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"A young person will not give his or her life for a question mark. A young person will give his or her life for an exclamation point." -New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan |
Aboot Reader's Rep Home RSS Feed Save money when you DIY with appliance parts! POSTS BY TOPIC Baseball Beer Culture Drinking Economics Football Global Warming Hockey (02-05) Hockey (06-07) Hockey (08-09) Media-Local (02-04) Media-Local (05-07) Media-Local (08-09) Media National (02-06) Media National (07-09) NARN (04-05) NARN (06-07) NARN (08-09) Politics-Local (02-03) Politics-Local (04-05) Politics-Local (06-07) Politics-Local (08-09) Politics-National Religion Separated At Birth? Travel Contributors Chad The Elder: rightwinger23 at hotmail.com Twitter Saint Paul: saintp at excite.com Twitter JB Doubtless: abunodisceomnes at hotmail.com Atomizer: atomizer77 at yahoo.com
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Friday, March 31, 2006
John Tevlin of the Star Tribune visited Keegan's a few Thursdays ago to see what all the hoopla was about. Here is the resulting article (to be published on Saturday), and I'm pleased to report that I will not need to suffer the Saw II like experience of trying to get a complaint resolved by "Reader's Representative" Kate Parry. Because it's all mostly accurate. Excerpts:
Conservative bloggers including those behind Fraterslibertas.com and Freedomdogs.com started dropping references to their occasional nights out. Fraterslibertas then got Keegan's to sponsor their radio show on WWTC (1280 AM). Word spread, and readers began to drop in. I don't remember any of our friends at Freedom Dogs being at the early incarnations of Trivia night at Keegan's. But never underestimate the power of Chief's charm (and skills as a licensed hypnotist) to distort the space time continuum. Two years ago they sponsored a blogger social, formed the Minnesota Organization of Bloggers (MOB) and it spread from there, according to Brian Ward, one of the founders of Fraterslibertas. The only guiding principle of the evening is "no organization, no rules, no agenda," said Ward. "It's people socializing over beer and competition [trivia]." An accurate quote. I considered saying it's people socializing over beer and losing to the Fraters Libertas team in trivia. But when you're playing the big green room on Portland Ave, its important to come off as sensitive and caring. On a recent Thursday, Keegan's was packed and tilting decidedly right. Barry Hickethier wore a T-shirt picturing Che Guevara that read: "Communism killed 100 million people and all I got was this lousy T-shirt." Those who know Barry know understand that is one of his more understated apparel items. I'm just glad he didn't drop his pants to expose his "Whip Dukakis Now" boxer shorts. David Strom from the Minnesota Taxpayers League schmoozed in one corner with conservative writers from the St. Paul Pioneer Press. You'd think that they're all now one big McClatchy Family (clap clap) the Star Tribune wouldn't be afraid to name names of the erstwhile competition across the river. Or maybe it's just a professional courtesy to fellow reporters, not wanting to expose them for consorting with unsavory characters. In any regard, the advantage of being a blogger is that we don't have such professional codes for conduct. So who were those masked men? Let's just say PiPress reporter Chuck Laszewski is embarrassed to be a colleague of one of them and the other is the among the best $75 hobby columnists in the business. And finally, our friend Larry Coulson gave us a glimpse of his personal life on every other evening except for Thursday: Larry Colson, a regular, acknowledged that "it's easy to be angry sitting in your basement." Trivia, beer, media celebrities, the occasional angry white man let loose from the basement - it's all at Keegan's on Thursday nights.
An e-mailer who wishes to remain anonymous passes on a message on diversity from his employer(in red) and his response to it:
This message was posted on the internal web bulletin board for Ramsey County employees: Holidays, Displays and the Ways of Americans What do I think? You want to know what I think? Are you serious? Like I'm going to put in writing, to the Diversity Program Manager, my personal thoughts on her waffling, wandering wonderings about diversity. I'm really sure. Just how stupid do you think I am? This feels like a Darwin test, to weed out the evolutionary dead ends. All replies go in your permanent file. All who reply get sent to re-education camp if they keep their jobs at all. Oh, and since you now have demonstrated your lack of commitment to the County's core value and mission of diversity, you can kiss your promotional opportunities good-bye. Look, this flap isn't so much about taking down the bunny poster, it's the blatant hypocrisy that's insulting. Local government is not religion free, it's just that some religions are better than others. The Courthouse has a Roman goddess carved into the stonework right outside the door. Yeah, it's a traditional figure of Justitia holding her scales, but it's still a religious figure on a government building. You notice there isn't a Saint Peter standing by Pearly Gates with his big book of names, which is a perfectly legitimate alternate symbol of judgment. On the other side of the door is Ceres, another Roman goddess (of agriculture). Why does an Easter Bunny promote Christianity but Roman goddesses don't promote pantheism? The Ramsey County Courthouse houses a 36-foot-tall statue of an Indian god, installed in a ceremony blessed by no less than three different tribal shamen. No problem there, eh? Maybe it's not about religion, maybe it's all about traditional culture. You know, the carvings celebrate all the Romans who settled here in St. Paul (inadvertently omitted from Jules' list). Celebrations of culture are good. After all this month is Irish American month, so says Jules. Really? So how come the display cases are still crammed full of Black stuff? We're done with Black Awareness Month, that was February. Hell, we're done with March. When does Black culture give way to Irish culture? Why do we leave up the Kwanzaa stuff but never put up any Saint Patrick or Saint Columba stuff? Maybe I'm paranoid, but it sure looks like another example of a favorite group getting preferential treatment. Irish American Christians must be the bottom of the barrel around here. Could there be any less favorite group? Oh, right. Frogtown. So named for the French-Canadian Americans who lived there. Catholics, too, no doubt, just look at their church, named for St. Agnes, a virgin martyr, for crying out loud. Maybe we can zone them out of the city, like gun shops and dirty book stores. Labels: Culture Thursday, March 30, 2006
Yesterday the wife and I picked up lunch at the local Chipotle restaurant. A couple of delicious burritos to be exact--one carnitas (HT SP) and one chicken.
Upon returning home to consume them, the wife discovered hers had been prepared without an important ingredient--the carnitas! I immediately got on the horn and spoke to the GM named Jose and explained our unfortunate situation. He said if I came in the next day (today) I would get hooked up with FREE! burritos with his compliments. So today we went back and after a little bit of a communication problem with the cashier about paying, Jose emerged and told the cashier in Spanish that we were being comped. He also threw in some free chips. What a guy. I don't think my burrito has ever tasted this good. There's something about eating $15 worth of delicious food FREE! that really sets your taste buds. So I'd like to raise a big Sierra Mist (again...sigh) to Jose, the Chipotle GM who did me a solid. Salud!
Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech (unless it's politically advantageous to do so)
One of the things that's always bothered me about John McCain is the apparent lack of underlying principles that guide his actions. On particular issues, like immigration and campaign finance reform, he's all over the ideological map and his appears to have arrived at his position based on crass political calculation rather than core beliefs.
Byron York reports that McCain is again leading the charge for politics over principle, this time in an effort to neuter those notorious 527 groups: Advocates of the first course are being led by--no surprise--Sen. John McCain. He blames the Federal Election Commission for failing to rein in 527s in the last presidential race, and in early March he unveiled a formal proposal that would limit contributions to 527s to $25,000 per person per year. That means Soros's $24 million would be cut to $50,000 in the next two-year cycle. McCain's Senate proposal is supported by a similar measure in the House sponsored by Connecticut Republican Christopher Shays. It's disturbing that other Republicans seem willing to join McCain in their putting personal political interests first: Yet many in the GOP--actually, most in the GOP--are instead leaning in McCain's direction. And the reason is not any principled belief in campaign-finance reform, but rather the fear that Democrats will use 527s to beat the hell out of Republicans in 2006 and 2008. GOP House aides who follow the situation believe that most House Republicans would vote for limits on 527s. And a key Senate aide says that a very large number--perhaps all--of the Senate's Republicans would support limits, and do it for nakedly political reasons. "Republican members believe that 527s are a bad thing, gnawing away at the vitals of our majority, and that what McCain supports means their elimination," the aide says. "No doubt the bad guys will just find another section of the tax code to abuse for anonymous giving and deadly attacks against Republicans, but for now, since Republicans don't like them, and McCain is scared to death about what they could do against him come primary time in '08, there's a marriage of convenience underway." This abandonment of principle for near-term political gain sickens opponents of campaign finance regulation: It would be an understatement to say that Republicans who oppose regulation on principle find the current situation disheartening. "From a conservative standpoint, it's clearly wrong to jump on the regulatory bandwagon for what's perceived as short-term partisan gain," says Bradley Smith, the former FEC chairman, who has been one of McCain-Feingold's most forceful critics. Adds Cleta Mitchell: "The thing that is so discouraging is that my party, which opposed McCain-Feingold, has become the party that throws in with the guys who want to regulate everything. It just gives me a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach." York closes by reminding Republicans that what appears a win in the short term, may very well come back to haunt them down the road: So what is the lesson? That 527s should be strangled? Doing so not only would run against Republican belief in freedom of expression, but would make it harder to score targeted political points in coming campaigns. That's something Republicans might come to regret in 2008 if they find themselves in a race against a certain senator from New York who was once a First Lady enmeshed in numerous scandals. "There are huge numbers of voters in America who have no knowledge of Travelgate, cattle futures, the whole thing," says Bradley Smith. "Who's going to talk about that for Republicans? Are they counting on CBS to do it?" These days, however, Republicans seem more than willing to shut down the 527s. In the end, it is impossible to say whether 527 regulation would hurt or benefit either Democrats or Republicans. But it is possible to say that it would be yet another step in the wrong direction for political speech. "We are on the road to serfdom in American politics with campaign-finance reform," says Mike Pence. "We are eventually going to end up on the doorstep of George Soros's house, telling him what he can and cannot say." And not just Soros: T. Boone Pickens and Bob Perry, too. Republicans and Democrats alike. Labels: Politics-National Wednesday, March 29, 2006
On occasion, in order to properly limit damage control, it's necessary to take a pre-emptive, self-inflicted hit in order to minimize the impact of your enemies ability to use certain information against you. This is one such occasion.
Peeps make a quiet stand: Marshmallow Peeps, the popular Easter candy made of sugar, corn syrup and gelatin, have become a new symbol of protest in St. Paul these days. The "Vision of Peace," a 36-foot, 60-ton onyx City Hall statue of American Indians, has become the stage for a peculiar form of civil discourse. Since last week's decision to kick the Easter Bunny out of a City Council office, a handful of employees have ringed the statue with the spongy chick- and rabbit-shaped candies. Two laminated signs even announce the statue's temporary new moniker--"Vision of Peeps." It began last week, when someone left a couple of Peeps boxes at the base of the statue. But over the weekend the marshmallow critters, as rabbits tend to do, multiplied. There are now about two dozen boxes. No further comment required. Tuesday, March 28, 2006
While perusing the office copy of People magazine at lunch today I saw that "actor" Dean McDermott has a brand new tattoo dedicated to his fiance (grotesque nepotoid Tori Spelling) emblazoned on his left arm. Well...I suppose "dedicated to his fiance" may be over-simplifying things a bit as the tattoo actually depicts Tori's entire head as well as most of her rather ample breasts.
In the People piece, Tori remarks about how much she likes her beau's latest inkblot because of how cool it will be for their grandchildren to be able to see what their grandmother looked like when she was young (I'm paraphrasing, so Tori's comment probably sounded even more inane than what you just read). Now, despite the fact that the woman has appeared in countless horrible made-for-TV movies, equally countless horribly bad films and the wildly successful yet horribly horrible television series Beverly Hills, 90210, she may have a point about this single ridiculous tattoo preserving her image for the ages. If God does indeed exist, surely he'll someday lay waste to Tori's entire body of work leaving future generations with nothing but however much ink remains in McDermott's aging and flabby flesh to recall one of the late 20th century's most truly wretched performers.
Why can't we have a nationalized health care system like Canada? A study from the Frasier Institute suggests that the waiting is the hardest part for our neighbors to the North:
The Fraser Institute's fifteenth annual waiting list survey found that Canada-wide waiting times for surgical and other therapeutic treatments fell slightly in 2005, making this the first reduction in the total wait for treatment measured in Canada since 1993. Total waiting time between referral from a general practitioner and treatment, averaged across all 12 specialties and 10 provinces surveyed, fell from 17.9 weeks in 2004 back to the 17.7 weeks last seen in 2003. This small nationwide improvement in access reflects waiting time decreases in 5 provinces, while concealing increases in waiting time in Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. Among the provinces, Ontario achieved the shortest total wait in 2005, 16.3 weeks, with Manitoba (16.6 weeks), and Alberta (16.8 weeks) next shortest. Saskatchewan, despite a dramatic 7.8 week reduction in the total wait time, exhibited the longest total wait, 25.5 weeks; the next longest waits were found in New Brunswick (24.5 Weeks) and Newfoundland (22.3 weeks). Government controlled health care in the United States? I can't wait.
A couple of weeks ago, we were discussing Minneapolis Fire Chief Bonnie Bleskachek on the Northern Alliance Radio Network. She has had a very trying time of late, with the litigation, the notoriety, and her subsequent placement on administrative leave. What's next, deportation to Canada?
Anyway, I speculated that perhaps, just perhaps, Bleskachek's promotion to Fire Chief may not have been entirely merit based. I was going out on a bit of a limb, but sometimes you just have to trust your instincts. After the show, I decided to do some further research on her 2004 elevation to Chief. And lo and behold, who do I find was all over the story like a Minneapolis Fire Chief on a subordinate, but Fraters own Saint Paul. Yes, I found this little nugget from the good ol' days of Saint Paul's scribblin'. Lately, age and a sudden interest in the fine arts have combined to slow the flow of golden wit from his keyboard to this fine blog. These days, we consider ourselves fortunate to get two posts a week from the previously prodigious pontificator. Enjoy this blast from the past (November 2004) from Saint Paul. The Pioneer Press reporting on Minneapolis's new fire chief: Labels: Government Monday, March 27, 2006
Carol Hymowitz looks at the latest and greatest in corporate speak in today's Wall Street Journal:
Don't even talk about "rightsizing," "digitization" and the "war for talent." The new business buzzwords are "delayering," "Web 2.0" and "knowledge acquisition." A new crop of buzzwords usually sprouts every three to five years, or about the same length of time many top executives have to prove themselves. Some can be useful in swiftly communicating, and spreading, new business concepts. Others are less useful, even devious. "Too often people use buzzwords to muddy or cover up what they're actually saying," says Warren Bennis, management professor at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. It would be wise, then, if executives who want to be believed and understood, carefully select their language. Delayering, for example, may evoke an image of a cake, but there is nothing sweet about it. In plain English, it means managers are being fired. It's the latest manifestation of rightsizing and downsizing. Knowledge acquisition is the opposite of delayering, but different from the now passé "war for talent." It has been awhile since executives have had to do battle to find job candidates. These days, companies need to know how to sift through an onslaught of applications to hire the person with the kinds of knowledge that will best help the company stay competitive. Hence the notion of knowledge acquisition and its corollary, "skills development," which refers to efforts to use the employees already available, but to teach them new skills. Another current buzzword, "unsiloing," mangles the noun silo to make an important but simple point: Managers must cooperate across departments and functions, share resources and cross-sell products to boost the bottom line. Coming soon to a conference room near you.
Yes, the rumors are indeed true. Vin Weber is blogging at local upstart Dreckless. Check out his latest post here.
That bounder Hugh Hewitt has finally gotten off his duff and come out with a new book. What's it been, three, four months since he cranked out the last one? I guess haste does make waste, so it's probably a good thing that Hugh spent several days crafting his latest work.
I have heard that some book reviewers have the temerity to write a review without ever even opening the cover. Not me. I devour every word, linger on every sentence, read and reread the index, and even double check every foot note in the card catalog at my local library. No detail is too small to escape my attention. Here then is my review of Painting the Map Red by Hugh Hewitt. This is a great little book! It is not a "How-to Guide" in the strictest, pedantic sense. It's an honest book by a serious artist intended for those new to map painting, just as the title suggests. That's not to say, however, that it would not be useful to more advanced map painters. Those features that the book lacks are among its greatest qualities-there are no "10 Commandments" that are usually found in books of this genre. Most map painters approached to write a book of this nature feel obligated to forbid X and insist on Y (with some justification, perhaps) but this book is just a well-considered, sincere, very personal discussion of Hugh's approach to his map painting and all the craft that it entails. Hewitt's strength as a writer comes from his balanced, encouraging, honest approach to his topic. Basically, in this book, he says what he does and why he does it. He is never condescending when he discusses the techniques that "many other map painters" employ. It's more as if he is inviting his readers to see things his way, if they are so inclined, (and to pick up some of his tricks) or to go the way that the Muse takes them. I'd strongly recommend this book for map painting students, would-be writers, people interested in the art and craft of map painting and, of course, to anyone who wishes to "become a good (or better) map painter". I'll re-read this book dozens of times! [Editor's note--Portions of this review may have been "borrowed" from another source.]
ATOMIZER: "I hold in my hand an envelope. As a child of four can plainly see, this envelope has been hermetically sealed. It has been kept in a #2 mayonnaise jar since noon today on Funk and Wagnall's porch. No one knows the contents of this envelope, but you, in your divine and mystical way, will ascertain the answers to these questions having never seen them before."
ELDER: "May the winds of the Sahara blow a desert scorpion up your turban." (The Elder holds the envelope up to his forehead) ELDER: "Mark Yost, Hugh Hewitt, and Sisyphus. ATOMIZER: "Mark Yost, Hugh Hewitt, and Sisyphus. (Sound of an envelope being ripped open) ELDER: "Name three people supposedly wise in the ways of hockey who picked teams to appear in the NCAA hockey championship game that were eliminated in their FIRST game of the tournament." Yes indeed, this weekend was a good time to separate the wheat from the chafe when it comes to college hockey wisdom. Mark Yost, columnist for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and host of the Patriot Insider radio show, picked Minnesota and Harvard to meet for the title in Milwaukee. Hugh Hewitt, geriatric talk radio host and alleged "Hockey Commissioner of Minnesota", had Miami of Ohio (snicker) and Harvard playing in the big game. And Sisyphus, humorist and founder and sole member of the Barry Tallackson Fan Club, went with his heart instead of his head by predicted that his beloved Gophers would face off against the Colorado College Tigers. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Meanwhile, I had a bit of trouble of my own going 7-5 overall. I missed the winner of the battle of Boston (for some reason I wrote BC at one point and BU later in the same post) and the hated Black Bears of Maine stuck it to me by winning the East Regional after I predicted an early exit for them. Then there was the Gophers gacking and Cornell getting lucky and rallying to beat CC. This is the second year in a row that Cornell was one game away from the Frozen Four and lost it in overtime. Such a shame. So I only have two of the Frozen Four. But those two are the teams that I have meeting for the National Championship in two weeks: North Dakota and Wisconsin. One final note. Last week, I grudgingly allowed that the CCHA was the second best conference in college hockey. After the CCHA's pathetic performance this weekend (1 win, 4 losses), I amend my statement to say that, with two teams in the Frozen Four, Hockey East is the second best conference in college hockey. Not that it's going to matter much in a couple of weeks when we see another all-WCHA final. Labels: Hockey (06-07) Saturday, March 25, 2006
After some time to reflect on last night's ignominious Gopher defeat, I've come to realize that every gray cloud does indeed have its silver lining. Here are a few positive takeaways:
- Given the intestinal fortitude the Gophers have displayed in the last week, they no doubt would have been destroyed by the Sioux tonight. It's bad enough to lose to Holy Cross, it would be even worse to get massacred by North Dakota in front of their crazed crowd. - The Holy Cross Crusaders versus the North Dakota Fighting Sioux? Talk about a nightmare for the NCAA's diversity tsar. - Despite the Gophers loss, I still went 3-1 with my picks yesterday and all my Frozen Four teams are still alive. Not only that, but the team that I picked to win the national championship now seems to have an easy path to Milwaukee. UPDATE--With Michigan State and Wisconsin winning so far today, I'm now 5-1. A couple of #1 seeds taking care of business against their weaker opponents? Imagine that.
Join us on the NARN today 11 AM , with me and Chad the Elder from this fine Internet site and John Hinderaker from Power Line discussing all the news that's fit to recycle, including (but not limited to) media meltdown over charges of bias/incompetence in their coverage of Iraq, the wit and wisdom of Helen Thomas, the burgeoning crime wave in Minneapolis, burgeoning anti-Easter Bunny sentiment in St. Paul City government, and more.
The highlight promises to be in the noon hour, when we're joined by the great Michael Barone. Of course, he's a columnist for US News and World Report, a commenator on Fox News, a blogger extraordinaire, and the co-author of my favorite book, The Almanac of American Politics. He's also an expert in the matter of elections (who will win and why) and one of the best analysts of public opinion polls I've ever read. Following that Mitch Berg, King Banaian, Captain Ed Morrisey taking the NARN helm from from 1 - 3 PM. It all starts at 11 AM central on AM1280 the Patriot, streaming on the web here. Phone calls will be taken at 651-289-4488. Don't you dare miss it! (But if you do dare miss it, replay on the Patriot on Sunday night at 9 PM. And Podcasts on Powerline shortly after the broadcast this afternoon. Clearly, you have no excuse for missing it now.) Labels: NARN (06-07) Friday, March 24, 2006
In this Lenten season, I feel it my duty to remind Chad and Sisyphus that all suffering ultimately has a purpose.
And if they had been at Stations of the Cross tonight instead of wantonly watching hockey on TV, perhaps the words which lead off the prayer at each and every one of the 14 Stations would have provided some solace - and a prediction. Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world Broader lesson learned - it's too bad those Gophers didn't get sent to the Midwest Region. I don't see anything in the Bible about Bemidji State.
Holy Cross!:
The incredible happened Friday in Grand Forks, as Holy Cross pulled off arguably the greatest upset in NCAA tournament history with a 4-3 win over Minnesota. Tyler McGregor's game winner just 53 seconds into overtime completed the Crusaders' win, Atlantic Hockey's first-ever in the national tournament. Those of you who doubted me doubting the Gophers can now see exactly what I was talking about. My only error was expecting them to not become the first #1 seed in NCAA TOURNAMENT HISTORY to lose to a fourth seed. Well done boys. Quick thoughts on the game: - The camera work was terrible. Maybe I've become spoiled by the work that the FSN crew does, but tonight's main camera angle was usually too far away from the ice. - The announcers weren't much better. Boring and clichéd. - Referees, all those penalties you called? A little ticky tacky for my tastes. - Granted, the game winning goal was damn lucky, but you gotta give Holy Cross credit. They weren't intimidated by the Gophers and kept skating all game long. Unlike the maroon and gold clad stiffs they were facing. Saving your energy for Saturday night, boys? There ain't gonna be no Saturday night. - The Gophers best line was Kessel-Wheeler-Gordon. The worst? The big boys. Somebody needed to put out a missing persons alert for Potulny-Irmen-Stoa. The Gophers poor face off skills hurt them again tonight as well, especially on that third Holy Cross goal. The one Gopher player that I really feel sorry for is Gino Guyer. The guy closes his career as a Gopher in this stinker after have not scored in his last thirty-some games. That's gotta hurt. But the guy I'm worried about is Sisyphus. His live blogging of the game ended rather abruptly. Has anyone ever live blogged a suicide before? This one definitely makes the Top Ten Worst Gopher Losses Ever and may even challenge for a spot in the Top Ten Worst Minnesota Sports Losses Ever. JB DOUBTLESS ADDS: That just sucked (not the Elder's post, the game). I had a gig last night and was attempting to watch the game while simultaneously playing. At one point I looked up and saw HC jumping around on the ice and I knew it must have gone to OT and ended badly. The most annoying thing from what I saw was the Goph's famous One More Cutesy Pass affliction where they try to make 4 PERFECT passes instead of getting a solid shot on net and making something happen. They have done that for as long as I have been watching them but last night it was maddening. This is especially true when the goaltender they were facing wasn't exactly Rob Stauber. Minnesota's pride is once again on ice.
Later this afternoon, pucks will be dropped and the NCAA Hockey Regionals will begin. Time for a quick skate around in response to my tourney picks before the fun starts.
Mark e-mails to complain about my lack of faith in our local lads: Damnit, Chad. ND 5, Gophers 3? Why? One bad game and you toss them over the side? I swear by all that is holy, if you've cursed my team I will never forgive you. Because of your parochial and misguided attempt to earn "street cred" with the college hockey watchers who read Fraters, you have forgotten the first rule of college tournament play: look at the sweater you have hanging in the closet and then pray for irritable bowel syndrome to cripple everyone else who tries to skate with the Gophs. Fine, Chad. Fine. Sorry Mark, but I'm a conservative. My views are founded on observation, facts, and reason. You and your bleeding-heart Utopian comrades can rely on your feelings and sing "Imagine" all you want, but wishing it does not make it so. Don't get me wrong, I'll be cheering for the Gophers as much as anybody (with the possible exception of this nutter). But I gots to calls 'em like I sees 'em. By the way, I don't need to earn any college hockey cred. I've already got that in spades. Next we have Dan, who's managed to sober up long enough to compose a semi-thoughtful e-mail: I'll give you some credit, picking Minny to lose to ND shows that you are able to maintain a modicum of objectiveness about the teams' various prospects. But, "Wisconsin is overrated"?? Well, as the #1 seed in the tourney, they couldn't be underrated, so you were working from a reduced set of options. And, "Saturday's loss in the third place game doesn't bother me much."? It only cost you the #1 overall seed, which means going through much easier competition, both in the opening rounds and the semifinal game of the frozen four. I mean just look at the 1's and 2's in each side: Cornell, Harvard and MSU versus NoDak, Miami and BU. Yikes on the latter. "Fragile psyche"? I'll admit, they looked a bit lost when Elliot went down mid-season, but I think they just realized that he was covering up for a lot of weaknesses on defense. They were coming around with a freshman in goal when Elliot came back. And 4 of the 7 losses were to Denver and (gulp) the Goophers, so not exactly easy competition. If Elliot is on his game, the Badgers are in the final game. OK, OK, you put the Badgers in the Semis, so how can I really complain? Well, you're a Goopher fan, so I can't help myself (and your colors are ugly). Here's to a Goopher/Badger final. Anybody but Maine, Dan I don't think that the third place game meant that much. The Badgers were already going to Green Bay. The Gophers and Sioux were set for Grand Forks. Sure, Bucky technically may have an easier opening game, but I wouldn't look past Bemidji State. Wisconsin's been overrated all year. There's something that's just not right about the team. They rely on Elliot too much and, despite some obvious big league talent (Gilbert, Pavelski, Burish, etc.), I don't know if they have the kind of clutch playmakers you need to win a championship. Take Ronnie Earl for example. No doubt that he's a heck of a talented player, but too often he looks soft in the heat of battle. He goes down easier than Paris Hilton. If it comes down to an overtime situation with the game on the line do you want him or Ryan Potulny? I thought so. I do like Dan's closing sentiments on Maine, although I have been getting a lot of e-mails like this one from Amy: I really do have to ask.... Why the intense antipathy towards Maine? I haven't seen this kind of antipathy outside of BU fans in Ages. Other than that one strike, you guys are fun to read. Keep writing. Amy (Incorrigible Minneapolis based Maine fan who is tired of paying for riots insighted by Gilded Rodents.) I've addressed this issue a couple of times in the past, most recently in a post called Remember (Why You Hate) The Maine (Hockey Team) : 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. Fortunately, the Gophers did defeat the hated Black Bears last year. I think that most real college hockey fans outside of Maine share my views. If you think I'm harsh on Maine, you should spend a little time with New Hampshire fans. They're brutal. Finally, a CCHA supporter who wishes to remain anonymous, comes out of the closet and admits the obvious: I love your blog and visit the site often. As much as it pains me to say this, your predictions on Michigan State are off by one game. Michigan State will likely come out on top of Wisconsin but like you I think NoDak will be crowned champion. I believe that the partisan sports writers who create the national polls feel sorry for the teams outside the Midwest (for confirmation compare the polls which are based on feelings and then look at the PWR and KRACH ratings on USCHO). I realize that this may be humbling to the WCHA partisans but the CCHA has more teams in the top 20 of the quantitative methods than the WCHA this year. However, I am inclined (grudgingly) to agree that overall historical performance favors the WCHA as the strongest league in Div. 1 hockey. This from a UAF (remember them from earlier this season Minnesota, Michigan, and Miami (Ohio)...don't forget the "(Ohio)" fans?) hockey fan who would desperately like to believe that my alma matter was only knocked out the NCAAs by a soon to be crowned champ. Please don't use my name if you choose to publish this as there are some who believe that Div. 1 Hockey is a code word for CCHA and I fear these people ;) This gentleman is to be commended for his honesty and forthrightness. And I will say that the CCHA is undoubtedly the second best conference in college hockey. Now, the time for chatting is over. The time for serious hockey begins. Stock up on your beverage of choice (Sierra Mist in the case of JB Doubtless). Secure the remote. Lock up the dog. Put the kids to bed ("But dad, it's still light out.") Settle in your couch's ass groove and enjoy a fantastic weekend of college hockey. Labels: Hockey (06-07)
James "Just to watch him die" writes in about police busting drunks in Cally:
Fresno, California, (Raisin capital or table grape capital of the world, depending upon who you talk to, and farming home of Professor Victor Davis Hanson) recently began a similar program of "preemptive" drunk driving enforcement. The Fresno Bee reports that "Undercover officers see patrons in bars, then tell officers outside of potential drunken drivers." Fresno police are taking enforcement of drunken driving laws to a new level - which officers expect will bring both success and outrage. Saturday night, the traffic unit unveiled a new operation in which plainclothes police officers stake out bars and target drunk patrons. If the heavy drinkers get behind the wheel, officers in unmarked cars follow them and call in marked police cars to pull them over. There seems to be something unseemly about this: Back at The Dirty Olive, one of Fresno's most popular bars, the undercover officers set up camp in a corner after getting some drinks at the bar. Van Wyhe and Sgt. Bruce Owen are keeping a low profile outside in a white sport utility vehicle with tinted windows.At least they actually are waiting for the suspects to get behind the wheel of a car and drive it before they stop them. Going to be "funny" the first time the police let one of these drunks get behind the wheel of a car and he hits someone before they pull him over. Maybe a little too clever? It still seems so very wrong. ---------------------------- True. But again I approve of fascistic, draconian police action that stops people from doing stuff I have voluntarily stopped doing myself. Anything that makes me miss booze less is a net positive in my book. Until Easter...then I may start to feel like Ice Cube and his infamous song with NWA. Thursday, March 23, 2006
Unlike Dean "I Make The Baby Jesus Cry" Johnson, we respect the right of the voters to decide the pressing issues of the day. And vote you have. The results are in
Separated at birth? Minneapolis fire chief Bonnie Bleskachek and... ...slightly less manly actor David Schwimmer? Labels: Separated At Birth
Tony from Ohio e-mails with more on razor blogging:
Love your blog. Its a must read for me every morning. The Onion predicted Gillette would go to five blades two years ago: F*** Everything, We're Doing Five Blades Myself, I tired of the high prices and new razors coming out every other year and now shave with a single blade safety razor like my dad used to use and I love it.
This afternoon, Dennis Prager was discussing the story of a talk radio host canned for inadvertently making a racist remark:
A radio personality at 550 KTRS was fired on the spot this morning after using the word "coon" on the air in a conversation about Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Dave Lenihan was dismissed after what he called an inadvertent slip of the tongue. Within 20 minutes, station CEO Tim Dorsey apologized on the air to listeners and announced that Lenihan, who had been with the station for less than two weeks, had been let go. Lenihan was listing what assets Rice could bring to the league, including her tenure as a top academic officer at Stanford University and the fact that she is African-American. "She's just got a patent resume, of somebody that's got such serious skill," Lenihan said on the air. "She loves football, she's African-American, which would kind of be a big coon, a big coon--oh my God, I am totally, totally, totally, totally, totally sorry for that, OK? I didn't mean that. That was just a slip of the tongue." Lenihan later said he meant to use the word "coup." Reached at home, Lenihan said he was still trying to figure out what happened, and was drafting a letter of apology to Rice. "I was trying to say 'quite a coup' but it came out 'coon,'" he said. "I caught myself and apologized. It wasn't anything I was meaning to say. I never use that word." This seems to be an overreaction. The guy simply misspoke, which can happen to the best of us. He clearly did not intend to make a derogatory comment about Rice, which was demonstrated by his sincere contrition once he realized what he had said. Tough break. Fortunately, we've managed to stay clear of any such offensive slip-ups on the Northern Alliance Radio Network. Due in no small part to our conscious decision to steer clear of topics that might lead us into dangerous waters. For example, this Saturday we plan to discuss the ongoing saga of Minneapolis Fire Chief Bonnie Bleskachek and what can be done to prevent spring flooding in the upper-Midwest. No icebergs there. No siree. Labels: NARN (06-07)
The authorities in Texas have been rounding up drunks like so many cattle. And these people are not even driving.
Texas has begun sending undercover agents into bars to arrest drinkers for being drunk, a spokeswoman for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission said on Wednesday. The first sting operation was conducted recently in a Dallas suburb where agents infiltrated 36 bars and arrested 30 people for public intoxication, said the commission's Carolyn Beck. Being in a bar does not exempt one from the state laws against public drunkeness, Beck said. I applaud this heavy-handed jack-bootedness. If I have to sit home and drink Sierra Mist when watching American Idol, others shouldn't be able to go out in public and get loaded. Of course, the law should be rescinded come Easter when I start back on the hootch once again, but... We feel that the only way we're going to get at the drunk driving problem and the problem of people hurting each other while drunk is by crackdowns like this," she said. "There are a lot of dangerous and stupid things people do when they're intoxicated, other than get behind the wheel of a car," Beck said. "People walk out into traffic and get run over, people jump off of balconies trying to reach a swimming pool and miss." That must be a huge problem down in Texas. Why it must happen 2-3 times a decade I'm sure. UPDATE: The original Drunk In Public Comedian Ron White on his arrest outside a NYC bar: "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! I was drunk in a bar! They, threw me into public-KA! I don't want to be drunk in public! I wanna be drunk in a bar, which is perfectly legal! Arrest them!" He didn't arrest them, instead he had me do a field sobriety check, where you stand on one foot, raise the other foot six inches off the ground, and count to thirty. I made it to "woo!"
***LAST DAY TO VOTE--THE POLL CLOSES TONIGHT!***
[EDITOR'S NOTE: We're getting a lot of e-mails suggesting KD Lang for this SAB. We decided that one was far too easy and obvious. Comparing birds of a feather isn't much of a challenge.] The Fire Chief Of MPLS (that picture to the left), who stands accused of diddling the help and then beating said help (and is now on paid administrative leave)... And... David Schwimmer? or... Paul Reubens? or... Mike Nesmith? or... Paul Simon? AHHH!!! Not THAT Paul Simon. This Paul Simon or... Rick Astley? You decide. UPDATE--Rick e-mails to suggest yet another possibility. UPDATE II--Rod e-mails to offer up another option. UPDATE III--Another dude wrote in to suggest Prince Charles. I'm too lazy to post the pic, but it's not bad. Labels: Separated At Birth Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Further research into the College of the Holy Cross has revealed some very disturbing information about this institution of higher learning. Not only is it a Catholic college whose teams sport the provocative, insensitive, and needlessly aggressive neo-conservative nickname "Crusaders", it also is a member of an athletic conference with the Ashcroftian title of the "Patriot League." Wrapping themselves up in the flag, aren't they?
And if you take a closer look at their hockey roster, you'll discover that all its players are white males, no doubt from privileged backgrounds. Connect the dots people. Connect the dots.
Intellectual pugilist Vox Day tells it like it is with a post that hits with the speed and power of Rich Franklin:
In case this is too subtle, let me spell it out for you. If you sentence your children to public school, regardless of how "excellent" your local one is supposed to be or how "wonderful" the teachers and the facilities are, you are an idiot. And be sure to read the comments. A reader is attempting to make the point that it is completely impossible for him to home school or send his kids to private school. Sorry buddy, no sale.
The selections have been announced. The brackets are out. And this Friday the battle to reach the 2006 Frozen Four in Milwaukee begins.
If you prefer to view the college hockey world through maroon and gold colored lens you can get your Panglossian predictions here. But I believe that most of you want the straight scoop on the tournament from a source with a proven track record. That's why you seek the wisdom of The Elder. The guy who predicted that North Dakota would knock off Wisconsin in the WCHA Final Five semi-final. The guy who assured Mark Yost that St. Cloud State would lose to North Dakota on Saturday night and thus not earn a place in the NCAA tourney. Sure, I was wrong about Friday night's Gopher-SCSU tussle, but I doubt if even the most rabid Husky fan (no pun intended) saw that one coming. Anyway that was just the warm-ups for the real action that starts Friday. Let's make the rounds. Last year's all WCHA Frozen Four, and the subsequent whining from all the lesser conferences, led the selection committee to institute an affirmative action policy this time around. They put all four WCHA teams (read the good teams) in two regionals, ensuring that there will be at least two non-WCHA teams in the Frozen Four. Not that it will matter at the end of the day anyway, but it's pretty pathetic when unqualified schools are allowed to play in the Frozen Four in the interests of "fairness." We'll start with the weak sister regionals. East Regional (Albany) No. 1 Michigan State vs. No. 4 New Hampshire--One of these years, New Hampshire will put it all together and win the NCAA hockey championship. Right after hell freezes over. Michigan State 4 UNH 2. No. 2 Harvard vs. No. 3 Maine--For no other reason than my intense loathing of the Black Bears, I'll take the lads of Harvard by a 3-2 score. Regional Final: Michigan State is closer to being in the WCHA than Harvard, therefore they win 2-1. Northeast Regional (Worcester) No. 1 Boston U. vs. No. 4 Nebraska-Omaha--Jack Pah-kahs Terriers have too much bite for the cold Omahaians. BU 5 UNO 3. No. 2 Miami vs. No. 3 Boston College--Miami of Ohio. 'Nuf said. BC wins 4-3. Regional Final: Boston's not much of a college town, so this is a tough pick. Let's go with BC 3-2. Now let's get to the real games. Midwest Regional (Green Bay) No. 1 Wisconsin vs. No. 4 Bemidji State--Wisconsin is overrated. Bemidji almost knocked out Denver last year. Still, it's in Green Bay and they are from the premier conference in college hockey. Badgers 4-2. No. 2 Cornell vs. No. 3 Colorado College--Not one of CC's better teams. But Cornell? The Big Red? Not. CC 3 Cornell 1 Regional Final: An all WCHA affair just as God intended. Wisconsin's a team with a fragile psyche and if the Tigers get up a couple of goals early, Bucky will roll over. But I just don't think this CC team has enough. Badgers punch their ticket to Milwaukee 3-2. I just realized that so far I'm picking all the top seeds to advance, which is probably a certain kiss of death. West Regional (Grand Forks) No. 2 North Dakota vs. No. 3 Michigan The maize and blue might as well not even take their ugly football-looking helmets out of the bag. The Sioux are not only at home, they're on a roll. And they will roll all over Michigan. Sioux 6 Wolverines 2. No. 1 Minnesota vs. No. 4 Holy Cross One of the nice things about the NCAA hockey tournament is learning about quaint schools that you rarely if ever hear anything about. For example, Holy Cross is a Catholic college located in Worcester, Mass and they got into the tourney by virtue of their victory over hockey powerhouse Bentley. Yes, it's a good thing to become more familiar with these smaller programs. And then to kick the living crap out of them. Gophers 19 the politically incorrect Crusaders 2. By the way, no sooner does the horn sound than you pretty much forget everything about the little school that you've just blown out. Don't believe me? Where in the hell is Mercyhurst at again? Regional Final: What a showdown. Bitter rivals with long and storied histories meeting for a chance to go to the Frozen Four. Saturday nights in Grand Forks don't get any hotter. Last year, these two squads met in the Frozen Four (did I mention that it was an all WCHA affair?) with the Sioux coming away victorious. This year, the Gophers have taken three out of four from the Sioux including a sweep up in Grand Forks that marked a turning point in Minnesota's season. But in playoff hockey, it's all about what have you done for me lately. The Sioux are coming off a WCHA Final Five championship and seem to be jelling at the right time. Their youngsters are really starting to stand out and Parise has been solid, if not spectacular, between the pipes. The Gophers haven't done much for me lately. Saturday's loss in the third place game doesn't bother me much. Friday night's shootout with St. Cloud State does. Mediocre goaltending and inconsistent, at times lackadaisical defensive play will not get you far in a single elimination tournament. It appeared that the Gophers had tightened up their defensive game and both tenders had strong efforts as the season closed. But the sloppy play and weak goals cropped up again in the playoff series against Anchorage. The Gophers had too much firepower to lose either game to the Seawolves, but there were disquieting signs in the sweep. Those signs were fully on display on Friday as the Huskies downed the Gophers in OT 8-7. It was a poor defensive effort from top to bottom. Goalies, defensemen, and forwards all bore a share of the blame. After watching that fiasco, I just can't see this squad making the Frozen Four. Unless of course Briggs steps up and the team plays solid defense. For now, I'll take the team with the mo'. North Dakota 5 Minnesota 3. Frozen Four Semis: Wisconsin versus Michigan State--It kills me to do this, but I'll take the Badgers 2-1. North Dakota versus Boston U.--A rematch of the '97 title game. Let's go with same result and score. UND 6 BU 4 A rematch of the WCHA Final Five semi-final. Same result, slightly different score. UND 4 Wisconsin 2 That will make it five straight NCAA championships for WCHA schools. The way it should be. UPDATE--James from No Cal, a guy who actually knows his college puck, e-mails: Dammit, I was hoping you were going to convince me that the Gophs had a real chance at the Championship. Unfortunately, though I've been a Briggs fan for a couple years now, I have to agree that he's not turned out to be what I hoped. And the Gophs giving up 8 goals to the Huskies was just inexcusable. This was a Husky team that lived and died on defense and couldn't score on Courtney Love. The Gophs got lazy and complacent toward the end of the season. Six games against UAA and UMD do not make you playoff ready. So you're probably right. Unfortunately. I hope you're wrong (except abooot Maine. God how I hate them), but I fear you're right. Labels: Hockey (06-07) Tuesday, March 21, 2006
You ready for some razor blogging? An article in The Economist looks at the latest in shaving technology:
For the most cynical shavers, this evolution is mere marketing. Twin blades seemed plausible. Three were a bit unlikely. Four, ridiculous. And five seems beyond the pale. Few people, though, seem willing to bet that Gillette's five-bladed Fusion is the end of the road for razor-blade escalation. More blades may seem impossible for the moment--though strictly speaking the Fusion has six, because it has a single blade on its flip-side for tricky areas--but anyone of a gambling persuasion might want to examine the relationship between how many blades a razor has, and the date each new design was introduced. It is simply not possible to add a new blade whenever the marketing department wants one. Every additional blade, explains Michele Szynal, a spokeswoman at Gillette, adds weight and size to a razor. Firms must therefore find ways of making both razor and blades lighter, which means thinner blades, more closely spaced, made of special materials, with new coatings. People spend their lives trying to figure out how to add more blades to my razor. God, I love capitalism. And I can't wait for what lies ahead: So what does the future hold? With only five data-points, it is hard to be sure exactly which mathematical curve is being followed. If it is what is known as a power law, then the 14-bladed razor should arrive in 2100. The spate of recent innovation, however, suggests it may be a hyperbola. In that case, blade hyperdrive will be reached in the next few years and those who choose not to sport beards might be advised to start exercising their shaving arms now. A 14-bladed razor? Faster please.
Hot dang. I just got back from lunch and picked up my very own Dick Enrico bobblehead. As some of you may know, Dick is the CEO and founder of 2nd Wind Excercise Equipment.
I first read about him in the WSJ a few years back. Great American Success Story this guy so I was thrilled when I found out a bobblehead of the man could be had for free just by signing up at 2ndwind.net. My boss and I are currently building a small DE shrine in my cube and plan to pray secretly to it when the chips are down. Oh and I also got a free hat, so go sign yourself up today. Monday, March 20, 2006
One of the joys of reading Hugh Hewitt's blog is the frequent typos and misspellings that find their way into cyberspace. Usually they are corrected at some point, but they are usually good for a larf when first spotted. Here's the latest:
Now comes word that the Post has added RedAmerica, a new blog written by Ben Domenech. Domenech is a superb writer/reporter and very well wired on all things conservative. He's also coming to his job from Regnery, where he has just finished editing my new boo. Your new what? Talk about a tough job. Editing a book for Hugh must be like cleaning up the Augean Stables.
Listening to people like Richard Belzer opine on the situation in Iraq, why it's a quagmire, another Vietnam, etc. you get the idea that their condescending, smarter than thou attitude extends toward all levels of the military. They view the generals running the war as incompetent, blood-thirsty Neanderthals, too stupid and ignorant to learn obvious lessons from the past. One can imagine Belzer reading one of the twenty papers he allegedly consumes a day, dismissively shaking his head and muttering, "Fools. Can't they see they're making the same mistakes in Iraq that they did in Vietnam?"
Fortunately, the top commanders conducting the war are far more intelligent than the Belzers of the world imagine (and far more intelligent than the Belzers of the world for that matter). Today's WSJ features an article on how the Army is Re-Examining the Lessons of Vietnam (subscription required): The last time Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited Baghdad, back in December, the top U.S. military commander there gave him an unusual gift. Gen. George Casey passed him a copy of Learning to Eat Soup with a Knife : Counterinsurgency Lessons from Malaya and Vietnam, written by Lt. Col. John Nagl. Initially published in 2002, the book is brutal in its criticism of the Vietnam-era Army as an organization that failed to learn from its mistakes and tried vainly to fight guerrilla insurgents the same way it fought World War II. In the book, Col. Nagl, who served a year in Iraq, contrasts the U.S. Army's failure with the British experience in Malaya in the 1950s. The difference: The British, who eventually prevailed, quickly saw the folly of using massive force to annihilate a shadowy communist enemy. "The British Army was a learning institution, and the U.S. Army was not," Col. Nagl writes. Thankfully, that unwillingness to learn and adapt doesn't seem to be quite as much of a problem for the Army anymore: The newer analyses of Vietnam are now supplanting that theory -- and changing the way the Army fights. The argument that the military must exercise restraint is a central point of the Army's new counterinsurgency doctrine. The doctrine, which runs about 120 pages and is still in draft form, is a handbook on how to wage guerrilla wars. It offers Army and Marine Corps officers advice on everything from strategy development to intelligence gathering. Col. Nagl is among the four primary authors of the doctrine. Conrad Crane, a historian at the U.S. Army War College, is overseeing the effort. One of the doctrine's primary goals is to shatter the conventional wisdom that defined the post-Vietnam Army. "We are at a turning point in the Army's institutional history," Col. Nagl and his co-authors write in a forthcoming essay in "Military Review," an Army journal. Drawing on its frustrating struggle to prop up a corrupt government in Saigon, the Army in its new blueprint counsels soldiers that anti-guerrilla operations must be focused on building a government that is seen as legitimate in the eyes of the locals. "Military actions conducted without analysis of their political effectiveness will be at best ineffective and at worst help the enemy," the draft doctrine states. Not exactly "Bomb 'em back into the Stone Age" is it? The first Gulf War seemed to vindicate the Army's big-war approach. The Army had finally been allowed to fight the conventional, firepower-intensive war it wanted to mount in Vietnam. It prevailed quickly and with few casualties. "By God, we've kicked the Vietnam syndrome once and for all," the President George H.W. Bush gushed in 1991. To Col. Nagl, the Army's quick, low-casualty win wasn't necessarily a good news story. "The lesson of the Gulf War was: Don't fight the U.S. conventionally," Col. Nagl says. "The way to defeat the U.S. Army is to use guerrilla warfare and exhaust the will of the U.S. At least you have a chance to win." Col. Nagl reread Mr. Krepinevich's account of the Army in Vietnam, which he says had a big influence on his doctoral thesis. "I stole from it shamelessly," he says today, although he fully credited the work in his own. He also immersed himself in the papers of Sir Gerald Templer, who led British counterinsurgency efforts in Malaya in the 1950s. "I wanted to figure out why the British Army was able to learn how to defeat an insurgency after starting out badly and why the American Army was not able to learn as well in Vietnam," Col. Nagl says. He concluded that the Army did learn in Vietnam, but far too slowly. By 1969 the military had shifted away from large-scale search-and-destroy missions and was putting a far greater emphasis on building indigenous security forces, safeguarding villagers and developing the local economy. However, "at that point the American people had already lost their faith," he says. Colonel Nagl's ideas quickly found favor with the brass: While Col. Nagl was in Iraq, Gen. Peter Schoomaker, the Army's top officer, picked up his book and was taken by its argument that the Army's big-war culture in Vietnam often overpowered innovative ideas from inside the service and out. The general ordered his fellow four-star generals to read it. Before he went to Iraq to take over as the top commander, Gen. Casey read Col. Nagl's book as well. "The thesis that the U.S. military was too prone to [big offensive strikes] to be good at counterinsurgency was something I noted to watch for when I got here," says Gen. Casey in an email from Baghdad. The tome has already had an influence on the ground in Iraq. Last winter, Gen. Casey opened a school for U.S. commanders in Iraq to help officers adjust to the demands of a guerrilla-style conflict in which the enemy hides among the people and tries to provoke an overreaction. The idea for the training center, says Gen. Casey, came in part from Col. Nagl's book, which chronicles how the British in Malaya used a similar school to educate British officers coming into the country. "Pretty much everyone on Gen. Casey's staff had read Nagl's book," says Lt. Col. Nathan Freier, who spent a year in Iraq as a strategist. A British brigadier general says that "Gen. Casey carried the book with him everywhere." Both Col. Nagl's and Mr. Krepinevich's books are included on a recommended counterinsurgency reading list included in the draft doctrine. How many members of the media covering the war in Iraq have read the book? How many have even heard of it? Other Vietnam histories have also drawn the interest of senior Army officers. Lt. Gen. John Vines, who was until recently the No. 2 commander in Iraq, recommended his staff read Col. McMaster's "Dereliction of Duty." The book portrays the military's senior Vietnam-era generals as a feckless lot, unwilling to confront President Lyndon Johnson over what they believed to be a bankrupt strategy. Its message: Military commanders must always speak the truth to their civilian bosses. What? You mean they're not a cabal of mindless automatons willing to go along with the neocon Cowboy In Chief on any reckless military adventure as long it serves to advance their careers? Let's hope that one of the twenty papers that Belzer claims to read daily is the Wall Street Journal. Somehow, I doubt it. Labels: Iraq
It's one to enjoy the give and take of a bit of good-natured ribbing between friends. It's quite another when someone approachs you at work and asks why you're trying to get the Carpenters inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. Yes, that actually happened to me earlier today.
This latest affront to my honor shall not go unavenged. Sunday, March 19, 2006
The crime situation in Minneapolis appears to be getting out of control. Make that EVEN MORE out of control. Man shot during Uptown robbery in critical condition:
A 25-year-old man is in critical condition after he was shot during a robbery Saturday in Minneapolis' Uptown area. Police said the man, whose identity was not released, and his mother, sister and a friend were walking to their car when two men approached them about 9:55 p.m. in the 3100 block of Girard Avenue S. in the Carag neighborhood. The group had just come from a restaurant at Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue. Police said the suspects demanded the mother's purse. She obliged and there was no struggle or resistance, but one suspect then shot the man, police said. For those of you outside the Twin Cities, Uptown is the kind of place where arty Bohemians mingle with cool hipsters and punks looking for something (anything) to rebel against. Its many restaurants, bars, clubs, unique shops, and proximity to the Chain of Lakes make it a popular destination for both Twin Cities residents and out of town visitors. Until recently, it has been a relatively safe place. That seems to be changing: Robberies have increased 39 percent citywide in the first 2½ months of 2006 compared with the same time last year, according to statistics released last week. There were 100 robberies reported in the Fifth Precinct this year compared with 60 at this time last year, Arneson said. A robbery task force is investigating the crimes, and patrols have been stepped up, she said. This could be the tipping point in the recent crime wave that is sweeping over the city of Minneapolis. In the last few years, Downtown Minneapolis has slowly but surely been lost. At night, even on the busiest streets, you don't feel safe. The police presence is spotty at best and you can walk for blocks on a Saturday evening and see nary a cop. It's not exactly an inviting atmosphere. Before you dismiss my fears as merely suburban paranoia about the "big city", consider that I've lived in the Twin Cities almost my entire life and I've often enjoyed frequenting Downtown Minneapolis. Presently, I live a mere ten minutes from Downtown and love the vitality and energy of the city. But something has changed in the last five years. And it's not a change for the good. As lamentable as losing Downtown is, it's nothing compared to losing Uptown. If the City of Minneapolis is unable to regain control of the Uptown area, you might as well shut 'er down. Because the Uptown area is the crown jewel of the city. It's THE place to hang out. THE place to live. THE place to drink, eat, walk, run, swim, listen to music, etc. Sure other neighbors offer all of that as well, but none combine it in the perfect package that Uptown serves up. For many suburbanites and visitors, Uptown is Minneapolis. So goes Uptown, so goes the city. If the Minneapolis Police have any hope of turning back the tide, the place to begin is Uptown. They must win back Uptown and they must win it back now. Until then, they offer this advice: Safety tips from police include traveling in groups, parking in lighted areas, carrying a cell phone, avoiding intoxication and not fighting back. Sounds like a fun way to spend a Saturday night, don't it? Personally, I would think that if you're going to be in Uptown after dark anytime soon, you might want to consider some personal protection. And I ain't talking pepper spray either. For more on this story and the rise of crime in Minneapolis, check out Rambix and the Red Star.
The lastest example of media backlash directed at bloggers comes to us courtesy of one Marie Cocco. This section of her piece gave me a good larf:
Bloggers, at least in the United States where the press is unfettered by government, aren't journalists. They're contemporary political pamphleteers. Like political agitators throughout history, they've got a legitimate role to play in trying to persuade a larger audience to take action against institutions they believe aren't serving them well--whether it's big government, big media or big corporations. A politician who ignores blogs does so at his or her own peril. But few pajama-clad bloggers were seen wading through hip-deep water in New Orleans to cover the perils wrought by Hurricane Katrina in the way that mainstream reporters and camera crews did. No, they preferred to wait and report on events as they actually happened instead of passing on wild rumors of rape, cannibalism, etc. They generally aren't eager to be bivouacked in Baghdad, either. She has a point here. Rather than holing up in a Baghdad hotel, those bloggers who have gone to Iraq have usually gone out wih the troops. You know, where the real story is?
Laura Billings actually wrote something today that had me in tears I was laughing so hard:
This is not to say that St. Paul is cozy and small-town. We have more edge than that. The standard greeting in the neighborhood from which my husband hails is a raised middle finger.Sorry to break it to you, Laura, but it ain't a neighborhood thing. A raised middle finger is everybody's standard greeting to your husband. Saturday, March 18, 2006
Michael Tanji joined us on the NARN today to discuss the release of pre-war Iraqi documents. His Weekly Standard piece on the subject is called An Army of Analysts. He also blogs at GroupIntel. Check 'em both out.
Minnesota Public Radio provides the worst headline regarding Dean Johnson and same-sex marriage legislation, ever.
While Scott Johnson is the undisputed manliness leader among the Power Line trio, I don't think that his colleague John Hinderaker is going to be needing testosterone supplements any time soon. Here's his view on how the matter of protests at funerals, which the Minnesota Legislature just voted to ban, should be handled:
This strikes me as one of many examples of our culture's obsession with legal remedies. As a lawyer, I suppose I shouldn't complain; but as a citizen, I think it's ridiculous. If a bunch of crazies show up waving signs at a funeral, the appropriate course is for an able-bodied man--there should be at least one at any funeral--to take a sign and break it over the ringleader's head. One of the basic problems in our society is that nearly all informal sanctions have been forfeited, so that there is hardly any middle ground between passive acceptance of antisocial behavior and a felony prosecution. Legislation and criminal prosecution are blunt instruments that cannot be brought to bear against every deviancy that may arise. Meanwhile, Paul Mirengoff continues to write about soccer, widening the "cojones gap" gap between himself and his muy macho compadres. Friday, March 17, 2006
This afternoon, North Dakota made vaunted Wisconsin goalie Brian Elliott look more like Billy Elliott as they rallied from an early deficit to defeat the Badgers 4-3 in the first WCHA Final Five semi-final game. A crowd of 16,468 was on hand at the Xcel Energy Center to catch the action.
After the game, Fox Sports Net joined the CCHA semi-final between Miami of Ohio and Northern Michigan in progress. The Red Hawks won by a score of 5-2, but what I noticed more than anything else was the crowd at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Or more accurately, the lack of a crowd. I haven't been able to find any official attendance figures, but there couldn't have been more than three thousand people in the rink. Pathetic. When it comes to college hockey, nobody touches the WCHA whether it's the teams or the fans. Right now in the second semi, the Gophers and St. Cloud State are in the first period with the Gophers up 2-1. It's gonna be a great weekend.
Craig emails a little story for St. Patrick's Day:
An Irishman moves into a tiny hamlet in County Kerry, walks into the pub and promptly orders three beers. The bartender raises his eyebrows, but serves the man three beers, which he drinks quietly at a table, alone. An hour later, the man has finished the three beers and orders three more. This happens yet again. The next evening the man again orders and drinks three beers at a time, several times. Soon the entire town is whispering about the "Man Who Orders Three Beers." Finally, a week later, the bartender broaches the subject on behalf of the town. "I don't mean to pry, but folks around here are wondering why you always order three beers?" 'Tis odd, isn't it?" the man replies, "You see, I have two brothers, and one went to America, and the other to Australia. We promised each other that we would always order an extra two beers whenever we drank! as a way of keeping up the family bond." The bartender and the whole town was pleased with this answer, and soon the "Man Who Orders Three Beers" became a local celebrity and source of pride to the hamlet, even to the extent that out-of-towners would come to watch him drink. Then, one day, the man comes in and orders only "TWO BEERS". The bartender pours them with a heavy heart. This continues for the rest of the evening - he orders only "TWO BEERS". The word flies around town. Prayers are offered for the soul of one of the brothers. The next day, the bartender says to the man, "Folks around here, me first of all, want to offer condolences to you for the death of your brother. You know-the TWO beers and all..." The man ponders this for a moment, then replies, "You'll be happy to hear that my two brothers are alive and well. It's just that I, "MESELF", have decided to give up drinking for Lent."
Speaking from personal experience, I can safely say that a coffee with Irish cream sans the whisky doesn't taste all that hot. It just ain't the same.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
We are LIVE from the Republican Party headquarters in St. Paul. An impromptu meeting of the blogging elite has been called to meet with RNC National Chairman Ken Mehlman and the Minnesota State Republican Chairman - whatever his name is.
Not sure why we're here, but I'm hoping its the receipt of talking points. As you may have noticed, my posting of late has been light. UPDATE: Red carpet reporting as the Blogerati begin to file in - Capt. Ed. Morrissey (hurraah - the crowd goes wild!!) Michael Brodkorb, aka MDE Andy from Residual Forces nd Kennedy vs. Machine Two guys I don't recognize and have never heard of (something like Midge Burke? Jokes - he's not here! Among the two unknown guys, one has a beard and a lap top. The other, no distinguishing marks whatsover - though he hasn't yet taken off his shirt, developing). UPDATE: Preliminary buzz among the bloggers - will we all get towed? No one quite knows the policies of the builing management, other than the rather stern warning posted in the elevator about GETTING TOWED unless you have the proper designations and licenses posted in your window. All I know is if this crew gets towed, we'll be taking it to the street! That is walking home. I live in St. Paul, so that's not so bad. UPDATE: Gary Matthew Miller from KvM arrives. Glad handing and back slapping like he owns the place. If so, I hope he doesn't tow me. UPDATE: But he's quickly overshadowed and dismissed by the star of the show Ken Mehlman! Firm handshake, makes good eye contact, he's not the RNC chairman for nuthin. UPDATE: Breaking news, the Chairman of the state GOP is named Ron Carey. And not the guy from Barney Miller. UPDATE: Ken Mehlman's entourage out numbers the bloggers. UPDATE: Ken Mehlman talking now. Metaphor about downloading songs and politial participation. Lesson I take from it - it's hard to listen and live blog. UPDATE: "blogging is the future of political communication" - I heard that! I'd take my shirt off and whoop, if it wasn't for all of my distinguishing characteristics. UPDATE: "The Minnesota Media can't always be counted on to play it down the middle" - his understatement indicates he's not from these parts. UPDATE: It's 5:34. I don't think there are going to be any donuts. UPDATE: Ken Mehlman notes that no sitting President had ever won re-election with a "right track" poll number below some level that Bush slipped below. He rhetorically asks "why"? I shout "he stole it!? After the gales of laughter, it is explained because the election was a choice, not a referendum. That is not a judgment on the past 4 years, rather Bush was preferred by a majority over the other choice - that dull, windsurfing guy. UPDATE: Real news - Mehlman suspects Republicans will lose seats in Congress/Senate in 2006, but retain enough to hold majorities. If I were an MSM headline writer, tomorrow's edition in 8 inch scare font: MEHLMAN CALLS REPUBLICANS LOSERS UPDATE: More talk of potential pick ups in the Senate (Floriday, Maryland, Michigan?) Notes the increase in African American Rebublican candidates in 2006. Says, although Howard Dean refuses to debate him on TV, they occasionally talk off the record, about family stuff, moving to DC - he's apparently a "nice guy." (Heeeeaaaaahhh!) UPDATE: Andy asks if there is a "clearinghouse of information available for bloggers regarding positive things about Republicans" He's solicitiing talking points! Good man! Response is unfortunately non-commital. UPDATE: It's wrapping up, people are bleeding away, Mehlman has left the building, and that's it! Off to find my car and maybe some donuts.
Yesterday on his nationally syndicated talk radio show, Hugh Hewitt compared the efforts of MoveOn.org to pressure Democrats in Congress to push forward on censuring President Bush to Soviet commissars driving troops toward the German guns with the threat of shooting anyone who refused to charge ahead.
Today, Jonathan Gurwitz examines (WSJ-subscription required) the attempt by left-wing bloggers and political action groups (including MoveOn.org) to defeat moderate Democrat Henry Cuellar in a recent primary: The campaign was long on sentiment but short on funds. By the end of December, Mr. Rodriguez had raised only $170,000 to Mr. Cuellar's $655,000. Then, in January, the conservative Club for Growth endorsed Mr. Cuellar, its first ever Democratic endorsement. And as President Bush entered the House chamber for the State of the Union address, cameras captured his hearty embrace of Mr. Cuellar. The endorsement and the image were widely disseminated, igniting a nationwide liberal campaign to defeat Mr. Cuellar. Influential bloggers Markos "Kos" Moulitsas and Duncan "Atrios" Black led the charge, joined by kindred Web sites. As much as $500,000 poured into Mr. Rodriguez's coffers during the final six weeks of electioneering. Liberals touted the effort as the ultimate mobilization of the "netroots" -- the indomitable synthesis of grassroots organization with digital potency. In the March 7 primary, Mr. Cuellar won with 53% of the vote to Mr. Rodriguez's 41% (a third candidate taking the rest). He increased his margin of victory over Mr. Rodriguez in 2004 in 10 out of 11 counties, besting his principal opponent by nearly 5,600 votes -- despite the efforts of the netroots activists. "A lot of energy and money was wasted in the Democratic primary that could have been used to defeat Republicans in November," says Colin Strother, a general consultant for Mr. Cuellar's campaign. "The netroots people took their eyes off the ball -- taking the House back from the Republicans," he says. "They only knew one picture . . . They knew nothing about the district." Blogger Moulitsas is unapologetic. "So we didn't kill off Cuellar," he wrote on his blog, "but we gave him an [blank] whooping where none was expected and made him sweat. That's the reason why Lieberman is sweating in Connecticut," referring to another netroots challenge against another centrist Democrat. Gurwitz finds parallels to the futility of World War I trench warfare: So far, threats like these seem the best the Angry Left can muster. They now have a disastrous 0-17 record stretching back to 2004. The netroots leaders resemble nothing so much as World War I commanders, who after each successive setback maintained that victory was tantalizingly close, and lobbed more artillery shells and threw more troops over the top. Similarly among the netroots, the article of faith is that victory is only a matter of trying harder, upping the rhetoric and raising more money. This is exactly the pattern that I've noticed with MoveOn.org over the last few years. It's a seemingly endless loop of failure that they keep repeating over and over again: 1. Fire up your base with the latest "outrage" of the day 2. Channel their anger into supporting a candidate or position that is going to be voted on 3. Pull out all the stops to get your base to donate money, volunteer, turn out, hold rallies, meet-ups, etc. 4. Wake up that day after the election or vote to be shocked to find that, once again, you have lost 5. Wallow in pity and try to console yourself for a few days 6. Announce that this is a "wake-up call" and that you have regrouped and are now more energized than ever 7. Repeat step 1 After major defeats, such as the 2002 and 2004 elections, Alito getting on the Supreme Court, etc. there may also be an additional step between 5 and 6. This is when they pause, reflect, and reconsider their strategy for the future. MoveOn.org just went through this step last month. The problem is that when they do pause and ask themselves why they lost and what they need to do win next time around, most of the feedback and input they get comes from the more extreme members of the group. They usually blame their defeats on having been too moderate and not having done enough. So they propose becoming more radical, having more vigils and meet-ups, getting more people to sign petitions, walking more neighborhoods, sending more e-mails to Congress, and donating more money to the cause. As Gurwitz notes, they believe that with just a little more they'll finally be able to break through. But by becoming more radical and more activist, they drift further away from the mainstream voters whose support they need if they ever have any hope of winning political victories. In some respects you have to admire their tenacity. But at some point, you also have to question their mental health. As Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying: "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. "
Gary Pruitt, chairman and CEO of the McClatchy Company, has an opinion piece in today's WSJ called Brave News World that included this howler:
People in the newspaper industry have got a lot riding on this -- our jobs and reputations, for starters; but the stakes for society are far higher. Self-government depends on continuous civic conversation, which in turn depends on people having a common vocabulary. Without a shared sense of what the problems are, there's little hope of finding solutions. That shared middle -- a place where people basically agree about the facts and the issues, even if they differ over what to do about them -- is where we believe our responsibilities as newspaper owners lie. And it is under assault by spinmeisters, partisans and ideologues. They all have their place in a democracy -- but it is not in the center. Our place is. Um...Mr. Pruitt? You own this newspaper called the Minneapolis Star Tribune? Remember?
After days of hype and buildup the action finally starts today. The drama and excitement is unmatched in college sport. The raucous fans, the last second shots, the overtimes, the perennial powerhouses and the Cinderella stories. It really don't get any better.
Yes indeed, the WCHA Final Five is about as good as it gets. What? Were you thinking of some other tournament? P.S. Hey Denver, we're having a great time. Wish you were here. UPDATE--Rich from Pennsylvania e-mails to concur: So, it's the first time I look at your blog (sorry for being so late), having followed a link from Power Line, and what's the first post I see?: A post proclaiming the superiority of the Final Five over any other sporting event that just might possibly coincidentally be happening at the same time. You have thereby gained a devoted-for-life fan. Glad to have you on board Rich. And, unlike Power Line, we can promise that you won't find any soccer blogging here either. Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Is this guy the perfect poster boy for the effete, pseudo-intellectual, collectivist-minded, wussy, vegan, urban leftist or what?
The story is a pretty good hoot too because this precious lefty is being hoisted by his own retard for being insufficiently sensitive to minorities in teaching his silly little race/class/gender classes at Hamline University. Look at that picture once again. THAT guy isn't sensitive? I'm sure the bullies had their way with the poor guy in school and this is his chance to lash out at society for Mean People Sucking and all, but surely a man with his leftist pedigree didn't expect to be accused of anything so vile as insensitivity. Even more to the point, his activism on social justice issues goes back more than two decades. As an undergrad at Fordham University he helped lead protests against CIA policies in South America and the apartheid regime in South Africa. More recently, he's organized support for striking faculty members at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (where he received his doctorate in sociology in 2004) and walked picket lines in solidarity with Northwest Airlines employees. He is a strident lefty--as appalled by Bill Clinton as by George W. Bush. The kind of guy who would be proud to land on conservative activist David Horowitz's list of the most dangerous academics in America. So what did the little guy do to be accused of such thought crimes? At one point, Philion recounts, in defending his teaching methodology, he told the students that he rejected the "smorgasbord" approach to teaching race relations, whereby each ethnicity is given equal class time. This only landed him in further hot water, however, when the students complained that he was equating racism with food. No Racism For Food--has a nice ring to it. Read it all and enjoy the delicious irony of a lefty being nailed for not adopting a mindset he helped create and foster. And here's the Van Driessen reference for those of you who don't watch Great Television. UPDATE: I missed this little nugget on my first reading of the piece: Philion has since secured a tenure-track position at St. Cloud State University, where he'll begin teaching next fall. His experience at Hamline has left him bitter and angry. He believes the experiences of himself and Markowitz are part of an organized campaign. They'll give dang near anybody tenure there.
Chad crushes coup attempt:
Chad has foiled a coup attempt against President Idriss Deby and arrested two plotters, senior officials told Radio France International on Wednesday. Take note Atomizer.
Everything you wanted to know about Andy Willoughby and his Three Step Plan but were afraid to ask is available at the Alpaca Burger Forum, including a thoughtful comment that appears to have been submitted by Mr. Willoughby himself.
[Via Freedomdogs.com]
Holman Jenkins reports (WSJ link subscription required) on the latest foreign threat to American security disguised as commerce:
The debonair premier of France, Dominique de Villepin, has been gallantly resisting Italian energy designs even as Washington was fending off port managers in sheik's clothing. It all began when Enel, a big Italian power producer, was rumored to be planning a bid for French water and power company Suez. To forestall such an insult, Suez was rushed into a defensive merger with another big French company, Gaz de France, the country's main gas utility. Mr. Villepin called the merger an act of "patriotisme economique." The problem is that every country has domestic constituencies that are equally happy to masquerade their interests behind flag waving. Together, Suez and GDF would control three important LNG terminals in Europe and the sole terminal in New England, which no longer can survive a cold snap without liquefied gas imports. And Suez has two more off-loading facilities on the drawing board, in Miami and Boston, in its campaign to cater to America's growing dependence on ship-borne natural gas deliveries. Wait till Lou Dobbs gets ahold of the following: The combined company would overnight achieve a dominant position in the Atlantic LNG trade, and by virtue of the state's 70% ownership of GDF, it would be effectively controlled by the French government. Sacre bleu! Can we really afford to turn over control of our critical LNG terminals to a foreign country that has, in recent years, actively opposed our national interests, sought to undermine our diplomatic initiatives at every turn, and may very well already have planted sleeper cells in our midst? Ils ne passeront pas! Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Back in the day, JB and I would team up with a neighborhood kid and collect aluminum cans for recycling. We'd go out scavenging the local roadways and public trash cans. When our neighbor's dad came back from his annual Canadian fishing trip with his buddies, we hit the mother lode. These guys used to pound beer by the case, usually Schmidt. We had our own homemade can crusher and would usually build up quite a stash before cashing in. When times were good, I think we received something like twenty-three cents a pound for our efforts. Which went a long way towards Marathon candy bars and Tahitian Treat pop.
Today's Wall Street Journal reports that kegs are now a hot commodity in the recycling world, especially among thieves: With beer kegs, the crime spree began in the United Kingdom, where more than 250,000 wobbled out of circulation last year, according to the British Beer and Pub Association. Last fall, thieves scaled a chain-link fence and made off with 430 kegs in a single night from a storage yard belonging to Empire Distributors Inc. in Charlotte, N.C. The empty kegs had contained Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada and Pyramid brand beers. "I don't know why they didn't just ram the fence down," says Hank Bauer, Empire's sales manager. Empire is now locking its kegs in a warehouse to keep them safe. Kegs are a tempting target, not only because they contain quality stainless steel, nickel and chrome, but also because they are easy to carry and can be readily found in storage sheds, behind liquor stores, or right under the counter of a neighborhood bar. For microbrewers, which sell about half their beer on tap in brew pubs, keg pilferage from their customers' taverns is so bad that even bartenders can't be trusted. Warren Dibble, chief financial officer of Boston's Harpoon Brewery, suspects that some tavern owners are letting employees sell empties on the side "as part of their compensation." With rising metals prices, it's not a bad fringe benefit. Just a few years ago, scrap yards paid only about $5 a keg. But prices are as high as $21 now in some parts of the country. $21 for a keg? An EMPTY keg? The cost of a new keg, meanwhile, has also tripled, to about $90. That's a headache for specialty brewers like Kansas City's Boulevard Brewing, which started in 1989 to brew Belgian-style pilseners and ales. The 40,000 kegs in Boulevard's inventory represented more than 20% of the brewer's fixed assets in 2004. That is a substantial investment for any brewer, especially those of the micro variety. An investment that is apparently in imminent danger: Mr. Mullen's brew pub on Roe Boulevard has been hit three times since November by keg thieves. To keep from losing any more empties, Mr. Mullen has invested heavily in security. He has installed a concrete divider like those highway crews use to divert traffic, and upgraded to a heavier, cutter-proof chain to string through the handles of about 15 kegs stored each night behind the restaurant. He hopes that will help him on Friday, when he expects St. Patrick's Day revelers to empty at least 50 kegs that he'll have to guard through the weekend. "It's the Super Bowl of keg theft," Mr. Mullen says. "They'll be out that night for sure." That's about the same number of kegs that Terry Keegan estimates will be consumed on St. Patrick's Day at his fine establishment. Hopefully, his plans for keg security are in order. Keg-guarding sounds like a perfect job for Marty "Wayne" Newton.
Apparently, I'm not the only one in town put off by some of the ad spots on local radio station AM1280 The Patriot.
Pinkmonkeybird has elected to give up listening to the station for Lent: I realize that the advertisers and their money are what make it possible for great shows like NARN, Patriot Insider, The Hugh Hewitt Show and others onto the air. But the lion's share of the ads just infuriate me. My favorite ads on this excellent political talk radio station are the Benjamin Franklin ads; "Plumbing-focals, Wally?" I suspect that's because they are just light and silly and vaguely humorous in nature. I wish all the ads on this station could be so inoffensive. So without much joy, I am not tuning into The Patriot until Lent is over. I need to allow the peace of Creation back into my life. The constant mental barrages over Memowhatever, The Three Point Plan, that "Reality" company and all the other maddening noise that come over the airwaves from advertisers is best forgotten for what's left of the forty days of Lent. Something tells me that his deprivation isn't nearly as painful as JB's Lenten sacrifice. Kevin from EckerNet e-mails to add that he too has given up on The Patriot because of the ads: Seriously, if you are gonna complain about bad commercials at least make an attempt to get rid of that 3-step plan by Andy Willlebee (or whatever). I can't stand it and I'm on a self-imposed boycott of the Patriot (unfortunately including your program!) until it's off. It is THAT annoying. So sit down with your station manager, and let him know that if he doesn't remove it I'm going to lead a riot of one and burn effigies of Hugh Hewitt outside the station. And let me know when it's off the station so I can start listening again. Kevin's action seems to be a bit rash. While I'm no fan of Andy "Hi, how in the world are you anyway?" Willoughby and his Three Step Plan myself, I've learned to reflexively turn the station off as soon as his homespun pitch begins. At times this can involve a mad dash across a room and a desperate dive at the radio to end the suffering as quickly as possible, but it's a small price to pay for listening to some of the best talk shows in the land (and Hugh Hewitt). UPDATE--EJ e-mails to add: You think you got bad advertising? Come to Bemidji. We got a pretty good talkradio line-up, but the ads never change and you'd be hard-pressed to distinguish most of them from Soucheray's Euphoria parodies by "Morghanne Q.E. Wolfe-Slattery." How would you like to hear Beltrami Electric Co-op's "Who's running this place? You are, ma'am" or Kenny's Amoco "wash wax dry and the double pass wash wax dry" 5-6 times an hour? Don't forget Dex, the talking phone book. On top of all that, you get all the AP News updates from the top -- how Bush lied, the latest bombings in Baghdad, the number of dead Americans in Iraq, how Joe Biden says this, how Cindy Sheehan says that, and then all the latest on what Madonna is wearing, the state of Brad and Angelina's love jones, J-Lo and Mariah's latest career moves, and the latest philosophical pronouncements from Mahatma George Clooney. Don't forget the dozens of PSAs on the evils of second-hand smoke, chewing tobacco, global warming, being a bad father, pre-teen alcoholism, and housing discrimination either. You don't know what you're missing! UPDATE II--More from Bob: Hi! How in the world are you anyway? Man, it's good to hear that someone else is getting sick unto death of AM 1280's lame and never-changing advertising. Unlike PMB, I haven't sworn off the station completely. I still tune in to the Northern Alliance (I'm serious, not just sucking up), Mark Steyn's segment and sometimes the beginning of the hour when commercials aren't incessant, but I actually have cut way back. And the chief reason is that I simply can't handle listening for the umpteen-millionth time to the roofer's little kid, Emma the senior citizen who's rolling in 3-Step Plan loot, the cabinetmaker who talks like a valley girl, or John Haley telling me yet again that if my underlayment is not tucked up my sidewall I am screwed big-time. At some point don't these things become counter-productive? Cut me a break, Patriot! There. I feel better now. I think I've just had too many 401(k) lattes today. UPDATE III--Kate weighs in: Oh, the roofer's little kid! THE ROOFER'S LITTLE KID!!!! GRRRRRR!!!!! On a side note, am I the only one who, when hearing the Patriot advertise Dennis Prager's special birthday message, envisions Mr Prager in a white sequined dress, so tight that he'll have to be sewn into it, singing (in a very soft, breathy voice) "Happy Birthday, dear Patriot..." and then giving a big sexy wink? Yes, I probably am the only one. Labels: Media-Local (05-07) Monday, March 13, 2006
It ain't country, but I got a hunch that JB might be humming along to this little ditty:
Life is good in Hollywood The stars are shining like they should But there are times I wish we would remember Those whose names are not in lights Who fight to guarantee our rights So we can dream & set our sights on skies so blue These heroes risk their lives for me and you The world's a better place for what they do You know that it's true
McClatchy offer is accepted:
The McClatchy Co. of Sacramento, in the biggest deal in its 149-year history, won the bidding war Sunday for Knight Ridder Inc., the nation's second-largest newspaper chain. Knight Ridder's board of directors reportedly accepted a buyout offer from McClatchy at approximately $4.5 billion. The New York Times reported on its Web site Sunday that McClatchy will pay for Knight Ridder with about 60 percent cash and 40 percent in McClatchy stock. The Wall Street Journal said on its Web site that McClatchy was paying $67.50 a share. McClatchy officials wouldn't comment, and a Knight Ridder spokesman couldn't be reached for comment. But an announcement on the deal was expected today. On its face, the deal would quadruple McClatchy's revenue to more than $4 billion a year, make it the second-largest U.S. newspaper chain in terms of circulation and bring into the fold such prestigious papers as the Philadelphia Inquirer, San Jose Mercury News and Miami Herald. And? And... Conrad Fink, a newspaper management professor at the University of Georgia, said he wouldn't be surprised if McClatchy already has a plan in place to sell several Knight Ridder papers, including those in Philadelphia and St. Paul, Minn. Those are two of Knight Ridder's least profitable markets, according to a report last fall by the Morgan Stanley & Co. investment firm. And McClatchy might be forced by antitrust regulators to sell the St. Paul paper because it competes against the McClatchy-owned Star Tribune of Minneapolis. Anbody want to buy a second-fiddle business with relatively low profitability and sagging employee morale in an industry whose future prospects are uncertain at best? Start putting your pennies together now.
The sweetest word for a Catholic, especially during Lent, is "dispensation." And for local Catholics hankering for a hunk of corned beef on St. Patrick's Day this Friday, it has never sounded sweeter. A message from the Archbishop appeared today in my church bulletin:
I am aware that the feast of St. Patrick's Day. March 17th, falls on a Friday during Lent this year. Because of the traditional celebrations associated with this day, which in many cases are held at our parishes, I have decided to grant a general dispensation to all Catholics in the Archdiocese from the requirement of abstinence on that day. However, I encourage all to mark the day with some other form of special observance, such as prayer or almsgiving. Enjoy that corned beef at Keegan's Irish Pub this Friday my meat deprived Catholic brothers. Guilt free. Oh JB? That dispensation DOES NOT include an allowance for quaffing a pint or two on Friday by those who already have foresworn it for Lent. I checked with my priest just to make sure and he was adamant. Sorry man. Just think how good that Guinness is gonna taste on Easter. It's only what, twenty-eight more days? Saturday, March 11, 2006
On the NARN today, we asked for a parody song on the possibility of the Minneapolis Star Tribune taking over the Saint Paul Pioneer Press. Thanks to Paul, we got it:
(Sung to the tune of the "The Brady Bunch" theme) Here's the story, Of a liberal paper, Whose editorials made you want to hurl. They had biased columnists, Like Nick Coleman, Their freak flag was unfurled. Here's the story, Of a tiny daily, Part of a conglomerate that no one wants to own. They had a two men, With a fresh perspective, but the rest sucked the bone -. Till the one day that McClatchy bought Knight Ridder, and we knew they was much more than a hunch. That the truth, Would always be distorted. As Twin Cities papers became the liberal bunch, The liberal bunch- the liberal bunch They're partisan and that's not just a hunch.
Join us on the NARN today 11 AM , with me and Chad the Elder from this fine Internet site and John Hinderaker from Power Line discussing all the news that's fit to rehash including the demise of the ports deal, the possible sale of Knight Ridder and how it might impact the local newspaper scene, and the WaPo poll showing that Americans are taking an increasingly negative view of Islam (imagine that). Terry Keegan will provide a brief update on the upcoming St. Patrick's Day festivities at his pub as well.
At noon we'll be joined by the godfather of the modern blogging movement and the man singularly responsible for injecting the word "heh" into the popular Amrerican lexicon. Yes, it's Glenn Reynolds, the Instapundit. We'll be talking to Glenn about blogging and about his new book, An Army of Davids: How Markets and Technology Empower Ordinary People to Beat Big Media, Big Government, and Other Goliaths. Following that Mitch Berg, King Banaian, Captain Ed Morrisey taking the NARN helm from from 1 - 3 PM. It all starts at 11 AM central on AM1280 the Patriot, streaming on the web here. Phone calls will be taken at 651-289-4488. Don't you dare miss it! If you do miss the show, you can always pick up the Podcast here. Labels: NARN (06-07) Friday, March 10, 2006
Now that our brave protectors in Congress have acted to prevent some of our port terminals from falling under the control of nefarious foreigners, what will they do for an encore? Force all the foreign interests (including Chicoms) who already control US port terminals to give up their ownership? Not bloody likely.
Craig e-mails from Illinois to suggest that they look to the skies: I've been following the DPW ports issue pretty closely and I decided to do a little research today in order to put this whole thing in context. The most cogent argument put forth by those who oppose the DPW ports deal is that we should not turn over port management to companies who are based in, or owned by, foreign countries that have significant Islamist populations, because this would increase the likelihood that a native Islamist in the host country could infiltrate the company and carry out a terrorist attack on our home soil. While I sympathize with this line of reasoning, I don't think the threat is significant because DPW will be largely relegated to managing American fork-lift operators, whereas US federal and local authorities will be managing security. But, assuming the DPW opponents argument is valid, should we allow such questionable countries to operate 747's over our biggest cities? UAE, Turkey, Jordan and Kuwait currently fly jumbo-jets into JFK airport on a regular basis. In addition to JFK: * UAE, home of two of the 9/11 hijackers, flies Emirates Airlinesinto George Bush Airport in Houston. * Turkey, home to Abdullah Ocalan and a population that was found to be the the least friendly to Americans , hosts Turkish Airlines that flies into Los Angeles, Cleveland, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas and Miami. * Jordan, home to head-hacker-extraordinaire Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, is also the home of Royal Jordanian Airlines which flies into Chicago, Detroit, and San Francisco. * Kuwait, home of Terrorism Kuwaiti Style , and a Senior Kuwaiti Official who said Katrina is a soldier of Allah in the fight against American Imperialists, flies Kuwait Airways into Seattle, San Diego and Boston. Thus, if the DPW opponents are correct, and we can't trust these people to manage American fork-lift operators on our port docks, then we certainly shouldn't allow them to fly 747's within striking distance of our precious cities. However, I think this whole DPW flap has absolutely nothing to do with security and everything to do with politics. Nice work by Craig. While we're at it, let us not forget 1999 and Egypt Air Flight 990: The relief first officer's calm repetition of the phrase "I rely on God," beginning about 74 seconds before the airplane's dive began and continuing until just after the captain returned to the cockpit (about 14 seconds into the dive), without any call for help or other audible reaction of surprise or alarm from the relief first officer after the sudden dive is not consistent with the reaction that would be expected from a pilot who is encountering an unexpected or uncommanded flight condition. Sure now our ports are safe. But what about our skies? What about our skies? Labels: Terrorism
Cap'n Ed likes the Rick Moranis version of Alan Greenspan's pending autobiography. I prefer Christopher Buckley's take, which appears in the editorial pages of today's WSJ:
"First, the senators were always very deferential, and would call me 'Mr. Chairman' and agree with anything I said. They would plant metaphorical kisses on certain smooth portions of my anatomy, and I found this to be generally agreeable. Second, it was a chance to try out whatever new phrase I had devised to describe the general state of the economy, such as 'irrational exuberance' or 'continued growth.' Typically, I would come up with these chestnuts in the shower or while smoking a cigar after sexual intercourse. "On the ride up to the Hill, I would sometimes entertain fantasies about 'letting it all hang' out and saying, 'Senator, these fluctuations in the price of molybdenum on the Tokyo stock market frankly tighten my sphincter. We may well be standing on the brink of an abyss from which there is no returning. I would advise the government of the United States to make peace with God and prepare to die.'
If Muslims around the world can get all worked and start rioting and burning stuff just because a couple of cartoons depict their beloved prophet, I think that we conservatives are entitled to a little righteous indignation of our own over the latest radio ads from Augie's Sewer & Drain Cleaning playing on local station AM-1280 The Patriot. You know, the spot with a voice-over guy doing the worst impersonation of Ronald Reagan (peace be upon him) ever and desecrating one of his most memorable lines with the embarrassing alteration, "Mr. Gorbachev...call Augie's Sewer & Drain Cleaning today." I wince every time I hear it.
And yes, it's worse than the "Benjamin Franklin: The Punctual Plumber" spot, which ends with a cheesy rendition of the song "8675309 Jenny" (the company actually did secure rights to this phone number). Thursday, March 09, 2006
It was another busy week at the barricades of truth in newspaper reporting this week. And by busy, I mean from the constant parade of barbarians and vandals merrily marching on through the gates, as if there wasn't anyone watching at all.
I'm sure the layers of gatekeepers employed by the mainstream media caught something in the last week. But whatever they chose to occupy their time with simply didn't allow them to notice the following. Village Voice Senior Associate Editor Nick Sylvester (his title alone implies a minimum of three layers of oversight unto himself) brazenly taking real people and making up stories about them in his article about the dating scene in NYC. Didn't he learn anything from Jayson Blair? Early Wednesday morning, the Voice learned that the concluding section of this week's cover story, "Do You Wanna Kiss Me?" by senior associate editor Nick Sylvester, contained fabricated material. In that section, Sylvester says he met at a New York City bar with three TV writers who had flown in from L.A. to test their updates of pickup techniques from Neil Strauss's book, The Game. That scene, as Sylvester now acknowledges in the statement below, never happened. Oh well, I'm sure an essential truth was revealed in there somewhere. And I think it's that they have all the editorial oversight of The Nihilist in Golf Pants. Speaking of things never happening, despite what you may have heard last week, blond people are not about to go extinct. And the World Health Organization never did a study purporting the opposite conclusion. They state as much on their Web site. And back in 2002, the Washington Post did a report on this urban legend getting face value coverage in the mainstream press. But that was a mere 3.5 years ago, which is apparently not enough time for Pioneer Press news columnist Laura Billings to catch up with the story. Yes, she devoted an entire column to presenting this phantom study as fact, then flogging it with her wit and wisdom. The Amen Corner for a day, David Strom and the City Pages, have more on this story. We finish with a follow up to yesterday's item about Star Tribune's Kate Parry and her latest ode to her colleagues and her boss under the guise of doing a "reader's representative" column. Patrick from Blaine chose to engage her directly on it and was introduced to the kind of representation Star Tribune readers have come to expect: Hi Kate,I found your column in yesterday's paper to be rather strange coming from a "Reader's Rep" since it seemed to me to be an almost total defense of the paper you are meant to be critiquing, outside of your critique that the columnists not being well labeled on the website. Whether you consider yourself a social anthropologist or not, your general labeling of those who disagree with partisan columnists as a part of the "extreme" wing of either party is patently unfair, and you do your readers a disservice by framing your column around the Emory University study. For those who claim no "extreme" political affiliation that would read your column, I imagine they would be lead to believe that any criticism of the content of a column would be based purely on "getting a fix" and most likely would not include a legitimate reason for being upset. I don't wish for columnists to be fired just because I disagree with them, but I do expect the editors of your paper to do a better job of checking the facts of a column before sending it off to print, just in case the "story" they are trying to tell might be less than completely truthful. Maybe it's unreasonable to expect Editors to be looking over columnists shoulders, but in the aftermath of scandals that have arisen following Jayson Blair's fabrications, I would hope your paper is concerned enough about it's reputation and declining circulation to be willing to bruise a few egos. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and I hope to see more of a reader's view in future columns versus interviews with your Editor-in-Chief. The response, in summary, Patrick meet brick wall: Hello Patrick, Thanks for taking the time to write with your thoughts on this. I'm sorry you didn't agree with the column, but I don't write them expecting everyone will agree. I appreciate it when readers engage in some debate on the column, as you have. I do write columns that examine readers' complaints and also columns in which I'm quite critical of the Star Tribune on behalf of readers. But I also do columns intended to give readers a window on why the newspaper does what it does. I've had enough readers write in complaining about the metro columnists that I figured it was time to give them an explanation about why those columnists exist. I don't have any problem with readers who write in arguing forcefully about something the columnists have said, about the issues raised. My column was aimed at readers who keep writing in suggesting we fire columnists with whom they don't agree. That seems pretty counterproductive to me. Kate Parry Reader's Representative I believe there is a perfect correlation between having a monopoly and having your customer service representatives reply to an intelligent, polite critique by saying "I'm sorry you feel that way." Undaunted, Patrick wrote back, but never got a second reply. We, like Kate Parry, will give him the final word: Hi Kate, Thanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate your position and agree that it is counterproductive to demand the firing of columnists unless they have engaged in some sort of very deliberate deception. Whether or not that required a sweeping generalization of political partisans in general (which from your response doesn't sound like your intent, but I believe it could be fairly inferred from the content of the column.) as "the extremes" is still unfair. Also, perhaps my assumption of a Reader's Rep or Public Editor's job might not be correct, but my thought on the position is that it's primary, if not only, goal should be to hold the paper accountable for it's actions and mistakes, not to provide cover for it when some readers go overboard in their rhetoric. We can respectfully disagree on this point, but I wanted to let you know how I felt about it anyway. Thanks again for your response and best wishes.
It's a comic Two-Fer Thursday at the Nihilist in Golf Pants.
It's Hard Out Here for the Rich: In my eyes I done seen some crazy thangs on Wall Street Got couple bankas workin on the loans for me But I gotta keep my game tight like Gates on earnings night Like takin from brokaz don't know better, I know that ain't right Done seen people bankrupt, done seen people lose deals Done seen people live with no personal chef for meals And the Top 11 Signs That Scott Johnson Is The Most Manly Member Of Powerline: 11. Instead of blogging in pajamas, wears boxers and a wife beater 10. Sports by far the most manly glasses of the trio 09. Reads entire copy of Claremont Review of Books in one sitting Eight more for you to enjoy over at NIGP.
Along with many of my fellow conservatives, I have not been especially thrilled with the actions of the Republicans who currently control Congress. There is a laundry list of issues on which the stances of GOP members in "The People's House" as well as "The World's Greatest Deliberative Body" have proved disappointing. But, as this excerpt from a MoveOn.org e-mail titled "What Winning Would Mean" shows, things could be a hell of a lot worse:
Last week Debra from New York City e-mailed and asked me to write more about the difference between Republican control and Democratic control of Congress. I thought for a day or so and decided that the best way to describe this was by talking about the people who will lead when Democrats win control of the House. Taking just the House of Representatives, here is a small slice of who will be leading: * Nancy Pelosi--a progressive--becomes Speaker of the House of Representatives. * John Murtha--a veteran and anti-war champion--would become chair of the House subcommittee on defense appropriations. He would be in charge of the budget for the war in Iraq. * John Conyers--who forced a national debate on the Downing Street Memos--would be chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. * Henry Waxman would be chairman of the Government Reform committee--he has a bulls-eye on war profiteers like Halliburton. * Barney Frank--who has led efforts to rein in out-of-control CEO pay--would be in charge of the Financial Services Committee. * David Obey--who led opposition to the Republican budget--would be chair of the House Appropriations committee--protecting Medicaid, food stamps, veteran's benefits, student loans and more. * Charles Rangel--who predicted the Medicare debacle--would be chair of the House Ways and Means committee--protecting Social Security. * George Miller--a big advocate for working people--would be chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and could bring a vote to raise the minimum wage. That is just a sample--six of these eight are either members or founders of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Put aside for a minute any disappointment you might have in the Democrats overall--these leaders are what we'll get if we win in November. They are champions on issues we all care about. Be afraid, be very afraid. Labels: Politics-National
My wife and I have a morning ritual of watching Fox and Friends whilst I peruse the WSJ and she makes my breakfast and coffee.
But, when I adjourn to the shower, she often breaks my strict household rule of No Katie Couric None Of The Time and willfully flips over to the Today show in brazen defiance of my authority. This usually causes me to chatise her (to no avail, she's part German) but today she ran across Katie's interview with Sir Benjamin Slade, a rich English bloke who is giving away his estate to anyone with Slade blood who meets a few simple criteria: they have to be American because he (rightfully) thinks they work harder, they have to have dough because it costs a lot to keep up the $13m estate, they can't be gay because he wants heirs to inherit it some day and most importantly, according to his comments today they cannot be "Left-wing democrats" because--well, I think the because is self-evident. So we here at Fraters would like to raise a big glass of Sierra Mist (sigh) to Sir Benjamin Slade of Somerset England. Salud!
While the hysterical storm over the DPW deal continues to rage and members of the House Appropriations Committee scurry for political cover like rabbits, the WSJ calmly examines the issue of foreign ownership of US ports:
Amid the political firestorm surrounding Dubai Ports World, one fact is often lost -- foreign companies already manage most of the terminals at American ports, the result of a longtime dominance of global shipping lines that often run the facilities that handle their cargoes. Today, more than 60% of the container terminals at the nation's 10 busiest ports are at least partly managed by foreign operators, and in some cases, companies controlled by foreign governments. That figure rises to 80% at the biggest ports -- Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland in California and New York/New Jersey, which together handle half of all containers that pass through U.S. ports. "I don't think Americans have any realization of the global nature of the maritime industry," says Peter Shaef, managing director of New York-based AMA Capital Partners LLC, a merchant bank focusing on the transportation industry. I would add that I don't think many Americans have any realization about the global nature of business in general, the opposition to the ports deal being the latest example of this wide-spread ignorance. Large ports often have multiple terminals operated by multiple companies. In Los Angeles, for instance, there are terminals managed by companies from China, Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and Denmark. Of the eight terminals in Oakland, four are managed by foreign companies, two by U.S.-foreign joint operations and just two are purely American. Even though opponents of the DP World deal have focused on national security issues, security -- such as the inspection of containers -- is conducted by federal enforcement agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection no matter who operates the terminal. That last point simply can't be repeated enough. One of the constant refrains from opponents of the deal is that they would prefer to have American firms manage the port terminals. In a perfect economic world so would I. Unfortunately, that ship has already sailed. In the 1970s and 1980s, U.S. flag shipping lines, carrying high labor costs and tax and regulatory burdens, faced increasingly tough competition from foreign companies, which employed low-cost Asian crews and operated under flags of convenience from countries with more relaxed regulatory and tax policies. Over time, several American companies were bought by foreign owners. In 1997, APL was bought by Singapore's NOL. In 1999, CSX Corp. sold Sea-Land to AP Moller-Maersk, the Copenhagen-based operator of the largest container-shipping network in the world. The American divestment was driven partly by economics in an industry where margins are historically low. "It's not a particularly profitable business," said Neil Davidson, research director for Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd. in London. "There are a hundred other things [where] American investors can put their money to better use and more profitable use." So after driving US companies out of the business by taxes and over-regulation, we're now going to look to the same government to mandate that only US firms be allowed to manage our ports? Yeah, that's gonna work out just grand. Why don't we just have the Department of Homeland Security manage our port terminals in addition to the 37,809 other duties that they already perform so effectively? And the new high def plasma TV that you're waiting for? It's going to cost twice as much and take three times as long to get here. But hey, at least we'll be safer, right? Right? The only Americans who will be safer if the DP ports deal is nixed are politicians in Washington worried about the 2006 election. They're playing on nativist fears and claiming that this is about national security. In reality, it's really more about the security of their own seats of power. Term limits, anyone? Update-- Dubai Port Company to Divest Itself of American Holdings: The United Arab Emirates company that was attempting to take over management operations at six U.S. ports announced today that it will divest itself of all American interests. The announcement appears to head off a major confrontation that was brewing between Congress and the Bush administration over the controversial deal. Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) announced on the Senate floor shortly before 2 p.m. that Dubai Ports World would "transfer fully the operations of U.S. ports to a U.S. entity." Warner, who had been trying to broker a compromise on the issue, said DP World would divest itself of U.S. interests "in an orderly fashion" so as not to suffer "economic loss." Whew. I feel safer already. Labels: Economics Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Just over a year ago, media mogul Robert F.X. Sillerman forked out over $100 million dollars to acquire control of the trademark rights to Elvis Presley's name, likeness and image. Since the purchase, very little has changed with regard to The King or his image. To paraphrase a very wise man: Elvis is still everywhere.
Now, via the New York Times, there's talk of Sillerman's company (CKX, Inc.) opening a new Elvis themed show and exhibit on the Las Vegas strip, and possibly a hotel and casino. It's about time, you all say? Not so fast, hound dogs: Some people in Las Vegas may be less than thrilled with CKX's plans. For decades, Elvis Presley Enterprises has allowed impersonators to use Elvis's name and likeness free, because they considered it good marketing, but CKX may not follow suit.Could this really be the end of part-time Elvises?! Not if I have anything to say about it! I'm packing up my gold lame suit, TCB necklaces and my outrageously large gold tinted sunglasses, loading a grocery bag full of grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches and hopping on the next plane to Vegas where I'll be chaining myself to the bronze statue of the King in the lobby of the Las Vegas Hilton until Mr. Sillerman promises to leave our nation's hard working Elvii alone!!! I just hope I beat The Nihilist to the punch.
Losing to Canada? In Baseball?!?!?
PHOENIX -- Less than 24 hours after nearly falling to an unheralded South Africa team, Canada made some serious waves in the World Baseball Classic's Pool B by beating Team USA, 8-6, on Wednesday afternoon at Chase Field. Sounds like the kind of thing that would have happened in Jimmy Carter's America. Labels: Baseball
Ever wonder what it's like to taze yourself? this guy found out:
I'm pretty sure Jessie Ventura ran in through the side door, picked me up in the recliner, and then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and over and over again. I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire, my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position, and tingling in my legs. The cat was standing over me making meowing sounds I had never heard before, licking my face, undoubtedly thinking to herself, "Do it again, do it again!" Also, hilarious video of a drunk guy getting tazered multiple times by the fuzz here.
Last night, Atomizer and I shuffled down to Rochester and, for a larf, cut off the cable connection leading into JB's abode.
Elder: Yes, by cutting off cable TV, I can ensure an honest Lent's work out of this low-life. Atomizer: Sir, did you ever stop to think that [closes car trunk] maybe it was doing this that caused the previous Fraters contributors to go insane and murder their families? Elder: Hmm...perhaps. Tell you what: we come back and everyone's slaughtered, I owe you a Coke. Later that night: JB: [changing channels, seeing snow] Hmm...Cable's out. [switch scene to kitchen] Think I'll have a beer. [opens fridge] Hmm...Not a drop in the house. Oh yeah, I gave that up for Lent. What do you know. To be continued...
In an upset, the Academy of Journalistic Arts and Sciences overlooks perennial nominee and Star Tribune "Reader Representative" Kate Parry, despite this recent performance:
"Our columnists are very capable, dedicated reporters. They occasionally make errors, but they're minor, not at the core of the column. Considering the battleground they're working in, their work stands up to tremendous scrutiny," [Anders not Jake] Gyllenhaal said. This year, quoting your boss gushing about the quality of the newspaper's product under the guise of representing the readers wasn't enough to win. Instead, the award goes to dark horse candidate Chris Serres of the Star Tribune. He gets the nod for this paragraph in a news article about his employer (Star tribune parent company McClatchy) potentially buying the parent company of the Pioneer Press (Knight Ridder): Though McClatchy might seem like a long shot -- last year, its revenue was a little more than one-third of Knight Ridder's -- analysts say the Sacramento, Calif.-based newspaper company has several factors working in its favor. The company has relatively little debt, a strong management team and a solid reputation of producing high-quality journalism. No evidence was provided for that conclusion. But if you don't believe it, just refer for the Reader's Representative column for all the proof you need. We congratulate the winners. And if they ever do make a movie of the process of writing and editing that article, I can think of no more appropriate male leads than a reunion of Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Yesterday, Chris described how the New York Times was going to raise the specter of a Wal-Mart/blogger conspiracy in a post at On the BorderLine:
Apparently, the NY Times is doing a counter attack on behalf of the unions I spoke about in my prior post earlier today. They are going to try and discredit bloggers who are supporting Wal-Mart. What I find extremely interesting, is that the exact same tactic used by this reporter is the tactic that he will be attacking in tomorrows NY Times article. This is extremely hypocritical. This is why I rarely read the NY Times. They are going to attack people for the exact same things that is a part of their business practice. The Times would have you believe that they never get any tips or leads from anyone. They would also like you to believe there is no political motive for their stories either. The story, called Wal-Mart Enlists Bloggers in P.R. Campaign appeared in today's paper: Under assault as never before, Wal-Mart is increasingly looking beyond the mainstream media and working directly with bloggers, feeding them exclusive nuggets of news, suggesting topics for postings and even inviting them to visit its corporate headquarters. But the strategy raises questions about what bloggers, who pride themselves on independence, should disclose to readers. Wal-Mart, the nation's largest private employer, has been forthright with bloggers about the origins of its communications, and the company and its public relations firm, Edelman, say they do not compensate the bloggers. What's that old saying about the pot and kettle? More at Instapundit. JB ADDS: I've been carrying WalMart's water for years now with glowing praise of their great stores and company and they've never given me a dang thing. Looks like they've been holdin' out on ol' JB! I'm starting to feel more and more pro-union all the time...
Raising Boys That Feminists Will Hate contains some good advice for anyone with boys that need to be raised into men.
Parent, if you have a young son and you want him to grow up to be a man, then you need to keep him away from pop culture, public school and a lot of Nancy Boy churches. If metrosexual pop culture, feminized public schools and the effeminate branches of evanjellycalism lay their sissy hands on him, you can kiss his masculinity good-bye-because they will morph him into a dandy. I couldn't have said it better myself. Get it right, mom and dad--you are rowing against the flotsam and jetsam of Sally River. I hope you have a sturdy ideological paddle and some serious forearms, because postmodernism is determined to keep your boy and his testosterone at bay. Yes, they will attempt at every turn to either drill it or drug it out of him. Heed this advice, or, stick to your little myth that because you fancy yourself a little smarter than the average bear that by sheer force of will and personality (and organized sports) you can keep him from being wussified by the public schools and a sick pop culture. Good luck with all that.  Good-bye, Kirby Puckett: As Bert Blyleven said on a broadcast a couple years ago, "If you don't love Kirby Puckett, you don't love life." That is the thing with Kirby Puckett, you just love him. Genuinely, truly love, like a friend, a family member. And Bert was more right than he knew, because something about Kirby showed you how to love life. Kirby was joy, personified, and his joy infected everyone around him. We are all happier people for having had the privilege of having him play for our team, having had the privilege of knowing him. Thanks for the memories Kirby. R.I.P. Update: I've been reading a lot of tributes to Puckett that mention Game Six of the '91 Series or the '87 Series and that amazing weekend he had in Milwaukee. While those are certainly events that no Twins fan will ever forget, what I recall most fondly about Puckett the baseball player aren't his heroics in specific games or at bats, but rather his overall approach to hitting. He was a helluva hitter. In his first game as a Twin he got four hits and never looked back. Early in his career he was apt to lie down a bunt and beat out a single or stretch a double into a triple (13 three baggers in 1985). Within a few years, he was hitting with power, drilling 31 dingers in 1986 and 28 in 1987 and approaching 100 RBIs both years. In '88 he had an incredible year, batting .356 with 21 home runs and 121 RBIs. Later in his career, the power wasn't as evident, but the average always was. He only hit under .300 four times in his career and in three of those years he was within .004 of the mark. Whether it was a bunt single, a drive into the left field bleachers, or his patented astroturf bounce infield single, Puckett was always looking to hit. The beauty of his hitting style was its simplicity. In post-game interviews, he would often be asked about a specific at bat, whether he was looking for a particular pitch, trying to pull the ball, etc. More often than not his response was something along the lines of "I just went up there hackin'." And what a hacker he was. He didn't care where the ball was thrown, he was gonna try to hit it. And hit it he did. Happy hackin' Kirby. Update II: Henry e-mails to add: Good blog 'bout Kirby. But in my opinion, it was his defense that set him apart. True, he was a spectacular hitter, (arguably one of the best right-handed hitters of baseball history). Average, power, speed, smarts, he had it all. But his range in centerfield and rocket arm were what I loved about him the most. Cans of corn were caught with two hands. A gapper was sure to be cut off and fired into the infield. A runner always hesitated taking an extra bag because he knew Kirby could gun him down. Solid and steady. Offense wins games, defense wins championships. A football cliché that works perfectly for the '87 and '91 Twins. Gagne, Gaetti, Hrbek, Puckett. Four tremendous defensive players that carried Minnesota to the top. He will be missed. Monday, March 06, 2006
If you live in Minnesota and haven't been living under a rock of late, you should already be aware that the 2006 Precinct Caucuses will be held tomorrow night. The fun starts at 7pm and usually lasts for a couple of hours. You can find out what precinct you live in and where you will be meeting here.
Anyone at all interested in getting involved in politics at a grassroots level should attend their precinct caucus. It gives you a chance to meet your neighbors who share similar political views and provides an opportunity to have a real impact on the direction your party takes. If you so desire, it also is the easiest way to get involved in party politics at a much deeper level. I attended my first caucus in 1998. Since then I've been a delegate or alternative at every congressional district and state party convention that's been held. I've been a BPOU chair and still serve on the executive committee of my senate district. Just because I showed up. Finally, I'd like to throw out a challenge to all the conservatives out there who love to whine about how the GOP has abandoned them, but never want to get off their duffs and do something about it. You want the Republican Party to be more conservative? Show up at your caucus and make your voice heard. Instead of complaining, do something constructive. It's true that the ship ain't gonna turned in one election cycle. Or maybe even two. But if you don't start trying to change course at some point, the party's never going to end up heading in the direction that you want. The time is now. The place is your precinct caucus. Show up.
I ripped through Robert Ferrigno's novel, Prayers for the Assassin on my recent trip. It was a fast-paced, intriguing, and fun read. Before starting the book, I was a little doubtful that I would be able to adequately suspend my disbelief to enjoy it. The idea of an "Islamic States of America" in 2040 seemed just a little too far fetched, even for a work in the futurist/thriller genre.
But only ten pages in, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my nagging voice of skeptical disbelief had receded into the background. Sure, there were times when it reappeared for short bursts. After all, this is not exactly the most sophisticated look at a possible future. There is no doubt that Ferrigno did a great deal of research on Islamic culture, mores, and laws. But you get the impression that he's often going for the obvious reference and sometimes tries too hard to squeeze them in at ever possible opportunity. Subtlety, thy name is not Ferrigno. But then neither it is Crichton and I rather enjoy his writing, despite his need to hammer you over the head, again and again, with whatever message he happens to be delivering. In fact, I can say with some confidence that if you enjoy Crichton, you'll very likely enjoy "Prayers of the Assassin." While not all may consider that high praise, in my eyes it's a solid recommendation for this type of work. Labels: Books Sunday, March 05, 2006
No sooner do I return from a weeklong business trip to the Netherlands than I learn that Hugh Hewitt is once again taking a vacation. For a man who likes to portray himself as a tireless defender of freedom, liberty, and all things American (especially the apple pie), he seems to embrace a work schedule that is positively European in nature. His dedication to showing up at the office doesn't exactly conjure up images of Cal Ripken. An iron man he is not.
Anyway be sure to tune in this week to the
As JB sweats and swears his way through Day Five without booze, we thought that it would be a good time for the rest of here at Fraters Libertas to demonstrate our support for his cause. And so we've prepared a message that we think will help steady JB's nerves and strengthen his will:
Hang, in there baby!
Youtube.com is an amazing internet resouce. Dang near any video footage you're interested in is available for your viewing pleasure.
Being a big fan of a good hockey fight, I came across the following doozies. 1987 Team Canada Vs. USSR World Junior Hockey brawl At one point they attempt to turn the lights off in the arena to no avail. The refs even leave the ice. The only ugly moment is when the crowd starts chanting "WE WANT HOCKEY WE WANT HOCKEY!" A classic here--Ottawa and Philly. Called the biggest brawl of all time, it starts with Donald Brashear and Rob Ray mixing it up and both goaltenders join the fun. Order is unfortunately restored, but things heat up again. Again, order is restored and again they go at it. This goes on for some time. Great stuff. There's plenty more so check them out. When researching this post, I also came across a hilarious interview with former NHL'er Al Secord--a man much hated for years by the North Star faithful during the golden years of Minnesota professional hockey (circa 1970-1991). Some excerpts I think my first NHL fight was against Curt Bennett, but I am not sure. I remember, then I hit Anders Hedberg of the Rangers over the boards and he came and used his stick at me. Well, he skated away so I went to the Rangers bench and tried to challenge them, but to no avail. After the period Hedberg came up to me and started to whine about something, so I punched him. John Davidson came to his rescue and soon we had a small brawl. Players were wondering "what's going on?", since they didn't see me punching Hedberg. Then Terry O'Reilly was hit by a spectator and O'Reilly went to the stands with Stan Jonathan. They catched the guy who had hit O'Reilly, but there were three brothers with their father and they all attacked our guys. While they had their own fight going, one guy tried to escape and was running up the stairs but Peter McNab caught him and pulled him down, right between the benches. I went and pummeled the guy while Mike Milbury was beating the guy with his own shoe. Seven Bruins-players were sued and one million dollars was asked from every one of us as a compensation. Later on, the case folded somehow." Secord puts the whole fighting thing in perspective here: We hockey players take great pride about our professionalism, it's a job to us. What happens on the ice, stays there. I have an ok relationship with him, and we hold no grudge to each other. I know, it might seem hard to understand to someone who doesn't watch hockey. It must be odd seeing two guys wanting to kill each other on the rink and later on the same night having a beer together and laughing and exchanging stories." Read it all as they say on Powerline. UPDATE: This one is excellent too. Shows Jerome Iginla's serious fighting skills and includes an incredibly cheap shot at Mike Vernon. Watch. Saturday, March 04, 2006
The voting is underway at Radio Blogger:
Voting is now open for the Crosley Solo. The polls will close at Midnight on Sunday night. Which of these five best represents Chad the Elder celebrating National Pancake Day? I kinda like the black and white look myself.
As always, the NARN kicks off at 11 AM with me and Chad the Elder from this fine Internet site and John Hinderaker from Power Line discussing all the news that's fit to rehash. But with the fresh perspective of hindsight and relentless second guessing. Ah yes, the advantages of end of the week broadcasting.
At noon we'll be joined by Washington Post film critic Stephen Hunter. We'll discuss his new book American Gunfight: The Plot to Kill Harry Truman. And we'll also avial ourselves of Stephen's professional expertise and discuss the brutal year in films that was 2005 and preview the Oscars (otherwise known as American Hatchet Attack: The Plot to Kill Attendance at Movie Theaters). Following that Mitch Berg, King Banaian, Captain Ed Morrisey from 1 - 3 PM. It all starts at 11 AM central on AM1280 the Patriot, streaming on the web here. And this is a listener friendly format, anyone wanting to sound off can call 651-289-4488. Don't you dare miss it! Labels: NARN (06-07) Friday, March 03, 2006
Just for the record, let me be clear that I am 100% behind JB's effort to abstain from sweet sweet booze during Lent. It's not a pledge that I plan on taking myself--I will be making my own Lenten sacrifices of course, the specifics of will remain privy between me and the Big Guy--but I do respect JB's noble attempt.
That's why I plan to do everything within my power to support him in this cause. I'm there for you man. And I know that sometimes when you can't experience something firsthand, the next best thing is to live it through the eyes of another. So, in the interests of helping my fellow man through a difficult patch, I present my recent imbibing schedule. Live vicariously my brother, live vicariously. Wednesday - Pre-dinner drink: One glass of Oban 14 year old single malt Scotch - During dinner drinks: three beers; a coupla De Konincks and one Brand - Post-dinner: One glass of Armagnac brandy Thursday - Pre-dinner drink: One glass of Genever (old) - Dinner: One glass of Wieckse Witte - Post-dinner drinks at bar: One Amstel Bock and one Duvel Friday - Pre-lunch drink on flight home: One Dewars Scotch - Lunch drink: One bottle (small) of red wine - Dinner drink: One glass of red wine - Post-dinner Gopher hockey watching drinks: One White Hawk Select IPA, one Summit Extra Pale Ale, and one glass Isle of Jura 16 year old single malt Scotch (thanks King) I was drinking over there so JB didn't have to drink over here. Just doing my part for the cause.
Normally something like this (page down to see the horror) would leave me crying like a school girl, my arms open to the heaven's asking WHY OH LORD? WHY?
But with my new found sobriety, I just smile and move along. This not being a drunk thing is paying off in ways I never imagined. Labels: Drinking Thursday, March 02, 2006
So the Strib is not happy with PL's supposed "Tiptoe-ing" around the snoozing bears controversy in Wisconsin.
Disgusting. Read all about it here.
Our son has recently celebrated his seven-month birthday. No cake but plenty of rice cereal and pureed peas (mmmm...pureed peas). Now that he's reached that significant milestone, I figure it won't be long before he'll be ready to go out and support himself. Kids grow up in such rapid fashion these days that it's never too early to start thinking about career planning.
And thinking I've been. Here's my current list of acceptable and non-acceptable career choices for the boy: Acceptable--pro hockey player, cop, rocket scientist, economics professor, priest, jazz musician, orchestra conductor, architect, science professor, Pope, film director, cowboy, General, brew-master, chef, distiller, pro soccer player (as long as he doesn't play for Everton), pilot, monk, historian Non-acceptable--Olympic ice dancer, lawyer, talk radio host, law professor, imam, music critic, band roadie, city planner, humanities professor, porn star, sitcom writer, gay sheep herder, dirty hippie, social worker, stripper, standup comedian, humorist, flight attendant, UN bureaucrat, promotions director for a radio station, circus clown, U.S. Senator
I spent my first night boozeless last night. My usual ritual (pre-Lent) when I come home from work is the following:
1. Greet wife 2. Inspect housework wife was assigned for the day to make sure it was done to standards (what was Reagan's old adage "Inspect what you expect" "Trust but verify"? It's along those lines...) 3. Ask wife what's for dinner and then make craggly face if answer is unsatisfactory 4. Go to booze cabinet and pick out an appropriate after-work relaxant. For a while now I've been on a bourbon kick, so it's usually about 4 fingers of Jim Beam Black and a couple of ice cubes. Sets the appetite wonderfully 5. Turn off television (you know how women love their Oprah) and turn on stereo system. Brian Setzer's live album goes perfectly with a cocktail 6. Peruse local paper, often stopping to swear and curse leftist drivel I run across 7. Eat dinner, often with a glass of wine. Which then often leads to another So, as you can see, booze was an integral part of my daily life. At first I was somewhat out-of-sorts when I came home and tried to relax with a glass of water and I was hoping going boozeless would tame my anger at the leftist drivel but it wasn't to be. But after a while though I started to chill even without the hootch. American Idol was watched, guitar was played, loving jokes were made with wife--the night went fine. But remember, this is Night One of many, many to follow. I wonder if I feel this way at Day Twenty. Stay tuned!
Glitter's trial begins:
The trial of former British rocker Gary Glitter has opened on charges that he molested two underage Vietnamese girls at his seaside rental home in southern Vietnam. The former glam rocker has been accused of committing obscene acts, including kissing, fondling and other physical acts, with a 10-year-old and 11-year-old at his residence in the southern port city of Vung Tau last year. He has denied the allegations. He faces three to seven years in prison if convicted. Glitter, 61, whose real name is Paul Francis Gadd, wore black pants, shirt and cap as police escorted him through a scrum of reporters this morning into the yellow concrete courthouse in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. Glitter held up two fingers in a victory sign and said only one word: "Innocent". Ba na na na... Hey! Ba na na. Ba na na na... Hey! Ba na na. Ba na na na... Hey! Ba na na...
From the annals of Mitch Berg's comment section, an observation on the reward promised by JB if we go off the sauce for Lent ("Think of how good that Easter martini will taste after 6 weeks of teetotalling!"):
Is the 'Easter martini' a tradition I don't know about? I love it! What is the toast before drinking? "To the Third Day & empty tombs. Bottom's up!" Or perhaps, "In fulfillment of the scriptures, salut!" I had this vision of the Easter bunny hiding mixed cocktails throughout the yard . . . Wednesday, March 01, 2006
No.
JB ADDS: Atomizer, I forgot that Lent applies only to Catholics. ATOMIZER SEZ: Actually, JB, Lent is a Christian observance...and, I have my own little plan of penance for the season which will be undertaken, like all worthwhile activities, with a drink in my hand. JB's BIG TRAP REPLIES: I should have clarified again. The real Christian religion. Kidding folks! Settle down...*makes nothing-more-to-see-here-Irish-cop gesture*
When considering the Lenten season requirments for abstincence and fasting, I thought of all pleasures in life that would actually cause me suffering by their deprivation, and thus fulfill the intendend spirit of the excercise. Because it's not only for the rememberane of Christ's suffering that we do this. It is also to discipline our own desires, to undestand that we have mastery of our bodies, so when temptations of the flesh strike in the future, we will know, from experience, we are strong enough to resist them. As noted theologian Cosmo Kramer once said: "I like depriving myself, it's fun! Very monastic."
So, in order for it to work properly, what you give up has to really hit you where you live. As JB mentioned, booze is on that list. And so were the other basic needs of a right wing conservative: red meat, reading blogs, and listening to talk radio. But, for those considering giving up the latter, it may not be as painful as you think. Every day, more and more podcasts are cropping up on the Internet that are as good or better than anything happening on the radio. The latest ones I've been enjoying include John Derbyshire from NRO. The Patriot Insider with Yost, Westover, and Campion (and the linked one includes Minnesota AG Mike Hatch). And The Instapundit and his wife. The latter, who turns out to be Dr. Helen, the psychologist blogger carrying the debate on "Why Mommy Is A Democrat?" from the other day. And her drawl is as pleasing and as languidly Southern as her picture implies). My lastest discover is this effort from a British comedian some may have heard of, by the name of RICKY GERVAIS! Yes, the comedic genius behind the BBC version of The Office has been doing half hour shows hosted by the Guardian in London, link here. This may not be news to you, considering the Guiness Book of World Records has recognized the Ricky Gervais show as the most downloaded podcast in history, at nearly 3 million downloads, but it is news to me. Ricky Gervais mostly plays the straight man here, lobbing loaded straght lines to a guy named Karl Pilkington, who gets all the punch lines, as it were. It's kind of like a Bob & Ray routine, except funny. And the biggest laughs are from listening to Gervais maniacally laugh at Karl, whom he called, in an NYT article, both "the funniest man in Britain" and "that little bald-headed Manic idiot." More insight into the dynamic of this relationship, from a Q & A about the show: Q: I have noticed that you seem to choose your friends based on their consenting nature towards you "bullying" them. Any reason for this? RG: I give you the same answer that I've given others: because I like it. I like bullying Karl because he's got a perfectly round head. I challenge anyone to keep their hands to themselves with that sort of temptation. And this: Q: Karl Pilkington is clearly funnier than you and Merchant combined. Have you hidden him away because you see him as a threat? RG: The thing is that Stephen and I see ourselves as like Anthony Hopkins in the Elephant Man film. We want to take him to the Royal College of Surgeons, show them what he's like. Maybe stick on some electrodes, open him up. They could do what they do with chimps, teach him rudimentary skills with rewards. I want the world to see Karl. 12 episodes of the Ricky Gervais Show ran for free, only the last 4 are still available online. And listen to those while you can folks, as they plan to violate the prime directive of Internet entertainment by charging for new episodes next week. On the bright side, this would make giving up the Ricky Gervais show for Lent a far easier proposition.
Today is Ash Wednesday, the day Catholics have to give up something of value for 40 days and nights in rememberance of what The Lord did up on that tree.
In past years I've given up beer. Other times wine. I just never thought that I could make the commitment to giving up all booze--I mean, that would be crazy talk right? Well this year JB is giving up booze. All of it. My steady companion since I can't even remember will have to wait a few weeks while I do my time. This is especially hard this week since "My" band is opening for an act on Friday and we are being paid in free drinks... So with this in mind, I would like to challenge the rest of the Fraters gang to follow JB's lead and give up the hooch this Lent. Yes, Atomizer that includes you. Think of how good that Easter martini will taste after 6 weeks of teetotalling! Please be considerate if we tend to write more rants during this time or just seem plain ornery. Thank you for your understanding.
Laura heps us to the return of a potent potable that can steal your breath:
A 17th-CENTURY firewater, more than two spoonfuls of which was said to be enough to kill a grown man, is to be revived by a whisky distillery in Scotland. A single drop of the old drink of "usquebaugh-baul" was described by the travel writer Martin Martin in 1695 as powerful enough to affect "all members of the body". He added: "Two spoonfuls of this last liquor is a sufficient dose; if any man should exceed this, it would presently stop his breath, and endanger his life." Twelve barrels of the world's most alcoholic whisky, or enough to wipe out a medium-size army, was to be produced when the Bruichladdich distillery revived the ancient tradition of quadruple-distilling overnight. With an alcohol content of 92 per cent, the drink may not be the most delicate single malt ever produced but it is by far and away the world's strongest. Malt whisky usually has an alcohol content of between 40per cent and 63.5per cent. The US Secret Service admitted in 2003 that it had been monitoring the distillery because the difference between distilling a fine whisky and making chemical weapons was "just a small tweak". It's such a fine line between stupid and clever.
Geez, a guy leaves the country for a couple of days and the long knives come out in force. I recall the good old days when needling stopped at the water's edge.
My time here in The Netherlands has been rather interesting. I've been doing some research at the Het Nationaal Archief and have uncovered disturbing evidence of a hidden lifestyle of the self-proclaimed "Voice of Reason in the West." You may recall that in August 2004, I was in Amsterdam to report on the city's annual floating Pride! Parade (R.T. Rybak's kind of parade). I missed last year's festivities, but, as this picture clearly shows, a notable talk radio host was on hand to hawk his book and share his "morning glory" with the world.  Those of you inclined to doubt the authenticity of the photograph would do well to trust your instincts. Go with your gut. Or go with his gut. If the waistbands fit, he's the kind of guy Ennis wishes he could quit. Another interesting development on this front is the story of "Lily" McBeth: To students at Eagleswood Elementary School, she used to be Mr. McBeth. Now, after undergoing a sex change, 71-year-old Lily McBeth is ready to return to teaching as Miss McBeth. Some of us have suspected that this "Mary Katherine Ham" character blogging at Hugh's site is really just an alter-ego used by Mr. Hewitt as an outlet for his more feminine side. If you take a close look at the picture of Lily(Lily, oh Lily), you'll notice a striking resemblance to the silver-haired shock jock. It's a man, baby! And oh what a man. [Thanks to Derek, Andy, and Richard for the help.] Labels: Ralphie
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