Thursday, January 31, 2008
The day Social Security officially began?
Seems like it to me...
Ida May Fuller was the first beneficiary of recurring monthly Social Security payments. Miss Fuller (known as Aunt Ida to her friends and family) was born on September 6, 1874 on a farm outside of Ludlow, Vermont. She attended school in Rutland, Vermont where one of her classmates was Calvin Coolidge. In 1905, after working as a school teacher, she became a legal secretary. One of the partners in the firm, John G. Sargent, would later become Attorney General in the Coolidge Administration.To me, that is America at its very best...
Ida May never married and had no children. She lived alone most of her life, but spent eight years near the end of her life living with her niece, Hazel Perkins, and her family in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Miss Fuller filed her retirement claim on November 4, 1939, having worked under Social Security for a little short of three years. While running an errand she dropped by the Rutland Social Security office to ask about possible benefits. She would later observe: "It wasn't that I expected anything, mind you, but I knew I'd been paying for something called Social Security and I wanted to ask the people in Rutland about it."
Her claim was taken by Claims Clerk, Elizabeth Corcoran Burke, and transmitted to the Claims Division in Washington, D.C. for adjudication. The case was adjudicated and reviewed and sent to the Treasury Department for payment in January 1940. The claims were grouped in batches of 1,000 and a Certification List for each batch was sent to Treasury. Miss Fuller's claim was the first one on the first Certification List and so the first Social Security check, check number 00-000-001, was issued to Ida May Fuller in the amount of $22.54 and dated January 31, 1940.
I didn't appreciate them at the time...
...but the Phillies' old uniforms were pretty sweet-looking...
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
If Edwards is Going to Endorse, He Needs to Do It Soon
Staying silent only helps her, to help him he needs to endorse before the Sunday talk shows to have some impact on Super Tuesday. Even though the national numbers are tightening quickly, Obama must show well on 2/5 or he is toast. I would hate to see that. If Obama ran against McCain I could at least know that I respected each candidate, what ever the policy disagreements may be.
Obama is trying hard for that endorsement:
- John Edwards has spent a lifetime fighting to give voice to the voiceless and hope to the struggling, even when it wasn’t popular to do or covered in the news. At a time when our politics is too focused on who’s up and who’s down, he made a nation focus again on who matters – the New Orleans child without a home, the West Virginia miner without a job, the families who live in that other America that is not seen or heard or talked about by our leaders in Washington. John and Elizabeth Edwards have always believed deeply that we can change this – that two Americas can become one, and that our country can rally around this common purpose. So while his campaign may end today, the cause of their lives endures for all of us who still believe that we can achieve that dream of one America.
When These Guys Are Unhappy...
- ...the prospect that one of the Republican contenders they deemed to be “not conservative” might be nominated. As Mike Huckabee won Iowa, John McCain took South Carolina and Fred Thompson bestirred himself to draft a note withdrawing from the race, the fretting has intensified. How could the voters reject their advice?
- There are a few explanations the dismayed conservative punditocracy might use to explain their apparent disconnect with Republican voters.
....I'm happy.
The Strategy That Failed For Rudy, Worked for Dave Wottle
What a finish. l watched this little historical gem as it happened on my parents 10.5 inch B/W Sony. So...were you alive in '72? (for those unfamiliar with the Wottle legend, watch the dude in the white golf cap hanging back early)
5 days early, I've got your MVP right here...
In recognition of a stunning performance in which she went a whopping 11 HOURS between feedings, I hereby anoint my daughter, Fiona, as the MVP of Twin Bowl I.
It was a performance that was downright Rip Van Winkle-ean in it's snoozativity.
Very impressive, little lady!
P.S. On the topic of the Super Bowl, check out this hilarious analysis of the worst one in history, Super Bowl XXIX...
Edwards Out - Advantage to Obama or Clinton?
I cannot help but think that Edwards' exit before Super Tuesday helps Obama more than Clinton, though I cannot gauge how much. Edwards supporters are some of the more progressive Democrats and those folks tend to dislike Hillary. I still think she will gain a large delegate lead next Tuesday and will all but ensure the nomination. Hope I'm wrong. Your thoughts?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Wanna see something hilarious?
Look at this summary of Rudy Giuliani's performance through the first six Republican presidential primaries and caucuses.
"America's Mayor" has yet to crack 10% in any nominating contest, and has only 2 more delegates than I do at this point!
I can't believe I was actually concerned about him getting the GOP nomination...
Agree or disagree?
If you only knew John Goodman from his work in Coen brothers' movies, you would think he was one of America's finest living actors.
Discuss...
Monday, January 28, 2008
If you could only listen to music made in one decade...
...which decade would you choose?
For the sheer variety of great tunes across many genres, I'd have to go with the 1980's. There's just too much great stuff I'd miss.
How about you?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
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Saturday, January 26, 2008
Cowboy Fans Have to Love Dan Snyder
At least I do. Snyder hired Gibbs to get his ass off the hot seat for screwing up the one of the marquis franchises in the NFL. At first he overpaid for aging "stars" with empty tanks - Bruce Smith, Deion Sanders, etc. Then he changed coaches and micromanaged for a few years. It resulted in him having to go to Gibbs to keep him afloat. Gibbs did what he could, but it was obvious that Snyder was floored by Gibbs decision to leave, but not as obvious as the relief and glee Gibbs felt in escaping. Snyder is a rich, know-it-all brat who just happens to own a football team. His unwillingness to back his talk of "continuity" by giving the players' choice, Greg Williams, a shot proves it all.
- In spurning Williams, perhaps Snyder was scared he might be turning the reins over to the second coming of Marty Schottenheimer. Maybe he could not get the vision of Williams's very high opinion of himself those first two years in Washington out of his skull. Maybe Williams talked himself out of the job. Maybe, in explaining how he would lead differently in team meetings, it came across as a knock on the way Gibbs structurally went about keeping the Redskins a cohesive unit. While Williams believed he was making a strong case for his own unique abilities, the people on the receiving end of those words hear blasphemy. Remember, Gibbs can do no wrong in their eyes.
Political Temper Tantrums Have Economic Consequences
Just ask Oklahoma.
- A final portion of the law goes into effect July 1, requiring private companies to verify the employment eligibility of all new hires.
- The law's fallout also can be seen in struggling businesses, worker shortages and widespread fear among immigrants who say they are afraid to drive to church or the market because police might pick them up.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Why Hillary is a dope for trying to look "tough" on Iraq...
Because for all her triangulating and talking about "reasonable withdrawal", she still can expect nothing but a chorus of this bullshit should she get the nomination...
Senator John McCain launched into a pointed critique of his Senate colleague Hillary Rodham Clinton today, saying that "for the first time in political history" a presidential candidate has called for outright surrender in a war.Memo to Hillary: The Republicans don't give a shit if you're talking about immediate withdrawal or not. To them, you're a communist-Nazi-feminist-freak, and still would be even if you nuked Tehran on your first day as President.
"Candidate Clinton has called for surrender and waving the white flag," he said during an appearance in West Palm Beach. "I think it’s terrible. I think it’s terrible."
Stop trying to avoid their scorn by taking positions similar to theirs on the war. They won't be voting for you, anyway...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
I love it when a song I've never heard makes me smile...
What a great friggin' song by a guy who probably never got the acclaim he deserved.
I don't have a link to the song itself, but check out these lyrics.
"Dirty Little Religion" by Warren Zevon
I like to think I've earned my reputation
For rushing in where angels fear to tread
I'll take you home to meet the congregation
We'll all get together in my tent
I make a dirty little religion out of lovin'
I'll make a dirty little convert out of you
I make a dirty little religion out of lovin'
I'll make a dirty little convert out of you
They treat you like a red-headed stepchild
And try to keep you nailed to the floor
Join us for the countdown to the Rapture
We never turned a sinner from our door
I make a dirty little religion out of lovin'
I'll make a dirty little convert out of you
I make a dirty little religion out of lovin'
It's a dirty little religion, hallelujah
Dirty little acolyte
Dirty little one
Learn the fundamentals of desire
Can I get a witness
To my testament?
Can I get an amen from the choir?
I like to think I've earned my reputation
For trying to take the bull by the horns
I'll show you where I get my inspiration
Where we plow and where we plant the corn
I make a dirty little religion out of lovin'
I'll make a dirty little convert out of you
I make a dirty little religion out of lovin'
It's a dirty little religion, hallelujah
Dirty little acolyte
Dirty little one
You'll learn the fundamentals of desire
Can I get a witness
To my testament?
Can I get an amen from the choir?
House Republicans scattering like roaches...
Pretty soon, they'll all be gone...
Rep. Jim Walsh (R-N.Y.) is planning to announce his retirement soon, according to a Republican source.A beautiful thing to see, especially when you consider the following:
Walsh’s retirement would give Democrats a pick-up opportunity in upstate New York, where they made gains in 2006. Walsh, a moderate Republican in his 10th term, would have faced a tough challenge in November from Dan Maffei (D), a self-employed business owner who lost to Walsh by less than 2 percentage points in 2006.
Walsh will be the 21st House Republican incumbent to leave the House this cycle, according to the Cook Political report.UPDATE: Make that 22 elephants stampeding toward the exit sign. Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL) is sick of life in the minority as well...
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Just How Expensive Will This Useless Political (and Bipartisan) Symbolism Be?
Personally, I am against any stimulus package.
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, are taking the lead in Capitol Hill negotiations, with the centerpiece of the measure expected to be a tax rebate similar to, but bigger than, the $300-$600 checks sent out in the summer of 2001.
Oh, and don't expect this magical economic tonic to arrive soon:
- Peter Orszag, director of the Congressional Budget Office, said today that the earliest such checks could be mailed out in mid May or June.
Note to America: You were lied into a war in Iraq...Do you care?
Or is this just the way things are supposed to work in the most powerful nation on the planet?
A study by two nonprofit journalism organizations found that President Bush and top administration officials issued hundreds of false statements about the national security threat from Iraq in the two years following the 2001 terrorist attacks.Close to 4000 U.S. troops are dead because of this campaign of bullshit.
The study concluded that the statements "were part of an orchestrated campaign that effectively galvanized public opinion and, in the process, led the nation to war under decidedly false pretenses."
The study was posted Tuesday on the Web site of the Center for Public Integrity, which worked with the Fund for Independence in Journalism.
Do you care???
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
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Sunday, January 20, 2008
AFC Champion San Diego Chargers...
Just wanted to go on the record before kickoff as saying I predicted this win. I'll say 27-20 Bolts. The wind will negatively impact the Patriots passing game, the Chargers will have a field day against the Patriots old and struggling defense, and the young and fast Chargers defense will give New England fits all day. I'll take the Packers in the other game although the NFL will likely want Chargers-Giants for the whole Manning-Chargers rivalry from the 2004 draft.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
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Friday, January 18, 2008
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Rudy: I was stronger than everybody on 9/11!
Although his "jump the shark" moment came a long time ago, when he claimed to be one of the 9/11 first responders, Rudy has finally hit the absolute nadir of opportunistic political narcissism.
This time around, Rudy has incorporated actual 9/11 footage into a political ad in which he claims, among other things, the following:
"When the world wavered, and history hesitated, Rudy never did."The implosion of Rudy's presidential campaign provides desperately-needed proof that even in our horribly broken political system, some standards of decency and humility still exist, as scarce as they may be...
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Chris Matthews = Somebody's creepy uncle
Or so it seems. This is one sexually frustrated dude.
I can only imagine how he acts at the MSNBC Christmas party once he's got a few wobbly pops in his belly....
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Bush gives Saudis $20 BILLION in weapons...
Giving weapons to a nation with a long track record of human rights violations and a history of fomenting terrorism seems like the perfect way to bring about peace in the Middle East!The Bush administration said Monday it notified Congress of plans to sell $20 billion in sophisticated arms to Saudi Arabia. The deal includes the proposed sale of 900 "joint direct attack munitions" worth close to $120 million, said U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.
Hypocrisy, thy name is Dubya...
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
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Huckabee: "...amend the Constitution so it's in God's standards..."
Apparently, he thinks the framers of the Constitution were a bunch of godless, amoral heretics whose work needs to be improved in God's eyes.
Here's the full quote in all it's fundamentalist glory...
"[Some of my opponents] do not want to change the Constitution, but I believe it's a lot easier to change the constitution than it would be to change the word of the living God, and that's what we need to do is to amend the Constitution so it's in God's standards rather than try to change God's standards," Huckabee said, referring to the need for a constitutional human life amendment and an amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.Can someone tell me how this mindset differs from the Islamic clergy who seek to bring Iran's government closer to their God's standards?
Oh, that roaring Bush economy...
Bush and the Republican goon squad pinned the last recession on Bill Clinton.
Who will they blame for the next recession, the one that will probably start before Bush's second term is over?
Wholesale inflation last year shot up by the largest amount in 26 years while retailers suffered their worst December shopping season in five years as mounting economic woes caused consumers to put away their wallets.
The Labor Department reported that wholesale inflation was up 6.3 percent for all of 2007, reflecting a huge increase for the year in various types of energy costs ranging from gasoline to home heating oil.
Meanwhile, retail sales fell by 0.4 percent in December, the worst showing in six months, the Commerce Department reported. Consumer confidence has plunged, reflecting the worsening housing slump and a lingering credit crisis.
Monday, January 14, 2008
"Tears Of An Ass-Clown"
Now that T.O's season is over, he'll need to find ways to kill time until next season. For my part, I've got a great movie recommendation for him...
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Greatest Upset in NFL History?...and other playoff thoughts
Show of hands...how many people thought the Chargers had a chance against the Colts today? Keep them up there...now of the ones raising their hands, how many still would think that if I told you Ladainian Tomlinson would miss most of the final three quarters with injury and Philip Rivers would miss the fourth quarter with injury and it would be up to Billy Volek to lead a fourth-quarter comeback in one of the NFL’s toughest places to win?
If your hand is still raised you either are likely a Chargers fan or really, really know something the rest of us don’t.
Those of you that know me, know that I can’t stand the rash of what I call instant historianism. However, I think in this case it applies that when I say the Chargers beating the Colts 28-24 in the RCA Dome today ranks as the NFL’s greatest playoff upset ever.
A lot of people point to the Jets over the Colts in Super Bowl III but I think that was more of a perception that the NFL was superior to the AFL when in reality the gap had dramatically closed. Today was a case of a vastly undermanned team beating a defending world champion with a prolific offense and the league’s top-rated defense. Think about it...the Colts were 13-3 and in their three losses they dominated 51 minutes in the first, were a Adam Vinatieri chip shot field goal away from winning the second and would have won the third if it meant something and they played their regular starters.
The Colts were that close to being 16-0 and yet were taken down by a team that lost its top two offensive players and had a third somehow playing on a dislocated toe. They did it with the referees seemingly in the Colts pocket the entire game (i.e. phantom hold on Cromartie’s interception return, a phantom pass interference call after the Chargers had taken a 21-17 lead...) And they did it with what was basically a JV offense.
It was a reminder of what makes sports great. No matter what the circumstances you just never know who will win...
INVISIBLE MAN: Did Marvin Harrison play in the second half? I saw him on the sidelines a few time but really even when he was on the field you can’t tell whether he’s playing or not when it comes to the playoffs. The bottom line is once the postseason hits Harrison disappears into thin air. His latest disappearing act involved him catching a whopping two passes for 27 yards, one which he fumbled away when the Colts were getting ready to score again. His fumble might have been the game’s biggest play as it changed the complexion of everything.
But was anyone really surprised? This guy is a perennial zero when the games mean the most. In 15 playoff games he’s topped 100 yards just once and has just one game in which he caught a touchdown. He had two in that game and one was because the Broncos didn’t realize that when a receiver catches a pass and falls down they have to touch him before he is ruled down. They didn’t and he ran into the end zone.
The biggest joke I’ve ever heard is when a few no-nothing about football goofs in the media actually tried comparing Harrison to Jerry Rice, the greatest receiver in NFL history. Rice was at his best in the playoffs. He had eight 100-yard games, including three in the super bowl. He also caught at least one touchdown pass in 14 different playoff games. He has playoff records and super bowl records, in addition to all the main regular-season ones. This guy’s worst...WORST super bowl with the Niners was 7 catches for 148 yards and three touchdowns. And while Harrison missed an absurd amount of time this year with a bruised knee, Rice caught 10 passes for 149 yards and three touchdowns against the Chargers in Super Bowl 29 after separating his shoulder in the first quarter...and Harrison missed almost as much time with a bruised knee as Rice did with a torn ACL in 1997. That was the year Rice made it back late in the season after tearing it in the season opener. The truly great ones do their best playing when the games matter the most. Harrison does his best in the regular season–always has always does. To those that have compared him to Rice please buy a clue.
MR. COMMERCIAL: Make no mistake Peyton Manning is a great quarterback and a future Hall of Famer. He had a good game today too and is not the main reason the Colts lost. But what has always bothered me about Manning is his inability to be great in the playoffs. Granted, he put that in my face against the Patriots last year in the AFC championship but if you look at his four playoff games last year he played below par from he did in the regular season–something he has done throughout his career. He threw more interceptions than touchdowns and had almost as many interceptions in the playoffs as he had thrown in 16 regular-season games. He also had both of the Colts turnovers in the super bowl in which he still somehow won the MVP. Today he threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns but he also had two costly interceptions inside the red zone. Granted the one to Keith could have been caught but it was a high throw that Keith had to leap for. He also didn’t get the job done on the last two drives (although he made a great pass to Wayne on the final drive that was knocked loose by a great hit).
As you all know I always put Peyton under a microscope, but I’m just saying that for as wonderful as the media makes him out to be he is not at his best in the playoffs. He’s no Harrison but he makes a lot of mistakes in the playoffs that he doesn’t make in the regular season. The guy is great and he’s probably one of the top 10 quarterbacks ever, but I’ll take Brady, Montana, Bradshaw, Johnny U, Bart Starr and Otto Graham and clutch performers like them any day of the week if I had one game to win and could choose any quarterback from any era.
At least you have more time to make commercials now, Peyton, that get less and less funny year after year.
Friday, January 11, 2008
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The Doofus In Chief Strikes Again
I am not embarrassed by my President's positions that a different from mine. That is to be expected. But I am embarrassed for him, by him, and for my country when he goes abroad and says really stupid things. Really stupid. While campaigning for mid-east peace, this brilliant visionary says:
- "You know," he said, "women are now very active in the Kuwaiti parliament."
- AFP cites a front-page editorial in today's Kuwaiti Al-Rai newspaper saying, "Mr President, the region needs smart initiatives not smart bombs." Just in case Bush gets confused, as he did about women in parliament, Kuwait's foreign minister has a trip of his own planned for next week. His destination: Tehran.
Much like the original, Bush's "Gulf of Tonkin" turns out to be a trumped-up hoax...
The "incident" in the Strait of Hormuz was a complete and total non-event, but it didn't stop Bush from calling it "provocative".
Oh, and the Republican presidential candidates, who are looking to continue his aggressive (and stupid) international policy are more than happy to use it as a basis for idle threats against Iran...
Fox News: Fair and Balanced...and RIGGED!
Their super-serious post-debate focus groups are stocked with actors!
How exactly is this still considered a news organization?
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Orwell Chuckles Knowingly
Orwell envisioned Big Brother. Big Bro is here (read the Patriot Act), but it's often not because Big Bro is intruding on our private lives, its because people are stupid. Really stupid. If you are underage, don't put pics of yourself chugging beer online. If you are a mayor of town, do not post pics of yourself on FaceBook or MySpace showing yourself in lingerie. The former shows illegal behavior, however common, and the latter shows a considerable lack of judgment. Big Brother doesn't have to invade our privacy....there are many willing to shed it altogether for notoriety.
How do you not love this guy?
Bill Richardson bows out gracefully, in spite of being the best-qualified candidate in either party. Here's his statement...
It is with great pride, understanding and acceptance that I am ending my campaign for President of the United States.The guy is all class, as was evidenced throughout the campaign.
When I entered the campaign, it was clear that we, as Democrats, had the most talented field of candidates in my lifetime running to change the direction of our country. And in the end, one of them will.
Despite overwhelming financial and political odds, I am proud of the campaign we waged and the influence we had on the issues that matter most to the future of this country. A year ago, we were the only major campaign calling for the removal of all of our troops within a year's time from Iraq. We were the only campaign calling for a complete reform of education in this country, including the scrapping of No Child Left Behind. And we were the campaign with the most aggressive clean energy plan and the most ambitious standards for reducing global warming. Now, all of the remaining candidates have come to our point of view.
I am honored to have shared the stage with each of these Democrats. And I am enormously grateful to all of my supporters who chose to stand with me despite so many other candidates of accomplishment and potential.
Now I am returning to a job that I love, serving a state that I cherish and doing the work of the people I was elected to serve. As I have always said, I am the luckiest man I know. I am married to my college sweetheart. I live in a place called the Land of Enchantment. I have the best job in the world. And I just got to run for president of the United States.
It doesn't get any better than that.
Here's hoping the eventual Democratic nominee has the foresight to add him to the ticket...
I'll probably regret telling you people this...
...but I friggin'love this song and I'm perfectly OK with that...
"4 In The Morning" by Gwen Stefani
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
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Once again, turnout tells the story for the Democrats...
In taking 2nd place, Democrat Barack Obama got about 103,000 votes, while Republican John McCain's 1st place finish netted him roughly 87,000 votes.
That's a difference of 16,000 votes, about 3.15% of all votes cast in both primaries.
The conclusion? Democrats and independents again came out in record numbers to vote in the Democratic primary.
November is looking even brighter today!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Cough 'em Up
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal magistrate ordered the White House on Tuesday to reveal whether copies of possibly millions of missing e-mails are stored on computer backup tapes.
The order by U.S. Magistrate Judge John Facciola comes amid an effort by the White House to scuttle two lawsuits that could force the Executive Office of the President to recover any e-mail that has disappeared from computer servers where electronic documents are automatically archived.
The order by U.S. Magistrate Judge John Facciola comes amid an effort by the White House to scuttle two lawsuits that could force the Executive Office of the President to recover any e-mail that has disappeared from computer servers where electronic documents are automatically archived.
Two federal laws require the White House to preserve all records including e-mail.
Facciola gave the White House five business days to report whether computer backup tapes contain e-mails written between 2003 and 2005.
These guys are at least consistent. They get to operate with impunity and scream "national security" whenever they please and everyone else should just shut up and sit down. At least this federal magistrate is not sitting down or shutting up. Bravo.
Stupid Frenchies and their demonic socialized medicine...
How dare they do a better job preventing deaths than us...
France best, U.S. worst in preventable deathsBastards...
France, Japan and Australia rated best and the United States worst in new rankings focusing on preventable deaths due to treatable conditions in 19 leading industrialized nations, researchers said on Tuesday.
If the U.S. health care system performed as well as those of those top three countries, there would be 101,000 fewer deaths in the United States per year, according to researchers writing in the journal Health Affairs.
3 months in...
...and these kids just keep getting cuter and cuter...
...oh, and they sleep longer, too!!!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
I'm Not Drinking Any F*****g Merlot!
A gentleman asked a waiter to take a bottle of Merlot over to an attractive woman. The waiter took the Merlot to the woman and said, "This is from the gentleman seated over there," indicating the sender. She regarded the wine coolly for a second, not looking at the man, and decided to send a reply note to the man. The waiter, who was lingering for a response, took the note from her and conveyed it to the gentleman. The note read:
"For me to accept this bottle, you need to have a Mercedes in your garage, a million dollars in the bank, and 7 inches in your pants."
After reading the note, the man decided to compose one of his own in return. He folded the note, handed it to the waiter and instructed him to return this to the woman. It read:
"For your information, I have a Ferrari Maranello, a BMW Z8, a Mercedes CL600, and a Porsche Turbo in my garage. There is over twenty million dollars in my bank account. But, not even for a woman as beautiful as you would I cut three inches off. Just send the bottle back...
Friday, January 4, 2008
Iowa turnout bodes VERY well for Democrats...
A bit of perspective from last night:
--Hillary Clinton took 3rd place in the Iowa caucus with 29% of the vote, which equates to roughly 67,000 votes.
--Mike Huckabee WON the Republican primary with 34% of the vote, roughly 36,000 votes.
So the Democrats' 3rd place finisher nearly doubled the vote total of the GOP's 1st place winner, thanks to record-breaking turnout.
You tell me which party is more motivated for November...
(Great info from Americablog...)
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Why do Iowa and New Hampshire get so much power?
These are two states whose populations look almost nothing like the United States as a whole.
Consider these figures:
Iowa: 94% White
New Hampshire: 96% White
United States: 74% White
Why can't all states have their primaries on the same day, just like a general election?
Is glad-handing people in a diner really a valid qualification for becoming the most powerful person in the world?
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Outdoor hockey rules...
The Penguins and Sabres put on a great show yesterday, playing a game outdoors in the Buffalo Bills' home stadium.
As if the idea of an outdoor hockey wasn't cool enough, both teams wore awesome throwback unis, and Mother Nature even chipped in with a nice dusting of snow.
Check out some sights...
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
PLAYOFF PICKS CONTEST!!!
Okay, I feel bad that I came up with the regular-season picks contest and then forgot to pick games almost every week after the start. Maybe I can make it up with a playoff run here. Here's the drill. Pick the playoffs to unfold how you think they will. We'll go something like 2 points for each wild card winner you get, four points for each second-round winner you get, eight points for each conference champion you get and 16 points for getting the world champion right.
Before I make my picks let me quickly bash ESPN who as usual, are at their instant historian best. Less than an hour after the Patriots beat the Giants Saturday the very first question the anchor asked his panel..."Are the Patriots the best team ever?" Wonderful. They have not won anything yet and they are asking if they're the best ever. Last time I checked going 16-0 does not make you world champions so it's kind of stupid to ask that question when the playoffs have not even started. But the more stupid, the more ESPN seems to like it. This is the same network that airs Skip Bayless daily and that in 2005, had a mock tournament, featuring USC against some of the greatest college football teams ever. Nevermind that this tournament started before USC even played in the national championship...the same championship it lost to Texas. ESPN never learns. Anyway, here are my picks and (because I have nothing better to do) my reasoning for picking each team.
AFC Wildcards
Jaguars 24, Steelers 21...I'm tempted to pick the Steelers because of their experience and the home-field advantage but Jacksonville is just playing so well right now. Love how Garrard doesn't have to just manage the game anymore but can win the game for the Jags.
Chargers 20, Titans 17...This is assuming Vince Young plays. Very, very tempted to pick Tennessee because San Diego has a way of going belly-up in the postseason. This is going to be what Jim Ross would call a slobberknocker. My head says Chargers find a way in the end but my heart is saying Tennessee is going to pound that offense into the dirt. Guess I'll go with my head.
NFC Wildcards
Giants 19, Buccaneers 17: Not a big fan of the Bucs who played in a crappy division and struggled against many of the good teams they played. Not a big fan of Eli Manning in a big game either but he actually played decent against the Eagles in last year's wild card. Bottom line is I think the Giants are just an all-around better team. I think Joey Galloway is the key for the Bucs. If the Giants neautralize him I think they'll prevail.
Redskins 27, Seahawks 17: Washington is one of the scariest teams to play right now. The Redskins are playing well in all facets and Seattle is another team that feasted on a terrible division. The Seahawks are battle-tested, though, but I think Washington is simply better. The thing is, not only is Washington hot, but they probably should be a lot better than 9-7. Look at all the close games they lost this season. Clock management and poor decision-making probably cost them at least two games so I look at this team and see what potentially could have been an 11 or 12-win team and that gives me the confidence to make this pick.
AFC Divisionals
Colts 34, Chargers 17...The Colts were a Vinatieri chip shot from beating this team in Week 10 on a night when Peyton Manning threw six interceptions and the Colts played without Harrison, Clark, Tony Ugoh and other key players. Now the Colts are healthy and at home and I think they rough up the Chargers who can't keep pace with that explosive offense.
Patriots 27, Jaguars 20...this is a scary, scary matchup for the Patriots who have had trouble stopping the run at times. Jacksonville's got a tough defense too that can give any team problems but I'll go with the Patriots to find a way.
NFC Divisionals
Packers 31, Giants 20...That terrible Chicago game sticks out in my mind but I think that was a mirage. The Packers roughed up the Giants in Week 2 without a running game. I think Ryan Grant makes all the difference in the world to the Packers and makes them that much tougher to beat. I think this is the game where Eli struggles and Favre goes to the title game for the first time since 1997.
Cowboys 23, Redskins 21...And this is the game where Tony Romo shows that he is a true clutch performer as he takes the Cowboys on a last-second field goal drive and ends the Redskins Cinderella run. I think T.O. makes it back for this game and makes a big impact. I think you throw away the last game these guys played since Dallas had everything clinched but the first time they played was a tussle and I expect the same this time.
AFC Championship
Colts 27, Patriots 21...As I've been saying all year I hope, I hope, I hope I'm wrong here. But people might think I'm crazy for saying this but I think the Colts are a better team than the Patriots. Think about it. Look how close the Colts were to being 15-0 going into the Titans game (which they win if they play their starters the whole time). They handled the Patriots for 51 minutes and led 20-10 without Harrison before the Patriots rally for a 24-20 win. Then I already mentioned the Chargers game and how close they were to winning that. If the Colts make a defensive stop at the end of the Patriots game and Vinatieri makes that chip-shot against the Chargers they are undefeated. And it's not like the Patriots have been destroying teams lately. In the second half of they year they had to rally four times in the fourth quarter to win and another victory was an ugly 20-10 decision against the lowly Jets. Also, Roosevelt Colvin, who had a great game against the Colts the first time is done for the year and now Harrison is back as is Ugoh...I think home-field actually could hurt the Patriots if the weather is bad. The Colts running game is more suited to bad conditions and even on a dry field I much prefer Addai to Maroney. I love Brady and the Patriots passing game but it's basically a push when you have Manning and Wayne, Harrison, Clark, Addai out of the backfield...on the other side. Defensively, the Colts might be the league's quickest and best defense. They fly to the ball and can make life miserable any team. The Patriots have a good defense but it's also aging and can wear down against a high-powered team like the Colts. These are the reasons I don't understand why everybody thinks the Patriots are so far ahead of everyone else. I hope they are right, but I don't see it. And I don't see them beating the Colts...but I hope I'm wrong.
NFC Championship
Packers 30, Cowboys 24...I think the NFL gets the hollywood type ending it wants with Favre here as he finally wins in Dallas. Packers didn't have KGB or Woodson last time they played and I think that's a huge difference maker. I think if the Packers slow Barber the secondary will not give up the big plays it did the first time these teams played. I think Ryan Grant takes pressure off Favre who plays it safer than in the first meeting and makes the big plays down the stretch to record the upset.
Super Bowl XLII
Colts 34, Packers 24...Just think the Colts have too much for a NFC team to deal with. I think the Packers and Cowboys look capable of competing and maybe beating the Colts on paper but I think there's a big gap between the AFC and NFC and it will show in this game. Please let me be wrong and have the Colts lose in the second round!
Mike Huckabee: Yet another dinsingenuous Republican douchebag...
This is absolutely the phoniest "change of heart" I've ever seen, especially coming from a guy who purports to be God's chosen presidential candidate...
A staged event may have exposed presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee as a traditional politician rather than a self-described populist whose appeal has propelled him to the top of Iowa's polls.Romney, Giuliani, Thompson, Huckabee and McCain: A veritable Murderer's Row of GOP phoniness...
On Monday, three days before Iowa holds the first state nominating contest for the November 2008 election, the 52-year-old Huckabee told a packed news conference he had decided at the last minute not to run a scathing TV commercial countering rival Mitt Romney's attacks on his record.
Then Huckabee proceeded to show reporters the commercial, which ensured that TV cable and network news channels would broadcast parts of it for free.
And the winner is...
Murali!!!
Here are the final standings for The Donnybrook NFL Pick 'em Challenge...
Murali 9.533 average per week...
Kreese 9.357
Gumby 9.3123
Talley 9.167
Douglas 8.81
Brian 8.8
john 8.786
Also, big kudos to Gumby for being the only guy to enter a pick set every single week!
