This is a very bad omen. If the offspring of the father of modern conservatism is going to cast a ballot for Barack Obama well one could argue you might as well take down the masthead and cease to be. (http://thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2008-10-10/the-conservative-case-for-obama)
There's a lot of style to Buckley's arguments. He jokes that if his parents were still alive they'd cut off his allowance. But there's very little substance and even less sense in them.
First, Buckley shares the objections of Kathleen Parker and David Brooks to Sarah Palin. Buckley calls Palin "an embarrassment, and a dangerous one at that." Buckley asks of McCain, "What on earth can he have been thinking?" But Buckley never specifies what he dislikes about Palin. How did Palin embarrass Buckley? In what way is Palin dangerous? I'm going to need a lot more than Buckley's say so here.
Second, he laments "John McCain has changed." Why? Because McCain, you see, is no longer authentic. And why isn't McCain sufficiently authentic? Because McCain has, amongst other things, made "unrealistic promises." Buckley admonishes McCain for promising to balance the federal budget by the end of his first term. One could argue it is an unrealistic promise but no more so than Obama's promise of providing a tax cut to 95% of Americans even though nearly half don't pay any federal tax or government funded health care for every American.
But Buckley's main objection is to what he views as McCain's changed disposition. Buckley states McCain's "once first class temperament has become irascible and snarly." O.K., Buckley claims to have known McCain since 1982 and only now he is discovering that McCain has a temper? Gee, could it be that McCain has a temper as a result of being stuck in a box for nearly six years? And that temper might come to the fore when Obama accuses McCain of playing racial politics as he did this past summer.
Third, Buckley conversely likes Obama's temperament, race-baiter notwithstanding. In fact, Buckley argues that Obama has a "first-class temperament." He also praises Obama's "first-class intellect." With a first-class temperament and first-class intellect in tow, Buckley writes Obama has "the potential to be a good, perhaps even great leader." So Obama's potential tops McCain's achievements?
Let's go back to the recurring theme in Buckley's argument - class. Buckley has more in common with Obama than he does with McCain and certainly Sarah Palin. You can picture Obama palling around with Buckley on the cocktail circuit or yachting. You can't picture Buckley in hunting boots or commanding a naval squadron. Perhaps he also has his new Hollywood friends to think about as well. So could it be that Buckley simply doesn't like Palin's accent or the way McCain holds his dinner fork? If that is his reason for voting Obama then so be it. But such reasoning demonstrates, to quote Bill Buckley's old and recently departed friend Charlton Heston, that sometimes class skips a generation.
Friday, October 10, 2008
AFP: Web 2.0 - where it's now at for us online politicos
Second day of the Americans for Prosperity Conference. I talked to Ralph Benko who just finished the groundbreaking online free book TheWebstersDictionary.com, "How to create communities of thousands, even millions, and channel their energy to effect political, social and cultural transformation." He spent two years studying the success of moveon.org and reveals its secrets to success. Most political bloggers (including myself) are still stuck in Web 1.0 mode, which he describes as 99% "talk" and 1% listening. He said the way to increase your traffic and influence is Web 2.0 mode, which is 99% listening and 1% talk. Instead of putting information out there mainly for people to read, you need to create ways for them to interact and provide their own input easier. Just adding comments after articles no longer cuts it. You need to create online communities, like the free easy-to-use online communities provided by ning.com, sort of like the blogs anyone can create on townhall.com now but even better. Benko has created TheDemocracyProject.ning.com, which is a forum to help get citizens get control of their county political party committees. One new ning.com group that has been very successful is teamsarah.org, for fans of Sarah Palin. At a minimum, join facebook and start some groups. Next step - team Coalition for a Conservative Majority up with Benko's online efforts....
Obama To Appear in Prime Time 30 Minute Infomercial on October 29th
Barack Obama has purchased half an hour of airtime on NBC and CBS on October 29th. He might also appear on FOX and thus possibly preempt coverage of Game 6 of the 2008 World Series (assuming the Fall Classic goes that far).
The half hour infomercial would begin at 8 p.m.
It has been noted by others the infomerical will air on the 79th anniversary of the stock market crash which precipitated The Great Depression. (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/10/obamas-primetime-buy-comes-at.html)
But maybe this is a blessing in disguise.
The infomercial will air six days before the vote. The election is Obama's to lose. At this point, there's very little that McCain can do to win. However, there's a lot that Obama can do to lose. If Obama says or does something during the course of the infomercial that turns off voters it might be the break McCain is seeking. As I repeatedly write, "A week in politics is a lifetime."
Now, I don't think Obama will have a choir of singing children or regiment of young men pledging their allegiance to The Anointed One. But if the presentation comes off like a victory lap or if Obama appears either overconfident or arrogant it could cost him dearly. One might argue that Obama is too clever for such a thing. Perhaps. But this is the Obama who saw fit to give a campaign speech in Berlin. This is the Obama who spoke behind his own Presidential seal. This is also the Obama who gave his party's nomination acceptance speech in front of a Roman Coliseum made of styrofoam. Barack Obama is the Dorian Gray of American politics. As such the American voter won't put their trust into someone who is more fond of his own image than the well being of the people he serves.
The half hour infomercial would begin at 8 p.m.
It has been noted by others the infomerical will air on the 79th anniversary of the stock market crash which precipitated The Great Depression. (http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/10/obamas-primetime-buy-comes-at.html)
But maybe this is a blessing in disguise.
The infomercial will air six days before the vote. The election is Obama's to lose. At this point, there's very little that McCain can do to win. However, there's a lot that Obama can do to lose. If Obama says or does something during the course of the infomercial that turns off voters it might be the break McCain is seeking. As I repeatedly write, "A week in politics is a lifetime."
Now, I don't think Obama will have a choir of singing children or regiment of young men pledging their allegiance to The Anointed One. But if the presentation comes off like a victory lap or if Obama appears either overconfident or arrogant it could cost him dearly. One might argue that Obama is too clever for such a thing. Perhaps. But this is the Obama who saw fit to give a campaign speech in Berlin. This is the Obama who spoke behind his own Presidential seal. This is also the Obama who gave his party's nomination acceptance speech in front of a Roman Coliseum made of styrofoam. Barack Obama is the Dorian Gray of American politics. As such the American voter won't put their trust into someone who is more fond of his own image than the well being of the people he serves.
Obama on Ayers: "I Assumed That He Had Been Rehabilitated."
I just read Jake Tapper's blog on ABC News website. Yesterday, Barack Obama was interviewed by Philadelphia based conservative talk radio host Michael Smerconish, when he learned of Bill Ayers' life as a terrorist with the Weather Underground, Obama said, "I assumed that he had been rehabilitated." (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/does-obama-stil.html)
Assumed?
Well, we all know what happens when you assume.
When Ayers tells The New York Times he does not regret setting bombs; it is not a sign of an "rehabilitated" terrorist. One can only be "rehabilitated" if one takes responsibility for one's actions, bears the consequences and makes amends. Bill Ayers is not "rehabilitated" in any way, shape or form. But if that's Obama's idea of "rehabilitated" then G-d help us all.
So when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad became Mayor of Tehran and then President of Iran I suppose Obama "assumed" he was a rehabilitated hostage taker. Suffice it to say, Obama's assumptions are no substitute for due dilligence.
Somehow I don't think this is the last time I will be writing about Obama's judge of character.
Assumed?
Well, we all know what happens when you assume.
When Ayers tells The New York Times he does not regret setting bombs; it is not a sign of an "rehabilitated" terrorist. One can only be "rehabilitated" if one takes responsibility for one's actions, bears the consequences and makes amends. Bill Ayers is not "rehabilitated" in any way, shape or form. But if that's Obama's idea of "rehabilitated" then G-d help us all.
So when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad became Mayor of Tehran and then President of Iran I suppose Obama "assumed" he was a rehabilitated hostage taker. Suffice it to say, Obama's assumptions are no substitute for due dilligence.
Somehow I don't think this is the last time I will be writing about Obama's judge of character.
#dontgo, dontgo.us, dontgomovement.com
Pete Leslie and I are sitting in the the second forum at the Americans for Prosperity by Sam Adams Alliance, which is about the newest online technologies for promoting political media, such as youtube, blip, youseeit.tv and twitter. The right is ahead of the left so far in these areas. Twitter was successfully used last summer by the right with the channel #dontgo to stop Nancy Pelosi from sending Congress home without addressing the gas crisis. To look up groups on twitter, go to search.twitter.com. This conference is being covered on #afp08. You can set up Facebook to send your updates to twitter. Another neat thing they told us about is Feedburner, which will automatically send out your posts over email for free.
AFP conference: Goofy Moveon.org
Am sitting in the Sam Adams Alliance Blogivists Samsphere session, listening to their person formerly known as a "community organizer" discuss the online success of Moveon.org, which now has 3.2 million members. According to the former community organizer, who is really entertaining, Moveon.org's formula is groupthink, and they apparently have total unemployment because they're always online and protesting something. What characterizes them is a weird emotional instability disproportionately affected by political losses. Like Alex Baldwin saying he'd move to Canada if Bush got elected but unfortunately he didn't. They have a collective desire to work for "change," whatever that means. They share a willingness to do seemingly stupid and pointless things with those likeminded friends, in pursuit of "change" and idealistic goals in order to garner media attention.
So....we're supposed to emulate them?
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Obama's Involvement With the Democratic Socialists of America/New Party
In the past day or so there has been some discussion of Barack Obama's involvement with the Democratic Socialists of America and the New Party and a concerted effort to conceal this information. http://politicallydrunk.blogspot.com/2008/10/web-archives-confirm-barack-obama-was.html.
To start with the DSA and the New Party cannot be discussed in the same way as the Weather Underground. These are not terrorist entities. The Democratic Socialists of America have been a tendency within the Democratic Party since the early 1970s during the halycon days of Michael Harrington, author of The Other America. In the late '90s, the DSA helped to establish the New Party. It operated in areas where there were electoral fusion laws. In other words, electors could cast a ballot for the New Party which would count as a vote for the Democratic candidate as they did with Obama when he was first elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1996.
This is hardly surprising given many New Party supporters were also members of ACORN. While the New Party faded in the late 1990's it would spawn the Working Families Party (WFP) in its place. Indeed, when I interviewed for a position with ACORN in January 2000 they shared an office building in Brooklyn with the WFP albeit on a different floor. Part of the ACORN interview consisted of attending an organizing meeting of the WFP which was supporting Hillary Clinton's bid for the U.S. Senate.
In fairness, New York's Conservative Party does much the same thing with Republican candidates in city and state elections. Rudy Giuliani got elected as New York City's mayor in 1997 in part because of the support of people who voted for the now defunct Liberal Party of New York.
I don't care that Barack Obama was a member of the New Party or the Democratic Socialists of America. Frankly, I would have been shocked if he wasn't a member. But what does trouble me is that his campaign would go to the trouble to state otherwise contrary to all evidence that has now been put forward. Hey, I'm up front. I tell people I used to be with the NDP and that I once worked for ACORN. People can take it for what it is and let the chips fall where they may.
So what does Obama have to hide? Is he uncomfortable with the word socialist? Is he ashamed of his past affiliations? Or are the DSA/New Party simply organizations he knew of in the neighborhood?
To start with the DSA and the New Party cannot be discussed in the same way as the Weather Underground. These are not terrorist entities. The Democratic Socialists of America have been a tendency within the Democratic Party since the early 1970s during the halycon days of Michael Harrington, author of The Other America. In the late '90s, the DSA helped to establish the New Party. It operated in areas where there were electoral fusion laws. In other words, electors could cast a ballot for the New Party which would count as a vote for the Democratic candidate as they did with Obama when he was first elected to the Illinois State Senate in 1996.
This is hardly surprising given many New Party supporters were also members of ACORN. While the New Party faded in the late 1990's it would spawn the Working Families Party (WFP) in its place. Indeed, when I interviewed for a position with ACORN in January 2000 they shared an office building in Brooklyn with the WFP albeit on a different floor. Part of the ACORN interview consisted of attending an organizing meeting of the WFP which was supporting Hillary Clinton's bid for the U.S. Senate.
In fairness, New York's Conservative Party does much the same thing with Republican candidates in city and state elections. Rudy Giuliani got elected as New York City's mayor in 1997 in part because of the support of people who voted for the now defunct Liberal Party of New York.
I don't care that Barack Obama was a member of the New Party or the Democratic Socialists of America. Frankly, I would have been shocked if he wasn't a member. But what does trouble me is that his campaign would go to the trouble to state otherwise contrary to all evidence that has now been put forward. Hey, I'm up front. I tell people I used to be with the NDP and that I once worked for ACORN. People can take it for what it is and let the chips fall where they may.
So what does Obama have to hide? Is he uncomfortable with the word socialist? Is he ashamed of his past affiliations? Or are the DSA/New Party simply organizations he knew of in the neighborhood?
McCain Puts Out Obama-Ayers Ad
John McCain has put out an ad on Barack Obama's relationship with Weather Underground terrorist Bill Ayers. The ad can be found at http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/09/mccain-goes-jugular-new-obama-ayers-ad/.
Naturally, Obama accuses McCain of trying to score cheap political points. But there's nothing cheap about the company one keeps. The fact that Obama chose to associate with the likes of Wright and Ayers is an indication he shares their values. Why else would Obama take our soldiers in Afghanistan to task for "air raiding villages and killing civilians."?
Of course, will enough voters have second thoughts about Obama to reconsider their vote? It remains to be seen. In a dire economic situation, many Americans might put aside whatever reservations they have about Obama and cast a ballot for him anyway. This however remains to be seen.
But since McCain has now put out an ad on Obama's connection with Ayers this will have to be discussed at McCain-Obama III next Wednesday. Obama, of course, can say Ayers was closer to Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and other distinguished persons. An appropriate response for McCain is, "They are not running for President. Senator Obama, I am disappointed in your judgment. You are not the person I knew in 2004." While a knockout punch by McCain would be great even a stumble or wobble in Obama's knees will germinate the seeds of doubt amongst some voters.
The bottom line is that under no circumstances can McCain back down on Ayers now. Otherwise he simply doesn't look credible nor would he appear to want to win the White House. This is not the time to act deferentially to Obama. After all, Obama is someone who has no trouble associating with Ayers, Wright and others who hold this country in utter contempt. That is simply not acceptable in a Commander in Chief.
Naturally, Obama accuses McCain of trying to score cheap political points. But there's nothing cheap about the company one keeps. The fact that Obama chose to associate with the likes of Wright and Ayers is an indication he shares their values. Why else would Obama take our soldiers in Afghanistan to task for "air raiding villages and killing civilians."?
Of course, will enough voters have second thoughts about Obama to reconsider their vote? It remains to be seen. In a dire economic situation, many Americans might put aside whatever reservations they have about Obama and cast a ballot for him anyway. This however remains to be seen.
But since McCain has now put out an ad on Obama's connection with Ayers this will have to be discussed at McCain-Obama III next Wednesday. Obama, of course, can say Ayers was closer to Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and other distinguished persons. An appropriate response for McCain is, "They are not running for President. Senator Obama, I am disappointed in your judgment. You are not the person I knew in 2004." While a knockout punch by McCain would be great even a stumble or wobble in Obama's knees will germinate the seeds of doubt amongst some voters.
The bottom line is that under no circumstances can McCain back down on Ayers now. Otherwise he simply doesn't look credible nor would he appear to want to win the White House. This is not the time to act deferentially to Obama. After all, Obama is someone who has no trouble associating with Ayers, Wright and others who hold this country in utter contempt. That is simply not acceptable in a Commander in Chief.
In Defense of AIG
Both Congress and the White House have been giving AIG a lot of flak about having an "executive retreat" after receiving an $85 bridge loan from the federal government. Commentators like Bill O'Reilly have left people with the impression that AIG took the money and threw a party for itself. Yesterday, AIG CEO Edward Liddy wrote Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to clarify incorrect public perception.
Before I go any further I will remind people that I am an employee of an AIG subsidiary. So people are free to accept, reject or ignore what I have to say from here on out.
With that in mind, people ought to realize that companies (not just AIG) plan these events for their employees and outside contractors fairly regularly. But it is not the sort of thing one can organize in a week. The logistics involved take months (i.e. inviting and confirmation of guests, booking the hotel, coordination of catering and entertainment, etc.)
Now could make the case that it might have been prudent to cancel this event to avoid the appearance of impropriety. But why punish independent insurance agents who have done nothing other than do business with AIG? Taken to its logical extreme AIG would then have to cancel its Christmas parties which are attended by everyone from executives to file clerks (yep, that's me.)
There's no question Wall Street bears enormous responsibility for the economic downturn in which we now find ourselves. But AIG ought not be accused of improper use of federal money without those pointing fingers providing specific evidence to support such an assertion. To do otherwise is grossly unfair and unhelpful to the situation at hand.
Before I go any further I will remind people that I am an employee of an AIG subsidiary. So people are free to accept, reject or ignore what I have to say from here on out.
With that in mind, people ought to realize that companies (not just AIG) plan these events for their employees and outside contractors fairly regularly. But it is not the sort of thing one can organize in a week. The logistics involved take months (i.e. inviting and confirmation of guests, booking the hotel, coordination of catering and entertainment, etc.)
Now could make the case that it might have been prudent to cancel this event to avoid the appearance of impropriety. But why punish independent insurance agents who have done nothing other than do business with AIG? Taken to its logical extreme AIG would then have to cancel its Christmas parties which are attended by everyone from executives to file clerks (yep, that's me.)
There's no question Wall Street bears enormous responsibility for the economic downturn in which we now find ourselves. But AIG ought not be accused of improper use of federal money without those pointing fingers providing specific evidence to support such an assertion. To do otherwise is grossly unfair and unhelpful to the situation at hand.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Hannity Interview of McCain-Palin
I am currently watching Sean Hannity interview John McCain and Sarah Palin on Hannity & Colmes. Hannity taped the interview earlier today.
McCain made a couple of interesting points in the interview which no doubt some will wonder why he didn't raise last night. First, McCain takes Obama to task for stating soldiers in Afghanistan "are just air raiding villages and killing civilians." Second, McCain also said it was impossible to give 95% of Americans a tax cut when less than half of all Americans pay federal income tax.
The point here is not to chide McCain for not bringing forth this points last night. The point here is that McCain will have a chance to raise these issues one week from tonight. Timing is short. But it's not too late.
McCain made a couple of interesting points in the interview which no doubt some will wonder why he didn't raise last night. First, McCain takes Obama to task for stating soldiers in Afghanistan "are just air raiding villages and killing civilians." Second, McCain also said it was impossible to give 95% of Americans a tax cut when less than half of all Americans pay federal income tax.
The point here is not to chide McCain for not bringing forth this points last night. The point here is that McCain will have a chance to raise these issues one week from tonight. Timing is short. But it's not too late.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
McCain-Obama II
Never let Tom Brokaw moderate a Town Hall Debate again. He was like a referee who wanted to put on gloves and throw punches. There were supposed to be 20 questions from the audience and the internet but then Brokaw decided to take over the proceedings halfway through and was rather anal retentive about time management. Where's Jim Lehrer when you need him?
The combatants, John McCain and Barack Obama, fought to a draw. But McCain needed a knockout or at the very minimum a decisive unanimous decision. So Obama won without winning.
For instance, Barack Obama said his spending cuts exceeded his spending increases. Where? I'd like to know. But McCain didn't ask. On top of that, McCain didn't ask Obama how he would pay for all his promises.
One question that was interesting toward the end of the debate was asked by a soldier about what the candidates would do if Israel were attacked by Iran. After McCain thanked the soldier for his service and shook his hand, he reminded the audience Obama wants to talk to Ahmadinejad "without preconditions." This is something Obama disputed in the first debate and Biden further denied last week. Except that on Obama's website it states an Obama Administration would negotiate with Iran and other rogue regimes "without preconditions." Guess what? This time Obama didn't challenge McCain's"without preconditions" assertion. Obama also viewed the escalation of Iran's nuclear programme as the fault of President Bush rather than a byproduct of their evil assertions that seeks the elimination of another country from the face of the earth. Good grief.
But most people have the economy on their minds and since the economic downturn the tide in the ocean has been rising for Obama and McCain, despite his best efforts, could not calm the waters.
McCain has one more bite at the apple on October 15th at Hofstra University. McCain can only hope there are people who haven't made up their minds or people who are still amenable to changing their minds.
The combatants, John McCain and Barack Obama, fought to a draw. But McCain needed a knockout or at the very minimum a decisive unanimous decision. So Obama won without winning.
For instance, Barack Obama said his spending cuts exceeded his spending increases. Where? I'd like to know. But McCain didn't ask. On top of that, McCain didn't ask Obama how he would pay for all his promises.
One question that was interesting toward the end of the debate was asked by a soldier about what the candidates would do if Israel were attacked by Iran. After McCain thanked the soldier for his service and shook his hand, he reminded the audience Obama wants to talk to Ahmadinejad "without preconditions." This is something Obama disputed in the first debate and Biden further denied last week. Except that on Obama's website it states an Obama Administration would negotiate with Iran and other rogue regimes "without preconditions." Guess what? This time Obama didn't challenge McCain's"without preconditions" assertion. Obama also viewed the escalation of Iran's nuclear programme as the fault of President Bush rather than a byproduct of their evil assertions that seeks the elimination of another country from the face of the earth. Good grief.
But most people have the economy on their minds and since the economic downturn the tide in the ocean has been rising for Obama and McCain, despite his best efforts, could not calm the waters.
McCain has one more bite at the apple on October 15th at Hofstra University. McCain can only hope there are people who haven't made up their minds or people who are still amenable to changing their minds.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Rays & Red Sox Advance to ALCS
The Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox both clinched their ALDS match ups against the Chicago White Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, respectively.
After losing yesterday, the Rays beat the Chisox 6-2 in Game 4 of the ALDS this afternoon. B.J. Upton hit two home runs to pace the Rays. Ken Griffey, Jr struck out to end the game in what might be his final at bat in his storied two decade major league career. "The Kid" hit 611 home runs, won multiple Gold Gloves, a perennial All Star and won the American League MVP in 1997. But he will most likely never play in a World Series.
The one up side of not having either Chicago team get a chance not to play in the World Series is that we won't be seeing Barack Obama throwing out the first pitch at either Wrigley or U.S. Cellular Field. That would have been unbearably annoying. Of course, if he's truly a South Sider he would not be seen fratenizing with the Cubs.
The Rays will host the Boston Red Sox beginning Friday for the American League Championship Series. After losing a 12 inning marathon last night, the Sox rebounded and won Game 4 of the ALDS in dramatic fashion. Jon Lester pitched seven innings of solid shutout ball. The Sox carried a 2-0 lead into the 8th inning. But the bullpen would stumble. After retiring the first two hitters, Hideki Okajima walked Mark Teixeira. Terry Francona brought in Justin Masterson to face Vladimir Guerrero. Despite getting two quick strikes on Vlady, Masterson walked the free swinging Guerrero. Masterson then uncorked a wild pitch before giving up a two run single to Torii Hunter to tie the game.
The Angels had G-d on their side going into the 9th. Or did they? The Sox received some divine intervention. With pinch runner Reggie Willits on third, Erick Aybar was attempting a squeeze play but Willits ran too far down the line and Sox catcher Jason Varitek chased Willits back to the third base bag and tagged him out. Angels manager Mike Scioscia was incensed because Varitek dropped the ball after he had tagged Willits. But the umpire was not heaven sent for the Halos.
With one out in the bottom of the 9th, Jason Bay hit a ball that went past Willits in right field but it bounced up in the stands which made it a ground rule double. Mark Kotsay hit a wicked line drive down the first base line which would have won the game had Teixeira not made an amazing catch. But Red Sox rookie shortstop Jed Lowrie singled in Bay who made a mad dash for home and a date with the Rays in St. Pete. For the third time in five years the Sox eliminated the Angels in the ALDS. The Sox will also play their fourth ALCS in the last six seasons.
While I thought the Rays would dispatch with the Chisox I also thought (as did many in Red Sox Nation) the Red Sox would not get past the Angels. However, I do not think the Sox will get past the Rays. Now one can attribute this to the power of negative thinking and New England pessimism that comes with falling leaves. But I see the Rays as a hungrier team. Not that much hungrier but just enough. The Red Sox will be competitive but the Tampa Bay Rays are to baseball what the New York Giants were to the NFL last season. They are a team of destiny and they will not be denied. The Rays in six.
Thus I foresee a Rays-Dodgers World Series. Even though Manny Ramirez is intimately familar with Tampa pitching they are also familiar with him. The Rays in five.
After losing yesterday, the Rays beat the Chisox 6-2 in Game 4 of the ALDS this afternoon. B.J. Upton hit two home runs to pace the Rays. Ken Griffey, Jr struck out to end the game in what might be his final at bat in his storied two decade major league career. "The Kid" hit 611 home runs, won multiple Gold Gloves, a perennial All Star and won the American League MVP in 1997. But he will most likely never play in a World Series.
The one up side of not having either Chicago team get a chance not to play in the World Series is that we won't be seeing Barack Obama throwing out the first pitch at either Wrigley or U.S. Cellular Field. That would have been unbearably annoying. Of course, if he's truly a South Sider he would not be seen fratenizing with the Cubs.
The Rays will host the Boston Red Sox beginning Friday for the American League Championship Series. After losing a 12 inning marathon last night, the Sox rebounded and won Game 4 of the ALDS in dramatic fashion. Jon Lester pitched seven innings of solid shutout ball. The Sox carried a 2-0 lead into the 8th inning. But the bullpen would stumble. After retiring the first two hitters, Hideki Okajima walked Mark Teixeira. Terry Francona brought in Justin Masterson to face Vladimir Guerrero. Despite getting two quick strikes on Vlady, Masterson walked the free swinging Guerrero. Masterson then uncorked a wild pitch before giving up a two run single to Torii Hunter to tie the game.
The Angels had G-d on their side going into the 9th. Or did they? The Sox received some divine intervention. With pinch runner Reggie Willits on third, Erick Aybar was attempting a squeeze play but Willits ran too far down the line and Sox catcher Jason Varitek chased Willits back to the third base bag and tagged him out. Angels manager Mike Scioscia was incensed because Varitek dropped the ball after he had tagged Willits. But the umpire was not heaven sent for the Halos.
With one out in the bottom of the 9th, Jason Bay hit a ball that went past Willits in right field but it bounced up in the stands which made it a ground rule double. Mark Kotsay hit a wicked line drive down the first base line which would have won the game had Teixeira not made an amazing catch. But Red Sox rookie shortstop Jed Lowrie singled in Bay who made a mad dash for home and a date with the Rays in St. Pete. For the third time in five years the Sox eliminated the Angels in the ALDS. The Sox will also play their fourth ALCS in the last six seasons.
While I thought the Rays would dispatch with the Chisox I also thought (as did many in Red Sox Nation) the Red Sox would not get past the Angels. However, I do not think the Sox will get past the Rays. Now one can attribute this to the power of negative thinking and New England pessimism that comes with falling leaves. But I see the Rays as a hungrier team. Not that much hungrier but just enough. The Red Sox will be competitive but the Tampa Bay Rays are to baseball what the New York Giants were to the NFL last season. They are a team of destiny and they will not be denied. The Rays in six.
Thus I foresee a Rays-Dodgers World Series. Even though Manny Ramirez is intimately familar with Tampa pitching they are also familiar with him. The Rays in five.
Barney Frank Says Criticism of Fannie & Freddie By Conservatives Is Racially Motivated
Speaking at a seminar on mortgage foreclosures today in Boston, Barney Frank claimed conservative criticisms of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is racially motivated. (http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view/2008_10_06_Barney_Frank_Conservatives_trying_to_blame_economic_woes_on_blacks/):
The bizarre notion that the Community Reinvestment Act ...somehow is the cause of the whole problem (conservatives) don't mind that. They're aware that the affordable housing goals of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac & the Community Reinvestment Act (aim to help) poor people. And let's be honest, the fact that some poor people are black doesn't hurt either from their standpoint.
Methinks Barney Frank needs another lashing from Bill O'Reilly.
When a liberal is in doubt they call conservatives racist. Frank is trying to obfuscate his incompetence as House Financial Service Committee Chairman. Fannie & Freddie were poorly managed and overextended credit to people who were not in a position to make good on their promises to pay. Needless to say, there was very little oversight from Congress. That means you, Mr. Frank. Poor management of Fannie and Freddie aren't the only trouble with the economy but they cannot be held blameless either.
I have no problem with an ownership society. People have a greater stake in something they own. But it has to be done under the proper conditions where individual success can be maximized. Otherwise it is yet another trip to hell on the primrose path of good intentions.
Unless Frank can point to a specific statement by a Republican politician, the Republican National Committee or a conservative commentator he succeeds only in diminishing his reputation and trivializing the serious matter that racism is.
The bizarre notion that the Community Reinvestment Act ...somehow is the cause of the whole problem (conservatives) don't mind that. They're aware that the affordable housing goals of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac & the Community Reinvestment Act (aim to help) poor people. And let's be honest, the fact that some poor people are black doesn't hurt either from their standpoint.
Methinks Barney Frank needs another lashing from Bill O'Reilly.
When a liberal is in doubt they call conservatives racist. Frank is trying to obfuscate his incompetence as House Financial Service Committee Chairman. Fannie & Freddie were poorly managed and overextended credit to people who were not in a position to make good on their promises to pay. Needless to say, there was very little oversight from Congress. That means you, Mr. Frank. Poor management of Fannie and Freddie aren't the only trouble with the economy but they cannot be held blameless either.
I have no problem with an ownership society. People have a greater stake in something they own. But it has to be done under the proper conditions where individual success can be maximized. Otherwise it is yet another trip to hell on the primrose path of good intentions.
Unless Frank can point to a specific statement by a Republican politician, the Republican National Committee or a conservative commentator he succeeds only in diminishing his reputation and trivializing the serious matter that racism is.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
AP Accuses Palin of Racism
In response to Sarah Palin accusing Barack Obama of "palling around with terrorists", Associated Press writer Douglass K. Daniel has resorted to the first refuge of scroundels and has injected the race card into the matter. (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/PALINS_WORDS_ANALYSIS?SITE=KYB6G&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE)
Specifically, Daniel claims Palin's statement have a "racially tinged subtext." Gee, the last time I checked Bill Ayers is white. But this does not matter to Daniel:
Palin's words avoid repulsing voters with overt racism. But is there another subtext for creating the false image of a black presidential nominee "palling around" with terrorists while assuring a predominantly white audience that he doesn't see their America?
In a post-September 11th America, terrorists are envisioned as dark-skinned radical Muslims, not homegrown anarchists of Ayers' day 40 years ago.
First, this isn't a false image. Ayers hosted Obama's very first fundraiser. They palled around. Second, liberal Democratic black politicians are above a whisper of criticism in the world of Daniel and the liberal media. Third, Americans still remember Timothy McVeigh as a terrorist and he was as white as rice. Fourth, if McCain was alleged to have had an association with McVeigh or any other terrorist even if it weren't true, Daniel and the liberal media would report it as fact because they have a vested interest in an Obama victory. Fifth, by accusing Palin of racism they cheapen the meaning of racism and therefore cheapen themselves. Sixth, as usual, Daniel and the liberal media sell the American public short. Finally, as Palin herself said the AP is just wrong. This is about's Obama judgment not his race. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Specifically, Daniel claims Palin's statement have a "racially tinged subtext." Gee, the last time I checked Bill Ayers is white. But this does not matter to Daniel:
Palin's words avoid repulsing voters with overt racism. But is there another subtext for creating the false image of a black presidential nominee "palling around" with terrorists while assuring a predominantly white audience that he doesn't see their America?
In a post-September 11th America, terrorists are envisioned as dark-skinned radical Muslims, not homegrown anarchists of Ayers' day 40 years ago.
First, this isn't a false image. Ayers hosted Obama's very first fundraiser. They palled around. Second, liberal Democratic black politicians are above a whisper of criticism in the world of Daniel and the liberal media. Third, Americans still remember Timothy McVeigh as a terrorist and he was as white as rice. Fourth, if McCain was alleged to have had an association with McVeigh or any other terrorist even if it weren't true, Daniel and the liberal media would report it as fact because they have a vested interest in an Obama victory. Fifth, by accusing Palin of racism they cheapen the meaning of racism and therefore cheapen themselves. Sixth, as usual, Daniel and the liberal media sell the American public short. Finally, as Palin herself said the AP is just wrong. This is about's Obama judgment not his race. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Phillies to Face Dodgers in NLCS
The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers this afternoon with a 6-2 victory in Game 4.
Pat Burrell hit two home runs in the game including a three run shot in the top of the 3rd. Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth also hit solo shots. Joe Blanton pitched six solid innings only surrendering a solo home run to Prince Fielder. Ryan Madson pitched the 7th and 8th while Brad Lidge got the final three outs in a non-save situation.
I thought the Phillies would sweep Milwaukee. They won three games to one. Close enough.
Dennis Eckersley wasn't sure why the Brewers sent C.C. Sabathia to pinch hit in the 4th inning. Probably because Sabathia will not be in a Brewers uniform in 2009 or for that matter Ben Sheets. Will Dale Sveum be invited to manage in 2009 after taking over with 12 games left in the season or will they look elsewhere?
So the Phillies will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS beginning Thursday night in Philadelphia. This is the fourth time the two teams faced in the NLCS. They faced each other in 1977 and 1978 with the Dodgers winning on both occasions before losing to the New York Yankees in the World Series each time. They last met in 1983. This time the Phillies won before losing to the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series.
This is the NLCS I thought would transpire and I think it will be a good one. Although I would prefer the Phillies win it I believe the Dodgers will take it in seven games.
Pat Burrell hit two home runs in the game including a three run shot in the top of the 3rd. Jimmy Rollins and Jayson Werth also hit solo shots. Joe Blanton pitched six solid innings only surrendering a solo home run to Prince Fielder. Ryan Madson pitched the 7th and 8th while Brad Lidge got the final three outs in a non-save situation.
I thought the Phillies would sweep Milwaukee. They won three games to one. Close enough.
Dennis Eckersley wasn't sure why the Brewers sent C.C. Sabathia to pinch hit in the 4th inning. Probably because Sabathia will not be in a Brewers uniform in 2009 or for that matter Ben Sheets. Will Dale Sveum be invited to manage in 2009 after taking over with 12 games left in the season or will they look elsewhere?
So the Phillies will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS beginning Thursday night in Philadelphia. This is the fourth time the two teams faced in the NLCS. They faced each other in 1977 and 1978 with the Dodgers winning on both occasions before losing to the New York Yankees in the World Series each time. They last met in 1983. This time the Phillies won before losing to the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series.
This is the NLCS I thought would transpire and I think it will be a good one. Although I would prefer the Phillies win it I believe the Dodgers will take it in seven games.
NY Post: Biden before and after plastic surgery
The NY Post (obviously reading the IC blog) has done their own story on Biden's bad plastic surgery job, interviewing a plastic surgeon who agrees that Biden has had some work done. They've posted a picture of Biden before the surgery, below. Note the wrinkles on his forehead even though his face is virtually expressionless, and his normal sized roundish eyes. Contrast it with the after pictures I posted of his face during the VP debate.
My Thoughts on An American Carol
This morning I went to see An American Carol. Oddly enough it was at the same theater where I saw Fahrenheit 9/11 four years ago.
I actually missed the first few minutes of the film so I can't give a complete assessment. But I saw a sufficient amount to provide some observations.
There were only six people in a theater that could hold 250. Well, it was a Sunday morning. This is also Boston.
The storyline is fairly straightforward. Leslie Nielsen tells a group of young children a story about a documentary filmmaker named Michael Malone (who bears a strange resemblance to Michael Moore) who hates America and wants to abolish the Fourth of July. During the course of the film, Malone (played by Kevin Farley - brother of the late Chris Farley) is visited by several spirits in a Dickensian like manner - General George S. Patton (played by Kelsey Grammer), George Washington (played memorably by Jon Voight) and The Angel of Freaking Death (played by country music star Trace Adkins). You can see other Hollywood conservatives in this film including Kevin Sorbo, Dennis Hopper and Robert Davi. There are also cameos from Bill O'Reilly and Paris Hilton. Talk about odd couples.
Created by David Zucker of Airplane and The Naked Gun series, An American Carol has the element of all those films although not quite as funny as those comedic groundbreakers. Don't get me wrong. It makes the Left look plenty silly with such items as MoveAlong.org for instance. I liked Nielsen's line about college student demonstrators as, "People who don't know anything and shout it out loud." The funniest scene involved the Christian suicide bombers inspired by Rosie O'Donnell's line, "Radical Christianity is just as dangerous as Radical Islam."
When I first heard about this film my first thought was, "Why wasn't this film made in 2004 or 2005 at the height of Michael Moore's success?" I still feel that way. Although to be fair, this are references to Moore's declining influence. Entertainment Tonight anchor Mary Hart features Malone in a "Where Are They Now?" segment. Malone is also derisively referred to as a documentary filmmaker as opposed to a feature filmmaker.
An American Carol is good for a chuckle and a couple of moments of poignancy. Hopefully, there will be other feature films made from a conservative point of view be they comedies or otherwise. There is certainly a receptive audience for it.
I actually missed the first few minutes of the film so I can't give a complete assessment. But I saw a sufficient amount to provide some observations.
There were only six people in a theater that could hold 250. Well, it was a Sunday morning. This is also Boston.
The storyline is fairly straightforward. Leslie Nielsen tells a group of young children a story about a documentary filmmaker named Michael Malone (who bears a strange resemblance to Michael Moore) who hates America and wants to abolish the Fourth of July. During the course of the film, Malone (played by Kevin Farley - brother of the late Chris Farley) is visited by several spirits in a Dickensian like manner - General George S. Patton (played by Kelsey Grammer), George Washington (played memorably by Jon Voight) and The Angel of Freaking Death (played by country music star Trace Adkins). You can see other Hollywood conservatives in this film including Kevin Sorbo, Dennis Hopper and Robert Davi. There are also cameos from Bill O'Reilly and Paris Hilton. Talk about odd couples.
Created by David Zucker of Airplane and The Naked Gun series, An American Carol has the element of all those films although not quite as funny as those comedic groundbreakers. Don't get me wrong. It makes the Left look plenty silly with such items as MoveAlong.org for instance. I liked Nielsen's line about college student demonstrators as, "People who don't know anything and shout it out loud." The funniest scene involved the Christian suicide bombers inspired by Rosie O'Donnell's line, "Radical Christianity is just as dangerous as Radical Islam."
When I first heard about this film my first thought was, "Why wasn't this film made in 2004 or 2005 at the height of Michael Moore's success?" I still feel that way. Although to be fair, this are references to Moore's declining influence. Entertainment Tonight anchor Mary Hart features Malone in a "Where Are They Now?" segment. Malone is also derisively referred to as a documentary filmmaker as opposed to a feature filmmaker.
An American Carol is good for a chuckle and a couple of moments of poignancy. Hopefully, there will be other feature films made from a conservative point of view be they comedies or otherwise. There is certainly a receptive audience for it.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
My Suggestion For a Sarah Palin SNL Skit That Would Never Air
In between innings of the Cubs-Dodgers game, I caught the opening skit of SNL and sure enough Tina Fey reprised her role as the GOP V-P nominee doing a spoof of Thursday's V-P debate with Joe Biden with Queen Latifah playing Gwen Ifill.
Despite Palin's strong showing in the debate, Fey and SNL insist on portraying Palin as a vacuous dimwit. The skit was written from a point of view of Upper West Side liberals who deem anyone outside the Boston-New York beltway as a moron. For her part Fey stated backstage at the Emmys, "I want to be done playing this lady November 5th. So if anyone could help me be done playing this lady November 5, that would be good for me."
Well, isn't that special? I guess we know who Ms. Fey will be voting for on November 4th.
I think that America should elect McCain-Palin for no other reason than to make Tina Fey's life a living hell.
It's a shame she views Palin with such derision because she can do a lot with Palin, the facets of her personality and the situations in which she could find herself. Even if Fey doesn't like Palin 's politics she obviously resonates with enough people where she could do a skit that draws on Palin's strengths which include her affect on the male species. Which brings me to my idea for an Sarah Palin SNL Skit that would never air.
Much is said about Sarah Palin's lack of foreign policy experience. But it is also worth noting the world leaders she met during the opening of the UN General Assembly last month were charmed by her especially Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari.
So I could imagine a scene with Palin as VP meets with several world leaders past and present such as Zardari, Putin, French President Sarkozy and for good measure we could thrown in some of our own like Henry Kissinger and Bill Clinton. They are all so taken in by her charms that they start fighting over her through song. Zardari could sing "Sarah" by Starship while Sarkozy could sing "Thank Heaven For Little Girls" much to the dismay of Carla Bruni. Clinton and Kissinger would sing a duet, "Just The Two Of Us" while Putin, unable to sing, would play the theme of "From Russia With Love."
Of course, Palin would reject all her suitors for "my guy Todd" and then war would break out to which Palin would reply, "Oh, doggone it. You guys are being silly." Whereupon hearing that the men would meekly comply and cease fighting.
Yes, I know such a skit would never hit live air before November 4th.
But maybe it would if Palin gets elected.
America let's work together to make sure Tina Fey plays Palin for many, many years to come.
Despite Palin's strong showing in the debate, Fey and SNL insist on portraying Palin as a vacuous dimwit. The skit was written from a point of view of Upper West Side liberals who deem anyone outside the Boston-New York beltway as a moron. For her part Fey stated backstage at the Emmys, "I want to be done playing this lady November 5th. So if anyone could help me be done playing this lady November 5, that would be good for me."
Well, isn't that special? I guess we know who Ms. Fey will be voting for on November 4th.
I think that America should elect McCain-Palin for no other reason than to make Tina Fey's life a living hell.
It's a shame she views Palin with such derision because she can do a lot with Palin, the facets of her personality and the situations in which she could find herself. Even if Fey doesn't like Palin 's politics she obviously resonates with enough people where she could do a skit that draws on Palin's strengths which include her affect on the male species. Which brings me to my idea for an Sarah Palin SNL Skit that would never air.
Much is said about Sarah Palin's lack of foreign policy experience. But it is also worth noting the world leaders she met during the opening of the UN General Assembly last month were charmed by her especially Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari.
So I could imagine a scene with Palin as VP meets with several world leaders past and present such as Zardari, Putin, French President Sarkozy and for good measure we could thrown in some of our own like Henry Kissinger and Bill Clinton. They are all so taken in by her charms that they start fighting over her through song. Zardari could sing "Sarah" by Starship while Sarkozy could sing "Thank Heaven For Little Girls" much to the dismay of Carla Bruni. Clinton and Kissinger would sing a duet, "Just The Two Of Us" while Putin, unable to sing, would play the theme of "From Russia With Love."
Of course, Palin would reject all her suitors for "my guy Todd" and then war would break out to which Palin would reply, "Oh, doggone it. You guys are being silly." Whereupon hearing that the men would meekly comply and cease fighting.
Yes, I know such a skit would never hit live air before November 4th.
But maybe it would if Palin gets elected.
America let's work together to make sure Tina Fey plays Palin for many, many years to come.
Dodgers Sweep Cubs in NLDS
When the Chicago Cubs begin spring training in Mesa, Arizona next February they will begin their second century of futility.
The Cubs were denied a chance to win their first World Series in 100 years tonight when the Dodgers beat them 3-1 at Dodger Stadium to sweep them in three games. It is the second year in a row the Cubs have been swept in the NLDS. The Cubs were vanquished by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2007 NLDS.
If you read my post-season predictions I thought the Cubs would take the Dodgers to a fifth game. But the Dodgers dominated from Wrigley to Chavez Ravine. In Game 1, Cubs starter Ryan Dempster walked seven batters and surrendered a grand slam to James Loney. Dodgers won 7-2. In Game 2, the Cubs committed four errors and were absolutely humiliated 10-3. Tonight, the Dodgers had great pitching from Hiroki Kuroda, Cory Wade and Jonathan Broxton.
The Cubs might have had the best record in the NL in 2008. But they are still the Cubs. Lovable losers.
The Dodgers could know who they are facing in the NLCS as soon as tomorrow afternoon should the Phillies beat Milwaukee in Game 4 of the NLDS. Currently, the Phillies have a 2-1 lead in the playoff. They could have swept this afternoon but the Brewers won 4-1 in their first home playoff game since the Reagan Administration. If the Brewers win tomorrow that will force a Game 5 in Philadelphia on Tuesday. The Phillies would have the unenviable task of facing C.C. Sabathia. Sure, the Phillies knocked out Sabathia in the 4th inning in Game 1 but they can't count on that twice. But if Game 5 comes to pass the Phillies will counter with their ace Cole Hamels. Either way I think the Dodgers are going to the World Series.
The Cubs were denied a chance to win their first World Series in 100 years tonight when the Dodgers beat them 3-1 at Dodger Stadium to sweep them in three games. It is the second year in a row the Cubs have been swept in the NLDS. The Cubs were vanquished by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2007 NLDS.
If you read my post-season predictions I thought the Cubs would take the Dodgers to a fifth game. But the Dodgers dominated from Wrigley to Chavez Ravine. In Game 1, Cubs starter Ryan Dempster walked seven batters and surrendered a grand slam to James Loney. Dodgers won 7-2. In Game 2, the Cubs committed four errors and were absolutely humiliated 10-3. Tonight, the Dodgers had great pitching from Hiroki Kuroda, Cory Wade and Jonathan Broxton.
The Cubs might have had the best record in the NL in 2008. But they are still the Cubs. Lovable losers.
The Dodgers could know who they are facing in the NLCS as soon as tomorrow afternoon should the Phillies beat Milwaukee in Game 4 of the NLDS. Currently, the Phillies have a 2-1 lead in the playoff. They could have swept this afternoon but the Brewers won 4-1 in their first home playoff game since the Reagan Administration. If the Brewers win tomorrow that will force a Game 5 in Philadelphia on Tuesday. The Phillies would have the unenviable task of facing C.C. Sabathia. Sure, the Phillies knocked out Sabathia in the 4th inning in Game 1 but they can't count on that twice. But if Game 5 comes to pass the Phillies will counter with their ace Cole Hamels. Either way I think the Dodgers are going to the World Series.
Palin Starts To Take The Ayers Out Of Obama's Campaign
While campaigning today in Colorado, Sarah Palin took aim at Barack Obama's association with William Ayers, a founding member of the Weather Underground.
"Our opponent, though, is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect - important enough that he's palling around with terrorists who target their own country," said Palin.
Of course, this matter has been around for quite some time. Some like National Review contributor Stanley Kurtz have written extensively about Obama's association with Ayers. But this is the most explicit the McCain campaign has been about Ayers until now. You can be sure the Obama Campaign, if not Obama himself, will say Palin's statements are desperate and a product of the so-called Republican Attack Machine. Besides Obama will insist he has condemned Ayers' acts and that he can't be held accountable for something that happened when he was a lad of eight.
But what if McCain or Palin were associated with someone who advocated the overthrow of the U.S. government, had set bombs and expressed no regret for doing so? Obama would be on that like black on coal. True, Obama's association with Ayers doesn't go as deep as with Reverend Wright but Ayers helped him launch his political career and didn't object to his assistance. Or are we not to judge Obama by the company he keeps?
"Our opponent, though, is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect - important enough that he's palling around with terrorists who target their own country," said Palin.
Of course, this matter has been around for quite some time. Some like National Review contributor Stanley Kurtz have written extensively about Obama's association with Ayers. But this is the most explicit the McCain campaign has been about Ayers until now. You can be sure the Obama Campaign, if not Obama himself, will say Palin's statements are desperate and a product of the so-called Republican Attack Machine. Besides Obama will insist he has condemned Ayers' acts and that he can't be held accountable for something that happened when he was a lad of eight.
But what if McCain or Palin were associated with someone who advocated the overthrow of the U.S. government, had set bombs and expressed no regret for doing so? Obama would be on that like black on coal. True, Obama's association with Ayers doesn't go as deep as with Reverend Wright but Ayers helped him launch his political career and didn't object to his assistance. Or are we not to judge Obama by the company he keeps?
Friday, October 3, 2008
Biden better candidate for awfulplasticsurgery.com than VP
I had a hard time focusing on the substance of the VP debate last night because I couldn't stop starting at Biden's botched plastic surgery. His eyes were slanted up on the sides, clearly from a facelift, pulled so tightly his eyes were rather slitty, his right eye in particular. His forehead was completely smooth, even when he laughed, wrinkling up his cheeks, his forehead didn't move. Check out awfulplasticsurgery.com for an amusing expose of celebrities with bad plastic surgery that will enlighten you on how to recognize such.
Here he is having difficulty keeping his right eye open very far
His forehead doesn't have a single wrinkle, even though he is laughing really hard. Most people older than 30 have visible laugh lines on their forehead when they laugh.
Another shot of his eyes slanting up on the sides
Note the eyes slanting up on the sides, and the slightly narrower right eye
Here he is having difficulty keeping his right eye open very far
His forehead doesn't have a single wrinkle, even though he is laughing really hard. Most people older than 30 have visible laugh lines on their forehead when they laugh.
Another shot of his eyes slanting up on the sides
Houses Passes Bailout II
The House of Representatives just passed the second bailout package less than 48 hours after it was passed in the Senate. President Bush is expected to sign the package before the end of the day. Of course, the first bailout package was rejected earlier in the week causing stocks to plummet on Wall Street.
I am sure there is much in this new bill to which we can object. But in the absence of credible alternatives and a far greater danger in not passing some sort of package this will have to do for now. One can only hope this will help alleviate the anxiety that has resolved around our economy. If it does boost consumer confidence it gives people less of a reason to vote for Obama in a vote that takes place one month from tomorrow.
I am sure there is much in this new bill to which we can object. But in the absence of credible alternatives and a far greater danger in not passing some sort of package this will have to do for now. One can only hope this will help alleviate the anxiety that has resolved around our economy. If it does boost consumer confidence it gives people less of a reason to vote for Obama in a vote that takes place one month from tomorrow.
Palin Winked; I Blinked
A lot of talk about Sarah Palin and her winking.
I have to admit that I did not see it. I must have blinked.
Or I was probably pacing in my living room and into the kitchen. I do that sometimes. Although I had the TV on sometimes I concentrate more on listening to what is said than actually viewing what is right in front of me. While one might be more in tune with the substance of their message or the cadence of their voice you inevitably miss things and I missed her winking.
The lesson here is that one must keep both one's ears and eyes open.
Or as Sarah Palin so wisely put it, "You can't blink."
I have to admit that I did not see it. I must have blinked.
Or I was probably pacing in my living room and into the kitchen. I do that sometimes. Although I had the TV on sometimes I concentrate more on listening to what is said than actually viewing what is right in front of me. While one might be more in tune with the substance of their message or the cadence of their voice you inevitably miss things and I missed her winking.
The lesson here is that one must keep both one's ears and eyes open.
Or as Sarah Palin so wisely put it, "You can't blink."
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Palin-Biden
When I watched the debate I thought Biden set the tone and controlled the tenor of the debate. Sarah Palin did not fall on her face and break her glasses and I did not expect her too. But I thought Biden had a better command of the issues. I don't agree with him on the issues and thought Palin should have challenged him more where it concerned his characterization of McCain's positions especially Iran and drilling. I was also struck that Biden didn't put his foot in his mouth or appear in any way condescending to Palin. Gwen Ifill also performed reasonably well and avoided showing her pro-Obama biases.
Of course, last week I thought McCain was the clear winner in the debate. But the polls said Obama won the debate and he has been climbing in the polls. With this mind, the folks on FOX seem very happy with Palin as is Frank Luntz's focus group.
Yesterday, I submitted an article on IC on Palin which has appeared elsewhere. I argue that Sarah Palin is of the people. She's your mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister and sister's friend. She can be found in our diners, hardware stores and union shop floors. She's smart and ambitious but knows that doesn't make her better than you. So when the American people see her they want to see her succeed. With this litmus test in mind, Sarah Palin set out to do what she intended to do - a) sell John McCain and b) demonstrated a great knowledge of energy issues and a growing knowledge of others and perhaps most importantly c) speak to America as a flesh and blood human being.
Even if Palin's performance boosts McCain's numbers will a critical mass of Americans who are concerned about the economy be prepared to vote for a Republican ticket even if it has two mavericks? McCain and Palin need to ask Obama and Biden how we will pay for his expensive promises he knows he can't keep. There might still be a month but time is running low.
Of course, last week I thought McCain was the clear winner in the debate. But the polls said Obama won the debate and he has been climbing in the polls. With this mind, the folks on FOX seem very happy with Palin as is Frank Luntz's focus group.
Yesterday, I submitted an article on IC on Palin which has appeared elsewhere. I argue that Sarah Palin is of the people. She's your mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister and sister's friend. She can be found in our diners, hardware stores and union shop floors. She's smart and ambitious but knows that doesn't make her better than you. So when the American people see her they want to see her succeed. With this litmus test in mind, Sarah Palin set out to do what she intended to do - a) sell John McCain and b) demonstrated a great knowledge of energy issues and a growing knowledge of others and perhaps most importantly c) speak to America as a flesh and blood human being.
Even if Palin's performance boosts McCain's numbers will a critical mass of Americans who are concerned about the economy be prepared to vote for a Republican ticket even if it has two mavericks? McCain and Palin need to ask Obama and Biden how we will pay for his expensive promises he knows he can't keep. There might still be a month but time is running low.
Canadians More Likely To Watch Palin-Biden Debate Than Own Election Debate
Canadians are wacky people and as one myself I say this with the greatest of affection. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation scheduled Canada's five party leaders (Conservative, Liberal, NDP, Bloc Quebecois and the Green Party) to have their English language debate the same night as the duel between Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. What could they have been thinking?
Despite Canadian content rules, we maple syrup lovers get most of our TV from south of the 49th even if many Canucks don't have nice things to say about Americans. This means Sarah Palin who in the eyes of many makes Britney, Paris and Lindsay look boring. Palin is must see TV and that means there will probably be more Canadians tuned in to Palin versus Biden/Ifill than the CBC debate. Canadian politics is far from dull but many Canadians don't get very excited about our politics. When compared to American politics and specifically this Presidential election it is especially true.
Perhaps if Palin were to make a Wayne Gretzky or Sidney Crosby reference. Mario Lemieux would be fine as well. However, she should steer clear of any discussion concerning the Toronto Maple Leafs-Montreal Canadiens rivalry lest she start a civil war between English and French Canadians. But an elaboration of her hockey mom experience would be worthwhile to those Canadians who otherwise cannot participate in an American election but wish they could.
Despite Canadian content rules, we maple syrup lovers get most of our TV from south of the 49th even if many Canucks don't have nice things to say about Americans. This means Sarah Palin who in the eyes of many makes Britney, Paris and Lindsay look boring. Palin is must see TV and that means there will probably be more Canadians tuned in to Palin versus Biden/Ifill than the CBC debate. Canadian politics is far from dull but many Canadians don't get very excited about our politics. When compared to American politics and specifically this Presidential election it is especially true.
Perhaps if Palin were to make a Wayne Gretzky or Sidney Crosby reference. Mario Lemieux would be fine as well. However, she should steer clear of any discussion concerning the Toronto Maple Leafs-Montreal Canadiens rivalry lest she start a civil war between English and French Canadians. But an elaboration of her hockey mom experience would be worthwhile to those Canadians who otherwise cannot participate in an American election but wish they could.
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