Sunday, March 30, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Do you dislike the huge taxes in Cook County?
Board member Tony Peraica wants to do something about it. Apparently the Board's ability to raise taxes as it pleases comes from a special status the state legislature granted Cook that no other county in the state has. Here's the kicker:
Rescinding Cook County’s home rule authority would require voter approval for future tax increases. In the recently passed FY 2008 budget, the Cook County Board passed a massive half-billion tax increase to shore up an alleged $280 million deficit. On the same day this tax increase was enacted, a federal court monitor’s report lambasted the county for continued rampant illegal patronage hiring.
Go for it, Tony!
Rescinding Cook County’s home rule authority would require voter approval for future tax increases. In the recently passed FY 2008 budget, the Cook County Board passed a massive half-billion tax increase to shore up an alleged $280 million deficit. On the same day this tax increase was enacted, a federal court monitor’s report lambasted the county for continued rampant illegal patronage hiring.
Go for it, Tony!
Attention Brown Line riders UPDATED
This weekend a big shift is occurring, as two of the best drinking stops are re-opening (Diversey and Southport) and two of the lame ones are closing (Wellington and Paulina). Rejoice in your own way.
UPDATE: Commenter "Fubar" forgets about the Armitage stop, which I always thought was like a daily beauty pageant. I await his response.
UPDATE: Commenter "Fubar" forgets about the Armitage stop, which I always thought was like a daily beauty pageant. I await his response.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Houston as the next great American city
I wouldn't have guessed at first glance, but Joel Kotkin makes a good case for Houston as the next big city in the US. It's mainly driven by the entrepeneurial spirit of the city's residents, like a perpetual boomtown.
Kotkin also challenges those who say that the best cities are those that are "liveable" and have lots of cultural crap, which I always like.
Kotkin also challenges those who say that the best cities are those that are "liveable" and have lots of cultural crap, which I always like.
Too much money for college
I am fascinated by the way our post-secondary education system works, and have been ever since I read Thomas Sowell's Inside American Education in college (for fun, of course, not for a class assignment). Adam Creighton has a column on The American Spectator's website making a very convincing case that too many people go to college and government funds too much of it.
One point he hits is that far too many people go there not as serious students, but to waste time before moving on to the labor force. Liberal arts majors, avert your eyes:
BUT DOES THE OLD public benefit argument apply equally to college education? In my experience, university students fall into two broad camps, the studious and the typical. The former go to increase their own earning potential and study diligently, often in vocational fields like law, medicine, engineering, or accounting. They don't need any subsidy. The latter go to enjoy themselves and delay finding a job, often stumbling through alcohol-fueled semesters in search of the next party or conquest, and reading the occasional book on the side.
Maybe the studious deserve a subsidy for their determined efforts and higher future tax payments. But frankly, where is the public benefit of middle and upper-class children writing their desultory, unoriginal thoughts down twice a term, and drinking themselves silly for four years (and let's not kid ourselves about the demographic whose children make up the bulk of typical college enrollments)? The only public dividend these students provide flows directly from alcohol and nightclub companies to private stockholders. Yet public money is poured into the education and maintenance of both...
ACADEMIC TRADITIONALISTS might take issue with my apparent disdain for non-vocational fields, such as classics, history and philosophy. But far from heralding their demise, a withdrawal of public subsidies would reduce enrollment in these fields, leaving only the keen and bright. Academic standards would recover, and their pejorative, public dismissal as "soft-options" would fade.
That final point is exactly right, I think. There's all kinds of good stuff in this column, so if this interests you I recommend it heartily.
One point he hits is that far too many people go there not as serious students, but to waste time before moving on to the labor force. Liberal arts majors, avert your eyes:
BUT DOES THE OLD public benefit argument apply equally to college education? In my experience, university students fall into two broad camps, the studious and the typical. The former go to increase their own earning potential and study diligently, often in vocational fields like law, medicine, engineering, or accounting. They don't need any subsidy. The latter go to enjoy themselves and delay finding a job, often stumbling through alcohol-fueled semesters in search of the next party or conquest, and reading the occasional book on the side.
Maybe the studious deserve a subsidy for their determined efforts and higher future tax payments. But frankly, where is the public benefit of middle and upper-class children writing their desultory, unoriginal thoughts down twice a term, and drinking themselves silly for four years (and let's not kid ourselves about the demographic whose children make up the bulk of typical college enrollments)? The only public dividend these students provide flows directly from alcohol and nightclub companies to private stockholders. Yet public money is poured into the education and maintenance of both...
ACADEMIC TRADITIONALISTS might take issue with my apparent disdain for non-vocational fields, such as classics, history and philosophy. But far from heralding their demise, a withdrawal of public subsidies would reduce enrollment in these fields, leaving only the keen and bright. Academic standards would recover, and their pejorative, public dismissal as "soft-options" would fade.
That final point is exactly right, I think. There's all kinds of good stuff in this column, so if this interests you I recommend it heartily.
See what a little enforcement can do?
The Washington Post has an article today about how Prince William County's new illegal immigration law is affecting "the Latino community" (i.e. illegal aliens). It's a bunch of supposed sob stories that are actually a great way to show what some enforcement could do.
Now only if John McCain would stop working behind the scenes to kill the SAVE Act in the House...
UPDATE: Hmmm, maybe I was a bit too quick to believe Shuler's story.
Now only if John McCain would stop working behind the scenes to kill the SAVE Act in the House...
UPDATE: Hmmm, maybe I was a bit too quick to believe Shuler's story.
Nice!
A blog post.
Insert obligatory Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigalo jokes here. Hey, she's still a lot smaller than me!
Insert obligatory Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigalo jokes here. Hey, she's still a lot smaller than me!
McCain's daughter has a blog UPDATED
It's pretty cool.
I'd like to note that Meghan has a post on 3/10 (for some reason she doesn't have any permalinks, so you'll have to look for it to read it) about how people are being critical of her appearance:
As you may have noticed, I seldom use the Blogette as a medium to discuss social or political issues unless I feel particularly compelled to do so. This is one of those times. One of the unintended consequences of my dad becoming the presumptive Republican nominee is the increased level of public scrutiny on him and our family. Of course I expected more than my fair share when I decided to put myself out there and write a blog on the campaign; however, I've been surprised by critical comments regarding my weight and body shape. It recently reached a ridiculous level when someone handed me a business card for a plastic surgeon and suggested I needed liposuction. I am proud of my curves and have always loved my fuller figure, as should every woman who is not a size "0".
She goes on to some stuff about being a positive role model and whatnot.
OK, I know that as I get older my standards drop, but I think she is very attractive. Just poke around the site for pictures to see that. (It's not unexpected, as her mom is a former beauty queen.) I guess I never fail to be surprised about people from LA or Miami or whatnot who think a woman has to be near-anorexic to be good-looking.
As a final note, from what I can tell she is, um, exactly what Fubar is looking for in a girl.
UPDATE: There is a dopey (as is the magazine's style) profile of Meghan in QG. It has an excellent picture.
I'd like to note that Meghan has a post on 3/10 (for some reason she doesn't have any permalinks, so you'll have to look for it to read it) about how people are being critical of her appearance:
As you may have noticed, I seldom use the Blogette as a medium to discuss social or political issues unless I feel particularly compelled to do so. This is one of those times. One of the unintended consequences of my dad becoming the presumptive Republican nominee is the increased level of public scrutiny on him and our family. Of course I expected more than my fair share when I decided to put myself out there and write a blog on the campaign; however, I've been surprised by critical comments regarding my weight and body shape. It recently reached a ridiculous level when someone handed me a business card for a plastic surgeon and suggested I needed liposuction. I am proud of my curves and have always loved my fuller figure, as should every woman who is not a size "0".
She goes on to some stuff about being a positive role model and whatnot.
OK, I know that as I get older my standards drop, but I think she is very attractive. Just poke around the site for pictures to see that. (It's not unexpected, as her mom is a former beauty queen.) I guess I never fail to be surprised about people from LA or Miami or whatnot who think a woman has to be near-anorexic to be good-looking.
As a final note, from what I can tell she is, um, exactly what Fubar is looking for in a girl.
UPDATE: There is a dopey (as is the magazine's style) profile of Meghan in QG. It has an excellent picture.
Just don't question their patriotism Part 3
This sums it up:
WASHINGTON (AP) - Saddam Hussein's intelligence agency secretly financed a trip to Iraq for three U.S. lawmakers during the run-up to the U.S.-led invasion, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
The three anti-war Democrats made the trip in October 2002, while the Bush administration was trying to persuade Congress to authorize military action against Iraq.
Of course, if it were Republicans who did this, it would be front page news, blared in the headline, and mentioned in the first paragraph, not second.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Saddam Hussein's intelligence agency secretly financed a trip to Iraq for three U.S. lawmakers during the run-up to the U.S.-led invasion, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
The three anti-war Democrats made the trip in October 2002, while the Bush administration was trying to persuade Congress to authorize military action against Iraq.
Of course, if it were Republicans who did this, it would be front page news, blared in the headline, and mentioned in the first paragraph, not second.
Celebrity birthday - Mariah Carey UPDATED
On a lighter note, today is Mariah Carey's 39th birthday. She is very well-preserved and still looking as good as ever.
UPDATE: Yes, I know she's crazy. I don't care. To quote a character from the short-lived Fox sitcom Hardball (I remember very distincly because I was in college and my roommates and I watched it religiously), "Psycho chicks are the best!"
By the way, if memory serves, I think that line was uttered by a character played by a young Joe Rogan.
UPDATE: Yes, I know she's crazy. I don't care. To quote a character from the short-lived Fox sitcom Hardball (I remember very distincly because I was in college and my roommates and I watched it religiously), "Psycho chicks are the best!"
By the way, if memory serves, I think that line was uttered by a character played by a young Joe Rogan.
They tricked me because I'm old and stupid
That's the theme of this article claiming that some mortgage broker schooled some geezers out of their house.
First, the article is being deceptive. It's starts with this:
Retirees Ozell and J.W. McBee are in disbelief. They never expected to be forced out of the home where they have lived with their three teen grandchildren for years, and they're left clinging to hope that an Illinois attorney general office's lawsuit will help restore their shattered world.
For years? My first thought was why a couple of old people needed to refinance the house they've owned forever. Of course, here comes the only really tricky thing in the article (buried at the end by the liberal reporter Francine Knowles), not anything done by the mortgage broker:
The couple said they had to use money from their credit cards to make the two payments on their 4½-bedroom, two-bath home, where they had lived since 1999.
1999? Oh my, they go way back. The woman moved in as a youngster at the age of 77. Such an emotional attachment they must have.
Second, the type of loan they got is so common I wonder how these two ever fell for it. From what I understand, everybody and their brother was getting ARM's (except me) to "save money". I could have too, but I knew those rates were eventually go up. These two don't have anyone they could talk to about this? You'd think people who have lived this long would have built up a certain amount of skepticism about things.
Anyway, it's too bad they couldn't pay for their house. One other thing is bothering me, though. They live with multiple teen grandchildren, none of whom apparently work to help pay for things. Um, why not? There are jobs out there if they want them. My guess is they are too busy playing XBox 360 and telling their grandparents they are soooooo busy with schoolwork that they can't. Either that or they are social rejects who are unhirable (to invent a term).
As for me, I've been busy drinking and studying lately, thus the weak posting. One of those things is ending, but the other is increasing. I can't guarantee how much will be coming, but as you can read here, my misanthropy only builds like a volcano between postings.
First, the article is being deceptive. It's starts with this:
Retirees Ozell and J.W. McBee are in disbelief. They never expected to be forced out of the home where they have lived with their three teen grandchildren for years, and they're left clinging to hope that an Illinois attorney general office's lawsuit will help restore their shattered world.
For years? My first thought was why a couple of old people needed to refinance the house they've owned forever. Of course, here comes the only really tricky thing in the article (buried at the end by the liberal reporter Francine Knowles), not anything done by the mortgage broker:
The couple said they had to use money from their credit cards to make the two payments on their 4½-bedroom, two-bath home, where they had lived since 1999.
1999? Oh my, they go way back. The woman moved in as a youngster at the age of 77. Such an emotional attachment they must have.
Second, the type of loan they got is so common I wonder how these two ever fell for it. From what I understand, everybody and their brother was getting ARM's (except me) to "save money". I could have too, but I knew those rates were eventually go up. These two don't have anyone they could talk to about this? You'd think people who have lived this long would have built up a certain amount of skepticism about things.
Anyway, it's too bad they couldn't pay for their house. One other thing is bothering me, though. They live with multiple teen grandchildren, none of whom apparently work to help pay for things. Um, why not? There are jobs out there if they want them. My guess is they are too busy playing XBox 360 and telling their grandparents they are soooooo busy with schoolwork that they can't. Either that or they are social rejects who are unhirable (to invent a term).
As for me, I've been busy drinking and studying lately, thus the weak posting. One of those things is ending, but the other is increasing. I can't guarantee how much will be coming, but as you can read here, my misanthropy only builds like a volcano between postings.
Friday, March 21, 2008
NCAA Friday
Not a liveblog today, just notes of certain things that occur as I am home. I'll attempt to chronicle important things that occur, such as first beer, first shot, and the arrival of guests.
10:50 Arrival of Andy Reuter, who is sick today.
1:45 First Jagerbomb to celebrate a double-digit seed victory when Davidson (10) beat Gonzaga (7).
2:10 Second Jagerbomb to celebrate Western Kentucky's (12) win over Drake (5). Reuter sent celebratory text messages to his wife's cousin, who is the only Hilltopper (or "Top") alumnus we know.
Also, we cleared a layer of snow for the first time today. There will be more the way it's coming down.
3:30 Plothow shows up. He also christened the PBR 30-pack. Plothow = champion (except that he missed the Duke game last night due to a fancy dinner).
10:50 Arrival of Andy Reuter, who is sick today.
1:45 First Jagerbomb to celebrate a double-digit seed victory when Davidson (10) beat Gonzaga (7).
2:10 Second Jagerbomb to celebrate Western Kentucky's (12) win over Drake (5). Reuter sent celebratory text messages to his wife's cousin, who is the only Hilltopper (or "Top") alumnus we know.
Also, we cleared a layer of snow for the first time today. There will be more the way it's coming down.
3:30 Plothow shows up. He also christened the PBR 30-pack. Plothow = champion (except that he missed the Duke game last night due to a fancy dinner).
Thursday, March 20, 2008
How early is Easter this year?
I thought it was earlier than I could remember, and by far so. I was right.
Daily Obama post
Abigail Thernstrom, whose opinions on racial matters I greatly respect, agrees with the commenters around here (and not me). Hmmm:
Rev. Wright, as Obama says, is the product of a certain era — thankfully gone. (As are Jesse Jackson, John Lewis, and most civil-rights icons, he could have added.) Do I wish Senator Obama had walked away from Trinity Church? Sure. I suspect the reasons he did not do so are psychologically complex. In any case, Wright’s Afrocentric, hate-America views, are clearly not those of Obama himself, who lives, as he says, in the only country on Earth in which his story is even possible.
Rev. Wright, as Obama says, is the product of a certain era — thankfully gone. (As are Jesse Jackson, John Lewis, and most civil-rights icons, he could have added.) Do I wish Senator Obama had walked away from Trinity Church? Sure. I suspect the reasons he did not do so are psychologically complex. In any case, Wright’s Afrocentric, hate-America views, are clearly not those of Obama himself, who lives, as he says, in the only country on Earth in which his story is even possible.
NCAA Tournament vacation
So what have I been doing besides antagonizing Barack Obama fans, you ask?
Why, I'm on a four-day weekend to watch basketball. After realizing a few years ago that when I was at work for the first round of the NCAA tournament I didn't do anything, I decided to just take these two days off and get DirecTV's package to watch any game I want. With my usual 3-TV setup, I've been watching games today.
The first 8 games today were pretty boring, with only 2 of them having any drama at all. I have high hopes for this evening's games, though, as already Belmont is playing Duke tough and Winthrop is tied with Washington State at the half.
So you think I've been a big slug today, right? On the contrary. I've studied for 3 hours for my actuarial exam. I also cleaned my apartment (including putting away my snow shovel, just in time to have to break it out for tomorrow for the last time). I did 5 loads of laundry. I went to the store to buy an antenna for my TV setup. Finally, I ripped a whole crapload of CD's to my PC.
In your face, people who worked!
Why, I'm on a four-day weekend to watch basketball. After realizing a few years ago that when I was at work for the first round of the NCAA tournament I didn't do anything, I decided to just take these two days off and get DirecTV's package to watch any game I want. With my usual 3-TV setup, I've been watching games today.
The first 8 games today were pretty boring, with only 2 of them having any drama at all. I have high hopes for this evening's games, though, as already Belmont is playing Duke tough and Winthrop is tied with Washington State at the half.
So you think I've been a big slug today, right? On the contrary. I've studied for 3 hours for my actuarial exam. I also cleaned my apartment (including putting away my snow shovel, just in time to have to break it out for tomorrow for the last time). I did 5 loads of laundry. I went to the store to buy an antenna for my TV setup. Finally, I ripped a whole crapload of CD's to my PC.
In your face, people who worked!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
More on my Obama post
I appreciate commenter "Lauren" adding her $0.02. I wasn't going to respond because I don't want to get into a tit-for-tat about this, but Jonathon Last over at the Weekly Standard Blog linked to an article by Jay Cost that asks a very good question of Obama. It's a good way to look at it other than "I don't like guilt-by-association":
My concern with the speech is the following. I am not sure what I think about Obama's claim that he never heard Wright make incendiary comments. I think that hinges on the definition of "incendiary." More importantly, I have always thought this was a moot point. Incendiary comments make for great television--but the bigger concern, especially for somebody as smart as Obama, is the philosophy that undergirds them. . . . .
This philosophy is divisive, and Obama was aware of it even if he had not heard its most extreme articulations. At the same time, this philosophy is clearly not the core mission of Trinity United Church of Christ. Jeremiah Wright does not wake up every morning dedicated to dividing people. However, the antipode of this divisiveness is the core mission of Barack Obama. . . .
Accordingly, this inclines me to ask what Obama did about this profound philosophical error. . . . I must ask whether he worked to persuade Wright and the parishioners who applauded so jubilantly at his divisive words that they were wrong on a matter of existential importance. If he did, what was the consequence of those efforts? Did he succeed in bringing about change at Trinity?
When Obama moved to Chicago some 20 years ago, he could have chosen from any of hundreds of churches in his neighborhood. He chose this one. He then became close to Wright. It's not as though he was raised in the church and thus feels an obligation to stay with it.
So why did he choose this church to begin with? The obvious answer is that he agreed with the pastor. After all, he's the face of the church and the first guy he with know a lot about.
My concern with the speech is the following. I am not sure what I think about Obama's claim that he never heard Wright make incendiary comments. I think that hinges on the definition of "incendiary." More importantly, I have always thought this was a moot point. Incendiary comments make for great television--but the bigger concern, especially for somebody as smart as Obama, is the philosophy that undergirds them. . . . .
This philosophy is divisive, and Obama was aware of it even if he had not heard its most extreme articulations. At the same time, this philosophy is clearly not the core mission of Trinity United Church of Christ. Jeremiah Wright does not wake up every morning dedicated to dividing people. However, the antipode of this divisiveness is the core mission of Barack Obama. . . .
Accordingly, this inclines me to ask what Obama did about this profound philosophical error. . . . I must ask whether he worked to persuade Wright and the parishioners who applauded so jubilantly at his divisive words that they were wrong on a matter of existential importance. If he did, what was the consequence of those efforts? Did he succeed in bringing about change at Trinity?
When Obama moved to Chicago some 20 years ago, he could have chosen from any of hundreds of churches in his neighborhood. He chose this one. He then became close to Wright. It's not as though he was raised in the church and thus feels an obligation to stay with it.
So why did he choose this church to begin with? The obvious answer is that he agreed with the pastor. After all, he's the face of the church and the first guy he with know a lot about.
Obama's speech yesterday
The mainstream media is falling all over themselves to praise Barack Obama's speech yesterday on race in America (or so the media says it was about). And that's sort of true, in that Obama talked mostly about that.
However, everyone seems to be trying to forget that his recent problems stem from the racist and anti-American pastor at his church, Jeremiah Wright. Saying that he made a few goofy statements that he doesn't agree with, then seguing into blaming white people for making blacks think like that, doesn't cut it. Obama knowingly joined that church and has been a member for over 20 years. Obama calls Wright his "spiritual mentor". Wright married the Obamas and baptized their children. There's no doubt that Obama knew about Wright's insane views and did nothing about it.
In the speech he could have denounced Wright, but he clearly did not, regardless of the sugar-coating being done by the mainstream media. Michelle Malkin has lots of actual speech excerpts you can read on your own and decide. In addition, Investors Business Daily has a good editorial on the speech:
But Obama's recent troubles, which this much-hyped speech was supposed to put past him, are not about race relations. They're about one churchman who happens to be black, whose views from the pulpit are repugnant and from whom Obama doesn't seem to have the guts to distance himself.
Reacting to being linked with a bigoted conspiracy theorist by lecturing the nation on race is like disgraced ex-New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer responding to his getting caught patronizing an international prostitution ring by giving a speech on the female physique.
The supposed divide between black and white is not the issue here; Obama's longtime association with Jeremiah Wright is.
This is a man who believes the U.S. government formulated the HIV virus to commit genocide against blacks and that it is also responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
Yes, Obama claimed in his speech to have "condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy." But he quickly proceeded to equivocate regarding them.
Do you think I am making too much of this? Here's a thought exercise: what if a white Republican attended for 20 years a church where the preacher, during service, regularly said that black people caused all kinds of problems in the world. Don't you think the media would do everything in their power to destroy him? Does Obama get a break because not only he's a Democrat, not only because he's black, but maybe also because the media is so condescending of blacks that they think it's OK for them have these insane ideas (rather than rational ones)?
I'm not bringing up a hypothetical. Let Peter Wehner take you back to the 2000 presidential race:
We actually have an example of how the MSM plays the “guilt by association” card when it comes to certain political and religious figures. In the 2000 campaign George W. Bush spoke once at Bob Jones University; it was an event used to bludgeon Bush with for the rest of the campaign and into his presidency. And, of course, Bush did not attend Bob Jones University, financially support it, or consider Bob Jones to be his spiritual mentor or close friend for 25 years. Yet these things mattered not at all. Bush spoke at Bob Jones University — and so to many in the press, he was joined at the hip with it. The association between Reverend Wright and Senator Obama is far deeper in every respect.
If Obama were truly the post-racial presidential candidate, shouldn't we hold him to the same standards as any other candidate?
UPDATE: I had written earlier about Obama that while I agreed with him on very little, he'd be preferable to Hillary because at least he's a good person. After the last week or so, I no longer think that. I'm not the only one.
However, everyone seems to be trying to forget that his recent problems stem from the racist and anti-American pastor at his church, Jeremiah Wright. Saying that he made a few goofy statements that he doesn't agree with, then seguing into blaming white people for making blacks think like that, doesn't cut it. Obama knowingly joined that church and has been a member for over 20 years. Obama calls Wright his "spiritual mentor". Wright married the Obamas and baptized their children. There's no doubt that Obama knew about Wright's insane views and did nothing about it.
In the speech he could have denounced Wright, but he clearly did not, regardless of the sugar-coating being done by the mainstream media. Michelle Malkin has lots of actual speech excerpts you can read on your own and decide. In addition, Investors Business Daily has a good editorial on the speech:
But Obama's recent troubles, which this much-hyped speech was supposed to put past him, are not about race relations. They're about one churchman who happens to be black, whose views from the pulpit are repugnant and from whom Obama doesn't seem to have the guts to distance himself.
Reacting to being linked with a bigoted conspiracy theorist by lecturing the nation on race is like disgraced ex-New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer responding to his getting caught patronizing an international prostitution ring by giving a speech on the female physique.
The supposed divide between black and white is not the issue here; Obama's longtime association with Jeremiah Wright is.
This is a man who believes the U.S. government formulated the HIV virus to commit genocide against blacks and that it is also responsible for the 9/11 attacks.
Yes, Obama claimed in his speech to have "condemned, in unequivocal terms, the statements of Reverend Wright that have caused such controversy." But he quickly proceeded to equivocate regarding them.
Do you think I am making too much of this? Here's a thought exercise: what if a white Republican attended for 20 years a church where the preacher, during service, regularly said that black people caused all kinds of problems in the world. Don't you think the media would do everything in their power to destroy him? Does Obama get a break because not only he's a Democrat, not only because he's black, but maybe also because the media is so condescending of blacks that they think it's OK for them have these insane ideas (rather than rational ones)?
I'm not bringing up a hypothetical. Let Peter Wehner take you back to the 2000 presidential race:
We actually have an example of how the MSM plays the “guilt by association” card when it comes to certain political and religious figures. In the 2000 campaign George W. Bush spoke once at Bob Jones University; it was an event used to bludgeon Bush with for the rest of the campaign and into his presidency. And, of course, Bush did not attend Bob Jones University, financially support it, or consider Bob Jones to be his spiritual mentor or close friend for 25 years. Yet these things mattered not at all. Bush spoke at Bob Jones University — and so to many in the press, he was joined at the hip with it. The association between Reverend Wright and Senator Obama is far deeper in every respect.
If Obama were truly the post-racial presidential candidate, shouldn't we hold him to the same standards as any other candidate?
UPDATE: I had written earlier about Obama that while I agreed with him on very little, he'd be preferable to Hillary because at least he's a good person. After the last week or so, I no longer think that. I'm not the only one.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
People are dumb
Since I spend most of my life around people who are rational and intelligent (or at least more so than most), I can sometimes forget just how stupid and rude much of the populace is.
Some girl who works for a pizza place answering the phones is reminded every day, however, and gives some suggestions to those people. The rest of us get to read it and be appalled.
Here's number 2, for example, and look how she immediately knows that people like me are not going to believe how dumb some people are (before she says I would do it too):
2. KNOW YOUR ADDRESS! Don't giggle, you overpaid salaried- MBA reading this during your lunch-hour. YOU are the IDIOT that calls and says "We just moved. It's by the store on the corner." Really? Thank goodness there is only one store on a corner in all of Washington State. For a moment, I thought I might actually have to look on a map to see where you live or verifiy the northeastern part of this town or the west side of the next city. Oh, and when I politely mention that I need an exact address, don't huff and act like I'M the one making things difficult. Find a piece of mail. Look on your lease or morgage papers. Go outside. You DO have an address, contrary to the nameless customer who insisted "they" took his address away (but he's got other problems).
Some girl who works for a pizza place answering the phones is reminded every day, however, and gives some suggestions to those people. The rest of us get to read it and be appalled.
Here's number 2, for example, and look how she immediately knows that people like me are not going to believe how dumb some people are (before she says I would do it too):
2. KNOW YOUR ADDRESS! Don't giggle, you overpaid salaried- MBA reading this during your lunch-hour. YOU are the IDIOT that calls and says "We just moved. It's by the store on the corner." Really? Thank goodness there is only one store on a corner in all of Washington State. For a moment, I thought I might actually have to look on a map to see where you live or verifiy the northeastern part of this town or the west side of the next city. Oh, and when I politely mention that I need an exact address, don't huff and act like I'M the one making things difficult. Find a piece of mail. Look on your lease or morgage papers. Go outside. You DO have an address, contrary to the nameless customer who insisted "they" took his address away (but he's got other problems).
Weekend movie reviews
I'm pretty busy, but here are the three movies I watched this weekend, in order from worst to first (very light on links, sorry). I was surprised at how strong this group was:
American Pie Presents Beta House
This is something like the 3rd movie they have made that went straight to video, and they have all been good. The other two have good stories, but this one was lacking. I'm willing to overlook that, as there were lots of times I laughed out loud during this one. If you are also in a perpetual state of immaturiy and enjoy movies about fraternity rivalries (even though I wasn't in a frat), you should get a kick out of this one.
The Simpsons Movie
I thought this movie was very funny, and it's only not in the top slot due to the other movie's surprising greatness. I went in with moderate expectations, as Simpsons fans I know crapped on it. I could have done without all of the environmental hippie-ness, but they did it in a funny way. Matt Groening and crew had a very difficult job in making this movie, as they wanted it to feel bigger than a TV episode but not over-the-top in silliness. I think they succeeded. Plus, the animation was outstanding.
Kickin It Old Skool
I'm not completely surprised at how funny this was, but I didn't expect it, especially since it started pretty slowly and had some weak moments. It was also very formulaic. The great moments were enough to overcome that, however. Plus, it's a formula for a reason: it works. I loved Malibu's Most Wanted, so I figured Jamie Kennedy wouldn't give me a metaphorical pile of poop. He didn't.
I originally wrote the things I liked about this movie in paragraph format, but it was very poorly written. Here's a list:
1. The cast was excellent, and the female lead was played by the comely Maria Menounos. Also included was Shooter McGavin, Forman's mom, Juwanna Mann, and (very briefly) Cameron.
2. There was tons of great 1980's music, including Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" being played about 10 times and a crapload of old rap.
3. There were lots of references to 1980's toys and other cultural stuff in the dialogue, as might be expected when the movie is about a 32-year-old man who woke up from a 20-year coma in 2006.
4. The breakdancing scenes were quite enjoyable.
Quote of the movie: "They also made jeans washed in acid. Which is AWESOME!" (Maybe you have to see it in context.)
I cannot recommend this movie highly enough if you like some combination of the things I described in the list above. It was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time.
OK, I had to find some pictures:
American Pie Presents Beta House
This is something like the 3rd movie they have made that went straight to video, and they have all been good. The other two have good stories, but this one was lacking. I'm willing to overlook that, as there were lots of times I laughed out loud during this one. If you are also in a perpetual state of immaturiy and enjoy movies about fraternity rivalries (even though I wasn't in a frat), you should get a kick out of this one.
The Simpsons Movie
I thought this movie was very funny, and it's only not in the top slot due to the other movie's surprising greatness. I went in with moderate expectations, as Simpsons fans I know crapped on it. I could have done without all of the environmental hippie-ness, but they did it in a funny way. Matt Groening and crew had a very difficult job in making this movie, as they wanted it to feel bigger than a TV episode but not over-the-top in silliness. I think they succeeded. Plus, the animation was outstanding.
Kickin It Old Skool
I'm not completely surprised at how funny this was, but I didn't expect it, especially since it started pretty slowly and had some weak moments. It was also very formulaic. The great moments were enough to overcome that, however. Plus, it's a formula for a reason: it works. I loved Malibu's Most Wanted, so I figured Jamie Kennedy wouldn't give me a metaphorical pile of poop. He didn't.
I originally wrote the things I liked about this movie in paragraph format, but it was very poorly written. Here's a list:
1. The cast was excellent, and the female lead was played by the comely Maria Menounos. Also included was Shooter McGavin, Forman's mom, Juwanna Mann, and (very briefly) Cameron.
2. There was tons of great 1980's music, including Herbie Hancock's "Rockit" being played about 10 times and a crapload of old rap.
3. There were lots of references to 1980's toys and other cultural stuff in the dialogue, as might be expected when the movie is about a 32-year-old man who woke up from a 20-year coma in 2006.
4. The breakdancing scenes were quite enjoyable.
Quote of the movie: "They also made jeans washed in acid. Which is AWESOME!" (Maybe you have to see it in context.)
I cannot recommend this movie highly enough if you like some combination of the things I described in the list above. It was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time.
OK, I had to find some pictures:
Friday, March 14, 2008
McCain's earmark legilation defeated
It's not a surprise that a proposal to make earmarks in the Senate need a 2/3 vote to pass has failed, and easily. Bloomberg's Brian Faler misses the bigger point for McCain, though, when he writes the following:
The Senate's 71 to 29 vote to reject the earmark proposal was a setback for Arizona Senator McCain, who has made the fight against such spending an issue in his presidential campaign.
Yes, it failed, but it helps McCain's presidential campaign. It helps burnish his credentials as an outsider, and thus helps his appeal in another election cycle when the Republican brand is in tatters.
As an aside, this part of the article was actually pretty funny:
"This may be the last bastion in America where they don't get it, that Americans are sick and tired of the way we do business here in Washington,'' McCain said.
Um, unlike immigration, Senator?
The Senate's 71 to 29 vote to reject the earmark proposal was a setback for Arizona Senator McCain, who has made the fight against such spending an issue in his presidential campaign.
Yes, it failed, but it helps McCain's presidential campaign. It helps burnish his credentials as an outsider, and thus helps his appeal in another election cycle when the Republican brand is in tatters.
As an aside, this part of the article was actually pretty funny:
"This may be the last bastion in America where they don't get it, that Americans are sick and tired of the way we do business here in Washington,'' McCain said.
Um, unlike immigration, Senator?
SAVE Act in Congress
There is a good illegal immigration enforcement bill in the House of Representatives. It's being held up by the Democratic leadership because they are pro-open borders (but rarely admit it):
But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the rest of the House Democratic leadership are open-borders advocates who want no part of the SAVE Act, and have thus far managed to keep the bill buried in the Judiciary Committee. To get around this roadblock, supporters of the SAVE Act need 218 signatures on a discharge petition to bring the bill to the floor for a vote. As of yesterday afternoon, according to NumbersUSA, they had 169 signatures — 161 Republicans and seven Democrats — who had signed the discharge petition. (Updated totals are available at www.numbersusa.com.) It is likely that many of the 38 Republicans who had not signed as of yesterday will do so in the coming days. The critical question is what will happen with the Democrats — there are more than 30 of them who have signed on as cosponsors of Mr. Shuler's bill who have thus far been unwilling to take the next step: signing the discharge petition.
Sports fans maybe asking themselves, "Heath Shuler, the former quarterback?" The answer is yes, he's now a Democratic congressman from North Carolina. He won in the 2006 Democratic landslide in a conservative district by running as a conservative Democrat. To his credit and for his district's benefit, he has largely voted like one, too. He also wrote the bill. Here is an editorial from Shuler and California Republican Brian Bilbray in today's Washington Times:
Finally, to eliminate the primary cause of illegal immigration — illegal employment — the SAVE Act expands the E-Verify program to provide all employers with the tools they need to ensure that their employees are here legally. E-Verify is a quick, easy and free Web-based system that cross-references Social Security numbers, and other pertinent information, to ensure that a worker is legally entitled to be employed in the United States. It is already being successfully used by 56,000 American employers on a voluntary basis. The SAVE Act gradually phases it in for all employers over four years, allowing businesses time to adapt. Making E-Verify mandatory will protect American workers and law-abiding businesses from the unfair competition created by a massive illegal workforce.
The use of E-Verify also means that individual employers are no longer expected to be document experts. The liability of determining the legal status of an employee is placed on the government, not the business owner. Since employers will be required to check all potential employees, racial profiling will not be an issue. Additionally, in the rare case where the system makes an error the employer is held harmless.
Let's hope they succeed. If they do, we'll see if the Senate can resist voting on it in an election year.
Here's Shuler before he became good at his profession:
UPDATE: More on the SAVE Act from Mark Hemingway at NRO:
Rosemary Jenks, the director of government relations for NumbersUSA, an organization that favors tighter immigration controls, notes there is already a movement afoot by the Democratic leadership to attach something to legislation which will either kill the legislation or add provisions that make it more palatable to the Hispanic caucus.
“Essentially the Democratic leadership has been trying to work out some deals with various different groups of Democrats, but the key is that they want congressman Schuler to sign off on them,” Jenks tells National Review Online. “So far he has stood very firmly against any form of amnesty, which is what the Hispanic caucus wants.” She says, “he is telling them that he doesn’t want extra visas — H2-B visas, or H1-B visas or amnesty visas added to his bill, that he wants it to come up for a vote the way it is.”
But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the rest of the House Democratic leadership are open-borders advocates who want no part of the SAVE Act, and have thus far managed to keep the bill buried in the Judiciary Committee. To get around this roadblock, supporters of the SAVE Act need 218 signatures on a discharge petition to bring the bill to the floor for a vote. As of yesterday afternoon, according to NumbersUSA, they had 169 signatures — 161 Republicans and seven Democrats — who had signed the discharge petition. (Updated totals are available at www.numbersusa.com.) It is likely that many of the 38 Republicans who had not signed as of yesterday will do so in the coming days. The critical question is what will happen with the Democrats — there are more than 30 of them who have signed on as cosponsors of Mr. Shuler's bill who have thus far been unwilling to take the next step: signing the discharge petition.
Sports fans maybe asking themselves, "Heath Shuler, the former quarterback?" The answer is yes, he's now a Democratic congressman from North Carolina. He won in the 2006 Democratic landslide in a conservative district by running as a conservative Democrat. To his credit and for his district's benefit, he has largely voted like one, too. He also wrote the bill. Here is an editorial from Shuler and California Republican Brian Bilbray in today's Washington Times:
Finally, to eliminate the primary cause of illegal immigration — illegal employment — the SAVE Act expands the E-Verify program to provide all employers with the tools they need to ensure that their employees are here legally. E-Verify is a quick, easy and free Web-based system that cross-references Social Security numbers, and other pertinent information, to ensure that a worker is legally entitled to be employed in the United States. It is already being successfully used by 56,000 American employers on a voluntary basis. The SAVE Act gradually phases it in for all employers over four years, allowing businesses time to adapt. Making E-Verify mandatory will protect American workers and law-abiding businesses from the unfair competition created by a massive illegal workforce.
The use of E-Verify also means that individual employers are no longer expected to be document experts. The liability of determining the legal status of an employee is placed on the government, not the business owner. Since employers will be required to check all potential employees, racial profiling will not be an issue. Additionally, in the rare case where the system makes an error the employer is held harmless.
Let's hope they succeed. If they do, we'll see if the Senate can resist voting on it in an election year.
Here's Shuler before he became good at his profession:
UPDATE: More on the SAVE Act from Mark Hemingway at NRO:
Rosemary Jenks, the director of government relations for NumbersUSA, an organization that favors tighter immigration controls, notes there is already a movement afoot by the Democratic leadership to attach something to legislation which will either kill the legislation or add provisions that make it more palatable to the Hispanic caucus.
“Essentially the Democratic leadership has been trying to work out some deals with various different groups of Democrats, but the key is that they want congressman Schuler to sign off on them,” Jenks tells National Review Online. “So far he has stood very firmly against any form of amnesty, which is what the Hispanic caucus wants.” She says, “he is telling them that he doesn’t want extra visas — H2-B visas, or H1-B visas or amnesty visas added to his bill, that he wants it to come up for a vote the way it is.”
Thursday, March 13, 2008
The Daily Show on Code Pink
Dean Barnett over at the Weekly Standard Blog posted a video of the Daily Show's segment on Code Pink and the Berkeley Marine recruiting center. It's done by Rob Riggle, who is that big dude who used to be on SNL and now is in the Budweiser commercials. He's also a Marine, which makes parts of the video even funnier. (I've heard that Marines like to say that there are no "former" Marines, so I'll mention that it seems he is no longer on active duty.)
My favorite part is his question at 3:23 in.
My favorite part is his question at 3:23 in.
Mr. T art exhibit
This is in Poland. (I love Poland.)
Courtesy of John Hawkins.
UPDATE: Thanks to intrepid commenter "Ahow" for pointing out my semi-literacy and that this museum is actually in Portland. I think I just wanted it to be in Poland so darn much!
Courtesy of John Hawkins.
UPDATE: Thanks to intrepid commenter "Ahow" for pointing out my semi-literacy and that this museum is actually in Portland. I think I just wanted it to be in Poland so darn much!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Heeeeeeere's "Kristen"!
The New York Times has identified the girl who brought down New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. Here is her My Space page (warning: annoying music, apparently of her singing). And here are some pictures from The Smoking Gun.
All thanks to Drudge and his great collection of links.
Meanwhile, here is Jim Cramer crying about the whole thing. I'm not sure why any Wall Street insider like him would defend him, but I guess they went to law school together.
Finally, it looks quite possible that this will end in indictments. Couldn't happen to a better guy.
All thanks to Drudge and his great collection of links.
Meanwhile, here is Jim Cramer crying about the whole thing. I'm not sure why any Wall Street insider like him would defend him, but I guess they went to law school together.
Finally, it looks quite possible that this will end in indictments. Couldn't happen to a better guy.
British war hero honored
The details of the medal and such aren't interesting, but his awesome work in the field of battle sure is:
A BRITISH soldier who almost single-handedly took on 150 Taliban after he and his 50-man convoy were ambushed in Afghanistan has been awarded the Military Cross.
Fusilier Damien Hields used his grenade machinegun to destroy seven Taliban positions before his ambushers realised he was their main threat. After peppering his vehicle with bullets, they hit the 24-year-old soldier. He had to be dragged off for treatment by his driver after he tried to continue fighting.
...
They were on their way back to Kandahar on June 3, driving south in a valley, when the Taliban attacked. One of the Land Rovers hit a landmine and was flipped upside down by the blast. “There were Taliban dug in all around and they started hitting us with AK47s and mortars. We could not see where they were at first.”
Hields followed the trail of RPG-7 rocket-propelled grenades coming towards him and started firing grenades one at a time, trying to home in. “Then I switched to automatic fire,” he said. A grenade machine gun has a box with 32 grenade rounds. “I emptied a box onto that position and you could see all the dust and smoke flying about where they hit.
“After that no fire came back from that position and I moved on to the next one. One or two rounds until I got onto the target, and switch to automatic and empty the box.”
Realising that Hields was the main threat to them, the remaining Taliban fighters homed in on him with their RPG7s, Dushka heavy machineguns and Kalash-nikov rifles. Hields was undaunted and continued firing.
“I got through six boxes in about 15 minutes and we were winning the fight,” he said. “They started it. We were going to finish it.”
A BRITISH soldier who almost single-handedly took on 150 Taliban after he and his 50-man convoy were ambushed in Afghanistan has been awarded the Military Cross.
Fusilier Damien Hields used his grenade machinegun to destroy seven Taliban positions before his ambushers realised he was their main threat. After peppering his vehicle with bullets, they hit the 24-year-old soldier. He had to be dragged off for treatment by his driver after he tried to continue fighting.
...
They were on their way back to Kandahar on June 3, driving south in a valley, when the Taliban attacked. One of the Land Rovers hit a landmine and was flipped upside down by the blast. “There were Taliban dug in all around and they started hitting us with AK47s and mortars. We could not see where they were at first.”
Hields followed the trail of RPG-7 rocket-propelled grenades coming towards him and started firing grenades one at a time, trying to home in. “Then I switched to automatic fire,” he said. A grenade machine gun has a box with 32 grenade rounds. “I emptied a box onto that position and you could see all the dust and smoke flying about where they hit.
“After that no fire came back from that position and I moved on to the next one. One or two rounds until I got onto the target, and switch to automatic and empty the box.”
Realising that Hields was the main threat to them, the remaining Taliban fighters homed in on him with their RPG7s, Dushka heavy machineguns and Kalash-nikov rifles. Hields was undaunted and continued firing.
“I got through six boxes in about 15 minutes and we were winning the fight,” he said. “They started it. We were going to finish it.”
Client 9 steps down
New York Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned this morning.
Much has been written about him this week and in the past. I'll just mention that he should have resigned (and not waited two days to do it), so this is good for the people of New York. Messing around with high-class prostitutes is a terrible idea for a politician, since he can become a target of blackmail by the organized crime figures who run the operations.
Also, as former and current Mercer employees have noted, he's a bad guy for whom no one is shedding any tears. It's even hard to be sorry for his wife, as she's been mentioned as pushing him on Monday to not resign and thus stay on as governor. By abusing his power as state Attorney General in attacking various corporations, he ensured that despite a record margin of victory in the 2006 election, he wouldn't have much of a base of support if things went south for him.
Good riddance to an arrogant, abusive man.
Much has been written about him this week and in the past. I'll just mention that he should have resigned (and not waited two days to do it), so this is good for the people of New York. Messing around with high-class prostitutes is a terrible idea for a politician, since he can become a target of blackmail by the organized crime figures who run the operations.
Also, as former and current Mercer employees have noted, he's a bad guy for whom no one is shedding any tears. It's even hard to be sorry for his wife, as she's been mentioned as pushing him on Monday to not resign and thus stay on as governor. By abusing his power as state Attorney General in attacking various corporations, he ensured that despite a record margin of victory in the 2006 election, he wouldn't have much of a base of support if things went south for him.
Good riddance to an arrogant, abusive man.
New South Park tonight!
Season 12 of South Park kicks off tonight at 9 Central. I'm excited. I know not many others care.
Celebrity birthday - Jaimie Alexander
OK, who is Jaimie Alexander? She's the girl who made Dennis be her prom date in the It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia episode "Underage Drinking: A National Concern". She's 18 and she loves to party, so Dennis had nothing to worry about (other than the extortion part).
Apparently, Jaimie has been doing some work on TV shows called Watch Over Me and Kyle XY. I don't know what those are.
Pictures? Find your own pictures. I just wanted to post this because she had possibly my favorite cameo ever on the show.
Apparently, Jaimie has been doing some work on TV shows called Watch Over Me and Kyle XY. I don't know what those are.
Pictures? Find your own pictures. I just wanted to post this because she had possibly my favorite cameo ever on the show.
A former liberal writes
David Mamet is some kind of playwright or whatnot (his name is familiar to me, but I don't know what he does). He has a fascinating column in the Village Voice today where he describes how he has come around to the viewpoint of the world that could be called conservative. Here is an excerpt. I love the Thomas Sowell shout-out:
Prior to the midterm elections, my rabbi was taking a lot of flack. The congregation is exclusively liberal, he is a self-described independent (read "conservative"), and he was driving the flock wild. Why? Because a) he never discussed politics; and b) he taught that the quality of political discourse must be addressed first—that Jewish law teaches that it is incumbent upon each person to hear the other fellow out.
And so I, like many of the liberal congregation, began, teeth grinding, to attempt to do so. And in doing so, I recognized that I held those two views of America (politics, government, corporations, the military). One was of a state where everything was magically wrong and must be immediately corrected at any cost; and the other—the world in which I actually functioned day to day—was made up of people, most of whom were reasonably trying to maximize their comfort by getting along with each other (in the workplace, the marketplace, the jury room, on the freeway, even at the school-board meeting).
And I realized that the time had come for me to avow my participation in that America in which I chose to live, and that that country was not a schoolroom teaching values, but a marketplace.
"Aha," you will say, and you are right. I began reading not only the economics of Thomas Sowell (our greatest contemporary philosopher) but Milton Friedman, Paul Johnson, and Shelby Steele, and a host of conservative writers, and found that I agreed with them: a free-market understanding of the world meshes more perfectly with my experience than that idealistic vision I called liberalism.
Prior to the midterm elections, my rabbi was taking a lot of flack. The congregation is exclusively liberal, he is a self-described independent (read "conservative"), and he was driving the flock wild. Why? Because a) he never discussed politics; and b) he taught that the quality of political discourse must be addressed first—that Jewish law teaches that it is incumbent upon each person to hear the other fellow out.
And so I, like many of the liberal congregation, began, teeth grinding, to attempt to do so. And in doing so, I recognized that I held those two views of America (politics, government, corporations, the military). One was of a state where everything was magically wrong and must be immediately corrected at any cost; and the other—the world in which I actually functioned day to day—was made up of people, most of whom were reasonably trying to maximize their comfort by getting along with each other (in the workplace, the marketplace, the jury room, on the freeway, even at the school-board meeting).
And I realized that the time had come for me to avow my participation in that America in which I chose to live, and that that country was not a schoolroom teaching values, but a marketplace.
"Aha," you will say, and you are right. I began reading not only the economics of Thomas Sowell (our greatest contemporary philosopher) but Milton Friedman, Paul Johnson, and Shelby Steele, and a host of conservative writers, and found that I agreed with them: a free-market understanding of the world meshes more perfectly with my experience than that idealistic vision I called liberalism.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
My weekend as Slurms McKenzie (without the suicide part)
For those of you who didn't get into the show Futurama, you may not understand this reference without doing some research.
Slurms McKenzie is a parody of Spuds McKenzie of 1980's Bud Light fame. He's the original party worm. In an episode of the show, the gang wins a tour of the Slurm factory (Slurm is some kind of pop). They meet Slurms, and at the end of the episode he says he's just so tired of partying that:
Slurms McKenzie, exhausted from his years of partying, arrives and sacrifices himself to save Fry, Leela, his two super models, and Bender.
Oh man, I'm partied out. Whimmy wham wham wozzle.
Friday, March 7, 2008
The media and Muslims
This was too good of a point to not post, I thought. Here's the whole thing from Jamie Sneider over at The Blog at The Weekly Standard:
One thought about the Jerusalem massacre: the lack of moral outrage about the fact that the gunman disguised himself as a rabbinical student.
Although the media frequently covers protests by outraged Muslims throwing temper tantrums at any perceived disrespect to their religion, Reuters and other news outlets fail to focus on the transparent hypocrisy when writing about terrorist attacks against Jews and Catholics. Not only do the terrorist sympathizers celebrate attacks against other religions with street-parties, prayers, and sweets, they fail to condemn al Qaeda’s bombing of mosques, which presumably contain an abundant supply of oh so sacred Korans.
One thought about the Jerusalem massacre: the lack of moral outrage about the fact that the gunman disguised himself as a rabbinical student.
Although the media frequently covers protests by outraged Muslims throwing temper tantrums at any perceived disrespect to their religion, Reuters and other news outlets fail to focus on the transparent hypocrisy when writing about terrorist attacks against Jews and Catholics. Not only do the terrorist sympathizers celebrate attacks against other religions with street-parties, prayers, and sweets, they fail to condemn al Qaeda’s bombing of mosques, which presumably contain an abundant supply of oh so sacred Korans.
Ronny Turiaf isn't a jerk
I'll give Laker backup power forward (neither scrub nor star, for those who don't know) Ronny Turiaf credit for this. He walks up to a club in LA trying to get in, and he's told that he can't without a reservation.
So what does he do? He turns around and walks away. How many athletes would do that?
Later, though, his buddy goes up and pulls the Laker card and is still denied. The question is whether Turiaf told him to do it or not. I can't figure that out, so I'll give Turiaf the benefit of the doubt.
So what does he do? He turns around and walks away. How many athletes would do that?
Later, though, his buddy goes up and pulls the Laker card and is still denied. The question is whether Turiaf told him to do it or not. I can't figure that out, so I'll give Turiaf the benefit of the doubt.
Chicago's best bartender
AKA Consensus of the fancy people. This list tell you all you need to know about it by reading these two excerpts regarding the bartender at Burton Place:
Like many dive bars before it, Burton Place is dark and brown and always blaring classic rock.
Stop right there. Burton Place is not a dive bar just because it's dark and brown and loud. Dive bars also need a crowd of locals who are not fancy. Also this:
Q. What's your favorite drink to make, and how much does it cost?
A. Probably a Budweiser for $4.50. It's right here, and I can get it to you in less than two seconds.
$4.50 for Bud? NOT A DIVE. Will's sounds like a dive (I've never been there and I don't even know where it is, as it's not in Metromix).
I'm not trying to say that these people aren't good bartenders. I've found that the bartenders at fancy restaurants and such tend to actually be extremely competent in every technical aspect of bartending. Right now, for my money the best bartender in the city is John at Four Shadows. He's a big reason that I always start my week so poorly after bowling on Sunday night.
UPDATE: Commenter "I<3Indiana" (I'm not sure what being less than 3 Indianas is about) points out Seth from Foley's. Yes, I agree, he is the best bartender in Chicago. I need to go back to Foley's sometime soon...
Like many dive bars before it, Burton Place is dark and brown and always blaring classic rock.
Stop right there. Burton Place is not a dive bar just because it's dark and brown and loud. Dive bars also need a crowd of locals who are not fancy. Also this:
Q. What's your favorite drink to make, and how much does it cost?
A. Probably a Budweiser for $4.50. It's right here, and I can get it to you in less than two seconds.
$4.50 for Bud? NOT A DIVE. Will's sounds like a dive (I've never been there and I don't even know where it is, as it's not in Metromix).
I'm not trying to say that these people aren't good bartenders. I've found that the bartenders at fancy restaurants and such tend to actually be extremely competent in every technical aspect of bartending. Right now, for my money the best bartender in the city is John at Four Shadows. He's a big reason that I always start my week so poorly after bowling on Sunday night.
UPDATE: Commenter "I<3Indiana" (I'm not sure what being less than 3 Indianas is about) points out Seth from Foley's. Yes, I agree, he is the best bartender in Chicago. I need to go back to Foley's sometime soon...
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Sex discrimination in the sciences
This (very long) article describes the movement afoot to do to college science departments what Title IX has done to athletic programs.
There is too much good stuff to quote, so I recommend reading the whole thing if you have the time and interest.
There is too much good stuff to quote, so I recommend reading the whole thing if you have the time and interest.
Reaction to the county sales tax hike
Here is a great wrap-up of some of the reaction to last week's vote to increase the Cook County sales tax. (Note: the link may be subscriber-only, in which case I'm not sure how I got through and saw it.)
I agree with the first part. When Cook County government is dominated by (basically) the city political machine, why should the suburbs have to go along with it? I would want to secede too, because it just doesn't make sense to pound the residents of Palatine or Schaumburg with taxes to support the county hospital system, which almost no one out there uses. It's just for all the poor people and illegals in the city to get free medical care. A commenter nails it:
At least I’m lucky enought to have health insurance. Many “middle class” families just can’t afford it, yet they have to pay for health services to Chicago’s poor that they themselves have to do without. And, in this era, I really don’t see the link between Chicago and the suburbs … other than going to a sports event, most suburbanites just don’t go to the city any more. The jobs (what’s left of them) are in the burbs. So, why are we saddled with subsidizing Chicago’s squalor???
I think that the suburbs should split into 2 or 3 additional counties. There are more people in the suburbs than in the city, yet the county seems to operate primarily for the city’s benefit and at the expense of the burbs. But, we all know that this will never happen, since Daley and company will never let their cash cow be led off to another pasture.
I agree with the first part. When Cook County government is dominated by (basically) the city political machine, why should the suburbs have to go along with it? I would want to secede too, because it just doesn't make sense to pound the residents of Palatine or Schaumburg with taxes to support the county hospital system, which almost no one out there uses. It's just for all the poor people and illegals in the city to get free medical care. A commenter nails it:
At least I’m lucky enought to have health insurance. Many “middle class” families just can’t afford it, yet they have to pay for health services to Chicago’s poor that they themselves have to do without. And, in this era, I really don’t see the link between Chicago and the suburbs … other than going to a sports event, most suburbanites just don’t go to the city any more. The jobs (what’s left of them) are in the burbs. So, why are we saddled with subsidizing Chicago’s squalor???
I think that the suburbs should split into 2 or 3 additional counties. There are more people in the suburbs than in the city, yet the county seems to operate primarily for the city’s benefit and at the expense of the burbs. But, we all know that this will never happen, since Daley and company will never let their cash cow be led off to another pasture.
Newsflash: Old people don't like change
Well gee, if some old guy who is going to die soon doesn't want the name of Wrigley Field to change, I guess to the press he's got absolute moral authority to reject it:
At 99, Johnson has a hard time summoning some long-buried memories. But he's certain about this: He doesn't want Cubs owner Sam Zell to sell the Wrigley Field name to the highest bidder.
"I don't like the idea," Johnson says during a bedside chat this week. "It's been Wrigley all these years. Why change it? It would be a terrible mistake."
In other news, he then complained about these damn kids today.
At 99, Johnson has a hard time summoning some long-buried memories. But he's certain about this: He doesn't want Cubs owner Sam Zell to sell the Wrigley Field name to the highest bidder.
"I don't like the idea," Johnson says during a bedside chat this week. "It's been Wrigley all these years. Why change it? It would be a terrible mistake."
In other news, he then complained about these damn kids today.
The city's bicycle beaurocracy
I agree with the point of the city in this article (that cyclists ride around like maniacs when they are supposed to follow the rules of the road), but do we need another layer of beaurocracy to fix the problem?
The city’s Bike 2015 Plan calls for new regulations against the city’s 300 bicycle messengers, who make 1.1 million deliveries each year.
They would be required to wear helmets and complete a city training session. Companies would be advised when messengers get tickets.
“I may have the pleasure of coming back to this committee again with an ordinance specifically related” to bike messengers, said Ben Gomberg, bike program coordinator for the Department of Transportation.
Gomberg said bicycle licensing has been studied and rejected in other cities as “administratively too difficult.” But, he promised a summer crackdown to create a “level playing field.”
The city’s Bike 2015 Plan calls for new regulations against the city’s 300 bicycle messengers, who make 1.1 million deliveries each year.
They would be required to wear helmets and complete a city training session. Companies would be advised when messengers get tickets.
“I may have the pleasure of coming back to this committee again with an ordinance specifically related” to bike messengers, said Ben Gomberg, bike program coordinator for the Department of Transportation.
Gomberg said bicycle licensing has been studied and rejected in other cities as “administratively too difficult.” But, he promised a summer crackdown to create a “level playing field.”
Cost of illegal immigration on Arizona border counties
It's always easy for people who don't live near the border to love open immigration, as the direct costs aren't terribly huge (not to say that costs aren't big, but they are more indirect). But what about for counties along the border?
PHOENIX (AP) - A new study concludes that law enforcement and criminal prosecutions linked to illegal immigration is costing Arizona border counties millions of dollars a year.
The study says the battle over illegal immigration is also diverting money from parks, libraries and other law-enforcement efforts.
University of Arizona and San Diego State University researchers say in the four border counties in Arizona, costs increased 39% to $26.6 million in fiscal 2006.
Do you want to reimburse them? How about just building a wall and cutting off the jobs magnet instead?
PHOENIX (AP) - A new study concludes that law enforcement and criminal prosecutions linked to illegal immigration is costing Arizona border counties millions of dollars a year.
The study says the battle over illegal immigration is also diverting money from parks, libraries and other law-enforcement efforts.
University of Arizona and San Diego State University researchers say in the four border counties in Arizona, costs increased 39% to $26.6 million in fiscal 2006.
Do you want to reimburse them? How about just building a wall and cutting off the jobs magnet instead?
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
A McCain speech on the dollar
Not a bad idea. Here is what the author thinks would happen if he gave it (and I agree):
If McCain does that, two things can happen: Either the president and the Fed can agree, in which case we'll all be lucky because the economy will be saved; or the president and Fed can ignore McCain, in which case there would be no way for the Democrats to blame the economy on McCain if things continue to get worse.
After all, McCain, could say, "I tried to warn them but they just wouldn't listen."
If McCain does that, two things can happen: Either the president and the Fed can agree, in which case we'll all be lucky because the economy will be saved; or the president and Fed can ignore McCain, in which case there would be no way for the Democrats to blame the economy on McCain if things continue to get worse.
After all, McCain, could say, "I tried to warn them but they just wouldn't listen."
Just in case you thought ethanol was a good idea
Think again:
You may have read about the high energy inputs necessary to squeeze corn and other materials and brew the mash into alcohol for biofuels; that it takes more energy to make the stuff than you end up with; and that the energy it takes to make it is mostly generated by burning petroleum.
And you've probably heard about the way increasing demand for alcohol fuels like E85 is driving up the cost of food. More and more land and crops formerly devoted to production of stuff to fill our gullets is turned over to production of stuff to fill our tanks, all to line the pockets of politically connected agri-business combines like Archer Daniels Midland.
But here's a new one for you: Alcohol fuels may constitute a new type of fire hazard because they are harder to extinguish than gasoline fires and require new types of fire-extinguishing equipment and training.
The problem is especially acute when a railroad tanker carrying pure alcohol is involved. The foam flame suppressants currently in use are reportedly ineffective; the fires just burn through. According to news accounts, many fire departments are either not trained to fight these alcohol fires, or inadequately equipped to do so.
You may have read about the high energy inputs necessary to squeeze corn and other materials and brew the mash into alcohol for biofuels; that it takes more energy to make the stuff than you end up with; and that the energy it takes to make it is mostly generated by burning petroleum.
And you've probably heard about the way increasing demand for alcohol fuels like E85 is driving up the cost of food. More and more land and crops formerly devoted to production of stuff to fill our gullets is turned over to production of stuff to fill our tanks, all to line the pockets of politically connected agri-business combines like Archer Daniels Midland.
But here's a new one for you: Alcohol fuels may constitute a new type of fire hazard because they are harder to extinguish than gasoline fires and require new types of fire-extinguishing equipment and training.
The problem is especially acute when a railroad tanker carrying pure alcohol is involved. The foam flame suppressants currently in use are reportedly ineffective; the fires just burn through. According to news accounts, many fire departments are either not trained to fight these alcohol fires, or inadequately equipped to do so.
Now everyone knows we are taxed up the heinie
The Wall Street Journal has an editorial today railing against Chicago's new nationwide high sales tax of 10.25%. Here's the kicker, where they point their fire toward Cook County:
Not so coincidentally, the $426 million that the county optimistically expects to collect each year will also fund somewhere between 700 or 800 new patronage jobs, and maybe more, which were lobbied for by the public-employees unions. A scathing report from a federal court monitor, released Friday, depicts rampant abuse in county hiring practices. Laurence Msall, president of the nonpartisan Chicago Civic Federation, argues that the county already spends its $3 billion budget irresponsibly, pointing to more than $100 million in possible reforms.
Mr. Msall notes dryly that the county is "not only refusing to tighten its belt, it's acting as if it doesn't have to wear a belt." Then again, it'd be business as unusual if patronage were somehow extracted from Chicago's machine politics. Too bad for the city's actual businesses and residents.
Not so coincidentally, the $426 million that the county optimistically expects to collect each year will also fund somewhere between 700 or 800 new patronage jobs, and maybe more, which were lobbied for by the public-employees unions. A scathing report from a federal court monitor, released Friday, depicts rampant abuse in county hiring practices. Laurence Msall, president of the nonpartisan Chicago Civic Federation, argues that the county already spends its $3 billion budget irresponsibly, pointing to more than $100 million in possible reforms.
Mr. Msall notes dryly that the county is "not only refusing to tighten its belt, it's acting as if it doesn't have to wear a belt." Then again, it'd be business as unusual if patronage were somehow extracted from Chicago's machine politics. Too bad for the city's actual businesses and residents.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Brett Favre retires
Brett Favre retired today.
I always thought that in his prime he was the best football player I've ever seen. Kudos to him and his great career.
I always thought that in his prime he was the best football player I've ever seen. Kudos to him and his great career.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Sunday, March 2, 2008
$608
Not a full review of The Legend of Billie Jean because I have to bowl shortly, so this is more of a reminder to me to write one up. Suffice to say that it's fantastic on many levels. Fubar really nailed it.
Anyway, don't go looking for it on DVD because it's not out yet (it's on DirecTV channel 524, EXTR or something). Maybe in time for Fubar's 30th birthday...
Anyway, don't go looking for it on DVD because it's not out yet (it's on DirecTV channel 524, EXTR or something). Maybe in time for Fubar's 30th birthday...
Christian Slater is short
I ran across this picture on IMDB. I know Peyton Manning is 6'5", but jeepers. He's like Danny DeVito.
Here comes your tax increase
There is just too much to write about the ridiculous 1% sales tax increase passed by the Cook County Board. Needless to say, I find it incredibly wasteful and expensive, just like the whole Cook County government.
Here's a quote from the guy who provided the crucial 9th vote for the tax increase (Larry Suffredin). Be aware of the economic illiteracy in a statement like this:
"Chicago now has the unfortunate notoriety of having the highest sales tax in the country, and our region will now be a more expensive place to visit, live, work and operate a business," said Jerry Roper, head of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. "The people of our region should be outraged."
Suffredin scoffed at that.
"I've heard them say that for 30 years," he said. "I look downtown and only see cranes."
That's the guy whose vote gives us the highest sales tax in the country at 10.25%. Here's the list of votes for you to remember for the next Cook County elections:
In favor (9)
William Beavers
Jerry Butler
Earlean Collins
John Daley
Joseph Mario Moreno
Joan Murphy
Deborah Sims
Robert Steele
Larry Suffredin
Against (8)
Forrest Claypool
Liz Gorman
Gregg Goslin
Roberto Maldonado
Tony Peraica
Mike Quigley
Tim Schneider
Peter Silvestri
Basically, the Republicans are all against it, along with some Democrats. The liberal Democrat wing of the Board voted for it.
I am going to do my damndest to make as many of my purchases as possible outside Cook County, either via the internet or in Indiana (only 6% sales tax). That way they don't get my money, even if it costs me extra time or extra money for gas. I realize I'm supposed to report those pruchases on my tax return, but Todd Stroger and the Cook County government can, in the words of Eric Cartman, suck my balls.
Here's a quote from the guy who provided the crucial 9th vote for the tax increase (Larry Suffredin). Be aware of the economic illiteracy in a statement like this:
"Chicago now has the unfortunate notoriety of having the highest sales tax in the country, and our region will now be a more expensive place to visit, live, work and operate a business," said Jerry Roper, head of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. "The people of our region should be outraged."
Suffredin scoffed at that.
"I've heard them say that for 30 years," he said. "I look downtown and only see cranes."
That's the guy whose vote gives us the highest sales tax in the country at 10.25%. Here's the list of votes for you to remember for the next Cook County elections:
In favor (9)
William Beavers
Jerry Butler
Earlean Collins
John Daley
Joseph Mario Moreno
Joan Murphy
Deborah Sims
Robert Steele
Larry Suffredin
Against (8)
Forrest Claypool
Liz Gorman
Gregg Goslin
Roberto Maldonado
Tony Peraica
Mike Quigley
Tim Schneider
Peter Silvestri
Basically, the Republicans are all against it, along with some Democrats. The liberal Democrat wing of the Board voted for it.
I am going to do my damndest to make as many of my purchases as possible outside Cook County, either via the internet or in Indiana (only 6% sales tax). That way they don't get my money, even if it costs me extra time or extra money for gas. I realize I'm supposed to report those pruchases on my tax return, but Todd Stroger and the Cook County government can, in the words of Eric Cartman, suck my balls.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Lame studying
Exam season is upon me once again, and I am starting extra early this time. If I pass it's the last one I ever take, so postimg will be light around here for the next couple of months.
Anyway, I found some time to watch sports today, too. The highlights:
In EPL action, Arsenal scored with a minutes left in injury time to get out with a 1-1 tie against Aston Villa.
Wright State pushed Valpo into OT, but the Crusaders eked out the win.
Georgetown also went into overtime in Milwaukee against Marquette, but the Hoyas won.
Texas Tech knocked off #5 Texas in Lubbock for Pat Knight's biggest win yet.
Anyway, I found some time to watch sports today, too. The highlights:
In EPL action, Arsenal scored with a minutes left in injury time to get out with a 1-1 tie against Aston Villa.
Wright State pushed Valpo into OT, but the Crusaders eked out the win.
Georgetown also went into overtime in Milwaukee against Marquette, but the Hoyas won.
Texas Tech knocked off #5 Texas in Lubbock for Pat Knight's biggest win yet.
Welcome to the party, pal!
A Hillary supporter is complaining about the media bias toward Obama. Gee not so much fun when it doesn't help your gal for once, is it?
"There is too much on the line for the media to ignore important issues while they obsess about Hillary's hairdo or Barack's baritone," Shorenstein continued. "Is it in the country's best interest that voters received far more information about Hillary's laugh than Obama's legislative record? Is it good for our nation that more attention is paid to the differences in their speaking style than their health care plans?"
Welcome to the world of being a conservative!
"There is too much on the line for the media to ignore important issues while they obsess about Hillary's hairdo or Barack's baritone," Shorenstein continued. "Is it in the country's best interest that voters received far more information about Hillary's laugh than Obama's legislative record? Is it good for our nation that more attention is paid to the differences in their speaking style than their health care plans?"
Welcome to the world of being a conservative!
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