets to the family. They could release Kitty and live with him there. Utterly preposterous.

Stupid question of the moment.

Can somebody explain to me why Iran needs nuclear power plants? Aren't they the number two oil producing entity of OPEC? Exactly what will they be using this nuclear power for? Is Tehran experiencing blackouts and power shortages? They're sitting on one of the largest oil reserves on the planet and they can't figure out how to make that work?

Unreasonable searches, man.

More constitutional law in the news in this article.

Sounds like the General got it right and the reporter botched the nuance (I can't use that word without thinking of the Dems last prez candidate. PUH leeze). Imagine that.

I can't believe I'm losing to this guy.

That's gotta be going through the mind of President Bush when he hear this story, huh?

The Triumph of Christianity

Church of Our Lady in Dendermonde, Flanders (Belgium). They show the late 17th century pulpit, sculpted in wood by Mattheus van Beveren. The person subdued by the angels and having a Koran in his hands is generally thought to be Mohammed. The sculpture represents the triumph of christianity over islam.

Leaker makes donations?

Where do they get these people to work at the CIA?

If she wanted to get the info out, why didn't she quit? Excellent question.

Interesting story here.

Complete rundown here.

First Amendment alert.

Hate speech is not covered by the First Amendment, right? I'm not against taking up a collection for the bikers in this story for a legal defense fund. Shouting those kind of insults at a funeral constitute "hate speech" in the stream, a violent response should be expected.

Hey, University of Washington, honor your Hero!

Can't believe the pomposity of the students in this article. You do know that George Washington, the father of our country, was a war hero, right? I mean if he didn't pull the trigger himself, he was the commander. Should we honor him? Beyond comprehension.
As I look at the past through rose colored glasses, I don't remember being that large of an idiot in college. I wasn't part of the Student Senate, maybe that has something to do with it.
I did try to stop a group of people from burning a U.S. flag, with no success.
Well at least is looks like the Student Senate got it right in the end. My reading of the article says the University of Washington will honor all 4 of its Medal of Honor winners. Four? That's pretty impressive. I wonder if any university has more?

Harsh critique of the media.

This article offers some valid points. 'Course I've railed against the lack a reporting from the outset. Wonder how this type of disrespect for the media will change the media process in the future?

I probably shouldn't laugh, but c'mon.

As you can see, I've learned how to post pictures. This can't be good.

Grapes.

Everybody knows that Concord grapes are purple and used to make jam/jelly and juice. I couldn't immediately name the green variety and did a little research. Maybe they need a better marketing campaign?

Here's the results.

"That's why I say hey man, Nice shot."

Remember the Dennis Miller bit on the Pope and forgiving Mehmet Ali Ağca? "Richelieu: Waste that p---k!"

The "good" reverend makes me ill.

What disrespect. What a shame. Rev. Joseph Lowery, you sir, are dispicable. A cheap and miserable person. Taking shots at the President while he sits in mourning behind you at the Corretta Scott Kind funeral? Nice manners, pal. If you want to use your pulpit on Sunday to blast the President, fine. But during the ceremony of someone's funeral? A person that assuredly had more class than you and probably would be offended that you used this opportunity to make false and cheap political attacks. This guy is not smart enough to draft a speech that honors Mrs. King? He wasted an opportunity to add to her legacy. A petty, little mind that didn't have the class and grace to tell the world about Mrs. King. Didn't you know her personally? How about sharing some personal anecdotes? Give us a story about her that we will always remember. Make this icon a human figure. Stop wasting this opportunity to honor someone with your political agenda. Too much to ask, huh? Funny how in your speech, Mrs. King speaks like you think. Mind numbingly sad.

I agree with this. And this.

Maybe we should reason with them?

Have you been following the "Cartoon Crisis"? No links, because you can find this story everywhere. Is it really possible that people will riot, burn, destroy and rampage as a result of printing a cartoon? Maybe we just don't understand them? Maybe we should try to relate to them on their level? Maybe their anger is a reaction to something we did? GIVE. ME. A. BREAK.

As soon as I can figure it out, they'll be posted here.

Link to cartoons.

My favorite response:

Spies Like Us.

This isn't an exhaustive list.

Real problem is education, right? I mean if the general populace had a basic understanding of the Constitution, would this even be a story?

Terror, WMD, and musings of an average guy.

This article at NRO is telling. I don't think the American public will ever believe there was a real connection.
The Administration makes a point, as does Mr. Murdock, President Bush will always be wrong to some, however, I agree, this info needs to be presented to the public. If, as Moore would have you believe, the current administration is the most efficient, evil propaganda machine this side of the Third Reich, why don't they use this stuff to lead the sheep? Back to the genius vs. the idiot characterizations, huh?

"“As much as we overestimated WMD, it appears we underestimated [Hussein'’s] support for transregional terrorists."” -- unnamed intelligence expert.

But America has translated only some 2.5 percent of this huge cache..-- Stephen Hayes, Weekly Standard

I have some issues with the concepts here. There is no question that Iraq had WMD. Saddam used these weapons on the Kurds, and it is a documented, incontrovertible fact. The American public still needs the smoking gun weapons cache to be found or else "Bush lied". Well, if we've only been able to translate 2.5 percent of a portion of the information our troops have recovered, is there a possibility, any possibility at all, that we still don't have all the information concerning WMD?
Mr. Murdock is right, where are the rest of the journalists trying to answer these questions? Oh wait, that doesn't fit the Party line.

After effects of the "elixir of life."

It all started with Firewater. Then Jagermeister. Whatever your poison, you've been here.

Get your Total Gym right now.

'Course, it isn't going to do anything for mere mortals like us.

Chuck.

His response.

More Chuck Facts.

Barbary pirates and jihad

It's amazing how history teaches those willing to do a little reading, huh?
Check this article.
I think the most intriguing portion is the quote from the Barbary ambassador. "Islamic Fundamentalism?" Hmmmm.

This blog has now come full circle.

I'm answering my own posts. Within minutes of posing the question.

Find an anwer to the post below here. Kinda anti-climatic.

Werewolves of London.

Seriously, what is this song about? Looking for a link to a database that explains the meaning of songs. What was Warren Zevon talking about? I'd like to know.

Clemency? Not for Stanley Williams.

Don't understand the Hollywood "luminaries" that support clemency for this man. See the LA County DA's office point by point rebuttal here. I find the quote from Willard Gaylin terrible in its truth.

This is why an invasion of The U.S. will never happen.

Check this video. It's funny and alarming at the same time. However, you'd have to be a complete moron to think you could invade the continental U.S.

The future of oil prices?

Found this article particularly interesting. I hate high gas prices as much as the next guy, hopefully there's a light at the end of the tunnel. If the government can keep it's tax claws out of the "record profits."

No title necessary.

Finally a different picture of events.

Of course I didn't know. How could I?

Did you know that 47 countries have reestablished their embassies in Iraq?

Did you know that the Iraqi government currently employs 1.2 million Iraqi
people?

Did you know that 3100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are under
rehabilitation, 263 schools are now under construction and 38 new schools
have been built in Iraq?

Did you know that Iraq's higher educational structure consists of 20
Universities, 46 Institutes or colleges and 4 research centers, all
currently operating?

Did you know that 25 Iraq students departed for the United States in January
2005 for the re-established Fulbright program?

Did you know that the Iraqi Navy is operational?! They have 5- 100-foot
patrol craft, 34 smaller vessels and a naval infantry regiment.

Did you know that Iraq's Air Force consists of three operational squadrons,
which includes 9 reconnaissance and 3 US C-130 transport aircraft (under
Iraqi operational control) which operate day and night, and will soon add 16
UH-1 Helicopters and 4 Bell Jet Rangers?

Did you know that Iraq has a counter-terrorist unit and a Commando
Battalion?

Did you know that the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000 fully trained and
equipped police officers?

Did you know that there are 5 Police Academies in Iraq that produce over
3500 new officers each 8 weeks?

Did you know there are more than 1100 building projects going on in Iraq?
They include 364 schools, 67 public clinics, 15 hospitals, 83 railroad
stations, 22 oil facilities, 93 water facilities and 69 electrical
facilities.

Did you know that 96% of Iraqi children under the age of 5 have received the
first 2 series of polio vaccinations?

Did you know that 4.3 million Iraqi children were enrolled in primary school
by mid October?

Did you know that there are 1,192,000 cell phone subscribers in Iraq and
phone use has gone up 158%?

Did you know that Iraq has an independent media that consists of 75 radio
stations, 180 newspapers and 10 television stations?

Did you know that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004?

Did you know that 2 candidates in the Iraqi presidential election had a
televised debate recently?

OF COURSE WE DIDN'T KNOW!

WHY DIDN'T WE KNOW? OUR MEDIA WOULDN'T TELL US!

Instead of reflecting our love for our country, we get photos of flag
burning incidents at Abu Ghraib and people throwing snowballs at the
presidential motorcades.

The lack of accentuating the positive in Iraq serves two purposes. It is
intended to undermine the world's perception of the United States thus
minimizing consequent support, and it is intended to discourage American
citizens.

---- Above facts are verifiable on the Department of Defense web site.

I'm cautious about this pick.

It's hard to be confident in this candidate for The Supreme Court. I can't tell if The President is trying to challenge the dems to reject this candidate, while having a different candidate in the wings. Seems unlikely. W has been straightforward thus far, can't imagine a change now. Conventional wisdom claims the Prez is saying, "trust me." I guess that's why he got elected.
I truly don't know about this candidate and will be watching the reaction from the nomination process.
See George Will blast W here. Will is like a character from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, using a sword and a razor blade to inflict damage. Quite an attack on many levels.

Pink locker rooms are offensive?

Has this political correctivity gone too far? I'm tired of this kinda stuff. See this link. I'm not going to address the threats to the "professor", those activities are absurd. The real issue is declaring that the locker room is "offensive." Can there really be a serious person out there that is "offended" by the color of the visitor's locker room? Even taking away the legitimate reason (the former head coach, Haden Fry, had the locker room painted pink to create a mood of passivity), do we really need to be evaluating color schemes of locker rooms? I'm all for painting prisons pink, we want those guys as passive as can be. What's next, the color of the teams/schools themselves? Just slap a coat of white paint on everything.......wait a minute, white? That may be offensive to minorities. How do you pick a color that doesn't offend someone? How do you continue this conversation with a straight face?

What the heck are we supposed to do? I tell ya, get back to reality, and if you're a law professor at Iowa, start concentrating of the education of law students. Develop your plan to prepare them for the bar exam, and for the rigors (hah!) of the practice of law. Help the students to change the negative impression of lawyers. But for the love of God, keep you nose outta the visitor's locker room.

Prayers to the victims of Katrina.

There are so many links I wanted to put up for this post, including the bloggers relief fund (I'm still checking it out), but I have to admit to being overwhelmed.

The griping about the response is understandable, but I think over wrought. I mean that the relief effort has been massive and to have the place under complete control by Day 8 is a logistical success.
My opinion is that the Govenor of Louisiana and the Mayor of New Orleans have a lot of 'splaining to do. This was not a surprize. They knew the storm was coming for a week. Apparently they have planned and practiced for this type of emergency before. What happened? I think there was a real vacuum of leadership.
As an aside, I am mortified to hear the political left attempt to gain leverage by this disaster. Jesse Jackson was espousing bald faced lies and then had the temerity to say that the lack of response was due to the race of the victims? Wow. In the world of the Reverend, people were watching the catastrophe and saying, "ahh, we'll get to that tomorrow" based on the race of the victims? The left is politically and morally bankrupt.

Ok, here's a link that I found interesting.

"The Gift of Happiness."

Hypocrisy knows no bounds.

Link.

Kill the space shuttle?

Seems to be a lot of sentiment out there calling for the scrapping of this program. It's kinda news to me. I thought the shuttles were the future.

Article here. and here.

Guess I gotta wake up, huh?

Positive news not available from MSM.

Haven't posted anything like this in awhile, but check this link.
Contrary to the evening news, we are making progress. I'm still amazed at the change in the world political scene. The President won't get credit for this anytime soon, probably not in his lifetime, but I believe this time period will be viewed as a watershed by our children. It's something they will discuss and analyze in history class.

Empire State senator.

Just got back from a trip to New York. Man, do I love living in the Mid-West. Manners, politeness and civility are great to come home to.
Have to remain vigilant. Check this article. Her obvious moves and positioning come as no surprise. She seems to be the only d smart enough to realize that election success comes from moving to the center.
I'll still giggle about the Air Force JAG officer scurrying around the Pentagon, biting her tongue about the Commander in Chief and the Secretary of Defense. What a good soldier!
I'll heartily guffaw at the supposed White House position if the previous presidential election had gone the wrong way.

The PS Classic.

The Second annual PS Classic wrapped this weekend. What a treat. The weather was absolutely beautiful. Sunny and warm all weekend. The company was excellent, witty and bawdy (what a great mix for the golf course). I've recieved the final tally from the offical archivist:

7.29.05 - RedHawk Run
ps - 92
rj - 89
mdg - 98

7.29.05 - The Legacy
ps - 88
rj - 91
mdg - 92

7.30.05 - Maumee Bay
ps - 99
rj - 103
mdg - 90
jp - 99

Totals:
ps 279
mdg 280
rj 283

What a charge by mdg! Holy Toledo! The guy was knocking down shots and carving up the course on Sat. As I said many times that day, "A thing of beauty is a joy that will last forever." PS also showed marked improvement in stamina from last year, but I suspect his good swings were inversely proportional to his intake of alcohol. I discovered my greatest weakness is a cute beer girl and a playing partner with cash. Already looking forward to next year's Classic. Thanks guys!

Music time.

Spin magagzine's Top Ten albums from the last twenty years:

1. Radiohead - 'Ok Computer'(1997)
2. Public Enemy - 'It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back’ (1988)
3. Nirvana - 'Nevermind' (1991)
4. Pavement - 'Slanted and Enchanted' (1992)
5. The Smiths - 'The Queen is Dead' (1986)
6. Pixies - 'Surfer Rosa' (1989)
7. De La Soul - '3 Feet High and Rising' (1989)
8. Prince - 'Sign O' The Times' (1987)
9. PJ Harvey - 'Rid of Me' (1993)
10. NWA - 'Straight Outta Compton' (1988)

I have/had four of them, even though I never thought any of them would make this kind of list.

Elsewhere:

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Bloggers Rank Over-Rated Songs

Robert Burke of Rhapsody Radish asked some of the top music bloggers to name the most overrated songs. Robert says he was not looking for the most hated song or even the worst commercially successful song, but a song that has garnered critical acclaim. No doubt this'll stir up some debate as some classic fan favorites have been selected.

The bloggers top ten over-rated songs:

1. "American Pie" - Don McLean
2. "Light My Fire" - The Doors
3. "Free Bird" - Lynyrd Skynyrd
4. "Hey Ya!" – Outkast
5. "Pour Some Sugar On Me" - Def Leppard
6. "Wonderwall" – Oasis
7. "Memory" - Andrew Lloyd Webber
8. "Bohemian Rhapsody" – Queen
9. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" - U2
10. "Totally Wired" - The Fall

You can view the full list with the bloggers' explanations on their choices, comment on the list and add your own here.

Color me paranoid.

Just read an article describing the rough treatment of reporters and staff travelling with Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. Sudanese guards to president Omar el-Bashir manhandled and physically confronted reporters and staff on more than one occassion..
If I understand the situation in Sudan correctly, the new "reconcilliation" government is comprised of members from the Arabic population from the north and with the Christian and indigenous peoples of the south. While I think of Sudan in a slightly favorable light when they agreed to turn over Bin Laden, the killing of over 2 million people in the 21 year civil war is an atrocity that cannot be overlooked.
The whole point of this rant is this: I hope somebody in our intelligence community is investigating these incidents very carefully. This seems like a type of reconnaissance misson from Al Qaeda or other terrorist organization. A probing of her security detachment and their reactions. A way to see who in her detail is security and who is not. A clue as to the methods of security for her, as well as other U. S. officials. I'd be very interested to know who was around during these incidents just watching. Who says the next terrorist attack has to be against mass transit or the public? It seems that our Secretary of State, by her job description as well as her ideology, is a likely target.
Like I said, color me paranoid, but don't color me surprised.

Possible Supreme Nominee?

Sounds like a real possibility. Would like to know a little more, but this article will prompt me to do some research.

Article here.

Flustered and stuck on name calling.

I think I've mentioned this here before, but the left still resorts to name calling. Who is "mean-spirited"? Consider this part of my mini "Hillary Watch." I thought the analysis of her comments instructive.
Article here.

Free Speech or Campaign Dollars?

I found this article interesting.
I was really surprised by McCain's reaction to this guy in person. Won't shake his hand?
I thought I liked the reform, but perhaps there is something to this Constitutional stuff, huh?

No comments for June 05? Drat!

Well, I'm no Gerhrig/Ripken, but I hoped to keep the posts going. We'll see if I can get back on the horse.

Major haps in my life. Tidings of great joy.

Still, life goes on. Two big topics out there. Supreme Court vacancy and bombs in London. Oh yeah, Ohio State lands one of the most highly touted recruiting classes in college basketball since ttun. Cool!