In Case Of Failure, Your $10 Seat Can Be Used As A Floatation Device

My father is a genius. Just the other night he said, "I don't think SkyBus is going to make it."

He was right. This evening, the following text is the only thing found on SkyBus.com

Skybus Airlines will cease all operations effective Saturday, April 5.

Skybus struggled to overcome the combination of rising jet fuel costs and a slowing economic environment. These two issues proved to be insurmountable for a new carrier.

We deeply regret the impact this decision will have on our employees and their families, customers, vendors, suppliers, airport officials and others in the cities in which we have operated. Our financial condition is such that our Board of Directors felt it had no choice but to cease operations.

Passengers holding reservations for Skybus flights scheduled to depart on or after Saturday, April 5, 2008 should contact their credit card companies to arrange to apply for a refund. More information for customers and others will be made available on the Skybus web site (www.skybus.com) as it becomes available.

All flights for Friday, April 4 will be completed. Passengers holding reservations on flights for Friday, April 4 should check in for their flight at a Skybus kiosk at the airport instead of the Skybus website.

There is something ironic about an air company like Net Jets that caters to millionaires expanding, and an affordable airline for the rest of us failing. Sign if the times I suppose.

Shit, I Do A Damn Fine Job

It would seem that this blog is a bit potty-mouthed. So F-ing what?


Created by OnePlusYou

Liberals Thought Their Political Correctness Would Not Bite Them In The Ass

Free speech is a hallmark of America. We have the right to free speech… We do NOT have the right to be sheltered from speech we do not like. We do not have laws saying all speech must be nice and only a select few should decide what is ok and what is not. We do not have laws that say that what offends one should offend all. Sadly, many liberals didn’t believe this… and now it has bitten them on the ass.

From the NY Times

Randi Rhodes, an afternoon host for the progressive Air America radio network, was suspended Thursday after repeatedly insulting Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton at an event last month.

Ms. Rhodes used vulgar language that likened Mrs. Clinton to a prostitute at an event sponsored by KKGN, the Air America affiliate in the San Francisco area, on March 22. A video of Ms. Rhodes’ remarks was published to the video-sharing Web site YouTube on Tuesday, prompting condemnations by some bloggers

In a statement, Charlie Kireker, the chair of Air America, said the radio network “encourages strong opinions about public affairs but does not condone such abusive, ad hominem language by our hosts.”

The article goes on to say that the suspension is “indefinite”. For those who are unaware how this works in radio, let me explain. It starts with an ‘investigation’, then a ‘suspension’ and then a firing. The firing normally happens when a few people, very few but annoyingly loud people, bitch and moan then threaten the owners with boycotts and protests of advertisers… you know, intimidation and bullying.

Now make no mistake, I can not stand Rhodes. I think she is a complete nut case, but I think she should be allowed to say what she thinks. She is PAID to be shocking, push the envelope and yes, even offend the senses. Everyone KNOWS what they get with Rhodes and should invoke fake rage when she does what she does. Hmm, sounds familiar.

When Don Imus was attacked by the liberal elite in the name of political correctness, many people, including myself, called on everyone to realize that such an attack on one voice is an attack on all voices. People attacked Imus out of fake rage. Those he supposedly offended had no idea who he was until someone told them to be ‘outraged’. I argued then and I argue now, you do not have the right to silence those who words you do not like. We are grown ups. Sticks and stones folks.

“WHAAAA, they said something mean! WHA!!!!” Give me a break.

So here we are. The liberals felt that censorship through political correctness would be a smart tool to attack those they disagree with. What they did not realize is when you set fire to burn those you hate, you also run the risk of burning those you don’t. Consider Liberal talk radio burned.

Dumb asses.

Has Hillary Actually Ever Seen Rocky?

So, lets chalk this one up to either hack speech writers or just a stupid staff. Recently, while Hillary was trying to relate to folks in Pennsylvania, she compared herself to Rocky Balboa from the movie Rocky.

“Let me tell you something, when it comes to finishing a fight, Rocky and I have a lot in common. I never quit. I never give up. And neither do the American people,” Clinton said. (Source)

What makes this so rich, and her so stupid is… Well, as everyone recalls, in the movie, Rocky loses to the black guy.


h/t Scott’s Morning Brew (he covers this too)

There is a Word For This Sort Of Growth

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Islam has overtaken Roman Catholicism as the biggest single religious denomination in the world, the Vatican said on Sunday.

Hmmm. I think there is a word for this phenomenon.

I Agree with Ohio A.G. Dann… Damn, that hurts to say

I am not in favor of the XM-Sirius merger… this is nothing new. I think it will cause higher prices, less choice in programming, and worse still, Mell Karmizan running all of satellite radio. Uncle Mel is not known for making radio better and he never met a commercial he did not like (ahem, CBS Radio).

In a statement released Wednesday, Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann said:

“If this deal is allowed to proceed, Ohioans and radio listeners across the country will be forced to listen to limited programming offered by a monolithic entity at prices set in a monopolistic environment,” Mr. Dann said. “The antitrust laws were enacted to prevent deals like this. Since the Department of Justice didn’t use those laws to prevent this monopoly, the FCC should use its powers to protect the public interest.”

Look, if I wanted Sirius and Mel’s master, Howard Stern, I would have purchased a Sirius unit (and a lager car to carry one of their over-sized pieces of crap), but I didn’t.

Please, FCC, block this merger. Please.

German chancellor: Beijing Boycott.

From The Guardian
The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, yesterday became the first world leader to decide not to attend the Olympics in Beijing.

As pressure built for concerted western protests to China over the crackdown in Tibet, EU leaders prepared to discuss the crisis for the first time today, amid a rift over whether to boycott the Olympics.

I think she may be a leader on this one. China, who thumbs their noses at the world, should be called out for their treatment of protesters in Tibet, to say nothing of the reason they protest: Freedom.

China is normally given a pass on such issues because of their buying power and their place in the world economy.

This reminds me of the Middle East. It is a third-world area that is frozen in a past of hundreds of years ago. Only oil makes them relevant to, well anything.

If China was not such a large consumer base, we would not tolerate half of the crap they pull. This is like looking the other way while someone beats up the elderly only because he is your ride. Sometimes it is better to stand up to the bully and walk.

How Hillary Remembers Bosnia

The report you DIDN'T see... Must be that conspiracy again.

Google Strikes Again. Shows Their Stripes

When I woke this morning I was excited to see my children’s faces as they saw what the Easter Bunny left them. I was also excited to see what cool graphic Google would have for this Easter… Then I remembered, Google hates Christians.

They are never at a loss for Earth Day, European Holidays and a range of causes non-Christian Holidays, but Easter? Nope (See a screen shot from today).

I will give them this; Google does do something for Christmas, but then again they make a lot of money at Christmas.

Maybe we should all Google the phrase “Why does Google hate Christians” and get it on the top of Google Trends today?

BTW, and I am sure this is just a coincidence, Google and their employees tend to donate exclusively to liberal candidates, by the millions. I am sure the contempt for Christianity and the love of liberals is just a coincidence. I am sure it is.
Where is the cute Easter Graphic?

Quote of the Day

A loyal reader sent me this thought today about Obama's minister and his sermons. I thought it was brilliant.

Funny, we are now being told by Rev. Al, and ALL the "Black community" leaders that we are taking the many, many statements by Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. out of context when compared to his many sermons.

I'm just thinking that the same people didn't think twice about taking 45 seconds out of 3 hours per day, five days per week for 30 years from Don Imus out of context!

Call me crazy, but.......................................

Not crazy, just on point.

But one point of fact... The Imus "nappy hos" comment was 5 seconds... not even 45 seconds. Sad, isn't it?

Boehner Hits The Beach, Bearing Drift Is There.

Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio stopped by my old stomping ground, and home or the original Bearing Drift, Virginia Beach yesterday for a fundraiser on behalf of Rep. Thelma Drake (VA-2-R).

The proprietor of Bearing Drift, Jim, shares some great clips of the appearance including:

-What’s it like to be in the minority and why losing in 2006 may have been the best thing for Republicans

-The presidential race and the outlook for congressional campaigns

-FISA

-Energy (Includes what Lou Holtz thinks about the cost of gasoline)

-How to keep Virginia Red and his thoughts on Northern Virginia

-Education

...and more!
Check out Bearing Drift (Virginia) for the rest.

Little David IS Human

AI's David Archuleta SUCKED tonight. We were told he was perfect yet he forgets the words to a freakin' Beatles tune!?!?! My cat knows the words to the Beatles.

I wonder how long he will keep up this 'ah schucks' crap... I predict this will be the start of his downfall. When people are told they are the assumed winner for a log time before the votes and then they mess up, they tend to crumble...

Yeah, I was thinking of Clinton when I wrote that last line. I know, I know, I'm with you!

AP Photo Not Reflective of My Neighborhood

To the right is a great AP photo of a letter carrier delivering the mail in Columbus. I was so inspired here in Powell, Ohio (just north of Columbus) I ran out to my mail box to find... Nothing. No mail in Powell yesterday. So much for the old saying, eh?

Quote of the Week

From Seth Meyers of Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update

On the eve of Tuesday’s primary victories, a defiant Hillary Clinton said, “I’m just getting warmed up.” Which begs the question, 'Hey Hillary, how are you going to be ready on day one if it takes you 31 primaries to get warmed up?'

Birthday Candles Blown Out… From 180 Feet Away?

A sandwich company, Erbert and Gerbert, wanted to celebrate their 20th birthday by blowing candles out. Instead of having the CEO do it, or the oldest and youngest employee do it, they got creative. Pretty cool video.


Not that I am trying to drop hints, but my birthday is in September… I’m just saying…

Got Snow?

We got a little snow yesterday and today. Just a little. This is one of the many great reasons I am glad to be back in Ohio. My kids are loving the snow. They were never that big on the beach anyway.

This was my view of my front yard, driveway and street… I think.

I opened my garage and found this.

Where the hell is my car?!?!

BONUS: Guess what kind of car that is. Leave a comment with your guess.
(If you know what I drive, don’t give it away.)

THERE IS A GOD!

IA's biggest fake wanna-be, Danny Noriega is history! There is hope after all!

“My Vote Doesn’t Matter”: Really?

Folks in Reynoldsburg who did not vote may feel a little stupid this morning as their school issue vote is almost as close as it gets. Vote, people. It DOES matter!
Click image to enlarge

Can John McCain Heal The Sick?

It is reported that Sen. John McCain will visit the RNC on Wednesday. Will McCain meet with RNC Chairman Mike Duncan? Hmmm, does John McCain have the power to heal the sick?

More to come.

Yet ANOTHER Reason To Stop Your Kids from Going to Ohio University

Liberals prefer to be called "progressive" now. They can also can use the word Poverty to describe their ideas.

TaxMan Blog brings us this GREAT post about the most progressive city on Ohio... As one who went to Miami, I am loving this!

Check it out.

D&D Co-Creator Runs Out of Hit Points

From CNN

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (AP) -- Gary Gygax, who co-created the fantasy game Dungeons & Dragons and helped start the role-playing phenomenon, died Tuesday morning at his home in Lake Geneva. He was 69.

What stuck me as odd was this line from the story:

Besides his wife, Gygax is survived by six

Survived by six kids!?!? So HE was the one player who actually got laid! One can only assume that his wife inherits his Mom’s basement home and rumor has it that it will be a 12 sided coffin.

McCain Can Barely Carry Ohio: Sad

What does it say when Hillary Clinton gets more votes and a higher almost the same percentage as John McCain?

What does it say?

McCain: 54% 58%
Clinton: 56%

UPDATE: As more results come in it appears that McCain does get a higher percentage... barely. Still, sad when you consider he was running against Huckabee!

One Lies and The Other Swears To It: Repost

This is a repost of an earlier post. As I sit and listen to Hillary in Columbus tonight, it reminded me of this audio. Spot on! (BTW notice how she said she won Florida? She is bragging about winning a state she agreed to not compete in. 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

Delaware County (Powell) Results

As I write this with 92% of precincts reporting, it looks as if the Olentangy Schools bond and Levy has passed (58-42%), so there is now more money for the schools to teach kids how to break the law.

Interestingly though the race for Democratic nomination for President is tighter than it is statewide. Hillary wins that 50% to 49% (60% reporting)... Looks like the dozen or so Democrats in Delaware county can’t seem to agree much.

On and interesting side note, Governor Strickland seems to be one of the few Democrats to never jump the Hillary Ship. Hmmmm. He must be a ViP consideration.

UPDATE: Looks like Rep. Pat Tiberi is slipping. As of right now he only has 90% of the vote for his nomination. Hmm, I would have figured at least 92%. Go, Pat Go!

Media Makes Patriot “Fans” Look Good

Obama, Obama, Obama. That is all you have heard from the media. Well, as has been the trend this primary season, the media’s prediction have been wrong. Obama is not walking away with all of the Super Tuesday 2 elections.

What amazes me is that now they are talking about how Clinton is in it and “What has Obama ever done?”

Now that Ohio has gone to Hillary, these media types (ALL the networks) act like all of the “Sudden” Patriot fans I saw this season… after week 12.

The media loves the left, but watching them choose between the two is funny and sad to me. Yesterday they could not sing the praises of Obama loudf enough. Tonight they are already trashing him and jumping on that Hillary bandwagon. I guess the media wants to make sure they stay in good graces of their home team: the Dems.

On a side note, now that Hillary has won Ohio (and it looks like by a lot) no matter what else happens, she will stay in. Ugh.

I Voted Today

This morning my wife and I packed up the kids in our fuel guzzling SUV and headed out to vote. For me it was only the second time in ten years that I went to an actual voting booth since I voted in Ohio elections via absentee ballots while I was on active duty.

When we arrived around 10:15 we found that there was no line and stepped right up to the table. We live in Southern Delaware County and suspect we missed the before-work rush and beat the lunch crowd.

To my surprised, I was registered as an independent. And since I was, I was able to choose which ballot I wanted. Hmmm, what to do…

Well, it looks like McCain has this wrapped up.

Of course I would never say who I voted for, but I will say this: I can not imagine nor let there be a world where Hillary is President. I am just saying.

Hope you voted today, Ohio!

Hey Cleveland, Maxwell Sucks

"Maxwell" (aka Benjamin Bornstein) of Cleveland’s 100.7 WMMS is an ass. Could someone in Cleveland PLEASE tell me what makes keeps this fat, wanna-be, fake voice, hypocrite on the air?

If anyone from Cleveland who actually listens to this ass is reading this, please explain. Thanks

BTW more to come on this guy who picked a ‘radio-fight’ with the wrong guys… Now Benjamin’s bosses are scared and told him to pipe down. Tool.

Drudge Thinks Like Me... I think?

Why do I have a feeling that Drudge did mean what I was thinking when I saw this headline.
Click image to enlarge
Hint: For those of you from Newark, it rhymes with bunt

Michigan (cl)Ass

Kevin Borseth, The Michigan womens basketball team coach, shows that Michigan class we all love in a press conference.

Local Reporter Appears On Chris Matthews’ Show

Emmy Award winner, Patrick Preston, WCMH 4’s political reporter, appeared today on the Chris Matthews Show to talk the upcoming primary in Ohio.

I must say that I was imprested with Preston and his handle on the reality of the Ohio political Climate. Another panelist, a reporter from Texas, seemed to be on the Obamamania bandwagon whereas Preston gave valid, balanced points.

The other journalists, including Matthews, took (standard liberal elite) cheap shots at Ohio, implying that it was a state on non-enlightened boobs, but Preston was quick to correct them. In one case, Preston looked at Chris Matthews himself, smiled, chuckled and said, “I think you need to show Ohio a little more respect.”

(Note to Matthews, yes we have Starbucks in Ohio, Jackass... We just think it is stupid to pay five bucks for coffee you lemming.)

In the end, Patrick Preston did a good job. Now if only WCMH knew how to run their damn equipment and stopped with the fear-mongering news teasers, they might be something to be proud of.

Airplane!: A Classic That Could Not Be Made Today

So as I sit on my lazy ass this fine Saturday afternoon, I see that Airplane! is on Comedy Central. I freakin’ LOVE this movie! When I was a kid, my brother and I watched it so many times on tape that we actually wore it out. We actually stretched the VHS tape. Every time we had it on my father would roll his eyes. He thought it was funny, but I think it lost its comedic value to him after seeing it 100 times. Maybe, but I still loved it.

It got me thinking, could a movie like Airplane! or Blazing Saddles or Caddy Shack be made in this day of political correctness and intellectual fear mongering? Could someone make a move that satirized race, gender and culture without the fear of being forced to answer to special interests groups? I say no.

Comedies like Airplane! did not offend. They served as satirical commentary about what makes us different and what makes us the same. Sadly, comedy genius like this is rare. Hell, Saturday Night Live can not do a skit about Obama without being attacked... not for the content, but because a Caucasian-Asian actor, Fred Armisen, played the part of Obama. (read about this Politically Correct BS of the day here and here).

UnFreakin’ believable.

Air Force Restricts Access to Blogs

I just read an interesting and infuriating piece about the Air Force and their decision to block access to any URL that has the word ‘blog’ in it and a lot of other sites they want to block.

AFNOC has imposed bans on all sites with “blog” in their URLs, thus cutting off any sites hosted by Blogspot. Other blogs, and sites in general, are blocked based on content reviews performed at the base, command and AFNOC level.

What is amazing is they are now determining what is a credible news source, and they point to the NY Times (Don’t get me started).

The worst part about this is, if you are state side in the Air Force, no big deal. After work you can go home and read any blog you want. But if you are deployed away from home for 6-12 months time and time again and you would like to read a blog about, say, your favorite sports team, you are SOL.

So congratulations, Air Force. You have managed to find yet another way to make deployments away from home shittier! Aim High, stupid.

Read all about this at Scott’s Morning Brew. (Thanks Scott)

UPDATE: Apperently this is trendy... In Japan now. Check it out (Thanks to Scott again)

Great Music This Saturday: Groove Soda

If you are looking for some great live music this weekend in Central Ohio, then I suggest you check out Groove Soda this Saturday night at the Rumba Café’.

Groove Soda is fantastic live and make for a great night out (check out some samples on the side bar). These musicians own the crowd with their jazz/rock/fusion sound and amazing vibe. Notice I said “musicians” and not “players”. What makes Groove Soda so amazing is that it is made up of some of the most talented musicians you will ever see. Any one of these guys (and gal) could stand alone on their talent, so combined they provide a sound that is pure and a welcome change from the cookie-cutter Emo/watered-downed punk/“I hate my Dad” suburban crap scene you are accustomed to in the bars. This is no garage band. These guys are pros!

I have had the pleasure of seeing Groove Soda a couple of times and each time they have been a crowd pleaser. I am no music critic but I know quality and talent when I hear it. They remind me of going to a fine restaurant or pub and your friend suggests that you enjoy a fine wine or beer. Sure, you wouldn’t know what to order but when something suggested has been served up and you try it, you KNOW you are enjoying something special, something good and something premium. THAT is Groove Soda.

So check them out. You will not be disappointed.

For more info on Groove Soda, click here.
For info and directions to the Rumba Café, click here. Tell them The Squeaky Wheel from Bearing Drift Ohio sent you!

Karmazin of Sirius Starts To Manage Expectations

The FCC and DoJ have yet to approve the XM-Siruis merger yet (one year later) and there is a go/no-go date of March 1 that both companies can walk away, no strings attached (read more about that at Orbitcast).

It would seem to me that the signs of the merger happening are not good, and Uncle Mel Karmazin seems to think so with this being said during a conference call with analysts:

“In the unlikely scenario of a merger not being approved, we believe we are fully-funded. We believe we are going to become a profitable company on a stand-alone basis." (source)

Hmm, sounds like someone is managing expectations. Let us hope so. Please, Lord, kill this merger. Do not let Uncle Mel f*ck up another radio outlet.

Starbucks Regrets Free Wi-Fi

Many of us have hit up a Starbucks, Panera Bread or Cup O’ Joe for something to drink or eat and to get some work done using their Wi-Fi. Well these folks did to... With a full desktop computer set up.

This is funny stuff. I like the subtle use of Windows 95.

William F. Buckley Jr. Has Passed Away

From National Review

I’m devastated to report that our dear friend, mentor, leader, and founder William F. Buckley Jr., died this morning in his study in Stamford, Connecticut.

He died while at work; if he had been given a choice on how to depart this world, I suspect that would have been exactly it. At home, still devoted to the war of ideas.

Buckley was one of the first conservative people I read when I was younger. I found his style to be unique and his ideals and classiness to be uncompromised.

One of the funniest things I heard him say was when he explained why he would occasionally write for Playboy. He said it was the only way he could get his son to read his work. Brilliant.

I will say though that I always saw William F. Buckley Jr. as a living metaphor of the GOP and today is not different.

UPDATE: More from AP. My favorite part is:

A precocious controversialist, William was but 8 years old when he wrote to the king of England, demanding payment of the British war debt.

Communist News Network Email: Be Kind to Castro

And people wonder why I dislike CNN. Here is an email to anchors that was leaked;

From: Flexner, Allison
Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 7:46 AM
To: *CNN Superdesk (TBS)
Cc: Neill, Morgan; Darlington, Shasta
Subject: Castro guidance

Some points on Castro – for adding to our anchor reads/reporting:

* Please say in our reporting that Castro stepped down in a letter he wrote to Granma (the communist party daily), as opposed to in a letter attributed to Fidel Castro. We have no reason to doubt he wrote his resignation letter, he has penned numerous articles over the past year and a half.

* Please note Fidel did bring social reforms to Cuba – namely free education and universal health care, and racial integration. in addition to being criticized for oppressing human rights and freedom of speech.

* Also the Cuban government blames a lot of Cuba’s economic problems on the US embargo, and while that has caused some difficulties, (far less so than the collapse of the Soviet Union) the bulk of Cuba’s economic problems are due to Cuba’s failed economic polices. Some analysts would say the US embargo was a benefit to Castro politically – something to blame problems on, by what the Cubans call “the imperialist,” meddling in their affairs.

* While despised by some, he is seen as a revolutionary hero, especially with leftist in Latin America, for standing up to the United States.

Any questions, please call the international desk.

Allison

h/t Babalu Blog

Wind Power: What Could Go Wrong?

Since it is trendy to be hippy green, and wind power is the "answer", one has to wonder, "Sure... what could go wrong?"


So, Virginia, how is that idea coming? I mean, it is not like you ever get high winds there... in a circular pattern... with an eye in the center... Nah.

h/t Geekologie

Spoiler Alert: Huckabee on SNL tonight

During a story about Saturday Night Live's return to live TV tonight, NBC Nightly News said they promised not to SAY who would be making a cameo appearance, but showed Huckabee over and over and then said, "We never said.."




If find this to be an appropriate combination... Both SNL and Mike Huckabee are struggling to stay relevant and neither knows when to hang it up.

Link of the Day: Shipyard

In an obvious, but cool online marketing campaign for the upcoming Star Trek prequel, there is a website that shows you “feeds” from the shipyard where the Enterprise (NCC-1701) is being built. Click on it and adjust the images.

Stay tuned to this site because if there is one thing film maker J.J. Abrahams does well, it is web marketing.



Have a cool site that you have seen, or maybe you run? Send it to bearingdriftohio(at)gmail.com and it may be the Link of the Day.

Senators Have Bumpy Ride

From AP

WASHINGTON (AP) - Helicopters carrying three senior U.S. senators made emergency landings Thursday in the mountains of Afghanistan because of a snowstorm.

Sens. John Kerry, Joseph Biden and Chuck Hagel were aboard the aircraft. No one was injured, according a statement from Kerry's office. The senators and their delegation returned to Bagram Air Base in a motor convoy, and have left for Turkey.

Sources tell me that Sen. Kerry actually hurt his knee and has submitted paperwork for a Purple Heart...

17th Annual Eighth District Farm Forum

I got a note from Rep. John Boehner (OH-8-R):

Reservations for the 17th annual Eighth District Farm Forum hosted by Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) are still being accepted. Farm Forum will be held Saturday, March 1 at Edison State Community College in Piqua.

Boehner hosts Farm Forum annually for anyone with an interest in agriculture. Among the topics that will be discussed is the federal Farm Bill.

TO learn more, listen to his message below.
boomp3.com

Small Changes at Bearing Drift Ohio

Ever since I began blogging over four years ago with Bearing Drift (Virginia), I have done so with a focus on politics. However, from time to time I would post about other interests such as music, technology, pop-culture, humor, etc.

When I came home to Ohio, I began Bearing Drift Ohio. I wanted to bring the tradition of great political blogging of Bearing Drift home to the Buckeye State. In doing so I came to a realization: Ohio is filled to the brim with amazing, QUALITY political blogs on both sides of the fence.

So in an effort to make Bearing Drift Ohio something enjoyable to read and worth your time, I am expanding what topics are covered. Sure, I will still comment on politics, but mainly I will focus on the topics that lay outside of politics, but which we are all interested in.

Why ‘tune’ into Bearing Drift Ohio? Well, it is simple. After a hard days work of blogging and debate, take a break, come over to BDO and read up on topics such as media news, radio/TV/movie news, pop-culture, technology, music and whatever else we might enjoy. Also, stay tuned as Bearing Drift Ohio Radio will now feature local musicians, national bloggers from a variety of genres and (hopefully) some humor. Plans are even in the works to take the ‘radio’ show on the road and broadcast from some Central Ohio establishments (read: bar!).

So please, check out Bearing Drift Ohio if you haven’t and if you have, please keep reading. If you have a suggestion then let me know. I am open to ideas because in the end if the blogosphere is the coffee house or virtual town hall meeting of ideas, then I want Bearing Drift Ohio to be the lounge. So come on in, kick up your feet and enjoy!

'X-Men Origins: Wolverine' Adds Three More

Hugh Jackman will reprise his role as Logan/Wolverine in the 2009 film, X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Today 20th Century Fox announced that in addition to the already casted Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston and Lynn Collins as Sabretooth, William Stryker and Silver Fox, the movie will include Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Kitsch (of NBC’s Friday Night Lights), and hip hop artist will.i.am.

No word as to whom they will be playing.

I am a big fan of the X-Men series and of Woverine in particular. Also, I like Ryan Reynolds. I think I am the only person who still calls him “that guy Berg from Two guys, a girl and a Pizza Place.”

O&A Live in Cleveland, Ink New FM/XM Deal

Opie and Anthony announced this morning that they are now live in Cleveland (WKRK 92.3) in the mornings. They used to be on delay in the afternoons but suddenly replaced local fave, Rover. Not sure what is going to happen to Rover since it is reported that he is still under contract, although he is no longer on the K-Rock web site (Never a good sign).

Additionally, according to FMQB, O&A are about to sign a new deal keeping them on FM and XM.

Meanwhile, as to speculation that O&A will have a short term move to mornings and WKRK will be seeking a new show once their CBS contract expires, FMQB hears the duo are on the verge of inking a new deal to keep them on both XM Satellite Radio and regular radio stations run by CBS Radio and Citadel Broadcasting.

Personally I was hoping the boys would go back to being XM exclusively. Oh well. I still get my uncensored fix from 9-11am (and replays)

You Bought An HD DVD Player? HA HA HA, Stupid!

From Variety

TOKYO — Japanese electronics giant Toshiba formally conceded defeat Tuesday in the battle between rival high-definition DVD formats.

Speaking to reporters at the company’s headquarters in Tokyo, prexy and CEO Atsutoshi Nishida confirmed earlier reports that Toshiba will cease making and shipping players, recorders and other products in the HD DVD formats, with the end coming by March 31.

So there you have it, kids. We have our new Betamax punch-line... Although I don’t think it would work as well.

“That is so lame... that is, like, so HD DVD, yo.”
“But this DVD is in HD.”
“Yeah, but that is Blu-ray. I meant HD DVD.”
“I know, but this DVD is in HD.”
“Shut up.”
“What?”
“I said shut up.”

On an interesting note, for those who hate Microsoft, there is this.

Toshiba’s withdrawal leaves the field clear for the Blu-ray camp led by Sony, which has been battling Toshiba and its HD DVD allies, including Intel and Microsoft, for nearly six years.

So I am sure some Mac nerds are celebrating in their parents' basements...

“A HA! See, they CAN be defeated! Two-damage, two-damage... Now, where are we LARPing tonight?”

Nerds.

MSNBC F*cks Up… Again

From Media Bistro

At the beginning of Hardball with Chris Matthews, a graphic titled "Words About Words" featured an image of bin Laden. The story Matthews teased was about the Obama speech being called into question for "plagiarism."

Wow, this has to be the most f*cked up network on TV today. Between these types of errors (which had to be done by a human… it is not like the graphics are picked by a computer) and the constant Olbermann hypocrisy, how can anyone be proud to work for MSNBC.

UPDATE:

NEW YORK - NBC News said Tuesday it has reprimanded the employee responsible for mistakenly flashing a picture of Osama bin Laden on MSNBC as Chris Matthews talked about Barack Obama.

"This mistake was inexcusable," MSNBC spokesman Jeremy Gaines said.

More Olbermann Pimping

I have become a huge fan of Olbermann Watch. What a great web site. It is where I first saw the below video.

Anyway, more hypocrisy about this trite, angry, Democratic party hack ass. By the way, notice his ‘edgy’ attempt to be deep (MMAAAANNN) by ending with, “Good night and good luck.”

Yuck. What a wanna-be! I get having heroes, but to just use trademark line to seem deep? It is embarrassing to watch. Reminds me of a child running around in circles yelling out “To infinity and beyond” because he likes Toy Story. Does Little Keith have a Edward R. Murrow doll? Does Keith think he is really THAT influential and important to America as Edward R. Murrow was? Wow, what an ego. Hell, we wasn't THAT influential to ESPN! Anyway, roll tape.


So what have we learned? Well in Oblermann’s world it is not ok to say the word Pimp in regards to a women, but ok when speaking of a General who serves with honor. So does he think adault woman are weaker than men and they can’t handle words? Or maybe he has contempt for the US Military. Or maybe he is a Dem Party Hack.

By the way, have you ever noticed that folks like Olbermann go after people lie the Bush twins and Romney’s boys when it comes to serving in the military but never a peep about Chelsea serving in Iraq when Clinton bombed them or in Somalia (or as I like to call it, “Operation Ignore my Oval office blow job from an intern")

Well at least MSNBC is getting huge rating (snicker, snicker, snicker).

Hey Michelle, I have always been proud of America.

Unlike Michelle Obama, I love this nation. I am proud to be an American. Sure, sometimes I may not like things that happen now and again, but I have always been proud of this nation as a whole. How sad it must be to live in a nation you are not proud of.

I mean if I were a female African American who was able to go to an Ivy League school who was married to an African American lawyer who is US Senator, the son of an immigrant, yeah, I would be proud of this nation, but that is just me. I guess I am not as ‘enlightened’ as Michelle ‘forced to live in the US’ Obama.

So much for the uplifted, optimistic Obama spirit. BTW, Mrs. Obama is 44 so nothing has ahppened to make her proud of the US since at least 1982. Nothing.

Proper Respect for the No. 3 Car

Dale Earnhardt took the number 3 GM Goodwrench Plus car in to Victory Lane for his first Daytona 500 win in 1998. To be sure, it was a historic event. Even more so but tragically was his untimely death in the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.

This year in celebration of 50 years of the Great American Race, NASCAR and Fox, during pre-race celebrations, honored all of the past winners with banners adorned with their names and images and their cars being run around the track (For those who do not know, the winning car of the Daytona 500 goes into the museum).


During a performance by Brooks and Dunn (A favorite of Dale Earnhardt) the Number 3 car was hand-pushed out in front of the stage. It did not go on the track with the others and it was not driven by anyone. I am struck by the respect of Dale Earnhardt by NASCAR. No one could ever drive that car again and no one ever will.

For me, the Daytona 500 and NASCAR has a very personal and special place in my heart, especially that Number 3 car.

Thank you NASCAR. Good form.

(Race updates in the comments section)

Strickland On Fox News Sunday, Denies Taking VP Bid… I think

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D) appeared on Fox News Sunday this morning to stump for Sen. Hillary Clinton. Picthing Sen. Obama was Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle (D) (video below).

While Obama leads (Slightly) in Wisconsin, Doyle sighted the crowds and enthusiasm as evidence of momentum there.

When asked about Clinton’s chances in Ohio, where she leads in polls, Strickland spoke about health care issues and “[beginning] the process of bringing our soldier home from Iraq in 60 days.” (Without details of how, of course)

When Strickland was shown a quote of his saying that Hillary must win Ohio to win the nomination, he seemed to manage expectations. He did say that was Ohio was important, of course, but he seemed to back off the ‘do or die’ situation Ohio presents the Hillary campaign.

There was more discussion on the Super-Delegate drama where a situation may arise where Obama wins the popular vote and delegate count but the super-delegates could give it to Hillary. What was interesting was that Doyle said that he is old enough to "remember Chicago" and how the party “bosses took over”, a comment Strickland did not enjoy. I do not think this will be the last time you hear this party history invoked in the coming months.

My over all impression was that Governor Doyle was more comfortable, personable and optimistic whereas Governor Strickland came off as annoyed, negative and antsy. In this vain, he is a good fit for the Hillary camp. I wonder if Hillary supporters are punished for smiling or optimism. I believe that the Hillary theme of gloom and negativity is the reason the ‘Hope’ message plays so well for Obama… Hillary’s people give them a stark contrast that only amplifies the optimistic tone of Obama’s campaign.

The best part? Strickland being asked if he would be a good Vice President. He (sort of) dismissed the question but not before listing his qualifications. He then quickly turned it back to Hillary. Host Chris Wallace, not letting him off so easily asked, “Do you want to make a Sherman-esque statement that you will not take the Vice Presidential nomination?”

Watch the Video


That was no denial... So my question would be, "Ok, now contemplate it; what is your response?"

In the end I am not bold enough to predict that Strickland would be the VP on a Hillary ticket, but I am also not foolish enough to brush that aside just yet.

Kosovo Declares Independence

Having had the honor of serving in this area, I am proud to see this finally happen.

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - Kosovo declared itself a nation on Sunday, mounting a historic bid to become an "independent and democratic state" backed by the U.S. and key European allies but bitterly contested by Serbia and Russia.

"Kosovo is a republic - an independent, democratic and sovereign state," parliament speaker Jakup Krasniqi said as the chamber burst into applause. Krasniqi, Prime Minister Hashim Thaci and President Fatmir Sejdiu signed the declaration, which was scripted on parchment.

Happy Birthday Kosovo. And many more!

Save The Junk, Save The Penny

The US Postal Service announced that they are raising the cost of a first class stamp (again) one cent. Now it will cost more to mail a letter. Why do they need this extra money? Apparently so they can send me junk mail.

Today I received a letter and a brochure from the USPS about ID theft. Sure, it is an important subject, but maybe the Post Office could stop sending me junk mail and save some money. This way they could prevent having to raise the price of a stamp, Duh

Why has Music Gone To Hell?

Why has music gone to hell? Why has radio become such crap? Well a documentary entitled "Before the Music Dies" asked that very question. I had the pleasure of seeing this not too long ago. It is worth a watch. Below is their trailer. Click here for more info about this great movie.

New Feature: Video of the Week

A new feature here at BDO is our Video of the Week (Sometimes Video of the Weak). Every week I will updat ethis video found over on the side bar.

Tune in ever Saturday (or whenever I feel like it) to see the Video Of The Week!

XM Spent $1.2 Million Lobbying for Merger

For those who do not know, I am a HUGE fan of my XM. Also, I am huge opponent of the proposed ‘merger’ between XM and Sirius satellite radio. My feeling is that the consumer would be screwed. No on can name me on merger that has benefited the consumers. This merger is only about the stockholders.

Also, I am convinced that Sirius head, Mel Karmizan, who would run the newly merged company, is a money whore that would destroy programming, sell ad time on ever channel and would nickel and dime the subscribers with his proposed a la carte plan.


One of the main arguments for the merger is that combining their assets they could collectively save money and become more cost efficient. So in order to show their abilities in this arena, XM spends money on lobbying... A LOT of money.

From AP

NEW YORK (AP) - XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. spent roughly $1.2 million in 2007 to lobby for approval of its proposed $5 billion acquisition by rival Sirius Satellite Radio Inc., among other issues.

The satellite radio operator spent $580,000 in the second half of 2007 to lobby Congress and the Department of Justice about the pending merger, according to a disclosure form posted online Tuesday by the Senate's public records office.

Glad to see my $12.95 a month is spent this way. Now of course this is not as bad as wasting $500 million for irrelevant on-air talent, but it sure does still stink.

How is this legal? Buying Super Delegates

From The Boston Globe

Obama's political action committee has doled out more than $694,000 to superdelegates since 2005, the study found, and of the 81 who had announced their support for Obama, 34 had received donations totaling $228,000.

Clinton's political action committee has distributed about $195,000 to superdelegates, and only 13 of the 109 who had announced for her have received money, totaling about $95,000.

You know, for a party that sued everything that moved over “unfair elections” and claiming that Bush won without the will of the people and have bumper stickers about stolen votes, they sure know how to set the example. This only reinforces my opinion that there is a smoke filled room somewhere waiting to determine the Dem nomination.

The party that claims to be THE 'One person, One vote' advocates sure is shady as hell.

My Thoughts on McCain: Best Said Like This

William Greene of RightMarch.com was on today’s Your World with Neil Cavuto on Fox News and he captured EXACTLY how I feel about the McCain nomination.

Of course I MAY have put in a little editorial editing at the end :-)

Video Of The Day: How to say 'I Love You'

I saw this on the front page of You Tube, so it is not like I am discovering anything first but it is pretty funny! Happy Valentines Day.

Phrase of the Week: Electile Dysfunction

From Ubran Dictionary:

Electile Dysfunction

The inability to become aroused over any of the choices for President put forth by either party during an election year.

"Is anyone appealing to you in this years presidential race?"
"Naa... No one excites me. I think I'm suffering from Electile Dysfunction."

Yup

Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy, Is It Keith?

Sending out Keith Olbermann to apologize for David Shuster's "pimping" remark about Chelsea Clinton is like sending me out to apologize for someone else’s bad spelling. Hmmmm, I smell hypocracy... ROLL TAPE!


What amazes me are the two hearts of the NBC family. Tim Russert and friends at NBC News could not be more in love with Hillary, and the fine folks at MSNBC are obsessed with Obama. I bet it gets ugly at staff parties. Either way you have to love watching the MSM getting beat up with the same Political Correctness and Hyper-Sensiativity they helped create by the liberals they were trying to appease.

This year has been the year of liberals laying in the beds they built. Yes, I am enjoying this.

Ragnar’s fiery, almost man-crush level defense of Olbermann in 3, 2, 1, GO!

h/t Right on the Right and Olbermann Watch

Hillary's Campaign Chief Quits: Can't Handle it.

Now I know what I am about to type will be unpopular, but I will simply be writing what many are thinking.

It has been reported that Hillary Clinton's Campaign manager, Patti Solis Doyle has stepped down because, mainly, for her family.

From ABC.com
In an interview with ABC News' Kate Snow last Summer, Solis Doyle described the difficulty of balancing her family commitments -- she has a 6-year-old son and a 9-year-old daughter -- and her quite demanding job.

"I wake up my kids," she said. "I get them washed. I get them cleaned. I get them fed, you know? I get them ready for school. And then I begin my campaign day at 7:30 with conference call after conference call after conference call. And then, you know, by 9 o'clock, I'm in the office."

Solis Doyle said she would try to make it home for bath time, after which she would return to work online until 2 a.m. She would get up the next morning at 6 a.m.

Now, I do not want to be too harsh here, but what does it say about a campaign that prides itself on being about a strong woman, feminism, and being as strong as a man? What message is sent when the campaign manager quits because she is homesick and it is too hard for her to keep going?

I am not saying this is a bad thing to want to be home, but come on, let's be honest with ourselves, shall we? It is not like she did this at the end of the race. It became too much for her even before the convention. If she thinks this was hard, try being a deployed Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine or Coast Gaurdsman... There are no bath times at night for them when they are gone. It is called sacrifice and it is what you do when you believe in something... Hmmmm. Never mind, I see now why she quit.

CMH Dispatch's Stahler Gets It Right

Editorial Cartoonist Jeff Stahler has a great piece this morning. It is spot on!

Hey Hillary, ENOUGH Already

Are you freakin' kidding me? Enough already. We get it, you're human... You know how to read polling data that says crying equals votes. Enough.

Is It Just Me…

…Or does anyone else get the feeling that no matter how many delegates Sen. Obama gets that Hillary will be the nomination? Kind of like no matter how well you do, the owner’s son gets the promotion?

I just get this very creepy, corrupt vibe from the DNC and the Clintons. Anyone else?

THIS is What Code Pink Is About

Watch what these 'enlightened’ and 'progressive' jack-asses think is free speech. This is front of the Marine Recruiting Station in Berkley, Ca.


Ass holes.

h/t Grumpy’s Gripes

Another AMERICAN City Shuns The Marines

The city of Toledo has kicked the US Marines out. I can not believe we fought Michigan for this city! Radio talk show host and blogger Maggie Thurber is all over this.

According to today's [Toledo] Blade, Mayor Carty Finkbeiner told a company of Marine Corps Reservists they could not conduct their planned urban patrol exercises in downtown Toledo.

"The mayor asked them to leave because they frighten people," said Brian Schwartz, the mayor's spokesman.

This is the most insane thing I've ever heard of. Marines don't frighten me! They give me comfort and confidence that our nation is so well-protected by such dedicated individuals. Perhaps it's only Carty who is frightened. (source).

Join the conversation at Thurber’s Thoughts.

Romney Suspends Campaign

Gov. Mitt Romney announced today at CPAC that he was suspending his campaign. I am sad. I am sad for the GOP, I am sad for the Nation, I am sad for Gov. Romney.

For more commentary, please click here to read what is being said at the Bearing Drift Mother ship, the original Bearing Drift (Virginia).

There you will also find last nights live Pod Cast with Virginia Lt. Gov Bill Bolling (Romney's Virginia Chair). Listening to it now, there were some telling moments. Tune in to hear host Bearing Drift (Virginia's) Jim Hoeft and guest hosts, Political Consultant Brian Kirwin and yours truly.

NOTE: Thanks for the comments pointing out that his named is spelled Romney, not Romey... Nor did the Gov sing with Bobby Brown (only some of you will get that!). In my defense I posted that quickly and was not at home... Was on the Road in Cincinnati.

BDO Rewind: 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

This was originally posted 12/18/07

Go Obama. There, I said it.

I am a huge Cincinnati Bengals Fan. Because of this, I do not like the Cleveland Browns and I HATE the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Now, let’s imagine that it is just before the playoffs. The Bengals are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs but the Browns and the Steelers still stand a chance. Now, let’s further assume they play each other in the last game of the season and the winner of this game would advance giving them an opportunity to try and win the championship (eventually).

I would find myself in a very odd position. My team is out and two teams I dislike are playing. What I have to consider is what is most important to me at that time. And what is that? Preventing the Steelers from even having a chance to go to the playoffs. Sure, I do not like the Browns but remember, I HATE the Steelers. So in the end I would actually cheer for the Browns to beat the Steelers. Yes, a Bengals fan cheering for the Browns. But I would be doing so because a Brown win would guarantee that the Steelers would be eliminated. What becomes important is eliminating the Steelers even if that means the dreaded and reviled Browns win.

And so it is, but in this case, it is the race for the President of The United States. In this case, the Bengals are the Republicans and the Browns are Barack Obama. The Steelers? Hillary Clinton.

So it is with some reservation but a realistic view on the world that I say “Go Obama!”

If Barack Obama wins the Democratic nomination then Hillary will NOT be the next president regardless of the outcome of the general election. And it is looking like McCain will be the GOP nomination, so, well, so much for winning. The only way to prevent Hillary from winning the White House is to hope Obama wins the Nomination, period.

In the end I would rather a President Obama than a President Hillary Clinton and I have no faith, with McCain as the Nomination, that the GOP can defeat either.

Oh, and who is John McCain in all of this? Hmmm, I would say Jessica Simpson if the GOP is Tony Romo. Plus when McCain says he is a Conservative, I swear he is lip synching.

Feb. 16, 1927: What Does This Mean?

Does anyone have any ideas what he is refering to? If so, please tell me in the comments.

Falling Behind In Polls? Cry.

Seriously? Are you f-ing kidding me? She is crying again right before a big vote? Yup, Hillary, the feminist, cries again to show she is human.

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Sen. Hillary Clinton teared up this morning at an event at the Yale Child Study Center, where she worked while in law school in the early 1970s.

Penn Rhodeen, who was introducing Clinton, began to choke up, leading Clinton's eyes to fill with tears, which she wiped out of her left eye. At the time, Rhodeen was saying how proud he was that sheepskin-coat, bell-bottom-wearing young woman he met in 1972 was now running for president. (source)

I wish I lived a life where I could have it both ways.

So she is a strong woman, who cries for votes? I get it. Ugh

More to come because you KNOW I will post the video of this ‘strong woman’ when I get it. C'mon, do you people REALLY think this woman has a heart? C'mon. She chills her drinks by touching them. yes, the soft, sensitive Hillary.
boomp3.com

Kerry-McCain 04? Almost

ABC's "Good Morning America," 3/10/04
Yeah, this guy is the PERFECT pick for the GOP nomination. Ugh.

I saw Tammy Bruce on Fox this morning as she was asked is she would prefer Hillary over McCain and she said (paraphrasing)

"If America is going to hit a wall at 90 MPH, we might as well do it with a real liberal rather than a fake Republican like McCain"

NY Giants Win. Who Knew?

All week my son said NY would win.

“But son, the Patriots are 18-0″.

Nope, he said Giants.

I explained that Brady had ecperience in the big game and Eli would be rattled.

Nope. Giants, he would say.

I also explained that no NFC wild card team had made it to the Super Bowl, let alone win it.

Nope, Giants he said.

My son is 4. Maybe HE should pick my stocks!

Video Of The Day: Frozen NYC

Over 200 Improv Everywhere Agents froze in place at the exact same second for five minutes in the Main Concourse of Grand Central Station.

Bearing Drift’s Brian Kirwin Quoted on Politico

Bearing Drift (Virginia) contributor and political consultant Brian Kirwin was recently quoted in an article entitled Obama joins buttoned-up D.C., slowly on Politico.com. The conversation was about image and what how candidates present themselves. Specifically, Brian talks about Sen. Obama.

Political and image consultants, who get paid to mull and make such seemingly inane decisions, don’t buy into Obama’s nonchalance.
....
Brian Kirwin, a Virginia political strategist who makes a living worrying about suit colors and tie choices, said he took note of the transition — and the timing was instructive.

“People were going to go to the polls,” Kirwin said. “For a year, up to the point that it got close to the primaries, he was personality, the common man, I-am-like-you, Kennedyesque.

“But when [rival Hillary Rodham] Clinton started hammering him on qualifications, credibility and not being ready for office, you had to firm that up,” Kirwin added. “He had to look the part. Suits started showing up.”

Read the whole article. Brian's quote starts on page two. Very cool, Brian!

Romney Comes Out Ahead In Yet Another Poll

Uh, what?

Welcome Home Jim

It is good to have you back stateside and home safe. Good job, Bro!

Check out Mike Gooding’s (WVEC) coverage in Virginia

Sean Hannity’s Vote: Romney

Maybe this is one of the MANY reasons why.

UPDATE: And then there are these


h/t to Eileen for the Coulter link. I know it hurt :-)