Little Miss Sunshine

Google Gone Wild?

2011-08-26T12:31:00.004-05:00

If you’re like me you use Google products for email, to chat with fiends, to find news, figure out where to eat and decide what to buy. A former coworker and I used to joke that "Google is going to take over the world!", adding in our evil laughs.

Well, maybe it's not just a joke, and maybe it's not such a good thing. At least that’s what one Internet entrepreneur had to say at a Wisconsin Innovation Network luncheon earlier this week:

Savage said his Internet company, Sourcetool.com – which listed and ranked several hundred thousand firms that sell industrial products – at first got along well with Google after it was launched in 2005.

Within the first year, it was making more than $150,000 a month. He was paid roughly a dime every time someone clicked an ad on his site. Meanwhile, he was paying Google about 5 cents a click. The difference was his profit.

By mid-summer in 2006, Google raised his rates to $5 from 5 cents, he said. Moreover, because his ads did not meet Google’s “googly” quality standards, Sourcetool’s ads fell off Google’s search results page and his ad traffic dried up.

Hold the phone. Or should I say dial-up.

I'm not sure what a Googly standard is, but maybe we do need to take a pause to make sure Google isn’t violating anti-trust rules to squash competition in the marketplace.

On a similar note, check out this video from a group called FairSearch.org.
Besides Google, who knew?

Lemonade from FairSearch.org on Vimeo.

Don't rain on this corn parade!

2011-07-26T13:35:00.003-05:00

I'm an ethanol supporter, this we know. I think it stands as an alternative to oil importation and our dependence on foreign energy.

DISCLAIMER: I understand the government subsidizes ethanol, and as a conservative, I should despise that concept. But if we're talking subsidies, you right-nuts out there, perhaps we should equally despise fossil fuels?:

•The federal government provided substantially larger subsidies to fossil fuels than to renewables. Subsidies to fossil fuels—a mature, developed industry that has enjoyed government support for many years—totaled approximately $72 billion over the study period, representing a direct cost to taxpayers. -Source: Environmental Law Institute

No. I'm not for that. Just shutting up the critics for the time being...

Arguments aside, I want to call attention to Senators John Thune and Amy Klobuchar, whose recent editorial in the Forum is calling attention to their efforts in Washington, D.C. on behalf of this renewable fuel.

As a Democrat and Republican, both of us are strong advocates for American-made biofuels. But we also recognize that times have changed. Ethanol is no longer a new industry, and our country is facing serious fiscal challenges. Given the shifting tides in Congress, we felt it was important to get ahead of the curve so that ethanol could determine its own future.

Despite divisions in Congress, we worked with Sen. Diane Feinstein of California to map out a compromise that balances the need for deficit reduction with the need to continue promoting domestic renewable fuels as an essential pathway to energy independence.

The outcome of our efforts is a bipartisan agreement reached on July 7 that is supported by ethanol industry groups, as well as the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union.

In summary, this is what our compromise proposes:

It eliminates the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit at the end of this month instead of the end of 2011. This change would result in savings of just over $2 billion.

Under the bipartisan agreement, $1.3 billion from the remaining credit will be dedicated to reducing the federal budget deficit.

And unlike many legislative proposals that would have eliminated any support for biofuels, the remaining $668 million of the 2011 VEETC savings will go to targeted incentives for small ethanol producers, infrastructure like electric charging stations and blender pumps that are needed to bring greater competition to the fuel market, and cellulosic incentives. Our agreement gives consumers a real choice at the pump and is good for all families struggling with high fuel prices.

I'm for this- eliminating VEETC to save $2 billion. Not rocket science, eh?

Bipartisan work to support agriculture, development, and energy independence while also making CUTS - snip snip snip. And paying down the deficit. And giving incentives to small producers, which eventually benefits CONSUMERS.

I can hear the scissors rockin'.

That said, get your own ethaknowledge.

"Farm it out" no more?

2011-07-26T08:13:00.002-05:00

“Secure our borders” has become a trite political catch phrase that seemingly everyone is for but never seems to get done. But just whose job is it?

If some in Washington get their way, the burden of enforcing immigration law will shift from law enforcement and border patrol to small businesses and farmers.

A bill being considered by Congress would force all employers to use a federally-run database called E-Verify before they hire a potential employee. The database is supposed to be a reliable indicator of a person’s legal status, but it has come under fire for both missing illegals and penalizing legals.

“Rather than address a particular problem… what they decide to do is set up a very, very expensive national database and require all employers, employees, and potential employees to register with the government,” said former Bob Barr, a former Republican representative from Georgia.

Sounds like more regulation to me.

Some system we have there, huh?

So, because Washington has been unable to pass comprehensive immigration reform, some are now looking to put the burden on businesses. Go ahead D.C., pass the buck once again.

Of most concern are farmers who rely on immigrant labor to harvest crops (everything from fruits and vegetables to Christmas trees) and milk cows.

Agriculture is struggling enough this year from one of the wettest springs in history. Now, without migrant workers, crops will rot in the field, food will be more expensive and cows will go unmilked. The end result will also be more imported food and less dollars in the American economy.

Congress should think twice before passing a new mandate on business during a tough economy. And, they should take steps to make sure farms have the workers they need to feed our country.

Aaron Rodgers: Ability on his feet

2011-07-25T16:28:00.003-05:00

I find this diatribe quite telling, to single Aaron Rodgers out for playmaking on his feet. This elevates him above Manning and Brady, one author believes:

What Brady and Manning have on Rodgers is they’ve performed great and won big over long careers. Rodgers still faces the test of time.

But Rodgers has something neither Brady nor Manning ever have had, and that’s the ability to make plays with his feet. In the last two seasons, Rodgers has rushed for 672 yards, which is second in the league over that time, behind only Michael Vick (771 yards in seven fewer games). At ages and 26 and 27, Manning rushed for only 174 yards and Brady only 91.

Running can be a double-edged sword, because it also leaves a quarterback vulnerable to big hits, and the greatest threat to the Packers the next couple of seasons is the two concussions Rodgers suffered last year. Brady and Manning, while lacking playmaking ability outside the pocket, are masters at sliding in the pocket to avoid rushers and quickly getting the ball out when they can’t avoid, as their sacks numbers show. Manning has been sacked an average of only 17.8 times a season in his 13 years as an NFL starter and never has missed a game. Brady has averaged 27.1 sacks in his nine seasons as a starter.

If you actually watch Aaron Rodgers on the run, it's timed- it's almost premeditated. He finds a hole on his way to the endzone and somehow floats into it. Rarely do you see him rushed. Rarely is it anything more than a few feet in the RedZone, ball in a one-handed palm grasp, and held over the goal line for 6 points.

It will be this effort, not the frantic scrambles of his predecessor, that I think the coaches will include in their playwriting. Sure, the ill-fate of a Michael Vick rushing high and tackled to season-ending injury is a possibility.

But with the smarts like Manning and the cool like Brady, I think Rodgers will best them all.

Remembering Bob

2011-07-25T09:45:00.002-05:00

As we remember Bob Stenehjem today, what comes to mind is not only the loss of a father, a brother, a husband, and a friend, but of a community leader.

Though I only knew Bob a short time, it was time well spent. Whenever I saw him, he was jovial and joking, serious but always willing to break character for a laugh. Bob's institutional knowledge of the state of North Dakota and politics will be sorely missed.

We know he is resting comfortably with our Maker.

March was a good month

2011-06-30T09:43:00.004-05:00

for blogging...that is. The rest of this late spring and early summer has been consumed by flood fighting.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all who are fighting to save their homes and livelihoods.

Here's a clip from NBC's Today Show to bring all those outside North Dakota up to speed on what recently has happened to the community of Minot.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Let Freedom Reign!

2011-05-02T08:26:00.004-05:00

Just to remark on the occasion - Osama Bin Laden is dead. American troops shot and killed him, and took custody of his body.

I am so proud of our men and women in uniform, and grateful for their perseverance, dedication to the cause, and for never wavering on the promise to deliver the man behind our tragic September 11th attacks, and countless others around the world - to deliver the promise of freedom over terrorism.

A toast to General Petraeus and the American Military - may God bless you.

I only wish I could have seen President Bush's face upon hearing the news.

Presidential announcementszzzzzz

2011-04-12T09:28:00.003-05:00

You snooze, you... snooze. Presidential candidates are announcing, and I suppose now's the time. If you're early, you get out there, start raising the moolah and collecting the name ID. But what is with the two and a half minute "announcements" these Presidential candidates are doing? Talk about snoozers.

I like Mitt Romney (though I haven't thrown my hat in for anyone but NEWT), but what a sleeper. Come on, Mitt. You're better than that! What with all the immediacy of reading the news in the morning, checking email, etc., I have tried to watch this announcement ad now a total of 9 times. It's like trying to get through to a voter the week before Election Day~ impossible!

I can't get into it. It's slow, filled with empty music - oh wait, that's just the drone of the whir of the camera crew. There's no music. There's no video. Even Obama put in stupid interviews with "everyday Obamans," I mean everyday Americans.

Back up the truck. Obama's not even IN his video. Is that the choice we as voters are faced with? A video with the candidate's talking head or a video without the candidate?

I'm looking for PIZZAZZ. I'm not talking about flashy, cheesy-neon-I'm-a-hooker-in-Vegas type showboating- I'm talking about eye catching and interesting. Not the run 'o the mill shots of communities (like the conservative, small town, church-going, rural America that doesn't really support you, Barack...)

Show me you are a straight talker. Show me action, decision making. Do'nt show me you can talk about the problem. That's why Obama's in trouble - he's too busy listening to his own voice talking to make any damn progress.

Make my smart phone worthy of your 2 minutes. Hell, make it 30 seconds. Make it "We're going to fix this mess and do it without apologizing for hurting people's feelings." BAM. Words on a one-color background, and a shot of the candidate. Now THAT, I would buy.

The Help, a review

2011-04-10T19:50:00.003-05:00

Have you read The Help? As it was nothing I expected from the title, this book is captivating, colorful and contagious.

This is a book that literally paints it black and white. The juxtaposition of mothering middle-aged maids and 20-something white ladies of fine society in Jackson, MS during the Civil Rights movement delivers nothing short of quippy one-liners from the maids, bucking the high-society snoots with Marriage Degrees - humor and truth wrapped in a transparent bow.

The voice of Skeeter can be seen as a narrative encompassing the entire book. Her conscience however, I believe, is that of the author in a post-segregation modern world. Making the only white character to appear with sympathy for the black maids not only a female, but the only character without a wife and children among her peers makes me wonder if she is in a way, apologizing for the behavior against black people in the '60s. And, it poses a key question- simply how real could a character like Skeeter have been in racist, segregated Jackson in the early '60s?

Her plight is quite selfish - write a book to get the hell out of Jackson. But it is the characters of Aibileen and Minny whose dimension cannot be caged. Their voices so loud you can hear them well after the book closes, each present a view of the world that slowly changes as the story progresses. Aibileen, discovering hope anew and believe it or not, control over her future after a decision made outside her control. Minny, acting out the results of a new found freedom, finally taking pride in the story of her own life. Minny's is one we witness, while Aibileen's is one we are told.

The kicker comes in the end. When you know the final 10 pages will bring an end to this bold tale, told so vividly you believe in hiding its secret from others, it delivers quite more than a grandeur statement of "what the world will bring" for each character beyond the pages the author has given us.

As Aibileen is forced from her job as Mae Mobley's caretaker, I could literally feel Mae Mobley's heart breaking. Her emotion around losing the closest thing she has to a nurturing mother figure is too much for a reader who has ever felt the scare of their mother walking in the other direction. Be it the first day of kindergarten or being dropped off at college- or perhaps watching a mother put her suitcase in a car and drive away - it is a universal fear.

Kathryn Stockett captures in the pages of The Help, a simple truth that though entirely apparent, I did not discover until the final pages. As women, we are molded by our mothers in inexplicable ways, some we never admit to ourselves. From comments and glances - intended or unintended - and further perceived by our young egos as negative reviews, to the gestures of unconditional love - large or small - the relationship between mother and daughter cannot be confined to the limits of "black and white."

Motherhood transcends race. Daughterhood is blinded by love and acceptance until tainted by a larger, uncontrolled outside world. And unfortunately, tainted daughters also become mothers. The Help, uniquely and cleverly unveils these truths. Bravo to Kathryn Stockett.

Arizona Gun Power

2011-04-08T09:08:00.002-05:00

Guns on Arizona campuses have been OK'd by their legislature. I say BRAVO.
What I don't understand is this argument:

State Rep. Bob Robson said guns on campuses are a bad idea because students and others experience such emotional highs and lows due to grades, exams and other circumstances.

"To make it that you could walk up to the door of an education institution (with a gun) makes no sense to me," he said.

This isn't advocating that kids take guns to school. It's merely saying, if you've got one, you're not going to be penalized.

Arizona does not have a mandatory waiting period before obtaining a firearm,I understand that. It also doesn't have an owner license requirement. You DO have to be 21 though. So you can't stop a kid from getting a gun - from an older sibling, a family member, or buying a gun online. What are we to do - live in fear that the cheerleader next to you in Biology 101 might be packing?

For some who have seen school shootings up close- be it the great tragedies at Columbine or Virginia Tech, or the smaller incidents that fade away from yesterday's news - I believe this kind of law provides some relief.

But supporters said the bill would help people defend themselves from gun violence by someone who won't heed a campus's firearms ban.

"I find it hard to believe that on universities it just becomes a bubble — that somehow you're drastically protected when you enter the campus," Democratic Rep. David Gowan said.

Bingo. To imagine that a student would have been carrying a firearm and been able to stop his peer from murdering classmates, and that is prevented by the idea that classrooms are bubbles of safety, is alarming.

We cannot be bullied by students who are emotionally unstable over grades and tests to the point of drastic violence. We cannot allow innocent students to die, when there is clearly something that can be done to help prevent it.

Way to go AZ!

Herman Cain's emailing me

2011-04-04T10:22:00.004-05:00

WHY?! Who the heck put me on never-been-heard-of Herman Cain's Presidential Exploratory committee email list? I want my money back.

Better yet, I want to sue the bastard that took my email from an authorized candidate and used it without asking me.

No, "That's just silly, LMS," they'll say. "Everyone does this. It's no surprise. And you can unsubscribe." So it's on, me now. I suppose it's always on us - the bloggers, the political activists-even more simply, the citizens and voters - to wade through the BS of politicians' emails and decide for ourselves whom we shall support. Even when we don't sign up to get their propaganda.

Who's BS is better, you ask? Sorry folks, I'm just not ready to wade into the shallow bogs of Presidential CRAP at this time.

Hey now...look-ee-there, Cain's got himself a 21% name-rec rating? I suppose all that traveling to TEA party events and working with AFP has helped the guy get some name ID.

Dramatic pause...pretend scanning of the email content...Nope. Still heading toward the unsubscribe door as we speak.

Celebrity Books of Politics

2011-03-30T08:41:00.004-05:00

I was literally thinking about this Politico story last night, when watching - yes I admit it - Dancing with the Stars while I tinkered around my apartment. Why? Because Bristol Palin was on DWTS for no good reason (she's the daughter of a political figure who is now a Tea Party activist, who had a baby out of wedlock and used her name to publicize it), and now has a book deal.

Some silly title, no doubt about "Life After Dancing" or "Not Afraid of Life," but she's what, 19? Is she even 19 yet? Look, I'm not hatin' on Palin Jr., here, (I do think its great that she kept the baby and is being a mom 1st and foremost) but it bets the question, why can't I get a book deal?

I'm the daughter of someone who's been in politics, albeit behind the scenes. I am on campaigns every "year.5" which is now all the freakin' time. I have an affinity for the written word. So where the hell is my book deal?

I admit, this question is just one in a long ass list of "Where is my record deal? Even Lindsey Lohan got one, yikes!" and "Where is my acting contract and movie pitch? If Carrie Underwood can, I sure as hell can."

It just baffles me how ONE entry into the public arena, and suddenly you're fit to be a quadruple-threat. I'm sorry, but these people are NOT J.Lo. And as hot as Scott Brown may have looked in that magazine spread and he can drive my pick up anytime, he's not old enough for the "memoirs" yet. NONE OF THESE PEOPLE ARE.

But why bitch and moan? They aren't selling very many of these books. It's a fad trend that will continue as long as there are people to buy books, kindles and nooks. And the books that last on the NYT's Best Seller list are those with the real stories inside - the classics, the heart-wrenching true stories of un-famous authors and real English major writers, the olde English romances of Bronte and Dickens. So if and when I write a book someday, I'll either have adequate wisdom to share, or a killer story. It won't matter if my face has ever graced People Magazine.

I suppose it really is as simple as this:

“If you have an interesting story to tell, tell it, said McCain’s collaborator and speechwriter Mark Salter. “If you don’t, you probably won’t sell many books — unless you win the presidency.”

P.S. Does the Biebs really have a book? After the Glee episode, I may have to read it.

Soda Crackers by Raymond Carver

2011-03-15T11:48:00.001-05:00

Soda Crackers

You soda crackers! I remember
when I arrived here in the rain,
whipped out and alone.
How we shared the aloneness
and quiet of this house.
And the doubt that held me
from fingers to toes
as I took you out
of your cellophane wrapping
and ate you, meditatively,
at the kitchen table
that first night with cheese,
and mushroom soup. Now,
a month later to the day,
an important part of us
is still here. I'm fine.
And you—I'm proud of you, too.
You're even getting remarked
on in print! Every soda cracker
should be so lucky.
We've done all right for
ourselves. Listen to me.
I never thought
I could go on like this
about soda crackers.
But I tell you
the clear sunshiny
days are here, at last.

Good Poems for Hard Times

2011-03-15T00:22:00.001-05:00

I suppose I need to be more political in my postings...but what is there to say that hasn't been said? We're doing well in ND, despite the impending doom of flood. WI is a train wreck for now, and all thoughts on Walker lead me to hold my tongue or swallow my pride (more on that another day).

There are days I think Twitter is stupid. Useful, the next. For news and things. I often wonder- that's often pronounced withOUT the "t"- how people find these interesting tidbits to share. I spent the day working and didn't have time for webbrowsing... maybe I'll post something revolutionary and world changing tomorrow.

But on this Monday night of 1,000 successes during a productive day, great training run, and all around feeling of gratitude, I cannot sleep.

And so I share with my tiny world of readership, a book I so love: Good Poems for Hard Times, selected and intro'd by Garrison Keillor.

The best new discovery? Soda crackers. Raymond Carver is enriching my life with his short diatribe on soda crackers. I cannot read the first line without laughing.

Look it up. Will post text tomorrow

And Another one Bites the Dust

2011-03-03T09:34:00.003-06:00

Mitch Daniels poo-poohs a run in 2012.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) said Wednesday he will not run for president in 2012, according to the Kentucky-Indiana Courier Journal.

He said he is not interested in the position and noted he has neither fundraised nor spent much time outside of Indiana as evidence of his choice.

The Christian Science Monitor reported in February that he said he was open to a run at that time, and the Courier-Journal noted on Aug. 15 that he had said the same earlier this month.

I can't blame these guys.

Beating Obama, in my eyes, is still a difficult task and one I think we can kiss goodbye (although I am BEGGING to be proven wrong.)

And I have to agree, the corn-fed white boys in the midwest may not be the best chance against him anyway... just sayin#

Thune is out

2011-02-22T11:14:00.002-06:00

Senator John Thune, our handsome neighbor to the South, does not intend to throw his name in for President:

According to a post on his Facebook page, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., isn't jumping into the presidential race.

"So at this time, I feel that I am best positioned to fight for America's future here in the trenches of the United States Senate," Thune said in the statement.

The South Dakota senator had been mentioned as a possible candidate to seek the 2012 Republican nomination but Tuesday, Thune said his place is in the Senate.

"There is a battle to be waged over what kind of country we are going to leave our children and grandchildren and that battle is happening now in Washington, not two years from now," Thune continued.

Thune's responsibilities as Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee have kept him busy and he and was recently named to the powerful Senate Finance and Budget committees.

The decision isn't completely unexpected. Thune had done very little to lay the groundwork for a presidential campaign, ignoring Iowa and New Hampshire where the first presidential caucuses and primary election take place less than a year from now.Fox News Correspondent Carl Cameron contributed to this report.

Read more: http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2011/02/22/senator-john-thune-doesnt-plan-run-president#ixzz1Ei16ZuiI

Sad for the supporters.

Good for... Romney?

Who else? Loving your thoughts, posters~

And can someone please tell me what is up with posting this to Facebook first?

Madison is NUTS

2011-02-18T07:58:00.003-06:00

Three solid days of school closings in Madison, WI and teacher protests from there to Milwaukee, and the real losers aren't just the teachers.

While they may be serious LOSERS, spitting and shoving like immature brats on a playground at the Wisconsin Capitol, it's the students who are missing out - who are actually losing in this equation.

Cuts are necessary. Ask Chris Christie. Ask anyone who is serious about reining in spending. Ask Scott Walker who's taken a good look at the budget and understands where Wisconsin NEEDS to go and that reform is necessary.

Walker, who took office last month, called the boycott a "stunt." He vowed not to concede.

"It's more about theatrics than anything else," Walker said.

Good for him.

Teachers, why the heck do you do the job you do? Is it for the paycheck? because if it is, you're in the WRONG biz.

If it's for the exprssion on a child's face when they actually understand fractions, or pass a test, or get into their #1 choice college, then you should know better than to act this way.

If everyone who was upset about their work situation protested and went on strike, we'd be a country of chaos. But hard working, common sense people understand it's just not realistic.

No votes have even been taken on this - and "your" Democrat representatives HAVE LEFT THE BUILDING!! What does that say about your strength of character, and theirs?

Neil Graupner, a 19-year-old technical college student from Madison, said he was planning to stay until the matter is settled.

"The fact that the Democrats have walked out, it shows their listening to us," he said late Thursday as he prepared to spend the night at the Capitol.

No it doesn't, Neil. It says they're too chicken shit to look at this head-on.

Stand up and do the right thing, teachers. Get back to class and teach the youth of America. They don't deserve this, and Wisconsin is better than that.

A Rodg v. B Pevre, I mean Favre

2011-02-15T09:27:00.003-06:00

There is a notion floating out in the blogosphere that Favre is STILL better than Rodgers, that they have a crappy relationship, that Aaron Rodgers is bitter, and that it somehow is still a problem.

Let's clear this up right now.

Of COURSE Brett Favre is on the books as a better QB. He played 8 times as freakin' long as Rodgers has. He has the longest running streak of games started. And others...

But Favre, too, has 1 Superbowl win. Just 1. Doesn't count how many times you GET there.

So let's just say this. I don't KNOW Aaron Rodgers personally, but that man has some media training! He knows when not to fill the silence because the media wants him to. He knows how to keep a cool head. He generally is a smart guy, and it all comes across in his performance with the press. Oh, and on the field - but that goes without saying.

The thing is, I believe Aaron Rodgers doesn't need Favre. He watched him for 3 years on the sidelines, in practice and in the locker room. He learned what he needed to. He's emulated what he needed to - the GOOD parts of Favre. Rodgers can scramble with the best of 'em. He can get away from his attacker. He's breaking the fingers of his receivers day in and day out wiht the velocity he puts on the ball. And he doesn't throw the stupid pass that leads to the 4th quarter interception to lose the game. He may even hold on to the ball too darn long! But joking aside - Most of all, he hasn't let it lead him astray in a stupid way - toward drugs or sex or rock'n'roll...

Well, maybe a little music. Rodgers has his own music label and he's working to find that next up and comin' band who's got "IT." But that's just the spirit of an entrepreneur, not the desperate attempts of a lonely, washed-up QB who feels the need to show off his cock.

Harsh, perhaps. But let's MOVE ON. If the press and the idiot bloggers would quit TYING the two together, we'd all stop caring. The fans sure have!

Let the man be a star. Let him revel in the glory of an MVP and a Superbowl win in his 3rd year. Let him show people that what happens between him and Brett Favre should be just that. Let Rodgers prove he's the bigger man. And if someday they speak, I'm sure it will be respectful and professional. Isn't that all that matters?

Rodgers will most always likely follow Favre on the books. But I believe he'll far surpass him in life. And by that, I mean with his own personal viewing of the person he has become to his community, his family, and his Maker.

A Valentine's Day note to Hallmark

2011-02-14T15:23:00.003-06:00

Dear Hallmark~
To Hallmark and other greeting card companies, I’d like to make what I believe to be a simple, common-sensical request, but now appears ridiculous and needy.

Would you PLEASE design a decent Valentine’s Day card for a grown woman (think above 13 years of age) to give to her father?

This is not in any way creepy or incestual, but merely a decent thing to provide to your customers. As a 26 year old, for the past 3-4 years, I have been literally unable to find an appropriate Valentine’s Day card to give to my father. Why, you ask? Because you design them either:
a) With Peanut’s characters
b) As if a cartoon weasel would actually sit on her father’s lap
c) Or not at all.
I looked in 5 dfferent stores – Walmart, K-Mart, Target, CVS, and Wal-Mart in another city! Still, to no avail. I can NOT give my father a Twilight-themed V-Day card. He has no idea what Vampires or Werewolves are, nor why I sent "Team Edward" Valentines to all of my college girlfriends...but that's a story for another post.

It’s simple. My father was the first man I ever gave my heart to. And he’s a great dad. For all the mom cards and wife cards and husband cards (and I did find great choices for my mother and sister), you’d think Dad’s could get shown a little love from the Hallmark clan.

I’d appreciate your prompt attention to this matter for next Valentine’s day, exactly 364 days away. Plenty of time for crafting sentimental goodness for a “Father’s Valentine’s Day Card.”

In the spirit of Valentine's day = chocolate,
LMS

PACKERS WIN THE SUPERBOWL

2011-02-14T13:17:00.001-06:00

Congrats to my Pack. I should have posted this a week ago, but I'm still on HIGH from the Win. Much deserved.

And a little note on our friend, Aaron Rodgers:

But Rodgers made it clear in Tuesday's jam-packed Super Bowl XLV Media Day he only wants to be a leader of God's pack when it comes to influencing others to see his faith in Jesus Christ.

"We all have a platform, we all have a message in our lives," Rodgers told Baptist Press and a worldwide media turnout, which ringed his individual interview area. "I just try to follow Jesus' example, leading by example."

During his six years with the Packers, his career has seen enough twists and turns, dead ends and detours to test anyone's faith. An expected top 10 draft choice, he lasted until the end of the first round for reasons he never understood. He stood on the sidelines for three seasons while Packers quarterback Brett Favre went through his yearly will-he-or-won't-he retirement routine as Packers QB.

Finally given a chance to start three years ago, he has matured into one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but not forgetting his past, present and future in Christ.

"God always has a plan for us, a path. Sometimes we wish we knew it sooner," Rodgers said with a bit of a laugh, "but He always shows up His way."

He credits his parents, Ed and Darla Rodgers, who still live in Northern California where he was raised, for showing him a loving and Christ-centered household. He also remains close to his two longtime accountability partners, Pastors Andrew Burchett of the Neighborhood Church in Chico, Calif., and Young Life Christian youth group leader Matt Hock.

LMS is BACK

2011-02-04T15:51:00.004-06:00

I've been on hiatus from blogging. But you know what?

I'm back!

And my first post is merely to say: GO PACK GO!

and 11 reasons why we'll win the SUPERBOWL!!

Woman's uterus branded. GASP!

2010-09-18T12:12:00.002-05:00

Now this is just wrong.

A California gynecologist is being sued for branding a patient's name on her uterus using an "electrocautery device."

Dr. Red Alinsod removed Ingrid Paulicivic's uterus during an operation at his Orange County office in 2006, according to the complaint posted on The Smoking Gun's website. The Laguna Beach doctor carved "Ingrid" on the organ, according to the site, because he "did not want to get it confused with others."

Alinsod told the site that labeling of body parts in that manner is not typical. But, he said, he "felt comfortable putting her name on the uterus" since the 47-year-old hairdresser was a "good friend."

Paulicivic's attorney, Devan Mullins, told CNN.com that his client did not know her physician before consulting him for the operation. Paulicivic and her husband learned of the branding during a follow-up visit, the lawyer said.

Can you imagine if women..think Kat Von D...walked into the gyno's office and said "Yeah, can you tatt-up my hooha?"

Note to self, do not mix friendship with medical attention.

a tide for Kleefisch....guess again, Dad29

2010-06-30T11:38:00.004-05:00

I saw on twitter "The Tide is turning," and the blogosphere but I don't know that its washing toward Rebecca 4 Real.

Collins is out in the race for Lt. Gov. Sad to see a Serviceman and patriot exit from political ambition, but this might just be a case of sights-set-too-high.

Maybe Ben could run for Assembly or State Senate, get the feet wet, and jump higher?

That said, I think it sets the stage for Brett Davis to emerge as the front runner. People can trash talk Brett's record in the Assembly all they want, but they can't touch him on education and listening to his constituents. He's a true man of the people and I'll put money down right now that no one will work harder.

He's also the only one who's said: if he can't make something out of the office of Lieutenant Governor in 4 years, mabye we SHOULDN'T HAVE IT!!!
I think that's ballsy - to acknowledge you'd cut your own job out of the state budget. BALL-SY.

He's shown he has real ambition for that position. Why do the other two candidates want to run? What was that again?

cricket

cricket

So Rebecca, I do apologize, but I find Dad29's critique of Ben's exit a tad exasperating. Show me a blog post or a t-shirt that doesn't scream "crazy old lady with a kitty cat," and we'll go from there.

Disclaimer: I love kitty cats. I love ladies, old and young.

Dear Lora, you're a loser

2010-05-21T09:24:00.002-05:00

From Wispolitics:

Former College Republicans Chair Lora Rae Anderson announced this morning she was becoming a Dem.

Anderson made the announcement in Milwaukee ahead of the state GOP convention, which starts today. She said the Republican Party has become "too extreme" for moderates.

Anderson, whose term as chair of the Wisconsin Federation of College Republicans ended earlier this spring, has raised similar concerns in two press releases she sent to WisPolitics.

Lora, you should be ashamed. First of all, read the damn newspaper. Clearly the candidates we have on the GOP ticket are anything but extreme. They're about lowering taxes, reclaiming Washington with the people's voice, and a majority are leaders recognized by the more moderate Taxed-Enough-Already (TEA) Party. Ron Johnson's announcement this week could not have proved that more.

Yes I realize people and politicians switch parties all the time. But don't you think the drastic switch from being the LEADER of College Republicans in Wisconsin to becoming a full-fledged Democrat is actually a little EXTREME?

I bet she's a long dread-lock growing, flowy skirt, no-bra wearing hippie living n Madison. (I'd like to see a before and after photo actually, to prove my point. I will now attempt a Facebook stalk...)

I can't understand why anyone in this political climate would even dare switch over to being a Democrat. Pathetic. Lora, you're backbone is about as squishy as a cooked carrot and I pity you.

You should have just slinked back out of the limelight and leadership and sunk away quietly, as the coward you are.

Labor pains, and oh yeah, death threats

2010-05-12T09:06:00.003-05:00

I'm sad to say these kind of people are walking among us.

When a pregnant Two Rivers woman thought she needed to go to the hospital to deliver her baby on Wednesday, her boyfriend refused to arrange a ride, robbed her and threatened to kill her, prosecutors say.

Instead of seeking medical attention for his 36-year-old girlfriend, Vinson demanded money from her to buy beer, Assistant District Attorney Mike Griesbach said during Vinson’s Wednesday bail hearing. She gave him $50 of her $150 monthly disability check, Griesbach said.

According to police and prosecutors:

When the woman told Vinson she didn’t have the rest of the money, he punched her in the head twice and waved a butcher knife in her face.

The woman tried to escape to the bedroom, using her weight to hold the door shut. Vinson followed with the knife and tried to push the door open.

Is anyone else seeing a "Here's Johnny" moment?!

That poor woman. I surely hope she has filed for a restraining order against this idiot for her and her baby.

Walker excites Bush

2010-05-12T09:01:00.002-05:00

Jeb, that is.

Wisconsin Republicans have yet to nominate a candidate for governor. Indeed, the state's primary is not until Sept. 14. But two national GOP heavyweights -- former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich -- are bullish on the prospects of Scott Walker, the self-described, brown-bag-packing county executive of Milwaukee.

"The guy is a fantastic candidate," Bush said. "The event that we did together, he gave a stump speech that sounded like it was the last three days of the campaign. I mean, he was on fire. It was, it was, he's the real deal."

Yeah, that's great and all, but he's no hell-raiser.

Having listened to and followed this guy on the campaign trail for four years, sure he'd be a Republican in office who is somewhat credible (see no college degree, Milwaukee=center of the universe attitude) and likeable, but he's a SNOOZER on the stump.

I wish I had heard the speach Bush is talking about...I somehow find it hard to believe.

Dem Party's Mike Tate = DB

2010-05-07T15:51:00.003-05:00

That's right, I used the term I hate. Douchebag. That's Mike Tate for you, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman extraordinaire!

"Confident Duffy said yesterday that he was seeing a Republican Representative for the 7th Congressional District this time. While Obey and Democrats are confident that they still have control on their seat and they will win it. Wisconsin Democratic Party Chairman Mike Tate said that on television, Duffy was renowned for drinking and for having sex."

For one, Mike Tate is a complete moron.

I'm absolutely positive that Sean Duffy's solid, upstanding reputation precedes him, unlike Mike Tate's.

Furthermore, this comment is so despicable that Sean Duffy deserves an apology, on TV, in front of the entire 7th Congressional District and state of Wisconsin.

It is clearly a low blow as Mr. Tate's self-confidence has hit the depths of despair that he finds his only coping mechanism to be making slanderous statements against charming, talented, intelligent Republicans to make himself feel better about the great and severe losses the Democratic party will face in November.

That, and he probably can't get it up.

Mike Tate, you're an embarrassment and you owe Sean Duffy an apology.

American Flag t-shirts rejected in SoCa

2010-05-06T14:55:00.002-05:00

It's already broken on the big blogs, but I'd like to take a minute to cuss out the school officials at Live Oak High in Southern California.

Tensions mounted at a Bay Area high school Thursday, a day after five students whipped up emotions by wearing t-shirts depicting red, white and blue American flags on Cinco de Mayo.

A group of 50-60 Latino students walked out of classes at Morgan Hill's Live Oak High early Thursday, marching to city hall and rallying to show their support for a school official.

That unidentified assistant principal had ordered the students who wore t-shirts with American flags on Cinco de Mayo to either go home or turn the shirts inside out.

So now we're praising the Latino kids for their support against America???

Even with Latina heritage (and forgive me if I'm not speaking politically-correct), they're at school in the United States.

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the Mexicans unlikely defeat of the French....long pause....NOT the United States. In fact, it is a date mostly celebrated in the United States. It's not even that big in Mexico.

So if some kid wants to wear their USA flag shirt on May 5th, simply because it's a Wednesday and they are proud to be American, why are they being punished? They're not protesting Mexican-American heritage or dates of significance to those of Latino backgrounds.

Galli said he was told it was inappropriate to wear the shirt because “it's supposed to be a Mexican Day and we were supposed to honor them.”

And that's that, folks.

May 5th is a Mexican day. It can't be anyone else's day, at any other time in the world. I guess American has July 4th. So why can't the Mexicans have May 5th?

Because this is America people, not Mexico.

Send those school officials a'packin!

LONG LIVE the Red, White, and Blue. And yes, I said that in English.

Good Housekeeping Sucks Up

2010-05-01T19:05:00.003-05:00

The May 2010 issue of Good Housekeeping features our First Lady Michelle Obama on it's over. Also the 125th Anniversary issue of the magazine, it lists 125 Women who have captured the attention and respect of GH readers.

Among the top 10- Michelle Obama herself. Ringing in at an impressive #6, just after Eleanor Roosevelt, and out-scoring Amelia Earhart, Princess Diana, Marie Curie and Margaret Thatcher, here's the caption:

First African-American First Lady. Lawyer, campaigner against childhood obesity, Mom in chief. And those biceps! We'd like to have an arms talk with her (and we do, on page 162).

She's ranked among Oprah, Hillary Clinton, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, and the ladies already mentioned.

So, let me get this straight. She made the top 10 in ladies who head our admiration-and-inspiration because she's the first black first lady and has killer biceps?
BACK. IT. UP.

I know too many mother-lawyers-against childhood obesity-work-out-women who may or may not be black. And GH readers are going to put Momma Obama at #6???

Still head-scratching...

We can't help what race we are born into, or that Amelia Earhart didn't land the plane. But honestly, Diana WAS more of a humanitarian and champion than Michelle is, and on critical issues like AIDS and land mines. Marie Curie won a freakin' NOBEL prize. (No, President Obama's fake one doesn't count for M.O.)And Margaret Thatcher actually held elected office herself!

I can't help but wonder if I should feel sad for the readers of this magazine who answered this poll and ranked Michelle Obama in the top ten, or the magazine for sucking up to its cover story so much that they put her in front of the woman who coined the term "radioactivity" and the Iron Lady.

Mags, you got robbed. I will absolutely be canceling my subscription to this sham of a literary periodical immediately.

Let's wait until Michelle runs for something to start listing her anywhere above 50.

Sauk County GOP, you are Ridiculous

2010-04-29T10:24:00.004-05:00

The Sauk County, Wisconsin Republicans look like fools.

The Republican Party of Sauk County adopted a resolution rejecting the GOP candidacy of U.S. Senate candidate Dick Leinenkugel.

“Obviously, Mr. Leinenkugel has spent too much time in the family tasting room”, says Sauk Co. GOP chairman Tim McCumber in a press release issued today. “This isn’t a matter of someone who might be in the middle of the road or even a ‘RINO’ (Republican in Name Only); this guy is a ‘DIRC’ – a Democrat in Republican Clothes."

Leinenkugel, a Commerce Secretary under Dem Gov. Jim Doyle, announced his candidacy this week. He enters a Republican primary that includes Madison developer Terrence Wall and Watertown businessman David Westlake. Oshkosh businessman Ron Johnson is also expected to enter the primary, sources tell WisPolitics.

The resolution says not only will the county party reject Leinenkugel's candidacy, but also the party will refuse to invite him to any county events will recruit other counties to support the resolution for debate on the floor at the Republican Convention next month in Milwaukee.

Perhaps I'm being harsh. on second thought, NO.

Did any county party write a letter or a resolution attempting to knock out Mark Green or Scott Walker during the 2006 primary? How about the 2004 Senate primary with Welch, Michels and Darrow? No (even though maybe they should have, but I'm biased)! It's NOT the Wisconsin way. We accept those candidates who want to run and give them all equal time leading up to the Primary, until they drop out because they suck... I mean, can't raise money.

Wisconsin already has Walker's campaign on the rampage enlisting volunteer support to whine about "Neumann claiming he's the GOP on the phone" and the nasty bickering back and forth between campaigns. (Note: Dear Scott Walker, put it in a brown bag and sack it. Run your campaign and stop the B.S.)

So what if someone entered the primary against T.Wall and Dave Westlake? Neither are going to win against Feingold. Leinenkugel has cash, a well-known name ID, and he's willing to do the work. Clearly, he has strong feelings about the race or he wouldn't have entered because he would have supported someone already running.

I know the Sauk County claim to fame is Circus World, but if anything, Sauk County Republicans, you're only contributing to the Circus that is Wisconsin Republican primaries!

Go ahead and act like babies. Perhaps Leinenkugel would even make a good Senator and vote the way we want him to if elected. But you're too snotty to care.

Go ahead, vote for Feingold. Since that's what you just did, clowns.

Axis of Awesome - 4 Four Chord Song (with song titles)

2010-04-29T08:21:00.000-05:00

Hilarious!

Direct

2010-04-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

Why is he walking out of the picture at the end?

This is not very strong...nor are Pomeroy's re-election chances!

The Girls from Ames

2010-04-24T09:45:00.001-05:00

Traveling in airports this week I was in need of something to read. The Girls from Ames had stuck out at Barnes and Noble a while back, and I just picked it up.
Two pages in, I was hooked. Tears and smiles later, I find the tale of these 11 friends – their trials through highschool, marriages, and raising and losing children – sweet and inspiring.

As a woman in my 20’s, it’s often hard to think back to the friendships I fell in and out of growing up. From my best friend since 1st grade who would “abandon” me for another group when she got a boyfriend, to the 7th and 8th grade Bestie who eventually found my straight-A’s and goody-two-shoes attitude suffocating and left me for the pot-smokers, to the group of girls who rescued me my junior year and in whom I would find mentors and women of faith to emulate – all of these relationships carry both hurt and value for me.

And as I’ve grown and found fiercely meaningful friendships with a group of girls who, believe it or not, I met working retail, I have come to a realization: pictures of smiling faces often mask the depth beneath.

The Girls from Ames prove that even though the pictures they have taken showing their love for eachother and their deep bonds, they do not erase the hurts from snooty highschool sleepovers and cliques or growing up and learning of the loss of friends and loved ones. The “pretty outside” images may be times to remember and envy, but they hardly show the underlying heartbreak so many women suffer as they age.

I envy the Girls from Ames, and their daughters. I wish I could say I have a close, still-lasting friendship from elementary, middle, high school or even college. I do not bemoan my upbringing or school career or the friends I’ve had along the way, but this unique bond between now-10 women is something I will attempt to emulate with my current best friends and pray exists for my own children.

It’s a great read. A little hard to follow and remember who each girl is, but their triumphs and tragedy will make you laugh and bring you to tears. Great write, Jeffrey Zaslow.

I thank those women for opening up a world to me of which I am unfamiliar, and refusing to gloss over the difficult part of growing up female.

I love you more than....

2010-04-07T12:49:00.000-05:00

and praying mantisses!

Kid likes turtles

2010-04-07T10:03:00.001-05:00

I can not stop laughing.

Kleefisch claims are unacclaimed

2010-04-01T11:22:00.002-05:00

I'm a blogger. I twit. I mean, tweet. I facebook. And I was never polled...

In an early sign of her strength in the race for Lt. Governor, Rebecca Kleefisch holds a commanding lead over her primary opponents in a new media “straw poll” of Facebook Fans and Twitter Followers, according to the Kleefisch campaign.

“I am thrilled by the overwhelming support our campaign is getting from people who follow politics online,” said Kleefisch. “In the past, political observers looked to see how well candidates performed in small straw polls of a few dozen people held at party events. Now, they look to see how well candidates are being received online by thousands of people across the state. The early results of this new media “straw poll” show our campaign has a big lead online.

Translation:
"I can't get no love in the district I live in. People are voting for someone else. Wah wah wah. Oh, I know, I'll make up a poll!"

Mrs. Kleefisch, I implore you. Wisconsin voters are looking for genuine. They are looking for a candidate who doesn't have to fabricate news or support from made-up polls. They are looking for a lieutenant governor candidate who isn't desperate to attach him or herself to the current candidate for governor. What's next, a hello-kitty lunch box from days past that you take to work to save on littering with your brown bag?

Charts of Facebook fans don't equal votes. These other candidates also have "Friends" over fan pages. Brett Davis, for example, has 1,150 "Fans" and 925 personal friends. That's 2075. Sure there's duplicates... but come on, at least do the math. And , were these people even contacted about your poll?

It just seems a little shady to me.

Dear Miley, please STFU!

2010-03-18T07:45:00.003-05:00

Miley Cyrus needs to stop talking. She is irritating, as is her weird mouth.

"It scares me," she tells PARADE magazine. "It feels contrived on so many levels. Unless you're wearing a cowboy hat and cowboy boots and singing and whining about your girlfriend or boyfriend leaving you it's not going to sell. I think that's why my dad finally got out of it. You have to wear those cowboy boots and be sweet as pie. It makes me nervous, the politics of it all."

Miley recently recorded three versions -- including a country take -- of a song called 'Nothing to Lose,' with former Poison frontman Bret Michaels.

The 17-year-old did have some flattering things to say about her godmother, Country Music Hall of Famer Dolly Parton: "She is the nicest person in the world. She's so easy to talk to. She's awesome. I love her. She always tells me just to do what I love and if I'm not having fun it's not working. I don't know how old she is at this point but every time she is on the stage she is smiling from ear to ear."

How old is she, 15? She acts like she's 12.

Sure, I enjoy the new theme song to The Last Song movie, and can rock out to a little Party in the USA occassionally, but as someone who crossed over with "The Climb" as with some of her other songs- I wouldn't shit on Country Music quite so boldly.

Oh, and then throw in some stupid anecdote about your godmother, Dolly, who is always smiling. So she's a dumb-ass, smiley country singer, who's found success singing about men leaving her, is that it?

Why not change the contrived country music you see? Write something other than your boyfriend dumping you. Miley could always ask Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Martina McBride and Garth Brooks to help you. Because lyrics like "The Britney Song was on" ain't gonna be remembered as "touching" anytime past 2010, friend.

And for now, she should shut up.

Watch those lips!

2010-03-16T15:41:00.003-05:00

Or you might be arrested.

Meeting at Bob's Easy Diner, a seaside restaurant in Dubai, 25-year-old Charlotte Adams greeted 24-year-old Ayman Najafi with what the couple describes as a harmless exchange of cheek kisses.

"We kissed each other on the cheek as a greeting, nothing more," Najafi said at a court hearing on Sunday.

Sitting at a nearby table, however, were an Emirati woman's two daughters, who told their mother that the couple had kissed on the lips. The mother called the police, and Adams and Najafi were arrested on charges of public indecency and drinking alcohol.

"My daughter told me that the accused were kissing on the mouth. Then I spotted them doing so myself. I also saw them touching each other, and they were seated two to three meters away from our table. A number of customers witnessed the scene as well," the Emirati woman who filed the complaint testified in a court appearance Sunday.

OMG! Kissing AND touching?

Well, it's one thing to be flaunting about with public displays of affection that people may scoff at because they're uptight and don't like it. It's another to act indecently. And entirely another thing to offend cultural norms in foreign countries. But should this Brit and her boyfriend have asked about etiquette?

Who knew love was a crime?!

Maybe he should have known, being based in Dubai. On second thought, perhaps Frommers should include a kissing guide?

Kleefisch suggests...nothing new

2010-03-15T09:59:00.002-05:00

Rebecca Kleefisch, the former TV newswoman-turned-political candidate, says Wisconsin should follow the lead of other states by creating a hotline so public employees and concerned citizens can report abuse and fraud in state government.

The lieutenant governor wannabe is suggesting the phone number be called a state "waste line."

"Government is too porky and needs to watch its waste line," Kleefisch says in a YouTube.com announcement of the proposal, which she also discussed on her Facebook page. "Just like we had those crime tip lines (on TV news), we can easily implement a budget waste line here in the state of Wisconsin."

There's just one problem with the idea.

In 2008, Wisconsin lawmakers set up just such a hotline so anybody could call with tips regarding fraud, abuse or mismanagement in state government.

Among those voting for the proposal both in committee and on the legislative floor:

Rep. Joel Kleefisch, the Oconomowoc Republican and Rebecca's husband.

She clearly didn't do her research, or doesn't have the right explanation to differentiate her proposal from what's already being done.

Here's the thing: I don't think Lt. Gov. IS marketing like she's raving about. It's cutting spending, yes. It's weeding out waste, sure. But it's by slashing the budget, not a "tip line."

If you can't do something with that position, it shouldn't exist. Kudos, Rep. Brett Davis, for stating the obvious.

In the meantime, voters are looking for substantive, NEW, fresh ideas from the candidates from the Lt. Gov. GOP Primary.

"Pretty conservative" Kleefisch is already behind.

Jobless in WI

2010-03-11T14:56:00.001-06:00

This is not a good number, folks:

Wisconsin lost more than 71,000 non-farm jobs from December to January, according to a new release from the state Department of Workforce Development. DWD says that's less than the typical loss of 80,000 jobs over that timespan.

The state's unadjusted jobless rate for January was 9.6 percent, up from 8.3 percent in December.

Yikes.

Sorry James Cameron

2010-03-08T12:31:00.003-06:00

But Avatar just wasn't blue-cool enough!

But "Hurt Locker" was anything but a sure thing. In a historical context, its win is surprising. After all, it is the lowest-grossing best picture winner of all time; it was never on more than 535 screens; and it beat the highest-grossing movie in modern history, one that has been playing on thousands of screens for nearly three months. In the era of blockbusters, "Locker" cost a mere $11 million to make compared with the more than $230 million cost of "Avatar."

To earn its gold, "Hurt Locker" had to break what producer Greg Shapiro called "The Iraq War Curse," referring to all the movies touching on that conflict that had failed to find an audience. It had to weather attacks in the media and from some in the military who questioned the realism of how it portrayed the bomb-removal unit. The film also drew censure for the illicit campaign methods of one of its producers, the first to be banned from attending the Academy Awards. And it had to win with backing from Summit Entertainment, a relatively new and small distributor that had never before won an Oscar.

There also is the parallel question of whether "Avatar" and distributor Fox contributed to their own demise in the best-picture race. The sci-fi epic had been critically acclaimed, far more widely seen and was widely heralded for its breakthrough technology. And it boasted the deep-pocket backing of a major Hollywood studio. Could it be explained as the ultimate example of the split personality in Hollywood, where movie choices are mostly driven by the need to make large amounts of money but where the people behind the camera still want to be seen as making art? And was it hurt by attacks from the political right on the movie's plot, which was seen as a dig on America's Iraq incursion?

Yes yes, all very interesting as the article goes on.

I haven't seen it so I cannot share an opinion on The Hurt Locker, however....

it basically boils down to James Cameron's ex-wife mopping the Oscar floor with him. And, she's still prettier than his current wife, former Titanic actress who looks incredibly old now...

Why, if you have that much money, can your wife not take a monthly trip to the salon for some hair coloring services? James - please.

Athiests call the Bible smut

2010-03-08T12:26:00.002-06:00

I'm a week late on this, but apparently athiest students at the University of Texas San Antonio think the Bible is "smut."

A college atheist group is offering students pornography in exchange for Bibles.

Atheist Agenda calls the exchange "Smut for Smut," prompting prayers and protests from Christian students at the University of Texas San Antonio campus.

Student Monica Cornado says it's offensive to compare pornography to "the Word of God."

University officials say the atheist group has the right to conduct the swap.

The definition of smut, per Webby:

1.a particle of soot; sooty matter.
2.a black or dirty mark; smudge.
3.indecent language or publications; obscenity.

Why not just toss bibles down a chimney?

This is absolutely nonsensical to me. Smearing a holy book in this way is not even witty. It's a sad attempt at calling attention to your non-belief.

What's the point, anyway, kids?

The video shows some posters too - I bet they're art majors.

MAD tv - Bon Qui Qui at King Burger

2010-03-05T09:33:00.001-06:00

I will CUT you

Dinosaurs never saw it coming...

2010-03-05T09:15:00.005-06:00

A giant asteroid smashing into Earth is the only plausible explanation for the extinction of the dinosaurs, a global scientific team said on Thursday, hoping to settle a row that has divided experts for decades.

A panel of 41 scientists from across the world reviewed 20 years' worth of research to try to confirm the cause of the so-called Cretaceous-Tertiary (KT) extinction, which created a "hellish environment" around 65 million years ago and wiped out more than half of all species on the planet.

Scientific opinion was split over whether the extinction was caused by an asteroid or by volcanic activity in the Deccan Traps in what is now India, where there were a series of super volcanic eruptions that lasted around 1.5 million years.

So the asteroid is the ONLY plausible explanation. There is not one other?!

and only 41 people were at the discussion...41!! that's smaller than a football team!

but then another possible explanation is volcanic activity.

This is just bad journalism. Which one is it, folks?

Geological records show the event that triggered the dinosaurs' demise rapidly destroyed marine and land ecosystems, they said, and the asteroid hit "is the only plausible explanation for this."

Well I don't think it's safe to land on just one "plausible" explanation.

Plausible: having an appearance of truth or reason; seemingly worthy of approval or acceptance; credible; believable

appear... seeming... believable... all have a degree of subjectivity.

And in the case of dinosaurs and science/evolution claims and the history of the Earth- so much of which is really unknown to us, I don't think there should ever be one explanation. It's unhealthy and it discourages creative theories and future research.

Besides, what if God just decided to put them all to sleep and bury them beneath us one day? Maybe he got tired of Sue stomping around and was ready to hang out with Adam.

If you're a believer, that's plausible too.

Crown Ryan

2010-03-05T08:38:00.004-06:00

What young up-and-coming GOP legislator in Washington doesn't wish he were Paul Ryan right now?

Rep. Paul Ryan of Janesville has put forth a far more sweeping proposal, and he's drawn national attention and considerable praise from conservatives for it.

"You do not look upon the likes of Ryan very often," said Bob Moffit, a health policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation, a policy research organization in Washington, D.C.

The man is untouchable!! All the articles around healthcare show Congressman Ryan at the front of the GOP pack, leading the opposition to a government takeover. I'm actually waiting for the political cartoons to show him in Badger Red army garb storming the Capitol with a bayonet pierced through the bazillion-page bill!

He is articulate, well-informed, extremely intelligent, and not bad to look at. ;-)

From where I sit in Wisconsin, he's our #1 out in D.C. Congressman Ryan is the guy that comes home to walk the Janesville LaborFest parade with his kids and a gaggle of local support in one of Wisconsin's largest union towns, and receives a roaring crowd. Then he hops a plane back to Washington to fight for his constituents, literally.

The headlines read "Paul Ryan Could SAVE America," "The Congressman and Calculator," "Paul Ryan v. The President," and on and on. A recent article talks about the Democrats "reconciling" and conspiring to come back at only him!!

Ryan's entire proposal, which includes privatizing part of Social Security, is aimed at reducing the long-term fiscal challenge of funding the Medicare and Social Security programs.

"Ryan actually stands alone in the Congress as the only person who has actually come to grips with the true dimension of the problem," Moffit said.

He is their foe.

For a guy to be so smart on economic issues, to crunch the numbers with absolute determination to unveil the current health care bill of everything wrong (wearing the "geek glasses," no less), and to do so with class and ease as he sits in a healhcare rountable prove the makings of a President.

He would likely slap my fingers typing this, as his "kids are too young and his ego's not that big," but what about... dare I say... 2016?

Congressman Ryan, your three gorgeous babies will be well into Middle School if not the early years of High school in 6 years, am I right? If I'm wrong, we'll simply brush over that fact with "kids grow up so fast these days" and "they're from Wisconsin, so you know they'll be humble and well-adjusted in the White House."

That's the other tail on the donkey. Paul Ryan is simply too main-stream America. He's not power hungry, or we would have seen him run for Senate already, maybe Governor? (the GOP base has been begging him for years.) But he likes his perch.

And as leader of the anti-universal health care movement, I think he does too. And anyone in his office is going to strap themselves with ducktape to their computer chairs for as long as they can, so as not to lose a ride on the Paul Ryan Wagon.

His Roadmap for America may not be perfect. What legislation is? And while Republicans may not be rushing to defend him just yet, he doesn't need much help with the media- and the entire state of Wisconsin- lifting him up.

"Nass yo circus"

2010-03-04T08:19:00.003-06:00

Representative Nass, you wanna talk about a circus?

Nass, R-Whitewater, did not attend today's hearing, instead sending the committee overseeing the expulsion resolution a memo on Tuesday dismissing some of Wood's defenses against being expelled.

Hubler, D-Rice Lake, and Rep. Tony Staskunas, D-West Allis, expressed their disappointment that Nass chose not to show up for the hearing, saying they wanted to ask him questions about his expulsion resolution.

Nass aide Mike Mikalsen attended today's hearing and said afterward that Nass did not show up because of what he called a "circus atmosphere" in which Wood was allowed to cross examine anyone who chose to testify in favor of the expulsion resolution. Assembly rules grant anyone targeted in an expulsion resolution that opportunity, treating the hearing somewhat like a trial.

Let's break it down. Wood makes a mistake.(We all do, Representative Lives in a Glass House).

Nass publicly chastises him.

Nass calls for his expulsion.

Nass #FAILs to show up for the hearing HE called for.

Hypocrisy!

Do better, Representative Nass. You are certainly not above the circus show that you called for. In fact, I'd go so far to say you're the monkey's uncle in the middle of the ring.

People make mistakes. Do I think what Rep. Wood did was wrong and most importantly, that he is in need of help? Absolutely.

But what Mr. Nass did in avoiding the hearing was equally unflattering to his own character. If you're going to point fingers, judge, and move for expulsion - do so with cajones! Show up to the trial you called for and stand behind your beliefs and your accusations.

Rep. Nass skulked off in the name of "the high road" which is complete B.S.

Perhaps we should call for his removal as a spineless jellyfish.

the Goth look

2010-03-02T19:16:00.002-06:00

What is it about the goth look that is appealing to young people?

Rather than stare at the young passerby who walked with unnaturally blackened hair with a pink swatch in it, dark black eyeliner resembling that of a hussie in Vegas, those ear-extending earrings, and a spike thru his chin, I start to have some questions...

Rather than judge and write this kid off as a thug punk with some likely problems at home who is trying to find himself in a midst of pot-smoke filled rooms and dog collars, I'm more concerned for his future.

Why is he dressed like this?
What does this aspiring college student desire for his life?
When does one grow out of this phase?
What is the appeal of man make-up? Did he just wake up one morning and think, "I'll get tons of women if I look like Marilyn Manson." Though Marilyn did manage a few seemingly normal ladies of his own. Well, normal until they started dating him.

Does one think he will get a job looking like this? Be taken seriously?

I guess I'm just baffled. And I needed to babble.

Tip for this kid: Invest in the vampire look. Just soften your goth, lose the pink hair and the eye liner, and stay out of the sun. Vampires are in, kid.

Paul Ryan: Hiding spending doesn't reduce spending.

2010-02-27T11:09:00.001-06:00

Showing PURE Disdain for Paul Ryan, still President Obama cannot hide from the American people.

And Paul Ryan NAILS it.

Frankly, if he thinks they are going to push this healthcare bill thru, they are clearly NOT listening to the American people- those they represent, Mr. Biden.

Congressman Ryan looks him right in the eye and tells it like his economically-minded, brilliant brain sees it.

And in the meantime, Mr. President, could you please address your colleagues in an equal branch of government, by their rightfully earned titles, and not first names? How rude!

Silver medalist a sour pouter

2010-02-25T15:41:00.002-06:00

This was too funny. Love the Crayola call~

Somebody call Crayola. Get Maybeline on the phone. The next big color is Plushenko platinum.

In reality, Plushenko platinum is more about the Russian figure skater, Evengi Plushenko, being displeased with the results of his Olympic event. Plushenko has contested that American Evan Lysacek should not have won the gold medal because his program did not feature a quadruple jump. The last three Olympic champions prior to Lysacek utilized the quadruple jump and so did Plushenko so he felt he should win.

"Quad is quad. If the Olympic champion doesn't know how to jump the quad, I don't know," he said.

And I think this calls for a Sore Loserman.

Miley Cyrus - When I Look At You [VideoClip]

2010-02-17T16:33:00.001-06:00

While she sometimes annoys me, I enjoy this song. And I'm excited about the movie as I'm also reading the book!

Gotta love Nicholas Sparks.

NOOMA Rain | 001 Rob Bell - Full-Length Version

2010-02-14T10:38:00.001-06:00

Jesus, bring the rain.

V-Day

2010-02-13T11:07:00.003-06:00

Best part(s) about Valentine's day are, in no particular order:
a) card from my Dad
b)little care package from my mom
c)day-after chocolate specials at the drug store!

That's right, I have no shame. I cannot wait to purchase some Russell Stover's creams for - yes, that's right again- myself.

And for those people who "dwell" on Valentine's day and how stupid it is, get to Walgreen's and help yourselves on the 15th, friends. It's worth it.

Besides, if you're not going to make an effort to tell the people you love that you love them on a day that's designed for purchasing crap and saying "I love you," can you say it any other day?

You can...with a day-after Valentine's day box of sweet chocolatey goodness.

But don't worry, I'll get my own.

North Dakotans are satisfied!

2010-02-12T08:39:00.003-06:00

New from Gallup:

On a state-by-state basis, U.S. adults' average satisfaction in 2009 with their own standard of living -- that is, "all the things you can buy and do" -- fell in a fairly narrow range, from 82.3% in North Dakota at the high end to 69% in Nevada at the low end.

This is a state with no debt,a smart-spender Governor who cuts taxes, and is growing in population and job opportunities.

I'd be pretty satisfied too.

Madison's Brothers at Risk

2010-02-10T08:41:00.001-06:00

24

2010-02-09T20:09:00.001-06:00

I'm behind at watching 24, and just catching9-10 pm and 10-11 pm.
WHAT?!?!

RENEE stabbing and killing people?! Stabbing Jack?? WHAT?!?!?!

And do we think this Dana/Jenny and he ex-white trash boyfriend are a back story that could become entangled with the terrorist activity?

Swine flu flub

2010-02-09T19:56:00.002-06:00

Apparently, some are still concerned about spreading swine flu in large arenas. And removing bubblers because of it. (Wisconsinites, you like that? -little shoutout, as I'm a "fountain" girl myself.)

...the Cavaliers have removed all the water fountains from their home arena...

fans can still get a free cup of water at any of the arena's concession stands. The reason for the ban on the fountains, according to the Cavaliers, is that they are interested in cutting down on the spread of the H1N1 virus. That sounds pretty reasonable, what with all the fears of the virus crushing this country the way that Avatar has crushed its box office competition.

It sounds a lot less reasonable, however, when you hear that the director of Cleveland's health department says that there's no indication that water fountains contribute to the spread of the dreaded swine flu. Safety first and all that, but we tend to take the advice of health professionals over basketball teams when it comes to avoiding illness. And, as with any decision by a revenue-generating concern, we tend to look for another explanation.

Still, I can't say it's LeBron James' fault like this article suggests.

But industry response to the swine flu scare has rarely been highlighted, so this is interesting.

Oink oink.

Google Buzz-ing along

2010-02-09T19:45:00.002-06:00

Buzz.

Buzz buzz.

Do you really want people to know where you are? Even if you're just at work...sitting in your cubicle...where people expect you to be 5 days a week?

Google just announced Google Buzz, a new system for sharing updates, shared info, and media both privately and publicly. Buzz, an online social system similar to Facebook and Twitter, seems to be fully integrated into many of Google's services; you'll be able to access it via Gmail, Google's redesigned mobile homepage, a new dedicated Buzz app, and an updated version of the Google Maps app.

Although Gmail integration seems to be the core of the product, Buzz distinguishes itself from Twitter and Facebook with its strong focus on location. All of these updated Google mobile apps will offer ways to share your media and location via GPS, a capability that, Google claims, will cut through the clutter so prevalent on sites like Facebook and Twitter.

It's an interesting concept - a way to compete.

Not to mention, it's getting pretty crowded out there in the world of social media tools.

Drew Brees with Son Super Bowl 44

2010-02-08T09:13:00.001-06:00

Priceless.

Lady Antebellum - Love This Pain (New Single) - with lyrics

2010-02-03T13:41:00.001-06:00

Good stuff from Lady A- new album is warming on me.

Paul Ryan for President?

2010-02-01T10:55:00.001-06:00

Christian Schneider sure thinks it's possible. And I have to agree:

In the 1995 movie “The American President,” Michael Douglas plays Andrew Shepherd, a U.S. President who proudly hails from Wisconsin. In the movie, President Shepherd must choose between supporting a gun control bill and a “pollution reduction bill,” which happens to be the pet cause of his environmental lobbyist girlfriend. (This plot contrivance is only slightly less plausible than Massachusetts voters replacing Ted Kennedy with a Republican best known for showing Cosmopolitan Magazine readers the contents of his underpants.)

Clearly, the idea of a Wisconsin president seems calming to people. For filmmakers, having a character hail from the Dairy State is intended to show that they’re imbued with a common sense wholesomeness – to the nation, Wisconsin folks are grounded, salt-of-the-earth types. (My friends from other states still believe that roads in Wisconsin are only passable via tractor.)

Yet Wisconsin has never birthed a leader of the free world. Republican U.S. Senator “Fighting Bob” LaFollette ran in 1924 as a progressive, garnering 17% of the vote nationwide. Shorewood native William Rehnquist captained the U.S. Supreme Court as Chief Justice for 19 years (a job that’s arguably as important as the presidency, although less impressive to girls at a bar.) Favorite son Tommy Thompson proved to be the Usain Bolt of American politics, starting and finishing his 2008 presidential campaign with world-class speed. (Remind liberals that Dick Cheney actually went to grad school at the UW-Madison, and they’ll flip the table over and run out of the room screaming.)

Yet as 2012 looms, it appears Wisconsin may actually have a viable candidate for the presidency on the horizon. Fiscal dreamboat Paul Ryan has become a star in Congress, leading many national conservative commentators (including Wisconsin’s own Stephen F. Hayes of The Weekly Standard) to hyperventilate about his nationwide appeal. Ryan, who was first elected in 1998 as a 28-year old former legislative staffer, is now the ranking member of the House Budget Committee, and one of the leading voices of opposition to the Obama Administration – a position that appears to be gaining popularity with the American public.

All of this has led to rampant speculation about a Paul Ryan run for the presidency in 2012. There’s plenty of reason to believe that Ryan won’t run. (Such as, the fact that he routinely says “I am not running for President.”) But with a number of the Republican presidential hopefuls looking more like future reality show contestants than leaders of the free world, Ryan’s gravitas and amiable personality may just force him into the race.

As with any presidential campaign, there are pros and cons to a Ryan run. Here’s a list of some of the things that could help and hurt him:

READ THE REST.

Sister Hazel - All For You

2010-01-30T18:02:00.001-06:00

Oldie, but a goodie!

Panda Tai Shan's Farewell

2010-01-30T12:38:00.003-06:00

Oh how I love the Zoo. And LOVE the Pandas. Ever since seeing Ling Ling and Hsing Hsing as a small child, they have a special place in my heart.

On Saturday, the nation's capital says goodbye to one of its most celebrated dignitaries. After four-and-a-half years of causing "panda-monium" at The Smithsonian National Zoo, Tai Shan, the zoo's youngest panda and star attraction, has been called "home" to China.

"I am sad. I got a little teared up, actually, watching him today," Tanya Hester of Los Angeles told ABC News after watching Tai Shan saunter around his pen, munching bamboo shoots in frigid sub-zero temperatures on Friday.

But why the political references?

Some leave Washington in triumph. As he departed in 1989, President Reagan mused, "My friends, we did it. We weren't just marking time. We made a difference."

Others left in disgrace.

"Sure we've done some things wrong in this administration, and the top man always takes the responsibility, and I've never ducked it," Richard Nixon said in his farewell address at the White House after resigning over the Watergate scandal.

Random.

Note to the Washington Post and network news: Not all stories need to be politicized.

Shout it Aaron Rodgers!

2010-01-28T21:12:00.003-06:00

This guy just grew FEET against my tape measure of awesomeness. I marked him WAY taller than he actually is on the door frame.

Rodgers, who will start for the NFC in Sunday’s game, was asked if he thought Favre would retire.

“I just think nothing is going to happen for a while,” he said as the NFL Network crew burst out in laughter. “There’s not much else you can say.

“I’d say just give it a rest for a while. You don’t need to do an update every day. It’s not going to happen.”

Love you, Aaron.

Keep doin' what your doin'!

Priests a'bloggin

2010-01-25T14:06:00.004-06:00

It's the God Squad, gone mod.

Citing the "rich menu of options" that digital media provides, the Pope encouraged priests and clergy members to "proclaim the Gospel by employing the latest generation of audiovisual resources (images, videos, animated features, blogs, websites)," all of which "can open up broad new vistas for dialogue, evangelization and catechesis."

Though, just because they're dressed in glittery robes and hats doesn't mean that priests will be tricking out their blogs and Facebook pages with the same sense of debonair flashiness.

For some reason I didn't expect any "flashiness."

As USAToday reports, the Pope advised his followers to be more austere (or, dare we say Calvinist?) when it comes to Web-design aesthetics. He elaborated, "[Priests] present in the world of digital communications should be less notable for their media savvy than for their priestly heart, their closeness to Christ."

Beautifully put.

I welcome the changing world, and the hip Pope-star who's boldly entering a tech-savvy, tech-centered globe with the word of Christ.

Favre's Final Toss

2010-01-24T21:55:00.002-06:00

Brett Favre has been quite the noise-maker this season. Packer fans call him a traitor, while some say not to blame Brett- point the finger at Ted.

In hindsight, we can. We can say "Oh, we should have rolled out the red carpet when Brett initially retired and wanted to come back." But we moved forward and he went off to the Jets.

Hey, that's a decision we could live with and respect. He had a gut check and wasn't ready to walk away (despite the heart-wrenching sob story that he had "nothing left to give", cough, cough)...but he went to a team in the AFC that would show him some love and respect...and never play the Packers for as long as he would be playing. So Packer Fans were cool with that.

Now 20/20 says maybe Ted Thompson will get cut some slack... fans will agree Brett Favre was really NOT the future of the franchise. If you think about it, we could have lost Aaron Rodgers, Favre *could have quit mid-season, even been hurt. And then where would we be?

I wear glasses so I'm not sure I can say I see either argument that clearly or feel comfortable settling on one. But here's the kicker about tonight:

The Vikings put all their chips on Brett Favre. They lay their eggs in his basket, rest their laurels on his shoulders, rolled out the fat lady and gave her sheet music... need I continue?

When they asked Brett Favre into their dome, not only did they tell Jackson exactly what they thought of him (and I'm pretty sure free agency will treat Tarvaris well), they made Brett their future - even if it just lasted one season.

And they got a game-ending, season-ending interception. But that's what you get with Brett Favre! Packer fans have known this feeling for 16 years! Welcome to the club, Vikings fans.

There is something about the man. Call it emotion, nerves - there is something that causes Brett Favre an inner panic and forces him into the red phone booth. He dons the Superman "4" cape and throws it into double coverage, across his body, across the field - and BOOM! The GREATEST feeling ever when it's complete. The worst let down when it's tonight's result.

I am not angry at Brett Favre. I've put on the face that he's a traitor and I never wanted him to win a single game as a Viking! (But really, it was about the Vikings. I was RAISED to loathe them, come on!) But I've truly only been disappointed. In a man I greatly respect. And truly fell in love with - the man he decided to be to Deanna and his girls after addiction and trials, the role model for guys everywhere that he became, and the quarterback who played inspired football for all who love the game.

Forget numbers. Forget the banner year he had in the awful Metrodome with that shady Childress and thugs on steroids (maybe that was a low blow, but you read the news!). Forget he can still throw it like he could in '92.

I simply feel that he made a statement going to the Vikings- traipsing across the Mississippi to give the finger to Ted Thompson. He flipped off Packer Nation- and for what? Because we knew his pattern and we needed to look out for the future of our franchise? The Truth: Brett Favre was BELOVED. EVEN after coming back to the Jets. And now, in purple and gold (the PANSIEST of all team colors), it doesn't matter how many TDs, yards, wins or consecutive starts he has. We'll retire his number and welcome into the Hall of Fame, but I believe his legacy is tarnished.

To prove I'm not completely insensitive, it stung a little to see Brett laying on the ground, clutching his knee. When I saw him hobble a few times, or the tears come down his cheek after the game, I knew how much it hurt. This is a man who invests 150% of his soul into the game of football. I know the pain when you love something so much and make one move to screw it up. But Favre throws with abandon, and often into the opponents' hands.

So Vikings fans, welcome to Brett Favre Fan-dom. It's full of last-second hail mary's to win a game, and 4th quarter interceptions when the game is in his hands. That's what you get.

So I shrug my shoulders and hope, for the greater good, that Brett Favre hangs it up. I think his decision was made before this game. And hopefully the final play won't haunt him.

And to the Vikings: What have you got now? Where will you go? He didn't give you a Superbowl. And, I don't trust Vikings fans as far as I can throw 'em, so for all you fair-weather Favre fans, it won't surprise me when you start to bash him in a week or so.

I'll always love you, Brett Favre. The little girl who grew up pretending to call you at half-time with a pep talk and cherished you for 17 years will always cheer for you, pray for you, wear your jersey, and cry alongside you.

But tonight, I will feel sheer joy for America's 2009 Team, the New Orleans Saints. They may not have played better than the Vikings, but the final score gave them a W.
What a gift they have been to the city of New Orleans!

There is really only one thing left to say.

GO SAINTS!

Ingrid Michaelson - Maybe (Official Music Video)

2010-01-22T16:10:00.001-06:00

Holiday Inn - Beyond Disturbing

2010-01-22T14:34:00.003-06:00

Human bedwarmers are NOT ok.

Holiday Inn, operator of over 4,000 hotels worldwide, will begin to offer a free five-minute "human bed warming service" at it's London Kensington hotel throughout next week.

If requested, a willing member of hotel staff will jump in your bed, dressed head to foot in an all-in-one sleeper suit, until your nightly chamber warms up.

"Like having a giant hot water bottle in your bed" is how Holiday Inn spokeswoman Jane Bednall described the idea.

Or a stranger in your room with access to your bed.

Too close. Strangers. Creepers. Hobos. Dirty suit. Unwashed. Unclean. Dirty pig. Bed bugs. Weirdos.

Oh, I'm sorry. In my shock I have begun to ramble with disgust.

Who is applying for this kind of job? Is Holiday Inn just going to stick any old maid in a suit and send her up with the night-staff busboy to "warm" up a bed? This has the potential to allow murderers, psychopaths, and stalkers access to hotel rooms.

Perhaps the idea is enough for people like me. I'm hot about this already!

The "Pace" of Change

2010-01-21T08:20:00.004-06:00

An email came to me this morning from "BarackObama.com"/Organizing for America.

Yesterday's disappointing election results show deep discontent with the pace of change. I know the OFA community and the President share that frustration.

We also saw what we knew to be true all along: Any change worth making is hard and will be fought at every turn. While it doesn't take away the sting of this loss, there is no road to real change without setbacks along the way.

We could have simply sought to do things that were easy, that wouldn't stir up controversy. But changes that aren't controversial rarely solve the problem.

Our country continues to face the same fundamental challenges it faced yesterday. Our health care system still needs reform. Wall Street still needs to be held accountable. We still need to create good jobs. And we still need to continue building a clean energy economy.

The President isn't walking away from these challenges. In fact, his determination and resolve are only stronger. We must match that commitment with our own.

But it won't be easy. Real change never is. For that reason, I am grateful you're part of this fight with us.

Thank you,

Mitch

Mitch Stewart
Director
Organizing for America

What is the purpose of this email?

What bothers me - even more than the lamentation that Brown's win on Tuesday was some kind of 'Black Tuesday' for Obama supporters is that this note misses the point!! It's not the PACE of change anyone is upset with.

It's the TYPE of change. You cannot shove universal healthcare down the throats of the Independent, American majority. You cannot expect to reform Wall Street, bailing out anyone who needs it and handing out dollars to those who will not funnel it back into the economy. You cannot stop listening to your constituents or the needs of the middle class, SCREAMING out for a tax refund they know how to use better than you do.

Again, what's the point of this email, Mitch? It's not quite ra-ra enough to rally the troops. If you're a Democrat having watched Tuesday, you should be shakin' in your boots.

And OFA, Obama, Congressional dems - save the HTML relays. My inbox is full.

Going Rogue, a review - Part I

2010-01-20T13:44:00.006-06:00

I have just recently finished reading Sarah Palin's Going Rogue: An American Life.

And while I am certainly not at a loss for words, this book altered my perception of a woman so ridiculed in today's modern media, I find it hard to add my own opinion to the myriad of reviews. I will merely offer up that Sarah Palin surprised me, delighted me, and pulled quite a few tears. All within 413 pages.

Here are some of my favorite moments and a few thoughts.

In her first tellings of growing up in Alaska and life within the sports & outdoor-obsessed frontier family having evolution discusssions at the dinner table, Governor Palin is as reflective as she is narrative.

"Eventually, though, I realized that the road, and especially marathon training, holds invaluable life lessons. That to reach your goal you have to put in the tough, drudging miles. That the best rewards often lie on the other side of pain. And that when it seems you can't take another step forward, there is a hidden reservoir of strength you can draw on to endure and finish well" (27).

Simply stated, and likely oft-recognized within one's own heart on any of life's many paths- but rarely so elloquently described.

This is a woman who boldly states, "Everything I ever needed to know, I learned on the basketball court" (41). I love this and find truth in it, a county-league basketball player in my own youth.

Her wedding at a courthouse was witnessed by a few folks from the retirement home across the street and they topped it off with a Wendy's meal- hopefully including a Frosty! That is my idea of low-key. Perfect.

The beginning snipets provide an interesting take on her upbringing, early political views, and a personal glance at the state of Alaska which most of us in the "Lower 48" know little about. But perhaps what I enjoy most out of this book are the prayers she openly shares. This one, after a children's book inspired her:

"I wrote a contemplative prayer in my journal that summer that I recently came across. I had written: 'Let me not become disconnected from You, Lord. Like that red kite, let there be a connecting string between You and me, so that I can fly high and safe as You've created all people to do. With that string, I'll go where You want me to go. I'll be what You want me to be. Thank You for Your grace.' " (83)

Metaphorical, or some may say cheesy, I feel she is nothing short of Genuine.

to be continued...

Twetiquette

2010-01-20T13:35:00.004-06:00

Whoever said this "Clear message from Massachusetts: We're glad Ted Kennedy is dead." on Twitter should be ashamed of themselves.

And for those who re-tweeted it, I am appalled.

While we are celebrating Scott Brown's victory, the 41st vote against Obama's healthcare, I am not glad that a death of a long-time Congressman is the reason that election came about.

I am not glad that any former member of Congress, former beloved Senator who gave a lot to the state of Massachusetts, no matter what side of the aisle you are on, had to SUFFER from BRAIN CANCER and lose the battle.

Grow Up. UNFOLLOW.

I <3 GWB

2010-01-17T12:36:00.001-06:00

Sitting in a relaxed and comfortable manner after meeting with Clinton and Obama to discuss relief for Haiti, Bush told King, “I frankly don’t miss the limelight. I’m glad to help out, but there’s life after the presidency is what I’ve learned, and I’m going to live it to the fullest, and this is part of living it to the fullest, to help other people.”

And that's why we love the guy.

Support relief efforts in Haiti.

Martha Coakley in trouble with Catholics?

2010-01-17T12:34:00.001-06:00

Her comment certainly was anti-American. Here's why:

In 1804, Thomas Jefferson wrote to Abigail Adams on the free exercise of individual conscience in America, and its indispensability to our freedoms. We may disagree, wrote the Founder, but that disagreement is to be welcomed, not crushed: “I tolerate with utmost latitude the right of others to differ with me in opinion without imputing to them criminality. I know too well all the weaknesses and uncertainty of human reason to wonder at its different results.”

Martha Coakley thinks she knows better than Thomas Jefferson.

The Democratic contender for the late Ted Kennedy’s U.S. Senate seat made her uphill climb to election a bit steeper this past Thursday when she told radio host Ken Pittman of WBSM that persons with certain ethical principles should not work in the medical professions. Pittman specifically asked Coakley about the rights of conscience of health-care providers, and segued into a query on Roman Catholics in Massachusetts’s hospitals.

A response grounded in the American tradition of pluralism, freedom of conscience, and an ethical consideration for the autonomy of the individual would have gone something like this: “Ken, it’s not the state’s proper role to interpose itself between the conscience of the provider and that provider’s duties. In America, government derives its moral convictions and authority from the people — not the other way around.”

Martha Coakley is not grounded in the American tradition of pluralism, freedom of conscience, or an ethical consideration for the autonomy of the individual. Her response to Pittman was to denounce the idea of any allowance for individual conscience in federal healthcare legislation. Then she uttered the line that alone ought to sink her campaign: “The law says that people are allowed to have that. You can have religious freedom but you probably shouldn’t work in the emergency room.”

It’s not often that a candidate for federal office goes on the record with her belief that whole classes of Americans should be excluded from whole sectors of our economy. Martha Coakley did exactly that, and the only term to describe it is one we should use sparingly in our public discourse. It should be reserved for direct attacks on our heritage as a free country of free people. It should be reserved for assaults on the foundations of our liberties as laid down in the American Revolution.

It’s anti-American.

Martha Coakley’s declaration that Roman Catholics “probably shouldn’t work in the emergency room” doesn’t just betray an ignorance of history and society, though it does both in full. Catholic provision of healthcare is a proud tradition of centuries that, if you’re theologically minded, goes back to the healings of the Apostles — and if you’re historically minded, goes back to the lay and clerical orders that provided care to travelers, pilgrims and the poor beginning in the Dark Ages. In the United States today, Catholic healthcare facilities exist in all fifty states. Despite Coakley’s wish that they not do so, those facilities provided care in nearly 17 million emergency-room visits last year.

Beyond Coakley’s ignorance, the effect of her pronouncement is nothing short of pernicious. If public officials decide it’s appropriate to recommend exclusion of faith groups from employment, where does that end? It doesn’t take much imagination to grasp that the threat only begins with Catholics. Adherents of Christian Science might find would-be U.S. Senators questioning their fitness for any health-related profession. Believers in literal Biblical Creation could see liberal officeholders demanding their ejection from the teaching profession. Muslim faithful might be urged out of security and military professions.

The logical consequences of Martha Coakley’s statement are both grotesque and stupid.

Martha Coakley does not exist in a vacuum. Her belief that conscience and its protections must be forced out of the healthcare sector are tightly bound up with the ideology underlying the President’s push for healthcare reform. That reform threatens ever-greater government involvement in healthcare, and probably portends its takeover if passed.

With that comes the precedence of government priorities — and there’s little room for individual conscience then. That’s why President Obama last month moved to revoke the conscience protections afforded healthcare workers and providers under Federal rules. As Kevin Hasson and Luke Goodrich of The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty wrote, “Regardless of one’s view on abortion, contraceptives, war or capital punishment, respecting conscience only when one agrees with you is no respect for conscience at all. Those who champion ‘choice’ and ‘tolerance’ should respect the conscience-based choices of those with whom they disagree.”

President Obama is taking the first step toward forcing healthcare professionals to follow the government’s ethical agenda rather than their own. If Martha Coakley wins on Tuesday, it won’t be the last.

Support Scott Brown.

Google's Got Guts

2010-01-14T09:19:00.003-06:00

Love 'em. Google, that is.

A familiar pattern has emerged in Beijing since Google announced that it would close its Chinese business unless it is allowed to operate its search engine here uncensored.

The Internet exploded in a welter of comment from China’s online community, mostly supportive of Google. The government has remained tight-lipped, and now appears to have ordered websites to stifle discussion of the affair.

Making no mention of Google or its bombshell announcement, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said Thursday only that “China’s Internet is open. The Chinese government encourages development of the Internet and is building a beneficial environment for it.”

Is it really?

So can the majority of Chinese Internet users; 60 percent of them search the Web with a homegrown search engine, Baidu, which has twice as many users as Google.cn.

Baidu, however, cannot match Google.cn services such as maps, translation, and calendars, and most Google.cn users, unfamiliar with English, expressed dismay at the prospect of living without their favorite search engine.

“Without Google … I wouldn’t be able to finish so many tasks in one day,” wrote Sun Bo, a “netizen,” on his blog. “Without Google, how can we survive?”

How will we survive?

In the words of my friend, Kate, Google is gonna take over the world!

Brown Boos Obama

2010-01-14T09:13:00.003-06:00

Scott Brown doesn't need DC's head honcho messing up his race.

Surging GOP Senate candidate Scott Brown yesterday warned President Obama to “stay away” from the Bay State during his roiling race against Democratic rival Martha Coakley and not to interfere with their intensifying battle in the campaign’s final days.

“He should stay away and let Martha and I discuss the issues one on one,” Brown said. “The machine is coming out of the woodwork to get her elected. They’re bringing in outsiders, and we don’t need them.”

Coakley’s campaign showed signs of panic as they scrambled to get a last-minute appearance by Obama to bolster their effort before Tuesday’s election.

At this point, with all the momentum and media talking about Brown, I can see Coakley whimpering in the corner like a kicked little dog. But of course, she's singing a different tune to the media.

Coakley said yesterday she hasn’t heard from the White House. “I welcome his support, but we’ve got a lot of support here in Massachusetts (and) I think he’s got a lot on his plate in Washington,” she said.

Here's the thing, folks. Brown is right. I don't even believe Obama would help Coakley at this point. He's not a rally-er. He's not a stand up, pump your fist, and cheer kinda guy, or President, for that matter. (BORING!)

That's what Coakley needs, and she likely won't get it. So my former professor sums it up:

A Brown win would be crushing for Obama, who would lose a 60-seat Democratic majority in the Senate, said Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics.

Let's sure hope so.

Kleefisch's pre-announcement uninspiring

2010-01-13T21:20:00.004-06:00

I just read this (yes, I'm a little behind and lacking blog inspiration) on Steppin' Right Up. And I gotta say, the letter from Rebecca Kleefisch announcing her candidacy for Lieutenant Governor isn't floatin' my boat.

Now I've never met Rebecca, and I am sure she is a lovely lady. However, a few beefs:

When I first introduced myself to you via e-mail, I sent you a link to my video blog, my Youtube Channel called "RebeccaForReal". That's how I'm known on Twitter and Flickr, too. It's because in the world of politics, I think there are too few willing to be just that--real. With me, what you see is what you get: a dose of kitchen table common sense from a marketing contractor/TEA party speaker/political watchdog/mom!

Here's where it starts. What are ya, honey? The slashes are NOT professional, and they seem extremely casual like you just filled out a chain-email survey about how best to describe yourself in one word. And couldn't limit it to one word, because ya gotta be real!

Let's think commas and literary style.

That's probably why I was approached last May to run for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. Combine my private sector marketing expertise with our future Republican Governor's public sector success and you have a ticket with broad life experience, and the best CEO and VP of Marketing Wisconsin could get! That's how I see these jobs: while the Governor fixes the business climate of our state as our CEO, we need our Lt. Governor, our Marketing VP, working on the marketing efforts to let job creators know, "Wisconsin is open for business again!"

This is just a mess.

I'm glad you have a vision for each position, but this is starting to feel like an essay from a kid who didn't study for the latest 12th grade government exam.

And, we all know it's Walker you're talking about, without having to ask. Why not just come out and endorse him?

I'm writing you now to let you know that I have filed my papers to become a Lieutenant Governor candidate. I would love to meet you personally and, if you allow it, speak at your Lincoln/Reagan Day functions or others where you allow candidates to talk. Would you please e-mail me the dates of events like these on your county's calendar?

Again with the slashes!

This is extremely idealistic, that county parties and GOP vols actually care or take initiative. On the contrary. You're going to have to do the legwork yourself. With this many candidates (what is it, 6 now?), you will fall into the cracks if you expect them to give a rat's patoot about squeezing you onto any speaking agenda. Get in there, and ROAR woman!

In the meantime, please continue to look for my new video blogs, released every Thursday on Youtube. When I officially launch my candidacy, the videos will also be available through my website. When that happens, I'll be sure you send you a headshot and a link in case you like to post those on your website or Facebook page.

So this isn't an official announcement? It's a pre-announcement announcement to GOP insiders. A mere preview of what's to come - the headshot, of course.

Why send this out before the big bang?

And lastly, YouTube is a great modern tool for reaching voters hidden behind screens, Blackberries, iPhones and Tweetdeck all day. It's great to see local candidates using it, but careful of the talking heads and taupe background walls!

While this may seem a harsh review, it's not about the lady, it's about the email sent from a candidate or her campaign for Lieutenant Governor. This is a critical year for the GOP in Wisconsin. I am looking seriously at these candidates, and expect their campaigns to be innovative and fresh, yet with professional, well-written materials and attitudes behind the work they present to the voters.

So far, I haven't felt the need to hit Fandango.com for the opening night of Kleefisch for Lt. Gov.

Avatar, just another action movie

2010-01-12T09:27:00.004-06:00

Avatar wasn't all that special, I didn't think. But some critics are losing it over a fictional movie.

First a Chicago Alderman attacks Avatar for being anti-military and anti-American, and now the Vatican criticizes it for worshipping nature over God - well, the article said religion but I'll let that go.

Simply stated? It was a fictional movie in a fictional world, billions of light-years away. A different society, of yes, blue people worship a god called Eywa and fly around on pterodactyl-looking creatures. If James Cameron was trying to make an anti-American statement or disavowing a God of all things, I didn't leave the theater up in arms, and I'm one of the most patriotic Jesus-freaks out there.

I was actually somewhat entertained, and I hate science-fiction.

That said, it was a disappointment. Action scenes gallore, sure. But the color felt muted in the 3-D theatre, and the characters were beyond stereotypical. The writing was severely lacking in my opinion (see quote: "well then I guess we better win!"), and all of that from some "dream"?

If the Vatican wants to waste it's time slamming the latest blockbuster, it's a Da Vinci Code/Angels and Demons all over again. And Chicago Alderman...um, there has GOT to be something more important worth your time.

Avatar is not going to be responsible for the denouncing of any religion or anti-American discourse. Let Hollywood say what they want. They're not at home with our kids after the movie, explaining what is real and what is not to impressionable young minds. And lock these people up:

James Cameron's completely immersive spectacle "Avatar" may have been a little too real for some fans who say they have experienced depression and suicidal thoughts after seeing the film because they long to enjoy the beauty of the alien world Pandora.

Freakshows!

The world isn't ending in 2012. It's just a movie.

"It's the people's seat"

2010-01-12T09:20:00.002-06:00

Scott Brown is on a roll in Massachusetts.

Coakley supports ObamaCare, opposes the war in Afghanistan, and favors higher taxes on the wealthy. Brown is against the health care legislation, backs the president’s surge in Afghanistan, and wants across-the-board tax cuts à la JFK. Coakley is an EMILY’s List prochoice hard-liner; Brown condemns partial-birth abortion and is backed by Massachusetts Citizens for Life. Coakley has no problem with civilian trials for Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Brown thinks it reckless to treat enemy combatants like ordinary defendants.

When Ted Kennedy died five months ago, who would have guessed that the contest to replace him would be anything but a slam-dunk for the Democrats? Yet there was no slam-dunk on that stage last night, and the race certainly doesn’t feel like a slam-dunk now.

“It’s not the ‘Kennedy Seat,’ ’’ Brown has been reminding Coakley lately. “It’s the people’s seat.’’ Amazing thing is, he could be right.

Can I get a YEE-HAW?!

All you GOP'rs and Bay-Staters- get to "Red Invades Blue" and support Scott Brown.

January Not Equal to Spring

2010-01-12T08:07:00.005-06:00

Dear retail outlets, January is not spring. Spring does not arrive until March. Here in the midwest, January is the DEAD of Winter.

I find it insensitive to see email promotions in my inbox for "woven sandals for spring!" I believe this calls for a #FAIL.

"But you can prepare for spring," they all say. Not possible. I will still likely be donning the snow boots to tread anywhere in early March and who knows, maybe May. My current sandal stash is in a plastic storage bin collecting dust under my bed.

So please, retailers, have pity on those outside of "warm weather climate regions." It may even add to the distress by adding 10% off.

The left is weak on terror

2010-01-10T14:32:00.003-06:00

Conservative Outpost talks Obama on terror.

But there’s an even more damning flaw to the contention that Bush should have been able to prevent 9/11, and is therefore as bad as or worse than Obama on national security. Namely: just what would Bush opponents have preferred that he do in his first eight months in office to prevent terrorist acts, when they now scream bloody murder at the slightest suggestion of profiling at airports, when they accuse Bush of being Big Brother for trying to monitor terrorist communications, when they’ve demonstrated their clear disapproval of any war Bush started abroad to target Al-Qaeda? Are liberals implying that they would have been fine with Bush doing all of these things in a pre-9/11 world? They’re not even fine with The One doing these things in a post-9/11 world.

The left have been digging up examples of localized attacks carried out by truly isolated (not Abdulmutallab-style “isolated”) loonies—such as Bruce Ivins’ anthrax-laced letters to news broadcasters in September 2001, Hesham Hadayet’s shooting of two Israelis at LAX in July 2002, the Beltway sniper attacks in October 2002—as proof that Bush didn’t keep us safe. Ignore for the moment that when each of these incidents happened, these same people criticized Bush for using these events to “hype” the threat of terrorism to justify extra security measures. Instead ask: what level of government intervention into our lives would have been necessary to prevent every one of these attacks? And how likely is it that liberals would have supported Bush’s carrying out such interventions?

I'd add, "What action, in the left's eyes, by Obama's administration would best respond to the threats recently posed to our nation?"

WI Releasing Prisoners

2010-01-07T10:16:00.002-06:00

WI is speeding up inmate release.

The Department of Corrections has spent the past three months reviewing hundreds of nonviolent offenders eligible for early parole in exchange for good behavior. Twenty-one were released Tuesday, agency spokesman John Dipko said. More could be released later this week if housing and other arrangements are set, he said.

The parolees came from across the state correctional system's institutions. Their crimes include retail theft, driving while intoxicated, operating a vehicle without consent, forgery, burglary, drug possession and disorderly conduct, Dipko said in an e-mail.

Great. So now I can rest assured, those "non-violent" offenders have learned from their 61 days in prison and reformed.

(anyone else notice that DWI, Operating w/o consent, burglary and disorderly conduct all hold the potential to be violent acts?)

Here's the kicker:

Paula Harris became the first inmate granted early release on Dec. 15, Dipko said. The 45-year-old Milwaukee woman was sentenced in 2006 to 18 years in prison for first-degree reckless homicide while armed. She qualified for early release under the health condition provisions.

After barely 3 years, a murderer goes free.

I'm sure I'll sleep well tonight.

Shanahan could be good for the 'Skins

2010-01-06T10:38:00.003-06:00

Tuesday night, when word began to spread that Mike Shanahan -- he of the two Super Bowl championships -- would replace Zorn as the Redskins' on-field leader, there was no need for introduction. Several players embraced the move immediately and openly.

"I think we needed a guy in here who people are going to respect off of his name alone, and Mike Shanahan is that guy," cornerback DeAngelo Hall said. "You already knew he was going to come in here with a great scheme, a great mind because he's a great coach. You know he's a great leader. But to have that name, Mike Shanahan, associated with the Redskins is big for us, it's big for the fans, and it's just great news."

It IS great news.

As a Virginia girl - and though Packer fan first - there's a soft spot in my heart for the Redskins.

Particularly after watching the end of the Joe Gibbs years, a couple of forgettable seasons, Norv Turner (NORV!!) and Steve Spurrier (yikes), and the RETURN of Joe Gibbs (OY), the Skins deserve a respectable name - and a great coach.

I look forward to watching them next year.

Feingold wants more troops?

2010-01-06T10:21:00.004-06:00

Strike that, he wants troops in more places.

Senator Russ Feingold seems to think he's the only one talking about global terrorism.

On Tuesday, Feingold cited the botched Christmas Day bombing of a Detroit-bound plane — allegedly by a Nigerian man with suspected ties to al-Qaida in Yemen — as evidence of the threat he's warned of for nearly a decade.

"It's very sad that it takes an incident like this for people to pay adequate attention to places like Yemen," Feingold said in an interview. "Time and again, I've been trying to get people to think about the war against al-Qaida as a global war rather than fighting it country by country."

We know there are other nations involved. Terrorists are certainly harbored in more than Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran. But you cannot send troops to 100 different nations and think the force will be strong enough to dispel terrorists world-wide.

James Phillips, a senior research fellow on Middle East affairs at the conservative Heritage Foundation, said while more attention should be given to Yemen, it shouldn't detract from the efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Yemen definitely requires a greater effort," Phillips said, "but not at the cost of reducing resources in Afghanistan and Iraq. We should not make the mistake of using the recent problems in Yemen as an excuse to retreat from Afghanistan."

Where they are strongest, we must be. A lone Nigerian bomber from Yemen with explosives in his crotch isn't exactly the mastermind of Osama.

This IS a global fight. The Christmas bomber showed terrorists can come from anywhere and take their fight anywhere, not just from the caves of Afghanistan to the shores of America.

So I ask you, Mr. Feingold, where is everyone else?

North Dakota News

2010-01-05T18:35:00.003-06:00

Senator Byron Dorgan will not seek re-election.

Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) announced this evening that he’s retiring at the end of his term, a shocking development that threatens Democratic control of his Senate seat next year.

Dorgan was up for re-election in 2010, but the third-term senator wasn't facing any strong Republican opposition-- but was facing the growing possibility of a serious challenge from popular Gov. John Hoeven (R-N.D.).

Yes, definitely serious challenge. Hoeven was leading Dorgan in polls by over 2o points.

This is big news for the Bison State! I like it.

RunPee. Go Now!

2010-01-05T15:30:00.002-06:00

This is hilarious. RunPee.com tells you when you can hit the Ladies- or Gents'- room at the movies.

For those of us who like our Icees extra large, this is helpful.

Transgender makes news....Why The Face?

2010-01-05T12:04:00.003-06:00

Can someone please explain to me how this is news?

Transgender Appointee Begins Work at Commerce Department

One of the first-ever transgender presidential appointees, a former test pilot named Amanda who used to be called Mitch, began work Tuesday at the Commerce Department.

Amanda Simpson was appointed to be a senior technical adviser in the department's Bureau of Industry and Security.

She worked in the aerospace and defense industry for three decades and most recently worked for Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz. According to MyFoxPhoenix, she made history in 2004 by becoming the first openly transgender candidate to win a primary -- she ran for the Arizona House of Representatives but lost in the general election.

Simpson said in a written statement that she was "truly honored" to join the Commerce Department.

"As one of the first transgender presidential appointees to the federal government, I hope that I will soon be one of hundreds, and that this appointment opens future opportunities for many others," she said, in a statement put out by The National Center for Transgender Equality, where Simpson served as a board member.

According to a 2002 article on Simpson in the Arizona Daily Star, she went under the name Mitch for 39 years until undergoing six surgeries at a cost of $70,000 to make the transition from male to female.

In no way do I need to know this person is a woman who used to be a man, how much she paid to change her gender, or that she's waving the Transgender flag. NOR do I think it is important for the American public to know.

Does this, in any way, impact how she does the job at hand? No!!

Same goes for the appointments of LGBT personnel, or concerning any other gender or sexual-preference distinction.

Congrats on the job, Miss Simpson. I too sure hope to make headlines when I take a position and announce how proud I am to be a former ____(fill in the blank)_______ that has nothing to do with my qualifications or job performance.

Stop wasting your headlines, folks.

Thoughts on a terrorist plot

2010-01-02T10:30:00.002-06:00

"Obama has ordered a thorough look at the shortcomings that permitted the plot, which failed not because of U.S. actions but because the would-be attacker was unable to ignite an explosive device."

The shortcomings started FAR before the terrorist got through airport security with a bomb in his pants, to put it politely. Here's some musings:

1. This guy's FATHER - his own blood- turned him in as dangerous. Strike one.

(AbdulMutallab had a valid, two-year, multiple-entry visa into the United States, despite the fact that his father had twice spoken to at least one representative of the CIA at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria about his son's increasingly extremist views.)

2. He WASN'T on a list of possible terrorists. WHAT?! Um, shouldn't that be flagged RED before people are allowed to buy a plane ticket? Strike two.

3. Paid Cash. No bags. RED FLAG RED FLAG.

4. Apparently, the "tiered threat" system isn't working.

Despite his father's intervention, Abdulmutallab's name hadn't been added to either a 3,400-name no-fly list or a 14,000-name roster of persons who could be subjected to intensive searches. His name was added to a 555,000-name list of persons considered suspicious but less of a threat. Apparently he would have received greater scrutiny if he applied for another visa. The problem was that he already had one.

5. I'll say it here: I'm for "common sense" profiling. What happened in Fort Hood was a direct result of our nation's pansy-ass attitude about political correctness. If you look like a terrorist -if you are of middle eastern or African descent standing in an airline flight without a single bag, probably walking funny because you've strapped explosives to your junk - you should be frisked and your name should be double-checked on an airline passenger list. We have a clear cut profile of most terrorists who want to kill us. All criminal investigators build a "profile" - why can't we operate within one? Oh that's right, we're too worried about hurting feelings. I'm done with it.

6. Our media has allowed photos of the charred underwear to be released. Gross. No one wants to see a terrorist's crotch.

7. Al-Qaeda is singing. You go ahead and strengthen your rapport with the Yemeni government, Mr. President. I want our troops hunting, seeking, and killing. Could we please NOW use the words "Victory" and "Winning", Mr. President, when we talk about responding to terror? Let's shut 'em up!

We have GOT to do better. As the LA times put it:

Some experts suggest that this incident demonstrates the need for vastly expanded use of high-technology screening devices. Before Congress accepts that counsel, however, it needs to focus on something that seemingly eluded officials in this case: the human factor.

Obama slaps former presidents

2009-12-17T11:32:00.002-06:00

Gotta love a little Rove fighting back.

Consider Mr. Obama's comment in his interview this past Sunday on CBS's "60 Minutes" that the Bush administration made a mistake in speaking in "a triumphant sense about war."

This was a slap at every president who rallied the nation in dark moments, including Franklin D. Roosevelt ("With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph"); Woodrow Wilson ("Right is more precious than peace and we shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest our hearts"); and John F. Kennedy ("Any hostile move anywhere in the world against the safety and freedom of peoples to whom we are committed . . . will be met by whatever action is needed").

This kind of attack gives Mr. Obama's words a slippery quality. For example, he voted for the bank rescue plan in September 2008 and praised it during the campaign. Yet on Dec. 8 at the Brookings Institution, Mr. Obama called it "flawed" and blamed "the last administration" for launching it "hastily."

Really? Bush Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and New York Fed President Timothy Geithner designed it. If it was "flawed," why did Mr. Obama later nominate Mr. Bernanke to a second term as Fed chairman and make Mr. Geithner his Treasury secretary?

Touche.

But it's not just slippery. It's downright soaking wet- watered down. He's a wet rat, drowning in rhetoric that's insulting more than inspiring. This kind of response and failure to use the language representative of VICTORY over terror and WINNING the war makes me lose faith that our President will rise to the occasion should he need to truly defend our people -and our honor- as a nation.

B+, my rear.

Franken v. Thune

2009-12-15T11:42:00.003-06:00

This might have been fun to watch.

Mostly because I'm sure I would have been extremely attracted to Senator Thune.

“You know, again, we are entitled to our own opinions, we’re not entitled to our own facts,” Franken said, his booming voice rising. And in a reference to a chart Thune held up, Franken said: “If you’re going to hold up a chart that says when taxes kick in and when benefits kick in, you say 1,800 days, you better include the benefits that do kick in right away.”

Thune, No. 4 in GOP leadership, asked the freshman Democrat to yield for a question, and asked: “Did the senator from Minnesota, when I was pointing out the chart, understand the point I was making – that the tax increases start 18 days from now, and that the benefits, the spending benefits under the bill which are the premium tax credits and the exchanges that are designed to provide the benefit that’s delivered under this bill don’t start until 2014?”

Franken responded sharply: “Does the senator understand that spending benefits start right away?”

To which, Thune said tersely: “If the senator missed the point, I can get the chart out again.”

And did you read, he walked off the floor? God love him.

Obama's B+ is laughable

2009-12-14T10:24:00.001-06:00

Who grades themself?!

I did NOT watch Oprah's special last night, not because I'm snooty and didn't want to see Obama, but because I prefered flipping b/t Sunday night football and White Christmas/Holiday Inn on the classic movie channel.

Alas, all I need to hear, I can read today:

"President Obama told Oprah Winfrey on Sunday night he gives himself a "good, solid B-plus" for his first 11 months in the Oval Office."

"Passage of health care reform would boost his grade to an A-, he said. Until Americans get back to work, he said, "I can't give myself the grade I'd like."

How about leaving that grade up to the people that elected you?

That's pretty cocky.

Madison weather

2009-12-13T14:37:00.003-06:00

This is absolutely ridiculous.

"Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz is apologizing for the decisions he made during a massive snowstorm that left major city streets iced over and led to numerous complaints.

The mayor told the Wisconsin State Journal on Friday he understood the frustration and accepted responsibility for the slick streets and rutted roads in the aftermath of the sixth largest two-day snowfall in 60 years."

Conditions are so bad you're "off-roading" in Downtown Madison!

More than 14.1 inches of snow fell, and frigid temperatures after the storm made salting ineffective.

The city of Madison made the controversial decision to keep all plows on snow removal, instead of pulling some to salt, which led to the very poor road conditions.

The city said it will work to tackle the packed-down roads this weekend.

"(Saturday) we'll be able to salt that because the temperatures will be warm enough all day. We'll start salting, and that will break that bond between that hard pack and the pavement, and we'll be able to scrape that up with the regular plows," George Dreckmann, of the Madison City Streets Division.

But that's just for main thoroughfares. On side streets where the city doesn't salt, crews will most likely have to wait for the snow to melt on its own this weekend.

I simply don't understand why the plows didn't get out on the most used streets- -like John Nolen Drive, East and West Washington Avenues, etc., and plow DURING Wednesday morning when it was wet and fluffy and could easily be lifted.

Shouldn't a city like Madison -4 inches of snow or 14- be better equipped to handle winter weather? This isn't a phenomenon, folks.

I'm not interested in apologies. I'm interested in what's going to change.

Do better.

I like Palin

2009-12-07T10:40:00.004-06:00

I like Sarah Palin. Her latest steps have pundits predicting, but I appreciate that she's not letting it go to her head.

At the dinner, she said to much laughter that she liked her Washington hotel because “I came down from my hotel room and I could see the Russian Embassy”. Mrs Palin, who frequently lambasts the Washington media, said: “Sometimes you’ve just got to trust your instincts. And when you don’t, you end up in places like this.”

She added: “It’s good to be here, really, in front of this audience of leading journalists and intellectuals, or as I like to call it, a death panel.”

Mrs Palin could not resist a dig at Vice-President Joe Biden, her counterpart in last year’s election, who has thinning hair and who in the past has tried to slow down his balding by having hair transplants.

Mrs Palin, referring to Going Rogue, said that if the election had turned out differently, “I could be overseeing the signing of bailout cheques and Vice-President Biden could be on the road selling his book ‘Going Rogaine’.” Rogaine is a hair loss treatment.

Mrs Palin also joked that she had originally thought of entitling her book ‘How To Look Like a Million Bucks, For Only $150,000’. In one of the controversies surrounding her candidacy, the campaign spent at least $150,000 on her wardrobe.

Do I think she was ready for prime-time last year? Definitely not. Do I think she should be the front-runner for President? Not yet.

But I'm sure I'll read her book. And I find her charm, well, somewhat intoxicating. Perhaps because she is so threatening to liberals. Perhaps because she is such a strong woman, as Rachel Campos-Duffy so eloquently describes.

I'm most certainly not ashamed to say that Sarah Palin is a role model in many different ways.

We'll see what's to come.

Cuts in plowing not good for WI

2009-12-07T10:26:00.002-06:00

This is DUMB. In Milwaukee County, and Wisconsin in general, snow response needs all the help it can get.

Cuts in state funding for highway maintenance could lead to more potholes, slower snow plowing and layoffs of road maintenance workers next year, according to Milwaukee County officials.

While snow plowing remains the top maintenance priority for the state, the county's $1.2 million cut in 2010 state road aid could force layoffs and cuts in next winter's road clearing, said Jack Takerian, Milwaukee County's interim public works director.

The 9.25% cut left the county with a total of $12.4 million. Other counties in southeast Wisconsin were assigned similar reductions, the result of state budget cuts.

The money will cover plowing for this winter, but could come up short after that, Takerian said. Unless extra cash is found, the county could be forced to lay off as many as 24 of 56 full-time and 28 seasonal workers who work on state highways in mid- or late 2010, he said.

"This is a domino that's going to fall next year," Takerian said.

Fewer workers would mean longer routes for each plow operator and increase the time it takes to clear state roads in Milwaukee County, Takerian said. State roads in the county include I-43, I-94 and many major thoroughfares such as W. Brown Deer Road, Loomis Road, Forest Home Ave., Appleton Ave. and parts of Green Bay Road and Capitol Drive.

County Executive Scott Walker said Friday the county is seeking flexibility from the state to be able to shift funds between winter and summer road maintenance. For example, if this winter turns out to be relatively mild, the county hopes to be able to retain any saving to help get it through the rest of the year, he said.

Yeah, knock it off with the new ramps and widening of lanes. We've been driving for years on them and can deal a little while longer with just two lanes, or a pothole here and there.

It's snow and ice that'll remain treacherous for WI drivers.

Pedestrian news? Doubtful.

2009-12-04T09:34:00.003-06:00

How is this news?!!

"Girl runs into side of minivan in Monroe".

Yes folks, this is actually a headline in a Madison paper.

The line following should read, "Dumbass."

I am losing faith in our news outlets, daily. No pun intended.

Next time I slip and fall, I'll be sure to put out a press release so it gets local attention. After all, everyone deserves their 15 minutes of

"The girl ran into the passenger side of the minivan and was struck by the side mirror.

Breault stopped, and was told by the girl and by the girl's brother that neither were injured, so the driver left.

"A school bus driver who witnessed the crash called 911," Kelley said. "Police and Monroe EMS were called and the girl said she had a sore shoulder."

She was taken to Monroe Clinic Hospital, as is standard procedure, Kelley said.

Wow.

Praying for Tiger

2009-12-03T15:39:00.003-06:00

Sin is hunting Tiger Woods. Let us all take a step back and reflect on why we find this so fascinating, but also, how what he and his family are experiencing right now touches the inner depths of our hearts in may ways.

This is beautiful written, I hope you will take a minute to read it. In my own imperfect life, it is a beautiful reminder to continually seek God's grace.

Hunting Tiger Woods
by C.J. Mahaney 12/3/2009 3:10:00 PM
Tiger Woods wants his privacy back.

He wants the media entourage to disappear from his life.

He wants to be left alone so he can manage his personal problems in private.

Not a chance.

The story began unfolding in the early hours of last Friday when he crashed his Cadillac Escalade into a tree and a fire hydrant near his Florida home. He refused to speak with the police about the incident, raising curiosity about the circumstances. The story has now escalated into allegations of marital infidelity, and that generated a blog post from Tiger that stated, “I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart.” This statement by Tiger has led most to believe that the allegations of infidelity are true.

Hunted by the Media

As expected, the allegations of adultery involving a public figure are attracting a media pile-on. This is a big story with a big audience and it’s a story that will not disappear soon. Tiger Woods is being hunted by the media.

But let us make sure we do not join the hunt. A Christian’s response to this story should be distinctly different. We should not be entertained by the news. We should not have a morbid interest in all the details. We should be saddened and sobered. We should pray for this man and even more for his wife.

And we can be sure that in the coming days we will be in conversations with friends and family where this topic will emerge. And when it does, we can avoid simply listening to the latest details and speculations, and avoid speaking self-righteously, but instead we can humbly draw attention to the grace of God in the gospel.

Hunted by Sin

But Tiger is being hunted by something more menacing than journalists. Tiger’s real enemy is his sin, and that’s an enemy much more difficult to discern and one that can’t be managed in our own strength. It’s an enemy that never sleeps.

Let me explain.

Sin Lies

The Bible in general, and the book of Proverbs in particular, reveals an unbreakable connection between our character, our conduct, and the consequences of our actions. These three are inseparable and woven by God into His created order.

Deception is part of sin’s DNA. Sin lies to us. It seeks to convince us that sin brings only pleasure, that it carries no consequences, and that no one will discover it. Sin works hard to make us forget that character, conduct, and consequences are interconnected. And when we neglect this relationship—when we think our sins will not be discovered—we ultimately mock God.

Sin Hunts

We’ve all experienced it: Sin lies to us. We take the bait. And then sin begins to hunt us.

One commentator on Proverbs articulated this truth like this: “The irony of a life of rebellion is that we begin by pursuing sin…and end up being pursued by it!….You can ‘be sure your sin will find you out’ (Num. 32:23…).”* In other words, sin comes back to hunt us.

In light of this fact, sin is an enemy Tiger can’t manage. He can’t shape this story like he does a long iron on a par 5. Tiger doesn’t need a publicity facelift; Tiger needs a Savior. Just like me. And just like you. And if by God’s grace he repents and trusts in the person and work of Christ, Tiger will experience the fruit of God’s promise that “whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

Conclusion

Tiger cannot intimidate this enemy like he can Pebble Beach or any of the field of professional golfers. And there is no privacy he can claim from this enemy, regardless of his resolve, his silence, or the name painted on his yacht. It’s likely Tiger only perceives the press hunting him out of a vain “curiosity about public figures.” But Tiger is being hunted and hounded by a far greater foe: the consequences of his sin.

And this story should humble and sober us. It should make us ask: Are there any so-called “secret sins” in my life? Is there anything I have done that I hope nobody discovers? Is there anything right now in my life that I should confess to God and the appropriate individuals?

And this should leave us more amazed by grace because there, but for the grace of God, go I.

God Calling today

2009-12-03T09:29:00.001-06:00

December 3 - A Journey With Me

Fret not your souls with puzzles that you cannot solve. The solution may never be shown you until you have left this flesh-life.

Remember what I have so often told you, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now." Only step by step, and stage by stage, can you proceed, in your journey upward.

The one thing to be sure of is that it is a journey with Me. There does come a Joy known to those who suffer with Me. But that is not the result of the suffering, but the result of the close intimacy with Me, to which suffering drove you.

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that
shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Proverbs 4:18

Obama Speech Reaction

2009-12-02T16:09:00.002-06:00

I WISH I had come up with this:

President Obama spoke 4,582 words in his primetime Afghanistan war speech at West Point last night. He said "al Qaeda" 22 times. He mentioned the "Taliban" 12 times. And used the word "victory" 0 times. Guess that sums it up.

Yup.

World AIDS Day

2009-12-02T16:01:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was World AIDS Day.

And I agree with Causey.

I love Hip Hop and the Hip Hop culture, which is why I criticize it when it popularizes things that do little to improve the lives of young people who live by it.

I’ve been harsh on the saggin’ craze because some young people still don’t know that showing their underwear at a job fair is unacceptable. I also criticized those rappers who brag about the so-called gangsta lifestyle. But today is World AIDS Day and I expected more from the Hip Hop community, especially when more than 225,000 African-Americans have died of AIDS.

Blacks also account for more than half of the 1 million people living with HIV in the U.S. today. But instead of a bunch of rappers, singers and performers coming together to get tested to push the “knowing one’s status” campaign, we instead get a new song from R. Kelly titled “Pregnant.”

Technically, R. Kelly falls under the R&B umbrella, but some of his more successful collaborations have been with Hip Hop artists. His new song "Pregnant" talks about how he wants to knock a woman up.

Listen for yourself by clicking here. I’m speechless but, sadly, I will not be surprised to see this song climb up the charts.

I expected more. Gangsta rapper Eazy-E died of AIDS in 1995. African-Americans generally should be concerned. Former basketball player Erving “Magic” Johnson announced he had HIV in 1991, proving that HIV “can happen to anyone.”

Maybe I was expecting too much. Thoughts?

Here are mine.

22 million people still are living with HIV/AIDS.

In addition, HIV infection rates are far outpacing the number of people added to treatment- every day, 2,600 people are put on treatment across the world, but 7,400 more become infected with the virus.

And R. Kelly wants to knock someone up? Artists these days seem more concerned with writing a decent beat about grinding up on some hot booty for the next gymnasium highschool homecoming dance, than what they could use their voices, power and influence for in advocating for good.

Dear Rappers,
Pick an issue. Get motivated. Give what you can. Mostly, devote your voice to a cause.
Thank you,
LMS

I haven't blogged in a while....

2009-12-01T12:24:00.004-06:00

I'm lacking fervor and general angst about anything that I think readers would be interested in. Perhaps it is also due to a lack of legitimate comments and merely spam, which stems from a lack of interesting blog posts.

I have no one to blame but myself!

I'll take suggestions any time.

More, coming soon.

9/11 civilian trial

2009-11-23T11:19:00.001-06:00

They should not be allowed to speak so that the American people can hear them. Terrorists who murder thousands should be silenced.

Robert is Bothered - Snickers Ads

2009-11-20T08:38:00.001-06:00