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Thursday, March 31, 2005
The Smoking Ban Can
After reading of the glorious world that we are about to enter into as a result of the smoking ban that will take effect at midnight tonight in Hennepin County (which includes Minneapolis and many surrounding suburbs), the staff here at Fraters Libertas decided that the best way to welcome the dawning of this gilded age was with song. And so, without further adieu, we give you the extended-play dance version of "The Smoking Ban" (to be sung to the tune of "Candy Man"). [Lyrics by JB Doubtless, Saint Paul, Chad the Elder, and the Nihilist In Golf Pants. Accompanied by Atomizer pulling on a Camel Light.] What can cure lung cancer? emphysema too? reduce heart attacks and a venereal disease or two the smoking ban can the smoking ban can the smoking ban can 'cause it's legislating love and makes your clothes smell good Is it based on science? or wishful thinking junk? it really doesn't matter, when the DFL's in charge, punk the smoking ban can the smoking ban can the smoking ban can 'cause your habits are obscene and ruin our good mood The smoking ban makes every business quake their property is the government's possession talk about your left wing lesson you can even call it an obsession (or naked aggression!) Smoking Ban, Hey it's the Smoking Ban Everybody put out them smokes, cuz It's the Smoking Ban.... What can take your freedom? with regulations new? Cover it with bs throw in a power grab or two The smoking ban, oh the smoking ban can The smoking ban can 'cause the gubmint has the power to make us all do good What can take science? tell people they will die? From second hands blowing while they're eating Shepard's pie The smoking ban, the smoking ban can The smoking ban can 'cause the gubmint has the power to make us all do good The smoking ban makes health study toting fakes Reek worse than a Camel pack Talk about your fascist hacks Next they'll likely ban Big Macs Oh what can take jobs, make them vanish like a blip To help those poor waiters finally finish their movie scripts The smoking ban, oh the smoking ban can The smoking ban can 'cause the gubmint has the power to make us all do good
Great Moments in Hyperbole
Greg Wallace (from What Attitude Problem?) writes in with this observation on the slippery slope of continuous variable exaggeration: Interesting post you have on Dr. Cranford and his 105% certainty of his diagnosis. It reminds me that George McGovern was 1,000 percent behind Thomas Eagleton when the story first broke that he had received electroshock therapy for depression. And we all saw how that turned out. Greg refers to the star-crossed 1972 Democratic ticket and George McGovern's unyielding support for his running mate, Missouri Senator Thomas Eagleton. More from the History Channel: Controversy soon arose when it was revealed that Eagleton had been hospitalized for nervous exhaustion three times during the 1960s and had twice received electric shock therapy as a treatment for depression. Eagleton confirmed the reports, and McGovern defended his running mate, saying, "I'm behind him 1,000 percent." However, just a few days later, McGovern changed his mind and asked Eagleton to step down under pressure from party leaders and the press. I guess that's what 1,000% certainty buys you in politics, a few days. A hard lesson learned for Eagleton. And that wasn't the only one. More from Snake Soup for the Presidential Candidate's Soul. The sad story of Thomas Eagleton is a story with many lessons, all of them worth their weight in Zig Ziglar seminars. His is the story, however, of one great lesson that every man who would seek the highest office in the land (or the number two spot) should learn: If you need help, for God's sake don't get it! . Wednesday, March 30, 2005
The First Lady Walks The Walk
On the streets of Kabul: Under heavy protection in this dusty, dangerous capital, Laura Bush expressed support Wednesday for Afghan women freed from Taliban repression and urged more educational opportunities and greater rights. Afghanistan's leader said the first lady's visit mattered more than international aid. Not bad for a woman who has never held a "real job", eh? Mrs. Bush met with women who are training to be teachers and gave presents to Afghan children on the street. She visited President Hamid Karzai and thanked U.S. troops for bringing down rulers who kept girls from school. "We are only a few years removed from the rule of the terrorists, when women were denied education and every basic human right," Mrs. Bush said at a teacher training institute. "That tyranny has been replaced by a young democracy, and the power of freedom is on display across Afghanistan." "We must be mindful though, that democracy is more than just elections," she said. "The survival of a free society ultimately depends on the participation of all its citizens, both men and women."
Mr. Continuous
University of Minnesota Neurologist Ronald Cranford is one of Michael Schiavo's designated neurological experts, previously testifying in court to the state of Terri Schiavo's condition. On Monday he appeared on MSNBC's Scarborough County and testified further, this time to reporter Lisa Daniels: DANIELS: Are you 100 percent correct in your opinion that Terri Schiavo is in a persistent vegetative state? Do you agree with that? CRANFORD: I am 105 percent sure she is in a vegetative state. And the autopsy will show severe reversible brain damage to the higher centers, yes I certainly respect Dr. Cranford's credentials and expertise in this matter. But considering he's willing to abandon the discrete nature of the volume of his certainty, 105% seems kind of paltry. Why isn't he, say, 110% sure? Frankly, I'd be hesitant to accept his diagnosis until he was - at a minimum - 200% sure on this issue. UPDATE: Flash from Centristy emails with this incongruity: Your post includes the quote: "... severe reversible brain damage ... " I believe the transcript more accurately states "irreversible" (as listed in the transcript at Media Matters). Kind of makes a difference. A good catch. In context, I'm sure Cransford intended to say "irreversible." But reviewing the MSNBC transcript, it does say "reversible." Which is almost certainly a typo by the transcriptor or an accidental misstatement by Cranford. If curious, see for yourself on the video linked at the Media Matters post (being bound by the cords of dial up prevents any independent verification on my part).
There They Go Again
The gentleman at Power Line have once again been compelled to perform a vital service to the cause of journalism, this time debunking the nature of the infamous GOP Talking Points Memo which ostensibly exposed the Republican Party's attempt to exploit the Terri Schiavo case for political gain. The rush to judgment by certain media institutions in propagating highly dubious evidence and conclusions as fact, with the result of smearing the Republican party, draws inevitable parallels to the Rathergate scandal. Playing the role of CBS News in this new ginned up drama were those paragons of accuracy and integrity at ABC News and the Washington Post. If you haven't been following the case, check out John Hinderaker's Weekly Standard article and the update from today's Power Line, which includes the denials and obfuscation of the principals. You'd think dirty tricksters from the opposition would have already learned this immutable law of the new media era - you need to get some better memo forgers! At least good enough to fool a couple of lawyers with a blog. Failing the understanding of that lesson, I think Xcel Energy gives the best advice to aspiring document forgers and their media mouthpieces: If you ever come across a ... [Power] line, leave the area immediately If a power line has fallen onto a vehicle, stay away from the vehicle. Seek help immediately by calling 911. If you are in the vehicle, wait inside the car until help arrives. If you must leave the vehicle due to fire or other life-threatening reason, leap clear of the vehicle, landing with both feet together. Never hold onto the door while leaping and once on the ground, hop away - do not run. You go that CBS News, ABC News, Washington Post? For your own good, just hop away already! .
Satan Hits The Trifecta
Iran + North Korea + Soccer = Unimaginable evil Regime Change Iran reports: Security forces across the Islamic Republic are on alert today. They have been authorized to exert " more control" across the country in order to shut down pro-democracy demonstrations they fear may follow today's soccer match with North Korea. The game which is being played in North Korea will be viewed by millions of Iranians watching on television. The game has already started ( it is scheduled to run from 11am to 1pm Tehran time). It appears the regime is hoping that since the game is being played early in the day and will be viewed on television, rather than at a local stadium, they will be able to better control pro-democracy demonstrations. Post soccer game celebrations have been an opportunity for such demonstrations in the past, such as those last week. Something tells me that Dubya didn't kick out the honorary first ball at today's match. And I gotta think that rioting at soccer games in the People's Republic is not a big problem either.
Pistol Packin' Principals?
Yesterday in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Mark Yost suggested that only a gun could have stopped Jeff Weise: In the week since teenage gunman Jeff Weise walked into Red Lake Senior High School and killed five students, a teacher and a security guard before killing himself, the usual voices from the usual precincts have been asking: What can we do to keep this from happening next time? How about arming security guards, as well as a handful of administrators and teachers who volunteer to be properly trained? I can hear the gasps echoing from Mac-Groveland to Crocus Hill. But if we think any legislation is going to stop the next Jeff Weise, we're fooling ourselves. Indeed, the idea that with the right legislation and an unlimited pot of money we can take the risk out of any of life's endeavors is simply wrong. Bob Davis picked up on this and discussed it extensively on his radio show this morning. Of all the post-Red Lake suggestions, this is one that actually has a realistic chance of at least limiting the impact of school shootings. I don't have much faith in the power of the schools to stop someone like Weise from deciding to go on a shooting spree in the first place. I have much more faith in the power of an armed person in the school (security guard, teacher, principal) stopping them once the shooting starts. UPDATE: Nathan e-mails to remind us that some Body floated similar ideas in the wake of the Columbine shootings. Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Right Wing Radical Update
The latest prominent voice, in support of feeding Terri Schiavo: The parents of Terri Schiavo met and prayed Tuesday with the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who called her impending death "an injustice." "I feel so passionate about this injustice being done, how unnecessary it is to deny her a feeding tube, water, not even ice to be used for her parched lips," said Jackson, who has run for president as a Democrat. "This is a moral issue and it transcends politics and family disputes." Indeed it is, and it has been from the beginning. Those prone to basing their judgments of the bipartisan nature of this movement on evidence will believe the likes of Jesse Jackson, Tom Harkin and Mark Dayton. Those preferring faith-based pronouncements and wishful thinking instead can listen to the Star Tribune editorial board, who believe in their souls, despite all evidence to the contrary: ... Americans should be embarrassed on [Terri Schiavo's] behalf to see Washington's right-wing radicals seize this permanently unconscious woman for a totalitarian fibfest. If the Star Tribune and their cult of delusional partisanship happens to be correct, we heartily welcome Jesse Jackson to the right wing. .
Wild Wacky Stuff
If you haven't had a chance to catch the video of Tyler Hirsch crashing the net after the Gophers were shut out by Colorado College in their WCHA Final Five semifinal game on March 18th, you can check it out here. Hirsch has not played since the incident and his status for the Frozen Four in Columbus remains unclear. Gopher coach Don Lucia will be participating in a live web chat today at 10am (CT) hosted by CollegeSports.com. You have to think that a question or two will come up regarding Hirsch. (Thanks to Scott for the video tip.) UPDATE: Patrick e-mails with a possible explantion for Hirsch's antics: I heard [Patrick] Reusee say on [Joe] Souchery's radio show that Tyler had been benched on the power play in the third period and when Tyler asked the coaches why he was benched and was told "because he wasn't going to the net." Well he seems to have taken care of that. Makes the video make a lot more sense. It's one of the oldest, yet truest cliches in hockey, "You HAVE to go to the net." During today's web chat, Lucia sounded optimistic about Hirsch playing in the Frozen Four: Coach Lucia: I think right now there is a good chance Tyler will play in the Frozen Four. We have closely monitored his situation over the last week and will continue to do that. He is getting better every day. Coming back to practice last week was great for Tyler and great for our team. We will continue to give him support with the hope that he will be in our lineup for the Frozen Four, but that will probably not be decided until late this week or this upcoming weekend. Meanwhile, defenseman Alex Goligoski's status is not yet known: Sarah (Saint Paul): Will Alex Goligoski be playing in the Frozen Four? Coach Lucia: It is too early to tell. He will resume practice later this week, but we will probably not make a determination on his status until gameday. Getting Hirsch and Goligoski back would definitely help the Gophers power play, which was anemic last weekend (0 for 15) in the West Regional games. I have a hunch that we won't have to worry about Hirsh going to the net again. Monday, March 28, 2005
The Politics of Tragedy
In the aftermath of last week's horrific school shooting in Red Lake, Minnesota a lot of theories have been floated about what might have motivated Jeff Weise to commit has terrible acts. What or who was to blame for the tragedy? It began with many of the usual suspects: - Drugs: Weise was taking Prozac. - Music: Initial reports claimed that Weise liked to listen to music with dark, violent messages. Recently this seems to have refuted, as I heard an interview with an relative who said that Weise enjoyed the likes of Johnny Cash and John Lennon (imagine that). - Movies: Weise was said to have watched the school shooting movie "Elephant" just a few weeks before the shooting. - Neo-Nazi websites: Weise appears to have had a fascination with Nazis and posted messages on Nazi themed web sites. - Bullying: Apparently Weise was not the most popular kid in school and may have been the victim of bullies. - Family history: Weise's father committed suicide when he was ten and has mother was left paralyzed after an auto accident in which one of Weise's cousins was killed. The simplest explanation of course is that he was a very F'ed up kid who lost his tenuous connection with reality and snapped. But you can't have continuous media coverage based on such simple premises. There has to be more. Late last week, I noticed the emergence of a another theory to explain the unexplainable. A theory that I predict will gain credence as we go forward because it will allow its proponents to use the tragedy at Red Lake for their own political purposes. The reason that we had a school shooting at Red Lake is because Governor Pawlenty refuses to raise taxes. Outlandish you say? No one would dream of trying to get away with such an obvious shameless politicalization of the issue, right? Don't be so sure. You should never underestimate the lengths that the pro-government, pro-spending, pro-confiscating your money crowd is willing to go to. Remember that it was only last year that Governor Pawlenty was being blamed because people's commutes were slower when it snowed. For a while it seemed like every problem that came down the pike was being laid at Pawlenty's feet because of his cold-hearted indifference to the need to spend more of your money. For now, the fingers aren't being pointed directly at Pawlenty. The talk is about lack of funding for early childhood education or that we don't have enough counselors in our schools to help kids like Weise. Not to make light of a serious subject, but when I hear talk of more counselors, I can't help but imagine Mr. Macky from "South Park": Mr. Macky: Uh, Jeff...Don't shoot kids in school, m'kay? But give this thing a week or two and the dots, they'll be a connected. A troubled kid shoots up a school....That troubled kid could have been helped by counseling and/or ECE....Governor Pawlenty cut programs for school counselors and/or ECE in the last budget instead of raising taxes....Governor Pawlenty's refusal to raise taxes is the reason for the Red Lake shooting. And it won't be limited to the Guv either. Republicans in the MN House and Senate will fall in for their share of culpability as well. Then there's David Strom of the Taxpayers' League. Although it doesn't seem possible that they could demonize him any more (he already has been unfavorably compared to Satan after all), I would imagine that the Strom haters in the local media will use the Red Lake shooting as another excuse to sully his good name. Although the behavior of the pro-government folks in this regard is inexcusable, it is really not all that surprising. When you believe that government is the ultimate provider and the answer to life's problems, then the mere fact that something like Red Lake occurred means that somewhere along the way government failed. And we all know what the answer is when government fails, don't we? That's right, more government. (See the debate over education funding.) UPDATE: Dan e-mails to point out a cartoon which lays the blame for Red Lake at the foot of another political leader; President Bush.
The Case for Intervention
During last Saturday's broadcast of the Northern Alliance Radio Network the Terri Schiavo case dominated discussion. And for the first time in our one year history, we found ourselves in the position of being at odds with the majority of the callers. Not on the specifics of the case or the sentiment that in an injustice was being perpetrated. Instead, the disagreement was on the legal propriety of the popular will (as manifested by elected legislators and executives) overruling a court order and intervening to save an innocent life. I'm still of the mind that any such intervention would have been illegitimate in a civil society dependent on the rule of law. For this problem to be resolved, the law needs to be clarified and/or amended by constitutionally prescribed channels. (Channels which are being pursued, as discussed by Captain Ed today.) But that will take time, years probably. And the end result is that an innocent woman will die because the law, as interpreted by a few judges, was inadequate to protect her. I'm not such a zealot for reason and procedure alone that I don't recognize the moral paradox that puts us in. Nor to question the complicity in her death that our entire society must face, because whether you agree with the judge who ordered her starvation, or disagree with him but are willing to let the gears of government grind out a superior resolution, she's gong to be equally as dead. Our reader Mike Beach listened to the NARN show on Saturday and was among the group that felt we may have been too compliant in accepting Terri Schiavo's court mandated fate. His comments: Although this correspondence is inspired by the representations made on the radio program Saturday and similar expressions by Hugh Hewitt last week, it is not a rebuttal or counterpoint or argument. We're of the same mind regarding the impropriety of what has happen to Terri Schiavo. and lack of proper Judicial conduct. It is simply for your consideration. Much has been said, but is only the start, of what is to be a long attempt to reconcile what has happened in Florida. This tragedy is not a "symbol" of the power struggle, it is not an affectation. This is a catastrophic victory for those who believe that government is god, against those who know what are the proper role, size, scope, and limits of government - ours above all others. As a constitutional conservative I retain the belief that sovereignty ultimately is retained by the individual expressed en masse via elections through the electorate. Government is a by product of the founding core principles expressed by the constitution. I neither love nor hate my government. I evaluate it against its purpose expressed the constitution and also against the degree infraction of and natural right of individual liberty. The current inflexible widespread single-mindedness of the judiciary is not accidental. As an organization they have taken this methodology as a means to an end. The end being that the judiciary is in charge and nothing can be allowed to, in fact or perception, be seen to truncate their, as they believe own, "manifest destiny". In courts today, and in the tragedy of Terri the party with the biggest agenda, is neither of the combatants, it lies with the court(s). The contestants are mostly irrelevant - the game rigged, the outcome secure before it began. Therefore, since justice is not the goal, once a decision, always a decision save for the rare self serving exception. On the show Saturday, the adamancy and regularity of the phrase "rule of law" was disturbing and discouraging. From the dialog on the show it is clear that we feel similarly on facts, circumstances, failings, etc. Apparently where we disagree is the most critical point. In this civil (as opposed to criminal) court matter, does catering to "law" trump a citizen's absolute, unassailable right to live? Founding principles as expressed in the Constitution are incontrovertibly clear that this result was void of justice, leaving an innocent, victimized, woman to die. We starved a woman to death simply because we did not have the commitment to intercede against the obdurate will of the judiciary. Essentially, this is a wrong that cannot be corrected. Dead is dead, and for that fact this was the case where the now systemic over-reach of authority by the judiciary must have been stopped, and we failed. Clearly, they are in charge. The most committed win - NOT the most well armed. We are a nation of laws. There are plenty of laws that either by their nature or by agency implementation, or by perversion of judiciary are in fact or practice unconstitutional. It happens with regularity that laws are rightfully revised, overturned, supplanted. In this case all that was necessary was to push back a little, to save an innocent person from a wrongful state ordered merciless death. A result of which was nothing more than judicial civil contempt for the principles of Law with which we have entrusted them and they swore to uphold. Sometimes you have to know which law must rule and risk what may come of it. The judicial "victory" is terminal for Terri. This "victory" is also clear and convincing evidence that we are so far out of touch with how much control they have I fear this battle may have been the last in a war we didn't really even engage in. The judiciary and their likeminded, and the sycophants are clearly in charge, we do not have the conviction and commitment to truncate this deadly wrong. Reagan would never have allowed it. .
Pathfinders
Now that Glen Reynolds is discovering the power of razorblogging, perhaps it's time for those who mocked our interest in the topic to eat some crow. I believe that LF is becoming quite familiar with the flavor.
Separated At Birth?
Todd submits the following SAB for your consideration: Sci-fi conspiracy buff favorite William B. Davis as the "Cigarette Smoking Man" from the "X-Files" and... Left wing conspiracy nut favorite Paul Wolfowitz as "Neo-con Man" from the World Bank? Sunday, March 27, 2005
Sixteen college hockey teams entered the weekend hoping to win a place in the Frozen Four in Columbus on April 7th and 9th. Five teams from the WCHA (Western Collegiate Hockey Association) qualified for the NCAA playoffs. It was my opinion that they were the best teams in the country and that the WCHA was easily the best conference in college hockey.
But in my wildest dreams I would not have imagined it possible that we'd see an all-WCHA Frozen Four. I did predict that Denver, Colorado College, and North Dakota would win their regionals, and despite some rough spots, they did just that. All in all I was ten up and two down on my regional picks, missing the Cornell/Ohio State game (a game that OSU probably deserved to win) and the Minnesota Gophers earning a trip to Columbus. Despite that fact that they would be playing on home ice, I had my doubts about the Gophers. One of my main concerns was their ability to put the bisket in the basket, which turned out to be a well founded worry as the Gophers scored all of three goals over the weekend. They faced tough goalies in both games and needed overtime to best Maine 1-0 on Saturday and Cornell 2-1 on Sunday. I attended Saturday's game against Maine, but was not able to make use of my tickets on Sunday (it was Easter after all). Fortunately my in-laws have a big screen television and, despite the fact they are not hockey fans, they didn't mind me watching the game (except perhaps after my joyous screaming after the first Gopher goal rudely roused my father-in-law from his nap). Cornell employed a rope and dope style of hockey, playing a conservative, defensive game and relying on their excellent goalkeeper, David McKee. McKee turned away the Gophers time after time and late in the second period the Big Red took advantage of a Gopher breakdown to score a short handed goal, which briefly gave them a 1-0 lead. The Gophers tied it less than two minutes later when Andy Sertich swept a backhander past McKee. That was the end of the scoring in regulation. Overtime hockey is the best and worst of times for a fan. The tension is incredible and the fact that at any moment you could experience the highest of highs or the lowest of lows is gut wrenching. Gopher fans were lucky in this regard in the games this weekend as the both contests ended early in the extra session. Evan Kaufman was the hero on Saturday. Today it was Barry Tallackson's turn for glory. The big winger has been something of a disappointment for Gopher fans over the years. He seems to have the talent to be a star, but only shows it in frustratingly irregular spurts. Fortunately most of those spurts take place in the post-season and once again Tallackson came through today when he banged a rebound past McKee less than five minutes into overtime. An all-WCHA Frozen Four that includes the Gophers? It doesn't get much better than that. The Gophers will be hard pressed to continue their success in Columbus, especially since they face North Dakota in the semifinals and the Sioux might be playing the best hockey in the country right now. But for now Gopher fans can certainly savor a very special weekend of hockey. No one more so than the President of the Barry Tallackson Fan Club. Cheers Sisyphus! Labels: Hockey (02-05)
The Razor's Edge
Now that razorblogging has broken out into the mainstream, I thought I'd take the opportunity to further the discussion. I've been using my Mach 3 Power Razor for over two months now and it rocks. Now only does it provide the cleanest shave I've ever had, the blades seem to last much longer than other triple bladed razors. For more on the topic of blade life, we turn to an e-mail from Tim: Just a little fodder to keep The Great Razor Debate going. Check out the following website: GreatRazors.com They cryogenically treat commonly available razor cartridges so they last longer. Some of these cartridges are getting up there in price, so anything that extends the life of these little beauties may be worth it. At the very least, the purchase of these cryo-blades would allow you to trump JB?s Mach 3. You would own a Cryo Mach 3. Cryogenically treated razor blades? Is this a great country or what? Saturday, March 26, 2005
Attention hockey fans in the Twin Cities area! I have two tickets for Sunday's NCAA Regional hockey final between Minnesota and Cornell that I won't be able to use. The winner of the contest advances to the Frozen Four. The game starts at 2:30pm and is at Mariucci Arena. Drop me an e-mail if you're interested in them.
Labels: Hockey (02-05)
The Sincerest Form Of Flattery?
I see that Glen Reynolds is now razorblogging. Let's not forget where that trend started. We were razorblogging before razorblogging was cool. UPDATE: The razorblogging continues here. Friday, March 25, 2005
For the third straight year, Bill from Rocks Off and I will face in off in our NCAA college hockey challenge. Two years ago, I came close to running the table, missing only one game in the NCAA tourney. Last year, Bill bested me, evening our series at 1-1.
Bill has posted his picks already and we definitely are not on the same page this year. In fact, we only have one of the same teams in the Frozen Four. This should make things very interesting. Anyway, here's my take. East Regional Friday Mercyhurst 1 Boston College 5 Boston University 2 North Dakota 3 Saturday Boston College 3 North Dakota 4 Midwest Regional Friday Colgate 2 Colorado College 4 Wisconsin 2 Michigan 3 Saturday Colorado College 5 Michigan 3 West Regional Saturday Maine 3 Minnesota 4 Ohio State 3 Cornell 2 Sunday Ohio State 4 Minnesota 2 Northeast Regional Saturday Harvard 3 New Hampshire 4 Bemidji State 3 Denver 6 Sunday New Hampshire 1 Denver 3 FROZEN FOUR Semifinals North Dakota 5 Ohio State 4 Colorado College 2 Denver 1 National Championship Colorado College 4 North Dakota 2 Yes, my picks do reflect a definite WCHA bias (as does the poll we're currently running). But I don't think that there is any doubt that the WCHA is head and shoulders about the other conferences. WCHA teams have won the last three national championships and North Dakota was only inches away from winning it in overtime 2001. This year they have three of the four #1 seeds, and even though you can debate whether the Gophers really deserved one or not, it's hard to argue with the notion that the WCHA has the best teams in the country. For me, it comes down to CC and Denver. Both are strong, evenly matched teams and if they played a seven game series it would no doubt go the distance. This time I'm giving the nod to CC, but it would not shock me if Denver were to repeat. What of the Gophers? This is not their year. The defense is young and needs more experience. The goaltending is now a question mark after Briggs' shaky performance last week. Johnson is solid, but not the goalie you want to ride in the playoffs. They also lack scoring punch and don't get consistent play from enough of their forwards. I could easily see them losing to Maine in the first game, especially if Howard (the Black Bears goalie) plays well. But I just can't pick them to lose to Maine. My heart will not allow it. I'll be down at Mariucci for both of Saturday's contests, but will have to settle for watching Sunday's regional final on television. 2:30pm on Easter Sunday? Nice timing. Labels: Hockey (02-05)
Four For Forty
Another Thursday night at Keegan's Irish Pub... (you know the drill) ...another trivia victory for the Fraters squad. The triumph was our fortieth at Keegan's in the last eighteen months or so. It's been a nice run. But you know what? It never gets old. As usual, we were magnanimous in victory, even going so far as to let some of our fellow competitors, who may never experience the thrill of holding the championship trophy themselves (I'm looking at you Mr. Strom), share in our joy. There were a number of prominent local bloggers on hand and LearnedFoot from The Kool Aid Report also made an appearance. Time doesn't permit me to list all of them, but I did have a nice chat with Andy from Residual Forces and Gary from TBFKADVK, who has become a regular at Keegan's on Thursdays. I had a chance to buy Robin from The Power Liberal a beer to mark her recent birthday (Tuesday). We also learned that Robin's beau popped THE question on Tuesday and wedding bells will be chiming for the happy couple come September. Congratulations to Robin and her betrothed. Just remember that being married is no excuse not to make it down to Keegan's on Thursday. Right LF?
Cut to the Chaser
Regarding the perils of being socially dead, the Warrior Monk from Spitbull shows that living wills and flirting aren't the only ways to ensure lively companionship. He does it the old-fashioned way. Booze. As reported by his wife: The Warrior Monk made me a Manhattan in a juice glass (yes, he's still alive, and claims he will re-enter the blogosphere someday). It's about 75% consumed and I'm 100% wasted. If I were a boy, the other boys would make fun of me. Yes, but if you were a boy Eloise, the Warrior Monk never would have given you that drink. . Thursday, March 24, 2005
There's A New Sheriff In Boulder
Or at least there would be if the readers of Fraters Libertas had anything to do with it. Yes, the polls are closed and the results are in. And the person that you feel should be the new president of the University of Colorado (CU) is...  ...Eric Cartman from South Park. Cartman captured 29% of the votes cast easily outdistancing King Banaian and Hugh Hewitt who both finished with 23% of the tallies (King narrowly edged Hugh to finish second). Here are the complete results: Eric Cartman from South Park 29% King Banaian of SCSU Scholars 23% Hugh Hewitt 23% Pam Dawber (Mindy) 12% John Elway 5% Ward Churchill 4% Glen Reynolds of Instapundit 2% Professor Bainbridge 2% Choosing a cartoon character over a field of highly qualified candidates to head up a renowned educational institute speaks volumes about the perception that much of the public has about the state of higher learning in our country. Or maybe it just speaks volumes about the maturity level of our readers. Either way, the people have spoken. Respect their ah-thor-a-taay.
As noted on this fine Internet site earlier this week, the House of Representatives vote for supporting the Terri Schiavo appeal was remarkably bi-partisan in nature. 78% (203 of 261) of those voting were in agreement to support the Federal court review of the Schiavo starvation order. This included 46% (47 of 102) of Democrats present to vote. Despite what the relentlessly shrill partisan voices of division in the media are trying to tell you, Democrats and Republicans came together on this one, put their principles above their party ID, and tried to do the right thing.
Those voting "nay" on this bill weren't even the second largest voting bloc on Monday. Those morbid nabobs only mustered 58 votes total. Far outnumbering them was another, more mysterious caucus. Those who didn't even bother to show up. Fully 174 US Representatives--a staggering 40% of the total--were unable to come to Washington to vote on the Schiavo bill. No doubt different circumstances contributed to this systematic absenteeism. It's likely that the controversial nature of this bill spooked more than a few weather vane politicians who would rather not have to go on record supporting either side in this case. (And if they were forced to come in and vote, I suspect the ratio of Democratic votes in support would have been severely eroded.) The more common explanation has to do with the Easter recess Congress had already begun (when you're in government you can never start those vacations too early). The story goes, many of our public servants had fled the city and had trouble getting back in time for this previously unscheduled vote. But, really, how difficult is it for these people schedule a flight with a few days notice in order to do the job they begged us to have? Not very. Unless they had something they'd really rather be doing instead. Like, for instance, exotic world travel. That certainly seems to be the case with the missing members of the Minnesota Congressional contingent. Four of our Representatives did vote, Democrat Jim Oberstar and Republicans Mark Kennedy, Jim Ramstad, and John Kline. (It's interesting to note, all four supported the bill, giving MN a perfect clean sweep in support of Terri Schiavo.) But the other four suspects were no where to be found. At least not around Washington. Democratic Representative Colin Peterson from the 7th District and Martin Sabo of the 5th were traveling in Europe, according to the Star Tribune, "on Congressional business". It's hard to imagine what Congressional business is more important than a floor vote. But we'll assume a trip to Europe during a vacation period was indeed vital. Although not vital enough to be listed on either of their official Web sites (or anywhere else to the full extent of my Googling abilities.) Next up is Gil "I Love This Job" Gutknecht, the Republican from Congressional District 1. He was in .... Europe. According to the Star Tribune, Germany "on Congressional business". The nature of this business was not specified in the article, nor is it on his web site. MPR reported last year that Gutknecht has a prior record of German travel obligations: Rep. Gil Gutknecht, a Republican from Rochester, traveled to Germany twice last year, although one of the trips was a combination of an official and private trip. He flew to Europe on a taxpayer-funded flight to visit U.S. troops in Bosnia, Albania, Kosovo and Germany, and while there, accepted $850 worth of food and lodging to speak to the German Chamber of Commerce. Gutknecht's spokesman, Bryan Anderson, said the congressman had legitimate business in going to Germany. "He is the chairman of Congressional Study Group on Germany," Anderson said. "With his interest in prescription drug prices, it fits in with his work." I'm sure it does. Let's just hope someday his work can fit in with his interest in Germany, so he can make sure to vote when he's supposed to. Finally, there's 4th District DFLer Betty "I Have a Job That I Love" McCollum. She was too busy to come back due to .... a Congressional junket touring Mexico and Panama. Another nice place to spend a spring break, I must say. No wonder she loves her job so much. McCollum was good enough to mention her trip on her web site. Her schedule includes this appearance: McCollum will also attend Palm Sunday Mass at the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe. In between Church and all that junketing, at least Ms. McCollum did have time to release a statement from beautiful, balmy Panama indicating what she might have done had she the time to come back to work: Ms. Terri Schiavo deserves the right to human dignity and respect. Instead, this brain damaged woman and her family are being used as political pawns. Republican Leader Tom Delay has decided it is in his interest to exploit Terri Schiavo's misery and the anguish of her loved ones for political gain. Nothing I have witnessed in Congress has been more cynical or distasteful. Not that she actually "witnessed" Tom Delay do anything from all the way in Panama, but her hyperbolic attempt at partisan exploitation is well taken. Let's hope Catholic Betty McCollum had time to say a prayer for some personal guidance during her promoted appearance at the Bascilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Her statements indicate some gaps in her understanding of the Faith, as articulated by this recognized expert in Catholicism, Pope John Paul II: I should like particularly to underline how the administration of water and food, even when provided by artificial means, always represents a natural means of preserving life, not a medical act. Its use, furthermore, should be considered, in principle, ordinary and proportionate, and as such morally obligatory, insofar as and until it is seen to have attained its proper finality, which in the present case consists in providing nourishment to the patient and alleviation of his suffering. The evaluation of probabilities, founded on waning hopes for recovery when the vegetative state is prolonged beyond a year, cannot ethically justify the cessation or interruption of minimal care for the patient, including nutrition and hydration. Death by starvation or dehydration is, in fact, the only possible outcome as a result of their withdrawal. In this sense it ends up becoming, if done knowingly and willingly, true and proper euthanasia by omission. ... such an act is always "a serious violation of the law of God, since it is the deliberate and morally unacceptable killing of a human person" No word yet on whether Rep. McCollum believes the Pope is being exploitative, cynical, and distasteful as well. Hopefully she'll have time to comment on that when she gets back from Mexico. Labels: Politics-Local (04-05) Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Dawn of the Socially Dead
Vox Day, commenting on the absurdity of the new standards being devised for living in dying in the USA: If the new bioethic standard for an intolerable life is "socially dead", then we're soon going to see mass emigration on the part of engineers and programmers that will rival the Irish fleeing the potato famines. Not to mention guys allegedly writing anonymous and withering social commentary in the boxer shorts/pajamas. The day "socially dead" becomes the recognized term for the conditions allowing euthanasia will be a dark one in this country. If for no other reason, its use as a vindictive punchline for hundreds of Maureen Dowd aping media pundits throughout the land. I hope that day can be avoided entirely, but just in case, fellow bloggers, get those living wills ready now. Or, better yet, read these tips on flirting from Kathy of the Cake Eater Chronicles (yet another fine MOB member), and kiss those funeral blues away forever. .
Set Them Free
Skip e-mails regarding my post on overprotective parents and passes on some advice: Interesting article about parents and worry and faith. I have a son in Iraq (he's a Marine) and that's a real test of faith, but I wish to relate an encounter I had recently with a young man who'd like to be a Marine. He was bagging groceries at the Vermilion Farm market and wearing a knit cap with "Marines" in bright yellow stitched to it. I asked if he planned to enlist and the cashier, also his Mom, said "definitely Not!". Mom was gonna keep her son out the service to assuage her own fears. I told her about my son's current duty station. yes, it is quite scary, but at some point you have to let them go. The kids have to go and face the world on their own. She wanted nothing to do with that. Her son could stay close by so she wouldn't have to worry. "Don't you worry when he gets into an old beat up car with his teenaged friends? Is that really any less scary?" My theory is that at least in the service the kids get a modicum of adult supervision. I didn't connect so I gave up on her, but as the young man was finishing up the bagging I gave him some unsolicited advice: "Tell you Mom you love her, but you have to do what you have to do. Hang on to your dreams, and, what the hell, dream big. If you think you've got what it takes to pass this ultimate test go for it otherwise you'll question yourself for the rest of your life." I'm not a recruiter but I have to agree parents have to let go, show some trust, some faith and some separation. The kids need room to be kids. Words of wisdom from someone who knows firsthand just how hard it can be. Kudos Skip. Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Strib Broadens Its Horizons
A memo from Minneapolis Star Tribune editor Anders Gyllenhaal has been posted at Poynter Online: I'm pleased to announce that Katherine Kersten, a high-profile newspaper and broadcast commentator in the Twin Cities and a Star Tribune editorial page columnist for eight years, will join the newsroom staff as a Metro columnist. Katherine brings a wealth of experiences and local connections to the job. In addition to writing for the Star Tribune and other newspapers and magazines, she has worked as a commentator for "All Things Considered," practiced law, co-written a book, worked as a banker, home-schooled one of her children and served as a fellow for the Center of the American Experiment. Katherine will join the Star Tribune in May, writing two columns a week, plus a Sunday column every third week or so, working in a part-time role, four days a week. This will mean our rotation will now include columns every day of the week, along with multiple columns on most Sundays. While I welcome Kersten's political viewpoints to the pages of the Strib, I have to question whether this is really the proper venue for her. She's always struck me as more of a policy wonk type, rather than a general interest columnist. I could easily see a place for her on the editorial pages, but am a bit skeptical about how she will handle three columns a week in the Metro section. Of course, I'll give her a chance to show what she can do and hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised by what she cranks out. Although the chances of seeing a column devoted to the travails of standing in line for free burritos seem pretty slim. Sigh. (Thanks to Eloise for the tip)
Get It In Writing
Professor Bainbridge has been providing extensive coverage of the Schiavo case, including a thoughtful post on how the actions of Congress jive (or don't jive) with some of his first principles: As I see it, Congress' act implicates four first principles I hold dear: 1. The culture of life 2. Limited government 3. Federalism 4. The rule of law He concludes that while he can justify the first three, he can't reconcile the fourth: In sum, the culture of life and the rule of law appear to be in unavoidable conflict. Both are central values of a free and just society. All of which makes it extremely difficult to decide where one stands on this issue. Today, he highlights a post from MNKurmudge&DCKid which looks at The Statute of Frauds and the Schiavo case: So now we see the comparison of what is too morally risky to leave to one persons unsubstantiated assertion. If you are buying a used Geo for $600, you need a written contract signed by the car dealer. If the object is the life of your wife, you don't need anything in writing from her--you can just suddenly remember that she had said once, by strange coincidence not long before having a tragic accident, that she wanted you to kill her if she ever had just such an accident. And the judge, having just finished ruling that a writing is needed in a dispute regarding sale of a used drum set, will pat you on the head and say that he will do everything he can to help you starve her to death. Even though her parents have asked you to simply divorce her, give them custody to care for her, and go on with your own life.
You Can't Tell the Right Wing Radicals Without a Program
According to the institutional voice of the Star Tribune, it was unnamed "right wing radicals" who supported the Terri Schiavo bill signed into law on Monday, in a "totalitarian fibfest." (Which is not to be confused with Totalitarian Ribfest, being held down on Harriet Island, July 28 - 31. Their motto: "You don't need to worry about BBQ sauce stains when you're wearing a brown shirt.") In the spirit of stamping out the scourge of fibbing in all forms, we review the House roll call vote from Monday, to identify exactly who these Star Tribune branded right wing radicals are, once and for all. It is true, Republicans showed remarkable unity of principle in this matter. Of the 161 GOP Representatives present to vote, 156 of them supported the bill to provide Federal judicial review of the Florida state court's decision to mandate Terri Schiavo's death by starvation. Right wing radicals all, I'm sure. At least that's what we're left to believe when blanket slurs are cast down from the journalistic pulpit. But it's interesting to note the bill received far more votes than the 156 provided by the Republicans. Joining them were 47 fellow totalitarian fibbers. And in a two party system, that means those folks happened to be (gasp) Democrats. Which I think makes this the largest exercise in bi-partisan right wing radicalism in history. 100 Democrats showed up to vote (of the 202 in the Democratic caucus) and a nearly half of them (47) supported the bill. These weren't just any old Democrats either, their number included such leftist luminaries as Chaka Fattah (PA), Jose Serrano (NY), and that old Karl Rove disciple himself, Jesse Jackson Jr. (IL). And let's not forget our own Jim Oberstar, from Minnesota's 8th District. A life long DFL member, loyally serving his party in the House for 30 years. And because he had the courage of his convictions to look beyond political partisanship and stand by his long time moral commitment to pro Life issues, he's slapped with the label of "right wing radical." Not to mention vulgar, vile, silly, tyrannical, and totalitarian. Does the Star Tribune really believe that about Jim Oberstar and the 46 other Democrats supporting the Schiavo bill? I suppose it's possible (such is their commitment to ideological purity), but unlikely. The only other explanations are, they simply weren't aware of the magnitude of Democratic support for this bill (if so, they need to hire more researchers, fact checkers, and editors immediately). Or they were just slinging partisan mud, beyond the level engaged in by even the Congress itself. An amazing feat that, and one that would prove the Star Tribune editorial board doesn't need to leave their offices to find a fibfest. .
Hewitt Campaign Breaks Out
Despite the fact that Hugh is trailing both King Banaian and Eric Cartman in our poll to pick the new CU president, his campaign appears to be picking up momentum as James Phillips advises us that his candidacy has now been noticed by a TV station in Denver: Conservative Internet blogger Hugh Hewitt says he would like the opportunity to be the next President of the University of Colorado. Oh, Hugh's one of the "Internet bloggers" as opposed to the many other types. Thanks for the clarification. Hewitt says CU needs a president who can do a good PR job for the school. "I've been a professor for 10 years at Chapman University Law School so I know about faculties, but I think the most important thing is that you listen to the public," Hewitt said. "You be aware of what they expect out of the university and you communicate that to the people who make up the faculty and you take care of the students." And if they act up, you place them on double secret probation. The good news is that Hugh's relentless self-promotion appears to be paying off. CU Board of Regents Chairman Jerry G. Rutledge says he has received some e-mails recommending that the board consider Hewitt. On the other hand, he does face some stiff competition. Carrigan said e-mail recommendations have run the gamut from former pro-wrestler and Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura to Focus on the Family founder and chairman James C. Dobson. Jesse Ventura? Isn't he a Harvard guy too?
The Opposite of Sweeps Week?
So I tune in KSTP-AM1500 this morning to listen to the Bob Davis show. Instead I hear the "Polichicks" filling in for Bob. Too early in the morning and way too sober for their fingernails on a chalkboard tone. Oh well, I figure. There's always that guy who knows stuff on the local Air America affiliate. He's always good for a larf (when he's trying to be serious). So I dial 'er down to 950 only to catch the smugly dull stylings of guest host Brian Lambert. Yes, that Brian Lambert. Sigh. What's on MPR anyway?
Rage, Rage In Favor of the Dying of the Light
The Star Tribune's latest unsigned editorial on the Terri Schiavo case indicates that the "institutional voice" reflected in their work increasingly has less to do with their iconic stature and more to do with the fact it sounds like someone who is actually institutionalized may have written it. Prepare your most empathetic bed side manner for this seething, frothing tantrum: But Americans should be embarrassed on her behalf to see Washington's right-wing radicals seize this permanently unconscious woman for a totalitarian fibfest. And how can America's chief champions of "the sanctity of marriage" justify their brazen intrusion into the personal lives (by lives they of course mean "deaths" - SP) of Terri Schiavo and husband Michael? And so it is that House Majority Leader Tom Delay, R-Texas, has seen fit to call Michael Schiavo's attempt to honor his wife's wishes (honor her by killing her) "an act of medical terrorism" and of "homicide" -- a characterization so vile it may qualify as slander. It's a silly obstructionist game, and if American liberty means anything, it will soon end. Thanks to Washington's bosses, the private business of a Florida man and his vegetative wife is headed for a trip through the federal court system. For Terri and Michael Schiavo it's likely to be a victory tour (You got that Terri? You're dead, you win!) How can the champions of "small government" -- the very authors of this vulgar, tyrannical escapade -- possibly disagree? Well, you could always ASK THEM and find out? Isn't that what journalists are supposed to do? It's easy to mock the Star Tribune for this kind of output. And to suggest the new Conservative editorial voice they are looking to hire to balance their image should be recruited from the Kool Aid Report. But the sobering reality remains, the Star Tribune is the monopoly newspaper in Minneapolis. It's by far the most dominant news outlet in all of the state of Minnesota. And the above is merely a sample of the extreme and misleading viewpoints they endorse and the gutter level of discourse they engage in from the editorial page. All of it hand delivered to the doorsteps and into the homes of hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans every blessed morning. Believe it or not, many of those Minnesotans (nearly half according to the last election) actually vote for Republicans. Many of these folks also hold moral beliefs in concert with Terri Shiavo's parents and siblings and support the House Republican attempts to overturn a single judge's order to starve that poor woman. And the institutional voice of the dominant newspaper in the state disrespects them, ridicules them, castigates their motives, and calls them vile, brazen, vulgar, totalitarian, tyrannical radicals. Editor Anders Gyllenhaal, we know the Star Tribune has its little firewalls set up here and there, and a layer of bureaucracy to deal with reader complaints, and a corrections policy and j-school degrees hanging on the walls, and for all that we're happy for you. But if you're ever up late at night wondering about conservatives and why they seem to hate your paper, let me ease your mind with this little hint. That editorial right there - this is why they hate you. Now go back to sleep. Pleasant dreams. . Monday, March 21, 2005
Carefree Days of Youth?
Beth Hawkins has a timely article in last week's City Pages on the overprotective nature of many of today's parents. She believes that part of the explanation is that it's not really all about the children: But we also fear their independence. We're up there in the climber because we can't afford to miss a minute of face time, you see. We believe our physical presence is the linchpin to the children's emotional well-being and, although we never say so out loud, we want it that way--because it's central to our well-being. We're scared the kids will grow up to resent the fact that Mommy works, or--the biggest golem on the list--they just plain won't like us. And in an age of high divorce rates and transient communities, kids who don't like us suggest the possibility that we might really end up alone. She also talks about what has become a cult of worrying: Worrying is a secular form of prayer, according to David Anderegg, a psychology professor at Bennington College in Vermont, and the author of Worried All the Time: Rediscovering the Joy in Parenthood in an Age of Anxiety. Earlier generations coped with the thought that they couldn't control what happened to their offspring all the time by reasoning that once the kid walked out the door, God took over. But accidents are no longer seen as divine intervention, and the parents Anderegg now sees in his private practice often equate worrying with being devoted. And God forbid if you let the kids out of your sight for even a moment: My generation, meanwhile, won't drop Jr. off at the neighbor's for an afternoon. No, much like the squad of grownups policing Adventure Peak, parents these days stay for the duration of the kids' "play dates." If they permit them to occur at all, that is. This business of treating kids like hothouse flowers seems to go hand in glove with the idea that we should endeavor to keep them away from the rest of the community. I've written before of my distaste for the oxymoronic concept of "structured fun." Kids need to be given the chance to play on their own. It encourages creativity, imagination, cooperation, and teaches valuable lessons about the need for compromise, the power of persuasion, and the value of shared understanding. When kids get together with other kids to play games, they need to agree to a set off rules, assign roles, and resolve disputes. I think that half the fun of the games that we played as kids was coming up with the rules and then arguing about them. When adults hover around making rules and adjudicating the conflicts, the kids lose out. When I was growing up in a suburb of Minneapolis in the '70s and '80s, stories from my Dad's childhood on a farm outside of Ladysmith, Wisconsin in the '30s and '40s seemed straight out of a different universe. But despite the many differences, I wonder if my childhood experience has more in common with my Dad's than with a kid growing up in the same Minneapolis suburb today. It really is a different world. I don't agree with everything in Beth Hawkins' piece, but she raises some excellent points that merit further discussion and I encourage you to read the whole thing. And for the parents out there, I encourage you to let your kids be kids. Let them play.
Outside of the WCHA, I can't think of a college hockey team that I dislike more than the Maine Black Bears. There's just something about the squad that rubs me the wrong way. There's an arrogance and attitude that they carry that transcends individual players and seems to be a trademark of the program. Perhaps it's the painful memory of the 2001 NCAA East Regional quarterfinal game in Worcester, MA (which JB Doubtless attended), when Adam Hauser literally handed the game to Maine in overtime. Hauser's choke led to my prediction that just as the Vikings would never win a Super Bowl with Denny Green as coach, so the Gophers would never win a NCAA title with Hauser between the pipes.
Of course, just a year later Hauser would prove me wrong by helping the Gophers win the 2002 National Championship. And as sweet as it was to end a twenty-three year championship drought, it was all the sweeter for me because the Gophers beat Maine in the title game in St. Paul. The way that some of the classless Black Bears conducted themselves after the game did little to change my opinion of the team. Now the Gophers will get another crack at Maine in this Saturday's West Regional at Mariucci Arena. I'm not all that excited about the Gophers chancing of reaching the Frozen Four this year. Their defense is inexperienced and prone to make mistakes and they don't have enough scoring punch up front (memo to Gino Guyer: Exactly how many great chances do you need to score anyway?). Which is okay, because with Kessel and Wheeler on the way, the future looks pretty damn bright. But if they are going to fall short, all I ask is that don't do it against Maine. Just beat Maine baby. Everything after that is gravy. Labels: Hockey (02-05)
Lies, Damn Lies, & Exit Polls
Rick has posted a paper, A Critical Review of "The Unexplained Exit Poll Discrepancy" at Stones Cry Out: Dr. Steven F. Freeman, visiting University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) professor is not an "expert" on exit polls or the 2004 Presidential exit poll discrepancies as suggested by this UPenn press release. In fact, his paper, The Unexplained Exit Poll Discrepancy, is highly flawed. His argument that "in general, exit poll data are sound" fails having suppressed evidence and the conclusion that "it is impossible that the discrepancies between predicted and actual vote counts in" Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania was not substantiated statistically. Nevertheless, Dr. Freeman is right in concluding that explanations of the discrepancy to date are inadequate and Edison/Mitofsky should address the concerns of US Count Votes in subsequent analysis of their data. Dr. Freeman wrote a book based on his research that is due out in a couple of months and has a couple of working papers in progress that are not yet available for public review. If The Unexplained Exit Poll Discrepancy is any indicator of the quality of research included in these forthcoming works, I suggest that his publishers take a closer look at the manuscripts. Read the whole thing. Sunday, March 20, 2005
Peaceful Easy Feeling
There's a myth floating around out there that Terri Schiavo will die a peaceful death now that her feeding tube has been removed. Without food or water, Schiavo is doomed to die by dehydration and there's very little about that process that can be described as peaceful. In this Daily Standard piece from November of 2003, Wesley J. Smith has neurologist William Burke's description of death by dehydration: A conscious [cognitively disabled] person would feel it just as you or I would. They will go into seizures. Their skin cracks, their tongue cracks, their lips crack. They may have nosebleeds because of the drying of the mucus membranes, and heaving and vomiting might ensue because of the drying out of the stomach lining. They feel the pangs of hunger and thirst. Imagine going one day without a glass of water! Death by dehydration takes ten to fourteen days. It is an extremely agonizing death.Smith's piece also relates the story of Kate Adamson who, like Terri Schiavo, was diagnosed as being in a persistent vegetative state. In Adamson's case, nourishment was suspended to allow doctors to perform bowel surgery. She eventually recovered and had this to say about her peaceful ordeal: The agony of going without food was a constant pain that lasted not several hours like my operation did, but several days. You have to endure the physical pain and on top of that you have to endure the emotional pain. Your whole body cries out, "Feed me. I am alive and a person, don't let me die, for God's Sake! Somebody feed me."Soon, Terri Schiavo will echo these silent screams for help. Her cries will go unanswered for days as her respiratory tract becomes dry and her bladder burns. Her functioning eyes will recede back into their orbits, her loosely hanging skin will become dry and scaly and she'll begin to convulse as her brain cells dry out. Her major organs will then give out one by one until the day, maybe three weeks from now, Terri Schiavo will die. Thank God it's going to be a peaceful death, though. How else could we all sleep at night? Saturday, March 19, 2005
Deep In Indian Country
A Macalester grad living in Hollywood with conservative political views? Believe it or not, he does exist. Check out reelcobra does hollywood. A rare bird indeed.
Crashing The Net?
Last night my wife and I attended the WCHA Final Five Semifinal contest between Colorado College and Minnesota at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The Gophers fell 3-0 to the Tigers, but, contrary to the opinion of the drunken idiots seated around us (no Atomizer was not there), the Gophers didn't play that bad of a game. It's one of the oldest clichés in the hockey book yet it's very true: one team took advantage of their opportunities and one did not. A major momentum swing in the second period didn't help Minnesota's chances either. It appeared that the Gophers had taken a 1-0 when Mike Howe ripped a wrist shot into the top corner. But upon further review, the goal was disallowed because of a man (or in this case a skate) in the crease. Mere seconds later, Brett Sterling made a great one on one move and then beat Gopher netminder Justin Johnson to give the Tigers the lead. Sterling was very impressive last night and is a worthy Hobey Baker finalist. Perhaps the most interesting moment of the evening took place after the game. As my wife and I waited for the crowd to dissipate a bit, I noticed that Gopher forward Tyler Hirsch was still on the ice even though everyone else had already hit the dressing room. He was standing at center ice asking for a puck. After receiving one from one of the off ice officials, he motioned for the doors behind one the nets to be closed. Then he rushed towards the net, blasted a shot into it, and dove into it, knocking it off its moorings and crashing on top of it into the end boards. He then got up and skated off the ice. Some of the crowd applauded Hirsch's strange little display, but most of us were left scratching our heads and asking, WTF? Here's how US College Hockey Online described it: After the game, Tyler Hirsch was apparently enacting some ritual to exorcise the lack of scoring that plagued his Gopher teammates after Friday's 3-0 loss to the Tigers. It was the first shutout against Minnesota in 82 games, dating back to a 4-0 loss to Maine on Oct 10, 2003. Standing at center ice, Hirsch motioned the maintenance crew to shut the Zamboni doors. He proceeded to skate in on the empty net, taking a slapshot from 10 feet and then driving the net into the boards. He then skated to center ice, laid his stick down and went to the locker room. My wife ascribed his unusual behavior to frustration at the result of the game. Frustration is understandable, but usually more spontaneous. You might see a player break a stick on his way off the ice or kick the boards. But Hirsch's actions were very deliberate, and as the USCHO reporter noted, appeared to be part of some sort of ritual. My guess is that is somehow related to the fact that Gophers had been shut out, but I have never witnessed anything like it before. Today, before my own hockey game, we discussed Hirsch's antics and, although none of my teammates were absolutely certain, they agreed that it must have been some sort of ritual designed to chase the evil shutout spirits away. Hirsch's actions were clearly not endorsed by the team as evidenced by the head coach's reaction: "It was bizarre -- let's leave it at that," said puzzled Minnesota coach Don Lucia. Not surprisingly Hirsch was not in the lineup for the Gophers in today's third place game against North Dakota (a 4-2 loss). The explanation for his absence was given as "personal reasons." Friday, March 18, 2005
What's Really Wrong With Kansas
Their basketball squad just got bounced by noted basketball powerhouse Bucknell. Buck-frickin'-nell? Ouch. That's gotta hurt. Jayhawk fans probably feel almost as low tonight as those who had Kansas in their Final Four tourney pools. You know who you are.
The Fear Is Apparent, Can The Loathing Be Far Behind?
The magnitude of the desperation of the Hewitt for CU President Campaign is amply demonstrated by news that Hugh is traveling to Colorado today in what can only be seen as a last gasp at reviving his moribund campaign. The latest polls show Hugh mired in third place with a mere 22% of the vote, trailing both Eric Cartman and King Banaian from SCSUScholars by substantial amounts. Hugh's pathetic pandering to the various (BTW, interesting color choice for today's "Blogfest" event) members of the Rocky Mountain Alliance in order to seek their endorsement is a transparent ploy to reverse the fortunes of his fast sinking candidacy. I'm sure the astute members of the RMA will see Hugh's shameless shilling for what it is and not allow it to affect their endorsement decision. Meanwhile in other campaign news, King Banaian has accepted Hugh's challenge to participate in a debate with the short but sweet response, "Bring it on, girlieman." But the current front runner Eric Cartman refused Hugh's offer, saying the he would not be seen on stage with "that G*d**m hippie." Instead Cartman proposed that he and Hewitt settle there differences in an alternative manner. He seemed to be speaking directly to Hugh when he explained, "I'll Rochambeau you for it." Thursday, March 17, 2005
Local MOBsters Do Good
The Minnesota Organization of Blogger's MOB Roll continues to add members at an alarming rate. If you haven't run the roster in a while, please do, there are all sorts of interesting new voices and new perspectives to be heard from. I have the distinct vague memory of at least a couple of others from Keegan's last week expressing an interest in getting on the roll. There are of course few requirements for joining, the most important one is making sure we remember to put you on. An email with the URL is highly effective in this regard. A few of our own are making waves in the other media as well. Matt Abe (of the Scholar's Notebook) published a guest column in the Plymouth Sun Sailor, entitled "Is Integrated Math Right for Your Child?" Not having children in the Plymouth school system (or anywhere for that matter), I must admit I don't have an opinion on this matter. Although I share Martin Luther King's dream of someday having all integers judged on the content of their character and not the color of their skin. Also, Marty Andrade, of the appropriately named Martin Andrade blog, was featured last Sunday on KSTP's amateur radio talent search, The Next Big Thing. (Not to be confused with AM1280 The Patriot's amateur radio talent search called the Northern Alliance Radio Network.). I wasn't able to hear the show, but Marty's site includes several audio clips. Probably not of the radio show itself (given my dial up limitations, I'll never know for sure), but they are surely a flavor of what you might have heard last week. For those not aware, Marty is also a regular columnist at the Minnesota Daily. And of course, Craig Westover, who was MSM before getting MOBed up, published his latest Pioneer Press column this week, entitled "Objective look taken at vaccines, autism." Apparently it was research for this article that made him "forget" his responsibilities last Saturday to pay tribute to the NARN on our first anniversary. Due to the excellence of the output, we are inclined to withdraw all implied threats and suspensions. Nice job all. Other MOB members distinguishing themselves in other forums, let us know and we'll get the word out. .
Flown the Coop
Breaking news from Bill Tuomala (of Rocks Off fame), the GNR-Buckethead experiment (referred to yesterday) is no more: Alas, it appears Buckethead quit GNR last year due to (big surprise) "personal differences." I continue to be amazed by Wikipedia. Further research confirms, Buckethead has excused himself from the band. Or he was excused by the band. Axl Rose wrote the announcement (last March) so it's hard to tell what exactly happened in this star crossed partnership. But Axl's attempt at PR did win Gawker's recognition as Worst Press Release Ever. Excerpts and commentary. Guns N' Roses will not be performing as scheduled at Rock In Rio - Lisbon.The band has been put in an untenable position by guitarist Buckethead and his untimely departure. Getting put in an untenable position by a guy wearing an empty chicken bucket on his head. Who could have seen that coming!? During his tenure with the band Buckethead has been inconsistent and erratic in both his behavior and commitment - despite being under contract - creating uncertainty and confusion and making it virtually impossible to move forward with recording, rehearsals and live plans with confidence. In Buckethead's defense, the band's past precedent clearly implied erratic and inconsistent behavior were requirements for the job. We as a whole, definitely feel that we afforded Bucket every accommodation perhaps so much so that it may be that we or more precisely, I may have done Guns a disservice and unintentionally allowed Guns to be put in this position. Reading between the lines, Axl Rose will never again yield to an employee's demands to perform while standing in a chicken coop. They don't teach you that at Wharton. Experience is indeed the greatest teacher. .
A Perfect Storm Brewing In St. Paul?
What happens when you mix North Dakota Fightin' Sioux hockey fans with Wisconsin Badger hockey fans [link now fixed] on St. Patrick's Day in St. Paul? We'll find out tonight as the two squads meet in the opening game of the 2005 WCHA Final Five. The real fun should start when the snow hits. UPDATE: Tim from Colorado e-mails to report on another potentially volatile mix: I don't know if this tops the ND-Wisc. game, but it's got to be close.... ...the DU Pioneers and Colorado College hockey teams shared the charter flight up to St. Paul for the WCHA hockey tournament. UPDATE II: If you listen closely you hear stil hear the chants, "94 East, 94 East, 94 East..." Sioux 3 Badgers 2
You Heard It Here First
Captain Ed reports that the notion of "South Park's" Eric Cartman running CU may not be all that far fetched after all: I'm watching South Park on the Comedy Channel right now, and Cartman is fighting an infestation of hippies in the town. They've convinced Stan, Kyle, and Kenny to hate corporate America and the "little Eichmanns" of capitalism. Guess where they go to college? Wednesday, March 16, 2005
David e-mails to advise us that the Minneapolis Star Tribune has a job opening:
Description: In the interest of adding more voices and perspectives to the paper, we are seeking candidates for a new Metro columnist position. As with all columnists, the emphasis would be on deeply reported columns, story telling off the news, pieces that can best be told with a columnist's leeway. This columnist would have the added goal of bringing a conservative perspective to the paper in story topics, circles traveled and views explored. Like the other Metro columnists, this person will write 3 columns a week and special projects from time to time. A conservative perspective to the paper? The saints be praised! But whoever could fill such a lofty position? Qualifications: The columnist must possess excellent writing and reporting skills and knowledge of Twin Cities events, people, culture and politics. In other words, they must know stuff. This person must have the ability to write insightful commentary on a variety of subjects, often on deadline. Sounds like the same qualifications for writing here at Fraters. Which reminds me Atomizer, I need that piece on binge drinking on my desk by 8am tomorrow morning. And I don't care if you have to stay up all night to finish it! Experience in daily newspaper column writing is preferred. D'oh! The columnist should evoke reaction from readers, whether writing humor, hard-hitting commentary or personal profiles. You mean like Nick Coleman? Except for the humor part I mean. The columnist should be a strong reporter who can bring new insights and original reporting to the section, who can cultivate sources and occasionally break exclusive news. An ear for baloney and a built in BS detector is a definite plus. The columnist should be out in front of the issues of interest to our readers and be able to build a following among readers who both agree and disagree. Given the Strib's readership, be prepared for a lot of the latter. The columnist should have the ability to work collaboratively with other members of the Metro staff. Long lunches with Jeremy Iggers? Clubbin' with CJ? Talking leaf blowers with Doug Grow? Bus rides with Nick Coleman? Where do I sign up? In all seriousness, this is a good sign. The Strib has come around to the realization that having Nick Coleman and Doug Grow as your Metro columnists is not exactly the definition of diversity. But you gotta wonder why they didn't just stay in-house and tap the man who is easily the most talented writer in town. And maybe they tried. Who knows? In lieu of having James join the Metro conservative beat, my next choice would be Craig Westover. He's had some MSM experience and certainly has the reporting chops to handle the gig. Plus the staff meetings with Captain Fishsticks would a riot. And I meant that literally. And if Craig doesn't fit the Strib's bill, how about our own Saint Paul? He'd probably have to give up the pseudonym as well as his tour of duty here at Fraters, but for the greater good sacrifices have to be made. I might even be willing to let him out of his non-compete without excessive penalties. Labels: Media-Local (05-07)
The Invisible Head
Fascinating article appearing in the March 6 New York Times (which I just cracked last night) on the never ending, downward spiraling production trajectory of the Guns N Roses comeback album Chinese Democracy. It seems after 11 years (and $13 million worth) of trying, the album is no where close to being finished. So the continuing reports of any "comeback" appear to be greatly exaggerated. At this rate, people actually living in China are more likely to be holding a referendum on adding Viagra to their retirement benefits before this album hits the retail floor. This excerpt details the low point of productivity and the high point of excess - the Buckethead sessions: But [Axl] Rose's renewed energies were not being directed toward the finish line. He had the crew send him CDs almost daily, sometimes with 16 or more takes of a musician performing his part of a single song. He accompanied [lead guitarist] Buckethead on a jaunt to Disneyland when the guitarist was drifting toward quitting, several people involved recalled; then Buckethead announced he would be more comfortable working inside a chicken coop, so one was built for him in the studio, from wood planks and chicken wire. Which just goes to prove an inviolable law of business (I think first identified by Adam Smith in 1778) - never trust a $13 million project to a guy wearing an upside down chicken bucket on his head. Speaking of which, I think Buckethead could use the services of a good career counselor. Forget this rock star thing, if he really wants to work in a chicken coop, for the right price, my cubicle is available. Read the whole thing (for $2.95 on the NYT site, or, strangely, for free on the Houston Chronicle or International Herald Tribune). It's fascinating and probably a little sad for any late 80's pop metal enthusiasts still holding a torch for the next "Back Off B*tch!" Then, for the other side of the story, read GNR manager Merck Mercuriadis's heated response. Excerpt: Sir, I find it remarkable that the New York Times - a newspaper of some repute - has chosen to run an article on the making of the forthcoming Guns N' Roses album, 'Chinese Democracy', without even bothering to talk to anyone who has actually been involved in the making of the album. You quote five people on the record, all of whom, with the exception of Tom Zutaut, have been out of the picture for between six and nine years, and like the author of your article, have never even heard the album! Tom Zutaut himself has not been involved for three years and has heard virtually none of the actual record. Your journalist Jeff Leeds - is this the return of Jayson Blair under a pseudonym? Another lesson learned, you hire one guy who makes up stories on the front page for years and years and the next thing you know you're getting ridiculed by the guy who manages a guy with an upside down chicken bucket on his head. I guess everyone gets to be a media critic these days. . Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Letter Never Sent
"Honey, did you mail that letter to the editor on Lebanon I wrote the other day?" "Yes, Dear" "Doh!" From today's Star Tribune Letters From Readers: Now that Hezbollah appears to be more popular in Lebanon than the U.S.-supported anti-Syrian parties, is the Bush administration still calling for democracy there? George M****, Minneapolis. Lebanese in Beirut for anti-Syrian protest: A powerful turnout was key for the opposition movement, whose credibility was on the line after the Shiite Muslim guerrilla group Hezbollah last week brought out a half-million people in support of Syria and after the Lebanese government brought back pro-Syrian Prime Minister Omar Karami, whose resignation had been the opposition's most concrete accomplishment. And by all accounts, the opposition showed its pull on the street. More than 1 million people joined the rally, according to Lebanon's leading LBC TV station and some police officials. An Associated Press estimate put the number at over 800,000.
Respect Ma Au-thor-a-taay
At this point, Hugh Hewitt is clinging to a narrow lead in our poll to pick the new president of the University of Colorado. That fact that Hugh is ahead of the pack is not all that surprising given that he's been shamelessly begging for the job on his national syndicated talk radio show. What is a little stunning is that King Banaian from SCSUScholars, the other candidate who has openly thrown his hat in the ring, is wallowing in third place behind Eric Cartman, a cartoon character from the popular animated show "South Park." Cartman only trails Hewitt by a few votes and appears to have the momentum to pass Hugh shortly. Screw you guys, he's going into the lead. Another interesting angle in the poll results is that Ward Churchill is beating both Instapundit Glen Reynolds and Professor Bainbridge by a substantial margin. Don't blame me, I'm voting for Mindy.
Filipino police have ended the standoff with Islamic militants at a jail in Manila:
Police said they regained control of the prison building about an hour after starting the assault. Troops outside fired tear gas as teams of police commandos scaled the walls of the four-story detention centre and overpowered the militants. At least three leaders of the Abu Sayyaf rebel group accused of involvement in high-profile kidnappings of foreigners were among those killed in the assault, police said. Television reports said 300 policemen had stormed the building, where more than 400 prisoners, including 129 suspected Islamic militants, were detained. Police say a core group of 10 suspected Abu Sayyaf members had been holding out since killing three guards in an escape attempt on Monday. Talks with the group broke down late on Monday. Several loud blasts and gunfire were heard around the police detention centre in a Manila suburb shortly after an ultimatum issued by Reyes to the militants expired. Tear gas still shrouded the building as television showed hundreds of prisoners milling around on the top floor. Reyes said Alhamser Limbong, alias "Kosovo", Ghalib Andang, alias "Commander Robot", and Najdmi Sabdula, alias "Commander Global", were among the Abu Sayyaf leaders killed. I realize that the Abu Sayyaf are a ruthless and dangerous terrorist group with ties to Al Qaeda, but "Commander Robot" doesn't exactly strike fear in the heart, does it? It sounds like something an eight year old playing Transformers would make up. "I am Commander Robot. Your weapons are useless against me." Yeah, sure you are junior. Now get upstairs. It's time for your bath. For much more on the prison standoff and what it says about the ability of the Philippines to fight terrorism, be sure to check out the Belmont Club. Labels: Philippines Monday, March 14, 2005
Happiness Hour(s) of Power
Last night, my wife and I were fortunate enough to be able to attend the latest and greatest AM1280 The Patriot Forum. This time the guest of honor was Dennis Prager. I have never had a chance to hear Dennis speak in person before and was very impressed. He's an intellectual powerhouse who's not afraid to bring some much needed moral clarity to issues of the day. He demonstrated this last night by fielding questions on a wide array of topics and answering them in a thorough, insightful, and thought provoking manner. All of this was done pretty much off the top of his head, which made his performance all the more impressive. When you think about the lineup of hosts that The Patriot offers to listeners each day, comparisons to the '27 Yankees are in order, especially the middle of the order. Prager, Medved, and Hewitt (when he's not off shilling his book) provide nine straight hours of intelligent, entertaining, and informative talk radio that cannot be rivaled. Other stations may be able throw a power hitter or two at you (I hear this "Rush" guy isn't half bad), but they can't touch the consistent quality provided by the titanic trio. If you have not attended a Patriot Forum before, I encourage you to check the next one out. Michael Medved will be in town at the classy St. Paul Hotel on April 7th and tickets are on sale now. For thirty bones you get a ticket to the shindig and a copy of Medved's new book Right Turns: Unconventional Lessons from a Controversial Life. As usual, the boys of the Northern Alliance will be in attendance. Considering the location, I would expect that you'd be able to find us in the St. Paul's beautiful bar (one of my personal favorites) before and after the event.
It Could Happen to You
Among the galaxy of call in testimonials scheduled on the NARN anniversary Saturday, the lone star who neglected his commitment confesses his reason. He was working. I'm tempted to incite a swarm against this guy for committing the offense of working a paying job while on the blog clock. But it's hard to be too harsh on him when he holds this truth to be self evident: I thought I had a pretty good bit lined up, too -- aspiring mainstream media columnist who finally got a regular gig with the local MSM only to find out that all along happiness was to be found in his mother's basement with a computer and a plate of fishsticks We forgive Craig, this time, for the transgression. But he would do well to remember, just like *that* we could ban him from the MOB, get him kicked out of his mother's basement, and sentence him to a life of actually getting paid for his prose. He should consider himself warned. .
A few weeks ago, I noted an article in The Economist on a new angle in outsourcing: Indian firms recruiting European employees to work in India. I received an e-mail from Charles that provided another example:
Your post "The 'I's have it", really sparked my interest. I'm the Program Director at an animation and media arts school in Western Canada, and I have a recent story of my own that might intrigue you... Last year one of our recent graduates, an older American student who had been doing some assisting teaching for me, set up a game production studio in India, in order to complete a "pitch" for a planned pc game. (when an independent producer needs to attract sufficient funding for such a huge project, it's common to assemble as much as possible of a game, such as examples of proposed characters, and animated samples of what the eventual gameplay will look like, before actual production of the game has begun, in order to suggest the marketability of the proposed game and the likely artistic quality of the eventual product... in other words, in order for it to be "started", quite a lot of it has to already be completed!) All this pre-production is very expensive by being **very** time-consuming, and to stretch the reach of his modest start-up capital, this entrepreneurial graduate installed himself in a large town near Bombay, where living expenses would be a fraction of those in a typical Canadian city. He calculated that it was cheaper for him to pay room and board, plus a small salary, oh *and* moving expenses, to highly-trained Canadian animators to work in India for half-a-year, than to just pay them a competitive wage here in Canada. The salaries he offered some of our recent graduate students sounded ridiculous, at first: living expenses (free room and board) and $200 US a month, a figure that would be only a little higher than comparative Indian wages for similar work. Well, at first my students scoffed at the low figures... until they did some math. Since rent and transportation (and food) here in Vancouver BC is so-o-o-o-o expensive, they wouldn't be able to save much more beyond $200 US a month after meeting their living expenses anyway... so it put a whole new light on the opportunity. My former student had little trouble filling his studio with the talent he needed. And so over the last 6 months I've been receiving a steady stream of email with tales of riding elephants through city streets, visiting the Taj Majal over Christmas holidays, attending cultural festivals (apparently one a week), and many other colourful descriptions of living and working in India from several of my better Canadian students who, like the Europeans mentioned in your post, saw an interesting opportunity and decided to try it out for a while. They work hard hours (as everyone in our industry must), but the perks sound well worth it, and since they don't have to buy any food or pay any rent, their admittedly low salaries are ending up virtually intact in their bank accounts. Not a bad deal for a first job, gaining valuable industry experience in an exotic location, with major living expenses taken care of. (Echoing how Canada itself was first populated, by European indentured servants) They're back now, their pitch complete, the adventurous producer undertaking a grueling tour of various states to round up some investors. He's emailed me asking to set up some interviews with more of our graduates, in the hopes that game production gets to go forward later this year. Back to India they will all go, to complete the project. So Europe isn't the only country to be exporting workers to India, and neither are large-sized companies the only firms to do so... it is a process happening at a small entrepreneurial level as well! Thanks to you and your, er, "blogmates" for your stimulating blogwork, I read you often during the week. (and I try to listen to your NARN broadcasts when I'm home on my Saturday mornings, although lately I haven't had much luck getting the streaming to work for me... sigh...) Canadian cartoonists working in India? What a world we live in. What a world. By the way, from what I understand the problems with the Northern Alliance Radio Network stream have been corrected and there should no problem catching the show on the 'net in the future. Labels: Economics Sunday, March 13, 2005
You Won't Have This Picture To Kick Around Anymore
The voting in the contest to caption Running Man Hugh has closed. And the winner is... Wagonboy (a regular caller to Hugh's show)with 32% of the vote.  Congratulations Wagonboy. As a result of your clever captioning, you will receive a framed, autographed picture of Hugh in action. In order to claim your prize just follow these simple steps: 1. Print off a copy of the picture from Fraters Libertas. 2. Bring said picture to next Hugh Hewitt event in your area. 3. Ask Hugh to sign the picture. 4. Bring it to a local shop for framing. The picture itself will be retired. As much fun as we've had with it, sometimes you just need to let go and move on. But we'll always have our memories.
Castro puts pressure on Cubans:
What sounds like a 1950s vision for the future -- a pressure cooker in every kitchen! -- is Fidel Castro's latest attempt to reassert control over his nation's centralized economy. He who controls the means of cooking, controls the future. On an island where much still resembles the 1950s and where low-cost, slow-cooked beans and rice accompany most meals, Castro's appetizing promise to make 100,000 pressure cookers available every month won a standing ovation from women Tuesday. In Tuesday's 5½-hour speech--long enough to boil beans into mush--Castro said the pressure cookers would be available starting in April. A five-and-a-half hour speech on pressure cookers? Fidel's still got it. Labels: Cuba Saturday, March 12, 2005
Stars in Their Courses
A big thanks goes out to the cavalcade of stars appearing on the NARN one year anniversary broadcast today. If a show's success can be measured by the quality of friends made, then we may very well be ready for induction into the Pavek Museum of Broadcasting. Among the highlights today was former state Education Secretary Cheri Pierson Yecke's contribution. In the spirit of the season, she presented us a well crafted limerick. The level of difficulty in its composition is even greater considering she kept it clean. I didn't know clean limericks were possible. This just goes to show you what a good education can give you. All hail to the Northern Alliance - the kings of right words and defiance! They blog in their pjs, these Saturday deejays - on their words you can have full reliance. Right on. Not only is Cheri is a fine poet, she's a candidate for Congress in the 6th District. A race which is full of talented candidates, meaning our official endorsement will require additional research and rumination. But I will say Cheri is far and away the leader in the category of NARN testimonial verse. Michele Bachmann, Phil Krinkie, and Jim Knoblach there is still time to close the gap. So get your quill pens and your rhyming dictionaries out and let's see what you've got. Remember, a loss in this category only makes your performance in the swimsuit competition that much more critical (and Phil and Jim, I don't like your chances there). .
Say It Ain't So, Hugh!
The headline to this story almost made me choke on one of my martini olives: Hewitt Admits To Boob Site Obsession All I can picture is Hugh frantically searching the web for a chest shot even more embarrassing than this one unearthed by our very own Elder.
Today marks the first anniversary of the Northern Alliance Radio Network debut and we're celebrating in style. Join us from noon until 3pm for the first ever Northern Alliance Radio Network Anniversary Show Spectacular (NARNASS).
We'll be looking back at the momentous year in radio, reliving some of our favorite precious moments from the show, and bringing on a galaxy of special guests to share their stories of what the first year of the NARN has meant to them. You'll laugh, you'll cry, but most of all you'll warmly recall your fondest memories of a year that has forever changed the face of radio in the Twin Cities. This promises to be a very special episode of the NARN and families are encouraged to listen to the show together. Labels: NARN (04-05)
Do You See What I See?
On Wednesday night, the Center for the American Experiment hosted a Dinner Forum, addressing the role played by the Power Line bloggers in uncovering the use of fraudulent documents by CBS News with regard to President's Bush's service in the National Guard. The holding of the event on the occasion of Dan Rather's final CBS News broadcast might have led to the reasonable assumption of a triumphalist yawp on behalf of the sponsors (as might have pre-event hype on web sites like Fraters Libertas). But I was there and I'm here to testify that's not how it went down at all. Witnessing the CAE's and MC Mitch Pearlstein's professional tone and style throughout, I doubt that was ever their intent. In truth, no one at the event even watched the CBS News broadcast until the last segment, when the volume was finally turned up loud enough to distract us from the food and witty, urbane conversation (yes, I was at the Atomizer's table.) In that last segment, Rather's use of 9/11 imagery probably took whatever partisan spunk that existed out of the crowd, but at the end he received a very respectful round of applause, which I took as a salute to, if nothing else, the passing of an American icon. Then Scott Johnson and John Hinderaker took the stage and they barely mentioned Dan Rather in their remarks. Their presentation concentrated on their process of gathering evidence and how the CBS story was unraveled systematically. Quite clinical it was, and as such, made for kind of a boring speech for everyone but kerning wonks and non-standard military acronymophiles (the Atomizer). The Powerline guys were very gracious in acknowledging their role as merely aggregators, and they credited numerous other individuals and Web sites as equally vital to the process. Any presumption that the event or the featured speakers were "exalting" or "celebrating" anything is ill-informed and incorrect. Which makes the mainstream media coverage of the event quite curious. To be honest, the Star Tribune story by is reasonably fair. While the Pioneer Press story directly furthers the notion of the event as a celebration of someone's demise. Out of context (that being Rather's documented record of egregiously partisan antics in the guise of news, and the fact he was removed from that job for those very transgressions.) that is an extremely negatively value laden characterization. A celebration no reasonable person would participate in. And yet those conservatives did! (Cue sneers and outraged gasps all across Mac-Grove). I don't want to parse these stories too finely, but both did have the tendency to utilize very naive sounding quotes and position them in a way that emphasized this perceived naivety of the attendees. From the Star Tribune: Blogs have arrived and for now have won the plaudits of people such as Abby Ludvigson of Eden Prairie, who, after hearing Johnson and Hinderaker speak at Wednesday night's dinner, said she finds she can't trust the traditional sources of news. "I don't trust many media sources anymore," she said. "So it's really good to see these faces and see that they're genuine and see that they give their reasoning to back everything up." The plaudits blogs have received are only "for now," meaning what - they're subject to change shortly? And we're to believe the interview subject came to this opinion only after hearing J & H speak on Wednesday? That sounds like brainwashing to me. Is that what the reporter wants me think? (If so, who's brainwashing who here?) This from the Pioneer Press: Others (sic) conservatives attending the event - titled "The 61st Minute: Blogging on the Eve of Dan Rather's Retirement" - felt that Rather favored liberal and Democratic causes, and agreed ... that the rise of an aggressive Internet presence is a welcome development "They're going to have to watch their p's and q's and make sure they present the truth right, because there's too many people watching them," said Judy Fornicoia of Apple Valley, who also described herself as politically conservative. "It's good to know that our news is going to be on the up and up - it's going to be honest - because there are people watching." There they go again, those aggressive conservatives and their "feelings" about liberal media bias and their lynch mob mentality! Yes, I know, there could very well be practical, mundane reasons for the use of those quotes. Maybe the reporters got unlucky and happened to talk only to those who were truly naive. Or, maybe the ambush nature of that type of interview necessarily produces a blunt, less thoughtful response from the interview subject and they only appear to be naive. Or, maybe space limitations prevent the reporter from providing the proper context of those quotes - or from listing the specific questions that elicited those responses, again making the interviewee appear to be naive. Entirely valid excuses, I suppose. But good excuses don't make the reporting any more accurate. And if that's the best we can expect to get, maybe newspapers aren't the optimal way to access information on an event like this. If only we had an alternate medium to transmit information and to provide a check and balance on newspaper reporting. Far worse than either article were the headlines used for them. The Star Tribune: Twin Cities bloggers exult in Rather departure The Pioneer Press: Rather's critics celebrate sign-off Pure, unadulterated BS. Conclusions, stereotypes really, reaching far beyond the evidence presented in the articles beneath them. It is my understanding that the reporters don't write their own headlines. According to the Star Tribune Reader Representative, a copy editor does the headlines. Meaning a person that (presumably) wasn't even at the event is in charge of its primary characterization. One that will stick with the tens of thousands of readers who merely skim the headlines on articles that aren't of critical interest and the tens of thousands of more who will casually read the article with the headline framing in mind. So, for all practical purposes, we have people who weren't at the event doing primary reporting on it. That, fellow citizens, is a problem. The initial City Pages coverage of the event is just abysmally clueless: After Dan Rather signed off for the last time yesterday, the Power Line boys and their pals at the Center of the American Experiment spent the evening celebrating together at a high-tone frat house kegger. Many hoary old lies about "liberal media" were repeated, many anal vapors sniffed, and a good time was had by all. Since I presume that paragraph's anonymous author was not in attendance either, one is left to wonder if his gleefully derisive impressions were based on the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press distortions alone. If so, one can only grimly speculate about how many other readers in the Twin Cities have been similarly misled and will now proceed with these misrepresentations coloring their opinions of the Power Line duo, the Center for the American Experiment, and of those in attendance who recognized the very real service to journalism provided by Hinderaker and Johnson last fall. Grimmer speculation yet, when considering these types of misrepresentations are prone to happen every single day, and they have for years. Maybe for as long as newspapers have existed, such is the fallible nature of human beings, the inherent cultural filters on their perceptions, and their sometimes blatant and unethical political partisanship (see Dan Rather for details on that). If only we had an alternate medium to transmit information and to provide a check and balance on newspaper reporting. Actually ... let's hear one of those naive quotes again: "They're going to have to watch their p's and q's and make sure they present the truth right, because there's too many people watching them," said Judy Fornicoia of Apple Valley, who also described herself as politically conservative. "It's good to know that our news is going to be on the up and up - it's going to be honest - because there are people watching." On second thought, that Judy Fornicoia is one perceptive gal. Who comes closer to the truth of this event? My reporting and perspective filters or the Strib/PiPress reporters and their perspective filters? You decide for yourself - tonight. Pop some popcorn, turn the lights down, fasten your filters on tight, and kick back for 56 minutes of the Hinderaker and Johnson Experience. It's live on tape on CSPAN tonight (Saturday) at 7 PM, replay at 10 PM (both times Central Standard). Make sure to hang in there for the Q & A portion after the presentation, the highlight, accurately reported by the City Pages Molly Priesmeyer: "You guys are just heroes," one woman from the Center of the American Experiment told the Power Line and Fraters bloggers. Now that's some objective truth we can all rally around. . Friday, March 11, 2005
Dead Solid Perfect
As is customary, a good time was had by all last night at Keegan's Irish Pub. The beer and conversation flowed freely and those in attendance were even treated to an Elvis performance by the Fatalist In Links Trousers. We had told you that the first ever Fraters Trivia Night was going to be an historic evening and indeed it was. In the nearly two years of Tuesday and Thursday night trivia at Keegan's, only one team has ever ran the board and answered all twenty-five questions correctly. And no, it wasn't your friendly neighborhood Fraters squad either (although we have come so close we can taste it). So when a team that was making their inaugural appearance at trivia nailed every question that we threw out, it was indeed a special event. Congratulations to the Pointy-Headed Reaganites for turning in an impressive performance and walking out of the bar with an unblemished scorecard. They have a set a new single night standard for Thursday night trivia and given us added incentive to seek perfection ourselves. Of course, it might have helped that the questions asked last night were unambiguous, delivered flawlessly, with a reasonable expectation of being answered correctly. Next Thursday is St. Patrick's Day and there will be no trivia competition at Keegan's. There will be a bar packed full of fun and friendly folk celebrating the finer points of Irish culture: beer and whiskey. Come on down and raise a pint to Paddy. There will also be some special guests at Keegan's next Tuesday as this message from Terry Keegan details: Next Tuesday, March 15, George Killian Lett, and his wife, Phoebe, will be here at Keegan's Pub. My wife and I met them at their home on the original Killian's Brewery in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. They are truly delightful people to know. Killian's Irish Red is an Irish beer that is brewed under license in the United States by Coors. During the visit by the Killians we will have their draft beer on sale for just $2.25 a pint. George and Phoebe will be here between 8 and 9 pm, Tuesday, March 15. Come in and say "Hello."
Such A Lovely Audience
A survey conducted by the folks at Blogads provides some insight into the type of people who are reading blogs: This year, 30,079 blog readers responded. Last year, 61% of responding blog readers were over 30 years old. This year, 75% are over 30 years old. Last year, 40% had family incomes greater than $90,000. This year, 43% exceed that figure. Year over year, some figures are remarkably stable. One reader in five is a blogger. As was the case last year, exactly 1.7% are CEOs. Almost the same number (44%) spend more than $500 for air tickets. 86% purchased music online, last year and this. Can you say "demographic sweet spot"? Thursday, March 10, 2005
Wilde On Economics
In between speculating that Tom Daschle may enter the 2006 Senate race in Minnesota and playing a horribly unfunny prepared bit that sought to mock State Senator Michele Bachmann, local Air America talk show hostess Wendy Wilde unleashed a statement of such stunning incongruity this morning that it left me shaking my head in disbelief. She had been discussing the proposal to raise the minimum wage, especially Senator Bachmann's opposition to it. Then, just as she was going to a break, she mentioned the $28,000 in pay raises that members of Congress had given themselves since 1996 (the last time the federal minimum wage was increased) and calculated that those raises totaled somewhere around $9 million (not exactly sure how the math works on that one). She then asked: "Couldn't they have spared a few pennies of that $9 million to go toward raising the minimum wage?" Just try to wrap your noggin around that one. Then take a couple of aspirin and wash 'em down with a stiff drink.
I Think She's Playing Our Song
As if the Girl in Right doesn't have enough to do, what with being an ace foot doctor, a wife and mother, a rising star blogger, and the presumptive victor (if there's any justice in this world) in the April 5 special election for City Council in Golden Colorado, Ward 2, she's now accepted the role as primary librettist for "Hugh Hewitt - the Musical." Her latest effort, to the tune of Frank Loesser's classic "Fugue for Tin Horns" from Guys and Dolls (you know how it goes, I've got your horse right here, the name is Paul Revere ...) I've got your blog right here my words are most sincere I make the loony lefties run in fear It's HUGH! It's HUGH! I want to be the Pres of CU! Oh what I can make snowmobiles do! It's Hugh, It's Hugh. (enter The Elder, St. Paul, JB Doubtless and the Atomizer) We're Fraters Libertas And we're still mourning Moss, His trade to Oakland was such a loss. Our state Is Blue Ice is something that we fish right through! And Nick Coleman is a piece of poo. And like you, We like Hugh. Despite the use of the term "poo" in a masculine context, it sounds like a smash hit to me. .
Tonight's The Night We Make History
Tonight is the night. The first ever Fraters Trivia Night at Keegan's Irish Pub & Restaurant. The game starts at 8pm, but get there a bit early to enjoy that all important pre-game Smithwick's (or two). The questions are ours, the mike is ours, but the good times will be all yours to cherish. If anyone needs a fourth for their team, we understand that Keegan's manager Marty "Fig" Newton will be available. Wednesday, March 09, 2005
That's the Way It Is
Tonight is the final broadcast of Dan Rather as anchorman on the CBS Evening News, an event most conservatives justifiably greet with a certain degree of satisfaction and sense of delayed justice finally being done. Since the dawn of the electronic media age, the TV network news anchor desk has been among the most influential pulpits in the country. Due to the high proportion of Americans relying on this source for their information, the course of wars, elections, and national priorities could be, and were, affected according to what the three selected high priests of TV journalism had to say. A rather awesome responsibility, the extent of which you would hope would be fully appreciated by those handed the reigns of power. And, for the much of the history of the medium, it was But at some point, this sense of responsibility to be fair and to inform the American citizenry on the facts was trumped by other motivations. The reasons why are a topic out of the scope of this blog post, but it's fair to say all networks have been accused to varying degrees of shirking their responsibilities to provide a non-partisan account of the daily news. None more so than Dan Rather. The arc of the criticism, according to his employer: Although the [National Guard story based on fraudulent documents] was a low point in Rather's career, it was far from his only brush with controversy. There were well-publicized run-ins with two top Republicans, Richard Nixon and President Bush the elder. And in 2001, he made an embarrassing appearance at a Democratic fundraiser in Texas hosted by his daughter. These events contributed to Rather's status as a lightning rod for conservative critics who view him as a symbol of what they see as the media's liberal bias. Sure, there were all those "brushes with controversy." But those were merely the most overt manifestations of Rather's partisan activism corrupting his ability to fulfill his role as an objective arbiter and disseminator of information. Also contributing to so called "conservative critics" viewing him as a symbol of "what we see as the media's liberal bias" was his performance, night after night after night. During his out-of-touch and out-of-control apex, one could watch any given show and point out egregious examples of partisan spin that would alternately cause "conservative critics" to grind their teeth and laugh out loud. For a sampling of that, check out the Media Research Center's account of the greatest hits of Dan Rather. Excerpts: "The new Republican majority in Congress took a big step today on its legislative agenda to demolish or damage government aid programs, many of them designed to help children and the poor." - Leading off the March 16, 1995 CBS Evening News. There's nothing inherently unethical about holding these extreme partisan views or communicating them. People have a right to be dead wrong about anything they like. The problem is communicating them under the guise of presenting the impartial news, in a powerful forum dedicated to that very principle. A facade Dan Rather and his sympathetic supporters (that is, most professional media critics in this country) have clung to until this very day. For years he was virtually untouchable and wholly unaccountable for his activities. His critics criticized, his fellow traveling media establishment supporters mocked and demonized the critics, and Rather went blithely on. With ever declining ratings sure, but still influencing the opinions of millions of Americans, many of whom entirely unaware of the partisan fervor they were being subjected to. A cozy little arrangement, which Rather must have thought would go on forever. Then a bunch of average citizens (in their pajamas) started to communicate their views over a new medium, that allowed easy access to publishing and access by readers. These views often included criticism of the established media, for all the ills detailed above. The best and the brightest of these citizen Internet editorialists began to draw an audience, based solely on of the strength of their arguments, the quality of their analyses, and the refreshing openness of their political perspective. And when Dan Rather blindly attempted another partisan attack, this time during a closely contested Presidential election, these citizens raised doubts, gathered evidence, and comprehensively exposed this report as a fraud. And the entire nation took notice and agreed with them. Six months of denials, stonewalling, mocking of the critics, and independent panel investigating later, Dan Rather is resigning his influential position, forever. It is this amazing series of events which will be recognized and honored this evening by the Center for the American Experiment. They're hosting a Dinner Forum, with guests of honor, John Hinderaker and Scott Johnson of Powerline. Those two were among the average citizens who raised the questions which proved to be intolerable for Dan Rather to continue his work. According to sources, the C-SPAN cameras will be documenting it all. I don't believe it will be broadcast live, but there's a chance it will be later this evening or perhaps later in the week. They are entitling the broadcast "Influence of Internet Columnists" which shows they have the correct perspective on the phenomenon. The event is tonight at the Downtown Mpls. Marriott and runs from 5 - 7 PM. An early start, but intentionally scheduled that way to allow for a live viewing of Dan Rather's last CBS News broadcast. In a partisan, festival atmosphere, this could be a riot (in a good way). This is not an officially sanctioned Northern Alliance event, but some of us will be down there to honor John and Scott and their extraordinary work. And I'm personally hoping Kenneth makes a surprise appearance, to finally tell us what that frequency is. I think tickets are still available, and I hope to see other bloggers or blog readers down there. Let's all say goodbye to the stone age and ring in the Stone Phillips age together! (Or whoever it was they hired.)
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?
On the day that Dan Rather shuffles off stage, the Star Tribune's Eric Black reports that in new era of reporting, blogs take a seat at the media table: But Rather's departure also symbolizes the rise of a new player in the world of media and politics that was not even a glimmer in a science-fiction writer's imagination when Rather first took the anchor's chair: the Internet phenomenon known as the blogosphere. Blogs, especially the Twin Cities-based Power Line, may have helped hasten Rather's retirement by eviscerating documents on which Rather relied for a story about President Bush's National Guard service. "May have helped?" Gee, ya think? Black also notes that the Strib is in the cross hairs: Some blogs have embraced a role of influencing traditional media coverage. A prominent blogger recently proposed that conservatives should scrutinize the Star Tribune in a bloggish tactic called "swarming," which is what happened to Rather after his Bush National Guard story. I prefer to think of Hugh as a blogger with prominent features. Radio host Hugh Hewitt recently announced on HughHewitt.com that he had reserved the Web address "swarmingthestrib.com" and proposed that bloggers from across the country agree to jointly post "a daily digest of commentary on the lapses in objectivity and the flights of lefty fancy that the paper daily indulges." The reaction to the "Stribswarm" trial balloon that Hugh floated last week has been interesting to observe. Most local bloggers downplayed the idea of a broad based attack on everything that the paper does. We prefer to pick out well deserving targets and direct our media criticism accordingly. It's more a sharp shooter approach rather than a shotgun blast. Mitch Berg, a Twin Cities-based blogger (shotinthedark.info) said the local allies of Hewitt, known as the Northern Alliance, have decided that there is already so much Star Tribune criticism being posted by local bloggers -- notably on anti-strib.blogspot.com -- that "there's no need to start a formal site to do this." We also know that while Hugh is an enormously talented gentleman and scholar, he is prone to flights of fancy of his own. A few weeks ago he was lobbying to be named California's Secretary of State (albeit temporarily). On Monday of this week, he spent a good chunk of his radio show pimping to be named the next President of the University of Colorado. Hugh throws up a lot of things during a week of blogging and doing three hours of radio a day. Some of them stick, some don't. Apparently the only people who really took Hugh's "Stribswarm" idea seriously were local media types like the City Pages, the Air America affiliate here in the Twin Cities, and the Strib. Star Tribune Editor Anders Gyllenhaal said it was clear from Hewitt's posting that he doesn't read the paper, but he said the editors welcome constructive criticism. "If someone can find a new way of enlightening readers, then my attitude is: the more the merrier," Gyllenhaal said. Ah, nice to see that the tone of condescending arrogance hasn't disappeared from the mainstream media yet. And, as it seems all stories on blogs must, Black includes a warning of the dark side of "new media": The rise of radio stations, cable shows and blogs that are reliably liberal or conservative has caused some to worry that citizens will choose a steady diet of news and views that coincide with their own preferences. Which of course is worse than being fed a steady diet of news from a newspaper that is reliably liberal without having any choice in the matter at all. Sigh. Those were the days. Good times, good times. Of course it might help if your premise about the dangerous isolation and extremism fostered by blogs were actually supported by fact: Rainie, of the Pew Internet project, said that the possibility that blogs will make it easier for people to "retreat into their own info bubbles, screen out conflicting arguments and become ever more extreme in their views is absolutely one of the major concerns" of those who study the blogosphere. But so far, it doesn't seem to be happening, Rainie said. When Pew studied the question during the 2004 election, it found that Internet users were more likely than other Americans to be aware of a variety of facts and arguments, including those that challenged their preferred candidates or issue positions. Imagine that. Bloggers and their readers being better read and versed in matters of the day than other Americans. Who would have thunk it? More from Mitch, Power Line, SwanBlog, Bogus Gold, and Craig Westover.
What's A Decade Or Two Between Friends?
This morning, our favorite Star Tribune columnist and radio host (you know, the guy who "knows stuff") was once again hectoring about the legions of "wing-nuts" who are destroying our fair state by "closing everything down." He likes to portray himself as a bit of a history buff and was claiming that "wing-nuts" have no regard for history. He was also discussing the Mexican American War which, in his words, was a "an awful war fought in the 1830s." I guess we should give him credit for getting the century right.
Turnabout
Claudia Rosset asks if Vietnam will be the next Iraq in a piece at OpinionJournal.com: So at an appointed hour, I picked up the phone in New York and spoke with Dr. Que, a 63-year-old doctor who has by now spent almost half his life fighting for liberty in Vietnam. Given that Vietnam's secret police almost certainly eavesdrop on any contact he has with the wider world, I was prepared for a discreet and carefully phrased conversation, meant to minimize his risk. Dr. Que was not. He got straight to the point: "What I want is liberty for my people." The question now, he said, "is how to make regime change in Vietnam." For democratization of his country, he added, "support from the rest of the world is important." Specifically, he wants Hanoi's decaying communist party to "put forward a timetable for free and fair elections." Tuesday, March 08, 2005
It seems that this post has caught the eye of the folks over at the Las Vegas Review Journal demonstrating that some in the mainstream media still recognize brilliance when they see it. Last Sunday's Week In Review column starts with the touching tale of a man and his gin:
(Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman) took questions from the group of about 85 students.The piece then concludes with reaction from around the nation: "Hey, Mr. Mayor, sober up. These are kids you're talking to, not high rollers at the Bellagio."Now, I certainly don't mind being quoted amidst the likes of news babe Monica Crowley and noted boozehound Stephen Green, but did they have to put my quote directly under Bill O'Reilly's? Some of us bloggers are trying to maintain a modicum of credibility here for cryin' out loud! Labels: Media-National (02-06)
More breaking news on local politicians dropping out of campaigns for higher office. The flirtation of Rep. Betty McCollum (DFL) with the US Senate race is over. Her inspiring words, from the Star Tribune:
After much personal reflection I have decided to continue serving my Fourth District constituents and fighting or Minnesota families in Congress," she said in a statement. Thanks for sacrificing your ambitions for us Betty, we appreciate it. But if you ever find it all too much of a burden for the meager compensation offered ($162,000 salary, Cadilac medical and pension plans, paid staff, travel and personal expense allowances) feel free not to beg us to keep it (aka, campaign for it) next time. In the spirit of McCain-Feingold, I'd like to propose the next great advance in circumscribing freedom of speech. Use of the term "service" in regard to one's job is strictly prohibited in cases where you would beg your boss to continue to do it, based on the pay and benefits alone. In those instances, your job is known as a "sweet gig," not a service. Unless you're referring to self service, of course. But it seems even Betty McCollum has limits to her commitment to those of us in Fourth District She added: "In the future I will likely explore other political opportunities... But Betty what if we still need you to serve and fight for us? I guess that's a concern subservient to this motivation: ... but for now I have a job that I love." We're happy for her. It is hard not love a job that pays $162,000 a year. But, according to people picking up litter on the side of the highway, love is not a prerequisite for performing a service. Ah well, maybe she's just been hanging out with Gil Gutknecht too much. Political careerism is a highly contagious and bi-partisan affliction. Labels: Politics-Local (04-05)
Term Limits of Endearment
First District Congressman Gil Gutknecht seems like a decent guy. He represents the district way down around Rochester, which might as well be Iceland for people from the Twin Cities, so I don't really know that much about him. My memory and superficial review of his record shows him to be reliably conservative. And I am predisposed to liking Gutknecht, if for no other reason, his singular contribution to the number 218, the total needed for a controlling majority in the House (and with his help, the GOP currently holds 232 seats). However, that doesn't prevent me from objecting to ol' Gil's recent antics. Apparently he was mulling over a run for the open Senate seat in 2006, but, according to reports, he just didn't have it in him: Gutknecht, a Republican, said he didn't have the "fire in the belly" to run for the Senate seat being vacated by the incumbent, Democrat Mark Dayton. He also said he had too much to do in the House to pull himself away from those tasks for a Senate campaign. A sound decision by Gutknecht. A man must know his limitations and lack of "fire in the belly" (otherwise known as "complete lack of desire") is definitely a limitation for pursuing any job. Plus I have a hard time supporting any politician prone to using self-aggrandizing comments in order to explain his personal set backs. Yes, he's one of those politicians who are "too busy" to seek increased power, wealth, and glory. On their own, neither of these are reasons enough to condemn Gil Gutknecht. However, his retreat to his fallback position just might be: Although Gutknecht had said he would limit himself to six two-year terms, he now hopes the people of the 1st District will send him back for a seventh term. He said while he still believes in term limits, his seniority in the House brings power to Minnesotans. To paraphrase Mitch Berg from our NARN post production meeting last Saturday - Gutknecht believes in term limits so much, he vows to accrue decades of seniority in Congress in order ramrod them though. (After a line like that, I was moved to order Mitch another round of jalepeno poppers.) Gutknecht's original self-imposed 6 term limit was laughable anyway. His commitment to a "limited" term in office kicks in after he's served for 12 years!? I guess that's one definition of a limit. And maybe Sen. Robert Byrd is just about to magnanimously limit himself to only 48 years when him term is up in 2006. Why do I favor term limits? For many reasons, pimary among them restoring the House of Representatives to its originally designed position as the elected body most directly reflecting the will of the people. Constitutionally mandated two-year, directly-elected terms were supposed to ensure that (as opposed to the President's and Senate's 4- and 6-year terms, filtered through electors and, originally, state legislatures). However, the age of gerrymandering (among other factors) has resulted in a situation where 95%+ of House incumbents win their races every election. The average tenure of Congressmen is 9 years. Entrenched power, something which inspires instinctive revulsion in any American. This phenomenon of careerism is most articulately, and somewhat paradoxically, described by George Will: The strongest argument for limits is not the common one about making Congress "closer to the people" so it can be more "responsive." Congress is too close; it is too responsive to organized, clamorous appetites. It is because careerism is the dominant motive of most legislators. By removing that motive, term limits would make Congress less subservient to public opinion and more deliberative. Careerism changes the candidate, from a citizen leglislator, an organic product of the context of his Congressional District, into this creature of Washington, more concerned with saving his job and yielding to the "organized, clamarous appetites" making demands on his judgment. That is the danger of safe seats and non-competitive elections. Logic that candidate Gil Gutknecht might have agreed with in 1994, when he was running for Congress for the first time. You may recall, his victory was a small wave in the national tide which gave power to the GOP in the House for the first time since 1954 (when Robert Byrd was a 37-year-old young pup, just beginning his second term in the US House - it's true.) That astonishing power shift was driven by Newt Gingrich and the brilliant Contract with America. A document, enthusiastically signed by Gutknecht, which had as its 10th and final proposal the Citizen Legislature Act. Its stated goal, to replace career politicians with citizen legislators via a Constitutional amendment limiting House tenure to as little as three terms. A great idea, something I'd imagine a lot of people living in the First District would support. Including Gil Gutknecht. That is, before he left town 12 years ago. The problem, succinctly stated by the man himself on Saturday: "I love this job," Gutknecht said. A little too much, I surmise. .
An Embarrassment Of Riches
Rich in possibilities for embarrassment. Fast on the heels of the poll we're running to pick the winner of the Caption Hugh Contest comes word that pictures are now available of Ralphie's Rocket Ride. He emerged relatively unscathed from his adventure, although he may need a need helmet for the next go round. Finally, Larry at the OC Chronicle is working on casting HUGH!, the musical (who are those handsome devils in that picture anyway?). Monday, March 07, 2005
Show Them The Money!
And then threaten to take it away. Last Saturday, we discussed the proposed Academic Bill of Rights on the Northern Alliance Radio Network with State Senator Michele Bachmann. Saint Paul and I expressed reservations about the ABoR and questioned whether it was the proper response to the very real problem of conservatives being treated unfairly in academic settings because of their political views. Today, King Banaian of St. Cloud State Scholars weighs in: I understand conservative anger at campuses, but use of the law to get a good policy put in place is wrong. Conservative faculty need to think hard about how to get these protections for students put in place. If we don't do it, it's going to be done to us. It is our job to police ourselves. It's not the government's job. But you don't have to be a libertarian to realize that government seeks to expand its influence when it's given half a reason to. Meanwhile, government, if you want to stop this stupidity on campus, there's a much better idea than passing academic bills of rights. To paraphrase Eddie Murphy from Trading Places, if you really want to get universities' attention, take their money away.
I Push The Pram A Lot
Alex Massie from National Review Online: The biggest buzz on Broadway this spring is flying around Eric Idle's new musical based, loosely, on Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Early indications are that Spamalot will indeed be the biggest hit of the year.
Runnin' Dry
The entries to caption Hugh have been received and reviewed. Ten of the best have been selected for you to vote on. We decided not to take more than two from any one person, even though Tri-Geek put together a solid top ten list in his own right. You can read all the entries and vote for your favorite here. The winner will be announced on Friday. Saturday, March 05, 2005
It's Not Cricket
The Economist reminds us that despite the recent progress in the Middle East, the march of freedom still has a long ways to go in places like Zimbabwe: Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's cricket-loving president, celebrated his 81st birthday last weekend. He took the opportunity, amid state-funded festivities, to dismiss his opponents as stooges of Britain's prime minister, Tony Blair, and to predict that his party, ZANU-PF, would scoop two-thirds of the seats at a parliamentary election on March 31st. Given that half his people depend on food aid, this might seem rashly optimistic. But Mr Mugabe has a knack of winning elections regardless of the wishes of voters. Those pesky voters always seem to get in the way of a good election. It seems that Mr. Mugabe is going to make sure that they don't spoil his big day. The ruling party controls all broadcast media, and critical print journalism is all but banned. Three of the last Zimbabwean journalists writing for foreign outlets were hounded out of the country last week. Election observers from countries that harp on about democracy, such as Britain and America, are banned. Few Zimbabweans will be allowed to monitor the polls, either. Responsibility for organising the election rests with a commission whose members Mr Mugabe appoints. Mugabe is not shy about cracking down on any signs of dissent, even within his own party. ZANU is far from united: several of Mr Mugabe's lieutenants are jostling to succeed him when he eventually leaves office. But with an election near, they are mostly shrewd enough to pull together to keep out the MDC [the Movement for Democratic Change opposition party], and Mr Mugabe is quick to crush any crony who gets above himself. At the weekend, for example, he sacked his information minister, Jonathan Moyo, the man responsible for criminalising honest journalism in Zimbabwe. He had also impressed Mr Mugabe with his ability to invent and broadcast conspiracies involving the MDC, the British government and white homosexuals bent on bringing back colonial rule. He was fêted, in ZANU circles, for his hilarious puns linking Tony Blair with a local make of toilet. But then he made the mistake of opposing Mr Mugabe's choice of vice-president, so Mr Mugabe flushed him away. Hilarious puns involving toilet humor? If Mr. Moyo is looking for work, we may have an opening here at Fraters Libertas. The most depressing aspect of this story is not that Mugabe is preparing to steal another election (not exactly a surprising event). It's the reaction of other African countries to it. Zimbabwe's neighbours are preparing to applaud another ZANU "victory". The Southern African Development Community (SADC), the main regional block, has drawn up a list of democratic standards that Zimbabwe must obey or face its neighbours' displeasure. The MDC worries that the election will flunk most of them but that SADC will do no more than tut. Last week, Tanzania's President Benjamin Mkapa denied that Zimbabwe was ill-governed, blamed the MDC for the "trouble" there and suggested that westerners only criticise Mr Mugabe because he has seized white-owned land and given it to blacks. South Africa's Mr Mbeki, meanwhile, in an interview with the Financial Times, admitted that some of Mr Mugabe's policies were "incorrect". But he repeated the ludicrous canard that Zimbabwe's present conflict is between blacks and whites. In fact, it is between a large black majority who want a fair election, and a small, predatory minority who wish to deny them one.
It's All True
As is my Saturday routine, while doing my copious preparation for today's Northern Alliance Radio Network (NARN) broadcast, I'm listening to David Strom's Tax Payer's Leage LIVE! (broadcastng now on AM1280 the Patriot). David and his crew are out at the White Bear Lake Super Store (WBLSS) and to kick off the broadcast he had on some sales executive of that fine organiztion. Amid some general pleasantries and chit chat about the bargains to be had and some of the fine vehicles on the lot, the sales guy had a few comments about how business was heating up today, calls were coming in, it was getting exciting, etc. etc. Which prompted David Strom to ask: "Really? Are you lying to us right now?" The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but, that is David Strom and the TPL. And so far that is the best moment in Twin Cities radio this year. For the record, the sales guy categorically stated he was not lying. And I believe him. The quest for truth continues on NARN today. We'll be out at WBLSS, noon to three. If you're in a buying or browsing mood, come on down and check out all the chrome and steel and sex appeal on display. (Of course, that last part is dependent on owner Paul Rubin making an appearance.) . UPDATE 3/5: We're still taking entries and will continue to throughout the weekend. On Monday we'll pick the Top Ten and have a poll to determine the winner. Keep those captions coming. Dan has a plea that I think we can all can appreciate: Oh, Lord...PLEASE!, don't let Hewitt on Ice V be a wet T-shirt contest! I asked Generalissimo Duane if he was interested in entering the contest. His reply: I try to stay away from porn whenever possible. Sage advice indeed. UPDATE 3/3: We've received tons of great caption entries. Keep 'em coming! I think we'll set up a separate page to list them all. Then we'll choose the top ten and have a poll to determine the winner. For now, I'll list my three favorites under the photo. And yes, I am going to milk (no pun intended) this for all it's worth. Meanwhile, Mike wonders if it's too early to start Christmas shopping for Hugh? Hugh Hewitt fancies himself to be a bit of a runner. In fact, after he ran the Southern California Half Marathon, he even had the temerity to compare himself to Zola Bud while mocking another runner who was unable to participate in the race due to injury. Hugh also enjoys needling his radio producer, Generalissimo Duane for having the physique of a softball player. Well folks, you finally have a chance to see what a true athlete looks like in action. Here's a shot of the lean mean runnin' machine as he picks 'em up and puts 'em down during the Southern California Half Marathon (competing no doubt in the Clydesdale Division: Top Three Entries So Far Barbara: "The Voice of Reason With The Breasts" Katie: "Damn stalkerazzi! Why won't they leave that poor Kathleen Turner alone?!" And finally, this beaut from Wagonboy (a regular caller to Hugh's show): Shoes tied? Check! Timer on watch set? Check! Hat? Check! Bib number 3644 secure? Check! Man bra? Man bra!? MAN BRA!!!? Click to enlarge the image. Here is another close up of the legendary sportsman. To celebrate the acquisition of such a priceless treasure, we've decided to have a little contest to properly caption this precious photo. Send your caption entries to: chadtheelder@hotmail.com We'll post the top ten entries and the winner will receive a special prize. Enter early, enter often. I don't have any clever commentary to add at this point. The only thing I will say is that the weather must been a bit nippy on race day. Labels: Ralphie Friday, March 04, 2005
Yes! Oh Yes! WooHoo!!!
Kessel To Play For Minnesota: Phil Kessel made his long-awaited college decision official Friday afternoon during a press conference at the U.S. National Development Program headquarters in Ann Arbor, Mich. The highly-touted winger chose the University of Minnesota over his hometown Wisconsin Badgers and other suitors that included Michigan and Boston University.
It Ain't Over 'Til The Nihilist Sings
Atomizer: Trivia's over, man. Marty dropped the big one. Nihilist: Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when Bernie Mac bombed at the Oscars? Hell no! Saint Paul: Bernie Mac? Elder: Forget it, he's rolling. Nihilist: And it ain't over now. 'Cause when the goin' gets tough... [thinks hard] Nihilist:... the tough get goin'! Who's with me? Let's go! And go he did. All appeared lost last night. The trivia cards had been collected, the scores tabulated, the winners announced, and the championship trophy ripped from the hands of a weeping Atomizer. But one man never lost hope. One man wouldn't let the dream die so easily. He knew his cause was just and he was determined to see that it was not lost. And by golly he won. And through his victory, the Fraters trivia squad was once again victorious. For you see we had been given credit for correctly answering twenty out of twenty-five questions. The two teams that tied for first had scored twenty-one right. But one of the questions that we were dinged for was: "How many years has it been since the verdict in the O.J. Simpson trial?" We knew of course, that the verdict was handed down in October in the year of our Lord 1995 (October 3rd to be precise). We mulled the question over, realizing that the correct answer was somewhere around nine years and six months. We asked trivia MC Marty McNewton if such an exact answer was required. He said just answer in years. So we did. Nine years. Has it been ten years since the O.J. verdict? No. Has it been nine years? Yes. Simple right? Not for the usually crack trivia staff at Keegan's. They claimed that the answer was ten years since it happened in 1995. Our appeals to Marty and Terry Keegan for justice fell on deaf ears (hearing aid malfunctions). But the Nihilist in Golf Pants was able to get through to the voice of reason in the Keegan clan, the epitome of the expression "better half", Terry's lovely and gracious wife Virginia. She quickly realized that we had been wronged and immediately righted the slight by awarding us drink tickets and a share of first place. Unfortunately, we will not be able to defend our share of the title next week because we will be the ones running the show. That's right. Next Thursday March 10th is Fraters Trivia night at Keegan's. Get a sitter, kennel the dog, put Grandpa in a home, do whatever you need to do to attend this magical evening of trivia history. We're writing the questions, announcing the quiz, congratulating the winners, and helping the losers drown their sorrows. There is an even a rumor that the Nihilist will be taking the stage for one of his much heralded Elvis impersonations. You don't want to miss this one folks. UPDATE: This reminds me that we've got to add a few more questions about Reagan in next week's quiz. You never can have too many questions about Reagan, right?
They're trying to take bread out of Eddie's mouth:
The FEC, thanks to a John McCain lawsuit, will have to calculate the value of a link on a political website in order to determine whether the owner has overdonated to a campaign -- in other words, committed a felony. Bigger blogs will come under closer scrutiny, which means that any expression of support on CQ with a referential hyperlink may well get valued at more than the $2,000 maximum hard-cash contribution. In order for me to operate under those conditions, I will need to hire a lawyer and an accountant to guide me through the election laws and calculate my in-kind donations on almost an hourly basis. How many bloggers will put up with that kind of hassle just to speak their minds about candidates and issues? John McCain and Russ Feingold have effectively created an American bureaucracy dedicated to stamping out independent political speech, and the courts have abdicated all reason in declaring it constitutional. In case you're curious, we estimate that the value of a link from Fraters Libertas is approximately .0003279 cents. At least that's what we're telling the FEC. Labels: Politics-National (05-07)
Starve The Beast?
A New York state school district is having some accounting problems: A small group of public school employees in Roslyn, a prosperous Long Island community, embezzled $11.2 million since 1996, a state audit found.Logic dictates, of course, that a school district hemorrhaging cash like that means that the quality of the kids' education would necessarily suffer. That's all we've been hearing lately, right? If only we could feed the public school system more money...and more money...and more... Quite the contrary in this case: The schools in Roslyn, 20 miles from Manhattan, are among the best in the state. The district sends 95 percent of its high school graduates to college. Foreign language education begins for all students in kindergarten, and SAT scores rank among the best in the nation.Hey, if it works in Roslyn...
Blame
Polar winds blamed for Arctic ozone loss Ozone levels over the Earth's far north declined as much as 60 percent in February and March last year when polar winds trapped nitrogen pollutants, researchers reported. The sun contributed to the problem, sending out a storm of particles that bombarded the Earth and helped generate some of the ozone-destroying chemicals, according to the report in Geophysical Research Letters. "This decline [over the north] was completely unexpected," according to a statement by Cora Randall of the University of Colorado at Boulder who led the research team. Ozone, a form of oxygen, helps protect the Earth from some of the damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun. (Hat tip to Virginia) Thursday, March 03, 2005
Justifiable Regicide?
Is there a more annoying commercial currently befouling the television screens of America than the demonically inspired ad for Burger King's Tender Crisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch? The bastages behind it have forever soiled The Big Rock Candy Mountain for me.
Ginned Up Outrage
From Las Vegas comes this incredibly appalling story: Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman told a group of fourth graders on Monday that if he was marooned on a desert island the one thing he would want to have with him is a bottle of gin.What can you do, Mayor? What can you do?!?! You could start by having an iota of common sense! Fourth grade is no place to start teaching kids about gin. At nine years old, kids should be learning about the wonders of the malt beverages...basic skills like being able to differentiate a pale ale from a stout. Their palates are nowhere near sophisticated enough to start diving in to the rich combination of botanicals present in a good gin. You, Mayor Goodman, should be ashamed of yourself!
Who Own The NHL?
Owns, owns. FOXSports.com - A buyout offer for all 30 NHL teams: An investment firm and a sports advisory company reportedly made a joint proposal to buy all 30 NHL teams for as much as $3.5 billion. Bain Capital Partners LLC and Game Plan LLC, both based in Boston, made the offer in a 30-minute presentation to NHL owners on Tuesday in New York, the Toronto Star reported Thursday. It said the companies were invited to make their pitch by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. I guess if you're ever going to buy low, now's the time. Wednesday, March 02, 2005
The Right Girl in Right for the Right Job at the Right Time
Today is March 2 and long time readers of this site know that means only one thing. It is time to announce the Fraters Libertas official endorsements for the Golden, Colorado Special Election for City Council. News on this race from the Twin Cities media has been scant (I blame Clear Channel). But we've done our homework with some of the provincial press and have learned that this year's race is due to the resignations of two sitting Council members. In the 4th ward, the councilperson bailed out due to her election to higher office. Interestingly, she didn't initially think that alone was grounds to leave her current job: Green, who was elected to the represent District 23 in the Colorado House of Representatives, had planned to remain in the Ward 4 council post while serving in the legislature but found it overwhelming. "It became clear to me that I cannot keep giving my all, 150 percent, and Golden deserves that," Green said in announcing her immediate resignation. We admire Councilperson Green's gumption, attempting to serve two constituencies simultaneously. But we object to her use of self-serving sports clichés. By definition, one's "all" is a discrete measurement, meaning no more than 100% of it can be given. If it were possible to give 150% effort, the natural question is, why not give 200%? Maybe then she could be a Golden City Councilperson and a State Representative. Why isn't she trying hard enough? In the 2nd ward, it is adios to Councilperson Marcie Miller: Miller recently sold her downtown Golden coffee shop, Higher Grounds, and purchased a home in Hawaii. She said the five-year plans she was making quickly and unexpectedly accelerated into a five-month plan, bringing her to a crossroads . She said she "loves this City with all her being," but believes life is calling her down a different path. She plans to take up residency in Hawaii and start an art center. Miller said that when she was first elected, she was "an open space-loving hippie who really wanted to save the (table) mesas," and said she still is. Miller said when she started, she was skeptical of government, but thanked City Council, City Manager Mike Bestor and City staff for making her a believer in municipal government through their hard work and dedication to the City of Golden and its citizens. We salute Councilperson Miller for pursuing her different path. People should follow their talents and skills wherever they lead. And it seems to me open space-loving hippies are a more natural fit for art centers in Hawaii than in any governmental body (at least those with budget authority). Beautiful Golden, CO has no shortage of candidates to fill these slots. According to the Jefferson County News: Nine Goldenites have expressed interest in the City Council positions that Gwyn Green and Marcie Miller resigned in January. In Green's Ward 4, Barbara DesMarteau, Jacob Smith and Clay Speas have tossed their names into the hat. In Miller's Ward 2, Brian Bookmyer, Kimberly Brock, Arthur Chen, David Lack, Barbara Paden and Rodney Slaght may compete for the job. Fine candidates all, I'm sure. But there's just something about that Barbara Paden in Ward 4 that says "vote for me." According to her campaign web site, she's a podiatrist, a mother, and the holder of 2 NCAA championship rings for softball, and personally dedicated to historical heritage, natural environmental beauty, and economic viability. As qualifications go, not exactly an open space-loving hippie, but not bad. The tipping point for our endorsement is that she also happens to be one of the finest up and coming bloggers in the state of Colorado. She's the Girl in Right. And I can say without hesitation, the finest foot doctor to ever occasionally submit commentary to Fraters Libertas. (And if she ever gets a blog for her practice, may I suggest the tag line: The Foot Doctor - She?s Steaming Mad at Corns!) We wish Barbara all the best. She really is a smart, talented person, a natural leader, and would make a great elected representative. If you live in Golden, Colorado's Ward 2 (and according to our traffic logs, we're VERY big in Golden, Colorado Ward 2), consider voting for her. If you don't live there (and according to our traffic logs, we're even bigger outside of Golden Colorado, Ward 2), consider giving her some support, rhetorical, financial, or otherwise. None of us may personally benefit from a Barbara Paden term on the City Council in Golden, CO. But just knowing she's out there somewhere doing something right for somebody ought to give us all peace of mind. And really, how can you afford not to support some of that? .
Oh please, oh please...
USCHO.com: Kessel Ready to Choose: Phil Kessel, the 17-year-old highly-touted U.S.-born phenom, has set a news conference for Thursday at the U.S. National Team Development Program headquarters in Ann Arbor, Mich., where he announce a decision on where he will play next season. Kessel, projected by many to be a possible No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft, has held off on making a decision until after the season was over with the U.S. under-18 team. He has been courted by most major programs, and has been said to be leaning towards either Wisconsin or Minnesota. According to a report in today's Wisconsin State Journal, Kessel, a native of Madison, Wis., Kessel will choose to play for the Gophers. Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Last month, we announced that we had an opportunity to acquire a picture that could prove potentially embarrassing for a certain nationally syndicated talk radio host if it were to fall into the wrong hands. Wrong hands meaning our hands.
In order to be fair, we had a little fund raising challenge. Friends of the shock jock could donate money to protect his dignity. Those who wanted to see the picture could donate to help it see the light of day. All money raised would go to the Misericordia Orphanage. Here's a bit of history on that orphanage and an update from my last visit in December 2004: The Misercordia Orphanage is located in the rocky countryside about fifteen miles southwest of Chihuahua City, Mexico. The orphanage was founded about ten years ago by Fidel Rubio and his wife Marianna with "only fives pesos between them." Over the years, it has expanded slowly and now houses over eighty children. Fidel is a passionate, visionary man of God who believes that the Lord has ordained him for this mission. There are six churches in the United States that provide regular support for the orphanage, as well as a number of individuals. Fidel explains that, "God brings them. I never ask them to help, they just show up." Fidel believes in more than just giving the children a home: he wants to give them a future. He wants to start a furniture building business there. An American church donated tools, and a local carpenter has been coming to teach some of the older boys to be craftsman so that they may someday leave the orphanage with skills that can serve them in life. He has also constructed a greenhouse, where they are growing tomatoes and wheat. The wheat is used to feed goats which can they be used as a source of milk and meat. The tomatoes are currently being used to feed the children, but eventually Fidel hopes to grow enough so that some could be sold to raise money. He's a big believer in sustainability. They have a small clinic that Fidel hopes to expand in the future. They take in many children from the mountains around Chihuahua, and many of these kids have communicable illnesses when they arrive. If the clinic were larger, these kids could be quarantined until they were healthier thus limiting the exposure of the rest of the children. The electrical wiring throughout the orphanage is also in desperate need of updating. We are working on getting a list of the various projects, both short and long term and their estimated costs. If you're interested in donating to the orphanage you can do via so Pay Pal here or contact me directly. The good news (for all) is that that picture challenge raised a nice chunk of money for the orphanage. The bad news (for Hugh) is that his crew failed to raise enough money. Which means that tomorrow the picture will be posted. Now the real fun begins. Labels: Chihuahua Orphanage
A Catholic Coup?
Denise e-mails to applaud the expanded platform of Pope Nihilist and welcome a reunification: Spot on reforms, all. If you can't get the votes in the Vatican, perhaps the two of you might consider taking over the Lutherans. We could sure use the help.
Scent of a Woman(killer)
Terri e-mails with a possible defense for the "B.T.K." killer: Maybe the guy just saw this ad, started using 007 and it's all a big misunderstanding.... The small print says, "once you're sure you're up to 007, try the whole arsenal..... Each gives you license to kill...women. Dangerous, Sure, but what a way to go." From a 1965 Esquire Mag I got at an Estate sale. Guns, smoking, and powerful masculinity. Definitely a time before political correctness.
This Ownership Society Thing May Be Going Too Far
Hugh Hewitt is taking the concept of the "blogswarm" to the next level with his idea for the Minneapolis Star Tribune: What, I thought, would be the result if enough bloggers from across the country agreed to be part of a "swarm the Strib to reform the Strib" project? Collect at one web site a daily digest of commentary on the lapses in objectivity and logic and the flights of lefty fancy that the paper daily indulges. If there were enough blogger volunteers, two or three could be assigned "beats," say, the second editorial every Tuesday and Thursday, or the political reporting of Washington bureau correspondent Paul Sand or politics reporters Dane Smith and Kevin Duchschere. Not every article would be a hack job, of course, and the idea of instant and certain accountability as to facts and choice of subject might even temper some of the ideological zeal of the Strib's troops. Especially if the web site also made it easy to contact Strib management and Strib advertisers. I am suggesting an "anti-Strib," a virtual newspaper of sorts, the journalistic equivalent of a shadow government. Hmmm...I wonder if Hugh is aware that the Anti-Strib already exists (although perhaps not in the form that he envisions)? He's looking for volunteers, but I notice that we've already been tapped: First we'd need an accomplished web-master/blogger who would accept the posts from the various "correspondents," vet them for accuracy, and post them. (Perhaps this heavy-lifter would get prominent linkage to their own blog, or, if there is blog ad revenue, the big slice of the pie?) Then we'd need various blogger volunteers who would be willing to take on assignments and execute (as opposed to complaining that they didn't get Nick Coleman. The Fraters guys get Nick Coleman because you shouldn't have to ask for what you already own.) Gee Hugh, we're honored. I think. Lucky us?
More On The Sex Secrets of Britney Spears!
Vox Day has a solid post on pandering to popular tastes and offers some advice that is extremely relevant to bloggers: Ultimately, there is a choice. One can either devote oneself to pandering to the popular tastes, or writing about one's own interests with the full knowledge that many readers simply will not be interested. I have no doubt that a column headlined "Britney's Sex Secrets" would draw an even bigger readership than decades-late alarmism, but I am also convinced that were Dante to draw up modern circles of Hell, one of them would require damned intellectuals to subsist on a library comprised entirely of People and US magazines. Whenever new bloggers ask me for advice, the one thing I always recommend is that they should write about what interests them, not what they think people will want to read. It may not always be the path to traffic, but it is the way to better writing.
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