The Bitterest Pill

Rowed To Nowhere

2005-09-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

As you are well aware, I am always impressed by a clever play on words.

This is clever.

DeLaysional

2005-09-14T12:11:00.000-07:00

Huh?

Mr. DeLay, with all due respect, are you serious?

Charles Points The Finger

2005-09-09T09:49:00.000-07:00

Charles Krauthammer on Katrina: Game, Set, Match.

Succinct and absolutely spot on.

Come On

2005-08-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

Is it me or is there something amusing about Viagra presenting MLB's Comeback Player of the Year Award?

I know Rolaids tried to link the Fireman Relief Award for closers to their tablets (Rolaids puts out the "fires" of indigestion), but this one...

There's A Draft In Here

2005-08-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

This editorial strikes me as just plain odd.

Key graphs:

If the war in Iraq is worth fighting - if it's a noble venture, as the hawks insist it is - then it's worth fighting with the children of the privileged classes. They should be added to the combat mix. If it's not worth their blood, then we should bring the other troops home.

If Mr. Bush's war in Iraq is worth dying for, then the children of the privileged should be doing some of the dying.

I suspect that Mr. Herbert's contention is that only the "underprivileged" are the ones dying in the Iraq war and that if more rich parents had an actual stake in this endeavor there'd be more outcry to bring Americans home.

I have a couple of questions: if rich kids were dying in this war would anti-war activists actually support the war? This smacks of the fools who claim that since the UN did not authorize US forces in Iraq that the war is "illegal," as if those who use this claim would actually get behind the war if it had the blessing of the UN.

Why doesn't Mr. Herbert just come out and say he's for a draft that allows for no US citizen who is eligible to opt out? Didn't Charlie Rangel try this ploy already?

We could certainly have a discussion about whether this country is doing enough to win this thing, but I find those who demand the President send his daughters to Iraq are not only insincere, but are advocating the reinstatement of the draft. Do they really want to push this line of thinking to prove their point? Be careful what you wish for ye voices of the downtrodden...

Master Of The Obvious - Part 213 - "Iowahawk Is Funny"

2005-07-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

C'mon you fair-minded folk; this is good.
(Kudos: LGF)

Scotty Beamed To The Final Frontier

2005-07-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

James Doohan (Montgomery Scott) R.I.P.

Judging Roberts

2005-07-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

As I said with the compromise on appellete court judges, anytime both sides hate something, it's probably good for the rest of us.

In John Roberts case, reports are Ann Coulter and MoveOn.org oppose the nomination.

Sounds like a good choice then, doesn't it?

Update: This choice is another reason why I supported the compromise; it's to see what the Democrats will do. The onus is on the Dems to make the case that a nominee is SO bad that they do not deserve an up or down vote. I don't expect that will be the case with Roberts. As I understand it, only Kennedy, Schumer and Durbin opposed his previous nomination and I don't suspect they can sell this guy as Scalia reincarnated. My prediction is the Dems will make him uncomfortable, but barring some porn tape or other skeleton, he'll sail through.

On The Ledge

2005-07-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

So after seeing this and the lack of any recent additions to my Pill, I am seriously considering a restart of the blog. I prefer my own space and I'd rather avoid confusion. That and Mr. Klass' following is larger than mine. I take pride in knowing it looks like I had the name first, but alas...

So I may be in the market for some new blog names. Here's a short list of the ones I'm kicking around:

instapendit
lilaks
powerlane
little green footbells
dailykus
huffingtonpust

Perhaps a fresh start is the thing to do. I know too little about website creation at this point to go that route, but Hell there's always the chance I can learn.

I'll let you know if I leap and leave the new locale if it happens.

Sober Thoughts From Vodka Pundit

2005-06-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

A cogent refutation of the latest round of "exit-strategy" blather.

Pretend You're Happy When You're Blue

2005-06-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

Don't these people have real meetings to attend?

The more I think the Democratic Party has slid as far as it can go, it just keeps on sliding.

Truly pathetic.

Update: The New York Times gives a less jaded account.

Update: Conyers is really mad at Milbank for belittling this event. As always, enjoy the comments--especially the Boxer/Conyers '08 effort! (Kudos: The Corner)

Ayatollah Rafspicoli

2005-06-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

This is good.
(Kudos: Andrew Sullivan)

The Scariest Six Word Sentence I've Ever Heard

2005-06-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

It opens this post.

Not sure which is scarier: that the sentence could be true or that she thinks it is...

Robby GORDO

2005-05-29T08:56:00.000-07:00

I'm sure Robby Gordon is going to be taking his lumps for comments he made regarding Danica Patrick, and I intend to pile on.

Robby, if you think she is getting an unfair advantage because she weighs less, then the onus isn't on her to gain weight, the onus is on YOU to lose it, knucklehead. If the cars weigh the same, then the rest is up to you. Be as light or as heavy as you want, but face the consequences. To my knowledge, cyclists in the Tour de France don't make such complaints.

A Lamp Without a Bulb

2005-05-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

Jim Lampley is one of America's better sports commentators and he has great hair. Recently, "Lamps" has been posting at the Pufnstuf and has been lamenting the fact that the media is completely ignoring the biggest story of our lives.

I'm not sure whether I think this is funny, stupid or both?

Mr. Lampley, with all due respect, I want to let you in on a little secret.

Come closer.....here it comes....

YOU....ARE....A....MEMBER....OF....THE............MEDIA.

There, I've said it. I know this is something that's hard to believe Jim, but I'm confused. Why do I know you're a member of the media and you don't? Why do you think you were given the opportunity to write what you think on the Huffington Post--random lottery?

Let me help you out.

I am fairly certain you've received paychecks from a number of companies including such organizations as the American Broadcasting Company, National Broadcasting Company, Columbia Broadcasting System and Home Box Office. I haven't seen paystubs so I could be wrong, but if you have received checks from these companies please know that they are in the media business. Additionally, years ago, when I listened to sports radio, I heard you guest host on the Jim Rome show. I don't know if you cashed a check there or not, but also know that talk radio is another media business.

When you are getting ready to do commentary for a boxing match that you do so well, certain people will give you a special pass that allows you access to a ringside seat so you can see the boxing match up close and report on it. The pass they give you usually has the words, "media" or "press" on it.

The guy you're looking at with the funny machine on his shoulder is what they call a camera man. The pictures he is capturing of you and Larry Merchant or whoever are beamed all over the world. I daresay, the only reason people know who you are is because you are a member of the......you guessed it-media.

Now that we have that straight, I'll stop insulting everyone's intelligence.

You sir, are a member of the media. Sports media to be specific, but media nonetheless. Would you have me believe that in all the time you've been a member of the media you've never met a news reporter? Are you telling me that if you called a any newspaper in the country and told them who you were and that you had proof of presidential election fraud, that no one would take your call? I don't.

If we assume that you do know other reporters--you know NEWS reporters--I can only assume that you've shared your devastating findings of a stolen election with them and they are in the process of investigating this story. I know another former member of the sports media entertained the notion of a stolen election.

If you want the media to cover this story, it's really easy to do. Have soon-to-be President Kerry call a press conference stating that he had the election stolen from him and have him present the evidence for all to see. I'd guarantee lots of members of the media would cover the story.

Since you're having trouble selling this to members of the news media, maybe the big problem is Kerry hasn't seen the evidence. Why don't you e-mail him and tell him he has a duty to his country to stop the lies and assume his rightful place as president.

And that's the thing that really sticks in my craw. If the evidence is so persuasive, why doesn't Kerry dispute the election publicly? Maybe you're right, Jim; maybe there is more to this story. I remember that before the Iowa Caucuses, Howard Dean was all but anointed the presidential nominee. He had more money and he had a head of steam. And yet he came in third. How is this possible, did Vegas have a line of Dean winning in Iowa? I don't know these answers but I think someone should find out how someone with all that money and momentum could do so poorly in Iowa unless the powerful of the party had a hand in it.

Or maybe poor John Kerry is the fall guy and the "loss" is payback for 1960.

I think I'm on to something. What's Bob Woodward's number?

Oh and Jim, if you're interested in election fraud, mill around East St. Louis and Washington.

FDA Trying to Get Old Men Out of Their Bathrooms

2005-05-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

See, mothers really do know best. Maybe it really does make you go blind.

Fullo Bluster

2005-05-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

This deal works for me. Bottom line-if both sides are whining about how bad it is, then it's probably pretty good for the rest of us...That said John Podhoretz, James Taranto, Professor Bainbridge and Fred Barnes seem to agree this is a decent deal.

To my mind, if the three most distasteful judges (Owen, Brown and Pryor) get through how do the Dems pick out another to filibuster as an "extraordinary" case. On top of that, the Republicans can invoke the nuclear option if the don't see the Dems case. The Dems must move very cautiously now since they will have to cry foul first, and do so publicly.

But again, I'm heartened that both sides are bent.

I Knew I Was A Liberal

2005-05-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

In my second post on this blog, I stated that I thought I was liberal, but bemoaned the fact that the spirit of the word itself had been distorted to mean something entirely different from its original intent.

It looks like I was on the "right track," so to speak...

Read the story of another liberal who walked away from the Left.

Well done, sir. Do we dare adopt the term, "Kennedy Liberal" or is that just another way of saying, "neo-conservative?"

For more eloquent thoughts on the transformation of another baby boomer (and insightful commentary on the sixties), I strongly recommend this site, specifically the "A Mind is a Difficult Thing to Change" posts accessible along the right hand side of her blog.

'C' is for Cop-Out

2005-04-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

I'm weighing in late on the new Cookie Monster, but I'm with everyone else, this is just ludicrous.

If the producers are so concerned about childhood obesity, shouldn't they just have Cookie and the rest of the gang tell kids to turn off the TV and go outside? Nahhh, that would be good for kids, but no so good for CTW.

Though I have to admit, I'm proud of my fellow San Diegans who took to the streets in protest.

This headline carries the best sentiment.

Hot Pope Action!

2005-04-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Disaster averted. I can now sleep at night. The man who registered the domain name www.BenedictXVI.com vows no porn!

No word yet on plans for www.BeneDickedXVI.com.

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

Off The Air America?

2005-04-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

Interesting editorial about Air America from the LA Times.

I don't know if we'll see the end of this great experiment. There's plenty of money out there to keep them afloat, but eventually the market will decide. That said, the product is bad and if they don't come up with more thoughtful talent, I don't see a bright future for Franken and company. I listen to Randi Rhodes on my way home from work for pure comedic value. Anyone who takes her seriously, isn't.

Pope-Pourri

2005-04-19T16:53:00.000-07:00

After reading Andrew Sullivan's concern over the selection of Ratzinger, or shall I say Benedict XVI, I can only say that I'm more optimistic than he is. Popes like Presidents (or just about everything else, for that matter) don't please everyone, but to hold such ominous portents of the future only hours after the new Pope is announced seems a little extreme. Yes, Andrew's concerns for the state of the voice of reformers are noted. But again, let's see what happens.

For me, the Creed is what guides me. Popes, sadly and gloriously, come and go. Benedict XVI seems to be very solid in his beliefs and in his position on what the Church should be, and I think that's a good thing. He is, after all, supposed to be, "The Rock."

I do see him as more of a steadying, transitional pick. Following PJPII is not the most enviable task, and though he is, at first glance, much less charismatic than his predecessor, I will abide by the decision and get to know him better.

I will also obey his first request, and that is to pray for him....

UPDATE: Hugh Hewitt notes that Benedict XVI will, in all likelihood have quite a bit to say about his successor since 48 of the 64 cardinal-electors are older than 74. Perhaps his influence will be more wide-reaching than merely a trasitional figure.

UPDATE: Saw this coming. Matt's update is beneath him. But at least he calls a cheapshot for what it is; it's too bad he seems to take such delight in it. And the 'Comments' section is even worse. I trust that if Matt has ever been intoxicated in his life, it's safe for us to brand him a drunk?

How Can I Miss You If You Won't Go Away?

2005-04-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm back. After a trip to Vegas for the start to the NCAA Basketball Tournament and spending the rest of my free time bagging and boarding some 5,000 comic books, I'm posting quickly to prime the pump.

The NL Is Vastly Superior To The AL (Reason 67)

2005-03-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

I'm kicking myself for not realizing this.

With the Expos move to DC, the National League is now turf free.

Ankiel Bitten

2005-03-09T09:54:00.000-08:00

Rick Ankiel is done as a pitcher.

This is a real shame. I had high hopes for the kid after a decent comeback at the end of last season and a great stint at winter ball. I had the pleasure of giving him a standing ovation after a scoreless inning of relief in his first outing back at Petco Park last year. It was nice to see him work his way back, but alas...

The conspiracy theorists are already positing that since Ankiel is out of options with the Cardinals if he doesn't make the big club, he'd be able to clear waivers as an outfielder and could be sent to Memphis to get his head together. Nice idea, but I don't think that's the case.

Quick, Someone Call Eason Jordan

2005-03-04T14:07:00.000-08:00

The end of Giuliana Sgrena's REALLY bad month.

One of Han Solo's Better Lines

2005-03-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

Ralph Peters strikes the right cord in this article.

Things are looking better, but the Syrians are still in Lebanon, Assad is still in power, Mubarek is still in power and the Saudi Royal Family is...well, you get the idea. Let's hope the Administration and the peoples of those countries can keep the pressure on and affect real change.

And if you are in the mood to gloat, remember the feeling you had when you heard the results of early exit polls in our election. Things can and do change quickly.

Things I Learned From My Daughter

2005-03-02T09:56:00.000-08:00

Theodor Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss, is 101 today.

Hart Seely wrote a lovely birthday poem for the Seuss-Centennial last year:

Oh the Birthday We'll Have!

On the second of March in the hills of Na-Nupp
Every Who who's a "who" down in Who-Ville shows up.
The autograph seekers have lined up in clumps
With the Sneetches and Snuvs and the Wockets and Wumps
The Red Carpet is teeming with top paparazzi
And the whole place is done up quite razz-a-ma-tazzi.

Here comes the Lorax from forestry school
With a fish that he'd caught in McElligot's pool
Behind him, "Sam I am" steps through the chain
With the green eggs and ham he refused on the train.

Then the Grinch, with his world-famous great Grinchy sneer
And Horton, the elephant with specs in each ear
Then Marvin K. Mooney climbs down thru the trees
In a suit by Armani with gold sequined fleas
Then red fish and blue fish and not to be lazy
Thidwick the Moose carries Daisy-Head Maisy.

But the Cat -- where's the Cat? -- is he stuck in L.A.?
With his agents and lawyers and pipers to pay?
He's finished Cat One and is filming Cat Two
But just then his limousine pulls into view.

I am here, have no fear, says the Cat in the Hat.
I was never not coming, it was never not that.
I juggled appointments and came when I could
Cause a birthday is fun and no fun is no good.

Then the Cat in the Hat, with a wink of an eye
Holds a glass of red Beezlenut juice to the sky
May I say, says the cat, we are here, we are here
To salute you dear Doctor, we hope you are near.

On your one-hundredth birthday, we give thanks to you,
"For your troubles in getting to Solla Sollew,
"For the green Grickle-grass that is here for us all,
"For 'a person's a person, no matter how small.'
"For the fox and the Grox and the Grinch each December,
"Oh, the places you took us! We'll always remember."

We celebrate all of the stories we had,
When the worst things we knew really weren't that bad.
A hundred years later, a gift for all time
When reason was lost, Doctor, you gave us rhyme.

- Hart Seely

Indecent (Northern) Exposure

2005-03-01T17:41:00.000-08:00

Ted Stevens, the distinguished Republican from Alaska, thinks it a good idea to apply broadcast decency standards to cable television and subscription satellite TV and radio.

Why?

Look, I don't have an issue with folks who got upset over--God, am I REALLY dredging this up?--Miss Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" (I call her Miss Jackson 'cuz I'm nasty). I think people should expect a relatively clean broadcast when they're watching the Super Bowl, but Stevens' proposal is ludicrous.

If you're worried about indecency, Mr. Stevens you might want to consider curtailing the obscene amount of pork that you shovel to your state as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Of course, your counterpart is much much worse.

Who Says Hockey Season Was Cancelled?

2005-03-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Steve Breen.

And then there's this.

More Room For The Bums

2005-03-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

The City of Chicago and the Cubs have tentatively approved plans for nearly 1,800 more bleacher seats in Wrigley Field.

Don't get me wrong, I despise the Cubs, but you if love baseball don't die without spending an afternoon in the Wrigley bleachers. It is simply Heaven on earth.

Soldiering On

2005-02-23T16:38:00.000-08:00

As a fan of Grant Morrison, I always give his super hero books a look. His latest run on The New X-Men had its ups and downs, but overall I'd recommend it.

Morrison also loves to play in the minor character sandbox, so his latest effort, which comes out today, is very intriguing. Although I had hoped he would have tried a revamp on the original team, a number of these characters have their own revamped gigs in JLA, JSA and Teen Titans, so his hands were probably tied. Besides, I suspect he'll find a way to make some interesting connections to the original team. Don't know if I'll try to pick up the whole thing, but the completist in me tends to win these battles.

Comic fans can debate Morrison's best work, but for me it was without a doubt his revamp of The Doom Patrol.

Out of Tune

2005-02-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

This is just wrong.

I take pride in knowing that I've already exposed my daughter (and eventually, my son) to the absolute brilliance of the original Looney Tunes despite the "violence." In fact, my daughter has taken to using Wile E. Coyote as the star of her own morality plays where we will tell her stories about Wile E. behaving badly, and contrast that with how she acts correctly.

As people began to weigh in on the new Tunes I found this analysis way off the mark. This bit was particularly irksome:

Let's face it, Warner Bros. cartoons were done and over with forty years ago. Isn't it about time we rid ourselves of this unhealthy fetish for geriatric cartoon characters?

Uh, no.

Granted, Bugs & Co. have been handled poorly in recent years, but to suggest the public forget these 'relics' of the animation world and allow new creators and ideas come their moment in the cartoon sun is rubbish.

I suppose the author also advocates people should move beyond the tired works of Shakespeare, Dickens and Dostoevsky and let new writers show what they're made of.

Four Of The Most Beautiful Words In The English Language...

2005-02-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

Pitchers and Catchers Report!

Colorado Dreamin'

2005-02-10T16:41:00.000-08:00

Sorry, I'm a sucker for the 'seperated at birth' stuff.

Here's another good one. Scroll down.

I might as well pile on:

Sometimes you feel like a nut.

Sometimes you don't.

Votes of Confidence

2005-02-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

An interesting list of Iraqi election predictions in the LA Times. (Kudos: Dennis Prager)

I tend to look at quotes pulled out of interviews in such a way highly suspect. Just ask Donald Rumsfeld.

But as long as everyone is making predictions, I'll make mine. While there are reports of a mood shift in Iraq, attacks will continue to test the Iraqi police. However, I believe that those who wish to see democracy fail will now target the members of the National Assembly in an effort to turn the people of Iraq against the Coalition. The Iraqis have shown the 'occupiers' their courage in defying the terrorists and voting, but if America can't keep these representatives safe in order to put the new government in place, Iraqi votes and the risks taken to cast them will seem wasted. The U.S. must ensure that the National Assembly has the safety to do the job they were elected to do.

What I'm Reading

2005-02-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

So far so good on the "Book a Month" New Year's Resolution. Just finished Play For A Kingdom which combines two interests of mine: Baseball and The Civil War.

Overall, the book is pretty well crafted. I was left a little empty with the conclusion, but the battle and baseball scenes are well written. The juxtaposition of the horrors of war and the joy of the game is excellent and Dyja deftly melds the two in the final game. Dyja creates a fair amount of suspense throughout and it kept me turning the pages. I would recommend it if you are a fan of both genres.

Last month, I breezed through Joe Scarborough's book which didn't do much for me. In retrospect, I guess I expected more. Too much harping about the size of the deficit and how the Republicans betrayed their small government mantra (like I didn't know that) and too little on the 'whos' and 'hows' behind it.

As for the year, I've found that if I lay out the books I plan to read in advance, it's helped stay focused. I have also been using a couple of guidelines to keep my interest:

alternate between fiction and non-fiction each month

read a book relating to my faith during the Lenten season. I've found that I get more out of the season when I concentrate on the Catholic faith itself as opposed to relying on abstinence (although I do perform an all day fast on Ash Wednesday and observe the Friday fasts as well).

read one book from this list. It was disturbing how many of these novels I haven't read, and I hold a degree in English.

read one book from this or this list
reread a book that I haven't read in a number of years to see if I my opinion of the book has changed. I recall reading 'The Sun Also Rises' in high school and finding it completely pointless. I reread it in college in the context of World War I and the expatriates, and of course, found it much more relevant.

read a book I've received as a gift, but never read

Here's my list for the rest of the year:

Gifts of the Jews - Thomas Cahill

The Dante Club - Matthew Pearl

Worth The Fighting For - John McCain

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - J.K. Rowling

Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot - Al Franken

The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger

October 1964 - David Halberstam

Heaven's Witness - Joseph Taluskin & Alan Estrin
Rich Dad, Poor Dad - Robert T. Kiosaki

Rise to Rebellion - Jeff Shaara

Venture a guess as to which book was the gift I hadn't read? Thanks Dad.

This site has been pretty good at jarring my memories of reading lists from high school and college.

I Got A Fever. And The Only Perscription Is More Cowbell

2005-02-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

Wifey turned me on to this story on today's All Things Considered. It links to one of the funniest SNL skits ever ("More Cowbell") to the right side of the page.

Enjoy.

If that gets your cowbell juices flowing, check out this site and pay homage to the Patron Saint of the Cowbell.

A Real American Hero...

2005-02-01T13:50:00.000-08:00

To truly enjoy this "developing story" refer to the updates at this link. (Kudos: Glenn Reynolds)

Yo Joe!

How To Survive An Avalanche

2005-01-28T15:34:00.000-08:00

New Addition To Car's First Aid Kit...Beer!
(Kudos: The Corner).

Counting Down

2005-01-27T23:53:00.000-08:00

I gotta admit I'm a sucker for this stuff. Nothing like big multi-hero stories to get the juices flowing.

Hoping the rumors are true, and that this storyline is but a prelude to a Crisis on Infinite Earths sequel.

The Real Debate on Choice

2005-01-27T13:59:00.000-08:00

As Andrew Sullivan points out in his latest New Republic column, the substance of Hillary's now infamous recent speech on abortion is spot on. If the Democrats want to get in the "values game" they must state their position of supporting choice while acknowledging the tragedy of abortion itself.

Key grafs:

For too long, supporters of abortion rights have foolishly and callously trivialized the moral dimensions of the act of ending human life in the womb. They have insisted that no profound moral cost is involved. They remain seemingly impassive in the face of the horrors of partial-birth abortion. They talk in the abstract language of "reproductive rights" and of a "war against women." To acknowledge that human life is valuable from conception to death has been, at times, beyond their capacity. They have seemed blind to the fact that, as Naomi Wolf once alluded in this magazine, mothers and children have souls and that, in every abortion, one soul is destroyed and another wounded. And they seem far too dismissive of the fact that the concerns of many pro-life Americans are not rooted in intolerance but in the oldest liberal traditions of the protection of the weak.

All this has undermined the pro-choice movement. Its members seem godless in a faithful culture. They have come to seem indifferent to pain, almost glib in the face of human tragedy. Of course, this may not be true in the hearts and minds of many pro-choice acivists. But, in the arena of public debate, it is the cold corner into which their rhetoric has condemned them.

Read the whole thing. This is the conversation the Pro-Choice movement should be having.

I Left My Smokes....In San Francisco

2005-01-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

San Francisco bans smoking in public places.

Now if only they can extend this ban to sick people. I'm tired of catching colds from complete strangers. And don't even get me started on smokers who are sick.

The whole thing makes me want to go grocery shopping.

Mark of Stupidity

2005-01-26T09:55:00.000-08:00

This guy used to do the weather here in San Diego. (Kudos: The Corner)

Have you no shame, sir?

Closing the Steel Curtain

2005-01-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

I want to personally thank the New England Patriots organization for whacking the Steelers.

This team was a fraud. The Jets opened the door and the Pats kicked it in. Good bye and good riddance.

I expect the Patriots to do the same to the Eagles in two weeks. Have to give kudos to an organization that can win three Super Bowls in four years in this era of free agency and player movement.

Goodnight, Johnny

2005-01-23T21:32:00.000-08:00

Rest in Peace, Mr. Carson.

Wasn't aware that Paul Anka wrote the Carson theme song.

Happy Birthday, Mac!

2005-01-23T17:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Mac!
Originally uploaded by thegrahammer.

Daddy loves you!

Noonan's Need For "Nuance"

2005-01-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

I admire Peggy Noonan for her writing ability. And I think her reservations regarding Bush's speech are fair. In the moralist vs. realist world what should be done and what can be done are often different. That said, I will cut the President some slack and look more of the meat in the State of the Union address.

Fred Barnes believes Bush struck the right cord in speaking to both moralists and realists.

On The Shore, Dimly Seen Thro' The Mists Of The Deep

2005-01-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

Oh, the things you don't learn in school. The Star Spangled Banner has four verses.

Error America

2005-01-20T21:15:00.000-08:00

Want to know why so few people take Air America seriously? Granted there are a lot of reasons, but I was switching through the channels here locally and caught about five minutes of The Randi Rhodes Show and was treated to these pearls of wisdom from the host (paraphrasing):

The President is a potato;

McGovern won Minnesota in 1972 and;

Nixon was impeached

Truly tragic. Throw in the excellent, "Four More Years of Hell Begins Today" bumper and you pretty much get the idea of a typical day at the station.

Oh well, what would you expect from a group that advertises this on its site. C'mon, you hacks can't be serious, can you?

I get the chills just thinking about it...

God, I Hope She Didn't Kill Herself...

2005-01-20T21:03:00.000-08:00

So I was in a hurry to log onto the blog and mistakenly typed 'bitterpill.blogspot.' Here is what I ran across.

I confess I'm a little disturbed and a little curious of the outcome.

And Then There's Our Measured Response From The Left

2005-01-20T16:03:00.000-08:00

You can almost feel the hatred dripping from Eric Alterman's latest screed.

I literally feel sorry for this man. He's so bitter and so consumed with his animosity for the President that it completely disarms him. Debate 101, Eric: one is more persuasive if one can remove emotion from the argument and can present their side in a calm and logical manner.

Do you really think things are that bad? Do you really want to stand by your assertion that Bush is the "the worst president in its (America's) history?"

You sound so petty and sad, which is a shame for someone obviously possessing a modicum on intelligence. Look around and get some perspective, you ingrate.

Better yet, read this. It might do you some good.

Keep whining, keep losing.

The Bush Speech

2005-01-20T13:07:00.000-08:00

Overall, a solid, solid speech. While some will site the "fire" analogies as the most inspiring, I found these statements the most meaningful to me:

All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you.

and

History has an ebb and flow of justice, but history also has a visible direction, set by liberty and the Author of Liberty.

Amen, sir.

SpongeBob EvilPants

2005-01-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

That's right. Dr. James Dobson believes SpongeBob is being co-opted to support -GASP- gay people!

Frankly, this is a bit of an overreaction. I don't see the necessity of the video in the first place, but the outrage expressed over it seems exaggerated and silly.

Where There's A Will...

2005-01-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

Finally, a sane assessment from the bipartisan nonsense regarding Social Security.

Key quote:

The president says Social Security should be reformed because it is in "crisis." That is an exaggeration. Democrats say it should not be reformed because there is no crisis. That is a non sequitur. Social Security should be reformed not because there is a crisis but because there is an opportunity.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Surely, there is a compromise to be had here where people are given the opportunity to make a little more for their retirement or can choose to opt out and stay with the current system. I don't pretend to have the answers, but I'd like to think I could make a more informed decision if we could a serious debate and not demagoguery?

Trailer Park

2005-01-19T22:06:00.000-08:00

The funny books continue to drive the box office.

Constantine hits theaters in a couple of weeks and looks intriguing despite Keanu Reeves. I picked up the book ocassionally so I have a good idea of what the backstory, but I'll be curious if they take directly from a particular storyline or if they just place the character in a newly conceived plot.

Frank Miller's Sin City also looks pretty interesting--especially the casting of Mickey Rourke and Bruce Willis as Marv and Hartigan respectively. I am also pleased director Robert Rodriquez appears to be staying true to Miller's vision. Some shots look nearly identical to the way Miller originally drew them and the mix of black and white and hints of color transfer to the big screen nicely. Looking forward to seeing this one.

The trailer for the highly anticipated The Fantastic Four was recently released, but it left me flat. I think it's because I am used to seeing the team a bit older (especially Reed) and trying to make Sue Storm a sex kitten just rubs me the wrong way, but what do you expect with Jessica Alba in the role.

Off the comic topic, I'm not at all pleased with the trailer for Burton's remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Maybe it's Depp's haircut, but here's another movie where I think a character should be older. If you go with the theory that Wonka conceives of the contest to find his eventual successor, the kid would have to wait about 40 years looking at how they've made Depp's appearance and personality. The brilliance of Gene Wilder's Wonka was that he was clearly an adult with the heart not the mind of child. Again, I probably shouldn't fully judge based on trailers, but they are supposed to generate interest and this one didn't.

Sooner or Tater...

2005-01-19T15:24:00.000-08:00

...the Star Wars merchandising machine would utilize outlets most wouldn't have considered.

Observe.

Wading in the Shallow End of the Jury Pool

2005-01-19T13:19:00.000-08:00

Would love to see Perry Mason deal with this group of potential jurors.

Favorite quote:

Another would-be juror said he had had alcohol problems and was arrested for soliciting sex from an undercover officer. "I should have known something was up," he said. "She had all her teeth."

See? CBS News IS a Joke

2005-01-18T11:12:00.000-08:00

CBS News continues its downward spiral. Take a gander at another rumor on potential hires for The Eye.

He (Leslie Moonves) refused to comment on reports that he had spoken to Katie Couric, the popular co-host of NBC's "Today" show or that he was trying to enlist comedian Jon Stewart, who hosts a newscast parody on cable TV, as a commentator.

But he said he wanted to draw a younger audience to the news, and both Couric and Stewart are popular with television's key audience demographic, viewers aged 18 to 49.

Makes sense to me. When you broadcast fake news, you might as well hire a fake newscaster. Credible reporting is not nearly as important as securing that coveted 18 to 49 demographic.

When does NBC move SNL's Weekend Update team to it's evening news slot? I'd prefer Ron Burgandy.

Bush Inaugerates Tepid Commentary

2005-01-18T07:44:00.000-08:00

This editorial is interesting not because of its content, but its tone. It wants to bemoan the costs of the inaugeration, but it does so in such a half-hearted fashion that it loses any intended effectiveness. The end result a ho-hum editorial and a blip on the Bush bashing radar screen. But hey, it fills space.

Interesting that the commentator fails to mention the costs associated with the Johnson administration's inaugeration during Vietnam.

The "Couric-t" Choice To Replace Rather?

2005-01-17T19:01:00.000-08:00

Please...

Defending Your Life

2005-01-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

There is strength in nerd numbers.

After reading this post from Vodka Pundit I feel much better coming clean about my affinity for comic books. I've been reading them since I was eight and though I [peruse them less frequently, I still pick up a couple of titles regularly.

I recommend this title highly.

I was encouraged to hear about the return of one of my favorite series from my youth, The Defenders. I enjoyed DeMatteis' run on the book in the mid-eighties and I hope the mini-series doesn't slide to much into the humor camp. I also hope they don't concentrate specifically on the "Big Four" and devoter some space to the "lesser" characters like Nighthawk, Valkyrie, Hellcat etc.

By the way, I watched Galactica myself in my youth, and while I wasn't much interested in the new mini-series, I think I will check out the show on Will's recommendation.

I feel so cleansed.

Death Benefits

2005-01-12T17:36:00.000-08:00

While Washington has a new Governor the folks at WSJ argue that's not necessarily good for the winner.

I think they make some valid points and if the state falls on harder times Ms. Gregoire could be a one-termer.

That said, once the vote is certified, it's time to move on. I suspect a run for the Senate is in order for Mr. Rossi. Lord knows they could use some new blood there.

O'Reilly, Where Art Thou?

2005-01-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

This would be funny if it weren't so sad.

That said, I was most amused by this statement from Clooney:

"We're not playing games here, we're trying to save lives. It's as simple as this - you're either with this joint effort or against it."

"Either you're with us or against us?" Didn't another George take heat for making such a black and white statement? I'm sure Bill, whom I don't watch or listen to, approves of aiding tsunami victims, but he wants to makes sure the people who need the money get it. Shouldn't we applaud Bill for having a more "nuanced" approach? Wasn't he for aiding the victims before he was against it?

Again, this is ludicrous, but it does certainly promote the event. We should applaud a publicity stunt that works.

UPDATE: Maybe Bill is trying to point out potential problems with money distribution that could arise in light of this. (Kudos Drudge)

Tsunami Pics

2005-01-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

These before and after photos of areas hit by the tsunami show the degree of the utter devastation there. You can click on each picture and toggle between the "before" and "after" views.

Count your blessings, people. Perspective and gratitude.

1164 Morning Glory Circle Has A New Nosy Neighbor

2005-01-11T11:17:00.000-08:00

In an earlier post I linked to an amusing "Seperated at Birth" bit by Fraters Libertas.

Looks like they're at it again.

Abner! Abner!

Here Comes the Great Divide

2005-01-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

This morning the Right is talking about this.

While the Left is talking about this.

This isn't hard. CBS should go the extra step and find out who created the documents and finish the story and Armstrong should return the taxpayer's money. Both of these incidents are truly sad, and each should suffer the consequences of their negligence.

Until then, we'll continue to endure both sides engaging in a neverending pissing contest over whose side is more admirable, all the while denying the public an honest debate of ideas.

This isn't hard either. Recognize you both have your demons, exorcise them and join the rest of us who aren't partisan hacks.

Ob-Sox-ious

2005-01-10T17:03:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not obsessed with the Red Sox, but had to pass along this clip which is making it's way around the blogosphere. Pretty damn funny. Especially the kid.

By the way, in response to my question from a previous post, the answer is no.

Krugman's Not So Novel Idea...

2005-01-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

...is beautifully eviscerated by Vodka Pundit.

Delightful.

The Man Of Steel Gets Spacey

2005-01-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

Superman has his Lex Luthor. Hackman's shoes are pretty big to fill, (who could forget, "Kill me? Lex Luthor. Extinguish the greatest criminal flame of our age?") but if Spacey can match his performance as John Doe, it'll be good.

Looking forward to it.

Punch Drunk Boxer

2005-01-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

Paging Senator Boxer...

We've heard your dismay over voting irregularities in Ohio.

Any comment on Washington?

Didn't think so.

Look, I'm not stupid enough to believe that one side cheats and the other doesn't. In fact, I'm convinced both parties are guilty in engaging in all sorts of devious activities to ensure victory for their party. It's called gerrymandering (paging Congressman DeLay). But in the end, the idea is to minimize the cheating to best determine the will of the people.

Does the voting system have flaws? Yes. Can it be better? Of course. But I suspect after all is said and done this little bit of partisan grandstanding will have done nothing but waste two hours of time in the House and Senate.

UPDATE: Of course there are some who think the dead should be allowed to vote.

Yoinks.

Cards Holding A Gruds

2005-01-06T16:34:00.000-08:00

The Cards have their new second baseman.

Rumors of Alomar were just that. While they debate if Grudzielanek hits second or seventh, (I opt for the former) I think if he can stay healthy he'll be serviceable. I hold no more optimism than I did when the team signed Womack last year, and Cards fans were pleasantly surprised there.

Never Mind the Bullock

2005-01-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

I take my shots at the Halli-Wood nuts, so I will gladly give Sandra Bullock her due for stepping up to the plate.

Nicely done.

Are All Red Sox Fans THIS Stupid?

2004-12-28T11:15:00.000-08:00

Well, ask a silly question. Came across this blog via the guest bloggers at Andrew Sullivan.

This morsel of brillance was particularly interesting:

After being criticized for pledging only $15 million for Asian earthquake relief, the US upped that total to about $35 million. That is also roughly what will be spent on Bush's inauguration next month (though private donations will cover most of that cost).

Compare that $35 million to the $226 million being wasted every single day in Iraq (650 days and a cost of at least $147,000,000,000) -- or 1/5 of 1% of the total cost of the invasion. Millions for murder and conquest, pennies for saving lives. ... And I thought this war couldn't get more obscene.

That's right, bash the cost of an inaugeration and the war in Iraq. Throw around lovely blanket words like, "murder and conquest" for effect. I'm going to go out on a limb here, but I'm guessing there might be a couple of people in the country that could justify those expenses as opposed to shelling out millions of dollars to people who can throw a piece of cowhide really fast or can hit a ball with a stick.

Shall we review just a few of the contracts the Sox season so far...

Edgar Renteria - 4 years, $40 million
Jason Varitek - 4 years, $40 million
Matt Clement - 3 years, $25.5 million
David Wells - 2 years, $8 million

That's a lot of money that could be spent more wisely on relief efforts in Asia or helping the poor, don't you think?

I said it then, and I say it now: you've won your Series, now go away. You're making Yankee fans look smart.

Where the Hell is Nauru?

2004-12-28T07:28:00.000-08:00

My pal J.D. Whitlock posted a cool U.S. Geography quiz on his blog.

I'm kicking it up a notch.

If you're feeling sassy, take a couple of practice rounds as France.

The New Conservatives....

2004-12-27T21:06:00.000-08:00

According to Michael Barone they are the old liberals. I've been thinking about this for awhile. It does seem that the old notions have "flip-flopped." Outside of the redefinition of marriage and universal health care, Liberals are taking the "conservative" (in its literal definition) position on abortion, affirmative action and social security.

This is all a part of the of the uselessness of "labeling." Democrat, Republican, Liberal and Conservative are such nebulous terms that they are almost meaningless. Parties and ideologies have been switching positions (and names) since the founding of the country. (Kudos again, Mr. Whitlock)

Bring the Pork Whenever You'd Like, Jesus...Just Lay Off The Turning Water Into Wine

2004-12-27T10:18:00.001-08:00

George Carlin, who recently wrote a new diatribe, is entering rehab.

While at times I think he could enter rehab for imbibing too much "whine," his bit on the differences between baseball and football is a classic.

I wish him a speedy recovery.

Santa Brings Tidings of Good Fear

2004-12-24T15:17:00.000-08:00

These photos are great. So much for visions of sugar plums dancing in these heads.

Merry Christmas to all!

Bomb's Away

2004-11-24T13:52:00.000-08:00

U2's new effort, "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb" is pretty damn good. Bono's voice has rebounded and the controlled scream hasn't been this strong in a long time. Frankly, I think it's better than, "All That You Can't Leave Behind," and while it can't touch
"War" or "The Joshua Tree" it's definitely worth a listen.

I am partial to the upbeat tracks reminscent of their older work like "Miracle Drug" and "All Because of You," but "Sometimes You Can't Make it on Your Own" and "One Step Closer" also resonate.

You can hear all the songs at U2's web site.

The Sound of Silence

2004-11-24T13:29:00.000-08:00

That deafening silence you're not hearing is from the brilliant creative minds of Hollywood. We're still waiting for the universal outcry for the death of their comrade, Theo Van Gogh.

Others are starting to notice.

As an FYI, from this point on "Hollywood" will be affectionately referred to as "Halli-Wood." In the same way "Halliburton" elicits rabid sentiment from the left, so it is with me and the cadre of intellectual giants of that community.

Nats-urally

2004-11-22T11:37:00.000-08:00

DC's baseball team will be called the Nationals.

I'm OK with it. It has a link to DC's past teams and they kept the "W" logo from the Senators days. "The Nats" is also a catchy nickname. Will be curious to see if Bush dons "W" cap to throw out the first pitch next spring. Ahh, the irony....Flight suit gate all over again.

I'm Sorry....So Sorry....

2004-11-22T11:29:00.000-08:00

Been a slacker, even with the election and everything. Still suffering from the humiliating Cards loss, I suppose. Will try to be more diligent.

Much to say about the election and what not, just have to get on the soapbox and say it...

Bush Haters All-Stars

2004-10-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

This piece succinctly argues why I'm voting for W. He's made some brutal mistakes, but if a man is judged by the company he does (or does not) keep, he's the better choice.
Key section:
The list of those whose world could be truly rocked on Tuesday is just too long and too rich to be ignored. If you think for a moment about those who would really be upset by a second Bush term, it becomes a lot easier to stomach.

The hordes of the bien-pensant Left in the universities and the media, the sort of liberals who tolerate everything except those who disagree with them. Secularist elites who disdain religiosity except when it comes from Muslim fanatics. Europhile Brits who drip contempt for everything their country has ever done and long for its disappearance into a Greater Europe. Absurd, isolationist conservatives in America and Britain
who think the struggles for freedom are always someone else's fight. Hollywood sybarites and narcissists, self-appointed arbiters of a nation's morals.

Soft-headed Europeans who think engagement and dialogue with mass murderers is the way to achieve lasting peace. French intellectuals for whom nothing has gone right in the world since 1789.

The United Nations, which, if it had its multilateral way, would still be faithfully minding a world in which half the population lived under or in fear of Soviet aggression. Most of Belgium.

Above all, of course, Middle Eastern militants. If your bitterest enemies are the sort of people who hack the heads off unarmed, innocent civilians, then I would say you are probably doing something right.

This may sound petty. It is not. This constellation of individuals, parties and institutions has very little in common other than the fact that it has contrived to be wrong on just about every important issue of my adult lifetime.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Vote Or Die?

2004-10-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

This serves as a prelude to a longer piece about my decision to cast my vote for the President. These quotes are of interest:
If the U.S. Army suffered numerous humiliating losses, [Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John] Kerry would emerge as the superman of the American people," said Mohammad Amin Bashar, a leader of the Muslim Scholars Association, a hard-line clerical group that vocally supports the resistance.

and:
Resistance leader Abu Jalal boasted that the mounting violence had already hurt Mr. Bush's chances.
"American elections and Iraq are linked tightly together," he told a Fallujah-based Iraqi reporter. "We've got to work to change the election, and we've done so. With our strikes, we've dragged Bush into the mud."

The article also contends that ex-Ba'athists are pro-Kerry while the foreign extremists are for Bush because he incites more anger.

The most pressing question for me is simply this: what is the message that is sent to the people that wish to do this country harm if Bush loses?

More later.

Primat Would be Proud

2004-10-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

A convincing argument for Center Left Democrats to carefully consider their vote for Kerry.

Grave Discovery

2004-10-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

Another mass grave found. One trench was full of only women and children.

The body of one woman was found still clutching a baby. The infant had been shot in the back of the head and the woman in the face.

Since she was still clutching her child, it's probably safe to assume the mother witnessed her child's execution before she was murdered herself.

X-Factor

2004-10-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

Very interesting article regarding the culture shift in family life among Gen-Xers. As the Boomers essentially rejected the notions of the previous generation, thus the Xers. The 'me first', self-absorbed flower children of the Sixties have raised kids who seem more interested in their own families than 'personal fulfillment'.

As an Xer, I can only imagine (and shudder) what Gen Y has in store for us...

Pay No Attention to the Men Across the Pond

2004-10-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

This article is great. Only cover 'Oil for Food' when it can be linked to Texas oilmen.

Comedy.

The Power and the Passion

2004-10-10T08:21:00.000-07:00

Australian PM John Howard wins a fourth term.

Good news for the President from one our most trusted allies since the country was founded. Not so good news for Senator Kerry's sister, Diana.

Pundits thought this was going to be close, but it looks like Howard won fairly handily against a candidate who vowed to bring Australian troops home from Iraq by Christmas.

Could a trend be developing here?

Incidentally, former Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett won a seat for the Labor Party. I fondly remember touching that bald head at a show in upstate New York when he came out to greet the crowd. Great live band...

Past Tensions

2004-10-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

We have our first glints of President Kerry's excuse if he's elected and the situation gets worse in Iraq. Never mind Kerry says he has a better plan to win the peace. Peter Beinart contends Bush has screwed the situation so badly, there's no way to save it.

Observe:

Kerry doesn't have any brilliant ideas for saving Iraq. But there's an even greater irony: The reason he doesn't is because the Bush administration has dug such a deep hole that, at this point, even Bismarck, Clausewitz, and Sun Tzu couldn't produce a four-point plan to turn Iraq into a beacon for the Middle East. For the Bush administration to slam Kerry for lacking a convincing plan for victory in Iraq is like dropping him in the middle of the desert and slamming him for lacking a convincing plan to find water.

And:

For the purposes of evaluating the two candidates, the relevant question isn't whether John Kerry could do a better job of bringing foreign troops into Iraq now; it's whether he could have done a better job over the last year and a half. And the answer to that question is almost certainly yes.

Pardon me? We shouldn't worry about what Kerry can do now, but what he could have done? Oh, I'm sorry I thought we were living in the PRESENT.

Want to talk about the past? Fine. In the past Mr. Kerry has called our current allies in this war a ...so-called coalition of the bribed, the coerced, the bought and the extorted". In the recent past, Mr. Kerry has conceded that France, Germany and the like aren't helping which Beirnart and Kerry contends is Bush's fault. Oh, I don't know...maybe these past dealings as detailed in the 'NO WMD' Duelfer Report might have had something to do with it.

Claudia Rossett has been trying to uncover this scandal for more than a year. Perhaps the report will help to illuminate.
Read Beinart's piece. Think. Then think again.

That's Not True! That's Impossible!

2004-09-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

This interesting bit has been going around the blogosphere recently. Apparently the Cathedral does its best to recognize all religions. Perhaps Lucas can have a 'Special Edition' grotesque created for the Star Wars 30th Anniversary.

A Picture is Worth...

2004-09-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

In reference to the New York Times article headline Memos on Bush Are Fake But Accurate, Typist Says , can I assume that if I sent ABC News a doctored photo of Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky in a compromising position, could I later justify it by saying that the photos, while fake, were implying something that was accurate? If your answer is 'yes' then you condone this, don't you?

As the rest of the press circles the wagons for Rather, I must pose the obvious question: if Bill O'Reilly claimed to have copies of the John Kerry's unreleased diary entries and those documents were later proven to be false, would there be calls for his dismissal?

Of course.

Cards Win the Central!

2004-09-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

Oh sure, they technically did it on Saturday, but Tony didn't let them celebrate until it was 'official.' Congrats gentlemen.

We'll discuss their chances a bit more as we get closer to the playoffs, but let me say now there are certainly concerns. Four straight series losses and injuries to Rolen and Carpenter give Cardinal Nation pause. Be that as it may, they're in and there weren't that many predicting this kind of season from these guys.

Numismatists Get the Buffalo Back

2004-09-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hey kids, new nickels! Apparently Jefferson is ready for his close-up.

Iranheit 9/11

2004-09-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

Fahrenheit 9/11 opens in Iran.

Favorite quote from a movie goer:

out of all the films people would love to see, the authorities had to go for this one -- just because this film is in line with the view of the Islamic regime.

'Islamic regime?' What's that?

Endless Vacation

2004-09-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

One more of the greats is taken from us...

RIP Johnny.

Forging Ahead ?

2004-09-09T23:26:00.000-07:00

Not really sure what to make of the latest Bush documents that have recently surfaced. Again, I don't really give a rat's ass about either of their service records. That said, it looks the even the mainstream press is taking a good long look at the veracity of these documents. So are the bloggers, of course.

Kudos to the Powerline guys for stepping in the fray first. Charles also does some compelling research.

On the other side of the ailse, Kos does his own research. Read them all and decide for yourself.

Guess we'll wait to see what comes of the CBS internal investigation.

Oh by the way, in the interest of being 'fair and balanced,' John O'Neill is still waiting for any or all of the networks to give him a call and sit down for an interview.

Oh, that's right. They already vetted his book and found it not to be credible at all...

Fahrenheit 9/12

2004-09-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

Newsweek enjoys a pretty good sized circulation. Recently, they decided to devote some of their highly coveted space to the next round of anti-Bush movies.

Now I didn't see Fahrenheit 9/11 and don't intend to. I don't plan on reading Unfit for Command and I find neither of them relevant to the debate.

That said, I think I'll reconsider seeing Moore's shlock if I can convince someone to first see the video beheadings of Daniel Pearl, Nick Berg, Paul Johnson, Kim Sun-Il and then we can see this. And we'll wind up the evening on a lighter note with this.

Any takers?

Of Maus and Men

2004-09-06T09:31:00.000-07:00

Another epic Lileks. Thanks James. Enjoy.

Incidentally, I saw Spiegelman on Sunday's Book Notes talking about his new book. He is best known for this and it is a very moving account of his dad-a holocaust survivor. While I had hoped CSPAN would post the transcript, they did not, but the highlight of the interview for me was his stated intention to vote for Kerry because he wanted a 'mammal' back in the White House. You see, Art was at the RNC and found everyone there too 'reptillian.' Thanks for insightful and very persuasive argument, Art. Stick to comics. You're better at it.

Blogged down

2004-09-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

My apologies for the light posting. Lots to do and a dance with a fever. Will try to be more diligent.