Oh, how proud parents must be to fork over thousands of dollars to send their child to Temple University for this:
PHILADELPHIA -- Marilyn Manson: shock rocker. Self-proclaimed "Antichrist Superstar." Philosophy professor?
With an MTV film crew in tow, Manson surprised students in a Temple University Art and Society class Monday with an hourlong guest lecture.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Beware Those 12 Ounce Curls
Knowing Gino, alcohol just maybe, possibly, probably might have been involved.
CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati quarterback Gino Guidugli broke a bone in his throwing hand when he slipped outside his home and might miss Saturday's game at Louisville (No. 8 ESPN/USA Today, No. 7 AP).
Guidugli, who holds most of the school's passing records, broke a small bone on the top of his right hand Saturday night.
"I slipped on the top step, tried to brace my fall and hurt my hand," Guidugli said.
That reminds me of this classic Clinton story:
HOBE SOUND, Fla. (AllPolitics, March 14) -- For an avid golfer like President Bill Clinton, his weekend plans must have seemed the perfect retreat from the unpleasantries of Washington. He was to stay at golf champ Greg Norman's 80-acre oceanside compound and play in Norman's two-day golf tournament.
Following their gab-fest, which ended early Friday morning, the two men headed outside toward the Jupiter Island estate's cottage where Clinton planned to spend the night. But the president's idyll soon ended as he caught his heel on an "irregular-shaped" step, causing his right knee to "pop" and buckle under. Norman, too, got more than he bargained for as the Australian native, a.k.a. The Shark, found himself breaking Clinton's fall.
When paramedics rushed to the scene, Norman and a Secret Service agent were supporting Clinton's head. Paramedic Richard Wilde told The Associated Press, "If it wasn't for Greg Norman, he probably would have been hurt a lot more. Those were concrete steps."
Don't you hate it when "early Friday morning" those "irregularly-shaped" concrete steps jump up and trip you. Yeah, right.
CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati quarterback Gino Guidugli broke a bone in his throwing hand when he slipped outside his home and might miss Saturday's game at Louisville (No. 8 ESPN/USA Today, No. 7 AP).
Guidugli, who holds most of the school's passing records, broke a small bone on the top of his right hand Saturday night.
"I slipped on the top step, tried to brace my fall and hurt my hand," Guidugli said.
That reminds me of this classic Clinton story:
HOBE SOUND, Fla. (AllPolitics, March 14) -- For an avid golfer like President Bill Clinton, his weekend plans must have seemed the perfect retreat from the unpleasantries of Washington. He was to stay at golf champ Greg Norman's 80-acre oceanside compound and play in Norman's two-day golf tournament.
Following their gab-fest, which ended early Friday morning, the two men headed outside toward the Jupiter Island estate's cottage where Clinton planned to spend the night. But the president's idyll soon ended as he caught his heel on an "irregular-shaped" step, causing his right knee to "pop" and buckle under. Norman, too, got more than he bargained for as the Australian native, a.k.a. The Shark, found himself breaking Clinton's fall.
When paramedics rushed to the scene, Norman and a Secret Service agent were supporting Clinton's head. Paramedic Richard Wilde told The Associated Press, "If it wasn't for Greg Norman, he probably would have been hurt a lot more. Those were concrete steps."
Don't you hate it when "early Friday morning" those "irregularly-shaped" concrete steps jump up and trip you. Yeah, right.
The Wisdom of Seth
Seth Davis of Sports Illustrated is an idiot (and a Puke...I mean, Duke graduate), but he got this right:
The days of rotations that go nine or 10 deep are over, my friends. We used to hear coaches say of an opponent, "Their ninth guy could start for me." Not anymore, because these days that guy will transfer to a place he can start -- oftentimes in midseason -- rather than sit on the pine.
...and this...
This week's player who's better than you think: Kentucky guard Patrick Sparks. Everybody's all jacked up about Tubby Smith's Fab Four freshmen, but Sparks, a transfer from Western Kentucky, will have a bigger impact on the program this season. He runs the point with great poise and can really shoot it.
...but definitely not this...
It seems like people love to knock Florida guard Anthony "Peep" Roberson, but I'm not one of them. He's a great scorer, and from what I can tell, he also has very high character.
The days of rotations that go nine or 10 deep are over, my friends. We used to hear coaches say of an opponent, "Their ninth guy could start for me." Not anymore, because these days that guy will transfer to a place he can start -- oftentimes in midseason -- rather than sit on the pine.
...and this...
This week's player who's better than you think: Kentucky guard Patrick Sparks. Everybody's all jacked up about Tubby Smith's Fab Four freshmen, but Sparks, a transfer from Western Kentucky, will have a bigger impact on the program this season. He runs the point with great poise and can really shoot it.
...but definitely not this...
It seems like people love to knock Florida guard Anthony "Peep" Roberson, but I'm not one of them. He's a great scorer, and from what I can tell, he also has very high character.
Thank God Bush Won
Or President Kerry would be taking his marching orders from this cesspool of crime and corruption:
Staff representatives adopted a resolution yesterday criticising senior management after a string of clashes during the past year with their bosses at UN headquarters. The rebellion is an embarrassment for Mr Annan, and comes as he faces intense criticism for corruption in the UN’s “Oil-for-Food” programme in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.
The UN chief suffered another blow yesterday when he was forced to admit that civilian and peacekeeping personnel on UN duty in Congo had committed acts of gross misconduct.
Officials plan to make public on Monday the lurid results of their investigation into UN officials having sex with under-age local girls.
Staff representatives adopted a resolution yesterday criticising senior management after a string of clashes during the past year with their bosses at UN headquarters. The rebellion is an embarrassment for Mr Annan, and comes as he faces intense criticism for corruption in the UN’s “Oil-for-Food” programme in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq.
The UN chief suffered another blow yesterday when he was forced to admit that civilian and peacekeeping personnel on UN duty in Congo had committed acts of gross misconduct.
Officials plan to make public on Monday the lurid results of their investigation into UN officials having sex with under-age local girls.
"Unbalanced Reporting"
This is hysterical:
According to Al Jazeera spokesman, Jihad Ballout, $30 million will be spent to launch a regional English-language satellite news channel in Kuala Lumpur by the end of 2005. The new channel will be named Al Jazeera International and its goal will be to counteract the "unbalanced reporting" of Western media networks. The BBC and CNN are mentioned.
"Unbalanced reporting" from the BBC and CNN? They're the best friends a terrorist could have. But Al Jazeera disagrees.
According to Al Jazeera spokesman, Jihad Ballout, $30 million will be spent to launch a regional English-language satellite news channel in Kuala Lumpur by the end of 2005. The new channel will be named Al Jazeera International and its goal will be to counteract the "unbalanced reporting" of Western media networks. The BBC and CNN are mentioned.
"Unbalanced reporting" from the BBC and CNN? They're the best friends a terrorist could have. But Al Jazeera disagrees.
Do As I Say, Not As I Do
Q. What do you call it when a Harvard student submits work that's not his own but claims
it is?
A. Plagiarism.
Q. What do you call it when a Harvard professor publishes a book that includes work that's not his own but claims it is?
A. A managed book.
Any questions?
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - When it comes to its students, Harvard University policy shows little tolerance for plagiarism.
Undergraduates found guilty of "misusing sources" will "likely" be required to withdraw from the college for at least two semesters. They will lose all coursework they have done that semester (unless it is virtually over), along with the money they have paid for it. They must also leave Cambridge.
With such a policy for students, what is Harvard to do when two of its most prominent law professors, Charles J. Ogletree Jr. and Laurence H. Tribe, publicly acknowledge that they have unintentionally misused sources, as happened this fall? Weighing in on the matter, Harvard's student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson, said the university appeared to have one set of rules for its famous professors, and another for its students. In an editorial about Professor Ogletree, The Crimson wrote in September that his transgression would likely have resulted in expulsion for a Harvard undergraduate.
..."This is what happens when you have managed books," Professor Gardner said.
Managed books, Professor Gardner said, are a recent phenomenon in which some academics rely on assistants to help them produce books, in some cases allowing the assistants to write first drafts.
it is?
A. Plagiarism.
Q. What do you call it when a Harvard professor publishes a book that includes work that's not his own but claims it is?
A. A managed book.
Any questions?
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - When it comes to its students, Harvard University policy shows little tolerance for plagiarism.
Undergraduates found guilty of "misusing sources" will "likely" be required to withdraw from the college for at least two semesters. They will lose all coursework they have done that semester (unless it is virtually over), along with the money they have paid for it. They must also leave Cambridge.
With such a policy for students, what is Harvard to do when two of its most prominent law professors, Charles J. Ogletree Jr. and Laurence H. Tribe, publicly acknowledge that they have unintentionally misused sources, as happened this fall? Weighing in on the matter, Harvard's student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson, said the university appeared to have one set of rules for its famous professors, and another for its students. In an editorial about Professor Ogletree, The Crimson wrote in September that his transgression would likely have resulted in expulsion for a Harvard undergraduate.
..."This is what happens when you have managed books," Professor Gardner said.
Managed books, Professor Gardner said, are a recent phenomenon in which some academics rely on assistants to help them produce books, in some cases allowing the assistants to write first drafts.
Oliver Who?
John Podhoretz's on Oliver Stone's new movie, "Alexander". Can anyone say "Ishtar"?
Oliver Stone's Alexander, which opens today, isn't just bad. It's Springtime for Hitler bad. I haven't guffawed this hard since I saw Airplane for the first time 24 years ago. This is one of the colossal catastrophes of all time. At a screening on Monday night, during the death scene of Alexander's lover Hephaiston, people were screaming with laughter as Alexander made a big speech while, behind him in soft focus, Hephaiston went into a conniption fit and croaked. Plus, Angelina Jolie plays Alexander's mother like she was Natasha from the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons. It's almost worth seeing, but don't, because if you're like me and want to see Oliver Stone utterly destroyed for his artistic and political crimes, you will make sure not to contribute to the box-office coffers of what is sure to go down in the annals of moviedom as Heaven's Gate with rampaging evil elephants (no, I'm not kidding).
Oliver Stone's Alexander, which opens today, isn't just bad. It's Springtime for Hitler bad. I haven't guffawed this hard since I saw Airplane for the first time 24 years ago. This is one of the colossal catastrophes of all time. At a screening on Monday night, during the death scene of Alexander's lover Hephaiston, people were screaming with laughter as Alexander made a big speech while, behind him in soft focus, Hephaiston went into a conniption fit and croaked. Plus, Angelina Jolie plays Alexander's mother like she was Natasha from the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons. It's almost worth seeing, but don't, because if you're like me and want to see Oliver Stone utterly destroyed for his artistic and political crimes, you will make sure not to contribute to the box-office coffers of what is sure to go down in the annals of moviedom as Heaven's Gate with rampaging evil elephants (no, I'm not kidding).
Big News Out of the Ukraine
A stolen election? You bet. What will the "democratic" European powers do? Nothing. Where is the American Left? Nowhere to be found. What will the U.S. government do? We'll see.
Thousands of opposition demonstrators braved freezing temperatures for a third straight day as tensions mounted in Ukraine's election crisis.
Officials are set to announce final results in the disputed presidential poll on Wednesday.
Ukraine's outgoing president offered to hold talks to end the crisis, but an ally of presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko said the only thing to discuss was a transfer of power to the opposition leader.
"We are ready to negotiate only about the peaceful handing over of power to Yushchenko," Mykola Tomenko said.
...Yushchenko, a pro-Western liberal, and Yanukovych, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, fought a bitterly contested runoff battle.
On Monday, the election commission said that with 99.38 percent of precincts counted, Yanukovych had 49.42 percent to Yushchenko's 46.70 percent.
However, an exit poll conducted under a Western-funded program gave Yushchenko 54 percent of the vote to Yanukovych's 43 percent. Another poll put Yushchenko ahead by 49.4 to 45.9 percent.
Western obersvers criticized the balloting, and on Wednesday European leaders stepped up pressure on Ukraine to review the results. (Full story)
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, normally a close ally of Putin, said the election showed what he called massive fraud, Reuters reported, while EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said Ukraine was at a crossroads and could turn violent.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso warned of "consequences" for the EU's political and trade relations with Ukraine if the government there does not allow a full review of the election results, AP reported.
NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer summoned the Ukraine ambassador Wednesday to express the alliance's disappointment, and Ukraine's ambassador to the European Union was called to appear before the European Parliament on Wednesday to defend the election, AP reported.
At the Vatican, Pope John Paul II told Ukrainian pilgrims he was praying for their country in a "special way."
And in Washington, the White House issued a statement saying the United States is "deeply disturbed by extensive and credible indications of fraud committed in the Ukrainian presidential election."
Thousands of opposition demonstrators braved freezing temperatures for a third straight day as tensions mounted in Ukraine's election crisis.
Officials are set to announce final results in the disputed presidential poll on Wednesday.
Ukraine's outgoing president offered to hold talks to end the crisis, but an ally of presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko said the only thing to discuss was a transfer of power to the opposition leader.
"We are ready to negotiate only about the peaceful handing over of power to Yushchenko," Mykola Tomenko said.
...Yushchenko, a pro-Western liberal, and Yanukovych, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, fought a bitterly contested runoff battle.
On Monday, the election commission said that with 99.38 percent of precincts counted, Yanukovych had 49.42 percent to Yushchenko's 46.70 percent.
However, an exit poll conducted under a Western-funded program gave Yushchenko 54 percent of the vote to Yanukovych's 43 percent. Another poll put Yushchenko ahead by 49.4 to 45.9 percent.
Western obersvers criticized the balloting, and on Wednesday European leaders stepped up pressure on Ukraine to review the results. (Full story)
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, normally a close ally of Putin, said the election showed what he called massive fraud, Reuters reported, while EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said Ukraine was at a crossroads and could turn violent.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso warned of "consequences" for the EU's political and trade relations with Ukraine if the government there does not allow a full review of the election results, AP reported.
NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer summoned the Ukraine ambassador Wednesday to express the alliance's disappointment, and Ukraine's ambassador to the European Union was called to appear before the European Parliament on Wednesday to defend the election, AP reported.
At the Vatican, Pope John Paul II told Ukrainian pilgrims he was praying for their country in a "special way."
And in Washington, the White House issued a statement saying the United States is "deeply disturbed by extensive and credible indications of fraud committed in the Ukrainian presidential election."
All The News That's Fit to Print
Wait, a NY Times writer that hates America. Come on. I don't believe it.
That's why even now -- after Howell Raines, after years of bile from Paul Krugman and Maureen Dowd, even after the attempt to turn an old missing-explosives story into an election-eve bombshell -- it was astounding to hear Chris Hedges of the New York Times go off Saturday morning at a forum held here as part of the annual conference of the Association of Opinion Page Editors.
Hedges was invited to talk about his book, War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning. Many editors on hand were probably aware of Hedges' notoriety for a commencement address he gave in May 2003 at a small Illinois college in which he was booed off the stage for criticizing the war on Iraq. But no one expected Hedges to offer up an indictment of American foreign policy as sweeping and angry as our strongest Arab critics or nastiest MIT linguistics professor.
"We're absolutely reviled around the world, as we should be," Hedges said. "Our only friends are war criminals" -- a reference, he explained, to Ariel Sharon and Vladimir Putin.
America's amoral, bloodthirsty ways and the hate they generate would be much plainer to the American people, Hedges said, if only so many journalists weren't "trapped" by the government's war clichés and oriented to a Washington-centric view of the world. This group, he said, included his bosses at the Times.
"There was absolutely no interest in my newspaper in presenting the views of the French" as the U.S. moved toward war in Iraq, Hedges said. Instead, there was lots of guffawing over anti-French jokes, which he termed "racist."
The good news is that at least some at the Times see the French for what they are.
That's why even now -- after Howell Raines, after years of bile from Paul Krugman and Maureen Dowd, even after the attempt to turn an old missing-explosives story into an election-eve bombshell -- it was astounding to hear Chris Hedges of the New York Times go off Saturday morning at a forum held here as part of the annual conference of the Association of Opinion Page Editors.
Hedges was invited to talk about his book, War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning. Many editors on hand were probably aware of Hedges' notoriety for a commencement address he gave in May 2003 at a small Illinois college in which he was booed off the stage for criticizing the war on Iraq. But no one expected Hedges to offer up an indictment of American foreign policy as sweeping and angry as our strongest Arab critics or nastiest MIT linguistics professor.
"We're absolutely reviled around the world, as we should be," Hedges said. "Our only friends are war criminals" -- a reference, he explained, to Ariel Sharon and Vladimir Putin.
America's amoral, bloodthirsty ways and the hate they generate would be much plainer to the American people, Hedges said, if only so many journalists weren't "trapped" by the government's war clichés and oriented to a Washington-centric view of the world. This group, he said, included his bosses at the Times.
"There was absolutely no interest in my newspaper in presenting the views of the French" as the U.S. moved toward war in Iraq, Hedges said. Instead, there was lots of guffawing over anti-French jokes, which he termed "racist."
The good news is that at least some at the Times see the French for what they are.
Don't Let The Door Hit You On The You Know What
I think the final word on Dan Rather - and RatherGate - was best summed up by Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) on Wolf Blitzer's CNN program:
"The media certainly is not in our hands any longer."
Indeed.
"The media certainly is not in our hands any longer."
Indeed.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
The Stern Effect?
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. on Tuesday said it has passed the 800,000 subscriber mark and is on track to have 1 million subscribers by the end of the year.
Its shares rose 76 cents or 13 percent to a 33 month high of $6.74 in morning trading on Nasdaq. The stock has nearly doubled since the company on Oct. 6 said it would add controversial radio host Howard Stern to its service in 2006.
Its shares rose 76 cents or 13 percent to a 33 month high of $6.74 in morning trading on Nasdaq. The stock has nearly doubled since the company on Oct. 6 said it would add controversial radio host Howard Stern to its service in 2006.
Good News/Bad News
The good news is Dan Rather is stepping down as the anchor of the CBS Evening News. The bad news is that he's staying on as a correspondent with 60 Minutes.
I think Andrew Sullivan puts it best:
CBS' SPIN CONTROL: Why on earth is Rather staying on full-time at Sixty Minutes, the show whose reputation he besmirched by rashness and partisanship? Notice the ABC News story barely mentions the memo-gate fiasco. Rather's tenure as CBS anchor was bound to end some time soon. Big deal. A simple question: How can you rehire a man for Sixty Minutes when you haven't even published your own investigation into the journalistic meltdown that he presided over? Shouldn't you wait until you know what actually happened before you declare that someone will stay on full-time? And how long does such an investigation take, for Pete's sake? My bullshit detector just went through the roof on this one.
I think Andrew Sullivan puts it best:
CBS' SPIN CONTROL: Why on earth is Rather staying on full-time at Sixty Minutes, the show whose reputation he besmirched by rashness and partisanship? Notice the ABC News story barely mentions the memo-gate fiasco. Rather's tenure as CBS anchor was bound to end some time soon. Big deal. A simple question: How can you rehire a man for Sixty Minutes when you haven't even published your own investigation into the journalistic meltdown that he presided over? Shouldn't you wait until you know what actually happened before you declare that someone will stay on full-time? And how long does such an investigation take, for Pete's sake? My bullshit detector just went through the roof on this one.
It's Really Time for Kofi to Go
The United Nations is investigating about 150 allegations of sexual abuse by U.N. civilian staff and soldiers in the Congo, some of them recorded on videotape, a senior U.N. official said on Monday.
The accusations include pedophilia, rape and prostitution, said Jane Holl Lute, an assistant secretary-general in the peacekeeping department.
The accusations include pedophilia, rape and prostitution, said Jane Holl Lute, an assistant secretary-general in the peacekeeping department.
Educators? Of What?
Malcolm Muggeridge once said that the modern man has "educated himself into imbecility." I think these "educators" prove his point:
Maryland public school students are free to thank anyone they want while learning about the 17th century celebration of Thanksgiving - as long as it's not God.
And that is how it should be, administrators say.
Young students across the state read stories about the Pilgrims and Native Americans, simulate Mayflower voyages, hold mock feasts and learn about the famous meal that temporarily allied two very different groups.
But what teachers don't mention when they describe the feast is that the Pilgrims not only thanked the Native Americans for their peaceful three-day indulgence, but repeatedly thanked God.
...School administrators statewide agree, saying religion never coincides with how they teach Thanksgiving to students.
Maryland public school students are free to thank anyone they want while learning about the 17th century celebration of Thanksgiving - as long as it's not God.
And that is how it should be, administrators say.
Young students across the state read stories about the Pilgrims and Native Americans, simulate Mayflower voyages, hold mock feasts and learn about the famous meal that temporarily allied two very different groups.
But what teachers don't mention when they describe the feast is that the Pilgrims not only thanked the Native Americans for their peaceful three-day indulgence, but repeatedly thanked God.
...School administrators statewide agree, saying religion never coincides with how they teach Thanksgiving to students.
God Love the NY Times
Selena Roberts of the New York Times takes a look at the changing face of NASCAR:
A racial undertone has yet to develop into an unspoken tension between the stars of Nascar and their racing audience because many of the drivers and their fans share a conservative ideology, evangelical roots and white privilege.
Huh? Is this a sports article or a term paper from her Women's Studies class?
A racial undertone has yet to develop into an unspoken tension between the stars of Nascar and their racing audience because many of the drivers and their fans share a conservative ideology, evangelical roots and white privilege.
Huh? Is this a sports article or a term paper from her Women's Studies class?
Listen Up NBA Ballers
Great column from Jason Whitlock (who is black) in yesterday's Kansas City Star:
NBA commissioner David Stern sent a message to his players Sunday.
By issuing three of the harshest penalties in league history, Stern let his players know that the league will aggressively try to clean up its image problem.
Stern had no choice. TV ratings for the league have been steadily falling since Michael Jordan's heyday. By decimating the Pacers and publicly acknowledging that there has been a lowering of expectations in terms of player (and fan) behavior, Stern made it clear he's not in denial about the NBA's troubles.
But in this column, I am calling on my peers in the media to level with NBA players that may be in denial (and all professional athletes) and tell them what's really going on.
The people paying the bills don't like the product, don't like the attitude, don't like the showboating and don't like the flamboyance. The NBA, which relies heavily on African-American players, is at the forefront of fan backlash. Stern realizes this, and that's why, spurred on by the Detroit brawl, he is reacting decisively.
We're witnessing a clash of cultures. A predominately white fan base is rejecting a predominately black style of play and sportsmanship.
Who is on the right side of this argument? The group that is always right in a capitalistic society. The customer. A good businessman caters to his audience.
Stern's players must bow to the desires of their fan base.
We, black people, begged for integration. We demanded the right to play in the major leagues, the NBA, the NFL, the NHL. As long as the customer base is white, the standard for appropriate sportsmanship, style of play and appearance should be set by white people. This is fair, particularly when the athletes/employees earn millions of dollars and have the freedom to do whatever, and I mean whatever, they want when they're not playing or practicing.
If African-American players are unwilling to accept this reality, NBA owners will speed up the internationalization of their team's rosters. Many African-American players with NBA-quality skill will soon find themselves circling the country playing basketball with Hot Sauce and the And 1 Tour while Yao Nowitzki collects a $10 million NBA check.
The black players will have no one to blame but themselves.
NBA commissioner David Stern sent a message to his players Sunday.
By issuing three of the harshest penalties in league history, Stern let his players know that the league will aggressively try to clean up its image problem.
Stern had no choice. TV ratings for the league have been steadily falling since Michael Jordan's heyday. By decimating the Pacers and publicly acknowledging that there has been a lowering of expectations in terms of player (and fan) behavior, Stern made it clear he's not in denial about the NBA's troubles.
But in this column, I am calling on my peers in the media to level with NBA players that may be in denial (and all professional athletes) and tell them what's really going on.
The people paying the bills don't like the product, don't like the attitude, don't like the showboating and don't like the flamboyance. The NBA, which relies heavily on African-American players, is at the forefront of fan backlash. Stern realizes this, and that's why, spurred on by the Detroit brawl, he is reacting decisively.
We're witnessing a clash of cultures. A predominately white fan base is rejecting a predominately black style of play and sportsmanship.
Who is on the right side of this argument? The group that is always right in a capitalistic society. The customer. A good businessman caters to his audience.
Stern's players must bow to the desires of their fan base.
We, black people, begged for integration. We demanded the right to play in the major leagues, the NBA, the NFL, the NHL. As long as the customer base is white, the standard for appropriate sportsmanship, style of play and appearance should be set by white people. This is fair, particularly when the athletes/employees earn millions of dollars and have the freedom to do whatever, and I mean whatever, they want when they're not playing or practicing.
If African-American players are unwilling to accept this reality, NBA owners will speed up the internationalization of their team's rosters. Many African-American players with NBA-quality skill will soon find themselves circling the country playing basketball with Hot Sauce and the And 1 Tour while Yao Nowitzki collects a $10 million NBA check.
The black players will have no one to blame but themselves.
Monday, November 22, 2004
The Few, The Proud, The Marines
Here's an incredible first-hand account from the battle of Fallujah. Read the whole thing. Amazing. Simply amazing.
The Donald Has Lost His Touch
NEWARK, N.J. - Donald J. Trump's casino empire has filed for bankruptcy protection after months of negotiations with bondholders over restructuring a crushing debt.
Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc. and numerous related operations filed for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code on Sunday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Camden, N.J. The Trump casino business consists mainly of three Atlantic City properties and a riverboat casino in Indiana and are only a small part of Trump's overall real estate empire.
..."I don't think it's a failure, it's a success," he said in the interview. "In this case, it was just something that worked better than other alternatives. It's really just a technical thing, but it came together."
Uh, yeah. I think The Donald has been reading to many Rick Pitino books. You know, success is a choice. Except in this instance, The Donald chose bankruptcy (which apparently to him is success).
Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts Inc. and numerous related operations filed for protection from its creditors under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code on Sunday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Camden, N.J. The Trump casino business consists mainly of three Atlantic City properties and a riverboat casino in Indiana and are only a small part of Trump's overall real estate empire.
..."I don't think it's a failure, it's a success," he said in the interview. "In this case, it was just something that worked better than other alternatives. It's really just a technical thing, but it came together."
Uh, yeah. I think The Donald has been reading to many Rick Pitino books. You know, success is a choice. Except in this instance, The Donald chose bankruptcy (which apparently to him is success).
Ethical Dilemma
From the NY Times:
Two marines were killed and four wounded in an ambush on Friday in which an insurgent deceived the Americans by waving a white flag, military officials said Saturday.
So the next time an insurgent approaches you waving a white flag, what do you do? I shoot him. War is hell...literally.
Two marines were killed and four wounded in an ambush on Friday in which an insurgent deceived the Americans by waving a white flag, military officials said Saturday.
So the next time an insurgent approaches you waving a white flag, what do you do? I shoot him. War is hell...literally.
C-A-T-S CATS! CATS! CATS!
BTW, the Cats throttled Coppin State on Saturday and will be up here in the 'Nati tomorrow night to throttle Ball State.
I don't want to make any predictions, but suffice it to say that I haven't been this excited about a Kentucky team since the 95'-'96 season. And we know what happened that year.
I don't want to make any predictions, but suffice it to say that I haven't been this excited about a Kentucky team since the 95'-'96 season. And we know what happened that year.
One of the Best Basketball Coaches in America?
Well, if you look at the numbers closely, you can make a pretty strong argument for John Chaney. This article makes the case. And I love this:
Last season, the Temple bus was about to leave for a game at Rutgers when he asked the team's academic coordinator how the week had gone. Not great, the coordinator said. Forward Michael Blackshear, the team's leading rebounder, had missed a class.
Chaney kicked Blackshear off the bus.
Temple went 3-3 without Blackshear -- losing at Rutgers, Arizona State and Miami by a combined 20 points. Were those three losses the difference in Temple's eventual 15-win NIT resume and an 18-win NCAA Tournament bid? Possibly.
"Some coaches say, 'I can't suspend my best player -- I won't get another one,'" Bradshaw says. "Coach has flied in the faced of the soft traditional way. Has he lost games because of it? Yes. Has he lost players because of it? Yes. Has he lost spots in the NCAA Tournament? Yes.
"But when you look at Coach Chaney, you take the whole coach there. He's had 21 straight winning years. He's got a method to what people might call madness."
Last season, the Temple bus was about to leave for a game at Rutgers when he asked the team's academic coordinator how the week had gone. Not great, the coordinator said. Forward Michael Blackshear, the team's leading rebounder, had missed a class.
Chaney kicked Blackshear off the bus.
Temple went 3-3 without Blackshear -- losing at Rutgers, Arizona State and Miami by a combined 20 points. Were those three losses the difference in Temple's eventual 15-win NIT resume and an 18-win NCAA Tournament bid? Possibly.
"Some coaches say, 'I can't suspend my best player -- I won't get another one,'" Bradshaw says. "Coach has flied in the faced of the soft traditional way. Has he lost games because of it? Yes. Has he lost players because of it? Yes. Has he lost spots in the NCAA Tournament? Yes.
"But when you look at Coach Chaney, you take the whole coach there. He's had 21 straight winning years. He's got a method to what people might call madness."
The Look of a Possible Republican Majority
From the LA Times:
WASHINGTON — The center of the Republican presidential coalition is moving toward the distant edges of suburbia.
In this month's election, President Bush carried 97 of the nation's 100 fastest-growing counties, most of them "exurban" communities that are rapidly transforming farmland into subdivisions and shopping malls on the periphery of major metropolitan areas.
Together, these fast-growing communities provided Bush a punishing 1.72 million vote advantage over Democrat John F. Kerry, according to a Times analysis of election results. That was almost half the president's total margin of victory.
"These exurban counties are the new Republican areas, and they will become increasingly important to Republican candidates," said Terry Nelson, the political director for Bush's reelection campaign. "This is where a lot of our vote is."
...The problem for Democrats is that in almost all metropolitan areas the distant Republican strongholds are growing much faster than either the cities or the inner suburbs.
Big Democratic-leaning suburbs like Oakland County in Michigan, Montgomery and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania and Fairfax in Virginia all grew by about 3% or less from 2000 through 2003, according to the Census Bureau. Big urban counties like Wayne (Detroit), Cuyahoga (Cleveland) and Philadelphia all lost population over that period.
But all of the 100 counties that the Census Bureau listed as fastest-growing increased their population by at least 12% during that same time. With each election, they are producing more votes to offset Democratic advantages in the cities and inner suburbs.
Bush's popularity in the high-growth counties propelled his victory in Florida, brought him close to winning in Minnesota and largely thwarted Kerry's hopes of competing in Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia, despite solid Democratic performances in more urban areas.
In Ohio, the two counties on the top 100 list — Warren, north of Cincinnati, and Delaware, north of Columbus — provided Bush a combined margin of nearly 67,000 votes, helping him overcome unprecedented Democratic turnout in Cleveland and the rest of Cuyahoga County.
WASHINGTON — The center of the Republican presidential coalition is moving toward the distant edges of suburbia.
In this month's election, President Bush carried 97 of the nation's 100 fastest-growing counties, most of them "exurban" communities that are rapidly transforming farmland into subdivisions and shopping malls on the periphery of major metropolitan areas.
Together, these fast-growing communities provided Bush a punishing 1.72 million vote advantage over Democrat John F. Kerry, according to a Times analysis of election results. That was almost half the president's total margin of victory.
"These exurban counties are the new Republican areas, and they will become increasingly important to Republican candidates," said Terry Nelson, the political director for Bush's reelection campaign. "This is where a lot of our vote is."
...The problem for Democrats is that in almost all metropolitan areas the distant Republican strongholds are growing much faster than either the cities or the inner suburbs.
Big Democratic-leaning suburbs like Oakland County in Michigan, Montgomery and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania and Fairfax in Virginia all grew by about 3% or less from 2000 through 2003, according to the Census Bureau. Big urban counties like Wayne (Detroit), Cuyahoga (Cleveland) and Philadelphia all lost population over that period.
But all of the 100 counties that the Census Bureau listed as fastest-growing increased their population by at least 12% during that same time. With each election, they are producing more votes to offset Democratic advantages in the cities and inner suburbs.
Bush's popularity in the high-growth counties propelled his victory in Florida, brought him close to winning in Minnesota and largely thwarted Kerry's hopes of competing in Colorado, North Carolina and Virginia, despite solid Democratic performances in more urban areas.
In Ohio, the two counties on the top 100 list — Warren, north of Cincinnati, and Delaware, north of Columbus — provided Bush a combined margin of nearly 67,000 votes, helping him overcome unprecedented Democratic turnout in Cleveland and the rest of Cuyahoga County.
The Wisdom of Red
Here's Red Auerbach on Adolph Rupp:
“Let me tell you something about Rupp. All I ever hear from people is that he was a racist. You know what? He did hate black guys — who couldn’t play! He also hated white guys who couldn’t play, blue guys who couldn’t play, and green guys who couldn’t play. He hated Jews who couldn’t play, Catholics who couldn’t play, and Muslims who couldn’t play. That was it. All these people who never met the guy said he was a racist. I knew the guy. I traveled with him. I spent time with him. I never saw any sign from him or heard anything from him that indicated to me that he was a racist or a bigot in any way.
“Now cheap, that was another story. He was the single cheapest person I’ve ever met in my life.”
...and on Traitor Rick Pitino:
“The guy can coach. I’ve watched him. He’s really good. He just fell into the same trap that so many guys fall into nowadays. He wanted everything. That might have worked forty or fifty years ago, but it can’t work today. You need guys you can turn to and really depend on to tell you the truth about everything — whether it’s good or bad. I don’t think Rick ever really trusted anyone but himself, which is really too bad.”
“Let me tell you something about Rupp. All I ever hear from people is that he was a racist. You know what? He did hate black guys — who couldn’t play! He also hated white guys who couldn’t play, blue guys who couldn’t play, and green guys who couldn’t play. He hated Jews who couldn’t play, Catholics who couldn’t play, and Muslims who couldn’t play. That was it. All these people who never met the guy said he was a racist. I knew the guy. I traveled with him. I spent time with him. I never saw any sign from him or heard anything from him that indicated to me that he was a racist or a bigot in any way.
“Now cheap, that was another story. He was the single cheapest person I’ve ever met in my life.”
...and on Traitor Rick Pitino:
“The guy can coach. I’ve watched him. He’s really good. He just fell into the same trap that so many guys fall into nowadays. He wanted everything. That might have worked forty or fifty years ago, but it can’t work today. You need guys you can turn to and really depend on to tell you the truth about everything — whether it’s good or bad. I don’t think Rick ever really trusted anyone but himself, which is really too bad.”
Why I Love Tay/Basketbrawl Update
I love Tayshaun Prince not only because he's a former Wildcat, but because he's smart too:
"Both benches emptied, which brings an automatic one-game suspension to those who left. Only Piston Tayshaun Prince remained on the bench." - Detroit News
"Both benches emptied, which brings an automatic one-game suspension to those who left. Only Piston Tayshaun Prince remained on the bench." - Detroit News
Who Dey?
Here's all you need to know:
Bengals second half production over last two games vs Washington and Pittsburgh:
Points: 0
1st downs: 5
Total yards: 132
Wow!
Bengals second half production over last two games vs Washington and Pittsburgh:
Points: 0
1st downs: 5
Total yards: 132
Wow!
Outrage!
I'm sure we'll soon here about this from Michael Moore:
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. - President Clinton's new $165 million library here was funded in part by gifts of $1 million or more each from the Saudi royal family and three Saudi businessmen.
The governments of Dubai, Kuwait, and Qatar and the deputy prime minister of Lebanon all also appear to have donated $1 million or more for the archive and museum that opened last week.
Yeah, right.
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. - President Clinton's new $165 million library here was funded in part by gifts of $1 million or more each from the Saudi royal family and three Saudi businessmen.
The governments of Dubai, Kuwait, and Qatar and the deputy prime minister of Lebanon all also appear to have donated $1 million or more for the archive and museum that opened last week.
Yeah, right.
Even More Good News on Iraq
PARIS (AP) - Major economic powers agreed on Sunday to write off billions of dollars of debt for Iraq in a deal that marked a significant step in U.S. efforts to help put the Iraqi economy back on its feet.
Under the agreement, the Paris Club of 19 creditor nations will write off 80 percent of the $42 billion that Iraq owes them, the group's chairman, Jean-Pierre Jouyet said.
The Paris Club includes, the United States, Japan, Russia and European nations. . . . The deal represented a considerable concession from France, just as French President Jacques Chirac's government is pushing to rebuild ties with Bush's administration that were damaged by disagreements over the U.S.-led Iraq war. France opposed the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
Under the agreement, the Paris Club of 19 creditor nations will write off 80 percent of the $42 billion that Iraq owes them, the group's chairman, Jean-Pierre Jouyet said.
The Paris Club includes, the United States, Japan, Russia and European nations. . . . The deal represented a considerable concession from France, just as French President Jacques Chirac's government is pushing to rebuild ties with Bush's administration that were damaged by disagreements over the U.S.-led Iraq war. France opposed the invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
The Commish
If you were wondering who is the strongest commissioner in professional sports, wonder no more:
NEW YORK -- Ron Artest was suspended for the rest of the season Sunday, and two of his Indiana Pacers teammates must miss a total of 55 games for fighting with fans during a melee that broke out at the end of a game against the Detroit Pistons.
Overall, the NBA issued some of the harshest penalties in its history by banning nine players for more than 140 games. Artest's suspension is the strongest ever levied for a fight during a game.
"The line is drawn, and my guess is that won't happen again -- certainly not by anybody who wants to be associated with our league," commissioner David Stern said.
Ron Artest is nothing more than a high-paid street thug (and he's not alone in the NBA). Good for Commissioner Stern.
NEW YORK -- Ron Artest was suspended for the rest of the season Sunday, and two of his Indiana Pacers teammates must miss a total of 55 games for fighting with fans during a melee that broke out at the end of a game against the Detroit Pistons.
Overall, the NBA issued some of the harshest penalties in its history by banning nine players for more than 140 games. Artest's suspension is the strongest ever levied for a fight during a game.
"The line is drawn, and my guess is that won't happen again -- certainly not by anybody who wants to be associated with our league," commissioner David Stern said.
Ron Artest is nothing more than a high-paid street thug (and he's not alone in the NBA). Good for Commissioner Stern.
Friday, November 19, 2004
Clueless
Kerry still doesn't get it.
NEW YORK — John Kerry (search) believes he lost to President Bush because of the video from Usama bin Laden (search) that surfaced just days before the Nov. 2 presidential election.
The Massachusetts senator told FOX News' senior correspondent Geraldo Rivera that he believes he lost because the tape may have scared the American electorate.
It wasn't the bin Laden "tape" that cost him the election...it was bin Laden. You see, what people like Kerry still don't understand is that most people want a Commander in Chief that will hunt down and kill these pricks. While Kerry was selling "sensitivity" and "nuance", Bush was selling perserverance and ruthlessness. That's the difference.
NEW YORK — John Kerry (search) believes he lost to President Bush because of the video from Usama bin Laden (search) that surfaced just days before the Nov. 2 presidential election.
The Massachusetts senator told FOX News' senior correspondent Geraldo Rivera that he believes he lost because the tape may have scared the American electorate.
It wasn't the bin Laden "tape" that cost him the election...it was bin Laden. You see, what people like Kerry still don't understand is that most people want a Commander in Chief that will hunt down and kill these pricks. While Kerry was selling "sensitivity" and "nuance", Bush was selling perserverance and ruthlessness. That's the difference.
More EU Silliness
Scripture says a double-minded man is unstable in all of his ways. Well, so are the Europeans. First this:
European Union justice and interior ministers agreed Friday that new immigrants to the 25-nation bloc should be required to learn local languages, and to adhere to general "European values" that will guide them toward better integration.
Dutch immigration minister Rita Verdonk, who chaired the meeting, said all countries agreed to make integrating newcomers a priority, considering the growing ethnic tensions as EU nations struggle to absorb a steady stream of poor, mostly Muslim immigrants.
Ok, that seems like a good idea (although I thought arrogant Americans were the only ones who imposed their values on others). But then I read this:
PARIS (AFP) - The French public broadcasting regulator authorized an Arabic-language television station close to the Lebanese Shiite Muslim Hezbollah group to transmit programs within the European Union (news - web sites).
The Al-Manar station, well known within the Arabic world, had committed itself in an agreement "not to incite hatred, violence or discrimination based on race, sex, religion or nationality," said the French Audiovisual Council.
Jewish groups had earlier urged French authorities not to grant a licence to the channel to transmit programmes in France after it had put out material criticized for perceived anti-Semitic content.
So you attempt to reduce Islamist extremism by requiring immigrants to adopt "your values", then you allow Hezbollah TV on the airwaves. That's just plain stupid.
European Union justice and interior ministers agreed Friday that new immigrants to the 25-nation bloc should be required to learn local languages, and to adhere to general "European values" that will guide them toward better integration.
Dutch immigration minister Rita Verdonk, who chaired the meeting, said all countries agreed to make integrating newcomers a priority, considering the growing ethnic tensions as EU nations struggle to absorb a steady stream of poor, mostly Muslim immigrants.
Ok, that seems like a good idea (although I thought arrogant Americans were the only ones who imposed their values on others). But then I read this:
PARIS (AFP) - The French public broadcasting regulator authorized an Arabic-language television station close to the Lebanese Shiite Muslim Hezbollah group to transmit programs within the European Union (news - web sites).
The Al-Manar station, well known within the Arabic world, had committed itself in an agreement "not to incite hatred, violence or discrimination based on race, sex, religion or nationality," said the French Audiovisual Council.
Jewish groups had earlier urged French authorities not to grant a licence to the channel to transmit programmes in France after it had put out material criticized for perceived anti-Semitic content.
So you attempt to reduce Islamist extremism by requiring immigrants to adopt "your values", then you allow Hezbollah TV on the airwaves. That's just plain stupid.
Big Bro' - Friend to Native Americans
From today's Native American Times:
The principal of a Kentucky high school involved in a racially tinged flap says he hopes that the incident will lead to further education and understanding.
The incident happened when a Native American student at the school became offended during a pep rally that featured students dressed as American Indians in an apparent attempt to taunt a rival school with a team called “The Indians.”
“Then other people came out screaming and hollering and pretended to beat them up,” Sara Berry, a 16-year-old member of the Choctaw Nation told the Bowling Green Daily News. “I was crying and wanted to go straight to the administration right then. I was hurt and angry.”
Principal Gary Fields has now invited Berry to help design a program to educate students about Native American issues.
“It doesn’t matter what the reason is-if a student comes into my office and if they are offended we want to make them feel safe and have a voice. I don’t want her to feel we are unresponsive of her needs,” Fields told the Native American Times.
The Kentucky town of Bowling Green may not seem like a major melting pot, but Fields said the city has a refuge center and the school has subsequently seen an influx of students from Bosnia and Liberia to add to the already large African American and Hispanic student body.
“Diversity is alive and well in our hallways,” Fields said.
The principal of a Kentucky high school involved in a racially tinged flap says he hopes that the incident will lead to further education and understanding.
The incident happened when a Native American student at the school became offended during a pep rally that featured students dressed as American Indians in an apparent attempt to taunt a rival school with a team called “The Indians.”
“Then other people came out screaming and hollering and pretended to beat them up,” Sara Berry, a 16-year-old member of the Choctaw Nation told the Bowling Green Daily News. “I was crying and wanted to go straight to the administration right then. I was hurt and angry.”
Principal Gary Fields has now invited Berry to help design a program to educate students about Native American issues.
“It doesn’t matter what the reason is-if a student comes into my office and if they are offended we want to make them feel safe and have a voice. I don’t want her to feel we are unresponsive of her needs,” Fields told the Native American Times.
The Kentucky town of Bowling Green may not seem like a major melting pot, but Fields said the city has a refuge center and the school has subsequently seen an influx of students from Bosnia and Liberia to add to the already large African American and Hispanic student body.
“Diversity is alive and well in our hallways,” Fields said.
Amen, Brother
This from Cliff May at National Review:
From the far left all the way to the center left, commentators are arguing that President Bush should appoint Cabinet members who disagree with him, who don’t share his vision, who aren’t eager to implement his agenda. For example, David Gergen has an op-ed in today’s New York Times on “the promise and the peril of a cabinet speaking in unison.” Fair enough.
So why is it that these same commentators are not demanding ideological diversity on the campuses? Why don’t they want some young professors who will tell the superannuated hippies and old New Leftists that their vision is wrong, and their agenda outmoded, foolish and destructive?
And how about the main-stream media? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a few editors and producers who disagreed with the weltanschauung of Dan Rather, Peter Jennings, et al?
You see, dissent on and from the Right is good. Dissent on and from the Left is not.
From the far left all the way to the center left, commentators are arguing that President Bush should appoint Cabinet members who disagree with him, who don’t share his vision, who aren’t eager to implement his agenda. For example, David Gergen has an op-ed in today’s New York Times on “the promise and the peril of a cabinet speaking in unison.” Fair enough.
So why is it that these same commentators are not demanding ideological diversity on the campuses? Why don’t they want some young professors who will tell the superannuated hippies and old New Leftists that their vision is wrong, and their agenda outmoded, foolish and destructive?
And how about the main-stream media? Wouldn’t it be nice to have a few editors and producers who disagreed with the weltanschauung of Dan Rather, Peter Jennings, et al?
You see, dissent on and from the Right is good. Dissent on and from the Left is not.
All Bubba, All The Time
Even Leftie TV critic Howard Kurtz of the Washington Post couldn't stomach the Bubba bash from the media yesterday:
Clintonista Central
If you were watching cable yesterday, you'd have thought that the capital had been moved to Little Rock.
The media can't resist a gathering of presidents, and never could resist a story line involving Bill Clinton (remember his hospital-bed advice to John Kerry?). Especially when his wife (who's also making the TV rounds, including Larry King and Greta Van Susteren) may run for his old job.
But I don't remember anything like all this live coverage when Bush 41 opened his library, do you? And the ex-prez got an hour with Peter Jennings on "PrimeTime" last night.
Nothing like this for Bush 41. Really Howard? I wonder why.
Clintonista Central
If you were watching cable yesterday, you'd have thought that the capital had been moved to Little Rock.
The media can't resist a gathering of presidents, and never could resist a story line involving Bill Clinton (remember his hospital-bed advice to John Kerry?). Especially when his wife (who's also making the TV rounds, including Larry King and Greta Van Susteren) may run for his old job.
But I don't remember anything like all this live coverage when Bush 41 opened his library, do you? And the ex-prez got an hour with Peter Jennings on "PrimeTime" last night.
Nothing like this for Bush 41. Really Howard? I wonder why.
Now That's An Ally
Great quote from Allawi:
Iraqi Prime Minister Dr. Allawi said that he would reserve all comments on the death of the injured Iraqi in Felujah at the hands of a U.S. Marine, until the U.S. reports the finding of the investigation. He also said, "The fighting that the Iraqi & U.S. forces (in Felujah) have contributed greatly to the improvement of security in Iraq. These forces protect the Iraqi civilians from the terrorists and armed thugs, which used Felujah as a base of operations. These Terrorists are murderers, criminals and need to be dealt with accordingly."
Now, if we could only get Chirac to disavow the terrorists.
Iraqi Prime Minister Dr. Allawi said that he would reserve all comments on the death of the injured Iraqi in Felujah at the hands of a U.S. Marine, until the U.S. reports the finding of the investigation. He also said, "The fighting that the Iraqi & U.S. forces (in Felujah) have contributed greatly to the improvement of security in Iraq. These forces protect the Iraqi civilians from the terrorists and armed thugs, which used Felujah as a base of operations. These Terrorists are murderers, criminals and need to be dealt with accordingly."
Now, if we could only get Chirac to disavow the terrorists.
Oh, The Tangled Webs We Weave
INDIO, Calif. - A teenager was convicted of attempted murder for shooting his pregnant girlfriend at the clinic where she went to get an abortion.
Jeffrey Cameron Fitzhenry, 17, was convicted Wednesday. The shooting April 29 left the 16-year-old girl a quadriplegic, and the fetus was declared dead three days afterward.
The victim, identified only as Sara S., testified Fitzhenry repeatedly threatened her, saying that she was "depriving him of his unborn child." When she entered the clinic, Fitzhenry followed her, argued with her, and shot her in the neck, she said.
Defense attorney Robert Dunn argued that only a lesser charge of attempted voluntary manslaughter should be considered. He said Fitzhenry shot the girl after a "continuous escalation" of anger and he did not plan to kill her.
The jury also found Fitzhenry guilty of assault with a deadly weapon and enhancements that make him subject to a sentence of life in prison. A sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 6.
Prosecutors did not seek a separate murder charge for the fetus because of the girl's decision to have an abortion, according to Robert Blythe, an attorney handling the girl's lawsuit against Fitzhenry.
Let's see if I've got this straight. If the young girl wanted to let the baby live, this guy would have received a murder charge on top of the attempted murder charge. But since she wanted to kill it, his killing it was ok. What have we become?
Jeffrey Cameron Fitzhenry, 17, was convicted Wednesday. The shooting April 29 left the 16-year-old girl a quadriplegic, and the fetus was declared dead three days afterward.
The victim, identified only as Sara S., testified Fitzhenry repeatedly threatened her, saying that she was "depriving him of his unborn child." When she entered the clinic, Fitzhenry followed her, argued with her, and shot her in the neck, she said.
Defense attorney Robert Dunn argued that only a lesser charge of attempted voluntary manslaughter should be considered. He said Fitzhenry shot the girl after a "continuous escalation" of anger and he did not plan to kill her.
The jury also found Fitzhenry guilty of assault with a deadly weapon and enhancements that make him subject to a sentence of life in prison. A sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 6.
Prosecutors did not seek a separate murder charge for the fetus because of the girl's decision to have an abortion, according to Robert Blythe, an attorney handling the girl's lawsuit against Fitzhenry.
Let's see if I've got this straight. If the young girl wanted to let the baby live, this guy would have received a murder charge on top of the attempted murder charge. But since she wanted to kill it, his killing it was ok. What have we become?
Top 20 of All Time
Here's Rolling Stone's top 20 songs of all time. Was there anyone under 50 voting?
1. Like a Rolling Stone, Bob Dylan
2. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, The Rolling Stones
3. Imagine, John Lennon
4. What's Going On, Marvin Gaye
5. Respect, Aretha Franklin
6. Good Vibrations, The Beach Boys
7. Johnny B Goode, Chuck Berry
8. Hey Jude, The Beatles
9. Smells Like Teen Spirit, Nirvana
10. What'd I Say, Ray Charles
11. My Generation, The Who
12. A Change is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke
13. Yesterday, The Beatles
14. Blowing in the Wind, Bob Dylan
15. London Calling, The Clash
16. I Want to Hold Your Hand, The Beatles
17. Purple Haze, The Jimi Hendrix Experience
18. Maybellene, Chuck Berry
19. Hound Dog, Elvis Presley
20. Let It Be, The Beatles
1. Like a Rolling Stone, Bob Dylan
2. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction, The Rolling Stones
3. Imagine, John Lennon
4. What's Going On, Marvin Gaye
5. Respect, Aretha Franklin
6. Good Vibrations, The Beach Boys
7. Johnny B Goode, Chuck Berry
8. Hey Jude, The Beatles
9. Smells Like Teen Spirit, Nirvana
10. What'd I Say, Ray Charles
11. My Generation, The Who
12. A Change is Gonna Come, Sam Cooke
13. Yesterday, The Beatles
14. Blowing in the Wind, Bob Dylan
15. London Calling, The Clash
16. I Want to Hold Your Hand, The Beatles
17. Purple Haze, The Jimi Hendrix Experience
18. Maybellene, Chuck Berry
19. Hound Dog, Elvis Presley
20. Let It Be, The Beatles
So Much For Diversity
Another example of The Left's racially tolerant, open-minded attitude toward blacks:
MILWAUKEE - A radio talk show host drew criticism Thursday after calling Condoleezza Rice (news - web sites) an "Aunt Jemima" and saying she isn't competent to be secretary of state.
John Sylvester, the program director and morning personality on WTDY-AM in Madison, said in a phone interview Thursday that he used the term on Wednesday's show to describe Rice and other blacks as having only a subservient role in the Bush administration.
MILWAUKEE - A radio talk show host drew criticism Thursday after calling Condoleezza Rice (news - web sites) an "Aunt Jemima" and saying she isn't competent to be secretary of state.
John Sylvester, the program director and morning personality on WTDY-AM in Madison, said in a phone interview Thursday that he used the term on Wednesday's show to describe Rice and other blacks as having only a subservient role in the Bush administration.
Time's Person of the Year
Here are my nominations. First, the obvious choices:
1. President Bush - He continues to dominate the world stage...and Democrats.
2. Karl Rove - Bush's "brain."
3. Iyad Allawi - The man with the toughest job in the world is hanging tough.
4. Hamid Karzai - Leading the newly freed Afghan people and winning elections.
Now, my darkhorses:
1. Pat Tillman - Epitomizes the American soldier and American ideals.
2. The women of Afghanistan - Looked terrorists in the eyes and stood in line to vote.
3. Jesus Christ - Most popular figure in entertainment (Passion of the Christ) and at the polls.
4. Michael Moore/Howard Deane - Set back the Democratic Party 8 years.
5. Hurricanes - Enough said.
1. President Bush - He continues to dominate the world stage...and Democrats.
2. Karl Rove - Bush's "brain."
3. Iyad Allawi - The man with the toughest job in the world is hanging tough.
4. Hamid Karzai - Leading the newly freed Afghan people and winning elections.
Now, my darkhorses:
1. Pat Tillman - Epitomizes the American soldier and American ideals.
2. The women of Afghanistan - Looked terrorists in the eyes and stood in line to vote.
3. Jesus Christ - Most popular figure in entertainment (Passion of the Christ) and at the polls.
4. Michael Moore/Howard Deane - Set back the Democratic Party 8 years.
5. Hurricanes - Enough said.
Beware the Disinformation
Even Iraqis realize the West is not getting the whole story:
The Chaldean archbishop of Kirkuk criticized Western media "misinformation" about his country and insisted that Iraqis are looking forward to elections "because they will be useful for national unity."
"It is not all death and destruction," explained Archbishop Louis Sako in an interview Tuesday published by AsiaNews. "
Much is positive in Iraq today," he said. "Universities are operating, schools are open, people go out onto the streets normally." He did acknowledge that "where there's a kidnapping or a homicide the news gets out immediately, and this causes fear among the people."
Yet, "there is no organized resistance" in Iraq, the prelate insisted. "Those who commit such violence are resisting against Iraqis who want to build their country. "
Iraqis instead are resisting against terrorism and are not carrying out attacks, which instead are the work of foreign infiltrators. I have stressed this before: Saudis, Jordanians, Syrians and Sudanese have entered Iraq. Prime Minister Allawi has said this as well. And clearly, there are also Iraqi collaborators who, for money, help the terrorist hide."
The Chaldean archbishop of Kirkuk criticized Western media "misinformation" about his country and insisted that Iraqis are looking forward to elections "because they will be useful for national unity."
"It is not all death and destruction," explained Archbishop Louis Sako in an interview Tuesday published by AsiaNews. "
Much is positive in Iraq today," he said. "Universities are operating, schools are open, people go out onto the streets normally." He did acknowledge that "where there's a kidnapping or a homicide the news gets out immediately, and this causes fear among the people."
Yet, "there is no organized resistance" in Iraq, the prelate insisted. "Those who commit such violence are resisting against Iraqis who want to build their country. "
Iraqis instead are resisting against terrorism and are not carrying out attacks, which instead are the work of foreign infiltrators. I have stressed this before: Saudis, Jordanians, Syrians and Sudanese have entered Iraq. Prime Minister Allawi has said this as well. And clearly, there are also Iraqi collaborators who, for money, help the terrorist hide."
Just Do It
This piece from the Washington Post this morning is discouraging:
[T]he administration plans to push major amendments that would shield interest, dividends and capitals gains from taxation, expand tax breaks for business investment and take other steps intended to simplify the system and encourage economic growth... To pay for them, the administration is considering eliminating the deduction of state and local taxes on federal income tax returns and scrapping the business tax deduction for employer-provided health insurance.
Come on, Mr. President, reform the tax code. Be bold. Do a flat tax, 17%, minimal deductions, with the option to continue paying under the current system if you so desire. Make Steve Forbes Treasury Secretary and install Jack Kemp at Commerce. Create a tax reform commission headed by Dick Armey. Just do it.
Then barnstorm all across the country. Take your team with you and head to Ohio and Florida and Texas. Team up with Arnold in California and Rudy in New York. Pull a Reagan and go over the heads of Congress and take it directly to the people. Tell them you're going to stick it to the special interests and lobbyists in Washington. Just do it. Just do it.
[T]he administration plans to push major amendments that would shield interest, dividends and capitals gains from taxation, expand tax breaks for business investment and take other steps intended to simplify the system and encourage economic growth... To pay for them, the administration is considering eliminating the deduction of state and local taxes on federal income tax returns and scrapping the business tax deduction for employer-provided health insurance.
Come on, Mr. President, reform the tax code. Be bold. Do a flat tax, 17%, minimal deductions, with the option to continue paying under the current system if you so desire. Make Steve Forbes Treasury Secretary and install Jack Kemp at Commerce. Create a tax reform commission headed by Dick Armey. Just do it.
Then barnstorm all across the country. Take your team with you and head to Ohio and Florida and Texas. Team up with Arnold in California and Rudy in New York. Pull a Reagan and go over the heads of Congress and take it directly to the people. Tell them you're going to stick it to the special interests and lobbyists in Washington. Just do it. Just do it.
Bush Being Bush
This is another reason why I respect the President so much. Not only is he a good man, but he's classy too. Here's a bit from his tribute to Bill Clinton yesterday:
Over the years, Bill Clinton showed himself to be much more than a good politician. His home state elected him governor in the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s, because he was an innovator, a serious student of policy, and a man of great compassion. In the White House, the whole nation witnessed his brilliance and mastery of detail, his persuasive power, and his persistence. The President is not the kind to give up a fight. His staffers were known to say, "If Clinton were the Titanic, the iceberg would sink." (Laughter.)
During his presidency, Bill Clinton seized important opportunities on issues from welfare to free trade. He was a tireless champion of peace in the Middle East. He used American power in the Balkans to confront aggression and halt ethnic cleansing. And in all his actions and decisions, the American people sensed a deep empathy for the poor and the powerless.
Shortly before leaving office, President Clinton said, "Christ admonished us that our lives will be judged by how we do unto the least of our neighbors." Throughout his career, Bill Clinton has done his best to live up to that standard. And Americans respect him for it.
Over the years, Bill Clinton showed himself to be much more than a good politician. His home state elected him governor in the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s, because he was an innovator, a serious student of policy, and a man of great compassion. In the White House, the whole nation witnessed his brilliance and mastery of detail, his persuasive power, and his persistence. The President is not the kind to give up a fight. His staffers were known to say, "If Clinton were the Titanic, the iceberg would sink." (Laughter.)
During his presidency, Bill Clinton seized important opportunities on issues from welfare to free trade. He was a tireless champion of peace in the Middle East. He used American power in the Balkans to confront aggression and halt ethnic cleansing. And in all his actions and decisions, the American people sensed a deep empathy for the poor and the powerless.
Shortly before leaving office, President Clinton said, "Christ admonished us that our lives will be judged by how we do unto the least of our neighbors." Throughout his career, Bill Clinton has done his best to live up to that standard. And Americans respect him for it.
Kofi Going Bye Bye?
Here's hoping Kofi's going down:
UN employees were readying on Friday to make a historic vote of no confidence in scandal-plagued Secretary General Kofi Annan, sources told AFP.
The UN staff union, in what officials said was the first vote of its kind in the more than 50-year history of the United Nations, was set to approve a resolution withdrawing its support for the embattled Annan and UN management.
Annan has been in the line of fire over a high-profile series of scandals including controversy about a UN aid programme that investigators say allowed deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to embezzle billions of dollars.
But staffers said the trigger for the no-confidence measure was an announcement this week that Annan had pardoned the UN’s top oversight official, who was facing allegations of favouritism and sexual harassment.
UN employees were readying on Friday to make a historic vote of no confidence in scandal-plagued Secretary General Kofi Annan, sources told AFP.
The UN staff union, in what officials said was the first vote of its kind in the more than 50-year history of the United Nations, was set to approve a resolution withdrawing its support for the embattled Annan and UN management.
Annan has been in the line of fire over a high-profile series of scandals including controversy about a UN aid programme that investigators say allowed deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to embezzle billions of dollars.
But staffers said the trigger for the no-confidence measure was an announcement this week that Annan had pardoned the UN’s top oversight official, who was facing allegations of favouritism and sexual harassment.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
Quote of the Day
"If the NBA were on Channel 5 and a bunch of frogs making love were on Channel 4, I'd watch the frogs, even if they were coming in fuzzy."-- Texas Tech coach Bobby Knight
The Wisdom of Oliver
November 18, 2004 -- IS Oliver Stone's $150 million epic "Alexander" too gay for mainstream audiences? Stone, who previously stirred controversy with "JFK" and "Natural Born Killers," is on the hot seat again with his biopic about the bisexual Macedonian emperor, played by Colin Farrell, which opens next Wednesday...
"Alexander lived in a more honest time," Stone told Playboy magazine.
"We go into his bisexuality. It may offend some people, but sexuality in those days was a different thing. Pre-Christian morality. Young boys were with boys when they wanted to be."
Ah yes, those were the good old days, when young boys were with boys, men with boys, men with little girls, young girls with young girls. Don't you hate it when that Christian morality stuff gets in the way of a good time. No wonder Stone loves Castro - that Christian morality never gets in the way.
"Alexander lived in a more honest time," Stone told Playboy magazine.
"We go into his bisexuality. It may offend some people, but sexuality in those days was a different thing. Pre-Christian morality. Young boys were with boys when they wanted to be."
Ah yes, those were the good old days, when young boys were with boys, men with boys, men with little girls, young girls with young girls. Don't you hate it when that Christian morality stuff gets in the way of a good time. No wonder Stone loves Castro - that Christian morality never gets in the way.
Racist?
This is a new one on me.
Two days after the network aired the segment featuring Eagles star receiver Terrell Owens and actress Nicollette Sheridan, coaches and players were still talking about it.
Reaction ranged from amusement to anger. Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy found it racially offensive.
"To me that's the first thing I thought of as an African-American," Dungy said Wednesday.
"I think it's stereotypical in looking at the players, and on the heels of the Kobe Bryant incident I think it's very insensitive. I don't think that they would have had Bill Parcells or Andy Reid or one of the owners involved in that," he added, a reference to the coaches in the game.
Dungy has a point - Parcells and Reid are white. But they're also fat and ugly and have zero chance of scoring with Nicollette Sheridan.
Two days after the network aired the segment featuring Eagles star receiver Terrell Owens and actress Nicollette Sheridan, coaches and players were still talking about it.
Reaction ranged from amusement to anger. Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy found it racially offensive.
"To me that's the first thing I thought of as an African-American," Dungy said Wednesday.
"I think it's stereotypical in looking at the players, and on the heels of the Kobe Bryant incident I think it's very insensitive. I don't think that they would have had Bill Parcells or Andy Reid or one of the owners involved in that," he added, a reference to the coaches in the game.
Dungy has a point - Parcells and Reid are white. But they're also fat and ugly and have zero chance of scoring with Nicollette Sheridan.
One Less Shopper
So long Best Buy and Target. You just lost this customer.
As the Salvation Army kicks off its annual red-kettle program today, a growing number of retailers, from Best Buy to Target, are banning Salvation Army bell ringers from their doors -- to avoid having to choose between competing charities and out of concern for customers, they say.
As the Salvation Army kicks off its annual red-kettle program today, a growing number of retailers, from Best Buy to Target, are banning Salvation Army bell ringers from their doors -- to avoid having to choose between competing charities and out of concern for customers, they say.
Michael Moore's "Minutemen"
Here's a sweet story on the freedom-fighters in Iraq:
Such is the fear that the heavily armed militants held over Fallujah that many of the residents who emerged from the ruins welcomed the US marines, despite the massive destruction their firepower had inflicted on their city.
A man in his sixties, half-naked and his underwear stained with blood from shrapnel wounds from a US munition, cursed the insurgents as he greeted the advancing marines on Saturday night.
"I wish the Americans had come here the very first day and not waited eight months," he said, trembling. Nearby, a mosque courtyard had been used as a weapons store by the militants. . . .
The same story of arbitrary executions was told by another resident, found by US troops cowering in his home with his brother and his family.
"They would wear black masks, carry rocket-propelled grenades and Kalashnikovs, and search streets and alleys," said Iyad Assam, 24. "I would hear stories, about how they executed five men one day and seven another for collaborating with the Americans. They made checkpoints on the roads. They put announcements on walls banning music and telling women to wear the veil from head to toe."
It was not just pedlars of alcohol or Western videos and women deemed improperly dressed who faced the militants' wrath. Even residents who regard themselves as observant Muslims lived in fear because they did not share the puritan brand of Sunni Islam that the insurgents enforced.
Such is the fear that the heavily armed militants held over Fallujah that many of the residents who emerged from the ruins welcomed the US marines, despite the massive destruction their firepower had inflicted on their city.
A man in his sixties, half-naked and his underwear stained with blood from shrapnel wounds from a US munition, cursed the insurgents as he greeted the advancing marines on Saturday night.
"I wish the Americans had come here the very first day and not waited eight months," he said, trembling. Nearby, a mosque courtyard had been used as a weapons store by the militants. . . .
The same story of arbitrary executions was told by another resident, found by US troops cowering in his home with his brother and his family.
"They would wear black masks, carry rocket-propelled grenades and Kalashnikovs, and search streets and alleys," said Iyad Assam, 24. "I would hear stories, about how they executed five men one day and seven another for collaborating with the Americans. They made checkpoints on the roads. They put announcements on walls banning music and telling women to wear the veil from head to toe."
It was not just pedlars of alcohol or Western videos and women deemed improperly dressed who faced the militants' wrath. Even residents who regard themselves as observant Muslims lived in fear because they did not share the puritan brand of Sunni Islam that the insurgents enforced.
al Ja-Reuters Is At It Again
Here's a blurb from Reuters on Time's considerations for "person" of the year:
Gibson was proposed for directing "The Passion of the Christ," a controversial film seen by many as anti-Semitic. Moore made "Fahrenheit 9/11," a film highly critical of the Bush administration which was a huge box office hit.
So much good stuff compacted into this one little paragraph. The Passion is described as "a controversial film." True. But what about "Fahrenheit 9/11." No, there wasn't any controversy surrounding those 90 minutes of falsehoods, fabrications, and distortions. The Passion was also seen "by many as anti-Semitic." Well, that depends on what your definition of "many" is. If the Anti-Defamation League and Frank Rich are your sole barometer for what's anti-semitic, then I guess you're right.
And finally, "Fahrenheit 9/11" is described as a "huge box office hit." That it was, taking in over $119 million dollars. But that's chump change compared to the $370 million taken in by The Passion. But then again, The Passion was "controversial."
Gibson was proposed for directing "The Passion of the Christ," a controversial film seen by many as anti-Semitic. Moore made "Fahrenheit 9/11," a film highly critical of the Bush administration which was a huge box office hit.
So much good stuff compacted into this one little paragraph. The Passion is described as "a controversial film." True. But what about "Fahrenheit 9/11." No, there wasn't any controversy surrounding those 90 minutes of falsehoods, fabrications, and distortions. The Passion was also seen "by many as anti-Semitic." Well, that depends on what your definition of "many" is. If the Anti-Defamation League and Frank Rich are your sole barometer for what's anti-semitic, then I guess you're right.
And finally, "Fahrenheit 9/11" is described as a "huge box office hit." That it was, taking in over $119 million dollars. But that's chump change compared to the $370 million taken in by The Passion. But then again, The Passion was "controversial."
Yes They Were, Pat
Pat Buchanan commenting on a recent column by Jeff Jacoby of the Boston Globe:
If, as Jacoby writes, Arafat "inculcated the vilest culture of Jew-hatred since the Third Reich," why did Ehud Barak offer him 95 percent of the West Bank and a capital in Jerusalem? Why did "Bibi" Netanyahu give him Hebron?
Why did Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin share a Nobel Prize with him? Why did Bill Clinton invite him to the White House more times than any other leader? Were they all enablers of terrorism?
No.
Well, actually they were, Pat. Barak, Peres, Rabin, Bibi, Clinton, etc. All of them. They all tried to "deal" with butchers, and all of them failed. Only one has succeeded...Sharon. Why? He - with the help of President Bush - isolated Arafat and hunted down the terrorists. Pretty simple.
If, as Jacoby writes, Arafat "inculcated the vilest culture of Jew-hatred since the Third Reich," why did Ehud Barak offer him 95 percent of the West Bank and a capital in Jerusalem? Why did "Bibi" Netanyahu give him Hebron?
Why did Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin share a Nobel Prize with him? Why did Bill Clinton invite him to the White House more times than any other leader? Were they all enablers of terrorism?
No.
Well, actually they were, Pat. Barak, Peres, Rabin, Bibi, Clinton, etc. All of them. They all tried to "deal" with butchers, and all of them failed. Only one has succeeded...Sharon. Why? He - with the help of President Bush - isolated Arafat and hunted down the terrorists. Pretty simple.
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Huh?
Check out this little nugget from the US Catholic Bishops Conference:
Bishops vote down statement encouraging more Bible reading.
Despite pleas from Bible Belt bishops, the Catholic bishops of the United States yesterday voted to shelve plans to develop a statement urging greater use of the Bible, a move aimed at restraining spending and cutting down on a crush of publications they fear have little impact.
Now we wouldn't want more Bible reading, would we?
Bishops vote down statement encouraging more Bible reading.
Despite pleas from Bible Belt bishops, the Catholic bishops of the United States yesterday voted to shelve plans to develop a statement urging greater use of the Bible, a move aimed at restraining spending and cutting down on a crush of publications they fear have little impact.
Now we wouldn't want more Bible reading, would we?
NHL Russia?
As a result of the NHL lockout, some commentators are speculating about a possible league move to Russia. I think I agree with this reaction:
I suppose you could play in Russia -- as long as you're willing to get along without certain Western luxuries like reliable electricity, potable water and the rule of law.
Yeah, bad idea.
I suppose you could play in Russia -- as long as you're willing to get along without certain Western luxuries like reliable electricity, potable water and the rule of law.
Yeah, bad idea.
Take That NFL
Let's see if we've got this straight:
Showing Nicollette Sheridan in a pregame promotion for "Monday Night Football" wearing nothing but a towel?
Bad.
Showing the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders repeatedly during the game, all 38 of them dressed in costumes that, sewn together, still wouldn't be enough material for a decent towel?
Good.
Listening to ABC fake an apology and watching the NFL recoil in mock horror because somebody forgot the difference between league-sanctioned "cheesecake" and the unsanctioned variety?
Priceless.
Showing Nicollette Sheridan in a pregame promotion for "Monday Night Football" wearing nothing but a towel?
Bad.
Showing the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders repeatedly during the game, all 38 of them dressed in costumes that, sewn together, still wouldn't be enough material for a decent towel?
Good.
Listening to ABC fake an apology and watching the NFL recoil in mock horror because somebody forgot the difference between league-sanctioned "cheesecake" and the unsanctioned variety?
Priceless.
All Bubba, All The Time
It's nice to see that the Slickster has finally taken responsibility for his actions. Uh, yeah.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Bill Clinton (news - web sites)'s presidential library devotes one of 14 exhibit areas to scandal, explained in the context of Republican Party efforts to discredit Clinton.
...The scandal exhibit, called "The Fight for Power," mentions Lewinsky by name and includes sections called "Politics of Persecution" and "A New Culture of Confrontation."
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Bill Clinton (news - web sites)'s presidential library devotes one of 14 exhibit areas to scandal, explained in the context of Republican Party efforts to discredit Clinton.
...The scandal exhibit, called "The Fight for Power," mentions Lewinsky by name and includes sections called "Politics of Persecution" and "A New Culture of Confrontation."
Great News Out of D.C.
Here's hoping the Democrats have finally abandoned their abortion-on-demand litmus test for their leaders in Washington:
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada won election as leader of the shrunken Democratic minority on Tuesday and said he stands ready to cooperate with Republicans or confront them as he deems necessary.
...With the exception of abortion rights and gun control, both of which he opposes, Reid's recent voting record on major issues puts him in the mainstream of Senate Democrats.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada won election as leader of the shrunken Democratic minority on Tuesday and said he stands ready to cooperate with Republicans or confront them as he deems necessary.
...With the exception of abortion rights and gun control, both of which he opposes, Reid's recent voting record on major issues puts him in the mainstream of Senate Democrats.
Unbiased Headline of the Day
From the Daily Mirror (UK):
MARINES BACK KILLER COMRADE
Nov 17 2004
By Don Mackay
US marines defended a comrade yesterday over the killing of a wounded Iraqi rebel in a mosque.
MARINES BACK KILLER COMRADE
Nov 17 2004
By Don Mackay
US marines defended a comrade yesterday over the killing of a wounded Iraqi rebel in a mosque.
Nice Work Guys
This has to be done now, but couldn't you stop spending like drunken sailors:
Republicans want a larger, $800 billion increase in the politically sensitive federal debt limit to ensure the Treasury has sufficient borrowing authority to finance continued high budget deficits through this fiscal year, the WALL STREET JOURNAL reports.
House and Senate Republicans had calculated that they needed an increase of $690 billion to cover funding needs, but party leaders now have chosen to seek the higher figure intended to carry the Treasury until the next fiscal year begins in October 2005.
The increase would be the third in as many years and bring the debt limit to $8.184 trillion -- 37% higher than the ceiling that President Bush inherited in 2001." The Senate is "expected to take up the bill today in anticipation of a final vote tomorrow night.
Republicans want a larger, $800 billion increase in the politically sensitive federal debt limit to ensure the Treasury has sufficient borrowing authority to finance continued high budget deficits through this fiscal year, the WALL STREET JOURNAL reports.
House and Senate Republicans had calculated that they needed an increase of $690 billion to cover funding needs, but party leaders now have chosen to seek the higher figure intended to carry the Treasury until the next fiscal year begins in October 2005.
The increase would be the third in as many years and bring the debt limit to $8.184 trillion -- 37% higher than the ceiling that President Bush inherited in 2001." The Senate is "expected to take up the bill today in anticipation of a final vote tomorrow night.
Terrible News
Kmart is buying Sears in an $11 billion deal that industry watchers say could shake up the mall-based landscape by creating a low-priced shopping haven for consumers. "Imagine going into Kmart and buying a Sears Craftsman tool set, or buying Kmart's Martha Stewart home products at Sears. This deal will take the loyal shoppers of each retailer and cross-pollinate them with familiar brands from each store," said retail analyst Marshal Cohen.
Now, if Sears was buying Kmart I'd be happy. Sears - by all accounts - is a well-run company with quality products. But Kmart will destroy everything good about Sears. Why? Because Kmart is the worst run company on the planet. I've been to Kmart hundreds of times and I have NEVER had one good experience. So why do I keep going? For convenience. But I put a stop to that a while ago.
Now, if Sears was buying Kmart I'd be happy. Sears - by all accounts - is a well-run company with quality products. But Kmart will destroy everything good about Sears. Why? Because Kmart is the worst run company on the planet. I've been to Kmart hundreds of times and I have NEVER had one good experience. So why do I keep going? For convenience. But I put a stop to that a while ago.
Changing of the Guard
With William Safire retiring from the NY Times, it will be interesting to see who replaces him. Hugh Hewitt has some interesting suggestions.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
My Advice for Dan O'Brien
If I'm Dan O'Brien, I take a look at this list and make some moves. The Reds can't afford over-priced superstars. They need to focus on "value" players - especially pitchers.
- Step one would be to re-sign Paul Wilson.
- Step two to trade Kearns or Dunn for a good, young starting pitcher.
- Step three to sign a solid reliever.
- Step four to sign a third baseman.
- Step five to do whatever is necessary to get out from under Griffey's contract (even if it means eating most of it).
The Left Still Doesn't Get It
Here's MSNBC's Chris Matthews, on last night's Hardball, posing a question about the alleged shooting of an unarmed Iraqi combatant by a United States marine, to Ken Allard, retired military:
"Well, let me ask you about this. If this were the other side, and we were watching an enemy soldier --a rival, I mean they're not bad guys especially, just people who just disagree with us, they are in fact the insurgents, fighting us in their country-- if we saw one of them do what we saw our guy do to that guy, would we consider that worthy of a war crimes charge?"
Now, I realize that NOBODY watches "Hardball", but at what point will the networks dispose of nitwits like Matthews. "Rivals"? "Not bad guys especially"? What the hell is he talking about. Does he watch the news? Does he have any idea what's going on? Obviously not.
"Well, let me ask you about this. If this were the other side, and we were watching an enemy soldier --a rival, I mean they're not bad guys especially, just people who just disagree with us, they are in fact the insurgents, fighting us in their country-- if we saw one of them do what we saw our guy do to that guy, would we consider that worthy of a war crimes charge?"
Now, I realize that NOBODY watches "Hardball", but at what point will the networks dispose of nitwits like Matthews. "Rivals"? "Not bad guys especially"? What the hell is he talking about. Does he watch the news? Does he have any idea what's going on? Obviously not.
A Once Great Champion
This is so sad. Is there no one around Evander to put a stop to this? Not so long as the checks keep rolling in.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Evander Holyfield was suspended indefinitely by New York boxing officials in the wake of his loss Saturday night to journeyman Larry Donald.
The suspension means the 42-year-old former four-time heavyweight champion will have to seek medical clearance if he wants to fight again.
After losing a lopsided decision to Donald, Holyfield said he still plans to fight. Holyfield won only one round on one scorecard and two on the other two in the 12-round fight.
Holyfield has won only two of his last nine fights, and took a beating a year ago from James Toney. Donald didn't hurt him, but Holyfield landed only 78 punches of his own over 12 rounds, according to ringside statistics compiled by Compubox.
Holyfield told the New York Daily News on Monday that the New York State Athletic Commission was involved in a "conspiracy" to get him out of boxing and that he would contest the ban.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Evander Holyfield was suspended indefinitely by New York boxing officials in the wake of his loss Saturday night to journeyman Larry Donald.
The suspension means the 42-year-old former four-time heavyweight champion will have to seek medical clearance if he wants to fight again.
After losing a lopsided decision to Donald, Holyfield said he still plans to fight. Holyfield won only one round on one scorecard and two on the other two in the 12-round fight.
Holyfield has won only two of his last nine fights, and took a beating a year ago from James Toney. Donald didn't hurt him, but Holyfield landed only 78 punches of his own over 12 rounds, according to ringside statistics compiled by Compubox.
Holyfield told the New York Daily News on Monday that the New York State Athletic Commission was involved in a "conspiracy" to get him out of boxing and that he would contest the ban.
Just Go Away
I thought we'd seen the last of James Baker. Apparently not.
During an interview with host Larry King on CNN last night, James. A Baker, the former U.S. secretary of state, who currently serves as the Bush administration's special envoy on Iraqi debt, called on the Israeli government to release Marwan Barghouti, the jailed Palestinian leader who is serving five life sentences in an Israeli jail for ordering attacks against Israel.
Barghouti is responsible for killing four Israelis and a Greek monk. In addition, Barghouti was head of the terrorist Tanzim and al Aksa Martyrs Brigades elements of Yasser Arafat's Fatah organization. No, I think the Israeli's should keep Barghouti right where he is. Hey, maybe James Baker could join him.
During an interview with host Larry King on CNN last night, James. A Baker, the former U.S. secretary of state, who currently serves as the Bush administration's special envoy on Iraqi debt, called on the Israeli government to release Marwan Barghouti, the jailed Palestinian leader who is serving five life sentences in an Israeli jail for ordering attacks against Israel.
Barghouti is responsible for killing four Israelis and a Greek monk. In addition, Barghouti was head of the terrorist Tanzim and al Aksa Martyrs Brigades elements of Yasser Arafat's Fatah organization. No, I think the Israeli's should keep Barghouti right where he is. Hey, maybe James Baker could join him.
Why So Few Black Golfers?
From ESPN:
The fact that two of the top three male golfers in the world -- Vijay Singh and Tiger Woods -- are men of color is compelling and, on the surface, inspiring. But that inspiration is only skin deep. A glimpse just a shade below the surface reveals a reality closer to despair than hope. Simply put, 30 years ago there were 10 African-Americans with PGA Tour cards. Today, there is one -- Tiger Woods.
The answer is simple. It's a lack of fathers in the home. Golf - much like baseball - is a game of fathers and sons. So naturally, if there are no fathers around, the sons will not participate. Nearly 70% of all black children today are born out-of-wedlock. Nearly 70%. That's astonishing.
The result is very little participation from blacks in golf and a dwindling number playing baseball. Many claim it's a class issue, but that's not true. The great Charlie Sifford and Lee Elder and Calvin Peete came from nothing - yet had fathers and a community that supported them. Therein lies the problem. It's the family, stupid.
The fact that two of the top three male golfers in the world -- Vijay Singh and Tiger Woods -- are men of color is compelling and, on the surface, inspiring. But that inspiration is only skin deep. A glimpse just a shade below the surface reveals a reality closer to despair than hope. Simply put, 30 years ago there were 10 African-Americans with PGA Tour cards. Today, there is one -- Tiger Woods.
The answer is simple. It's a lack of fathers in the home. Golf - much like baseball - is a game of fathers and sons. So naturally, if there are no fathers around, the sons will not participate. Nearly 70% of all black children today are born out-of-wedlock. Nearly 70%. That's astonishing.
The result is very little participation from blacks in golf and a dwindling number playing baseball. Many claim it's a class issue, but that's not true. The great Charlie Sifford and Lee Elder and Calvin Peete came from nothing - yet had fathers and a community that supported them. Therein lies the problem. It's the family, stupid.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Not Exactly Glowing Praise
Apparently, the only people who idolized Arafat were Jacque Chirac and the western press (and I'm sure Michael Moore). Check out this little nugget:
Arab leaders long ago stopped liking or respecting Yasser Arafat, or indeed believing a word he said. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak once referred to him, in the presence of Secretary of State Warren Christopher, as "a son of a dog." The Syrian defense minister called Arafat the "son of sixty thousand whores."
Arab leaders long ago stopped liking or respecting Yasser Arafat, or indeed believing a word he said. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak once referred to him, in the presence of Secretary of State Warren Christopher, as "a son of a dog." The Syrian defense minister called Arafat the "son of sixty thousand whores."
"Gentle" Anti-Semitism
My admiration of the Roman Catholic Church always ceases when the subject of Israel and Jews comes up. The Church's historic - and current - anti-semitism has always troubled me. Here's yet another example:
Vatican praises Arafat for Palestinian vision
The Vatican has praised Yasser Arafat as a charismatic leader who struggled to win independence for his people, and repeated its support of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Pope John Paul, who last met Arafat in 2001, retreated into private prayer when he was told of the death of the Palestinian leader earlier on Thursday in Paris, a Vatican source said.
The Pope, who made a historic trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories in 2000, sent a message saying he was particularly close to the Palestinian people "in this hour of sadness".
The 84-year-old Pope's message said he prayed that the "star of harmony" would soon bring peace to the Holy Land and that both Israelis and Palestinians could live "reconciled among themselves as two independent and sovereign states".
Earlier, a statement by the Vatican's chief spokesman called Mr Arafat the "illustrious deceased" and asked God to grant eternal rest to his soul.
"The Holy See joins the pain of the Palestinian people for the passing of President Yasser Arafat. He was a leader of great charisma who loved his people and tried to guide them towards national independence," said the statement by chief spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls.
The "illustrious deceased"? Yikes!
Vatican praises Arafat for Palestinian vision
The Vatican has praised Yasser Arafat as a charismatic leader who struggled to win independence for his people, and repeated its support of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Pope John Paul, who last met Arafat in 2001, retreated into private prayer when he was told of the death of the Palestinian leader earlier on Thursday in Paris, a Vatican source said.
The Pope, who made a historic trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories in 2000, sent a message saying he was particularly close to the Palestinian people "in this hour of sadness".
The 84-year-old Pope's message said he prayed that the "star of harmony" would soon bring peace to the Holy Land and that both Israelis and Palestinians could live "reconciled among themselves as two independent and sovereign states".
Earlier, a statement by the Vatican's chief spokesman called Mr Arafat the "illustrious deceased" and asked God to grant eternal rest to his soul.
"The Holy See joins the pain of the Palestinian people for the passing of President Yasser Arafat. He was a leader of great charisma who loved his people and tried to guide them towards national independence," said the statement by chief spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls.
The "illustrious deceased"? Yikes!
Arafat Dance Party
The media is made up of - for the most part - clowns. Their coverage of the Arafat funeral has been priceless. First, they consistently refer to Chairman Arafat as an "Arab leader" or a "liberator" or a "revolutionary". Please. He's a two-bit, murderous thug...always has been.
Then, the media appears genuinely surprised that Hamas and the Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade are at the funeral. Huh? These are Arafat's house boys. And the fact that they kidnapped the body and are marching through the streets is no surprise.
Oh how I wish the Israelis would lob a missile directly into Arafat's casket and take out the whole, sick bunch.
Then, the media appears genuinely surprised that Hamas and the Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade are at the funeral. Huh? These are Arafat's house boys. And the fact that they kidnapped the body and are marching through the streets is no surprise.
Oh how I wish the Israelis would lob a missile directly into Arafat's casket and take out the whole, sick bunch.
The Spoils of Being a Senator
The SEC was correct not to investigate - it's an unwinnable case. But I'm sure their initial suspicions were correct.
Senators' stock picks bring profit, scrutiny
By Joseph N. DiStefano
Inquirer Staff Writer
Staff at the Securities and Exchange Commission say they considered, but rejected, investigating the U.S. Senate early this year after a study found senators made suspiciously high profits from stocks during the 1990s bull market.
Senators' investments beat the Standard & Poor's 500 by an average 12 percent a year from 1993 to 1998, according to the study by Alan J. Ziobrowski of Georgia State University and colleagues at three other schools.
Put another way, a typical investor who matched the S&P's performance in those years collected about $220 in profit for each $100 invested. The average senator, by contrast, collected $460 on a $100 investment.
"The economic returns earned by the senators are abnormally large," and are even greater than those corporate inside-traders typically collect using illegally obtained information, the study concluded.
The 100 members of the Senate often have access to business information that ordinary investors cannot get. They acquire this information in the course of holding hearings at which company executives appear, reviewing Senate staff and regulatory agency reports, and considering legislation that governs business conduct, the study said.
In addition, senators socialize with and collect campaign contributions from regulated businesses, their executives, and lobbyists. They also acquire information from overseeing federal regulators, such as the SEC, and their budgets.
Senators' stock picks bring profit, scrutiny
By Joseph N. DiStefano
Inquirer Staff Writer
Staff at the Securities and Exchange Commission say they considered, but rejected, investigating the U.S. Senate early this year after a study found senators made suspiciously high profits from stocks during the 1990s bull market.
Senators' investments beat the Standard & Poor's 500 by an average 12 percent a year from 1993 to 1998, according to the study by Alan J. Ziobrowski of Georgia State University and colleagues at three other schools.
Put another way, a typical investor who matched the S&P's performance in those years collected about $220 in profit for each $100 invested. The average senator, by contrast, collected $460 on a $100 investment.
"The economic returns earned by the senators are abnormally large," and are even greater than those corporate inside-traders typically collect using illegally obtained information, the study concluded.
The 100 members of the Senate often have access to business information that ordinary investors cannot get. They acquire this information in the course of holding hearings at which company executives appear, reviewing Senate staff and regulatory agency reports, and considering legislation that governs business conduct, the study said.
In addition, senators socialize with and collect campaign contributions from regulated businesses, their executives, and lobbyists. They also acquire information from overseeing federal regulators, such as the SEC, and their budgets.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
What A School System
Just when I think I've heard it all, I hear this. Now, a female teacher having sex with her male high school students - sadly - doesn't surprise me. But having to pay them thousands of dollars, dope, and alcohol? Has the world gone mad?
Who's to Blame?
Michael Malin, president of Malin Space Science Systems, talked about gullies that may have been sculpted recently by liquid water; evidence of ancient seas; and the discovery that the planet's south polar cap of dry ice is losing weight.
"Mars is experiencing global warming," Malin said. "And we don't know why."
Who's to blame? Halliburton? Cars? Failure to ratify the Kyoto Treaty? Or, perhaps it's natural.
"Mars is experiencing global warming," Malin said. "And we don't know why."
Who's to blame? Halliburton? Cars? Failure to ratify the Kyoto Treaty? Or, perhaps it's natural.
Ouch!
How awful a human being was Yasser Arafat? Well, so awful that even Jimmy Carter (the lover of Castro, Ho Chi Minh, Hugo Chavez, etc.) can't say one positive thing about him:
MIAMI (AFP) - Former US President Jimmy Carter called Yasser Arafat (news - web sites) "a powerful human symbol and forceful advocate" who united Palestinians in their pursuit of a homeland.
"Yasser Arafat's death marks the end of an era and will no doubt be painfully felt by Palestinians throughout the Middle East and elsewhere in the world," Carter said.
"He was the father of the modern Palestinian nationalist movement. A powerful human symbol and forceful advocate, Palestinians united behind him in their pursuit of a homeland," he said in a statement distributed by his Atlanta, Georgia-based Carter Center.
He said that while Arafat provided "indispensable leadership to a revolutionary movement" and played a key role in forging a peace agreement with Israel in 1993, he was excluded from negotiations in recent years.
"My hope is that an emerging Palestinian leadership can benefit from Arafat's experiences, be welcomed to the peace process by (Israeli) Prime Minister (Ariel) Sharon and (US) President (George W.) Bush, and be successful in helping to forge a Palestinian state living in harmony with their Israeli neighbors," Carter said.
MIAMI (AFP) - Former US President Jimmy Carter called Yasser Arafat (news - web sites) "a powerful human symbol and forceful advocate" who united Palestinians in their pursuit of a homeland.
"Yasser Arafat's death marks the end of an era and will no doubt be painfully felt by Palestinians throughout the Middle East and elsewhere in the world," Carter said.
"He was the father of the modern Palestinian nationalist movement. A powerful human symbol and forceful advocate, Palestinians united behind him in their pursuit of a homeland," he said in a statement distributed by his Atlanta, Georgia-based Carter Center.
He said that while Arafat provided "indispensable leadership to a revolutionary movement" and played a key role in forging a peace agreement with Israel in 1993, he was excluded from negotiations in recent years.
"My hope is that an emerging Palestinian leadership can benefit from Arafat's experiences, be welcomed to the peace process by (Israeli) Prime Minister (Ariel) Sharon and (US) President (George W.) Bush, and be successful in helping to forge a Palestinian state living in harmony with their Israeli neighbors," Carter said.
A Must Read
Take a look at John Ashcroft's resignation letter to the American people. Very well done. Here's the money quote:
Lastly, I am grateful to God for each day the sun rises on a safe and free America. For the past three years, my every working day has begun with a report – a catalog of the murderous acts being plotted against Americans. That we have passed these three years in safety and security is a credit to the men and women with whom I serve. But it would be the height of arrogance to assume we achieved this alone. The Psalms remind us: “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stands guard in vain.”
My fellow Americans, for four years we have stood watch together. We have endured many things and we have accomplished many more. It has been the honor of my lifetime to stand beside you. And as I take my leave of this privileged post, I know that our efforts have not been in vain. The Builder of our city and the Author of our freedom has stood beside us. He stands beside us still.
In a country this large - and this free - with so many enemies, our protection cannot depend on our own resources or determination. It can only depend on a merciful God who watches over and protects us. As long as we remember that, I fear nothing. Once we forget, I will fear everything.
Lastly, I am grateful to God for each day the sun rises on a safe and free America. For the past three years, my every working day has begun with a report – a catalog of the murderous acts being plotted against Americans. That we have passed these three years in safety and security is a credit to the men and women with whom I serve. But it would be the height of arrogance to assume we achieved this alone. The Psalms remind us: “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stands guard in vain.”
My fellow Americans, for four years we have stood watch together. We have endured many things and we have accomplished many more. It has been the honor of my lifetime to stand beside you. And as I take my leave of this privileged post, I know that our efforts have not been in vain. The Builder of our city and the Author of our freedom has stood beside us. He stands beside us still.
In a country this large - and this free - with so many enemies, our protection cannot depend on our own resources or determination. It can only depend on a merciful God who watches over and protects us. As long as we remember that, I fear nothing. Once we forget, I will fear everything.
More Good News
Michael Moore really, really doesn't get it. He's planning a new movie:
GOOD MORNING: Michael Moore met with Harvey Weinstein and Moore says they plan to start working -- now -- on "Fahrenheit 9/11½." "We want to get cameras rolling now and have it ready in two-three years," Moore says. "We want to document and commercialize it. Fifty-one percent of the American people lacked information (in this election) and we want to educate and enlighten them. They weren't told the truth. We're communicators and it's up to us to start doing it now. The official mourning period is over today and there is a silver lining -- George W. Bush is prohibited by law from running again." And as for those who claim that Hollywood was an albatross on the Democrats' neck, Moore says, "America loves Hollywood. When given a chance to vote for someone from Hollywood, they jump in." He cited the history of successful Republican actor-politicians from George Murphy to Ronnie Reagan to Arnold. "Who is the Democrats' Arnold? We have a number of them. What American wouldn't vote for Tom Hanks (news)? Hollywood is full of people like that." When I asked what actor would trade a $20 million salary and a percentage of the gross, he countered with "Let's pay the actor-politicians a presidential salary of $20 million -- plus a percentage of the GNP."
He believes that 51% of the electorate was dupped and all they need to change their opinions is a little "re-education." What a fool.
GOOD MORNING: Michael Moore met with Harvey Weinstein and Moore says they plan to start working -- now -- on "Fahrenheit 9/11½." "We want to get cameras rolling now and have it ready in two-three years," Moore says. "We want to document and commercialize it. Fifty-one percent of the American people lacked information (in this election) and we want to educate and enlighten them. They weren't told the truth. We're communicators and it's up to us to start doing it now. The official mourning period is over today and there is a silver lining -- George W. Bush is prohibited by law from running again." And as for those who claim that Hollywood was an albatross on the Democrats' neck, Moore says, "America loves Hollywood. When given a chance to vote for someone from Hollywood, they jump in." He cited the history of successful Republican actor-politicians from George Murphy to Ronnie Reagan to Arnold. "Who is the Democrats' Arnold? We have a number of them. What American wouldn't vote for Tom Hanks (news)? Hollywood is full of people like that." When I asked what actor would trade a $20 million salary and a percentage of the gross, he countered with "Let's pay the actor-politicians a presidential salary of $20 million -- plus a percentage of the GNP."
He believes that 51% of the electorate was dupped and all they need to change their opinions is a little "re-education." What a fool.
The Republican Majority Grows
Yes! This is great. As long as The Left continues to insult, demean, and belittle, the Republican's will continue to increase their majority.
"But if militant Christianist Republicans from inland backwaters believe that secular liberal Democrats from the big coastal cities look upon them with disdain, there's a reason. We do, and all the more so after this election. ... By any objective standard, you had to be spectacularly stupid to support Bush... So our guy lost the election. Why shouldn't those of us on the coasts feel superior? We eat better, travel more, dress better, watch cooler movies, earn better salaries, meet more interesting people, listen to better music and know more about what's going on in the world." - Ted Rall
Now why did Kerry lose the election? I can't figure it out.
"But if militant Christianist Republicans from inland backwaters believe that secular liberal Democrats from the big coastal cities look upon them with disdain, there's a reason. We do, and all the more so after this election. ... By any objective standard, you had to be spectacularly stupid to support Bush... So our guy lost the election. Why shouldn't those of us on the coasts feel superior? We eat better, travel more, dress better, watch cooler movies, earn better salaries, meet more interesting people, listen to better music and know more about what's going on in the world." - Ted Rall
Now why did Kerry lose the election? I can't figure it out.
Arafat is Dead
I'm sure the media will be falling all over themselves describing that great "statesman" Arafat. The monster is receiving his reward right now...and it ain't 70 virgins.
Here's hoping the Arabs in Palestine will finally seek peace.
Here's hoping the Arabs in Palestine will finally seek peace.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Money in Politics
Here's Martin Peretz of The New Republic on money in politics:
Had you noticed, by the way, that money in politics ceased to be an issue for the Democrats? There's no mystery why this is so. They and those 527s that circled around the Kerry effort collected much more money than they could spend usefully, which is why there were so many inane ads aimed unnecessarily at New York voters in the New York Times. The problem of money in politics, it turns out, was actually just Republican money. But all the Democratic money that was raised -- nearly $100 million from George Soros, University of Phoenix founder John Sperling, and the imperious chairman of the Progressive Corporation Peter Lewis alone -- accomplished, let's face it, nothing.
Despite the hysteria from Democrats in past elections, money plays a minor roll in who gets elected. Each cycle there are huge spenders who lose...like John Kerry. No, most people vote on the issues that are important to them regardless of who has the most advertisements on TV.
Had you noticed, by the way, that money in politics ceased to be an issue for the Democrats? There's no mystery why this is so. They and those 527s that circled around the Kerry effort collected much more money than they could spend usefully, which is why there were so many inane ads aimed unnecessarily at New York voters in the New York Times. The problem of money in politics, it turns out, was actually just Republican money. But all the Democratic money that was raised -- nearly $100 million from George Soros, University of Phoenix founder John Sperling, and the imperious chairman of the Progressive Corporation Peter Lewis alone -- accomplished, let's face it, nothing.
Despite the hysteria from Democrats in past elections, money plays a minor roll in who gets elected. Each cycle there are huge spenders who lose...like John Kerry. No, most people vote on the issues that are important to them regardless of who has the most advertisements on TV.
Good News for Bush
Yikes! This is bad news for the Democrats. Bush increased his percentage of the vote in EVERY SINGLE STATE. And most of his biggest increases were in Blue states.
UPDATE: My apologies. Bush's percentage of the vote actually decreased in two states: South Dakota (-0.4) and Vermont (-1.8).
UPDATE: My apologies. Bush's percentage of the vote actually decreased in two states: South Dakota (-0.4) and Vermont (-1.8).
Bush the Moderate
I've always argued that President Bush is far from a conservative. From his gigantic spending increases on social programs, the No Child Left Behind Act, the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law, his steel tariffs, etc., he's shown himself to be conservative on certain issues and moderate to liberal on others.
Here's the latest example of his liberalism:
President Bush yesterday moved aggressively to resurrect his plan to relax rules against illegal immigration, a move bound to anger conservatives just days after they helped re-elect him.
The president met privately in the Oval Office with Sen. John McCain to discuss jump-starting a stalled White House initiative that would grant legal status to millions of immigrants who broke the law to enter the United States.
I could be persuaded to go along with this if it were coupled with a commitment to close off the borders and stop the influx of illegals. But that's highly unlikely. And this move will only increase the number of illegals entering the country.
Here's the latest example of his liberalism:
President Bush yesterday moved aggressively to resurrect his plan to relax rules against illegal immigration, a move bound to anger conservatives just days after they helped re-elect him.
The president met privately in the Oval Office with Sen. John McCain to discuss jump-starting a stalled White House initiative that would grant legal status to millions of immigrants who broke the law to enter the United States.
I could be persuaded to go along with this if it were coupled with a commitment to close off the borders and stop the influx of illegals. But that's highly unlikely. And this move will only increase the number of illegals entering the country.
Blessed are the Givers
Check out this generosity index. It rates states based on the amount of money citizens donate in relation to their overall wealth. Very interesting. Seems that the poorer states - the Red states - are the most generous. The more prosperous - the Blue states - tend to be stingy.
This underscores an important distinction among Christians. The Christian right - of which I am a member - generally views the dictates of Christ as an individual injunction. For instance, I am required to help the poor and needy. I do so by giving a substantial portion of my income to my church and other worthy causes...not by forcing others to do so. I think this is reflected in the Red state scores.
The Christian left views the dictates of Christ as a societal (i.e. governmental) injunction. As a result, Blue states tend to give less of their personal wealth while lobbying for greater governmental involvement in these areas, which consequently requires a greater tax burden.
Both hope to achieve a similar goal, but have very different means of achieving that goal.
This underscores an important distinction among Christians. The Christian right - of which I am a member - generally views the dictates of Christ as an individual injunction. For instance, I am required to help the poor and needy. I do so by giving a substantial portion of my income to my church and other worthy causes...not by forcing others to do so. I think this is reflected in the Red state scores.
The Christian left views the dictates of Christ as a societal (i.e. governmental) injunction. As a result, Blue states tend to give less of their personal wealth while lobbying for greater governmental involvement in these areas, which consequently requires a greater tax burden.
Both hope to achieve a similar goal, but have very different means of achieving that goal.
More Graft from the Palestinian Authority
Turns out Yassir isn't the only thieving thug in the family...his wife is too.
And speaking of born for misery, how about the porcine Suha Arafat, who, according to Debka, has made off with the following settlement in return for allowing the dictator husband she never sees to be declared dead and returned to Ramallah for a funeral:
"Last July, Arafat sent his wife $11 million to cover her living expenses and those of their daughter for six months - $1.8 million per month. The new accord guarantees her the same allowance from the Palestinian Authority as a regular annual remittance, i.e. $22 million per annum, for the rest of her life. Abu Mazen and prime minister Ahmed Qureia (Abu Ala) signed on the dotted line, although they have no notion how the penniless Palestinian Authority faced with a people in dire poverty can possibly stump up this kind of money."
And speaking of born for misery, how about the porcine Suha Arafat, who, according to Debka, has made off with the following settlement in return for allowing the dictator husband she never sees to be declared dead and returned to Ramallah for a funeral:
"Last July, Arafat sent his wife $11 million to cover her living expenses and those of their daughter for six months - $1.8 million per month. The new accord guarantees her the same allowance from the Palestinian Authority as a regular annual remittance, i.e. $22 million per annum, for the rest of her life. Abu Mazen and prime minister Ahmed Qureia (Abu Ala) signed on the dotted line, although they have no notion how the penniless Palestinian Authority faced with a people in dire poverty can possibly stump up this kind of money."
Good Heart
Chad Johnson is a head case, but he's got a good heart.
11/9/2004 - "I still can't believe all of this. This is absolutely just wonderful!" -- Kelly Doppes
Ever heard of the phrase, "being in the right place at the right time?" That's exactly where Bengals fan Kelly Doppes was Tuesday.
Kelly came to Paul Brown Stadium to purchase tickets to an upcoming Bengals game when Chad Johnson, who was tending to personal business on his day off, noticed her at the ticket window.
"What seats are you purchasing?" Johnson asked. Looking up with a shocked expression at who was asking, Kelly told him the seat location.
"Get her the better seats and it's on me," said Johnson, who paid for the tickets on the spot.
Kelly was intending to purchase tickets as a surprise for her Bengals-fan fiancé, Rick Kuethe. This is one secret, however, that will be short-lived.
"There is no way I can keep this a surprise," Kelly said. "I'm going to tell him as soon as he gets home from work. He's going to just die when I tell him this."
11/9/2004 - "I still can't believe all of this. This is absolutely just wonderful!" -- Kelly Doppes
Ever heard of the phrase, "being in the right place at the right time?" That's exactly where Bengals fan Kelly Doppes was Tuesday.
Kelly came to Paul Brown Stadium to purchase tickets to an upcoming Bengals game when Chad Johnson, who was tending to personal business on his day off, noticed her at the ticket window.
"What seats are you purchasing?" Johnson asked. Looking up with a shocked expression at who was asking, Kelly told him the seat location.
"Get her the better seats and it's on me," said Johnson, who paid for the tickets on the spot.
Kelly was intending to purchase tickets as a surprise for her Bengals-fan fiancé, Rick Kuethe. This is one secret, however, that will be short-lived.
"There is no way I can keep this a surprise," Kelly said. "I'm going to tell him as soon as he gets home from work. He's going to just die when I tell him this."
The Wisdom of Dan O'Brien
Red's GM Dan O'Brien is a clown. Here's another great quote to prove it:
"In the afternoons, we have social gatherings, where we have interface, "O'Brien said. "That's where trade talks start."
Huh?
"In the afternoons, we have social gatherings, where we have interface, "O'Brien said. "That's where trade talks start."
Huh?
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
W, the Champion of Secularism
Hitch is on fire today.
So here is what I want to say on the absolutely crucial matter of secularism. Only one faction in American politics has found itself able to make excuses for the kind of religious fanaticism that immediately menaces us in the here and now. And that faction, I am sorry and furious to say, is the left.
...George Bush may subjectively be a Christian, but he—and the U.S. armed forces—have objectively done more for secularism than the whole of the American agnostic community combined and doubled. The demolition of the Taliban, the huge damage inflicted on the al-Qaida network, and the confrontation with theocratic saboteurs in Iraq represent huge advances for the non-fundamentalist forces in many countries. The "antiwar" faction even recognizes this achievement, if only indirectly, by complaining about the way in which it has infuriated the Islamic religious extremists around the world. But does it accept the apparent corollary—that we should have been pursuing a policy to which the fanatics had no objection?
So here is what I want to say on the absolutely crucial matter of secularism. Only one faction in American politics has found itself able to make excuses for the kind of religious fanaticism that immediately menaces us in the here and now. And that faction, I am sorry and furious to say, is the left.
...George Bush may subjectively be a Christian, but he—and the U.S. armed forces—have objectively done more for secularism than the whole of the American agnostic community combined and doubled. The demolition of the Taliban, the huge damage inflicted on the al-Qaida network, and the confrontation with theocratic saboteurs in Iraq represent huge advances for the non-fundamentalist forces in many countries. The "antiwar" faction even recognizes this achievement, if only indirectly, by complaining about the way in which it has infuriated the Islamic religious extremists around the world. But does it accept the apparent corollary—that we should have been pursuing a policy to which the fanatics had no objection?
Freedom - Or Tyranny - Minimizes Terrorism
At least, according to this Harvard researcher.
Here's the scoop:
A John F. Kennedy School of Government researcher has cast doubt on the widely held belief that terrorism stems from poverty, finding instead that terrorist violence is related to a nation's level of political freedom.
Associate Professor of Public Policy Alberto Abadie examined data on terrorism and variables such as wealth, political freedom, geography, and ethnic fractionalization for nations that have been targets of terrorist attacks.
And...
Instead, Abadie detected a peculiar relationship between the levels of political freedom a nation affords and the severity of terrorism. Though terrorism declined among nations with high levels of political freedom, it was the intermediate nations that seemed most vulnerable.
Like those with much political freedom, nations at the other extreme - with tightly controlled autocratic governments - also experienced low levels of terrorism.
Here's the scoop:
A John F. Kennedy School of Government researcher has cast doubt on the widely held belief that terrorism stems from poverty, finding instead that terrorist violence is related to a nation's level of political freedom.
Associate Professor of Public Policy Alberto Abadie examined data on terrorism and variables such as wealth, political freedom, geography, and ethnic fractionalization for nations that have been targets of terrorist attacks.
And...
Instead, Abadie detected a peculiar relationship between the levels of political freedom a nation affords and the severity of terrorism. Though terrorism declined among nations with high levels of political freedom, it was the intermediate nations that seemed most vulnerable.
Like those with much political freedom, nations at the other extreme - with tightly controlled autocratic governments - also experienced low levels of terrorism.
I Have A Question
Kentucky fared even worse with weight problems, with 25.6 percent of its population classified as obese, the fifth highest in the nation. That's up 1.1 points since last year and 13.4 points since 1990.
I don't want to sound flippant, but shouldn't the poorest states have the thinnest people? Why do the poorest states have such high percentages of obese people? Why aren't prosperous people fat since they can afford to eat and lay around play video games? Shouldn't poor people be thin because they don't have much to eat? Shouldn't poor people be thin because they're always working just to make ends meat? Does our traditional notion of rich and poor even make sense anymore? Does our welfare state reward poor people for sitting around and getting fat? As Marvin would say: "What's goin' on?"
I don't want to sound flippant, but shouldn't the poorest states have the thinnest people? Why do the poorest states have such high percentages of obese people? Why aren't prosperous people fat since they can afford to eat and lay around play video games? Shouldn't poor people be thin because they don't have much to eat? Shouldn't poor people be thin because they're always working just to make ends meat? Does our traditional notion of rich and poor even make sense anymore? Does our welfare state reward poor people for sitting around and getting fat? As Marvin would say: "What's goin' on?"
Newport Pavilion News
The commercialization of Newport continues:
FRANKFORT -- A state panel on Monday approved $92 million in industrial revenue bonds for developing an office and retail project in Newport.
Developer Bear Creek Capital plans to use the bonds authorized by the Kentucky Private Activity Bond Allocation Committee to construct Newport Pavilion, an office and retail development planned for the Cote Brilliante neighborhood.
Why the taxpayer should pay for this sort of thing is beyond me. Let the developers use their own money - or round up investors.
The city of Newport will issue the bonds. An agreement Bear Creek has with the city calls for the developer to pay the city $383,594 annually in lieu of taxes for 25 years.
That method of financing proved controversial in a Kenton County retail project earlier this year when Kenton County Judge-Executive Ralph Drees opposed it.
Cincinnati developer Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate wanted the bonds for redeveloping the Crestview Hills Mall project, but Drees said no. He argued that the location of the mall, just off Interstate 275, made it attractive enough that Anderson could easily obtain private financing for it. Anderson ultimately went that route, securing a $50 million loan, and the project is now moving forward.
The development has the support of Pendery and Brandt:
On the Cote Brilliante project, Campbell County Judge-Executive Steve Pendery and Newport School Superintendent Michael Brandt offered their support for Newport Pavilion.
But don't make your shopping plans yet. The imminent domain question is still pending.
Several residents whose houses the city wanted for the project went to court to block it. When Campbell Circuit Court ruled in the city's favor, the homeowners appealed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, where a decision is pending.
I still think the city's going to lose this fight - and should. You can't use imminent domain purely for the purpose of economic development. That was never the laws intention.
FRANKFORT -- A state panel on Monday approved $92 million in industrial revenue bonds for developing an office and retail project in Newport.
Developer Bear Creek Capital plans to use the bonds authorized by the Kentucky Private Activity Bond Allocation Committee to construct Newport Pavilion, an office and retail development planned for the Cote Brilliante neighborhood.
Why the taxpayer should pay for this sort of thing is beyond me. Let the developers use their own money - or round up investors.
The city of Newport will issue the bonds. An agreement Bear Creek has with the city calls for the developer to pay the city $383,594 annually in lieu of taxes for 25 years.
That method of financing proved controversial in a Kenton County retail project earlier this year when Kenton County Judge-Executive Ralph Drees opposed it.
Cincinnati developer Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate wanted the bonds for redeveloping the Crestview Hills Mall project, but Drees said no. He argued that the location of the mall, just off Interstate 275, made it attractive enough that Anderson could easily obtain private financing for it. Anderson ultimately went that route, securing a $50 million loan, and the project is now moving forward.
The development has the support of Pendery and Brandt:
On the Cote Brilliante project, Campbell County Judge-Executive Steve Pendery and Newport School Superintendent Michael Brandt offered their support for Newport Pavilion.
But don't make your shopping plans yet. The imminent domain question is still pending.
Several residents whose houses the city wanted for the project went to court to block it. When Campbell Circuit Court ruled in the city's favor, the homeowners appealed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, where a decision is pending.
I still think the city's going to lose this fight - and should. You can't use imminent domain purely for the purpose of economic development. That was never the laws intention.
Why the Left Lost
There are millions of Americans out there who share the goals of the Democratic Party - yet vote Republican. Every election they're pushed into the hands of the Republicans because of nitwit "journalists", "entertainers", and "intellectuals" who are out of touch with reality.
Case in point:
"Their new health care plan will probably be a return to leeches." - Maureen Dowd
"I hope we all realize that, as of November 2nd, gay rights are officially dead. And that from here on we are going to be led even closer to the guillotine." - Larry Kramer
"Freud stayed in Vienna until Hitler had completely taken over the country, but I don't want to be wrong about when it's time to leave. My fear is that I won't know when to get out." - Peggy Bowen, BBC News
You can't make this stuff up. The sad thing is this isn't just rhetoric, they really believe this nonsense.
Case in point:
"Their new health care plan will probably be a return to leeches." - Maureen Dowd
"I hope we all realize that, as of November 2nd, gay rights are officially dead. And that from here on we are going to be led even closer to the guillotine." - Larry Kramer
"Freud stayed in Vienna until Hitler had completely taken over the country, but I don't want to be wrong about when it's time to leave. My fear is that I won't know when to get out." - Peggy Bowen, BBC News
You can't make this stuff up. The sad thing is this isn't just rhetoric, they really believe this nonsense.
Crazy Like A Fox
James Carville is crazy...but crazy like a fox many times. While most Democratic commentators have missed the meaning of this election and fail to comprehend the total drubbing they received, Carville gets it.
He recognizes that things are bad and that his party must be "re-born." Here's his idea:
Mr. Carville, who had just returned from a vacation at Disney World with his family and wife, Republican strategist Mary Matalin, at times seemed unable to put into words just how much of a hill Democrats have to climb.
He said he is considering writing a book about what direction Democrats should go.
One possibility, he said, was to embrace a reform-oriented, anti-Washington agenda. That would require the ability of members of Congress to reject pork projects for their districts and stake the party's fortunes on fiscal discipline.
This is a fantastic idea. Look, the Dems used to be the party you couldn't trust with your money. Now, thanks to Bush and his friends in Congress, you can't trust the Republicans either. Whoever gets back on the right side of this issue will - I think - have a huge advantage over the other party.
He recognizes that things are bad and that his party must be "re-born." Here's his idea:
Mr. Carville, who had just returned from a vacation at Disney World with his family and wife, Republican strategist Mary Matalin, at times seemed unable to put into words just how much of a hill Democrats have to climb.
He said he is considering writing a book about what direction Democrats should go.
One possibility, he said, was to embrace a reform-oriented, anti-Washington agenda. That would require the ability of members of Congress to reject pork projects for their districts and stake the party's fortunes on fiscal discipline.
This is a fantastic idea. Look, the Dems used to be the party you couldn't trust with your money. Now, thanks to Bush and his friends in Congress, you can't trust the Republicans either. Whoever gets back on the right side of this issue will - I think - have a huge advantage over the other party.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Where Did He Find the Time?
I always knew Calvin Murphy was a prodigious scorer, but this is ridiculous.
Murphy's large family tree falls under scrutiny at trial
By ANDREW TILGHMAN
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
Calvin Murphy's extensive family tree — including 14 children he fathered with nine women — came under close scrutiny Friday as the local basketball hero went on trial, accused of molesting five daughters more than a decade ago.
Murphy, a 56-year-old retired Houston Rockets player and former TV commentator, sat silently as prosecutors told jurors that he sexually abused the girls between 1988 and 1991, when they ranged in age from 6 to 13.
Murphy's large family tree falls under scrutiny at trial
By ANDREW TILGHMAN
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
Calvin Murphy's extensive family tree — including 14 children he fathered with nine women — came under close scrutiny Friday as the local basketball hero went on trial, accused of molesting five daughters more than a decade ago.
Murphy, a 56-year-old retired Houston Rockets player and former TV commentator, sat silently as prosecutors told jurors that he sexually abused the girls between 1988 and 1991, when they ranged in age from 6 to 13.
Priceless
This headline pops up at least once a year.
Despite Drop in Crime, an Increase in Inmates
By Fox Butterfield
The number of inmates in state and federal prisons rose 2.1 percent last year, even as violent crime and property crime fell.
So if you put criminals in jail, crime drops. That just doesn't make sense.
Despite Drop in Crime, an Increase in Inmates
By Fox Butterfield
The number of inmates in state and federal prisons rose 2.1 percent last year, even as violent crime and property crime fell.
So if you put criminals in jail, crime drops. That just doesn't make sense.
Time to Pay the Piper
Operation Phantom Fury has begun in Fallujah. What are we going to do?
"We're going to start at one end of the city, and we're not going to stop until we get to the other side," said Lt. Col. Pete Newell, a battalion commander from the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division.
I think he means it.
"We're going to start at one end of the city, and we're not going to stop until we get to the other side," said Lt. Col. Pete Newell, a battalion commander from the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division.
I think he means it.
Pops is Buried
We buried Pops' old body this morning. It was a gorgeous day - sunny, crisp and cool. We had to lug dad up the side of a hill (me, Dave, Dan, Bob, James, and the funeral home guy), but luckily it wasn't too far. We sang, had a brief service, then said our final goodbyes.
We took roses off the casket and placed some over mom's grave. It's funny, we only bought one plot when mom died. We figured Pops would be buried a mile away. Since he didn't care where he was buried, we didn't really care either. But it turns out that the morning Lynn called the cemetery, a guy returned his plot in favor of mausoleum space. His plot was 10 spaces down from mom's - in the same row. Pretty cool.
Anyway, as we're driving through the cemetery on our way out, this huge buck waltzes past the van. We stopped in awe of this majestic creature. Kate and Maggie thought it was really neat too. It reminded me of what Pops must feel like now...young, strong, free, and not a care in the world.
We took roses off the casket and placed some over mom's grave. It's funny, we only bought one plot when mom died. We figured Pops would be buried a mile away. Since he didn't care where he was buried, we didn't really care either. But it turns out that the morning Lynn called the cemetery, a guy returned his plot in favor of mausoleum space. His plot was 10 spaces down from mom's - in the same row. Pretty cool.
Anyway, as we're driving through the cemetery on our way out, this huge buck waltzes past the van. We stopped in awe of this majestic creature. Kate and Maggie thought it was really neat too. It reminded me of what Pops must feel like now...young, strong, free, and not a care in the world.
Who Dey!
Bengals thrashed the Cowboys, but the 'boys are awful. I'm having a hard time determining if we're getting better or not. But hey, a win is a win.
Also, here's more on Chris Perry:
Dayton Daily News: Chick Ludwig Q: Will the Bengals re-sign Rudi Johnson to a long-term deal or let him go via free agency? If he does leave, will Chris Perry be the featured back next year? Does Perry have what it takes to carry the load? There must be a reason the team drafted him in the first round, but his injury history and college scare me.
A: My gut feeling is that Rudi won't be back. He wants to return, but his agent wants a deal similar to what Corey Dillon got (5 years, $26 million) in 2001. The Bengals made what they believed were solid offers in the offseason, but Schaffer turned them down. As for Perry, the jury is out on whether he can be the featured back because he's been hurt. I really like him as a person, but I don't believe he's physical enough to take the pounding of 20-25 carries a game at this level. Perry looked good at Michigan, where he had room to run behind a monstrous offensive line. But folks, this is the NFL, where holes close quickly. To me, he's a complimentary back in the mold of a Brandon Bennett.
So Marvin moved down in the first round to draft a complimentary back? Not good. However, I've heard a couple of times now that Shaun Alexander (free agent at the end of the year) has interest in returning to Cincinnati. But will Mikey pay him?
Also, here's more on Chris Perry:
Dayton Daily News: Chick Ludwig Q: Will the Bengals re-sign Rudi Johnson to a long-term deal or let him go via free agency? If he does leave, will Chris Perry be the featured back next year? Does Perry have what it takes to carry the load? There must be a reason the team drafted him in the first round, but his injury history and college scare me.
A: My gut feeling is that Rudi won't be back. He wants to return, but his agent wants a deal similar to what Corey Dillon got (5 years, $26 million) in 2001. The Bengals made what they believed were solid offers in the offseason, but Schaffer turned them down. As for Perry, the jury is out on whether he can be the featured back because he's been hurt. I really like him as a person, but I don't believe he's physical enough to take the pounding of 20-25 carries a game at this level. Perry looked good at Michigan, where he had room to run behind a monstrous offensive line. But folks, this is the NFL, where holes close quickly. To me, he's a complimentary back in the mold of a Brandon Bennett.
So Marvin moved down in the first round to draft a complimentary back? Not good. However, I've heard a couple of times now that Shaun Alexander (free agent at the end of the year) has interest in returning to Cincinnati. But will Mikey pay him?
Hollywood on the Outs
It seems that the Dems may have finally realized that Hollywood types are a liability at the polls.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Hollywood is licking its wounds after an election that saw voters not only reject the candidate it anointed -- Democrat John Kerry -- but repudiate the values that the liberal stronghold cherishes.
Now, amid the second-guessing and recriminations that inevitably haunt the losing side, some are beginning to ask: Has Hollywood become a liability to the Democrats?
Political analysts said that polarizing figures such as Michael Moore -- whose "Fahrenheit 9/11" documentary bitterly attacked President Bush -- alienated Middle America as much as they galvanized the faithful.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Hollywood is licking its wounds after an election that saw voters not only reject the candidate it anointed -- Democrat John Kerry -- but repudiate the values that the liberal stronghold cherishes.
Now, amid the second-guessing and recriminations that inevitably haunt the losing side, some are beginning to ask: Has Hollywood become a liability to the Democrats?
Political analysts said that polarizing figures such as Michael Moore -- whose "Fahrenheit 9/11" documentary bitterly attacked President Bush -- alienated Middle America as much as they galvanized the faithful.
I'm Back
Took the week off to say goodbye to Pops. It was a good week with family and friends coming into town to pay their respects.
I'm tired, but ready to return to my normal life.
I'm tired, but ready to return to my normal life.
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