Northern Alliance Wannabe

Later...

2008-12-24T19:54:00.002-06:00

It's been a good run, but Northern Alliance Wannabe is hanging up the cleats (for now, at least –- I reserve the right to pull a Brett Favre at any time...).

I've decided to go in a different direction with my writing. With Wannabe, I tried to pretty much cover the spectrum of issues of conservative politics, often with tongue firmly implanted in cheek, and I hope you've enjoyed it.

I've had fun spotlighting media bias, the folly of nanny-state policies, the generally rampant corruption of Democrat politics, and the magnificent BS that is global warming. Over time, though, I'm finding that there is one issue in particular about which I've developed a strong passion and about which I believe focus is lacking. That issue is the protection of unborn human life.

Therefore, I am beginning a new journal dedicated primarily to that cause. Because the topic is such a polarizing and emotional one, though, I will be using a pseudonym -– not to hide my identity from the intended audience, but rather to prevent alienating any who may "stumble onto" the site (acquaintances, coworkers, ex-wives, etc.). Look for a new name on the MOB-roll soon -– I bet you'll be able to figure out my new home…

Thanks very sincerely to everyone who has supported me here for the last three years and change. Through this blog and the MOB, I have made many new friends for whom I am grateful. As you can imagine, the new journal won't contain a whole lot of humor, so I'll reserve my smartassedness for the comments sections of fellow MOBsters. You’ve been warned.

Take care, and I hope all of you and your families enjoy a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Ok, here's the deal...

2008-11-18T14:28:00.003-06:00

Since some are worried I may have gone off the deep end after the election, nope, I just need a post-election break.

Don't worry -- I haven't given up writing (or... sorry -- I haven't given up writing), but I am thinking strongly about going in a new direction. When I figure it out, I'll let y'all know, but for know, I'm going to lay low for a few more weeks.

Wannabe's Voter's Guide

2008-10-30T19:33:00.003-05:00

Ok, folks. I'm behind on my schoolwork, so this will probably be my last post until Election Day (barring any more shenanigans from the Obama campaign... well, ok, you may hear from me another half a dozen times before Election Day, but no promises!).

Just in case any of you good pro-life conservatives in my area were looking for some guidance, particularly on the down-ticket races, following are the official endorsements of Northern Alliance Wannabe. Soil and Water posts and uncontested judges are omitted. You're welcome.

President and VP

John McCain and Sarah Palin
(Republican)

US Senator

Norm Coleman
(Republican)

US Representative, District 5

Barb Davis White
(Republican)

State Representative, Dist. 44A

Tracy Leahy
(Republican)

MN Constitutional Amendment (the sales tax increase)

NO
(actually, "Hell, No!")

County Commissioner, District 5

John Cooney
(endorsed by Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life)

School District 283, Question 1 (a property tax increase)

NO
(again, "Hell, No!")

School District 283, Question 2 (another property tax increase)

NO
(ditto)

MN Supreme Court, Associate Justice 3

Tim Tingelstad, challenger
(endorsed by MCCL)

MN Supreme Court, Associate Justice 4

Lorie Skjerven Gildea, incumbent
(endorsed by MCCL)

MN Court of Appeals, Judge 18

Dan Griffith, challenger
(info here - specifically decries CA court's redefinition of marriage; opponent was appointed by Ventura and a former Women's Studies professor)

MN 4th District Court, Judge 9

Philip Bush, incumbent
(info here - no response by opponent)

MN 4th District Court, Judge 53

~~Jane Ranum~~, open seat
(info here - cites "unbiased interpretation of law"; opponent's info here - "insures they are treated fairly" - with judges, "fairness" is often code for judicial activism)

UPDATE: Looks like I may have read the tea leaves incorrectly on this one. It goes to show how tough it is to tell judges' slants based on bios of their own writing. Margaret was kind enough to point out that Jane Ranum is a former DFL State Senator. Maybe the other guy (David Piper) is a safer bet?

MN 4th District Court, Judge 58

James T. Swenson, incumbent
(info here; opponent endorsed by Sharon Sayles Belton - 'nuff said)

If you're in Hopkins Precinct 6, please stop by and say hi - I'll be an election judge there. No matter where you are, please get out and vote. The stakes have never been higher!

It doesn't have to happen

2008-10-25T14:44:00.001-05:00

I hope every undecided voter gets the chance to see McCain's latest ad:

Well said, Fred

2008-10-25T14:29:00.001-05:00

Fred Thompson has taped an address which summarizes very well what is at stake in this election.

It's about 12 minutes, but well worth the time: Check it out.

Where's the fairness?

2008-10-25T13:46:00.003-05:00

Racking up unprecedented sums of campaign donations through credit card fraud: Unfair.

Ramped-up efforts by ACORN to commit voter fraud: Unfair.

Thuggish treatment of "Joe the Plumber" as punishment for asking a simple question: Unfair.

A complicit media refusing to report on any of the dirty tricks: Unfair.

...

So what's one of the first pieces of legislation we can expect under an Obama presidency and a Democrat-led Congress? -- The Fairness Doctrine.

It's enough to make me fairly depressed...

Barbara West is awesome

2008-10-25T13:35:00.003-05:00

Thankfully, not everyone in the media is in the tank for B. O. Check out this interview of Joe Biden by Barbara West on WFTV in ~~North Carolina~~ Orlando [correction: She discussed Obama being in NC, but WFTV is in Orlando.]. Yikes!

After only a couple minutes of badgering, she got him to say, "He is not spreading the wealth around!" If only.

I doubt he'll be going back on that station anytime soon. (HT Michelle).

Best of the MOB, Oct 17 - 23

2008-10-24T12:01:00.001-05:00

Update: Congrats to Brad "Don't call me 'Arne'" Carlson for this week's BOMOB win!

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Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 10/17 - 10/23/08

"Is Powell OK now?," The Brad Carlson blog, October 19. Nominated for wondering how Colin Powell's acceptance by the black community will change now that he's endorsed The One.

"Can America Survive So Divided?," The Eagle's Nest Blog, October 20. Nominated for lamenting the loss of civility in our political discourse.

"Hard Left Radical to Certify Votes in Minnesota," Boots On, October 23. Nominated for finding an interesting association in the past of Minnesota's Secretary of State.

"Say It Again, Congresswoman!!," Carver County GOP, October 23. Nominated for emphasizing that Rep. Bachmann's "gaffe" held a lot of truth in it.

"A Brief Bit of Advice," Freedom Dogs, October 23. Nominated for encouraging conservatives to "stand there" and "do something."

(poll now closed)

This is child abuse

2008-10-21T22:44:00.003-05:00

Note how young these girls are and the awful things they're being coerced to say.

Two words: Dis. Gusting.

This says - and shows - it all

2008-10-21T19:53:00.003-05:00

"The Comprehensive Argument Against Barack Obama"

Pass it on.

This election is a matter of life and death

2008-10-21T18:17:00.004-05:00

So what's the big issue of this election cycle? The economy? The war? Healing race relations? I'd argue none of the above.

Much has been reported about Barack Obama's unprecedented radical stance re the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, but this doesn't seem to have generated the public outrage it should. It seems most either haven't heard about BAIPA or laugh it off, incredulous that such a nice guy would actually promote infantacide.

Lest anyone think Obama's BAIPA record is an aberration, I encourage taking a look at Robert George's article, "Obama's Abortion Extremism." Professor George was also interviewed by Bill Bennett last week (audio here), during which he gave what I believe to be a great, concise, comprehensive summary of Obama's radical positions. As Bennett put it, Obama goes beyond pro-choice -- he's pro-abortion.

For example (from the article):

He has promised that "the first thing I'd do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act" (known as FOCA). This proposed legislation would create a federally guaranteed "fundamental right" to abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, including, as Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia has noted in a statement condemning the proposed Act, "a right to abort a fully developed child in the final weeks for undefined 'health' reasons." In essence, FOCA would abolish virtually every existing state and federal limitation on abortion, including parental consent and notification laws for minors, state and federal funding restrictions on abortion, and conscience protections for pro-life citizens working in the health-care industry-protections against being forced to participate in the practice of abortion or else lose their jobs. The pro-abortion National Organization for Women has proclaimed with approval that FOCA would "sweep away hundreds of anti-abortion laws [and] policies."

With an Obama presidency, he'll have a Democrat Congress and, eventually, a Liberal Supreme Court on his side. All three branches of government will be hard-Left, and they will aided and abetted by a complicit media in passing all tenets of their radical agenda. People are talking about the socialist tax structure, the punitive energy policy, the destructive universal health care proposals, and the impotent foreign policy, but let's not forget that the coming agenda will also include a Culture of Death. Gruesome partial birth abortion will be promoted, and parental notification laws will be repealed. It will take generations to undo the legislative damage, and literally millions of lives are at stake.

The only chance to stop it is a McCain presidency. McCain and (particularly) Palin are committed to a Culture of Life, and this, I believe, trumps any other issue about which McCain may veer off the reservation. If the pro-Life cause is important to you, please work with me as hard as you can these last two weeks to help John McCain across the finish line. Don't let the polls fool you (remember who's conducting them) -- this race isn't over yet!

Quote of the day

2008-10-18T11:14:00.001-05:00

From Barack Obama's latest interview with the New York Times:

I am the latte-sipping, New York Times-reading, Volvo-driving, no-gun-owning, effete, politically correct, arrogant liberal. Who wants somebody like that?

I think I've finally found some common ground with Senator Obama.

Speaking of funny...

2008-10-18T11:08:00.002-05:00

Here's Slow Joe Biden, discussing Barack Obama's favorite three letter word:

Remember, Joe the Senator, there are three types of people in this world: those who can count, and those who can't.

Smith dinner

2008-10-18T10:57:00.002-05:00

By now, you've probably seen clips from McCain's and Obama's speeches at the Alfred E. Smith dinner in New York the other night.

If you haven't, though, really you should go check them out. RCP has the video here. It's quite the contrast from the stuffy debate performances by both candidates.

Props to Obama, he gave a funny speech (although I suspect he had a sore neck from having to look at his cue cards so often -- Get this man a teleprompter, stat!). McCain killed, though. He was very likeable and showed a genuine sense of humor, and if the public gets to see more of this John McCain over the next 17 days, it will help his chances a lot.

Best of the MOB, October 10-16

2008-10-17T08:45:00.001-05:00

Update: This week's BOMOB winner is ~~Mark the Plumber~~ Mr. D in a landslide. Well done, sir!

-------------------

Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 10/10 - 10/16/08

"Obamessiah Speaks in Tongues," flyoverguy, October 10. Nominated for producing a video that captures the essence of Barack Obama's, uh..., qualifications to be President.

"To Infinity And Beyond - Tinklenberg’s Big Choo Choo Earmarks," Residual Forces, October 13. Nominated for noting E. Tink's plans to throw more money at teh mass transit.

"Slavery & Abortion," Where are the Isotopes I ordered?, October 14. Nominated for the apt comparison of one atrocity to another.

"Obama Brats," True North, October 15. Nominated for calling out young "intellectuals" for what they are.

"Who Will Rid Me of this Troublesome Plumber?," Mr. Dilettante, October 16. Nominated for commentary on the temporary diversion of the Left's ire away from Sarah Palin and toward an average Joe.

(poll now closed)

Bless her heart

2008-10-16T23:53:00.001-05:00

Mickey Mouse operation

2008-10-14T19:35:00.001-05:00

M - I - C...

See you at the polls!

K - E - Y...

Why? Because we can't win if we don't cheat!

M - O - U - S - E...

Just curious

2008-10-10T15:47:00.002-05:00

Given the rampant voter fraud we're being treated to in this election courtesy of ACORN, I'm wondering...

When we see poll data of "likely voters," are they including felons and dead people? If not, I worry they're not getting a statistically representative sample set.

The debate is over.

2008-10-10T13:09:00.002-05:00

Everyone remembers when the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its report on global warming, right? 1,500 or so "experts" signed on to the IPCC report. It was therefore declared a consensus among the scientific community.

Al Gore proclaimed the debate over. Only flat-earthers would dare to refute the near-unanimous agreement that man-made global warming was destroying the Earth.

By this same logic, another conclusion now becomes irrefutable.

In sum, Barack Obama's economic proposals are wrong for the American economy. They defy both economic reason and economic experience.

This was the conclusion drawn by 100 leading economists.

Any flat-earthers care to disagree?

Slackin'

2008-10-09T19:20:00.002-05:00

Sorry folks -- I've neglected my jounalistic duties this week of surfing for the Best of the MOB.

Not to make excuses, but...

it appears I've contracted some hybrid of SARS and Bird Flu,

I'm still in deep depression over the sudden and thorough collapse of my Cubbies, and

I've used what little free time I've had this week to follow the advice of my financial consultant, which was to cash out my 401(k) and convert the dollars to Chuck E. Cheese tokens.

BOMOB will (hopefully) return next week. Later, y'all.

Jinx?

2008-10-06T20:01:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure what happened to the Cubs is this guy's fault!

Then again...

2008-10-06T19:10:00.002-05:00

Remember when I praised Keith Olbermann for restraining himself from injecting politics into his Sunday Night Football gig?

Never mind. Palin Derangement Syndrome claims another victim.

Step 3: Win the NLDS

2008-10-05T12:14:00.002-05:00

Um... yeah. Not so much.

Let the second century of futility commence!!

PS - You may want to keep me away from sharp objects for a while...

Feeling Il?

2008-10-03T10:59:00.001-05:00

Reason.tv presents, "OBAMA KIDS: SING FOR CHANGE (PYONGYANG REMIX)"

"Team America" fans: insert punchline here...

Way to go, Sarah!

2008-10-03T10:30:00.002-05:00

Any objective observer would conclude that Sarah Palin won last night's debate against Joe Biden big time. For better or worse, these debates are usually judged in the eyes of most voters based on style rather than substance, and while Governor Palin held her own just fine on the substance of the issues, her poise, confidence, charm, and radiant optimism were dominant.

Kudos also to moderator Gwen Ifill, who managed to facilitate the debate fairly and not become the story herself -- a tall task given the conflict of interest revealed earlier this week.

And in fairness, I have to say that Senator Biden also did a fine job last night. Of course, he was caught lying through his teeth on multiple occasions, but that was to be expected. Again focusing on style, Biden carried himself like a statesman, didn't commit any major gaffes (that the average voter would catch), and treated his opponent respectfully (in fact, I think he was caught with a few "Damn, she's good!" smiles as Palin was speaking).

Last night was all about Sarah, though, and she met and exceeded all expectations. We should see that reflected in the polls over the next few days.

Game on!

Best of the MOB, Sep 26 - Oct 2

2008-10-03T09:33:00.003-05:00

Update: Congrats to Boots On, this week's Best of the MOB!

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Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 9/26 - 10/2/08

"A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to Work," The Impudent One, September 29. Nominated for citizen reporting on apparent dirty election tricks.

"Here is an incredibly stupid article," Bike Bubba's Bits, September 30. Nominated for mythbusting (and mathbusting) the Strib, always a worthy task.

"It's still just out of reach!," Befuddled, October 1. Nominated for a true appreciation of the little things in life (and happy anniversary, btw!).

"Time for McCain to Go Partisan," Boots On, October 1. Nominated for asking for a little less conciliation and a little more truth.

"This is the Voice of Transit Control," Speed Gibson, October 1. Nominated for reminding us why our wallets just got a bit lighter again.

(poll now closed)

Dog bites man

2008-09-30T21:04:00.003-05:00

Update re: "The fix is in"

Tonight's debate moderator:

(photo from IMAO)

--------------------------

Via an email to Instapundit from someone at "a major newsroom:"

"Off the record, every suspicion you have about MSM being in the tank for O is true. We have a team of 4 people going thru dumpsters in Alaska and 4 in arizona. Not a single one looking into Acorn, Ayers or Freddiemae. Editor refuses to publish anything that would jeopardize election for O, and betting you dollars to donuts same is true at NYT, others. People cheer when CNN or NBC run another Palin-mocking but raising any reasonable inquiry into obama is derided or flat out ignored. The fix is in, and its working."

In other breaking news, the sky is blue, puppies are cute, and beer tastes good.

T minus two days...

2008-09-30T20:21:00.002-05:00

Charm vs. Smarm.

Moose Hunter vs. Horse's Ass.

Hockey Mom vs. Used Car Salesman.

Smile vs. Smirk.

"Lipstick!" vs. "Stand up, Chuck!"

The Thrilla in Wasilla (well, it would be if they wanted to give her home field advantage...)

Of course, I'm talking about the much anticipated Vice Presidential debate coming up Thursday night. Some are worried, given Governor Palin's less-than-perfect interview performances so far. I'm not, though -- I predict she'll do just fine against the human gaffe machine.

Just in case, though, it looks like the Red State Update guys are trying to lower expectations:

Where's Mitt?

2008-09-30T08:22:00.002-05:00

While there is no clear concensus about what we should do regarding the potential Wall Street bailout, it seems like everyone of import has an opinion and isn't bashful about sharing it.

One voice we haven't heard from, however (at least I haven't), is Mitt Romney. Now here's a guy who has a long, extraordinarily successful history of reviving institutions in financial distress. I have to figure he's got some good ideas about the current situation, so why the silence?

Now, let me preface my next thought by saying emphatically that I in no way intend to throw Sarah Palin under the bus (as some already have). I still think she was a great pick for McCain's running mate, I think she'll do great in the debate on Thursday, and if we win in November, I think she'll make a great VP.

That said...

I wonder how different the dynamic would be in Washington (and in the media) right now if Mitt Romney were on the ticket with John McCain. What different advice would be given? What new ideas would be suggested to manage our current financial crisis?

Better yet, what if Romney were instead our nominee for President? With Romney's experience, this situation would have provided the opportunity to illustrate the required leadership and problem solving ability, resulting in a well-deserved political advantage for our side, as opposed to the political liability that McCain seems to be suffering at the moment.

I understand that what-ifs and hindsight are of limited value now, but I can't help but wonder aloud whether our party couldn't (or shouldn't) be in a better spot politically right now.

A request from the Obama campaign

2008-09-29T12:55:00.003-05:00

Have you been raped?

If so, then we need your help. We are looking for rape victims just like you to help our campaign. We will use your experience to promote hope and change.

If you have been raped and want to help ~~others~~ us, please contact...

"I'm Barack Obama, and I approve this ~~message~~ exploitation."

Best of the MOB, Sep 19 - 25

2008-09-26T09:30:00.002-05:00

Update: Teh Andee is this week's BOMOB winner -- congrats!

----------------------------------------------

Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 9/19 - 9/25/08

"13,000 Plus For McCain-Palin In Blaine #1," Residual Forces, September 19. Nominated for one of a series of posts with original reporting of last weekend's rally.

"Is Free Speech a 'Hate Crime'?," Downingworld, September 22. Nominated for posing the implications of conservatism as a genetic predisposition.

"ALF/PETA Strike Again," Ladies Logic, September 23. Nominated for noting the absurdity of radicals' killing animals for the sake of saving animals.

"Half Assed," The Kool Aid Report, September 24. Nominated for reportage of quality only possible by a subject matter expert.

"McCain’s Gambit," Jay Reding.com, September 25. Nominated for analysis of John McCain's decision to temporarily suspend his campaign.

Battery?!

2008-09-25T20:47:00.002-05:00

I didn't even know that was illegal...

A man arrested for driving under the influence in South Charleston, West Virginia, got into a lot more trouble after he was hauled down to the police station.

José Cruz was pulled over for driving with his headlights off and then failed a series of sobriety tests. When police were fingerprinting him at the station, Cruz allegedly moved closer to one of the officers and broke wind. In the complaint, the officers say they noticed a "very strong" odor.

The stunt led Cruz to be charged with battery on an officer in addition to DUI and obstruction.

If that's against the law (really?... battery???), then I need to be put away for a very long time!

Is it possible?

2008-09-23T22:42:00.002-05:00

Last Friday night, when I was driving home from the airport on I-494, a vehicle approached from behind, soon after which the driver beeped vigorously, pulled along side of me, and gave an enthusiastic thumbs up.

After a brief moment of confusion, I remembered that I had recently affixed a brand new shiny ~~"Palin-McCain"~~ "McCain-Palin '08" bumper sticker.

Granted, one data point does not a statistically significant poll make, but I was struck by the evidence of genuine enthusiasm that has been desperately lacking from our side for a few years.

It's wishful thinking, but just maybe, could it be possible that this enthusiasm will diffuse to the point of turning Minnesota red in November? I wonder if we're experiencing something special here.

Oh yeah...

2008-09-23T21:58:00.001-05:00

In my recent wave of Cubbies euphoria, I've made nary a mention of the success of America's Team. So, lest the Packerphilic demographic of the MOB think I wasn't paying attention on Sunday night...

Step 2: Clinch home field advantage

2008-09-22T22:26:00.000-05:00

Check.

Step 1: Win the division

2008-09-20T18:46:00.003-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen...

The 2008 National League Central Champions...

Your Chicago Cubs!!

(AP Photo)

A plea...

2008-09-20T09:44:00.001-05:00

...to stop fourth-trimester abortions.

Seems like a reasonable request to me.

Best of the MOB, Sep 12 - 18

2008-09-19T08:30:00.001-05:00

Update: The guest post from Uncle Ben (the erstwhile Hammerswing75) is this week's winner. Well done, sir! I guess it pays to put "naked" in the title...

------------------------------

Happy Friday! I know I didn't write anything of substance this week, but these guys did...

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 9/12 - 9/18/08

"Who's naked in the woods?," The Night Writer, September 13. Nominated for a salacious bit of poetry (guest-blogged by some French guy).

"Don't let the bastards get you down," Pair 'o Dice, September 16. Nominated for putting a rough day for the market into proper perspective.

"Let your kids try things," View from the Cloud, September 16. Nominated for some fine parental advice.

"On the Chevy Volt," Bike Bubba's Bits, September 17. Nominated for helping us with the math regarding hybrids.

"Mad As Hell...," Boots On, September 18. Nominated for suggesting some constructive anger by the McCain campaign.

It was 40 years ago today...

2008-09-16T11:32:00.002-05:00

...that I was born in Peoria, IL.

So today, instead of planning fun things to do with my girls or friends, I'm stuck in Chicago on a business trip.

Man, Cargill owes me big time!

Insult to injury

2008-09-14T22:42:00.003-05:00

This has gotta be pretty tough day to be a Brewers' fan.

Not only did the Brewskis lose a double header on the road. But the Cubs won -- in Miller Park (against the Astros, relocated because of Hurricane Ike). With a no hitter!

Miller Park is already informally known as "Wrigley North" when the Cubs are in town, much to the dismay of Brewer Nation. Today didn't help to dispel that.

Best of the MOB, Sep 5 - 11

2008-09-12T00:01:00.001-05:00

Update: This week's BOMOB winner is Mr. D. -- congrats!

--------------------

Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 9/5 - 9/11/08

"More reasons I'm not terribly fond of public transit," Bike Bubba's Bits, September 8. Nominated for explaining why, in more ways than one, mass transit stinks.

"Obama Sticks it to the Minority," Downingworld, September 10. Nominated for some random musings about the Obama campaign.

"No Sunspots in August," Kowabunga, September 10. Nominated for again highlighting the absurdity of the global warming hoax.

"Biden Agonistes," Mr. Dilettante, September 10. Nominated for noting what was perhaps Joe Biden's most lucid moment (btw, "Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot." made me lol).

"Seven Years Later," Jay Reding.com, September 11. Nominated for reminding us on the anniversary of 9/11 to never forget.

(poll now closed)

Agricultural experts?

2008-09-11T23:18:00.002-05:00

During tonight's presidential forum, Barack Obama asserted (in the context of serving the country in non-military ways) that, "we need agricultural specialists in places like Afghanistan."

Really? Why, is this year's opium poppy crop not quite up to snuff?

The (clueless) One

2008-09-09T22:20:00.003-05:00

Ok, now I think many of us suspected that when push came to shove, B. O. would reveal himself to be not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed during this campaign. And some were prescient enough to foresee the backlash for the over-the-top attacks against Sarah Palin.

But really?

"Lipstick on a pig?!"

Wow.

Like I said before, they just can't help themselves. Sarah Palin has energized our side and half of theirs, and the other half is scared to death. They're desperate, and it shows. I only hope they don't figure out just how much damage they're causing to the Left's cause for another couple months. November could be a lot of fun.

And speaking of stuttering pig bloopers...

Organizational SAB

2008-09-08T21:59:00.004-05:00

Separated at birth:

1) This explanation of the role of "community organizer," from IMAO

2) The business plan proposed by the Underpants Gnomes

Maybe NBC cares about its brand after all

2008-09-08T21:06:00.002-05:00

Against my better judgment, last night I made the effort to watch the halftime show of NBC's Sunday night football game. It was a bit of morbid curiosity, really, because I knew Keith Olbermann was part of NBC's halftime act, and I wanted to see the extent to which Olbermann would contort himself to inject his political views during the sportscasting gig.

To my surprise, he didn't. Not one bit. In fact, NBC pulled out a surprise to resurrect Olbermann's pairing with Dan Patrick (from his old ESPN days, during which I even now begrudgingly admit to being a fan of Olbermann's). To my surprise, not only wasn't I infuruated by Olbermann last night, I was mildly entertained.

Then, this morning, I saw that both Keith and MSNBC colleague Chris Matthews were relieved of their duties in covering events for this election cycle.

That may explain the benign performance during the football game last night. It now appears that Olbermann may have been instructed by NBC brass that there's a time and a place for rabid moonbat screeds (i. e., Countdown), but otherwise kindly put a sock in it.

If so, NBC made a good business decision and may be taking the first steps toward trying to regain a semblance of credibility as a news organization. Maybe they've realized that such credibility is not to be found in Keith Olbermann's spittle or Chris Matthews's tingly leg.

Best of the MOB, Aug 29 - Sep 4

2008-09-05T00:10:00.002-05:00

Update: Mr. Rhodes wins this week with the puppy poetry -- congrats!

---------------------------

Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 8/29 - 9/4/08

"The List," View from the Cloud, August 30. Nominated for successfully teaching a lesson to a teen.

"Been a Long Time Comin'," Steam Valve, September 3. Nominated for a personal perspective on the ascendancy of Governor Palin.

"A tribute to a dear friend," The Far Wright, September 4. Nominated for honoring in haiku form the great Hammerswing75 upon his retirement.

"Labor Day Protest Full Report," Kowabunga, September 4. Nominated for daring to counterprotest against the nitwits in St. Paul.

"An Ode To The Dog I Saw Hit By A Car This Morning," Rambling Rhodes, September 4. Nominated for posting posthumous poetry for a pooch.

(poll now closed)

Over the top?

2008-09-04T19:54:00.002-05:00

Naturally, the punditocracy is still abuzz over the magnificent performance from Governor Palin last night. Many have even gone so far as to suggest that Sarah Palin is the next Ronald Reagan.

She was great, no doubt about it. But c'mon... Reagan? Really???

Then, I saw this. Considering the source, maybe the Reagan comparison isn't so crazy after all.

A star is born

2008-09-03T22:36:00.003-05:00

Re Governor Palin's speech tonight, I now know how Chris Matthews feels when he watches Barack Obama.

Wow.

---------------

Update: Here's the video.

Contrast

2008-09-03T10:01:00.001-05:00

Last week, DNC delegates were chanting, "O-BA-MA! O-BA-MA!!"

This week, RNC delegates are chanting, "U-S-A! U-S-A!!"

I think the "Country First" theme is catching on.

Wellstone Memorial x 100

2008-09-02T18:38:00.004-05:00

The Left and the media (pardon the redundancy) have truly exceeded all expectations in their attempts to smear Governor Palin and her family. I won't give them the satisfaction of repeating said smears, but I will make a prediction about them.

They will backfire. Big time.

I've watched and listened to a lot of political coverage over the last four days since John McCain announced that Sarah Palin would be his running mate. One thing is certain: Palin is connecting. Moreover, she's connecting not only with the base (who, like me, went from "meh" to "Sign me up!!" en masse), but also with the regular folks (and women, in particular). She's a good conservative, and that's very important, but she's also a regular person who's genuine, positive, and kind of cool. Who wouldn't like a M-16-totin' hockey mom who refers to her husband as the "First Dude?"

The Left, that's who.

Sarah Palin is the Left's worst nightmare. She's pro-life, she's a no-nonsense reformer of government, and she's the embodiment of the personal responsibility ethic. She's also a strong and likeable leader, and is therefore very popular.

The Left knows that not only will Palin pull the disaffected Hillary voters to our side -- they know they may never get those voters back. The Left knows that while they spew platitudes about "hope" and "change," it's folks like Palin that actually pull it off. And the Left knows that there are others like her who will see her example and gain the confidence to achieve similar success. That's why the Left is working so hard to destroy Sarah Palin and her family.

Palin as VP undermines virtually every tenet of their ideology, and for many of them, their ideology is all they have. They will stop at nothing, and they will continue to go too far. It will be political suicide for them, but they won't be able to help themselves.

It will be the Wellstone Memorial times a hundred.

NOW, I'm on board!!

2008-08-29T11:35:00.006-05:00

By now, everyone knows that Senator McCain announced that Gov. Sarah Palin is his running-mate. Everyone and his brother is analyzing the political brilliance of the pick, so I won't bore you with my "me, too," except to say that I'm very happy today!

For those interested, her bio is here.

As I said before, if McCain had chosen a pro-choice VP, it would have been a huge problem for me (and certainly many others). With Gov. Palin, we have someone who is not only pro-life ideologically, but someone who has as much as anyone "walked the walk" with the issue.

I'm referring to he newborn son, Trig, who has Down Syndrome. Today it is commonplace for pregnant mothers to pre-screen babies for Down Syndrome, and an alarming number of babies testing positive are aborted -- around 90%! Instead of making that "choice," Sarah Palin instead gave birth to baby Trig, upon which she said (as relayed on Laura Ingraham's show this morning), "When I saw him, I saw perfection."

The life debate is gaining greater than average scrutiny this election cycle, thanks to Obama/Pelosi style radicalism. As a pro-life conservative (and as a dad), is truly heartening to see someone on our ticket who is not only right on the issue, but has shown leadership by example.

It's a good day to be a conservative.

Best of the MOB, August 22 - 28

2008-08-29T00:01:00.001-05:00

Update: Katie's Beer is this week's winner -- Congrats and well done!!

---------------------------

Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 8/22 - 8/28/08

"Pro-life, Sacraments, and Grace...," Blond moment, August 26. Nominated for a thought-provoking perspective on the life issue.

"Things I want to do now that my daughter has left for college...," Katie's Beer, August 26. Nominated for an ambitious to-do list.

"Nuance and Knuckle Dragging," Downingworld, August 27. Nominated for noting that nuance is in the eye of the beholder.

"Encouraging," Space Beagle, August 28. Nominated for a commentary on personal responsibility.

"Keepin' it Real?," Casual Sundays with Mr Curry, August 28. Nominated for a good summary of the Dems' problem with phonies and bad Catholics.

Classy

2008-08-28T19:10:00.000-05:00

Very classy. Well done, Senator McCain.

Pass it on

2008-08-26T22:25:00.002-05:00

Michelle Malkin reports on the Obama campaign's attempts to intimidate TV stations that run the Ayres ad by the American Issues Project.

As she says, "Here is the ad Barack Obama doesn’t want you to see. Pass it on."

Consider it passed...

Maybe we could play it safe?

2008-08-26T21:30:00.005-05:00

Hugh is all over the story of Nancy Pelosi's interview on Meet the Press last Sunday and subsequent reaction. Catholic leaders are understandably furious about her misrepresentations of their doctrine, but what struck me was this from her about when life begins:

"We don't know. The point is, is that it shouldn't have an impact on the woman's right to choose."

This is absolutely stunning to me. By saying, "We don't know," Speaker Pelosi is acknowledging that what she calls a right to choose may very well be the choice to end a life. Given that, she would still prefer to allow that choice!

I'm glad that the life debate is getting greater than average scrutiny this election cycle as a result of not just Pelosi's dopey comments, but Barack Obama's radical history on the issue. The nearly 50 million aborted in the US since Roe v. Wade would have been glad, too.

Is that really necessary?

2008-08-26T21:11:00.002-05:00

Last weekend, I say a young woman wearing a tee shirt which read the following:

gay? fine with me.

Now, she's obviously the enlightened progressive type, so good for her. The problem I had with this particular display was not the message, but rather the setting. At the time, I was with my daughters at an elementary school playground.

Now that they're getting pretty good at reading, there was certainly the potential for a "Daddy, what does 'gay' mean?" moment. I'll be more than happy to field that question when the time is right, but I don't believe ages 6 and 7 is that time.

So, to anyone feeling the need to express just how fabulously uber-tolerant you are, please keep your adult messages in appropriate adult settings and out of my children's grade school.

Thanks.

Best of the MOB, August 15 - 21

2008-08-22T12:45:00.002-05:00

As mentioned below, I didn't make time to surf the MOB this week. However, in the comments, Margaret and Mr. D. were kind enough to point me to a piece by Night Writer that is truly something special. It's a great example of writing and an even better example of living.

So, there's no poll this week. The people have spoken, and this week's BOMOB is, "Filings: Man on the Street."

Well done, sir.

After some consideration...

2008-08-21T22:57:00.002-05:00

I've decided that being arbiter of "Best of the MOB" is above my pay grade. Therefore, effective immediately, the feature is discontinued.

Ok, just kidding. I've just been too busy this week to research our finest in local web journalism (or to post anything myself, for that matter). Sorry for being a slacker -- I'll get back at it next week.

Seacrest out.

Best of the MOB, August 8 - 14

2008-08-15T00:01:00.002-05:00

Update: Congrats to What If?, who scored the overtime BOMOB victory this week!

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Update (Mon 8:45 pm): At noon, the voting was tied, and it still is now, so I'll leave the poll up until noon Tuesday.

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Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 8/8 - 8/14/08

"Family Day," Steam Valve, August 8. Nominated for inquiring why every day isn't "Family Day."

"Risk and Reward," What if?, August 13. Nominated for reminding us it's possible to be too safe.

"A new banned word, thanks to Ben Stiller!," Anti-Strib, August 14. Nominated for expressing frustration in those with a retarded sense of humor.

"Your Neighbors Have Had Their Home Invaded, What Do You Do?," Cake Eater Chronicles, August 14. Nominated for analysis of Poland's defensive maneuvering.

"Naval Blockade of Iran Likely," EckerNet, August 14. Nominated for analysis of recent activity in the Persian Gulf.

(poll now closed)

Hugh's right

2008-08-13T20:20:00.002-05:00

Today Hugh Hewitt said on his blog (and reiterated on his radio show):

Discussing the possibility of a pro-choice veep is fine, and perhaps even excellent politics. Actually picking a running mate who is pro-choice would end the momentum that has been shifting to McCain, and almost certainly destroy the prospect of his winning. Conservatives who have begun to recognize the danger posed by an Obama presidency to the national security of the United States and put their shoulder to the wheel would melt away by the millions as they would see the effective evisceration of the party's pro-life commitment.

It's no secret that I wasn't thrilled McCain ended up as our nominee. It is comforting for me, however, that John McCain is solidly pro-life, particularly since he's running against a Democrat who's not just pro-choice, but an abortion rights extremist.

Today, the names of both Tom Ridge and Joe Lieberman were tossed around as potential running-mates for McCain. Both are good men, but either on the ticket would be a punch in the gut to those of us for whom the life issue matters just when many are beginning to warm up to the idea of a McCain presidency.

I agree with Hugh's statement that the selection of a pro-choicer as VP would cause his support to "melt away by the millions," of which I would be one. Now don't worry, I won't vote for Obama, because I love my country, and I wouldn't trust Obama to be competent enough to run a bake sale, much less America.

I'll vote for McCain, but giving away the life issue will make me that much less willing to donate my time or my money in support of the campaign, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way.

Of course, the flip side is true, too. The choice of a strong pro-life conservative as McCain's running mate would greatly strengthen the support of those of us who may have been lukewarm until now. I hope he recognizes that he needs us if he wants to win in November.

What media bias?

2008-08-11T08:12:00.001-05:00

Dog bites man: Corrupt Democrat gets assist from MSM:

We told you about Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick getting out of jail Friday. Thursday, when the Associated Press reported that he had been imprisoned for violating terms of his bond in his perjury case, the AP failed to mention his party affiliation. Kilpatrick is a Democrat.

But back on July 29, when Alaska Senator Ted Stevens was indicted, the AP made his party affiliation clear. The headline read, "Ted Stevens indicted, longest-serving GOP senator." The article included the word "Republican" seven times and "GOP" four times.

Media watchdog Web site NewsBusters.org reports that both "ABC World News" and "NBC Nightly News" also failed to report Kilpatrick's party affiliation.

Innocent mistake, I'm sure...

Principled stance

2008-08-08T12:41:00.002-05:00

The DNC may be saying thanks, but no thanks to John Edwards regarding addressing the upcoming convention in Denver.

Some Democrats are saying John Edwards needs to publicly address stories in the National Enquirer that he had an affair with a campaign worker and fathered her child. The Charlotte Observer reports that if the former Democratic presidential candidate fails to provide a sufficient response, party officials may not ask him to speak at the Democratic convention in Denver later this month.

Former North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Don Fowler says, "If there is not an explanation that's satisfactory, acceptable and meets high moral standards, the answer is 'no,' he would not be a prime candidate to make a major address to the convention."

And Gary Pearce, who ran Edwards' 1998 Senate campaign says, "It's clearly getting ready to bust out. If it's not true, he's got to stand up and say, 'This is not true....'"

It's nice to see the DNC taking a moral stand here. They are making the clear statement that they do not want their party represented by politicians whose reputations have been scarred by infidelity and scandal.

In related news, it was announced that Bill Clinton will address the convention on Wednesday, August 27.

Best of the MOB, August 1 - 7

2008-08-08T00:01:00.001-05:00

Update: Congratulations to this week's BOMOB winner, (the) Tenacious (Mr.) D!

------------------

Happy Friday!

Ok, I know I haven't written anything this week (sorry...), but these folks have!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 8/1 - 8/7/08

"When does redemption begin? Hamilton vs. Morneau," Katie's Beer, August 2. Nominated for lauding the example of those who don't need rehabilitation.

"Fairness Doctrine in Transit," Speed Gibson, August 5. Nominated for a clever line of thinking about alternatives to our choo-choo boondoggle.

"What's My Line?," Mr. Dilettante, August 6. Nominated for bringing to light someone who may prefer to stay under the radar as she raids your wallet.

"Marriage Maladies," Rambling Rhodes, August 7. Nominated for being able to type out the post before getting his ass kicked by the bride-to-be.

"$10 Gas? Absolutely!!!!!," Ladies Logic, August 7. Nominated for revealing what's becoming less of a secret every day: the disdain for the little guy by the radical left.

(poll now closed)

Prayer request

2008-08-03T13:01:00.002-05:00

Leo at Psycmeistr's Ice Palace has had two sudden serious medical emergencies in his family -- his son's girlfriend, Brooke (brain injury from a traffic accident), and his sister-in-law's sister, Shiela (kidney and liver failure).

His posts are here and here.

Please pray for a quick (as possible) and full recovery for both these young ladies and for strength and comfort for Leo and his family.

I object

2008-08-03T12:46:00.002-05:00

Gas prices high enough for ya? Too bad! The majority party in Congress doesn't care.

Even if prices were to reach $10 per gallon for gas, the Don't Drill Democrats have no intention of acting to resolve the oil shortage.

Here's proof (HT Instapundit):

Unfair smear

2008-08-02T12:27:00.002-05:00

There was quite a reaction to John McCain's ad "Celebrity" ad last week in which he juxtaposed images of Barack Obama with those of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.

In fact, some were downright mad about it. Now, normally, I'd tell those folks to lighten up and get a sense of humor, but not this time. I've thought about it, and I'm mad about the ad, too.

Sure, the three have in common that they have become worldwide celebrities without the talent to warrant the attention, but I feel it is an unfair and unnecessary smear to compare Britney and Paris to Obama, at least until we learn more about the girls' stances on policy issues.

For instance, I have no evidence that either Britney or Paris would be inclined to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the Global War on Terror, should either become Commander in Chief.

I also have no evidence that Britney or Paris would have an energy policy as silly and impotent as Obama's.

Further, I have no evidence that either Britney or Paris would call for multi-faceted tax hikes that would all but ensure a plunge of our economy into recession.

And finally, I am not aware that either Britney or Paris are on record supporting a woman's right to abortion in the fourth trimester.

So let's lay off these girls, ok? Their reputations have been tarnished enough.

It's official

2008-08-02T12:25:00.000-05:00

Red State Update declares:

"It took sixty years, but the pussification of Germany is at last complete."

If I were writing the headlines

2008-08-02T12:20:00.001-05:00

Girardi to keep Wang out through September

I'm such a child...

Best of the MOB, July 25 - 31

2008-08-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Update: This weekend's voting had all the suspense of a Cubs-Brewers series, but still, congrats to Uncle Ben for the BOMOB win!

----------------------------

Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 7/25 - 7/31/08

"It is possible to tickle oneself, n=1," Crazy But Able, July 25. Nominated for introducing some new empirical evidence to the scientific community.

"A Huge and Long Overdue Victory for New Brighton Property Owners," Boots On, July 27. Nominated for reporting a local effort to resist being Kelo'd.

""Further Yet...." or "How to Propose Marriage in Seventeen Easy Steps"," Hammerswing 75, July 29. Nominated for a sweet story about a great guy proposing to a great gal (Congrats again!).

"The GOP Needs an Enema," Jay Reding.com, July 29. Nominated for noting the disgrace that is Sen. Ted "Bridge to Nowhere" Stevens.

"The Great Fire Hydrant Debate of 2008!!," America's Small City Mayor, July 30. Nominated for reminding us you can't please everyone.

(poll now closed)

Closed circuit to Learned Foot

2008-07-31T18:29:00.004-05:00

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!

"We don't like the fact that we allowed their fans to come into our park and have a four-day party. But that's our fault."

-- Brewers' manager Ned Yost

Don't worry - he's plenty inflated!

2008-07-30T18:04:00.003-05:00

HT to Hugh, President-wannabe Obama said the following today in lieu of an actual energy policy:

There's things that you can do individually though to save energy. Making sure your tires are properly inflated. Simple thing. But we could save all the oil they are talking about getting off drilling if everybody was just inflating their tires. And getting regular tune-ups. You could actually save just as much.

I don't know about his tires, but Obama's ego is plenty inflated. His intellect, however... Well, I won't bother fisking his math, because John at Powerline beat me to it.

So as I understand it, B. O. says we can't drill our way out of our energy problem, but the odd trip to Jiffy Lube will make everything all better.

Wow.

Big news!

2008-07-30T12:38:00.002-05:00

It appears congratulations are in order -- Ben and Faith are engaged!

All the best, you crazy kids!

I've got to figure this is the first official inter-MOB union...

Got nuts?

2008-07-29T22:40:00.002-05:00

Snickers has pulled an advertisement in response to objections from gay rights groups.

Here's the ad:

Personally, I think Mars needs to "get some nuts." And those who took offense should also grow a pair -- along with a sense of humor.

Dingbat's a Muslim?

2008-07-29T22:29:00.003-05:00

This struck me funny -- it was on FoxNews.com front page yesterday.

Of course, the description is mismatched to the video, which was actually of an old O'Reilly interview of Jean Stapleton.

Sorry... I'm easily amused.

MilF photojournal, 2008 edition

2008-07-26T20:29:00.018-05:00

Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, Friday was the annual Running of the MilF (formally, the "Fourth Annual Millard Fillmore Memorial KARNation Open Championship Golf Outing Classic" -- whatever...). Despite a rainy morning, we had great (although humid) weather for golf in the afternoon, followed by the post-MilF, featuring copious amounts of sausage consumption and awesome pyrotechnics (well, ok, not so much, but the sausages were good).

The event was fake-liveblogged here and twittered here, and Leo has a wrapup here (sorry if I've missed anyone else's coverage).

We began with the Reading of the Rules...

"Where the f--- is everyone?!"

No, really, we're all paying attention, Foot.

Time to tee off. The first group was the twosome of John and Troy, team "Policy Johnson." Since they were the least experienced of the golfers there, they were told they could hit from the red tees if they wanted.

They did.

And of course, being the nice guys we are, no one gave them any crap about it. Definitely no "Policy Gal" jokes, or anything like that. Really. *snicker*

In the next foursome were teams The Comment Trolls and Nightmeister (John and Leo).

Then came our group, the decisive headliners of the MilF. My partner was former Mayor of the MOB, Andee Applecowsky, and we formed team "Teh Residual Feckes." (I don't get it...). Our playing partners were team Titaiaiaianic, comprised of bloggers extrordinaire, talk radio superstars, and charter members of the Northern Alliance proper, King Banaian (who is also current MOB Mayor) and Captain Ed Morrissey. Hence, NARN participation in this year's tournament was double that of any previous MilF!

Cap'n Ed was sporting some old-school persimmon clubs (i. e., actual "woods"), which were quite the curiosity at the first tee box. Nothin' wrong with 'em, though, as Ed was probably the most consistently solid of the four of us off the tee.

Here is King admiring Cap'n Ed's wood...

And following our group to round out the tournament was three other guys.

"Where the f---'s my ball?!"

The golf was fun, but the course was punishing, and many balls were sacrificed. I had one flash of brilliance on the first par five (#4, 463 yds), when I was just off the back edge of the green in two! Then, I remembered that I suck at golf and still managed to bogey the hole. D'oh!

-----

Then, it was off to the post-MilF, which was hosted by Learned and Mrs. Foot (who was an angel for putting up with us!). It began with the awards ceremony, emceed by our caustic friend (picture someone with the charm of a Packers fan and the humility of Barack Obama -- that's Foot)

As predicted the other day, the fix was in, and the big winners were team KARNation in Assless Chaps. Here's the Nihilist in Golf Pants kissing Foot's cup (ewwww...)

Teh Residual Feckes finished in the top half of the field, a respectable 3rd place. As we Cubs fans are used to saying, "Wait 'til next year!"

With the formalities out of the way, it was time to eat, drink, and be merry. Among the attendees (not mentioned elsewhere) were Brad and Jennifer Carlson, Sequel, Chief, Mitch, and Atomizer.

Here's one of the happy couple (Uncle Ben and Mall Diva)

Awwww....

And other random party pics...

The food was great. John, the Night Writer stepped in, well, masterfully as Master of Sausages (in fact, he may have just "won" himself a permanent job). It seems he's already lined up a celebrity endorsement gig.

Other culinary delights were provided by Lassie (a salad "for the vegetarian wussies" and "Cleveland Steamers") and Jennifer (a fruit pizza that was devoured in record time).

As we dined, we anxiously awaited a segment on Almanac featuring David Strom, which was enthusiastically live-fisked. (Andy's got the video.)

Later came the fireworks (ok, the sparklers). Don't try this at home, kids!

The contraption below being stuffed with said sparklers was dubbed the "tongue of fire"

However, the first attempt to light the TOF yielded only a toppled structure, a small yard fire, and loud en masse cries of "FAIL!!"

The second effort was a little better.

At was at this time I had to leave, so I cannot vouch for the wildness of the rest of the evening. I had a great time, though, and (seriously) I'd like to thank Foot and his family for again hosting the MilF and the post-MilF.

And the Brewers suck.

Until next year....

Parody or prophesy?

2008-07-25T09:08:00.002-05:00

I'm pretty sure this piece from the Times of London is intended to be tongue in cheek (read the whole thing -- very funny!)...

And it came to pass, in the eighth year of the reign of the evil Bush the Younger (The Ignorant), when the whole land from the Arabian desert to the shores of the Great Lakes had been laid barren, that a Child appeared in the wilderness.

The Child was blessed in looks and intellect. Scion of a simple family, offspring of a miraculous union, grandson of a typical white person and an African peasant. And yea, as he grew, the Child walked in the path of righteousness, with only the occasional detour into the odd weed and a little blow.

When he was twelve years old, they found him in the temple in the City of Chicago, arguing the finer points of community organisation with the Prophet Jeremiah and the Elders. And the Elders were astonished at what they heard and said among themselves: "Verily, who is this Child that he opens our hearts and minds to the audacity of hope?"

In the great Battles of Caucus and Primary he smote the conniving Hillary, wife of the deposed King Bill the Priapic and their barbarian hordes of Working Class Whites....

...but if one were to ask the disciples at MSNBC, I suspect they would be highly offended at the suggestion of finding humor in the prophesy of Obam-Uh..

Best of the MOB, July 18 - 24

2008-07-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

Update: Congrats to Master of Sausages and NuttyBuddy(TM) pitch man, John the Night Writer for this week's BOMOB victory!

----------------------------

Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 7/18 - 7/24/08

"How to be Marriageable: Class 1," The Night Writer, July 22. Nominated for a healthy dose of thoughtful advice for the dudes (now he tells me!).

"Bad Timing," Freedom Dogs, July 23. Nominated for pointing out that just because a bad idea may eventually become right doesn't mean it wasn't a bad idea in the first place.

"Advancement via Competition," Space Beagle, July 23. Nominated for highlighting the difference between our presidential candidates on school choice -- even if the media won't.

"Congressional support (or lack thereof.)," Coldheartedtruth, July 24. Nominated for questioning why there seems to be a wave of maverick-ism against McCain.

"Talula Does the Hula," Casual Sundays with Mr. Curry, July 24. Nominated for adding a "Who's on First" twist to an already funny story.

(poll now closed)

Who's up for the MilF?

2008-07-24T20:35:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's that time of year again. Tomorrow at Valleywood will be the Fourth Annual Millard Fillmore Memorial KARNation Open Championship Golf Outing Classic (a.k.a., "The MilF").

As usual, Learned Foot has stacked the deck to ensure being on the winning team, but it should be fun anyway (provided I don't get "accidentally" plunked by an errant tee shot). Your humble correspondent is paired this year with Teh 4mer Mayer of the MOB to form team "Teh Residual Feckes." We'll be sure to spend plenty of time exchanging hair care tips between holes.

If the weather doesn't suck, it should be a good day of golf followed by substantial consumption of pork products. Like last year, I expect to be able to provide a photoblog of the festivities. Until then...

FORE!!

No silly names

2008-07-24T13:45:00.003-05:00

Judge Makes Girl, 9, Ward of the Court to Rid Her of 'Talula Does the Hula' Name

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A family court judge in New Zealand has had enough with parents giving their children bizarre names here, and did something about it.

Just ask Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii. He had her renamed.

Judge Rob Murfitt made the 9-year-old girl a ward of the court so that her name could be changed, he said in a ruling made public Thursday. The girl was involved in a custody battle, he said.

The new name was not made public to protect the girl's privacy....

In his ruling, Murfitt cited a list of the unfortunate names.

Registration officials blocked some names, including Fish and Chips, Yeah Detroit, Keenan Got Lucy and Sex Fruit, he said. But others were allowed, including Number 16 Bus Shelter "and tragically, Violence," he said.

New Zealand law does not allow names that would cause offense to a reasonable person, among other conditions, said Brian Clarke, the registrar general of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Clarke said officials usually talked to parents who proposed unusual names to convince them about the potential for embarrassment.

In cases such as this, I think that the court should not only intervene to relieve the children from these obnoxious names, but they should go the next step and rename the parents, too. Maybe something like, "Asshat." Or, "FAIL!"

Barack Hussein Obama could not be reached for comment.

Obam-Uh...

2008-07-22T22:58:00.004-05:00

Rush had a good bit today in which he asked his producer to extract all the "uh.."s and "um.."s from Barack Obama's speech from Jordan this morning.

It was a 40 minute monologue, from which they recovered 8 full minutes of incoherent stammery goodness. That's 20% of the speech for those of you scoring at home.

Someone get this man a teleprompter -- stat!

Slow down!

2008-07-22T12:04:00.007-05:00

I'm amazed at the pace at which this summer is passing by, and the same is true for the lives of my daughters.

Over the past few weeks, they both had their birthdays.

Amanda turned seven on July 2...

...and Jennifer turned six on July 11.

Each wanted to celebrate her special day at Nickelodeon Universe (the amusement park formerly known as Camp Snoopy), followed by going out for pizza. Then, last weekend, we met up with my mom & dad around Madison (to split the driving duties) for another weekend of birthday festivities.

I can see these girls becoming more brave and independent with each passing day. At TAPFKACS, they both wanted to venture onto the "big kid" rides, even though they had only recently surpassed the "you must be this tall" benchmark for them (particularly Amanda - she went on this, this, and even this - twice!). And at the hotel swimming pool, they no longer needed their dad to hang on to them in the water.

Among other recent milestones, Amanda is now riding a bicycle sans training wheels. And Jennifer just lost her top front baby teeth. (Before she lost the last one, she qualified for a SAB with this fellow...)

Don't get me wrong - it's wonderful to see them blossom and fluorish. When people say that kids grow up too fast, though, they're not kidding! I'm afraid to blink, lest one asks to borrow the car keys. And it's only a short 28 more years before the oldest is allowed to start dating!

Vacation

2008-07-16T16:22:00.001-05:00

I'll be leaving tomorrow for a daddy-daughter road trip through the weekend. See y'all Monday!

Someone over there gets it

2008-07-13T12:22:00.002-05:00

A friend sent me a link to this Telegraph article: George W. Bush - buffoon or great leader?

In the article, Sameh El-Shahat lays out a case that is, in my opinion, well ahead of the curve. Eventually, I believe this will be the generally accepted historical narrative of the Bush presidency, but for now, it's certainly a minority opinion.

An excerpt:

Yes, we’ve all heard the Bushisms and laughed at them but do you really think somebody supposedly that thick can make it to the top of the most sophisticated political system the world has ever seen?

No, and that is because Mr Bush is far cleverer than most of his predecessors. He may not have been a Rhodes Scholar, but he has the ability to reach out to his people and read them.

Take the Iraq war for example.... [When] there were calls to pull out, Mr Bush just followed his own counsel and doubled his bet with the Surge.

And he was right because Iraq is in a relatively better shape today than it ever was and Al Qa'eda is a shadow of its former self in that country.

This is a man who has the courage of his convictions....

Hating George W. Bush is not only dull and unoriginal, but it shows a complete lack of understanding of the world in which we live in.

You want liberty but you don’t want to defend it... right.

So to those who wish to categorize a McCain presidency as "Bush's third term," I say, "Good!" It is better than the dangerously incompetent alternative.

RIP, Tony

2008-07-12T23:07:00.002-05:00

Tony Snow died of cancer today. There are few with the breadth of experience Tony had on both sides of the fence between journalism and politics; he served in the administrations of both current and former Presidents Bush, and he was a long time anchor at Fox News.

Tributes are plentiful on the news channels today, especially FNC, and online at sites such as National Review's The Corner.

Of course, the words of remembrance today praise Tony's talent, professionalism, and patriotism, but anyone that has followed his career won't be surprised that the majority of the sentiments expressed today were simply that Tony Snow was a great guy.

Hearing those who knew him speak of his kindness, generosity, optimism, and love for his family, it is clear that Snow was the sort to always do the good and right thing, even when no one was looking, and even when it was clear that he was losing his battle with cancer. In that respect, he was a great role model. I just heard Brit Hume say on TV, "He taught us how to live, and he taught us how to die."

A great American was taken from us way too soon today.

Best of the MOB, July 4 - 10

2008-07-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

Update: Congrats to this week's winner -- Kevin "Potty Mouth" Ecker!

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Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 7/4 - 7/10/08

"July 7, 1998: Our first conversation," and "The Other Side of the Story," The Brad Carlson blog, July 7. Nominated for chronicling the genesis of Mr. & Mrs. Carlson's relationship.

"What's Wrong with Being Middle Class?," Downingworld, July 8. Nominated for highlighting the merits of dispensing with class warfare.

"Nazi Fighter, Protector of Jews," Chisago County GOP, July 8. Nominated for a nice remembrance of Irena Sendler, the rightful recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize won instead by our bloated former vice president.

"How to kill the elderly and lose your inheritance, part 2," Bike Bubba'a Bits, July 10. Nominated for noting the downside of the government, not families, taking care of our elderly.

"Hope Keeps Changing More And More Into Pure Crapola," EckerNet, July 10. Nominated for, well, let's just say I don't think he'll be signing up for Spanish classes anytime soon.

(poll now closed)

Another "Reverend Problem"

2008-07-09T22:50:00.002-05:00

B. O. sure does have a lot of crazy uncles! This time, it's Jesse.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson apologized Wednesday for saying Barack Obama is "talking down to black people" during what Jackson thought was a private conversation before a FOX News interview Sunday.

Jackson was speaking to a guest at the time about Obama’s speeches in black churches and his support for faith-based charities. Jackson added before going live, "I want to cut his nuts off."

Jesse, Jesse, Jesse. Settle down -- you're way too sensitive. Barack talks down to everyone, not just black people! (Especially if they don't speak French.)

And let's not forget, Barack Obama is already the most liberal US Senator. Cutting off his nuts would just be redundant.

Bumper sticker

2008-07-06T22:00:00.002-05:00

If you like this, feel free to use or share:

Happy Independence Day

2008-07-06T14:32:00.003-05:00

Hey, all. I hope you and your families all had a wonderful 4th of July. It's a time to celebrate not only the anniversary of our country's independence, but also the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans.

That includes, of course, the freedom to be a jerk.

For example, take these clowns who decided on a tone for July 4 that was less celebratory than it was masturbatory.

The Fourth of July is again proving to be a difficult time for some on the American left who are uncomfortable with the flag-waving of those, who unlike them, admire America.

Robert Scheer at The Nation — the self described "flagship of the left" — calls Independence Day "Oil Dependence Day" saying, "Only in an America dumbed down by constant propaganda about our innate moral superiority will anyone any longer believe that we didn't invade Iraq for the oil."

And Matthew Rothschild, editor of the left-wing magazine The Progressive, says he's no patriot because, "Patriotism has done more to stack the corpses millions high in the last 300 years than any other factor."

And columnist Chris Satullo, former editorial page editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer, writes in that paper, "This year America doesn't deserve to celebrate its birthday. This Fourth of July should be a day of quiet and atonement. For we have sinned."

Tell ya what, guys. If it's all the same to you, we'll stick to barbecues and fireworks and save the quiet and atonement for a holiday that is really characterized by a dumbed-down America, constant propaganda, and faux moral superiority.

Like Earth Day.

This war is lost...

2008-07-02T23:47:00.002-05:00

...or so say those who can't be bothered with the facts.

You may have thought it was big news Tuesday when the administration reported to Congress that Iraq has made satisfactory progress on 15 of 18 political benchmarks set by the U.S.

Just last year, there was progress on only eight of those benchmarks and war critics have repeatedly cited the lack of political progress in arguing against the troop surge.

But the Media Research Center says there was not a word about the report on the "CBS Evening News," "NBC Nightly News" or ABC's "World News Tonight." The New York Times also ignored the story. The Washington Post relegated its coverage to page eight.

This is how the Associated Press began its story on the report: "No matter who is elected president in November, his foreign policy team will have to deal with... the slow pace with which the government in Baghdad operates."

When reached for comment, Sen. Harry Reid put his fingers in his ears and shouted at the top of his lungs, "LA LA LA LA LA LA LA!!!!"

Obama hypocrisy of the day

2008-07-01T18:28:00.004-05:00

It appears that our friend Barack Obama is again advocating change -- changing history, that is. Obama has again applied a rather loose definition of "passed a law."

Barack Obama is championing welfare reform in his new television ad titled "Dignity." The ad says that Obama "passed a law to move people from welfare to work — slashed the rolls by 80 percent."

But the television spot fails to mention that Obama resisted the very welfare reform bill that led to the reduction in the caseload. Back in 1996, President Bill Clinton signed a federal reform bill in an effort to make welfare what he called "a second chance, not a way of life."

But then-Illinois state Senator Obama told the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper that year that Mr. Clinton's stance on welfare was "disturbing."

And on May 31, 1997 Obama said on the floor of the Illinois state Senate, "I probably would not have supported the federal legislation."

This guy is becoming about as credible as Baghdad Bob.

"Yes, I'm very qualified. You elect me President now. I change you!"

Looking out for the little guy

2008-06-30T20:43:00.002-05:00

Some silliness across the pond:

The European Union has barred a British market vendor from selling a batch of kiwi fruits because they are one millimeter smaller than E.U. rules allow.

The Daily Mail reports that Tim Down's stall in the city of Bristol was examined by government food inspectors last week who told him that he had to trash the 5,000 slightly undersized kiwis.

Down says he will lose $2,000 by not selling the fruit. And, he has even been told that he is forbidden to give any of the fruit away, and that if he does he will be slapped with a fine of around $10,000.

He says, "They are saying I'm a criminal for selling this fruit — but the real crime is that all this fruit will go to waste — all because it's one millimeter too small."

Thank heavens the EU beaurocrats were there to protect consumers from the evils of Big Kiwi!

I wonder what training is involved to become an official kiwi inspector. And do you think the kiwi inspector is a specialist, or are inspectors cross-trained to be able to handle all types of fruit?

Seriously, though, it's important to remember stories like this when you hear folks on the Left assert that we should be more like Europe.

Obama hypocrisy of the day

2008-06-30T20:37:00.002-05:00

Today's installment: the issue of "equal pay:"

Barack Obama has vowed to make equal pay for women a priority if elected president and even told supporters in New Mexico last week, "McCain is an honorable man... but when you look at our records and our plans on issues that matter to working women, the choice could not be clearer. It starts with equal pay."

But Cybercast News cites a report from the secretary of the Senate which says women working in Obama's Senate office were paid, on average, about $6,000 less than men. And, of the five people in Obama's office who earn more than $100,000 a year, only one is a woman.

But in John McCain's Senate office, the average pay for women is $2,500 more than men.

It appears we have another case of, "Do as I say, not as I do."

And, "How 'bout fetchin' me a cup of coffee, there, toots?"

SF strikes again

2008-06-28T19:24:00.001-05:00

More wisdom from the San Francisco Board of ~~Indoctrination~~ Education:

The San Francisco Board of Education has decided that schools can no longer award physical education credit to students enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

The San Francisco Chronicle described Thursday's board meeting as "hastily scheduled" and said the four-to-one decision "will likely cripple the 90-year-old military education program... because most students use it to satisfy their P.E. requirement."

Two board members who opposed the change were not even in town to vote.

A student enrolled in the JROTC program says, "It's completely unfair. What am I going to do for credit?"

But Board President Mark Sanchez, who led the effort against the program because of its ties to the military, argues that "if students really love the program, they'll take it anyway."

But don't dare suggest that they don't support the troops!

Best of the MOB, June 20 - 26

2008-06-27T11:28:00.001-05:00

Update: "Casual Sundays" is this week's winner by a nose -- congrats!

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Happy Friday!

Please check out the posts below and vote either here or at the sidebar. The poll will stay open until noon on Monday. Vote early and often, and have a great weekend!

Best of the MOB, 6/20 - 6/26/08

"My Summer So Far," Hammerswing75, June 20. Nominated for finding beauty and value in a place where others may miss it.

"You Cannot Change the Laws of Chemistry," Speed Gibson, June 23. Nominated for noting a possible safety concern with advanced car battery technology.

"All Phones are Red at that Hour," Casual Sundays with Mr Curry, June 24. Nominated for best use of the phrase "why the fuzz?"

"Roger Goetsch, My Nephew - RIP - Forever Young," Market Power, June 25. Nominated for sharing a heart wrenching family tragedy.

"Phew! That Was Too Close!," Freedom Dogs, June 26. Nominated for succinctly articulating what may be at stake this November.

(poll now closed)

Ha!

2008-06-25T19:28:00.002-05:00

From Frank J. at IMAO -- brilliant!

Truth-challenged

2008-06-25T08:53:00.002-05:00

President-wannabe Barack Obama seems to be having a hard time telling the truth lately. Here's another example.

Barack Obama's first general election ad says about 46 seconds in that the Illinois senator passed laws that "extended health care for wounded troops who'd been neglected."

The ad "Country I Love", which was released Friday, provides a citation at the bottom of the screen which reads "Public Law 110 - 181."

The problem is Senator Obama never voted for that legislation. Public Law 110 - 181 is part of the defense authorization bill which passed the Senate in January by a vote of 91 to three with six senators not voting. Barack Obama was among those six absent senators.

I guess it depends on what the meaning of "passed laws" is. Maybe he didn't vote for it before he didn't vote against it.

"10 Concerns about Barack Obama"

2008-06-24T21:47:00.002-05:00

Bill Bennett and Seth Liebsohn have put out a thoughtful summary of reasons why an Obama presidency would be dangerous.

I list the bullets below, but the article expands on each point thoroughly. I encourage everyone to go read it in full.

1. Barack Obama’s foreign policy is dangerous, naïve, and betrays a profound misreading of history.
2. Barack Obama’s Iraq policy will hand al-Qaeda a victory and undercut our entire position in the Middle East, while at the same time put a huge source of oil in the hands of terrorists.
3. Barack Obama has sent mixed, confusing, and inconsistent messages on his policy toward Israel.
4. In the primary campaign, Barack Obama consistently campaigned against NAFTA, but has now changed his tune, as he has with other issues.
5. Barack Obama’s judgment about personal and professional affiliations is more than troubling.
6. Obama is simply out of step with how terrorists should be handled; he would turn back the clock on how we fight terrorism, using the failed strategy of the 1990s as opposed to the post-9/11 strategy that has kept us safe.
7. Barack Obama’s economic policies would hurt the economy.
8. Barack Obama opposes drilling on and offshore to reduce gas and oil prices.
9. Barack Obama is to the left of Hillary Clinton and NARAL on the issue of life.
10. Barack Obama is actually to the left of every member of the U.S. Senate.

All the cool kids are doing it

2008-06-24T11:26:00.002-05:00

I was particularly disturbed by the story last week about the purported "pregnancy pact" at the high school in Gloucester, MA. Of the 600 or so girls at the school, 17 are currently pregnant, and there were many others who, according to the principal, were visibly upset when they found out they weren't pregnant.

God only knows what has possessed these girls into thinking that getting pregnant while in high school is the hip thing to do. Some think they were influenced by the movie Juno. Others blame Jamie Lynn Spears. I've also heard it reported that girls were jealous of others at the school who've had babies and received a lot of attention as a result.

Girls, whatever the reason, this nonsense needs to stop. Please allow me to give a bit of advice straight out of Democrat talking points. Are you feeling alone? Unpopular? Bored? Well, you can't drill your way out of the problem!

Seal abuse

2008-06-23T19:27:00.005-05:00

It did not go unnoticed that our friend Barry Obama took some liberties by displaying on a podium from which he was speechifying a personalized logo that looked eerily similar to the official Presidential seal.

Judge for yourself:

Personally, I find this misuse of the official seal offensive. Besides the presumptive arrogance of Obama's standing behind it in an effort to appear presidential, the plagiaristic design of the seal speaks to Obama's lack both of creativity and of ethics.

Fear not, though, my friends. Not everyone is so corrupt. I will take the high road and personally set the example of a more honorable type of behavior.

In that spirit, I hereby unveil the new logo for this site. The design is the product of many hours of work to tap into they type of creativity that resides in the deep recesses of the soul. Moreover, I consulted with numerous experts to make sure it did not infringe on any official design.

Here it is:

...

...

...

...

What do you think?

Ok, ok...

2008-06-23T17:53:00.002-05:00

Alright, break's over I guess. Thanks to those who noticed I was gone from the blogosphere and encouraged me to break the silence.

Now's not the time, but soon I'll let you all in on what exactly has had me so distracted lately. No whining, though, I promise. If Tiger can win the US Open with a broken leg, I can certainly suck it up and post something ~~thoughtful~~.

So stay tuned. Your regularly scheduled snark will resume shortly.