Happy New Year, Ohio

Well, thank God 2007 is over. Not the best year for the Squeaky Wheel. Personally it was fine. I returned home to Ohio, reconnected with friends (some for the first time in over 10 years) and I have been able to see the amazing growth in Central Ohio.

Professionally 2007 has been a dud. The company I came here to work for turned out to be as committed and faithful to me as Bill Clinton is to Hillary. Luckily I have found a wonderful home with the Navy Reserve center here so once a month I am professionally satisfied. Ah the life of a free-lancer (and I think we all know that that is code for :-)

I took a beating on the sale of my house in Virginia, which took over 6 months to sell, but I unlike so many others, we stayed ‘right-side up’, so I guess that is good. Since I had not sold, I could not buy. However, just in time for Christmas we moved into our own house.

Anyway, here is hoping that 2008 is a better year all around for everyone.

Oh crap, it is an election year so it will be a year of more divisiveness and bitter politics. Well at least there will be plenty of fodder for all of us.

Vote For Comedy

I am a huge fan of live stand up comedy. Rich Vos and Patrice O'Neil are two of my favorites. Help these guys out by clicking on the buttons below and vote for them! Thanks

A White Christmas Overseas

My dear friend, Jim, a fellow Naval Officer who is currently serving overseas aboard USS Kearsarge, wrote to me this morning. You see, Jim and his ship have been serving in the Middle East for over 5 months and recently provided humanitarian relief in Bangladesh.

Jim is a devoted Christian and Christmas is one of his favorite holidays. He is a husband, father and friend, so being away for Christmas is hard, but he presses on. Jim also has the ability, when he chooses, to see the small joys in life and so brings me to his email that he sent me.

Hey – I got a white Christmas after all!
Merry Christmas: I with you all joy and happiness today and for the year to come!

Merry Christmas indeed, my friend and God speed home.

Seasons Greetings For All!

I recieved this in my email today. Perfect!

To All My Democrat Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2008, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To My Republican Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas proves all government and taxes are not bad

Jim over at the original Bearing Drift in Virginia has a wonderful post for Christmas.

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. [This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.] And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Gallilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. - Luke 2:1-5

Continue Reading!

Pregnant Jaime Lynn Spears Talks to Paparazzi

This is GREAT!

Dispatch Thinks The Olentangy Liberty HS Vieyra Story Is About Them? WTF?

The front page of the Columbus Dispatch was home to a follow up story about Olentangy Liberty High School teacher Erica Vieyra’s Spanish V lesson about immigration (read my take on it here).

What struck me odd about this story was that instead of being about the teacher or the lesson, it was about the attention this reporter and the Dispatch received from bloggers, CNN, Drudge and the like. The only problem is, the attention was not about the Dispatch or the author; it was about the lesson.

Now this may be hard pill to swallow for the Columbus Dispatch, but it not about them. You have to love a newspaper that places stories about Bronze Star Medal heroes in the second section but places a story about how much attention THEY think they received on the front page. Ugh.

Read Holly Zachariah’s story in the Dispatch and tell me what you think.

Rep. Kucinich's Brother, Perry, 51, Found Dead

Story Here

Although I disagree with almost everything Rep. Kucinich stands for, he is still a Buckeye, a loyal public servant and a big brother who lost his youngest brother, Perry, today.

My deepest condolences to the Congressman and the entire Kucinich family.

You MUST Watch This Video Now

A 15-year-old girl named Lizzie Palmer put together this. A 15-year-old seems to be smarter than all of us.

Powell Teacher Chooses Political Activism over Teaching in the Classroom

In what is yet another example of liberal agenda indoctrination via academia, an Olentangy Liberty High School Spanish teacher, Erica Vieyra, has assigned her kids an assignment where they are told to try and immigrate.

When the students fill out the paper work, she stamps them “Denied” and then tells them how to do it illegally. Of course she claims this is not political indoctrination. As reported by the Columbus Dispatch:

But she cautions that the point isn't to sway the students, only to teach them a little empathy.

Read the whole Story

No, of course not. Far be it for a teacher to be a liberal, let alone use her class room for political gain. A captured audience I might add.

She goes on and seems to get the reporter to adopt her politics when it is reported:

But they would gain, she hoped, an understanding of what is one of the most important political and humanitarian issues facing the U.S. government today.

Really? The MOST important humanitarian issue? Political too? Well, at least she admits she is engaging in Political influencing.

Bare in mind liberals fight to remove any reference to religion, no matter what it is, claiming it intimidates, or I guess tricks people into believing, but liberal indoctrination in the schools? Well, that is not only ok, but damn near a requirement for tenure.

So, good job Olentangy Liberty High School. You disappoint like so many others.

Fair is fair, so can I force Erica Vieyra’s kids to read my blog? Hell, she forces outr kids to listen to her beliefs.

Teachers are seen as authorities on information. Kids take what they say and how they act as fact. Shame on Erica Vieyra for using a publicly funded classroom as her pulpit. Shame on Erica Vieyra.

BTW, I get to complain. I pay taxes to the Olentangy schools.
---------------------------------

UPDATE: A lot of comments have been left here over this. Most are left by students who are passionate about their teacher. We may not agree, but I am impressed by their determination and debate. Some comments, however, have been childish. At one point a comment was simply a derogatory anti-Semitic word and an offensive derogatory word regarding women repeated over and over. For this reason, I have turned comment moderation on.

I will approve ANY comment left that is an actual comment, but will block any ‘troll vandalism’ that is akin to a fourth grader. Please continue to comment and debate, but for those who simply want to be childish, go elsewhere. Also, since comments leave IP addresses, I know from where comments come, and those leaving derogatory comments do not represent your school well.

For those who have commented, agree or disagree, I appreciate your comments. I am especially impressed with the students of OLHS who have made very intellectual arguments.

Dog Torture. Vick: 23 Months… Huckabee’s Kid: Nada

Interesting read. I guess Huckabee carried more weight than Vick did.

Get it... It’s a fat joke... Get it?

Anyway, read about it here

The Obvious Pop Culture Reference?

Why has no one used this movie for some (hack) reference?

I am sure if there was some Hollywood movie called “I heart Obama” or I (cold) Heart Hillary”, we would see it daily, especially in Olbermann’s lame top ten.

Maybe the media has finally had enough of the obvious puns and cliches...

Nah, of course not!

...And for those of you who have never heard of this movie... get out more

Duncan Hunter’s Video For Kids?

Maybe, I’m just sayin’...

It Won’t Be The Bengals!

I have said for weeks now that if the Miami Dolphins first win comes in the last week of the season, I would lose my mind… That game is against Cincinnati.

My fear is that Miami would go all year their only win being against the Bengals, but thankfully that won’t happen. The Baltimore Ravens just became their first win.

The only thing that would have made it sweeter for me is if the Steelers would have lost to the Dolphins. Oh well, close enough. I Hate the Ravens too.

Oh, and yes, I know, the Bengals SUCKED last night in San Francisco.

UPDATED: Sharpton Investigated: NOW Caught On Tape!

UPDATE #3: From Philly.com:

With a hidden FBI camera rolling inside a New York hotel suite in 2003, an unsuspecting Rev. Al Sharpton, Democratic candidate for president, spoke candidly.

Sharpton offered to help Philadelphia fund-raiser Ronald A. White win a multimillion-dollar business deal, if White helped him raise $50,000 for politics.

White offered $25,000. "If you bring my guys up on this hedge fund, and I have the right conversation," White said, "I'll give you what you need."

"Cool," Sharpton said.

Uh-Oh... Big Al is not only an ass, but STUPID! I am willing to bet the FBI has more hits to come!
----------------
UPDATE #2: More coverage Here and here.
I don't want people to assume only Fox is reporting this. FYI, NY Daily News is the main competitor of the NY Post, owned by the same people who own Fox, so take your "Murdoch" Conspiracies and shove them up your...
----------------
UPDATE #1: Boy, did I call this one. The good Rev wasted no time in blaming "The Man" going after him becuase of his 'work'. .

NEW YORK (AP) ― The Rev. Al Sharpton angrily denounced reports Thursday that federal authorities are investigating his 2004 presidential bid, suggesting that the Justice Department was retaliating against him for his civil rights advocacy.

I may be spit-balling here, but maybe they are going after him for breaking the law and for being an ass... Ok, maybe for just breaking laws.
----------------

ORIGINAL POST:
Uber hypocrite, race baiter and all around ass hole, “Reverend” Al Sharpton is under investigation (again).

From Fox News
Federal authorities have subpoenaed financial records and employees in an apparent probe of the Rev. Al Sharpton's 2004 presidential bid, nonprofit civil rights group, and for-profit businesses, a newspaper reported Thursday.

---

They were told to provide investigators with financial records from the campaign and roughly six Sharpton-related businesses, as well as personal financial documents of Sharpton and his wife, the newspaper said.

This should be rich. I am sure Rev Al has broken more than a few laws (again) and now will get pinched for his shady financial dealings. Of course all of this will be blamed on some grand White Man conspiracy to get him. He will say that this is all based on racism. Ugh.

Of course this is not the first time the law has caught up with him. They put Capone away over tax crime you know. One can hope… one can dream.

Fact is, I hope he is exposed for being the lying piece of shit that he is: A hypocrite, a racist, a divider and self appointed PC police officer who does not carry business cards since his wallet is full of race cards.

I am surprised he hasn’t sued God for having White Christmases. The Bing Crosby estate would be wise to lay low around this clown.

Knight Rider WITHOUT the Hoff? Blasphemy!

No good can come from this, but they are remaking “Knight Rider.”

I grew up on watching the Hoff and KITT (Who didn’t!?!?) but now they are doing an updated version. Oh crap.

From TV Week
NBC has set Feb. 17 as the premiere date for its two-hour “Knight Rider” revamp and announced that Will Arnett (“Arrested Development”) will provide the voice of the new KITT car. NBC also has released official images of the crime-fighting super-vehicle (thankfully, NBC’s latest product placement-mobile is a Ford Mustang, not a Nissan Rogue).

And you can’t have a HollyWeird production without a little political editorializing. From the network’s release, the plot of the pilot:

“Sarah Graiman (Russo) is a 24-year-old Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University, following in her genius father Charles’ (Davison) footsteps. But when men attempt to abduct her, Sarah receives a mysterious call from KITT warning her that he’s a creation of Charles, who also invented the first KITT 25 years ago—and that her father is in serious danger. Sarah and KITT track down her best friend from childhood, Mike Tracer (Bruening), a 23-year-old ex-Army Ranger, whom Sarah hasn’t seen since he left home at 18. Having served in Iraq, Mike is now jaded and lost and initially resistant. Eventually he agrees to help Sarah and the two set out to discover who’s behind the attempt to procure KITT and find Charles.”

Jaded? Of course. That darn war, right. Ugh.

When will Hollywood get that people watch crap like this to escape and be entertained, not to be lectured but limousine liberals.

(Usual) liberal slant notwithstanding, of course I will watch it. I am just that pathetic.

I have Carbon Offsets: I am a better person than you are!

See below. I now have carbon offsets. No, I did not buy them from companies that Al Gore profits from (Wake up people... he is a snake oil salesman). No, I got my for free!

See, I can claim to be a better person just like flighty Hollywood hypocrites and spend no money to get it and you know what, it has the same effect as their that they BUY from AlGore: NONE.

Want your own so you can feel like an elitist too? Sure, why not. Go here then.

Nat’l Review: Go, Mitt, Go!

National Review has endorsed Mitt Romney for President. Read all about it.
…And you thought I was the only smart one…

New Mitt Romney Ad

WCMH 4 Too Cheap To Buy Umbrella For Reporter

As I watched the news on WCMH, I noticed their reporter, Matt Alvarez reporting live from Eastland Mall. The story was not what had my attention, Matt’s umbrella was. See, Matt was holding an umbrella from WSAZ, NBC 3 (See picture below). Matt’s bio does not show that he worked there, but it does say he has been with WCMH since 2006.

Is WCMH too cheap to buy their people umbrellas and since Matt did not work for WSAZ, who the hell did he steal that from?

I know I have been critical of WCMH before (ok, maybe twice), but this one is just funny. If you are going to make the poor guy stand in the rain (Because consultants tell you that is what we want) at least buy him some shelter.

Quote of The Day

"While the music industry is doing everything they possibly can to go out of business, can we all make sure to rid ourselves of the Grammys, too? Out of touch old men jacking each other off.
ENOUGH!

Have a nice day."

- Trent Reznor, on the Nine Inch Nails

Dems Won Congress: How's That Working Out?

h/t Scott's Morning Brew

Random Thoughts for 12/7/07

-If a wall didn’t work in East Berlin, why would it work in El Paso?

-If Iran does in fact have a nuclear weapon, we must face the fact that no one will believe us until it detonates.

-Why can’t losers shoot themselves first instead of last?

-Many preach to be proud of Veterans and to support them, but employers have perceptions and hold on to stereotypes that would not be tolerated if it were regarding race or gender.

-In 66 years will people not care about 9/11 as well?

-Will those who lead in Powell meet in the expanding Kroger’s they approved of to complain about Target wanting to build?

-Two guys doing weather is annoying.

Yet ANOTHER Reason to Love My XM Satellite Radio

h/t OrbitCast

Opie and Anthony Welcome Imus Back

Opie and Anthony went on Imus’ show to welcome them back and Imus was happy to see them.

You see, CBS fired Imus the DAY BEFORE his annual fund raiser for kids with Cancer. Nice. Anyway, the radio-a-thon went on (hosted by Imus’ wife) and Opie and Anthony took it upon themselves to encourage THEIR listerners to donate. Figures show that O&A were responsible for helping raise $2 million of the total funds raised. Hell, I gave! Imus talks about that.

Well someone at WackBag put the audio to a funny slide show… There are some inside jokes and references to the images, so if you don’t know O&A, you won’t get them. Ignore it and listen to the audio.

Imus Returns to Radio, Sharpton Still an Ass

Of course I am happy that Imus is back on the air, but what still enrages me is the arrogance of those like Al Sharpton. See, when CBS caved to special interests, the gave weight to those who are self appointed authorities as to what we can and can’t do, think or listen to.

I was reminded of this by one simple line found in an AP story about Imus:

Just three months after he was fired, the Rev. Al Sharpton, one of the strongest voices calling for his firing, said Imus had a right to make a living and could return to radio. Sharpton planned a news conference later Monday.

He COULD return to radio? Oh, gee, Thanks AL… Oh and I am oh-so excited for him to be the media whore that he is today.

Who the hell made him the authority to decide you MAY or MAY NOT be on the air?!?! Oh, wait, the radio stations did and you did for rolling over and being afraid of him and folding. What should mandate who is on the air are ratings… Of course if that was true, Reverend Al would be far, far from a radio studio, but fear, threats and perpetuated white guilt keep him on the radio and forces all of us to bow to HIS wishes.

Left-Leaning LA Times is Right: CNN Failed

It is a rare occasion where I agree with the editorial board of a newspaper, to say nothing of a left-leaning paper in LA-LA land, but the LA Times really gets this one right. The make a very smart point about how CNN failed in the GOP “Debate” and continue to push an agenda for political reasons and for self serving ratings.

In fact, this most recent debacle masquerading as a presidential debate raises serious questions about whether CNN is ethically or professionally suitable to play the political role the Democratic and Republican parties recently have conceded it.

CNN Currupt? I say yes. But don’t take my word for it. Ask the LA Times.

Navy Helps Those In Bangladesh: Crew Proud To Help

In the predominantly Muslim Bangladesh, many are learning of the true spirit of Americans... Regardless of what lies they are told.

From AFP
ABOARD THE USS KEARSARGE (AFP) — Opposition to the US-led war in Iraq may be strong in mainly Muslim Bangladesh, but US military personnel ferrying aid to cyclone survivors have shrugged off any political concerns.

"It does not matter what your particular religion is. Suffering is universal. We travelled 4,500 kilometres (3,000 miles) to get here as fast as we could," navy Lieutenant Jim Hoeft said aboard the USS Kearsarge.

"This is a different operation. We are happy to give a glass of water to a child. It gives satisfaction to give a blanket to a distressed family. Everyone is very happy to do this, and we've seen nothing but gratitude," he said.

I am proud of the good work fellow Sailors are doing out there! It always brings me pause to see American Military forces (once again) helping those who have been taught to hate us.

These people will recover, thanks to the U.S. and they will return to hating us. It is all they are taught. Sad, but for the moment, proud.

Savages

I love when I am lectured about the “Evil Western Culture."

Savages

Note the irony of the author’s name.

8-Year-Old Counts Better Than XM’s P.O.T.U.S. 08 Channel

OrbitCast has a funny story about XM’s P.O.T.U.S. 08 Channel, XM’s all Presidential Election coverage channel, and about the ability to accurately count down the days until election. See, the folks at XM got a letter from a third grader that said

"I love lisning to your shows!" she wrote. "I love politics so much! I just have one problem, you are underestimating the number of days until the election! You are forgeting that 2008 is a leap year!...Plese add one day too your total to acount for leap day. Keep up the good work.

"P.S. Can you mabie read this on the radio? That would be super cool!!!!

"P.P.S. If you have time. I don't want to mess you up."

Smart kid!
h/t OrbitCast

Dear Ohio: What Does Brown Do?

In 2006 American said they were mad at Republicans. Ok, I get that, but caught in that Democratic hate machine was Senator Mike Dewine. Sen. Dewine was an outstanding Senator who worked hard for Ohio and never wavered on ethics.


So in 2006 Ohio elected Sherrod “buy a comb” Brown, the Democrat. So, Ohio, are you happy? The Dem controlled congress is useless and is polling below President Bush, and Sen. Brown, well all he has done has been an automatic vote in Ohio for Harry Reid.

Brown, from what I can tell, hasn’t done squat. Hell, even Michael J. Fox camped for him over stem cell research… what has he done about that? I mean this guy is the very definition of a Democrat empty suit!

Answer me this: What has Brown done for you?

Conspiracy Theory Of The Day: Vice President Lott?

So, Vice President Cheney is back in the hospital for (yet another) heart problem…. Senator Trent Lott announces his retirement from the Senate.

Now a long time ago I predicted that VP Cheney would resign before the end of his term blaming health issues.

All of this a coincidence? Maybe… I’m just saying…

WNCI Folds To Fake Outrage: Morning Zoo Should Shut Down and Stop Wasting Our Time

WNCI Morning Zoo has a song that they have been playing for quite awhile. As the Dispatch descirbes it,

“The song, called Bunch of Mexicans (to the tune of David Bowie's Young Americans), describes a group of 14 Mexicans misunderstanding orders at a fast-food restaurant, working as landscapers, traveling in "packs" and evading immigration authorities."

Of course, now in a post-Imus world any threat of a boycott, ANY threat, realistic or not, causes the lawyers to pressure management to fold. Ah, the wonders of free speech.

What is important to understand here is that there was only the threat of a boycott if no apology came this week. The group, led by Jose Mas, chairman of the Ohio Hispanic Coalition, was SO outraged that he waited until now to threaten a boycott.

With the exception of Rosa Parks and the Bus system, please, someone show me one example of a boycott that actually worked. The song was not offensive. It was, however a chance for Mr. Mas to capitalize on it for attention.

Only in 2007 do people really think they make a difference by making grown men say “I’m sorry” like I make my 4-year-old do sometimes. Be clear about this, because so many radio and TV owners fold to fake outrage and bulls**t pressure we now live in a world that is to be sterile of any satire of any group… Well except of whites and Christians. That is still ok.

So is Mr. Mas going to call for a boycott of Comedy Central because of the Carlos Mencia Show and their satirical comments on Mexicans? Of course not. Same reason Al Sharpton did not go after David Chappell while attacking Don Imus. Hypocritical asses and media whores.

Read the Dispatch story.

As if I needed another reason to hate terrestrial radio. Shame on you WNCI. Shut the Morning Zoo down. If you will not stand up for satire, you are wasting everyone’s time. You claim to respond to your listeners, but it was not listeners who complained, it was Mr. Mas, who, if he was actually a listener, would have complained when the song originally aired years ago.

UPDATE: I have sent a link to this to Dave and Jimmy of the Morning Zoo. We will see if they respond and justify their ability to fold under fake pressure.

Happy Thanksgiving. What are YOU thankful for?

For those who know, it has been a less than perfect summer and fall for me. My patience and trust and faith with people in the private sector has been tested again and again, but as I learned in the Navy, you endure the hard days so that you appreciate the good ones.

Even with all that has happened, I am thankful for my healthy family, the support of my family and friends and the right to say what I want in this country.

What are YOU thankful for?

Bearing Drift Ohio Radio: Tuesday 2pm

It’s back! As you get ready for Thanksgiving, take a moment to listen live or the replay of Bearing Drift Ohio Radio on Tuesday starting at 2 pm.


This episode welcomes special guest Ryan Saghir of OrbitCast to discuss satellite radio, the merger of XM and Sirius, what is hot this Christmas and what they future holds.

Other topics of the show will be Bengals Football, OSU winning the Big Ten and whatever is on your mind.

So tune in live at 2pm on Tuesday and call in at (646) 716-9244 starting at 2:00pm (est).

Recipe From Ann Romney

Today in the mail I received a recipe from Ann Romney (Click image below for the full size). Ann and I are good friends, you know. Ok, maybe not but she does seem like a wonderful person!

Of course the letter also asked for a donation, but at least it was not an empty beg for money! I may try this. If I do, I will let you know how it tastes.

Gee, do you think Hillary will send out recipes? Ok, to compare apples to apples, do you think Bill Clinton will send out recipes? Hmmm, too much material for a good joke, ain’t it?

MY BENGALS SUCK

More on this when I stop swearing

VBDems Will NOT Win The Nobel Prize For Economics

Our friends at VBDems, especially Eileen, love to lecture all of us about how we are wrong, not smart and have no clue. She likes to point out how wrong on everything we are.

Now, one of my main concerns with liberalism is their sense of entitlement. They believe that everyone should get everything regardless of little things like cost and economic impact. They have the “But I want it, so I should have it” mentality... like a teenager.

Not long ago Democrats whined and cried that people with low incomes and bad credit could not secure home loans. They got their way and now we are seeing foreclosures at a record rate on people who, say it with me, have low incomes and bad credit. Now, I can not imagine anyone who is smart and ‘knows everything’ would ever buy anything they could not afford, right? Apparently not.

In her post entitled “Congress is Missing the Point”, our friend Eileen goes on and on about how Congress is not working hard enough to bail out those who over bought houses out of a sense of entitlement. She is mad that high risk loans of people, who say, have a sub prime credit rates and don’t make enough to afford a house that is over $300k, are expected to pay for those houses.

Well, at least no one at VBDems would ever do that, right? I mean no one is dumb enough to over extend themselves at a rate of anything over 7% right? Of course NO ONE would ever buy a house at a rate higher than a credit card, right?

Eileen on 16 Nov 2007 at 8:07 am
In July 2008 my $125,000 loan (12.75% interest) on the home I purchased last year for $325,000 (assessed this year at $320,000) balloons. My plan is to continue cleaning up my credit rating which got me into this mess in the first place, borrow money from my dad or Paul’s mom at some point closer to when I have to refinance so that I can show a new non-subprime lender that I am no longer the risk, and hopefully get a 30 year fixed at a reasonable interest rate. What I have now for some reason is entirely in my name and based on my income (although that income was never verified). That should have been my first sign that things weren’t on the up and up. Paul makes more money than me, we have the twin credit ratings, and he has the much more solid employment. I still haven’t figured out what was up with that?! (Emphasis by me)

When a reputable lender says no, there is a reason. Also I recall when Eileen was equating one's worth to their income we learned she made around $35k... $325k house loan based on $35k/year... nah, why would that be bad? ugh.

Oh, and here is my favorite part. When you got that over-priced-scam loan for your house, and then the value went down, did you take a moment to look at the return address on the envelope? Hmmm, where did that new assessment come from? Your boy, Phil.

What have we learned today? If you can’t afford a $325k house, don’t buy one. I want a Corvette, but if I buy one and can’t make the payments, should I look to Congress to bail me out, AND let me keep the car? In La-La-Liberal Land I can!

ST_PID...Can I buy a vowel?

BTW: Any time I comment on VBDems, it is deleted. Just pointing that out. I would have commented there about this, but I am moderated out of the 'opned minded' web site over there.

Screen Shot of Eileen's comment in case she “accidentally" deletes it.

UPDATE: This post was published but then removed at Bearing Drift.

UPDATE 2: It is back up at Bearing Drift.

Not Even Close: OSU 14, Michigan 3

The Ohio State Buckeyes held the Michigan Wolverines to less than 100 total yards of offense and had over 221 yards themselves in a win that brings the Big Ten Championship home to Columbus and a bid to the Rose Bowl in January.

Although the difference between the two teams was only 11 points, the final score does not reflect the dominance OSU had over Michigan. I will say, however, that half of Ohio States defense came from the sky as both teams had trouble catching the ball and keeping their footing in the cold rain.

Congratulations to The Ohio State University, and uh, so sorry Jim. Has Michigan ever beat OSU since you started Bearing Drift?

Reds Player and Broadcasting Legend Joe Nuxhall dies at 79

From the Cincy Enquirer
Cincinnatians today mourned the loss of Joe Nuxhall, who as a 15-year-old in 1944 made history by pitching for the Reds and later became a fixture in the Reds radio booth.

Nuxhall -- affectionately known as the Ol' Left-Hander -- died at 10:55 p.m. Thursday at Mercy Hospital-Fairfield. He was 79.

I have been to more than a few Reds games and heard even more on the Big One, 700 WLW. Now I am biased towards Reds announcers (some of you may know why if you see the giant microphones in Great American Ball Park) but Nuxhall was try a legend. Joe and Marty WERE Cincinnati baseball and the sound of the great American past time for so many.

One of Joe’s best friends, although he never knew it, was my grandmother, Goldie, who listened to the Reds on her little radio faithfully until the day she past, well into her 90s!. She loved the sound of the game being called and never let us boo or speak ill of her Reds when they were down enjoyed when they were up.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Joe’s family and friends... Which means our hearts go out to any fan of baseball and every Cincinnatian.

"This is a sad day for everyone in the Reds organization. I'm in shock. I've known Joe my entire life. He did so many great things for so many people. You never heard anyone ever say a bad word about him. We're all going to miss him."
-- Ken Griffey Jr., Reds player

The Perfect Fast Food Meal

This idea is lifted off a topic I heard on the Mike and Bob show over a year ago in Virginia Beach (DUDEZ!!!!)

Anyway, it goes like this: If you could create the PERFECT fast food meal, with each part coming from ANY fast food restaurant, what would it be? You must have a main course, sides, drink and desert.

For example, mine might be a Baconator burger from Wendy’s, Arby’s Curly fries, a Cherry Lime-aide from Sonic and Blizzard from Dairy Queen.

Now it is your turn. Leave a comment and tell me what is the IDEAL fast food meal. If we get at least 10 submissions, the best one (Voted on by readers) will win a t-short from Blogga’ Wear.

PS If anyone feels the need to lecture any of us on how bad fast food is for us, keep it to yourself.

Is the FCC Chair Signaling XM/Sirius Merger Approval?

It seems that, just as with any Washington entity, plain speak is a lost art with the FCC and subtle signals and hints are the only way to learn any news. I know my friend Ryan at OrbitCast loves reading the Tea Leaves regarding the proposed XM-Sirius Merger (which, unlike me, he is in favor of) so this will make him giddy like a little school girl.

From Reuters
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The head of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday proposed that the agency relax its ban on the cross-ownership of newspapers and broadcast stations in the 20 biggest U.S. cities.

The "relatively minor" rule change would help bolster the newspaper industry by allowing owners in the top markets to buy a TV or radio station, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said."

Is this in regards to cross media ownerships only, or is a signal of the cliché slippery slope of ownership and mergers? Who is to say, but one thing is for sure, this decision will come soon.

For the record, as much as I respect and admire Ryan at OrbitCast, he and I do disagree on this one. I appose the merger, but that doesn’t change the fact that he has THE source for all news SatRad!

WAPO is Right… The XM-Sirius Merger Would Suck

For those who don’t know, Sirius is trying to buy XM, calling it a merger, which, of course, needs the blessing of the Department of Justice and the FCC (whom I detest). The merger, in my opinion, is a bad idea.

You see, Sirius is now run by Mel Karmazin, an ego maniac who cares nothing of the customer and gobbles up radio firms to only break them up and sell them. Do you hate the fact that terrestrial radio has over 22 minutes of commercials per hour and play the same 10 songs? Thank Mel… Think he won’t bring that to his new satellite radio monopoly? Oh, and he is Howard Stern’s bitch, and I hate that old lady.

Others, who are obviously a lot smarter and more mature than I seem to agree, albeit for other reasons.

From WaPo
Think about it: Can you name one example of a new consumer technology that was guaranteed to a single provider and still served customers well? (Don't everyone say "cable TV" at once.)

And of course, there is this other nasty little fact Mel forgets...

The merger decision turns on this question of competition: When the feds approved satellite radio, they banned XM and Sirius from ever merging, because competition would protect the public from high prices and assure that the companies seek top-quality programming.

So I say, please don’t merge. Plus do not force me to pipe in crap from Sirius. I CHOSE XM. Let me have me choice. My friend has Sirius. Let him have what he has chosen.

Verizon Wireless to Whore Out YOUR Info?

Worth reading if, like me, you have Verizon Wireless. This news comes from a Blog about and written by a Realtor here in Central Ohio.

"Attention all Verizon Wireless customers: Beginning on Nov. 16, Verizon Wireless will share detailed information (incoming calls, outgoing calls, call length, software present on your device, etc.) with third parties and affiliates to gain knowledge about your calls and services. This information will be shared in order to deliver advertising from those affiliates."

Read the rest!

Miracle Day: Chris Henry WASN’T Arrested AND the Bengals Won

With a team record 7 field goals by Shayne Graham, the Bengals defeated the Ravens in Baltimore by a score of 21 – 7.


This makes the Bengals 2-2 in the AFC North and Baltimore 0-4. Of course the Steelers beat the Browns in a comeback second half, so this win amounts to little more than a ‘welcome back’ for wide receiver Chris Henry who returned from his league imposed suspension for, well for being as ass, but mainly because his summer home is a jail cell.

Here’s hoping that the Bengals can devour another bird next week when the Arizona Cardinals come to town. Until then, I will take this win, as piece-meal as it was, it is still a win and lord knows we needed one.

BTW Bengals, you get more points if you cross the line at the end of the field!

Folks Have More Money. Democrats Bummed

Since the Dems’ standard playbook is to create class warfare, tell people how to live their lives (while not doing what they preach) and try and convince everybody that the everyone is poor (not you of course, but everyone else), this news may come as a shock.

From The Conference Board
About 73 million U.S. households now have discretionary income, up from about 57 million in 2002, according to a report by The Conference Board. The percent of the U.S. population with discretionary income has increased to nearly 64 percent, up from 52 percent in 2002.

Maybe when John Edwards is taking a golf cart from one end of his compound to another, he can incorporate these facts into another speech about how the economy is getting worse.

My Take on the Elections

This applies to both Virginia and Ohio… In both states, local elections saw turn outs of less than 20%.

Sad. Simply sad. All other conversations are futile as long as turn out is this low.

Video Of the Week: Racing Snails… wait… what?

Last Minute Announcement – Bearing Drift Ohio Radio On TODAY at 4pm

Sorry for the last minute announcement, but BDO Radio will be live on the air here at 4pm (est) ready to take your calls about whatever is on your mind.

It’s Friday so sneak out of work early and ‘tune’ in Brian, The Squeaky Wheel as he talks about music, Halloween, and whatever comes up. Call in at 4:00 pm to 646-716-9244 to be part of the show.

Listen Below!

Cool Item of the Day: Pong

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BDO Radio On the Road at YOUR Favorite Place

Bearing Drift Ohio Radio (BDO Radio) is looking to take its show on the road and we need your help. We would like to do a live call-in show during Happy Hour (sometime between 4-7p) from a great restaurant or bar.

Do you have a favorite Central Ohio after-work spot that has WiFi and wouldn’t mind letting us use a table for a few hours? If so, leave us a comment or email us here.

We will talk to the folks that are enjoying some beverages and Brian’s special guests (aka his drinking buddies) will talk up the topics of the day. So let us know.

Note: To do the show, all we need is a table with 4 seats, WiFi and MAYBE some power, but we can get by without it!

The New Look and Feel of Bearing Drift Ohio

Some of you may have noticed (That means you read, thank you) but for those who have not, Bearing Drift Ohio has a new layout and a new feel.

Although I will continue to comment on political issues, I have expanded Bearing Drift Ohio (BDO) to include music (Local and national), technology, sports (Mainly Bengals), pop culture, media (Including Radio and TV news and rumors) and whatever makes me chuckle.

Also, I will continue to talk about my homecoming to Columbus. After being gone for over ten years, a lot has changed, including me.

Additionally, soon there will be the Launch (or return for those who knew me in Virginia) of my LIVE call in Pod Cast, "BDO Radio". Topics will range, but the point will be to talk about whatever is on your… well, ok, on my mind. Stay tuned for more information on that soon!

So, please, give it a try. Take a break from politics and pull up a chair, pour yourself an adult beverage and enjoy BDO. I think you will find posts everyday that you will enjoy and links to other sites you may not have otherwise been to.

As always I am open to ideas, topics, etc.

Thanks for reading this and giving the new Bearing Drift Ohio a chance!

Ravari Room Throws One Hellava Halloween Party

Last Saturday I went to the Ravari Room’s annual Halloween party/show featuring such bands as Van Halen, Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and Kiss… Well at least killer cover bands dressed like those guys.

I will say in the spirit of full disclosure that a few of my friends were in some of those bands, but either way, it was amazing. The show was intense and I have to say my favorites were Van Halen at the end and Kiss, who took the stage as they blasted the Imperial March from Star Wars.

For more info about some of these amazing artists and what they do (When not in costume, of course, click here, here and here.

Fox News CEO To Donate To Ohio U.

From Business First of Columbus

Ohio University has landed a donation from Fox News Chairman and CEO Roger E. Ailes that will finance most of a planned $560,000 newsroom.
The university said Wednesday that Ailes, a 1962 OU alumnus, donated an undisclosed amount to the Scripps College of Communication. Spokeswoman Jennifer Bowie said Ailes isn't releasing to the public the amount of the gift, but added it funds the "majority" of the newsroom's cost.

I am a fan of Fox News, but so many of the liberal sorts aren’t. Now I went to Miami so I have always thought of Ohio University as being the liberal version of Miami (although liberal university is like saying ATM Machine.,. it is repetitive).

My question is, will all of those little budding liberal media students refuse to use a facility paid for by the CEO of Fox News? Nah, of course not, but in true lib style they will tell OTHERS not to.

Local Hero of WWII Dies: 92

From the Columbus Dispatch

Paul Tibbets Jr., who flew the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb — on Hiroshima, Japan — died this morning at his East Side home. He was 92.

Although no one from that generation will tell you they were ever happy or ‘proud’ regarding those who died in that war, no one can deny that the bombs dropped in Japan, although killing thousands, spared the lives of even more and ended the war.

Colonel Tibbets’ family is in our thoughts and we honor his service to the Nation and the world.

How To Install Windows Vista

Anthony from Opie and Anthony is a computer wiz. He knows WTF he is talking about. After he had some trouble loading Windows Vista on his brand new, expensive "Vista Ready" machine, he figured it out. Here is how he loaded it.


How To Properly Load Vista - Watch more free videos

Check out T-Shirts, Mugs and More For Bloggers By Bloggers

Not too long ago to help subsidize my blogging habit I opened up a Café Press store called
Blogga Wear.

Come by and you will find great t-shirts, mugs, stickers etc that express what we all know. We have issues, we have blogs.

Please take a moment and look. You won’t be disappointed. Makes a great gift for those you know who can’t seem to break free from the computer!

For My Buddy, Please Vote

My friend Mike is training to go over to Iraq for one year. There are a few things you need to know about Mike. First, he could care less about politics. Politics just annoys him.

Second, he LIVES for the Red Sox.


In my continuing effort to appeal to his senses and get him to care about politics (And to convince him to vote for my choice) I am shamelessly using this picture to sell him. So here I go:

Hey, Bro, this is Mitt Romney. He is running for President and I really like him. He is a huge Sox fan. He is from there. Hell, he used to be the Governor of Massachusetts. He is no bandwagon fan. So, uh, could I get you to vote for him, please?

Thanks,
Brian

Bearing Drift Ohio’s Newest Sponsor

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Bearing Drift Ohio Radio Test Run Wednesday at 2:00 P.M.

Please click here and listen to my 15 minute dry run of my (hopefully regular) live call in Pod Cast. You can even call in at 646-716-9244 and trash my show!

If you would like to subscribe to get notices about the show, email me here.

Sen. Craig Halloween Costume

Hard pressed for ideas for Halloween? Try this one. I love it. Priceless and cheap and easy to make.

Click Here

Poll: Bullshit Is Most Important Issue For 2008 Voters

I had a feeling, but I am glad there is now data to support it.

David Gallagher Tapped as “Romney For President” Ohio State Director

Yesterday, Governor Mitt Romney announced that David Gallagher will serve as State Director of the Ohio Romney for President team. Gallagher brings nearly a decade of political experience and will be critical in growing Governor Romney's already strong grassroots organization in Ohio.

"I look forward to working with David as I campaign in Ohio and talk about my vision to build a stronger America," said Governor Romney. "We need to bring change to Washington and I will continue to talk to voters in Ohio and across the nation about my plans to keep our nation strong for future generations."

"Governor Romney is a proven leader and has the experience needed to bring conservative change to Washington," said Gallagher. "He will fight for lower taxes, to control government spending, to strengthen our military, and to build stronger American families. Governor Romney is a candidate Ohio voters can be proud to support."

David Gallagher joins previously announced Romney for President Ohio supporters State Senator Kevin Coughlin and State Representative Shannon Jones.

Funny Shirt of the Week

Maybe P-Diddy, when not fathering a ton of kids, would like this one. I may actually buy this one. You can too, here.