Romney’s Son Plays Prank on Dad

With Arnold’s endorsement of McCain today, I though this would be fun.
Mitt Romney’s son decides to help relax his Dad right before the Michigan primary. Very funny call.



On a side note, I wonder if his son is a fan of Opie and Anthony, as they did they same thing once to some people.

McCain Will Not Get My Vote Against Obama

I have enjoyed watching the BillArry team get a taste of their own medicine as the Kennedy’s and so many others endorse Sen. Obama. I have said that I hope Obama wins just so that there is NO chance of a Hillary Clinton presidency.

Of course today was a huge decision day for Republicans. I think that both Huckabee and Giuliani will be out of the race soon (unless Huckabee is banking on a brokered convention… read delegates for VP slot).

So all of this got me thinking. What if it becomes a general election race between Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain? What if? I mean I would vote for a tree over Hillary, but what if the Dem option is not her? Could I vote for McCain? Sadly, I think not.

I truly believe that a President Obama would be careful not to go to extremes out of concern it would harm his historic legacy of being the first African American President. I truly believe he would want to be a broker of compromise, at least in his first term. So at the end of the day, I think Obama’s actions would be more moderate than anything. Hillary would railroad everything. And if Obama was a bad President, we could vote him out.

But here is my dilemma: John McCain is no conservative. As a man, as a Naval hero, as a husband and father I have the utmost respect for him, but he is not running to be my father nor for head Naval historian. In the end McCain and Obama might be the same politically in action, so I would rather be on the side of history. I would rather vote for a historical presidency than to reward someone who is not as they advertise. Sen. McCain is no conservative and he is no Reagan, although he now claims to be (oh that offends me so).

Sen. McCain has turned his back on Republicans and Conservatives too many times to be rewarded with the nomination. If he does win the nomination, the ONLY way he will get my vote is if he is running against Hillary Clinton, period.

UPDATE: Word is Giuliani will drop out (Hoo Hoo, like I said. Tell ‘em Fred) and will support McCain. McCain, Giuliani… ‘ Nuff said.

One Lies and The Other Swears To It

One of my favorite comedy radio shows, The Ron and Fez Show, on XM 202, talked about the Bill and Hillary melt down. Ron and Fez are left leaning, as you would guess, but they are fascinated by Bill Clinton’s unraveling.

Below is an audio clip of yesterday’s show. It is classic. You think reality TV is good? Nah. Listen to Ron Bennington explain why.

boomp3.com

Want more? Sure you do. Below is XM's Opie and Anthony and their take on Hillary Clinton's style.

boomp3.com

Hillary Runs To Safe House

I would never argue that NBC’s Brian Williams is uber-biased, but I can not say the same for Tim Russert. Russert. It appears that Russert’s Clinton fan-boy past has paid off for NBC.

From MediaBistro.com
After wrapping an interview with Sen. Obama, CNN's Anderson Cooper said, "Senator Clinton agreed to talk with us. At the last minute she canceled. Her campaign is offering no explanation."

MSNBC and FNC confirm with TVNewser that Clinton canceled her appearances on those networks as well.

Sen. Clinton was interviewed by NBC's Brian Williams at 10:26pmET, that appears to have been her only TV interview of the night.

Military Members to Receive ‘Protected Status’. Is it an issue?

On a topic near and dear to my heart, Columbus Dispatch’s Jeb Phillips reports today about the new Ohio law granting ‘Protected Status’.

It will soon be illegal in Ohio to discriminate against people because of their military status, the same way that people can't be discriminated against because of race, religion or disability.

Regular active-duty service members and reservists or National Guard members who have been activated for service or who must report for training will be considered a "protected class" as of March 23. That means that in the areas of employment, housing, real estate, credit and public accommodation, military status can't be a factor. (Source)

Now, as the article goes on to explain, there are federal laws that cover this but the Ohio one tightens it.

Truth be told, I am not one to automatically advocate the government meddling in business affairs, but sometimes it is necessary. Protected Status, however misused by ambulance chasing lawyers looking to make 33%, is needed for so many people. It is important to see the good such laws do.

I can tell you from personal experience that being a former Active Duty Sailor, and now a proud Navy Reservist, it is amazing the subtle and not so subtle attitudes of employers and, as I have learned recently, hiring managers of potential employers.

You would be floored by some of the comments and questions I have received during interviews. You would be surprised to hear some of the assumptions I am able to perceive from people. And also, for those of you out there interviewing and hiring, your views of the war and thus Veterans, DO come through. You may claim them to be two separate issues, but sadly, they are not.

Here are some things I wish employers knew about Veterans and Reservists:

- We are not mindless zombies who wait for orders. We take initiative. Has a lack of initiative in your job ever cost lives? We take initiative.

- We do not build teamwork through “barking orders”. It doesn’t work that way. Please try and remember it is an all voluntary military. If we did not know how to genuinely build teams, everyone would leave.

-The average age of someone in the military who gets a supervisory position for the first time is about 20. Would you let your 20-year-old be responsible for a multi-million dollar F/A-18 Aircraft? The military does not hire leaders: They develop them.

- People who served in the Military lived in civilian communities, married civilians and went to school in the civilian world. We vote, pay taxes and enjoy a good meal at Applebee’s too. We did not live behind a fence saluting everything that moves. We understand how to interact with civilians. We are not from a different planet.

- We are a loyal people who believe in the team, a greater good and doing what is right. We are built to grow and develop in your organization, not to leave as soon as possible. Can your last employee say that?

- We are not overly concerned about working hours. We are more concerned about getting the job done. I used to go to work in November and get off in May. How long was your longest day?

- We believe in looking out for our co-workers and the company. That whole rising tide thing… It is more than a saying to some of us. Remember, we were never rewarded with cash bonuses. On the rare occasion we are recognized for exceptional work, it is done so by a piece of cloth holding a piece of medal. Those awards have very little cash value but mean the world to us.

Anyway, the point is, so many people wave an American Flag (not as much as they used to) post their “We support the Troops” signs and yellow ribbons, but far too few actually DO anything to support them.

Letters and packages sent overseas are nice as are prayers for those in harms way, but if you want to support the troops, stick with what you know. Hire a Veteran.

Worst case scenario, you may have to explain something new to him or her their first year, but in five or 10 years, when they are still working their ass off for you while employee after employee jumps ship over petty issues, you won’t mind so much.

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Circleville HS Teacher Inspires Kids: Doesn’t teach them to break the law

A local teacher at Circleville HS took an idea from an episode of Oprah and made it her own. The assignment: See if $10 could make a difference and then write about it.

The Columbus Dispatch’s Mary Beth Lane reports:

She handed each student a $10 bill. You can keep it, she said, or you can donate it to someone or something. Or, you can pool your money with your classmates and identify a project you would all like to support. Or, ask your friends and family or the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs to match your $10 so that it grows into something bigger to help the community.

Then, write an essay on what you did with the money, how it made you feel, and whether it made a difference. (read the whole story)

According to the story, there is no deadline so we will have to wait and see what the kids do. Whatever it is, I am sure it will be a positive thing.

I was pleased reading this story. It is nice to see educators who take their position of influence seriously and use it to teach something positive instead of using it for political indoctrination

(ahem, I am looking at you, Erica Vieyra)

Bravo, Mr. Cooper

Anderson Cooper of CNN wants to report... NEWS. Go figure. Below was posted on his blog.

For the last two nights we have reported on actor Heath Ledger. His shocking death is clearly a story a lot of people are interested in, but tonight we will not be reporting more on it. The truth is there is not really anything new to report.

The full results of the various tests done on Mr. Ledger will not be ready for perhaps a few weeks and there is very little new information. I have no doubt other networks will spend a lot of time tonight discussing his death and the various rumors about what might have caused it, but I am not a fan of speculation, so unless there is something really new to discuss we probably won't be covering it anymore anytime soon.

Bravo, Mr. Cooper.

Quote(s) of the Day: Peggy Noonan

Columnist and former Reagan speech write Peggy Noonan has a great column today entitled “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do”

There is a lot to be read but what stands out for me is this quote which I think truly captures what is going on with the Democrats.

But the Clintons are tearing the party apart. It will not be the same after this. It will not be the same after its most famous leader, and probable ultimate victor, treated a proud and accomplished black man who is a U.S. senator as if he were nothing, a mere impediment to their plans. And to do it in a way that signals, to his supporters, How dare you have the temerity, the ingratitude, after all we've done for you?

I have always said that it is the Clintons’ sense of entitlement that disgusts me. It is just now Democrats are getting a taste of what Republicans have endured for years. The Clintons’ make Rove look like nothing.

Hopefully the Clintons will realize two things soon:
1) There is no monarchy or Royalty in the US
2) And if there is, you ain’t it and never were.

In regards to the GOP, Noonan says what needs to be said. Sure, it hurts to read and is harder to agree with... but I agree with her.

On the pundit civil wars, Rush Limbaugh declared on the radio this week, "I'm here to tell you, if either of these two guys [Mr. McCain or Mike Huckabee] get the nomination, it's going to destroy the Republican Party. It's going to change it forever, be the end of it!"

This is absurd. George W. Bush destroyed the Republican Party, by which I mean he sundered it, broke its constituent pieces apart and set them against each other. He did this on spending, the size of government, war, the ability to prosecute war, immigration and other issues.

Were there other causes? Yes, of course. But there was an immediate and essential cause.

And this needs saying, because if you don't know what broke the elephant you can't put it together again. The party cannot re-find itself if it can't trace back the moment at which it became lost. It cannot heal an illness whose origin is kept obscure.

I believe that some of the ferocity of the pundit wars is due to a certain amount of self-censorship. It's not in human nature to enjoy self-censorship. The truth will out, like steam from a kettle. It hurts to say something you supported didn't work. I would know. But I would say of these men (why, in the continuing age of Bill Clinton, does the emoting come from the men?) who are fighting one another as they resist naming the cause for the fight: Sack up, get serious, define. That's the way to help.

So here we are... A broken GOP versus a visceral self imploding Democratic Party. The question may not be who wins the White House. The question may be, does it matter?

So, How Much Money Will My ‘Rebate’ Be?

The House leadership has come to a compromise on the economic stimulation package and held a join press conference with the Speaker, The House Minority Leader and the Sec. of the Treasury. They had a bit of a love fest, and that is great, but how much will we get?

Not to long after the press conference I received a press release from Minority Leader, Rep. John Boehner’s office. Below is part of that release.

=======================================

Summary of the Economic Growth Package Agreement
in Principle

I. Tax Relief for American Families:

Rebate Checks: The economic growth package will include rebate checks in the sum of two separate calculations, with an overall phase-out for those with adjusted gross incomes above $75,000 for a single taxpayer and $150,000 for married couples. Rebate checks will include a base amount determined by the greater of two options: (a) Income tax paid in 2007, with a maximum of $600 for a single taxpayer and $1,200 for married couples; or (b) $300 for an individual and $600 for a married couple, provided the individual or couple earned income of at least $3,000 in 2007.

A children’s bonus also will be included in the rebate check calculation. Anyone qualifying for the base amount also receives an additional $300 per child, with no cap on the number of children.

II. Tax Relief for Employers:

Bonus Depreciation: The economic growth package will provide for a 50 percent bonus deduction on new equipment in the year it is placed in service, with certain exceptions for equipment with a “long life.” This temporary tax cut offers significant savings on new property with a depreciation period of 20 years or less. This will give employers – particularly small businesses – greater incentive to invest and create jobs for more Americans searching for work. The temporary bonus depreciation, coupled with expensing measures enacted in May 2003, resulted in a four percent increase in business spending in the first six months alone.

Section 179 Expensing: This provision allows employers, including small businesses, to fully expense $250,000 in both new and used tangible property in the year it is purchased up to an overall investment limit of $750,000. This will provide a particularly strong incentive for small companies to invest in their businesses so they can continue to provide good-paying jobs for the American people.

Increase in Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSE)/Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Conforming Loan Limit: The conforming loan limits for both FHA and GSE (such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) loans would be increased from $362,000 to $725,000 and from $417,000 to $625,000 respectively.

III. No Extraneous Spending/Tax Hikes

The agreement in principle includes no extraneous spending on unemployment insurance, transportation infrastructure, food stamps, and Medicaid. In a letter to Speaker Pelosi last week, Republican Leader Boehner and Republican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO) asked that any extraneous spending and tax hikes be taken off the table. All have been dropped.

Boehner represents Ohio’s 8th District, which includes all of Darke, Miami and Preble counties, most of Butler and Mercer counties, and the northeastern corner of Montgomery County. He was first elected to Congress in 1990.

Tax Returns Prepared Free of Charge for Deployed Ohio Troops

This is taken directly from a release I just recieved. Good stuff for our Deployed Brothers and Sisters in arms... And a great program from The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants.

(COLUMBUS, OH – January 18, 2008) ― The Ohio Society of CPAs is once again sponsoring Operation CPA in partnership with the Ohio National Guard and Ohio’s Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee.

CPAs from throughout Ohio have volunteered their time and expertise to prepare 2007 tax returns free of charge for deployed Reserve and National Guard members this filing season.

"Deployed service members have many challenges to deal with professionally and personally. The prospect of filing a tax return can be a daunting task for military personnel and their families,” said Clarke Price, president and CEO of The Ohio Society.

“Through Operation CPA, our members help lighten that load and show support for the men and women who are risking their lives daily for our country.”

Military personnel who are Ohio residents currently deployed outside of the state will qualify for free preparation of their 2007 individual or joint local, state and federal personal tax returns.

To take part in Operation CPA, qualified service personnel, their spouse or family member may call The Ohio Society of CPAs toll-free at 888.959.1212 or e-mail cpanswers@ohio-cpa.com. Military personnel will be matched with a CPA from their area.

“On behalf of the Ohio National Guard, we appreciate the generous support for deployed service members who have put their civilian lives on hold to answer the call,” said Lt. Col. Robert Bramlish, director of the Ohio National Guard Family Readiness Program.

Also, Military OneSource is offering free tax help. Call a tax consultant at 1-800-730-3802 or e-mail a consultant for online help. Special military programs are on that site that can help you make the most of your money.

Either way it looks like there are a few resources for our deployed service members and their families. I can tell you first had that deploying away from home is hard, but it pales in comparison to burden the families endure. It is the families left behind that try to maintain a sense of normalcy while dealing with challenges you could only imagine.

If you have any services or deals for Service Members and/or their families, let us know here at Bearing Drift and we will spread the word online and in the military community. (replace the (at) with @ before hitting send.)

NY Daily News 'Discovers' That The Clintons Are Shady

In today’s NY Daily News editorial, the Clintons are criticized for stretching the truth beyond reason, attacking and mudslinging to the point of questionable ethics.

Sen. Clinton began distorting Obama's record in Monday night's debate and yesterday began airing a television attack that twists a recent Obama statement about former President Ronald Reagan to the point of clear inaccuracy. Bill Clinton, meanwhile, has wrongly accused Obama both of injecting race into the debate and of running a negative campaign against his wife.

They have gone well beyond engaging in tough political jousting while steering the campaign far from the substantive issues. Their tactics are reminiscent of the unproductive, distasteful mudslinging that started with Bill Clinton's election and continued through George W. Bush's reelection. (Source)

In other news, The NY Daily News discovers the sun rises in the east. For years the Clintons have been given a pass by the predominantly liberal media. Now the Clintons are, well being themselves and attacking, ying about and doing their best to destroy a fellow liberal.

As much as I enjoy the Clintons (finally) being called out for their unethical way of living, I am a bit annoyed at the naïve ‘surprise and disappointment’ as if this is something new.

Read the Editorial and know, the NY Daily News is traditionally a left leaning newspaper (Man, if the term leaning newspaper isn’t repetitive.)

In Case You Missed It….

The Giants are going to the Super Bowl? Yup, they sure are.

But how did they get there? Well, in case you missed the game, Eddie Murphy is here to explain.

Is It Too Early To Talk VP?

Since people are starting to drop out like Thompson, I say Huckabee in a few days, Richardson, and I think Edwards soon as well, is it too early to look at VP candidates? Nah.

Now I think it is safe to say that Obama and Hillary would never chose each other (Actually rumor has it Hillary wants a mirror for a running mate). Now would Edwards go it again as a VP candidate? My gut says no. So for the Dems, it is obvious they wil look beyond the POTUS debate stage for that running mate.

Could Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio be a viable candidate? He denies that he is vying for the job... He denies it every time he endorses or stumps for Hillary, which in his defense, is only from about noon to midnight daily. Of course I dount he could carry Iowa since he said those voters and that causus was irrelevant.

Maybe former candidate Gov Richardson...

How about Governor Kaine of Virginia? Not as vocal but he is supportive of Sen. Obama. He has been positioned by the DNC to be in the spot light, including the Dem response to the state of the Union, but so has Virginia Senator Jim Webb, soooo.

As for the Republicans, I think it is safe to say both Thompson and Huckabee want a shot at the job, but for whom? And if McCain wins the nom, we still can’t count out the Lieberman factor. Could McCain win with Lieberman on the ticket? Lieberman says he has no interest, but he has said that before... in 2000.

So what do you think? What is your take?

Thompson Out. Huckabee next?

Sen. Fred Thompson announced he was dropping out of the race. There is a lot about Fred Thompson I like. I can only hope he makes someone a good VP… Maybe a Romney-Thompson ticket?

Now begins the countdown to the Huckabee drop. Yeah, it as fun, it was cute, kind of like letting the slow kid play a pick up game for a little while to make him feel good, but it is time to get serious. Hopefully Huckabee will drop out by week’s end and then Rudy after Florida.

Romney statement on Thompson drop out:
"Throughout this campaign, Fred Thompson brought a laudable focus to the challenges confronting our country and the solutions necessary to meet them. He stood for strong conservative ideas and believed strongly in the need to keep our conservative coalition together.

Ann and I would like to extend our best wishes to Fred, Jeri and their family and congratulate them on their efforts during this campaign."

Indexed: Genius AGAIN

Please take time to read all of Jessica's posts. This one I HAD to share with you.

Bill Clinton’s Tour de Farce Takes Its Toll

Maybe if former President spent less time ranting, raving, attacking and lying about Hillary’s opponents, then maybe he could get more sleep. A sense of entitlement is tiring.

Don’t feel bad for him, though. He found time to nap… During a celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King.

Bill Clinton has a dream?

Video Of The Week 1/20/08

This is funny. Enjoy

Is A Government Handout a Good Idea?

I am no economist. I am, however, a proud conservative. One of the pillars of conservatism, in my opinion, is not looking to the federal government to solve all issues.

So I have to ask, is President Bush’s plan to hand out cash to Americans a good idea to stimulate the economy? Since when do Republicans look to Government handouts to solve problems?

Don’t get me wrong, I will gladly cash the check if sent, but is this putting a band aide on a severed arm?

Hollywood Hypocrites… Again

PARK CITY, Utah – The Sundance Film Festival has plenty of star power, but Friday night it ran out of the electric kind.

Park City’s Main St. went dark about 10:30 p.m. because of what officials said was an overuse of electricity. They blamed the blackout on the clubs and lounges that pop up during the movie festival and host parties for the flicks.

This, of course is a film fest hosted by an ‘environmentalist’ and attended by Hollywood elitist who lecture us about conserving energy and being “Green”. But see that is what YOU are supposed to do. Not them. They are ‘special’.

So next time some Hollywood hack goes on and on about being green, remember they flew charter jets to Utah to over use electricity to promote… themselves.

Yeah, great role models, hippies.

Blogger’s Book On Sale Now

A friend of mine, Jessica Hagy, who is also a brilliant blogger from Ohio, has written a book based on her blog, Indexed.

If you have not read Indexed, you really should. Simple, ironic, genius and clever are words to describe this daily does of insight. I will personally vouch for her talent as I have had the privilege of working with her.

So take a moment, check out Indexed and if you are so inclined to support a blogger, pore-order her book today here.

UPDATE: Just placed my order for the book. Have you?

Ask Me Again Why I Do Not Miss Virginia

As many know, this past summer we moved home to Ohio after living in the Commonwealth of Virginia for over seven years. There is very little I miss from Virginia. Very Little.

This time of year, I reminded of one of the reasons: Lee-Jackson King day. What? Yes. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, they honor General Lee, Stonewall Jackson and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.... all in the same day.

This is no joke. Simply amazing. And this is at the government level. Need to see what is going on in the City of Chesapeake (A major city near Virginia) then click on their website. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

Amazing, isn’t it?

Want to be amazed by the ingrained racism that is Virginia? The read the comments about this here. And Virginia is the "Northern" Southern state.

Powell’s Luce Café Does Charity on the Cheap

So as I read my This Week Olentangy (as I always do) I noticed this story about a fund raiser for a local child.

The Powell-Northwest MOMS Club chapter will host a daylong fundraiser Jan. 24 at Luce Café, 3944 Market St. in Powell, with proceeds benefiting 10-month-old Ellia Anne Schultz.

Schultz is the daughter of Alissa and Brad Schultz and has been diagnosed with Treacher-Collins Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder resulting in abnormalities of the craniofacial area due to the underdevelopment or malformation of certain bones such as the ears and cheek and jaw bones, according to WebMD.com. (source)

A noble cause to be sure, but it was the disengenuine, in my opinion, effort being made by the restaurant, Luce Café. You see I know that this article, which was a large part of the printed page and a web page itself, is worth valuable advertising dollars. Luce Café is hosting this fundraiser, getting free publicity for their establishment and the cost of this generosity?

Luce will donate 15 percent of lunch receipts and 10 percent of dinner receipts to the MOMS Club to go toward Schultz's treatment. (source)

Really? A whole 15% from lunch and 10% from dinner? Wow, don’t bend over too backwards, you might get hurt.


To receive such positive attention for a restaurant and to only give the equivalent of a good tip is disgusting. If Luce Café was truly dedicated to the cause they would ask their servers to work for free that night or donate their tips or maybe, just maybe have ALL proceeds from that night go to this worthy cause.

Bottom line is a meager 10% of dinner checks is an insult for a worthy cause to say nothing of the free publicity you’re received over this. Pony up some more cash, Luce Café.

Democrat Forgets To Research Before Attacking. Shock

U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur came to a House committee hearing on Thursday prepared to ask U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson tough questions about his involvement in the subprime mortgage crisis.
Unfortunately, she was questioning the chairman of the Federal Reserve.

Overheard moments before a hearing:

Am I a Democrat? Check
Do I hate Bush? Check
Will I attack anyone in that administration? Check
Do I have a clue what they hell I am talking about? Nah, not important.



h/t Right On The Right

Cincinnati Sports Fans Will Appreciate This

h/t taxmanblog

UPDATE: What the F*** Has Happened To Our Priorities?!?!

America is at war, it is an election year, there is genocide in Darfur, legislators are dealing with transportation and budget problems in Virginia and Ohio, marquee banks are selling out to foreign investors to stay afloat, Americans are having to foot the bill for mortgages taken by those who had no business getting them, and on and on and on.

So, what is the US Congress doing this week? Holding hearings about a game and changing the Capitol Hill cafeteria menu to be ‘healthier’.

Uh, WHAT?!?!?

UPDATE: My Friend Scoot over at Scott's Morning Brew has more examples of WTF.

UPDATE: SO the Dems who care about the common man, and woman, I guess, apparently pushed out the old chef in the House cafeteria, yet still use her name (But not the recipe she is known for) and treated her like crap. Read all about it here.

Carnival Of Ohio Blogs Is Up

I am a newbie to the Carnival of Ohio Bloggers and I have to say I am impressed! Both sides of the isle are represented and the amount of work this one took is amazing. Being the 100th, I know the goal was 100 links. They got damn close.

I want to thank them for welcoming me and including not one but tow of my posts.

Check it out and discover a blog you never knew before. Lord knows I have!

Bill’s Anger Signs of Wife’s Imploding Campaign?

In the usual Clinton style, the Clinton Camp is upset because people in Nevada who endorsed Obama will allegedly have an easier time caucusing. Of course all the Democrats agreed to let people caucus in casinos and then when the largest union for casino workers endorsed Obama, they changed their mind.

Bill attacked a reporter for asking about the lawsuit filed by Clinton supporters and the Teachers’ union to stop these locations of caucusing.

Clinton also took issue with the reporters’ suggestion that the teachers union, made up of many of Hillary Clinton’s backers, only filed the suit after the 60,000-strong Culinary Workers Union endorsed Barack Obama.

[The Reporter] Matthews noted the state party approved the set up, and repeated the question about the culinary workers’ endorsement impacting the decision to file suit.

According to the plan approved last March by the Nebraska Democratic Party and ratified by the Democratic National Committee in August, the at-large caucus sites would be at any one of nine of the Strip’s hotels. The goal of the plan was said to give housekeepers, waitresses, bellhops, restaurant workers and thousands of others a chance to participate in the midday caucuses rather than take time off to return home to neighborhood precincts or skip the vote altogether (source).

Of course he took issue with it because had the union back Hillary, they wouldn’t say boo and if Obama complained they would have crucified him for complaining. But see, the issue now is Slick Willey attacking a reporter and looking like a whining child.

Could Bill’s short temper be a sign that he is frustrated with his wife’s campaign? Could their sense of entitlement be threatened? Fact is the Clintons do not like being questioned or challenged. Implode, implode, implode.

American Idol Renews My Faith In The Human Disaster… And I Love It

Through the years Americans have sought relief from the daily grind, the troubles in their lives, the strife that is living. For some it may be a good book. For others it is a strong drink. For me, it is... America Idol.

This 21st century guilty pleasure has become one of my obsessions. True, this may not show a very mature nor intellectual side of me, but anyone who knows me knows that my mental prowess is riddled moments of genius dipped in insight and deep fried in vulgar language so this love of American Idol should come as no surprise.

What may surprise some is that it is not the winner that grabs my attention. No, in all honesty it is the first 4 weeks I love so much. The cringe inducing, horrifying examples of human failure and shame brought on by the display of such utter and miserable absence of talent which brings me so much joy.

Like a little girl with Hanna Montana tickets, I was giddy with excitement last night as Fox premiered season 7. Night #1 did not disappoint.

I am sure there were some talented people who received a ticket to Hollywood. I am sure there were some tear jerking stories of triumph and the human spirit but also I am sure we will be beaten over the head with these folks in the last weeks of the show. No, what I came to see were the disasters and they were not in short supply.

Instead of rehashing these failures in life person by person I will simply let the images of these freaks speak for themselves. Know this; these pictures are only the surface. I would argue that these images make them appear to be more normal than they are. If you missed American Idol then you missed the modern day freak show that I love oh so much.

As is the tradition of the Fox Network (reinforced by a writers’ strike) tonight there will be another episode. I understand that there will be two nights of 'Idol' every week and possibly more. In the coming weeks I will make predictions and comments but for now allow me to sit back and take in the glow of those who are talentless, ignorant and so obviously oblivious to the feeling of shame.

On a side note, I fully expect my friend Vivian to jump on board with the American Idol coverage, but please be patient with here. She is in it for the talent. Guffaw!

UPDATE: As predicted, Vivian is all over this!

Maybe THE Coolest Way To Open A Beer

I would try this but my turrets prevents me from, DAMN, SONOFABITCH, MOTHERFU.. Ok, sorry about that. I’m fine now. Enjoy



h/t Geekologie

What the F*** Has Happened To Our Priorities?!?!

America is at war, it is an election year, there is genocide in Darfur, legislators are dealing with transportation and budget problems in Virginia and Ohio, marquee banks are selling out to foreign investors to stay afloat, Americans are having to foot the bill for mortgages taken by those who had no business getting them, and on and on and on.

So, what is the US Congress doing this week? Holding hearings about a game and changing the Capitol Hill cafeteria menu to be ‘healthier’.

Uh, WHAT?!?!?

UPDATE: My Friend Scoot over at Scott's Morning Brew has more examples of WTF.

Liberals’ Creation of Hyper Political Correctness Bites Them in the Ass

Liberals are more enlightened about race, right? We are lectured time and again by liberals on not only what to think, but how to think about race. Specifically they say that everyone should be ultra sensitive about race. Liberals are the first to pounce at the hint of anything politically incorrect.

So watching the Dems attack each other over remarks that have racial overtones is almost like watching a hunter trapped in his own bear trap. Just my take.

Hey Dems... You created this environment of hyper sensitivity, political correctness and the devaluing of REAL racial issues by dwelling on superficial non issues, so lie in your bed and implode, implode, implode.

Soros Paid For a Lie?

A STUDY [The Lancet estimate] that claimed 650,000 people were killed as a result of the invasion of Iraq was partly funded by the antiwar billionaire George Soros.

New research published by The New England Journal of Medicine estimates that 151,000 people - less than a quarter of The Lancet estimate - have died since the invasion in 2003.
(source)

George Soros bought facts instead of using real ones? Really. I-am-so-shocked.

For those of you from Grove City, that was sarcasm.

Would Hillary Make Rice Reference to Asian-Americans, Fried Chicken to African Americans?

Why is this ok for Hillary Clinton to say as she tries to ‘relate’ to Hispanic-Americans?

"We treat these problems as if one is guacamole and one is chips, when ... they both go together," she said. (source)

Imagine the outcry if a Republican like Mitt Romney or John McCain had said this?

h/t Return Of The Conservatives

Maybe Seen on Sunday

Maybe Seen Along I-70

Liberals and Science. Too Hard For Them?

Taxmandblog (one of my new favorite blogs) has a great post about liberals’ failure to understand how science works.

Worth a read.

Tell him The Squeaky Wheel sent you!

Open Letter to Chad Johnson

Chad,

I know this was a rough year for you. It was rough for everyone; Fans, players, the city and so on. But as the saying goes, there is next year, and the year after and the year after that, all the way to at least the end of the contract YOU signed. That contract was more than a business deal. It was a promise to the fans.

Now you might think Drew has your best interests in mind, but he doesn’t. He has 15% of your contract in mind and just as he made T.O. the most vilified player in the NFL, so will he make you if you are not careful. That would be a shame because you are good and don’t need that baggage.

The fans supported you all year. The coach supported you all year and lord knows T.J. and Carson supported you. I understand your frustration but please remember that Mike Brown is NOT the Cincinnati Bengals, you are, T.J. is, Carson is, Justin is, Shane is as well as the rest of the roster… and all of the fans are.

There are issues worth creating media pressure about. For example, getting the team a General Manger is one. Creating a buzz to get a trade, and Drew more money, is not.

So here we are. You can be the next T.O. or you can be Chad Johnson; one of the reasons people came back to the Bengals. The choice is yours. Make us believe again. We want to desperately and I can not believe that you would turn your back on the fans and the team that made Ocho Cinco a household name.

My four-year-old wears an 85 jersey and points to the TV and yells “OCHO CINCO!” and we smile. He does not want to wear an 85 pro bowl jersey, he does not want to wear an 85 jersey from some other team… he wants to wear your BENGALS 85 jersey. Do you?

Global Warming: Snow in Iraq

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Snow fell on Baghdad on Friday for the first time in memory, and delighted residents declared it an omen of peace.

"It is the first time we've seen snow in Baghdad," said 60-year-old Hassan Zahar. "We've seen sleet before, but never snow. I looked at the faces of all the people, they were astonished," he said.

Must be global warming but absolutley Bush's fault, right?

Folks in Baghdad said it was a sign of peace and we can't have that. No way! If there is peace in Iraq, then the Democrats would be mad. Only complete chaos is accpetable for the party of defeat. Anything less might be good, uh I mean bad for them.

Remember kids: Dead US Soldiers and Iraqis help Democrats' poll numbers! And they LOVE high poll numbers, don't they?

Thompson On Huckabee: Spot On!

Central Ohio Home Values Declined? Maybe Not.

One of my “Must Read” blogs is a real estate blog by Realtor Elaine Reese. She has an interesting post about the 5-Year Average Home Price comparison by central Ohio school district.

She writes

Our growth has been quite conservative over the years. There was some minor decline in 2007, caused by all the media hype and higher than normal inventories. Builders have cut back the number of specs and we’re getting some of the resale inventory sold, so things are improving.

Take a read. Interesting stuff and good (award winning) blog in general.

Ron Paul: Not so great, is he?

For all of those who are oh-so in love with "Republican" Ron Paul, take a gander at your hero here.

Ok, back now? Good. Now stop wasting your time on this ridiculous fantasy campaign and support a real candidate.

Who Dey? Baltimore May… Coach Lewis Rumors

Baltimore Sun columnist, Mike Preston, is speculating that the Ravens might trade draft picks to the Bengals to release Marvin Lewis from the final three seasons of his contract in order to hire Lewis to replace the fired Brian Billick as head coach:

Read all about what he is hearing.

Not sure how I feel about this. I am a big fan of coach Lewis. It is his staff I am unhappy with. Also, knee jerk fans (that’s right; I’m looking at you Ben!) should be careful what they wish for. It is not like Mike Brown is know for good hires… or drafts... or much else.

Lewis’ replacement might be chosen with the same crap methodology Brown uses on Draft Day.

The only question remains: Is this columnist reporting what he is hearing or is he trying to get an idea rolling. In response to this column, Marvin Lewis, through apokesman Jack Brennan said, "It's not something for me to respond to. Just a writer making a speculative point."

Hmmmm.

Bill Gates’ Last Day At Work

Bill Gates Last Day Of Work - Watch more free videos

Now on a side note, it does make clear where his politics are (as if that was a secret) but the video is still funny.

Edwards' Candidacy Only Helps Clinton

Edwards and Obama’s mantra is “change” and a break from the status quo. When they say that, they mean to beat Hillary Clinton. After his third place finish in New Hampshire, Edwards said, “I am in this race until the convention,"


The reality is, Edwards chances of winning the nomination are low at best. But what he is doing by staying in the race is dividing the anti-Hillary vote.

There are an awful lotof primaries before the convention and if New Hampshire is any indication, they will all be close between Clinton and Obama. John Edwards’ ego will cost any chance to bump out Hillary.

I guess when you have a 26,000 square foot house the only thing you have left to fill that empty void is the pursuit of the White House, no matter the cost to the nation, and make no mistake, Hillary Clinton being President is bad for America. Now am I saying she would win the general election? No, but if she loses the primaries I can guarantee she won’t be the President and that is assurance I think we all want.

Reports: McCain Wins New Hampshire Republican Primary

It is not looking good for my chosen horse, Governor Mitt Romney. I am confident in Michigan next week (although I was confident in New Hampshire) but we will see.

I will admit, Michigan is known for letting people down so I am cautiously optimistic. I do worry that a loss in Michigan would spell the end of Romney’s campaign.

On the bright side, two second place finishes and one first place (Wyoming) does put him in the ‘points’ lead, but as we know, momentum is everything and right now there is a lack of it. I am concerned.

My Only Question Is....

...Why aren't there a bunch of dead Iranians in the water right now? The Skipper of these ships showed AMAZING restraint. More than I would have had, and remember, I have served on ships and was a part of the ship's security team.

Funny Video Of The Week

Before some of you rant, lighten up.


http://view.break.com/429029 - Watch more free videos

Some Posts About Obama Worth Revisiting

Here are two posts I wrote that seems to still be relevant.

Obama: Sex Ed to Kindergarteners the “right thing to do”

While it might have been hard to hear Democrat Barack Obama over the sounds of the Shop-Vacs and giggling of doctors, Presidential Candidate and Senator Barack Obama, D-Ill., told Planned Parenthood Tuesday that sex education for kindergarteners, as long as it is "age-appropriate," is "the right thing to do."

and

Clinton/Obama Ticket. Don’t Count On It

There has been some talk from the likes of Newt and even Giuliani that there might be a ticket in 2008 made up of Senators Clinton an Obama. Stories like this and exchanges like the one below at yesterday’s AFL CIO Forum in Chicago (Which replays of can be heard on XM channel 130, POTUS) show me that this is unlikely to happen.

Attacking Romney Did Not Play Well

Although my good friend Brian loved it, I am sure, the Riehl World View analyzed the dial-testing of last night’s debate and found that New Hampshire voters did not care for the personal attacks launched by Senator McCain and Governor Huckabee.

Angry Hillary… Again

I have audio of some radio guys mocking the “Hillary yelling” (a.k.a. the way she talks), coming soon, but she is in her zone when, heaven forbid, someone disagrees with her, or worse, actually calls her out.

And so was the situation on ABC’s debate in New Hampshire. John Edwards refered to her as the status quo and she did not defend herself, she scolded… She needs to stop lecturing and yelling at people. She does not do so when she is passionate about something, she is angry when she does not get a free pass. There is a difference.

See Hillary get pissy below. Yeah, I said it. So what?



Note: This is being ‘simulblogged'at Bearing Drift, Main.

Huckabee Tells Lies... again.

UPDATE:

"Huckabee claimed a gasoline tax was only passed after 80 percent of voters approved it. Not true. The tax was enacted before a referendum vote on highway repairs."
– Factcheck.org ("Huckabee's Fiscal Record," Factcheck.org, 11/21/07)

------------------------------------------
In Saturday's debate, Gov Huckabee tried to claim he supported the troops and the surge BEFORE Gov. Romney did. Huckabee said, "I supported the president in the war before you did. I supported the surge when you didn't." (Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Manchester, NH, 1/5/08)

Really? Hmm. Well below is video of Mike Huckabee in January, 2007. LAST YEAR before the surge started to work (MSNBC's "Live," 1/24/07)



Whatever it takes to win, eh, Mikey-boy?

Bengals Far From Cleaning House, as Promised

From Benglas.com
The Bengals said Thursday in the wake of Wednesday's moves that their remaining coaches are in place, working, and under contract for the 2008 season.

Some could leave for better jobs, but it looks like Bengals defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan and linebackers coach Ricky Hunley are the only assistants that won't return.

Ok, so that is a good start. I think the coordinators should go on the other side of the ball as well. Fundamentals were in short supply this year whenever the ball left QB Carson Palmer’s hands, and lets be honest, he seemed off this year as well.

The fact is, the Bengals need a new attitude and that needs to be one of excellence, not surprise when they do well. A friend of mine says that Coach Lewis and WR Chad Johnson should go but I disagree.

The solution is getting back to coaching the basics and what works as well as players following with a team mindset, not individual glory. ‘Ocho Cinco’ is good for the NFL and the Bengals but there needs to be a team built around the likes of him, TJ and Rudy Johnson/Watson to get it done. As long as Palmer learns that everyone is not 7’ and taller, all will be well.

As usual, I am looking forward to next year with high hopes and naïve wonder. I will feel better though when more positions for the coaching staff are posted on Monster.com.

On a side note, I still stick to my previous Super Bowl Prediction: Patriots and the Packers.

Fiesta Bowl: Say what???

TMZ has a better cut of the video here.

This was from last night's Fiesta Bowl. Funny!

I Told You So #438

Not too long ago I said amongst friends (and I think on Bearing Drift, I am still looking) that the killer ticket would be McCain/Lieberman.

As I sit here watching Fox News, I see Sen. Joe Lieberman stumping for his friend, Sen. John McCain. Could I have been right… again? Of course I am endorsing Gov. Romney, but IF Sen. McCain won the nomination, and he chose Sen. Lieberman as his running mate, it sure would be hard not to be excited about that sort of ticket.

Have you been spanked?

I love when news folks are caught being human

http://view.break.com/425848 - Watch more free videos

Picture of the Day: America is Not At War

While I was doing some 'spring cleaning' of the old hard drive, I came across this photo. It is from Iraq, but I do not know who took the photo. I have friends serving over there and this captures how they feel.