Well election week is finally upon us and I've decided to open things up by announcing the first ever BMBS political endorsement.
For Georgia governor, BMBS endorses: nobody. What evidence is there that we even need a governor in the first place? Very little. I really do think Georgia would be better off without a governor.
Unfortunately, it looks like there will still be a governor after next Tuesday, and that governor will still be Sonny Perdue. Perdue is campaigning across the state asking prospective voters to come up with "Sonny Do" lists. But to be honest, I'm sick and tired of government DOING more and more things. It has such a poor track record, why give it more and more responsibilities? Everything government touches usually ends up turning to ruin. So instead, I decided to comprise my Sonny DON'T list:
- DON'T waste any more money on our broken education system. In fact, DON'T play any role in our education system at all: instead free our public schools from government bureaucracy: privitize all of them and then provide vouchers for low-income families. Public schools should be just like our public universities: they should be forced to compete with one another. So stop throwing dollars at a system that will remain inherently monopolistic and flawed.
- DON'T tax personal or corporate income.
- DON'T spend millions trying to lure companies to come here just because they "create jobs." If they want to come here, they will. If they don't, they won't. Just keep taxes low, get out of the way, and everything will take care of itself. If Jacksonville ends up getting a Chrysler Van Plant instead of Savannah, then oh darn. You can feel good knowing you didn't have to waste billions in taxpayer dollars subsidizing them.
- DON'T play a role in the transportation system any more. MARTA has been losing money for decades because there's no profit incentive. Privitize it and subject it to the discipline of the marketplace. Atlanta is one of the few major cities with a government-owned airport. Sell it off as well. Finally, let private companies run major state highways. They'll do a far quicker and better job managing traffic and expanding roads because they have every incentive to do so.
- And finally, DON'T "fight" for anybody. "Fighting" is usually code word for establishing ridiculous price supports and subsidies, unnecessary liscensing, and other economic barriers to protect powerful interest groups from having to compete like the rest of us. Stop "fighting" for farmers, teachers unions, etc. If you want to fight for anybody, how about fighting for the taxpayers whose money you do such a great job of wasting in the first place.
Oh please, Sonny don't.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
We're #260!
According to this year's poll compiled by Morgan Quitno Press, Savannah attained the distinction of being America's 260th safest city. The list contains only cities that sent in reports, so obviously, it's not complete. A total of 371 cities responded. The safest city this year is Brick, NJ, where even Ryan can be a badass. Suprisingly, St. Louis was deemed the least safe at #371, with Compton, CA coming in at #368.
I don't give a shit what you say, I'd much rather be in St. Louis than in Compton.
I don't give a shit what you say, I'd much rather be in St. Louis than in Compton.
Offensive!
In the PC world we live in, this commentator was probably fired two seconds after he made this comment. Shame, because it's pretty damn hilarious.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Fried Chicken
Stephen will LOVE this.
www.ebaumsworld.com/2006/09/fried-chicken-song.html
You might have to cut and paste because for some reason I waas having trouble cutting and pasting the link. Deal with it.
www.ebaumsworld.com/2006/09/fried-chicken-song.html
You might have to cut and paste because for some reason I waas having trouble cutting and pasting the link. Deal with it.
Vox Populi: Gems of the Week
Ladies and Gentlemen: The Gems of the Week.
Dishonorable Mention:
"We had a live mink in our yard on Wilmington Island last Saturday."
- Sweet.
Dishonorable Mention:
"This whole gas situation was never about having $3-a-gallon gas. It was about making us grateful for 'only' $2 a gallon. We have been manipulated."
- No you haven’t. Shut up.
Third Runner-up:
"I really miss the S&S Cafeteria on Abercorn. We sure do need another good cafeteria."
- It amazes me that old people could love S&S so much. They’d pile in there for dinner every day… at 3:30 in the afternoon.
Second Runner-up:
"Why is it we don't have one political candidate that discusses uniting the parties? Seems like since Bush took office, there has never been a bigger wedge between us."
- Hippie, the political parties will never be united. There is too great of a difference in ideology. Go toss your Frisbee.
First Runner-up:
"If you think $3 a gallon for gas is highway robbery, what about restaurants charging $2 or more for a Coke?"
- Precisely my point! You bitch about the price of gas, yet continue to spend your money on other things without batting an eye. Think about this: the average price you can expect to pay for a 12 oz can of Coke is 50 cents (Obviously, buying two liter bottles will make Coke cheaper per volume and buying at a restaurant will make it more expensive, but bear with me.). There are 128 ounces in 1 gallon. Let’s do some math:
128/12 = 10.67 ~ This is how many 12 oz servings are in one gallon.
10.67 * $.50 = $5.33 ~ This is the price of Coke per gallon.
That means that Coke is $5.33 a gallon. That’s more than $2 higher than $3 a gallon gas you were bitching about. Does that mean the Coca Cola Company is greedy? Cokes used to cost a nickel in the 1950’s, were they less greedy then?
(Don’t get me wrong, however; I love Coca Cola. I believe their product is vastly superior to that Yankee piss-water also known as Pepsi.)
And your Gem of the Week:
"I called the Chatham non-emergency police number to report shootings on my block and was asked, 'What do you want us to do? There are shootings everywhere.'"
- If you called the non-emergency line to report a shooting, then this probably wasn’t the first shooting in your ’hood. It probably won’t be the last either. Stay inside or move.
Happy Friday, folks.
Dishonorable Mention:
"We had a live mink in our yard on Wilmington Island last Saturday."
- Sweet.
Dishonorable Mention:
"This whole gas situation was never about having $3-a-gallon gas. It was about making us grateful for 'only' $2 a gallon. We have been manipulated."
- No you haven’t. Shut up.
Third Runner-up:
"I really miss the S&S Cafeteria on Abercorn. We sure do need another good cafeteria."
- It amazes me that old people could love S&S so much. They’d pile in there for dinner every day… at 3:30 in the afternoon.
Second Runner-up:
"Why is it we don't have one political candidate that discusses uniting the parties? Seems like since Bush took office, there has never been a bigger wedge between us."
- Hippie, the political parties will never be united. There is too great of a difference in ideology. Go toss your Frisbee.
First Runner-up:
"If you think $3 a gallon for gas is highway robbery, what about restaurants charging $2 or more for a Coke?"
- Precisely my point! You bitch about the price of gas, yet continue to spend your money on other things without batting an eye. Think about this: the average price you can expect to pay for a 12 oz can of Coke is 50 cents (Obviously, buying two liter bottles will make Coke cheaper per volume and buying at a restaurant will make it more expensive, but bear with me.). There are 128 ounces in 1 gallon. Let’s do some math:
128/12 = 10.67 ~ This is how many 12 oz servings are in one gallon.
10.67 * $.50 = $5.33 ~ This is the price of Coke per gallon.
That means that Coke is $5.33 a gallon. That’s more than $2 higher than $3 a gallon gas you were bitching about. Does that mean the Coca Cola Company is greedy? Cokes used to cost a nickel in the 1950’s, were they less greedy then?
(Don’t get me wrong, however; I love Coca Cola. I believe their product is vastly superior to that Yankee piss-water also known as Pepsi.)
And your Gem of the Week:
"I called the Chatham non-emergency police number to report shootings on my block and was asked, 'What do you want us to do? There are shootings everywhere.'"
- If you called the non-emergency line to report a shooting, then this probably wasn’t the first shooting in your ’hood. It probably won’t be the last either. Stay inside or move.
Happy Friday, folks.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Evil, Evil Wal-Mart
How evil, you ask? The horrible, disgusting capitalist company is rolling out its $4 generic prescription drug program to its stores in 12 more states, including its 139 stores in Georgia. From the Atlanta Business Chronicle:
The $4 generic program includes 314 generic prescriptions available for up to a 30-day supply at commonly prescribed dosages. The list of 314 generic prescriptions is made up of as many as 143 compounds in 24 therapeutic categories.
Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) said it concluded the list of $4 prescription medications represents nearly 25 percent of generic prescriptions currently dispensed in its pharmacies. According to the www.rxlist.com, the list also represents 14 of the top 20 prescribed medications in the United States. Generic medicines have an estimated cost that is 30 to 60 percent lower than an equivalent brand name product.
And to make PROVE to you capitalism doesn't work: Target has matched the $4 drug program in Florida and plans to everywhere else, including here in Georgia.
The $4 generic program includes 314 generic prescriptions available for up to a 30-day supply at commonly prescribed dosages. The list of 314 generic prescriptions is made up of as many as 143 compounds in 24 therapeutic categories.
Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) said it concluded the list of $4 prescription medications represents nearly 25 percent of generic prescriptions currently dispensed in its pharmacies. According to the www.rxlist.com, the list also represents 14 of the top 20 prescribed medications in the United States. Generic medicines have an estimated cost that is 30 to 60 percent lower than an equivalent brand name product.
And to make PROVE to you capitalism doesn't work: Target has matched the $4 drug program in Florida and plans to everywhere else, including here in Georgia.
Viva La Gwinnett
Like any of you care about the immigration state in Atlanta, here is a sad article of how Mexicans have taken over neighborhoods in outer Atlanta now that they have nowhere else to go in the inner city. You may have to register to read it. For those of you who don't venture to the big city much, it really does seem like there are more and more every day. And I'm sure they will be moving en masse to the smaller cities soon if they haven't already.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Preview Day Six of 24
Normally I would wait for this to go up on YouTube and just embed it here on the site. However, it won't be up until late tonight probably, the quality would be worse, and it might get taken down. At 3:00 this afternoon, www.24trailer.com premiered the first look at Season Six of the Greatest Show on Earth. Read the next paragraph after you've watched it.
This is about as perfect a tease as I could hope for - it gives you the gist of what's to come but doesn't give away too much. In fact, one of the best things about it is that I still can't tell what exactly Jack will be used for. He sure does look mighty haggard and empty, though, and that's always a good sign. I really like the use of small scale terrorists attacks as the driving plot point; a very realistic possibility here. Looking pretty grim, but that's part of the show.
This is about as perfect a tease as I could hope for - it gives you the gist of what's to come but doesn't give away too much. In fact, one of the best things about it is that I still can't tell what exactly Jack will be used for. He sure does look mighty haggard and empty, though, and that's always a good sign. I really like the use of small scale terrorists attacks as the driving plot point; a very realistic possibility here. Looking pretty grim, but that's part of the show.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Patrick's Five Best Albums of All Time
Some of these were tough. I want to start out by saying there’s tons of R&B stuff from the 60s and 70s that deserve to somehow be on here, but because we’re dealing with best albums, and not the best songs, it’s pretty much impossible to fit them in. So most of this stuff consists of white rock bands, but if I could put in my 25-song Motown/Beach Music CD mix, it would easily make the top 3. Anyway, here we go...
1. Rubber Soul – The Beatles (1965)
No surprise here. I know I’ll get criticized for being really cliché because most VH1/Rolling Stone lists have this somewhere at the top as well. But I can’t help it -- I just really like this album. This is Lennon and McCartney collaboration at its finest. This album proves you can get really creative without getting weird. If you counted which CDs get played the most in my car, this one easily tops the list.
Best tracks: all of it, every single goddamn song, in order.
2. Help! – The Beatles (1965)
For the same reasons as Rubber Soul, this one comes in a close second.
Best tracks: “Help,” “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away,” “Ticket to Ride,” “You’re Going to Lose That Girl”
3. Chronic Town – REM (1982)
Any early-to-mid 80s REM album would do here (Murmur, Reckoning, or Fables of the Reconstruction), but I settled on Chronic Town (which isn’t even a full-length album but a 5-song EP) as the best because it typifies everything that early REM was about: jangly guitar chords, driving bass lines, mumbled lyrics. Before this time it would have been unthinkable to make music that was a mix between, say, The Byrds and The Sex Pistols. REM did it and created an energetic sound that was much greater than the sum of its parts.
Best tracks: “Wolves, Lower,” “Gardening at Night,” “Carnival of Sorts”
4. Synchronicity – The Police (1983)
I’ve heard one rock critic put it best: what the Beatles were in the 60s, what Led Zepplin was in the 70s, The Police were in 1983. This band kicked ass, sold out the biggest arenas and stadiums, appealed to teenagers and thirty-somethings alike, and it’s a shame we don’t have anything remotely resembling them 23 years later.
Best tracks: “Synchronicity I,” “Synchronicity II”, “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” “Every Breath You Take,” “King of Pain”
5. Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys (1966)
I know, another VH1 chart-topper. But this record, like Rubber Soul, does a great job of presenting creativity without any expense to accessibility, and that’s why it’s on here. It also has the best opening song of any album I can think of.
Best Tracks: “Wouldn’t it Be Nice, “Caroline, No,” “Sloop John B.,” “God Only Knows”
Honorable mentions: Revolver - The Beatles, The White Album - The Beatles, Green – REM, Zenyatta Mondata – The Police, What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye, Moondance – Van Morrison, Off the Wall – Michael Jackson, Remain in Light – Talking Heads
1. Rubber Soul – The Beatles (1965)
No surprise here. I know I’ll get criticized for being really cliché because most VH1/Rolling Stone lists have this somewhere at the top as well. But I can’t help it -- I just really like this album. This is Lennon and McCartney collaboration at its finest. This album proves you can get really creative without getting weird. If you counted which CDs get played the most in my car, this one easily tops the list.
Best tracks: all of it, every single goddamn song, in order.
2. Help! – The Beatles (1965)
For the same reasons as Rubber Soul, this one comes in a close second.
Best tracks: “Help,” “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away,” “Ticket to Ride,” “You’re Going to Lose That Girl”
3. Chronic Town – REM (1982)
Any early-to-mid 80s REM album would do here (Murmur, Reckoning, or Fables of the Reconstruction), but I settled on Chronic Town (which isn’t even a full-length album but a 5-song EP) as the best because it typifies everything that early REM was about: jangly guitar chords, driving bass lines, mumbled lyrics. Before this time it would have been unthinkable to make music that was a mix between, say, The Byrds and The Sex Pistols. REM did it and created an energetic sound that was much greater than the sum of its parts.
Best tracks: “Wolves, Lower,” “Gardening at Night,” “Carnival of Sorts”
4. Synchronicity – The Police (1983)
I’ve heard one rock critic put it best: what the Beatles were in the 60s, what Led Zepplin was in the 70s, The Police were in 1983. This band kicked ass, sold out the biggest arenas and stadiums, appealed to teenagers and thirty-somethings alike, and it’s a shame we don’t have anything remotely resembling them 23 years later.
Best tracks: “Synchronicity I,” “Synchronicity II”, “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” “Every Breath You Take,” “King of Pain”
5. Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys (1966)
I know, another VH1 chart-topper. But this record, like Rubber Soul, does a great job of presenting creativity without any expense to accessibility, and that’s why it’s on here. It also has the best opening song of any album I can think of.
Best Tracks: “Wouldn’t it Be Nice, “Caroline, No,” “Sloop John B.,” “God Only Knows”
Honorable mentions: Revolver - The Beatles, The White Album - The Beatles, Green – REM, Zenyatta Mondata – The Police, What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye, Moondance – Van Morrison, Off the Wall – Michael Jackson, Remain in Light – Talking Heads
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Best Albums
I was looking on RollingStone.com and found this article:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5938174/the_rs_500_greatest_albums_of_all_time
I know these come out about once every year, but they are always interesting to look at. One thing that kind of shocked me was Dark Side of the Moon being ranked at #43. Pretty much everyone of these lists I have ever seen has had that album at least in the top ten. That puts albums by The Band, The Ramones and The Eagles ahead of them. These are three of the most over-rated bands of all time. Especially the Ramones. I would rather listen to "The Most Annoying Sound Ever" by Lloyd Christmas than a Ramones album. I am gald Johnny Ramone is dead. Anyway, this list got me thinking about my favorites and I ask everyone to post their top 5 albums. I kind of know where Pat and Stephen will be on this but am interested especially in Joe, TC and Ryan's list. And we should save this for a few months because I promise you that Ryan's list will be completely different. So, here is my list of top five albums in no particular order:
Abbey Road-The Beatles
No Code-Pearl Jam
Pink Floyd-Dark Side of the Moon
Radiohead-Kid A
And I couldn't decide on a fifth. Any Beatles album from Rubber Soul on would fit here as well as Pearl Jam's Vitalogy or STP's Purple or Tiny Music...
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5938174/the_rs_500_greatest_albums_of_all_time
I know these come out about once every year, but they are always interesting to look at. One thing that kind of shocked me was Dark Side of the Moon being ranked at #43. Pretty much everyone of these lists I have ever seen has had that album at least in the top ten. That puts albums by The Band, The Ramones and The Eagles ahead of them. These are three of the most over-rated bands of all time. Especially the Ramones. I would rather listen to "The Most Annoying Sound Ever" by Lloyd Christmas than a Ramones album. I am gald Johnny Ramone is dead. Anyway, this list got me thinking about my favorites and I ask everyone to post their top 5 albums. I kind of know where Pat and Stephen will be on this but am interested especially in Joe, TC and Ryan's list. And we should save this for a few months because I promise you that Ryan's list will be completely different. So, here is my list of top five albums in no particular order:
Abbey Road-The Beatles
No Code-Pearl Jam
Pink Floyd-Dark Side of the Moon
Radiohead-Kid A
And I couldn't decide on a fifth. Any Beatles album from Rubber Soul on would fit here as well as Pearl Jam's Vitalogy or STP's Purple or Tiny Music...
Friday, October 20, 2006
Showdown in Guyton
A lot's on the line tonight. I think it'll be a pretty low-scoring game, as both teams are evenly-matched and will try to control the ball for as long as possible. BC will of course keep it on the ground all night attempting to wear down the Mustang defense. Each week it seems the Cadets come close and closer to perfecting the wishbone. When a team lacks size and speed, constantly facing superior opponents, sheer discipline is all you have left to rely on, and that's what BC has demonstrated over the past few weeks.
But then again, what the hell do I know about this stuff. I was a damn waterboy for Christ's sake. I guess I'll just jump on the Ryan Smith bandwagon of talking nonsense about a sport I was too scared to play.
Prediction:
BC - 21
South Effin'ham - 17
P.S. - I had a good 10-15 minute one-on-one discussion with Justice Thomas this morning at a Federalist Society meeting. We talked a lot about BC and Savannah. More on this later.
But then again, what the hell do I know about this stuff. I was a damn waterboy for Christ's sake. I guess I'll just jump on the Ryan Smith bandwagon of talking nonsense about a sport I was too scared to play.
Prediction:
BC - 21
South Effin'ham - 17
P.S. - I had a good 10-15 minute one-on-one discussion with Justice Thomas this morning at a Federalist Society meeting. We talked a lot about BC and Savannah. More on this later.
Vox Populi: Gems of the Week
It’s 9:15 in the AM and you’re reading the Gems of the Week!
Dishonorable Mention:
"Where is there a really cute pumpkin patch that sells pumpkins?"
- “I’m looking for a cute little pumpkin patch to purchase some cute little pumpkins with my cute little kids and our cute little dog. Do you know where I can find one? Oh I just love cute little pumpkins.”
Dishonorable Mention:
"DFACS workers need to treat their clients more politely."
- DFACS doesn’t really deal with clients. They deal with people who neglect and beat their children, but no clients.
Third Runner-up
"Thank you Paula Deen for bringing R ratings to the Food Network. Bleep it, girl."
- Don’t thank Paula Deen for anything. She’s a skank.
Second Runner-up:
"This is the South, and there are a lot of us country boys that love to drink. Why doesn't Savannah have a good country bar?"
- Y’all had the Cavalier on Abercorn, but you let it get away. Now it’s Club Ice. Way to go.
First Runner-up:
"The main reason for the Revolutionary War was to break away from British control and taxation without representation. Over 200 years later we are right back to taxation without representation."
- Good for you. You’re comparing a time in our past to today! Wow! Good for you! You obviously have no idea how our government works, but good for you!
And your Gem of the Week:
"Your parents didn't like your music or the way you danced. Why be so critical of cheerleader and marching band routines? Don't take the fun out of being a teenager just because their mama don't dance and their daddy don't rock 'n' roll."
- Yeah. Don’t be hatin’. WHAT?! I’m Rick James. OKAAAYYY! Nobody don’t care nothin’ ‘bout Jody Chapin’s hair. YEAAAHH! Lean wit’ it. Rock wit’ it. BIATCH!
Happy Friday, folks. Go Cadets!
Dishonorable Mention:
"Where is there a really cute pumpkin patch that sells pumpkins?"
- “I’m looking for a cute little pumpkin patch to purchase some cute little pumpkins with my cute little kids and our cute little dog. Do you know where I can find one? Oh I just love cute little pumpkins.”
Dishonorable Mention:
"DFACS workers need to treat their clients more politely."
- DFACS doesn’t really deal with clients. They deal with people who neglect and beat their children, but no clients.
Third Runner-up
"Thank you Paula Deen for bringing R ratings to the Food Network. Bleep it, girl."
- Don’t thank Paula Deen for anything. She’s a skank.
Second Runner-up:
"This is the South, and there are a lot of us country boys that love to drink. Why doesn't Savannah have a good country bar?"
- Y’all had the Cavalier on Abercorn, but you let it get away. Now it’s Club Ice. Way to go.
First Runner-up:
"The main reason for the Revolutionary War was to break away from British control and taxation without representation. Over 200 years later we are right back to taxation without representation."
- Good for you. You’re comparing a time in our past to today! Wow! Good for you! You obviously have no idea how our government works, but good for you!
And your Gem of the Week:
"Your parents didn't like your music or the way you danced. Why be so critical of cheerleader and marching band routines? Don't take the fun out of being a teenager just because their mama don't dance and their daddy don't rock 'n' roll."
- Yeah. Don’t be hatin’. WHAT?! I’m Rick James. OKAAAYYY! Nobody don’t care nothin’ ‘bout Jody Chapin’s hair. YEAAAHH! Lean wit’ it. Rock wit’ it. BIATCH!
Happy Friday, folks. Go Cadets!
Goodbye, Mets
I really hate the Mets. They represent a city and a fanbase so devoid of morals, personalities, attractiveness, class, and decency that I get an extra bit of joy when they lose. The baseball team with Florida colors lost in the best way last night, going impotent in Game 7 of the NLCS in front of all their trash fans in Shea Stadium. Even sweeter is that they lost in the 9th to a kid who A) has never closed games before this postseason, B) is from Brunswick, and C) was originally drafted by the Braves.
I'd like to point out that at the top of the Mets official website all year was their 2006 motto: "The Team. The Time." It has been taken down. It's been ten years that the NL East champion has not won a World Series, which officially is now a curse.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
CNN- Communist News Network
I'm not sure why I keep going back to cnn.com at work, but now I know not to anymore. The front page this morning was absolutely appalling:
U.S. troops in snipers' line of fire
Almost 2,800 Americans have been killed so far in Iraq and one of the most dangerous insurgent opponents is the sniper. CNN has obtained graphic video from the Islamic Army of Iraq, one of the most active insurgent organizations in Iraq, showing its sniper teams targeting U.S. troops. The Islamist Army says it wants talks with the United States and some Islamist Internet postings call for a P.R. campaign aimed at influencing the American public. The video is disturbing to watch but CNN believes the story, shocking as it is, needs to be told.
They are streaming the video. Unbelievable.
U.S. troops in snipers' line of fire
Almost 2,800 Americans have been killed so far in Iraq and one of the most dangerous insurgent opponents is the sniper. CNN has obtained graphic video from the Islamic Army of Iraq, one of the most active insurgent organizations in Iraq, showing its sniper teams targeting U.S. troops. The Islamist Army says it wants talks with the United States and some Islamist Internet postings call for a P.R. campaign aimed at influencing the American public. The video is disturbing to watch but CNN believes the story, shocking as it is, needs to be told.
They are streaming the video. Unbelievable.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
I know no one cares, but...
Clarence Thomas is on campus, and will be teaching my constitutional law class tomorrow. Born and raised in Pin Point, and vilified by just about everyone here at the law school, Thomas is arguably the most conservative member of the United States Supreme Court. While most other members of the court look to precedent to resolve constitutional disputes, Thomas is considered an "originalist," meaning he looks directly back to what the language of the Constitution says in determining where he stands. He is also a staunch opponent of affirmative action (probably because he grew up pennyless, was raised by a single-mother during the worst days of Deep South segregation, and still managed to become a member of the nation's highest court).
I've heard some people say that he attended BC for awhile, but this remains unconfirmed. I do know he's hardcore Catholic: he even went into the seminary for a while before going to law school.
You can find Justice Thomas' bio here.
The average American: 1967 and today
Forbes.com/MSNBC.com had this article comparing the incomes our grandparents and parents earned to what, on average, we earn today (except for Ryan). It seems the author cannot figure out why we beleive "the Good Ol' Days" are better than today. I wanted to hear from yall two things: if you think we are better off today and the reasons why or why not. I'll start: we are NOT better off today. Reason: the rap/hip-hop culture.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
BC Memorabilia for Sale
This is a once in a lifetime offer! But, I'm not sure where I'd put the damn thing if I bought it. Here's the email I received today.
Attention all Alumni and Friends!
Here's your chance to own a piece of BC history. As most of you are aware, thanks to a very successful tuition raffle last year, we have begun to install new lockers in the academic building. Fortunately, the replacement provides a unique opportunity for you, as alumni and friends, to have a piece of memorabilia from the halls of Benedictine. What might you use an old BC locker for you may ask. How about putting them in your garage or play room for storage. Or how about putting a block of lockers in your place of business for your employees to store their belongings?
Currently we have 4 blocks of 14 lockers (7 on top and 7 on bottom) and 1 block of 16 lockers (8 on top and 8 on bottom) available. Each locker is double tiered and measures approximately 34" x 9"x12". If you are interested in purchasing a piece of BC history, please contact Dotty DeHaven in the business office (644.7005).
Pamella L.Veiock
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Benedictine Military School
6502 Seawright Drive
Savannah, GA 31406
(P): 912.644.7008 (F): 912.356.3510
Any takers?
Attention all Alumni and Friends!
Here's your chance to own a piece of BC history. As most of you are aware, thanks to a very successful tuition raffle last year, we have begun to install new lockers in the academic building. Fortunately, the replacement provides a unique opportunity for you, as alumni and friends, to have a piece of memorabilia from the halls of Benedictine. What might you use an old BC locker for you may ask. How about putting them in your garage or play room for storage. Or how about putting a block of lockers in your place of business for your employees to store their belongings?
Currently we have 4 blocks of 14 lockers (7 on top and 7 on bottom) and 1 block of 16 lockers (8 on top and 8 on bottom) available. Each locker is double tiered and measures approximately 34" x 9"x12". If you are interested in purchasing a piece of BC history, please contact Dotty DeHaven in the business office (644.7005).
Pamella L.Veiock
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Benedictine Military School
6502 Seawright Drive
Savannah, GA 31406
(P): 912.644.7008 (F): 912.356.3510
Any takers?
You Are Not Doing Anything at 8:00pm
After last week's incredible episode, I feel compelled to campaign one more time for Friday Night Lights. I couldn't put it into words as perfectly as this article that was published today. This show might get cancelled, because more people would rather watch Jerry Springer dance to the Brian Setzer Orchestra. That's a shame, since FNL offers what a lot of people who normally can't stand television shows would like to see that's never been done before.
Meltdown
If you didn't see the Bears game last night, don't worry; ESPN will certainly shove it down your throat for the rest of the week. The Bears came back in the last half from being down 23-3 and won in the most insane NFL game I've ever seen. The whole point of this post, though, is to share with you the hilarious meltdown of the Cardinals coach, Denny Green. Witness (before YouTube takes it down) the thousands of synapses firing off in his brain as the despair and rage swarms over him like a sea of flesh-eating beetles.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Hephzibah Hijinks
Patrick, Timothy, and I will be at the Georgia 4th-Quarter game. Joe will be futilely coaching some kids I've never met in a sport I don't even approve of, only to follow it up by encouraging Chris Lane to get 45 times more drunk than he should in Statesboro. TC will be in Atlanta pondering if it's really worth it to be living in that city because "that's where the money is." Michael Leonard will be watching every second of the Georgia game with fingernails in the arm-rests just hoping Georgia loses, only to discover his weird fascination with the Bulldogs has made him forget whether or not Tech is playing.
That leaves you, Stephen and Will. I know you guys "love college football," but you have to take advantage of that 6:00 Saturday BC game. If I were in Savannah this weekend, I would be getting to Memorial at 3:00 at the latest. Please, for all of us here at BMBS, get Pat Whitledge-Captain Morgan-passing-out-in-the-bathroom drunk. Show them folks they've hired a good one, Colonel.
That leaves you, Stephen and Will. I know you guys "love college football," but you have to take advantage of that 6:00 Saturday BC game. If I were in Savannah this weekend, I would be getting to Memorial at 3:00 at the latest. Please, for all of us here at BMBS, get Pat Whitledge-Captain Morgan-passing-out-in-the-bathroom drunk. Show them folks they've hired a good one, Colonel.
Vox Populi: Gems of the Week
It's that time again. Here are your Gems of the Week!
Dishonorable Mention:
"Thanks to all you little meth makers, my wife has to show ID to buy her allergy medicine."
- Does your wife have something to hide? She’s probably cooking up crank in your attic right now.
Dishonorable Mention:
"I'm a lover, not a fighter. Let's quit all this fighting and do some loving."
- Shut up, hippie.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Regarding the Mexican mom that got her baby back, is she an illegal immigrant like her husband? Also, who is going to pay the bills to take care of the child's medical needs, and where is she living? Is this also getting paid by taxpayers?"
- It’s called welfare. It’s where a lot of your tax dollars go. It’s nothing new.
Dishonorable Mention:
"It was stinky Thursday again in Savannah from the industrial poison in the air and time again to feel bad for the weekend with compromised immune systems. I don't know why the mayor or EPA can't stop this."
- That’s the smell of money, honey. Also, to the ones who transcribe the Vox messages, I think this caller meant “weakened” instead of “weekend.” Either that or you just can’t spell.
Third Runner-up:
"The headline 'Our father, "howled" be thy name' is extremely offensive. How much lower is the Savannah Morning News going to stoop? Please don't let this happen again."
- Here's what this caller was thinking:
“I am offended. This pun, this play on words, offends me. This goes against my beliefs as a person and please do not use words in ways other than their intended uses because it offends my sense of self. I do not deserve to be offended.”
Shut up.
Second Runner-up:
"Why are we having horrendous police chases in the middle of the streets of Savannah? This isn't Los Angeles. This is a small city. These chases should not be taking place, and the police department should be held responsible."
- Okay. Let’s just stop pursuing criminals. Let’s see how it goes when criminals lose even more respect for the law once they figure out the police can’t chase them.
First Runner-up:
"Georgia Power has asked for another rate increase. The government should pull a coup d'etat and seize Georgia Power and make it a nonprofit organization so that the people won't have to deal with their bottom line."
- I love it when dumb people try to sound smart. It’s the same thing every time. They find a hot-button issue (energy price increases), throw in some buzz words (coup d’etat; nonprofit organization; bottom line), and then they’re experts all of a sudden. I’m not fooled.
And your Gem of the Week:
"Whenever you get in a real bind, just ask yourself: 'What would Oprah do?'"
- Oprah is never in a “real bind.” She’s one of the richest women in the world and she can buy her way out of anything. I hope she gets genital warts. That would be a real bind for Oprah.
Happy Friday, fellas. Go Eagles.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Thanks to all you little meth makers, my wife has to show ID to buy her allergy medicine."
- Does your wife have something to hide? She’s probably cooking up crank in your attic right now.
Dishonorable Mention:
"I'm a lover, not a fighter. Let's quit all this fighting and do some loving."
- Shut up, hippie.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Regarding the Mexican mom that got her baby back, is she an illegal immigrant like her husband? Also, who is going to pay the bills to take care of the child's medical needs, and where is she living? Is this also getting paid by taxpayers?"
- It’s called welfare. It’s where a lot of your tax dollars go. It’s nothing new.
Dishonorable Mention:
"It was stinky Thursday again in Savannah from the industrial poison in the air and time again to feel bad for the weekend with compromised immune systems. I don't know why the mayor or EPA can't stop this."
- That’s the smell of money, honey. Also, to the ones who transcribe the Vox messages, I think this caller meant “weakened” instead of “weekend.” Either that or you just can’t spell.
Third Runner-up:
"The headline 'Our father, "howled" be thy name' is extremely offensive. How much lower is the Savannah Morning News going to stoop? Please don't let this happen again."
- Here's what this caller was thinking:
“I am offended. This pun, this play on words, offends me. This goes against my beliefs as a person and please do not use words in ways other than their intended uses because it offends my sense of self. I do not deserve to be offended.”
Shut up.
Second Runner-up:
"Why are we having horrendous police chases in the middle of the streets of Savannah? This isn't Los Angeles. This is a small city. These chases should not be taking place, and the police department should be held responsible."
- Okay. Let’s just stop pursuing criminals. Let’s see how it goes when criminals lose even more respect for the law once they figure out the police can’t chase them.
First Runner-up:
"Georgia Power has asked for another rate increase. The government should pull a coup d'etat and seize Georgia Power and make it a nonprofit organization so that the people won't have to deal with their bottom line."
- I love it when dumb people try to sound smart. It’s the same thing every time. They find a hot-button issue (energy price increases), throw in some buzz words (coup d’etat; nonprofit organization; bottom line), and then they’re experts all of a sudden. I’m not fooled.
And your Gem of the Week:
"Whenever you get in a real bind, just ask yourself: 'What would Oprah do?'"
- Oprah is never in a “real bind.” She’s one of the richest women in the world and she can buy her way out of anything. I hope she gets genital warts. That would be a real bind for Oprah.
Happy Friday, fellas. Go Eagles.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Weekly Poll
Which picture turns you on more?
Jessica Simpson, or...
The 1984 Presidential Electoral Map?
Jessica Simpson, or...
The 1984 Presidential Electoral Map?
Reaganomics At Work
The evidence just keeps coming in.
Yet another illustration that Washington has a spending problem, not a taxing problem.
Yet another illustration that Washington has a spending problem, not a taxing problem.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Ted Turner
This video shows Ted pondering the age old question: which side to take in the War on Terror, the United States' or the terrorists'?
Monday, October 09, 2006
Borat visits the Sand Gnats
In anticipation of what is likely to be one of the funniest movies of all time - Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan - here is a clip from Da Ali G Show when he visited Grayson Stadium.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Dream Job
Effective Monday, October 23, 2006, I will assume the role of Director of Admissions at Benedictine Military School. I will be charged with the responsibility of boosting enrollment and getting kids excited about being a Cadet. I am blessed to have this opportunity and look foward to the challenge.
The Colonel Returns
It's official. One of our own has infiltrated the administration at BC. As the new Head of Admissions, fellow BMBS contributor Will Fleming now has the ears of the elite and powerful. Personally, I couldn't think of a better guy for the job (nor a better job for the guy). In conversation after conversation, Fleming has expressed a traditional, no nonsense approach when it comes to how BC should be run and how it should compete with other private schools.
But remember Will: after being anti-establishment for all these years, you're now part of the establishment. Remember that absolute power corrupts absolutely. Burke and Jude will try and coax you with the power of privilege now to try and get you to "see things their way," leading you astray from your principled beliefs. They will let you use the B-wing doors, and they will let you go in the teachers' lounge now. They might even let you leave campus for more than 47 minutes and make it to where you don't even have to sign out with Mrs. Rogers. But please, don't let these newfound entitlements sway you from the job you have set out to do. Don’t get too comfortable with that new front-row parking spot, or with the ability to devour candy bars after lunch while sitting on the plaza’s concrete benches. They still need someone to update the school website at least once every 3 and-a-half years.
Below are some suggestions for how to conduct day-to-day business.
Standard Attire:
- dress shirt, with sleeves unbuttoned and loosely rolled up (tie optional)
- khacki pants
- penny loafers or top-siders
- no socks
- a stopwatch in your side pocket with maroon nylon cord hanging out the side (twirl as necessary)
Standard practices:
- every morning around 10:30 or so, be sure to run down to Enmark (or get a Senior to go down there for you) to get a 40 oz. fountain Diet Coke
- take up dipping (tobacco), and use the 40 oz. styrafoam cup for spit as the day progresses
- when roaming the halls, whistle the theme song of any sitcom from the 1950s
- go out and get yourself a used Ford Ranger, and be sure the radio is always preset to either I-95 or Q105.3
- become overweight
Congratulations, and good luck.
But remember Will: after being anti-establishment for all these years, you're now part of the establishment. Remember that absolute power corrupts absolutely. Burke and Jude will try and coax you with the power of privilege now to try and get you to "see things their way," leading you astray from your principled beliefs. They will let you use the B-wing doors, and they will let you go in the teachers' lounge now. They might even let you leave campus for more than 47 minutes and make it to where you don't even have to sign out with Mrs. Rogers. But please, don't let these newfound entitlements sway you from the job you have set out to do. Don’t get too comfortable with that new front-row parking spot, or with the ability to devour candy bars after lunch while sitting on the plaza’s concrete benches. They still need someone to update the school website at least once every 3 and-a-half years.
Below are some suggestions for how to conduct day-to-day business.
Standard Attire:
- dress shirt, with sleeves unbuttoned and loosely rolled up (tie optional)
- khacki pants
- penny loafers or top-siders
- no socks
- a stopwatch in your side pocket with maroon nylon cord hanging out the side (twirl as necessary)
Standard practices:
- every morning around 10:30 or so, be sure to run down to Enmark (or get a Senior to go down there for you) to get a 40 oz. fountain Diet Coke
- take up dipping (tobacco), and use the 40 oz. styrafoam cup for spit as the day progresses
- when roaming the halls, whistle the theme song of any sitcom from the 1950s
- go out and get yourself a used Ford Ranger, and be sure the radio is always preset to either I-95 or Q105.3
- become overweight
Congratulations, and good luck.
Friday, October 06, 2006
10 Weeks of Hell, Week 5
"I think there's something you need to be prepared for. We're gonna lose, and we're gonna lose huge." - Tom Cruise, A Few Good Men.
Prediction:
#4 Thomson - 41
BC - 7
Prediction:
#4 Thomson - 41
BC - 7
Vox Populi: Gems of the Week
Here’s this week’s dose Vox Gems. Open wide…
Dishonorable Mention
"I hate 'Fabulous Football Friday' on WTOC. I don't know who any of these players are and I don't care. Sounds like it would be a great web cast program rather than taking away time from the news."
- I’m sure that WTOC is not the only channel you get unless, of course, you’re in jail. Watch something else.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Where do watermelons go in the wintertime? John Cougar's Melon Camp."
- This joke sucks.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Where have all the good girls gone? Why is there only half-naked, blaspheming pop tarts portrayed on television? Please re-pave this road with wholesome women."
- I sure do hate it when my Pop Tarts unwrap themselves and start blaspheming on television. Breakfast pastries shouldn’t behave that way.
Third Runner-up
"Can someone tell me where to find bean pies here in Savannah?"
- Shabazz at the corner of Victory Drive and MLK. Come strapped. (That means arm yourself with a weapon, preferably a firearm.)
Second Runner-up:
"Regarding the comments about rude people and obesity, I am unusually thin and face comments almost daily. I've been accused of being on drugs, being anorexic or dying of a disease. How we feel about ourselves should not be based on comments but should come from within."
- I hope you wear heavy shoes because a stiff breeze might blow you away. Ha ha! Seriously though, kick the habit.
First Runner-up:
"Kiteboarders need some kind of certification. It is terribly dangerous for them and for the people below them in the water, not to mention the lifeguards who might be in danger because someone doesn't know what they are doing."
- Kiteboarding is also really gay.
And your Gem of the Week:
"Tybee's Pirate Fest is nothing more than an opportunity to drink and drink more. It has no class and no redeeming value for anybody, and is certainly not beneficial for Tybee Island."
- Who wouldn’t want to go to a party where guests dress up like pirates and get wasted? I just heard about Pirate Fest this year and I want to go. I’ll bet you have no friends. Loosen up, and most importantly: drink.
Happy Friday, everyone. Go Cadets!
Dishonorable Mention
"I hate 'Fabulous Football Friday' on WTOC. I don't know who any of these players are and I don't care. Sounds like it would be a great web cast program rather than taking away time from the news."
- I’m sure that WTOC is not the only channel you get unless, of course, you’re in jail. Watch something else.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Where do watermelons go in the wintertime? John Cougar's Melon Camp."
- This joke sucks.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Where have all the good girls gone? Why is there only half-naked, blaspheming pop tarts portrayed on television? Please re-pave this road with wholesome women."
- I sure do hate it when my Pop Tarts unwrap themselves and start blaspheming on television. Breakfast pastries shouldn’t behave that way.
Third Runner-up
"Can someone tell me where to find bean pies here in Savannah?"
- Shabazz at the corner of Victory Drive and MLK. Come strapped. (That means arm yourself with a weapon, preferably a firearm.)
Second Runner-up:
"Regarding the comments about rude people and obesity, I am unusually thin and face comments almost daily. I've been accused of being on drugs, being anorexic or dying of a disease. How we feel about ourselves should not be based on comments but should come from within."
- I hope you wear heavy shoes because a stiff breeze might blow you away. Ha ha! Seriously though, kick the habit.
First Runner-up:
"Kiteboarders need some kind of certification. It is terribly dangerous for them and for the people below them in the water, not to mention the lifeguards who might be in danger because someone doesn't know what they are doing."
- Kiteboarding is also really gay.
And your Gem of the Week:
"Tybee's Pirate Fest is nothing more than an opportunity to drink and drink more. It has no class and no redeeming value for anybody, and is certainly not beneficial for Tybee Island."
- Who wouldn’t want to go to a party where guests dress up like pirates and get wasted? I just heard about Pirate Fest this year and I want to go. I’ll bet you have no friends. Loosen up, and most importantly: drink.
Happy Friday, everyone. Go Cadets!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Tommy Tuberville
Here are some quotes taken from the ESPN front page. Yeah, nothing new, but I like it when the coaches talk about how ridiculous it is that NCAA football does not have playoffs.
"I've about had it with this playoff deal," Tuberville said after a lengthy, emotional argument for a playoff. "We all understand in our conference how tough it is. In our conference, that's about the only chance we'd have to make it. There is no reason on this earth why we can't have the best four and then play one more," Tuberville said. "That's the legitimate thing to do. We added a BCS game -- for what in the world? -- I understand we're avoiding lawsuits and making money. But let's take care of the players."
"The problem we have is you have 120 universities that are I-A and probably 25 would say they have a legitimate chance each year," he said. "And you have presidents that for some reason look at it more as for the money than having a national championship on the field. They keep coming up with lame excuses about academics. Football players miss fewer classes than anybody. Presidents take the money and go spend it, but they don't worry about the business of making it better," Tuberville said. "They keep coming up with excuses, yet we're playing [the national championship game] Jan. 8. It's hypocritical."
"I've about had it with this playoff deal," Tuberville said after a lengthy, emotional argument for a playoff. "We all understand in our conference how tough it is. In our conference, that's about the only chance we'd have to make it. There is no reason on this earth why we can't have the best four and then play one more," Tuberville said. "That's the legitimate thing to do. We added a BCS game -- for what in the world? -- I understand we're avoiding lawsuits and making money. But let's take care of the players."
"The problem we have is you have 120 universities that are I-A and probably 25 would say they have a legitimate chance each year," he said. "And you have presidents that for some reason look at it more as for the money than having a national championship on the field. They keep coming up with lame excuses about academics. Football players miss fewer classes than anybody. Presidents take the money and go spend it, but they don't worry about the business of making it better," Tuberville said. "They keep coming up with excuses, yet we're playing [the national championship game] Jan. 8. It's hypocritical."
Friday Night Lights
Behold, one of the best series premieres I have ever seen, and yes, I have seen quite a few. I probably watch more television than everyone on this blog combined, and for that reason, I originally was going to pass this one up. There's only so much use you can get out of cable. But then I started to see the commercials with review quotes calling it "fantastic," "amazing," and even "the best pilot I've ever seen." And after watching it, I think I have to agree with these statements.Unfortunately, I have not seen the movie yet, but I'm learning that it is very similar in style to the show. So if you've seen the movie and liked it, this has to be an automatic. A lot of the actors improvise their lines, and with the way it's shot, it feels like you're watching the real thing. Nothing is phony or forced. If you liked the use of music in the movie, they use the same band here, too, and it's the best use of music in a show or movie that I've ever seen.
If I summarized the plot of the episode you would think it's unoriginal and nothing special. That's not the point, though. It's all in how they put it together with the editing, the direction, the acting, and the music. If the rest of the season maintains the quality of the first episode, it will go down as one of the best series ever on television. You can either watch it on www.nbc.com, or catch the rebroadcast tonight at 8:00.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Milton Friedman on Limited Government
This man nails just about everything I've ever tried to argue about economics/politics in less than 30 minutes. The interview is from the 70s, but this makes it even better because his views were considered so out of the mainstream then, and his message is just as relevant, if not more so, now than it was 30 years ago. | |
Don't buy Nigerian bulldogs.
Replying to a classified ad on SavannahNow, Mindy Gorman unearthed the latest internet scam involving English bulldogs being shipped to the US from Nigeria. The ad claimed the dogs were free to adopt, but required $500 for shipping. Funds were ordered to be transferred to Lagos, Nigeria via Western Union. Of course, the dogs are never shipped because they don't exist. Ms. Gorman did not follow through with the sale, but another victim lost $900 to this same scam.It baffles me that people fall for things like this. The article goes on to describe how to keep safe from online auction fraud and how to avoid snake oil salesmen.
http://new.savannahnow.com/node/148535
Sunday, October 01, 2006
October Outlook
1. Georgia. For the first time since my freshman year here ('01), Tennessee should be the clear favorite for Saturday night. This is probably a good thing. Since I'm already assuming the "built-in" loss we'll have against Florida, we need the upset this weekend. The last time we played the Vols here at night, Brian Friedenberg got on Sportscenter while hanging from the east endzone goalposts. While that probably won't happen again, Charlie Webber is coming up so things ought to still be interesting. He says he plans on wearing his Klu Klux Klan costume up here so he can offend the 9 black people that live in Athens. 
2. BC. Even though the Cadets will be demolished by 4th-ranked Thomson this Friday, they still have a decent shot at making this a winning month. Hephzibah, South Effingham, and Richmond Hill all make for relatively tolerable opponents. As usual, the Homecoming game on the 27th against the Wildcats is required attendance for all members of BMBS nation. While the Herndon Honeymoon may be over, and things haven't gone as pleasantly as seasons have under previous first-year BC coaches (think Walsh in '70, Brackett in '95), this team may still be poised for a small turnaround. 
3. Midterm Elections. Gas prices have dropped a considerable amount since August, but they probably won't drop much more. Bush is back in the 40s because of renewed focus on terrorist threats and the cheaper gas, but it's virtually impossible for him to get any higher with Iraq dampening everything. The economy is the best it's been in years, but it's not reported on the front page. If failures in Iraq and emails to 16-year old boys dominate the headlines for the next 5 weeks, which they likely will, we're screwed. At this point the best bet for Republicans may be to cut out the photo immediately above, make copies, and use them as Halloween masks.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Don't put that in your mouth!
As of today, two Chatham County women have died after eating raw oysters. Evidently there is a type of microorganism that can kill you if you don't have a healthy immune system. The report stated that both women had "seriously comprimised" immune systems. The oysters are believed to have come from the Gulf of Mexico.
Here's the link to the story on SavannahNow:
http://new.savannahnow.com/node/146550
Here's the link to the story on SavannahNow:
http://new.savannahnow.com/node/146550
10 Weeks of Purgatory, Week 4
The Cadets (0-3) begin their AAA schedule tonight in Augusta, with their first win of the season over Butler High (0-4).
Prediction: BC - 31
Butler - 21
Prediction: BC - 31
Butler - 21
Vox Populi: Gems of the Week
This was a ho-hum week for Vox Populi. Last week kind of spoiled us. Here you go, folks. Enjoy.
Notable Mention:
"Who had the nerve to cut Judge Judy's television program in half?"
- This call probably came from a nursing home. I feel bad for old people; there’s no good TV on during the day.
Notable Mention:
"Congratulations, Georgia Bulldogs. You're 4 and 0, just as I expected."
- I will post every submission about the Georgia Bulldogs I see.
Notable Mention:
"Steve Spurrier, would you like some cheese to go with that whine? Go Dawgs."
- I can picture this in my mind. This message was slurred into a cell phone in the Coaches Corner parking lot around 2:30am. Good stuff.
Dishonorable Mention:
"I will be voting against any incumbent on any ballot until every single person in office right now is out of office."
- Sweet.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Another weekday morning, and I'll be late because train cars are blocking President Street again. When is the City Council going to get some backbone and pass an ordinance prohibiting this during rush hour?"
- There’s your first mistake: looking to the government for help. Why not just write the train company yourself? "No way. That would mean I'd have to do stuff."
Third Runner-up:
"After the SPLOST voter turnout, I am more convinced than ever that the people of Chatham County are both ignorant and lazy."
- You could have figured that out just by reading Vox Populi.
Second Runner-up:
"The pond at Montgomery Crossroads and Truman Parkway could be made into a very beautiful site with very little money and a little labor."
- That pond is there for drainage, you dumbass. For the past couple weeks, callers have been complaining that the scenery around the Truman and Chatham Parkways is not very pretty. Here’s an idea for the Vox contributors: instead of looking around at the pretty scenery, watch where you’re going. I’ll bet money that the same people calling in to complain about the scenery are the same assholes switching lanes without looking and going 35 in the left lane.
First Runner-up:
"Someone else had a bad experience at a Savannah hospital. The noise where I stayed was awful. There was no consideration for the patient to recover. The doctor wondered why I wanted to leave and go home. It was too stressful being in the hospital. Please nurses and staff, have a bit of kindness for the patient."
- Listen, you’re not at the fucking Hilton, you’re at a HOSPITAL. It’s not the staff’s job to make you comfortable. Furthermore, I’ll bet this person just went to the hospital for a hangnail or diarrhea or something stupid like that. “It was too stressful being in the hospital.” Shut up.
And your Gem of the Week:
"A kayak is an irresponsible place to drink beer."
- Too true. It’s near impossible to stand up and take a leak.
Happy Friday, everyone.
Notable Mention:
"Who had the nerve to cut Judge Judy's television program in half?"
- This call probably came from a nursing home. I feel bad for old people; there’s no good TV on during the day.
Notable Mention:
"Congratulations, Georgia Bulldogs. You're 4 and 0, just as I expected."
- I will post every submission about the Georgia Bulldogs I see.
Notable Mention:
"Steve Spurrier, would you like some cheese to go with that whine? Go Dawgs."
- I can picture this in my mind. This message was slurred into a cell phone in the Coaches Corner parking lot around 2:30am. Good stuff.
Dishonorable Mention:
"I will be voting against any incumbent on any ballot until every single person in office right now is out of office."
- Sweet.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Another weekday morning, and I'll be late because train cars are blocking President Street again. When is the City Council going to get some backbone and pass an ordinance prohibiting this during rush hour?"
- There’s your first mistake: looking to the government for help. Why not just write the train company yourself? "No way. That would mean I'd have to do stuff."
Third Runner-up:
"After the SPLOST voter turnout, I am more convinced than ever that the people of Chatham County are both ignorant and lazy."
- You could have figured that out just by reading Vox Populi.
Second Runner-up:
"The pond at Montgomery Crossroads and Truman Parkway could be made into a very beautiful site with very little money and a little labor."
- That pond is there for drainage, you dumbass. For the past couple weeks, callers have been complaining that the scenery around the Truman and Chatham Parkways is not very pretty. Here’s an idea for the Vox contributors: instead of looking around at the pretty scenery, watch where you’re going. I’ll bet money that the same people calling in to complain about the scenery are the same assholes switching lanes without looking and going 35 in the left lane.
First Runner-up:
"Someone else had a bad experience at a Savannah hospital. The noise where I stayed was awful. There was no consideration for the patient to recover. The doctor wondered why I wanted to leave and go home. It was too stressful being in the hospital. Please nurses and staff, have a bit of kindness for the patient."
- Listen, you’re not at the fucking Hilton, you’re at a HOSPITAL. It’s not the staff’s job to make you comfortable. Furthermore, I’ll bet this person just went to the hospital for a hangnail or diarrhea or something stupid like that. “It was too stressful being in the hospital.” Shut up.
And your Gem of the Week:
"A kayak is an irresponsible place to drink beer."
- Too true. It’s near impossible to stand up and take a leak.
Happy Friday, everyone.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Blue Horseshoe Loves Delta Airlines
Full disclosure: Patrick recently bought and now owns 625 shares of Delta Airlines common stock. Any advice Patrick gives should be taken at one's own risk. Patrick has been known to make bad stock picks over the years, so you should take anything he says with a grain of salt. Either way, get ready for another long, boring post.
America is back. Despite a recession, the most disastrous attack on U.S. soil in history, 2 wars, and a tripling of oil prices, the American economy and stock market continues one of the most robust expansions ever. The Dow will probably hit a record high for the first time in 6 years either this week or next.
The Dow nears an all-time high; Delta looks like a buy
Now, I won't delve too deeply into the really technical boring stuff (actually, yes I will), but to be fair the bond market is predicting a recession some time next year. The reason is because the Fed probably kept interest rates too low for too long, precipitating an unsustainable boom in housing. This means these real estate "malinvestments" (investments which originally were thought to be profitable but turned out not to be) have to be liquidated, freeing up capital so it can be channeled to what is truly the most profitable use. The effects of this process of capital reallocation is the fundamental cause of recession. Workers in the overinvested sector have to be laid off, orders drop off, etc. It's a necessary, temporary correction in a cycle caused by the central bank that must be allowed to run its course. The best medicine government can offer during recession is no medicine.
I know none of ya'll give a damn about all the crap I just said, but the bottom line is this: the economy will probably slow somewhat next year, as bad real estate investments are washed out. The severity of this slowdown will depend on just how much of a correction there will have to be. People like TC know 100 times more about the answer to this question than me, but, because it's real estate, I don't think things are going to get that bad. By its very nature, real estate is a very stable sector, and things are more apt to just taper off instead of fall dramatically like during the volatile '99-'00 tech bubble. Plus, gas prices are falling and inflation is in check, so this may help soften the blow.
It's usually a good idea to put in nice, feel-good illustrations to help break up long posts into managable, bite-size pieces.
Anyway, for my money gang, right now I would buy Delta Airlines (symbol DALRQ). I sold every stock I owned today and bought in at $1.45 per share. The company is expected to emerge next spring from bankruptcy, and if gas prices continue to retreat going into the holiday season, and Delta continues to pick up the slack left from smaller carriers like AirTran and JetBlue who have dropped many of their transcontinental routes, I don't see any reason why this stock won't triple by year end. This way you can ride the traditional year-end rally, and if things do turn sour next year, you'll still have a substantially undervalued stock that can only go higher. It's so ridiculously cheap, you can't really get hurt anyway.
I guess my main point is that 5 years after a recession and demoralizing terrorist attacks, free-market capitalism continues to be the best path to prosperity, and it always wins in the end. No amount of terrorist threats from Al-Qaeda, no amount of militant posturing from Iran or Venezuela, and no amount of overburdensome government spending/intervention can stifle its beneficial forces. Here's to Dow 12,000!
America is back. Despite a recession, the most disastrous attack on U.S. soil in history, 2 wars, and a tripling of oil prices, the American economy and stock market continues one of the most robust expansions ever. The Dow will probably hit a record high for the first time in 6 years either this week or next.
The Dow nears an all-time high; Delta looks like a buy
Now, I won't delve too deeply into the really technical boring stuff (actually, yes I will), but to be fair the bond market is predicting a recession some time next year. The reason is because the Fed probably kept interest rates too low for too long, precipitating an unsustainable boom in housing. This means these real estate "malinvestments" (investments which originally were thought to be profitable but turned out not to be) have to be liquidated, freeing up capital so it can be channeled to what is truly the most profitable use. The effects of this process of capital reallocation is the fundamental cause of recession. Workers in the overinvested sector have to be laid off, orders drop off, etc. It's a necessary, temporary correction in a cycle caused by the central bank that must be allowed to run its course. The best medicine government can offer during recession is no medicine.
I know none of ya'll give a damn about all the crap I just said, but the bottom line is this: the economy will probably slow somewhat next year, as bad real estate investments are washed out. The severity of this slowdown will depend on just how much of a correction there will have to be. People like TC know 100 times more about the answer to this question than me, but, because it's real estate, I don't think things are going to get that bad. By its very nature, real estate is a very stable sector, and things are more apt to just taper off instead of fall dramatically like during the volatile '99-'00 tech bubble. Plus, gas prices are falling and inflation is in check, so this may help soften the blow.
It's usually a good idea to put in nice, feel-good illustrations to help break up long posts into managable, bite-size pieces.
Anyway, for my money gang, right now I would buy Delta Airlines (symbol DALRQ). I sold every stock I owned today and bought in at $1.45 per share. The company is expected to emerge next spring from bankruptcy, and if gas prices continue to retreat going into the holiday season, and Delta continues to pick up the slack left from smaller carriers like AirTran and JetBlue who have dropped many of their transcontinental routes, I don't see any reason why this stock won't triple by year end. This way you can ride the traditional year-end rally, and if things do turn sour next year, you'll still have a substantially undervalued stock that can only go higher. It's so ridiculously cheap, you can't really get hurt anyway.
I guess my main point is that 5 years after a recession and demoralizing terrorist attacks, free-market capitalism continues to be the best path to prosperity, and it always wins in the end. No amount of terrorist threats from Al-Qaeda, no amount of militant posturing from Iran or Venezuela, and no amount of overburdensome government spending/intervention can stifle its beneficial forces. Here's to Dow 12,000!
News
Only in America does Screech's sex tape get out and the most popular pro athlete attempt suicide on the same day.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
BC vs. Butler
I was just trying to get a count of who is staying with me and for what nights this weekend. I think that I promised Ryan and Will the "pull-outs" so everyone else can either sleep in a chair, bring a sleeping bag and I might have a blow up matress but I will have to check. We have this MCG thing from 7-10 at a bar in the Surrey center. There will be free drinks, so I may want to leave the BC game early. I am allowed to bring one guest but anyone else who wants to come will be able to get in because I can get someone from my class to claim you as a guest. Just let me know if any of you want to do that as well, but just remember that will require leaving the game a little early. Post what you want to do in the comments section or call me.
Condi responds to Slick Willie
In response to Pat's YouTube Clinton post below, Condi Rice spoke with the NY Post and rebutted most of what Clinton had to say.
Monday, September 25, 2006
"Hit-Job"
Boy, am I glad I found out how to use Youtube on here.
For years on numerous appearances on tough talk shows like Larry King, 20/20, and 60 Minutes, Bill Clinton would always face a relentless slew of grilling questions like "how's your wife doing?," "how's your charity work going?," "do you miss being President?," and "do you think the country is better or worse since you left office?"
But yesterday's conversation on Fox News Sunday was a little different. And by different, I mean it's the first time I think I've ever seen someone actually interview Clinton. Things got ugly when anchor Chris Wallace dared to ask Clinton whether he'd thought he'd done all he could in his power to get Osama bin Laden. Unforunately, as this clip shows, we're not allowed to go there.
Some may call a question like that a "conservative hit-job" by the right-wing conspiracy's flagship network. I call it journalism.
For years on numerous appearances on tough talk shows like Larry King, 20/20, and 60 Minutes, Bill Clinton would always face a relentless slew of grilling questions like "how's your wife doing?," "how's your charity work going?," "do you miss being President?," and "do you think the country is better or worse since you left office?"
But yesterday's conversation on Fox News Sunday was a little different. And by different, I mean it's the first time I think I've ever seen someone actually interview Clinton. Things got ugly when anchor Chris Wallace dared to ask Clinton whether he'd thought he'd done all he could in his power to get Osama bin Laden. Unforunately, as this clip shows, we're not allowed to go there.
Some may call a question like that a "conservative hit-job" by the right-wing conspiracy's flagship network. I call it journalism.
SNL Returns
A few reasons to watch the season premiere of Saturday Night Live this weekend:
- Though I am physically attracted to Tina Fey, one could argue her stint as head writer has brought the show down in recent years. She left to do a new show, 30 Rock, that actually looks pretty funny. The new head writer is Seth Meyers, so maybe he'll take the show into a good direction.
- The Killers will be playing, and after some statements this past weekend, I think it is safe to say that The Killers are strongly approved by the folks here at BMBS.
- It will be the best thing to watch when the Ole Miss game is over.
- Along with Tina Fey, other departures include Horatio Sanz and Rachel Dratch. The only real loss is Chris Parnell, who is one of my all-time favorite cast members.
Since it's not on YouTube, I can't put it here on the blog, but please watch this Digital Short from last season. It will make you very nervous and uncomfortable, but it's one of the funniest shorts they have done.
- Though I am physically attracted to Tina Fey, one could argue her stint as head writer has brought the show down in recent years. She left to do a new show, 30 Rock, that actually looks pretty funny. The new head writer is Seth Meyers, so maybe he'll take the show into a good direction.
- The Killers will be playing, and after some statements this past weekend, I think it is safe to say that The Killers are strongly approved by the folks here at BMBS.
- It will be the best thing to watch when the Ole Miss game is over.
- Along with Tina Fey, other departures include Horatio Sanz and Rachel Dratch. The only real loss is Chris Parnell, who is one of my all-time favorite cast members.
Since it's not on YouTube, I can't put it here on the blog, but please watch this Digital Short from last season. It will make you very nervous and uncomfortable, but it's one of the funniest shorts they have done.
E Pluribus Unum - Rocker Style
If John Rocker is commended for anything, it should be for pissing off yankee trash. Any time someone can make an uncultured group of people face the fact that they have no culture, it's a beautiful thing. Here he comes again. I do despise this hot interviewer, though. She's trying so hard to be the "hard-hitting journalist who scratched her way to the top and demands respect, I call it as I see it, this is me - take it or leave it." Loose bag.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Weekly Poll
Topic: The best album of 1983. Was it...
Thriller by Michael Jackson
-OR-
Murmur by R.E.M.
A tough one, at least for me.
Thriller by Michael Jackson
-OR-
Murmur by R.E.M.
A tough one, at least for me.
College Football Thoughts
While I am sitting around trying not to study, I figured that I should just post some random thoughts on this college football weekend.
-ABC Night Game. Ok, I have two questions. How long has college football been around, and how long has TV been around? Because it took that long for ABC to figure out that putting a Saturday night game on TV would be a big hit. I mean these guys are just straight retards. I have been saying for years that one of the networks should pick up one of the big games from the weekend and play it on Saturday night. With that said, I'm glad they've finally done this because it cuts down on the amount of channels that I have to flip between. And not to mention that the games have been pretty good. Last nights Notre Dame game is on the top of the list for most entertaining this season. Notre Dame should have had no chance down 16 with about 8 mintues or so left(not exactly sure how much time was left). That combined with the wind and rain made this game just straight silly.
-Speaking of silly, Georgia should have lost to one of the worst teams in college football yesterday. You had to see this coming. The entire week everyone was talking about another shutout for the defense and the dumbass mascots. I really don't think we are as bad as we looked yesterday on offense. We had some suspect play calling(very few run plays) and some dropped passes. It was cool for Cox to come in and save the game but I am really annoyed because I don't want to have to listen to the QB contraversy bullshit for another couple of weeks. It was Richt's play calling and the WRs that made Stafford look so bad. I think we can still beat UT in two weeks but we really need a starting QB
-I thought that Tech's throwback helmet and different shade of gold jerseys looked pretty good. I know this would probably won't happen but I think they should go to those more often. I am curious to know what Tech fans thought about them.
-
-ABC Night Game. Ok, I have two questions. How long has college football been around, and how long has TV been around? Because it took that long for ABC to figure out that putting a Saturday night game on TV would be a big hit. I mean these guys are just straight retards. I have been saying for years that one of the networks should pick up one of the big games from the weekend and play it on Saturday night. With that said, I'm glad they've finally done this because it cuts down on the amount of channels that I have to flip between. And not to mention that the games have been pretty good. Last nights Notre Dame game is on the top of the list for most entertaining this season. Notre Dame should have had no chance down 16 with about 8 mintues or so left(not exactly sure how much time was left). That combined with the wind and rain made this game just straight silly.
-Speaking of silly, Georgia should have lost to one of the worst teams in college football yesterday. You had to see this coming. The entire week everyone was talking about another shutout for the defense and the dumbass mascots. I really don't think we are as bad as we looked yesterday on offense. We had some suspect play calling(very few run plays) and some dropped passes. It was cool for Cox to come in and save the game but I am really annoyed because I don't want to have to listen to the QB contraversy bullshit for another couple of weeks. It was Richt's play calling and the WRs that made Stafford look so bad. I think we can still beat UT in two weeks but we really need a starting QB
-I thought that Tech's throwback helmet and different shade of gold jerseys looked pretty good. I know this would probably won't happen but I think they should go to those more often. I am curious to know what Tech fans thought about them.
-
Friday, September 22, 2006
10 Weeks of Hell, Week 3
Not really sure how this one will come down. Make no mistake, Windsor is the better team, but I think BC has improved enough over the last two weeks to hang with them. That having been said, just for the hell of it, I'll go ahead and predict an upset tonight.
Prediction:
BC - 27
Windsor - 24
Prediction:
BC - 27
Windsor - 24
Vox Populi: Gems of the Week
Holy mackerel. This was an outstanding week for Vox Populi in both quality and quantity. The last couple of weeks were kind of slow, but I literally had a week’s worth of material by Wednesday morning. I even threw in a few extras. The Voxians are back and better than ever, just look at these!
Dishonorable Mention:
"I would vote for a card-carrying Communist before I would vote for anyone calling themselves a Republican."
- Alliteration aside, everyone would be much happier if you just moved away. If you enjoy the idea of Communism so much, move to China.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Liberalism: When a president is appointed by a court and not elected by a people."
- I don’t really get this one. Is this guy trying to be funny? Is this a snarky jab at the President? Maybe one of our resident political analysts can field this one. I don’t get it.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Why is it called a space walk? I've only seen the astronauts floating around."
- Why is it called taking a dump if you’re not actually taking it anywhere?
Dishonorable Mention:
"Bring back the Ellen show."
- …
REALLY Dishonorable Mention:
"Savannah is a great tourist town with arts included, so why shouldn't we have a larger arena? The old civic center could be torn down and another lost square could be restored. Also, why not franchise a Planet Hollywood or Hard Rock Cafe downtown?"
- You son of a bitch. Yeah, let’s just go ahead and put a McDonalds in Forsyth Park and throw up a Wal-Mart on River Street. While we’re at it, we’ll build a water park in Fort Pulaski. It's bad enough Outback, Loco's and the like had to go and wedge themselves into some prime real estate downtown. Let's get all the major franchises in here so downtown Savannah can look like downtown Richmond Hill. Please just get the hell out of my city.
Third Runner-up:
"You won't stop terrorism by winning the war in Iraq. You stop terrorism by changing the way you do business in the world."
- Yeah, it’s our international business practices that are making fanatical Muslims blow things up and kill people. I’d better watch what I say though, or someone might put a jihad on us here at BMBS.
Second Runner-up:
"WTOC's Dawn Baker wears pretty purple suits. You go, girl."
- There’s been a rash of these lately. They all stem from a remark someone made a few weeks back about Jody Chapin’s hair looking “tussled” one evening. I didn’t pay it much attention at the time, but it brought about a smorgasbord of dumb comments. Anyway… you go on, Dawn Baker, wich-yo’ bad self!
First Runner-up:
"During the last storm, our newspaper was so wet my husband put it in the oven to dry. He almost burned the house down, and I had to borrow a paper from a neighbor so we could read it."
- You and your husband are completely retarded. I’m glad I’m not your neighbor. Can’t you just get off your lazy asses and get the paper if it’s getting rained on? No, because it has to be someone else’s fault. There has to be someone else to blame for the thunderstorm, the soggy paper, your idiot husband, and the fire that almost consumed your house. Next time, just stick your head in the oven.
And your Gem of the Week:
"Nobody don't care nothing about Jody Chapin's hair. I don't even watch the news."
- Simply stunning. My grammar checker went nuts with this one. This came out on Tuesday and I immediately knew I had a winner. Just look at it. Read it again. With the blatant ignorance and poor grammar, this is not just any gem; this is a diamond. Ladies and gentlemen, here is the first nominee for Gem of the Year.
Happy Friday, everyone.
Dishonorable Mention:
"I would vote for a card-carrying Communist before I would vote for anyone calling themselves a Republican."
- Alliteration aside, everyone would be much happier if you just moved away. If you enjoy the idea of Communism so much, move to China.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Liberalism: When a president is appointed by a court and not elected by a people."
- I don’t really get this one. Is this guy trying to be funny? Is this a snarky jab at the President? Maybe one of our resident political analysts can field this one. I don’t get it.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Why is it called a space walk? I've only seen the astronauts floating around."
- Why is it called taking a dump if you’re not actually taking it anywhere?
Dishonorable Mention:
"Bring back the Ellen show."
- …
REALLY Dishonorable Mention:
"Savannah is a great tourist town with arts included, so why shouldn't we have a larger arena? The old civic center could be torn down and another lost square could be restored. Also, why not franchise a Planet Hollywood or Hard Rock Cafe downtown?"
- You son of a bitch. Yeah, let’s just go ahead and put a McDonalds in Forsyth Park and throw up a Wal-Mart on River Street. While we’re at it, we’ll build a water park in Fort Pulaski. It's bad enough Outback, Loco's and the like had to go and wedge themselves into some prime real estate downtown. Let's get all the major franchises in here so downtown Savannah can look like downtown Richmond Hill. Please just get the hell out of my city.
Third Runner-up:
"You won't stop terrorism by winning the war in Iraq. You stop terrorism by changing the way you do business in the world."
- Yeah, it’s our international business practices that are making fanatical Muslims blow things up and kill people. I’d better watch what I say though, or someone might put a jihad on us here at BMBS.
Second Runner-up:
"WTOC's Dawn Baker wears pretty purple suits. You go, girl."
- There’s been a rash of these lately. They all stem from a remark someone made a few weeks back about Jody Chapin’s hair looking “tussled” one evening. I didn’t pay it much attention at the time, but it brought about a smorgasbord of dumb comments. Anyway… you go on, Dawn Baker, wich-yo’ bad self!
First Runner-up:
"During the last storm, our newspaper was so wet my husband put it in the oven to dry. He almost burned the house down, and I had to borrow a paper from a neighbor so we could read it."
- You and your husband are completely retarded. I’m glad I’m not your neighbor. Can’t you just get off your lazy asses and get the paper if it’s getting rained on? No, because it has to be someone else’s fault. There has to be someone else to blame for the thunderstorm, the soggy paper, your idiot husband, and the fire that almost consumed your house. Next time, just stick your head in the oven.
And your Gem of the Week:
"Nobody don't care nothing about Jody Chapin's hair. I don't even watch the news."
- Simply stunning. My grammar checker went nuts with this one. This came out on Tuesday and I immediately knew I had a winner. Just look at it. Read it again. With the blatant ignorance and poor grammar, this is not just any gem; this is a diamond. Ladies and gentlemen, here is the first nominee for Gem of the Year.
Happy Friday, everyone.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Blinner
I have to tell you, today's been a pretty good day. The Braves signed Bob Wickman through 2007. The Office and Survivor are coming on tonight. There's a giant hole in the Map Library across the street where some lush accordioned his car right through the brick wall (wood slats were put up post-crash).
But the best news may also be the worst news...for our guts. Looks like every red-blooded American's dream is coming true: McDonald's is on the verge of making its breakfast menu available all day long. No more sucking up and having to deal with those foul little onions on hamburgers at 10:35 am. And Krystal is shaking in its boots knowing that the late-night college drunks will take a sausage-egg-& cheese McGriddle over a chili cheese Krystal in a blocked-up heartbeat.
SMN: Letter to the Editor 9/21/06
This was run in today's edition of the Savannah Morning News.
Little difference between Dems and GOP 'RINOs'
I am a conservative who is disappointed with Congress' performance. What happened to fiscal responsibility and less government? Is controlling borders and illegal immigration incongruent with conservative ideology?
With elections coming up, what is a conservative to do? The candidates offered by the Republicans represent my views in word, but in action do the opposite; the candidates offered by the Democrats do not represent my views. If there was a valid third party I would vote for it.
Many conservatives will stay home and not vote, but since turnout is low already the message sent may be misunderstood. If you are frustrated and want to send a message, then do it. Go to the polls and in the "write in" box vote for "true conservative." The message will be clear and either the Republicans will respond or a third party will fill the void.
The argument against this is that Democrats could control Congress. While this has merit, we must ask ourselves what is the difference between Republicans in Name Only (RINOs) and Democrats?
Answer? Not much.
JERRY BRADDY
Savannah
Little difference between Dems and GOP 'RINOs'
I am a conservative who is disappointed with Congress' performance. What happened to fiscal responsibility and less government? Is controlling borders and illegal immigration incongruent with conservative ideology?
With elections coming up, what is a conservative to do? The candidates offered by the Republicans represent my views in word, but in action do the opposite; the candidates offered by the Democrats do not represent my views. If there was a valid third party I would vote for it.
Many conservatives will stay home and not vote, but since turnout is low already the message sent may be misunderstood. If you are frustrated and want to send a message, then do it. Go to the polls and in the "write in" box vote for "true conservative." The message will be clear and either the Republicans will respond or a third party will fill the void.
The argument against this is that Democrats could control Congress. While this has merit, we must ask ourselves what is the difference between Republicans in Name Only (RINOs) and Democrats?
Answer? Not much.
JERRY BRADDY
Savannah
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Sooner Blues
If any of you have watched ESPN, read sports websites, or listened to sports radio since this weekend, you know all about the Oregon-Oklahoma debacle. I'm really burned out on it, which I know is my fault, since I could easily turn the channel or not read about it. But I do spend quite a lot of time on the internet at work and with ESPN on at home, and after the constant bombardment, I have come to my own semi-informed solution to this problem.
First, I realize that if this call had been made against Georgia, I would also be an angry fan. Maybe I'd even find the ref's phone number and threaten to kill his family, since college football is that serious. While I was watching that choch of a show, Around the Horn, I heard ol' Granddaddy Choch himself - Woody Paige - make a sad, yet accurate statement. He said instead of just suspending the refs or erasing the game from OU's record, the voters should reward Oklahoma and bump them up in the poll. I guess that's fair, since the completely subjective and meaningless system will take OU to a bowl game that means nothing anyway.
But my main problem is with the coach whining about how his team didn't get to feel the accomplishment of victory. Hey, if your team were really that deserving of the win, they would have scored at least another touchdown or field goal before that kick.
First, I realize that if this call had been made against Georgia, I would also be an angry fan. Maybe I'd even find the ref's phone number and threaten to kill his family, since college football is that serious. While I was watching that choch of a show, Around the Horn, I heard ol' Granddaddy Choch himself - Woody Paige - make a sad, yet accurate statement. He said instead of just suspending the refs or erasing the game from OU's record, the voters should reward Oklahoma and bump them up in the poll. I guess that's fair, since the completely subjective and meaningless system will take OU to a bowl game that means nothing anyway.
But my main problem is with the coach whining about how his team didn't get to feel the accomplishment of victory. Hey, if your team were really that deserving of the win, they would have scored at least another touchdown or field goal before that kick.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Pope asked to convert to Islam
Tripoli - The elder son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has called on Pope Benedict XVI to convert to Islam immediately, dismissing last week's apology from the pontiff for offending Muslims.
"If this person were really someone reasonable, he would not agree to remain at his post one minute, but would convert to Islam immediately," Mohammed Gaddafi told an awards ceremony on Monday evening for an international competition to memorise the Qur'an.
"We say to the pope - whether you apologise or not is irrelevant, as apologies make no difference to us."
Gaddafi junior also hit out at "those Muslims who look for comfort in the words of a non-Muslim".
He said Muslims "should not look for charity from the infidel... but should fight Islam's enemies who attack the faith and the Prophet Muhammad".
Sounds reasonable enough to me.
"If this person were really someone reasonable, he would not agree to remain at his post one minute, but would convert to Islam immediately," Mohammed Gaddafi told an awards ceremony on Monday evening for an international competition to memorise the Qur'an.
"We say to the pope - whether you apologise or not is irrelevant, as apologies make no difference to us."
Gaddafi junior also hit out at "those Muslims who look for comfort in the words of a non-Muslim".
He said Muslims "should not look for charity from the infidel... but should fight Islam's enemies who attack the faith and the Prophet Muhammad".
Sounds reasonable enough to me.
No ID? No Problem!
This comes dangerously close to being a political post by me, which we all know would be almost as credible as when Stephen pops off about how Catholics should behave. I just wanted to get everyone's take on the judge voiding the law that would require people in Georgia to have photo identification when they vote.
My favorite argument against the law is that it "disenfranchises poor, elderly and minority voters who are less likely to have a driver's license or other valid government-issued photo ID." Ah, yes, the same crowd who vote for people like this judge to ensure their leech-like lifestyle is supported by such mealy-mouthed, soulless politicking.
My favorite argument against the law is that it "disenfranchises poor, elderly and minority voters who are less likely to have a driver's license or other valid government-issued photo ID." Ah, yes, the same crowd who vote for people like this judge to ensure their leech-like lifestyle is supported by such mealy-mouthed, soulless politicking.
Monday, September 18, 2006
We Are At War
Just to expand on Michael's earlier post, here's a partial list of all that has happened over the last 2 days in response to the Pope's statements. Hat tip to Larry Kudlow's blog, from which I am copying all of this:
- Islamic gunmen murdered an Italian nun as she walked home from the children's hospital where she worked in Mogadishu. A leading Islamic cleric in the Somali capital told worshippers at a mosque that, “Whoever offends our Prophet Mohammed should be killed on the spot by the nearest Muslim.”
- Islamic protestors have set fire to Christian churches (at least 7 so far). A group calling itself the Islamic Organization of the Swords of Righteousness attacked the oldest church in Gaza City with gunfire and a grenade. In the West Bank, gunmen threw Molotov cocktails at four churches of different denominations. Gunmen opened fire inside an empty Catholic church after the building's entrance door was burnt down.
- Protestors have burnt German, American and Israeli flags in the streets, and called Pope Benedict XVI “Hitler” while torching his effigy.
- Outside of Westminster Cathedral in London, an Islamic extremist leader told a demonstration that the Pope should face execution. He added, "Whoever insults the message of Mohammed is going to be subject to capital punishment." (This is the same guy who organized demonstrations against the publication of Danish cartoons of Mohammed where Muslim protesters carried signs declaring "Behead Those Who Insult Islam".)
- The Mujahideen Shura Council (an Al-Qaeda group), released a statement saying "[The Pope] and the West are doomed as you can see from the defeat in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and elsewhere. ... We will break up the cross, spill the liquor and impose head tax, then the only thing acceptable is a conversion (to Islam) or (killed by) the sword."
Religion of Peace.
- Islamic gunmen murdered an Italian nun as she walked home from the children's hospital where she worked in Mogadishu. A leading Islamic cleric in the Somali capital told worshippers at a mosque that, “Whoever offends our Prophet Mohammed should be killed on the spot by the nearest Muslim.”
- Islamic protestors have set fire to Christian churches (at least 7 so far). A group calling itself the Islamic Organization of the Swords of Righteousness attacked the oldest church in Gaza City with gunfire and a grenade. In the West Bank, gunmen threw Molotov cocktails at four churches of different denominations. Gunmen opened fire inside an empty Catholic church after the building's entrance door was burnt down.
- Protestors have burnt German, American and Israeli flags in the streets, and called Pope Benedict XVI “Hitler” while torching his effigy.
- Outside of Westminster Cathedral in London, an Islamic extremist leader told a demonstration that the Pope should face execution. He added, "Whoever insults the message of Mohammed is going to be subject to capital punishment." (This is the same guy who organized demonstrations against the publication of Danish cartoons of Mohammed where Muslim protesters carried signs declaring "Behead Those Who Insult Islam".)
- The Mujahideen Shura Council (an Al-Qaeda group), released a statement saying "[The Pope] and the West are doomed as you can see from the defeat in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya and elsewhere. ... We will break up the cross, spill the liquor and impose head tax, then the only thing acceptable is a conversion (to Islam) or (killed by) the sword."
Religion of Peace.
Wow, what a bunch of fucking hypocrites
First they get pissed when the pope quotes a 14th century emperor.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached," Benedict quoted.
Then muslims get pissed at this and say:
"We tell the worshipper of the cross (the Pope) that you and the West will be defeated, as is the case in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya," said an Internet statement by the Mujahideen Shura Council, an umbrella group led by Iraq's branch of al Qaeda, according to the Reuters news agency.
"We shall break the cross and spill the wine. ... God will (help) Muslims to conquer Rome. ... God enable us to slit their throats, and make their money and descendants the bounty of the mujahideen," said the statement.
Ok, so you get pissed when someone says you try to spread your ideas by killing people by... saying you will kill people. Instead of apologizing, the pope should have just said thanks for having his point made.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached," Benedict quoted.
Then muslims get pissed at this and say:
"We tell the worshipper of the cross (the Pope) that you and the West will be defeated, as is the case in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya," said an Internet statement by the Mujahideen Shura Council, an umbrella group led by Iraq's branch of al Qaeda, according to the Reuters news agency.
"We shall break the cross and spill the wine. ... God will (help) Muslims to conquer Rome. ... God enable us to slit their throats, and make their money and descendants the bounty of the mujahideen," said the statement.
Ok, so you get pissed when someone says you try to spread your ideas by killing people by... saying you will kill people. Instead of apologizing, the pope should have just said thanks for having his point made.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
We're Number Seven!
One of the many great things about going to school here is being able to enjoy that initial month-long period in the season where we slowly climb the top 10 while the other good teams kill each other off. This period almost always comes to an end in mid-to late October, so let's enjoy it while we can.
Anyway, as a tribute to Erk Russell, check out this clip from the late 70s of James Brown's halftime performance at the Gator Bowl with the Redcoat Band.
Anyway, as a tribute to Erk Russell, check out this clip from the late 70s of James Brown's halftime performance at the Gator Bowl with the Redcoat Band.
"Mr. Conservative"
Tomorrow night at 9, HBO is airing a documentary on Barry Goldwater, the most influential losing presidential candidate of the 20th century. His libertarian ideas are sorely missed today. Check out the preview here.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Today is the 2nd best day of the year!
That's right BMBS, today is the half way point to St. Patrick's day! Only six more months until Will falls into another azalea bush. I know Mayor Ottis just can't wait!
To mark this glorious occasion, a few members of the BMBS nation will retrace their annual steps down the parade route. After a long of day of drinking Miller Lite, eating ham sandwiches, and watching college football, what better way to top off the night than to make that exhilarating turn off of Bay and onto Bull for the home stretch. All are welcome to join.
Disclaimer:
Crackers are NOT allowed to join in this momentous memorial procession. (A Cracker; One not having Savannah roots, not Roman Catholic, or whose first name is not one of a Christian Saint. Ex; Caleb, Taylor, Kyle, McWhorter, et al.)
Friday, September 15, 2006
10 Weeks of Hell, Episode #2
SMN reports that Groves and BC will "try to avoid a nailbiter" tonight. That won't be a problem.
Prediction:
Groves - 34
BC - 14
Only 9 more weeks left!!
Prediction:
Groves - 34
BC - 14
Only 9 more weeks left!!
Vox Populi: Gems of the Week
I had to dig for these. Are the Voxians getting smarter? Doubtful. Here's the Gems of the Week!
Dishonorable Mention:
"Why is it the people too cheap to have an answering machine are always the ones getting involved in church, business and community activities? People must call them endlessly, only to find no one home. Please have some consideration for your fellow human beings."
- I hate this person.
Third Runner-up:
"My five brothers and myself were all given the paddle back in high school, and we turned out okay."
- Maybe you didn’t turn out as okay as you think. The proper way to say or write that phrase is, “my five brothers and I.” Let it be said that BMBS supports both good grammar and paddling in schools.
Second Runner-up:
"This morning my newspaper was so squashed and wrinkled, I had to get the ironing board out just to read it."
- Ironing the newspaper?! How ruthlessly absurd! That’s just plain ridiculous! You don’t iron newspapers, you iron clothes! You’re crazy!
First Runner-up:
Everyone wants to blame fast-food restaurants for kids being obese. I think it is all those sugary cereals they eat.”
- Yeah, your kid weighs 300 pounds and it’s all Count Chocula’s fault. Kids are fat these days because no one makes them go outside. They just sit in front of an Xbox all day and dip their fat little fingers in ranch dressing. Go outside, fatty.
And your Gem of the Week:
"Regarding the videotape trying to urge Americans to convert to Islam, I am an American menopausal woman, and I will not wear a burka for any man or religion."
- Ew. You could’ve just said you were an older woman, but you went the extra mile there. Gross.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Why is it the people too cheap to have an answering machine are always the ones getting involved in church, business and community activities? People must call them endlessly, only to find no one home. Please have some consideration for your fellow human beings."
- I hate this person.
Third Runner-up:
"My five brothers and myself were all given the paddle back in high school, and we turned out okay."
- Maybe you didn’t turn out as okay as you think. The proper way to say or write that phrase is, “my five brothers and I.” Let it be said that BMBS supports both good grammar and paddling in schools.
Second Runner-up:
"This morning my newspaper was so squashed and wrinkled, I had to get the ironing board out just to read it."
- Ironing the newspaper?! How ruthlessly absurd! That’s just plain ridiculous! You don’t iron newspapers, you iron clothes! You’re crazy!
First Runner-up:
Everyone wants to blame fast-food restaurants for kids being obese. I think it is all those sugary cereals they eat.”
- Yeah, your kid weighs 300 pounds and it’s all Count Chocula’s fault. Kids are fat these days because no one makes them go outside. They just sit in front of an Xbox all day and dip their fat little fingers in ranch dressing. Go outside, fatty.
And your Gem of the Week:
"Regarding the videotape trying to urge Americans to convert to Islam, I am an American menopausal woman, and I will not wear a burka for any man or religion."
- Ew. You could’ve just said you were an older woman, but you went the extra mile there. Gross.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Thank Allah
there is other people in this great, bed-wetting nation who don't want that psycho president of Iran to come into our country.
Air America Crashes
Don't count on The New York Times to report this one.
In all honesty, I didn't think these guys would make it for as long as they did, so good for them. But seriously, isn't it awful that, at a time when BOTH houses and the presidency are occupied by Republicans, and with public anger against Washington at near all-time highs, this network still couldn't get ratings?
Many on the left will now cry that there's nothing to "balance out" the views of Rush, Hannity or Fox News. They're right, so long as you don't count CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, PBS, Bill Maher, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Saturday Night Live, The LA Times, The New York Times, The Washington Post, just about any movie Hollywood makes, and just about all University campuses.
In all honesty, I didn't think these guys would make it for as long as they did, so good for them. But seriously, isn't it awful that, at a time when BOTH houses and the presidency are occupied by Republicans, and with public anger against Washington at near all-time highs, this network still couldn't get ratings?
Many on the left will now cry that there's nothing to "balance out" the views of Rush, Hannity or Fox News. They're right, so long as you don't count CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, PBS, Bill Maher, The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Saturday Night Live, The LA Times, The New York Times, The Washington Post, just about any movie Hollywood makes, and just about all University campuses.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Declining Greed?
Gas prices are down nearly a third from their peak in early August. I guess this means the big evil oil executives are 33% less greedy than they were 6 weeks ago.
19 Reasons Not To Vote For Jack Kingston
A few months ago there were 19 amendments proposed before the House floor that would have elimated pork projects from various appropriation bills. Guess who voted against all 19? Our so-called conservative congressman (you can check out how all 435 members voted here).
Now I've worked for this guy, and he's a nice guy. Everyone knows that. But then again, it's his job to be nice, or else he wouldn't be in power. Saying you really like your congressman simply because he's a nice guy is like saying you really like the girl at McDonald's because she gives you hamburgers when you give her money.
Kingston is also a staunch defender of the War or Terror. But guess what, that's not hard to do in a red state. This is the equivalent of saying you support Sonny Perdue because he's a staunch defender of the Georgia Bulldogs.
It's time Kingston put his money where his mouth is and start voting against massive pork projects and farm subsidies. Please stop taking our money and spending it on useless stuff like new CAT bus stations that no one will use, or on extravagant subsidies for inefficient farmers who can't compete in the marketplace. Thanks for giving me that nice little line I can use on future resumes, but you're not getting my vote in 2 months.
I know you like to speak at Clan Na Erin breakfasts, Gannam Day, BC alumni luncheons, and you like to act all funny and crazy and nice in the Beach Bum parade, but how about you be even nicer by doing your job and cutting wasteful federal spending?
Now I've worked for this guy, and he's a nice guy. Everyone knows that. But then again, it's his job to be nice, or else he wouldn't be in power. Saying you really like your congressman simply because he's a nice guy is like saying you really like the girl at McDonald's because she gives you hamburgers when you give her money.
Kingston is also a staunch defender of the War or Terror. But guess what, that's not hard to do in a red state. This is the equivalent of saying you support Sonny Perdue because he's a staunch defender of the Georgia Bulldogs.
It's time Kingston put his money where his mouth is and start voting against massive pork projects and farm subsidies. Please stop taking our money and spending it on useless stuff like new CAT bus stations that no one will use, or on extravagant subsidies for inefficient farmers who can't compete in the marketplace. Thanks for giving me that nice little line I can use on future resumes, but you're not getting my vote in 2 months.
I know you like to speak at Clan Na Erin breakfasts, Gannam Day, BC alumni luncheons, and you like to act all funny and crazy and nice in the Beach Bum parade, but how about you be even nicer by doing your job and cutting wasteful federal spending?
Newsmakers: Stephen Leonard Edition
On Sunday, our very own Stephen Leonard made it into the newsmakers section of the Savannah paper. They decided to cut out the part about how Stephen, even with his new comfortable professional salary, continues to sneak flasks into bars, full of liquor that's not even his.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Saturday, September 09, 2006
More on Stem Cells
A recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll asked the following:
I think the reason for this is because this poll does a poor job of specifying exactly what Mr. Bush vetoed (it makes no reference to the fact that the veto applies only to funding for embryonic stem cell lines, and that Bush fully supports funding for adult stem cell research). It also makes no real attempt to bring forth the actual reasons why he's vetoed it, and to gauge whether or not Americans agree with those specific reasons. Instead, it simply pits the generic term of "research" against "veto," and leaves the reader to assume that Bush must just simply be against progress because he's a bible-thumping Methodist or something.
So let's say we slightly changed the words of this poll to read as follows:
"Recently, President Bush vetoed a bill which would have expanded federal funding for stem cell research. Do you favor or oppose his decision not to expand funding for this?"The results are no surprise. Only 31% are in favor, while 63% oppose the veto. If I was an average Joe Blow who had little knowledge about this issue, knowing only that it was some type of important research or progress that was being stymied by Bush, I'd easily oppose his decision. "Stupid fundamentalist. Why does he always let arcane moral beliefs stand in the way of progress?"
I think the reason for this is because this poll does a poor job of specifying exactly what Mr. Bush vetoed (it makes no reference to the fact that the veto applies only to funding for embryonic stem cell lines, and that Bush fully supports funding for adult stem cell research). It also makes no real attempt to bring forth the actual reasons why he's vetoed it, and to gauge whether or not Americans agree with those specific reasons. Instead, it simply pits the generic term of "research" against "veto," and leaves the reader to assume that Bush must just simply be against progress because he's a bible-thumping Methodist or something.
So let's say we slightly changed the words of this poll to read as follows:
"Recently, President Bush vetoed a bill which would have expanded federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. This research could lead to cures for some diseases but requires the destruction of human embryos, and could thus lead to the harvesting of many new embryos solely for the purpose of their destruction. Do you favor or oppose his decision not to expand funding for this?"Obviously I've skewed the language in my favor a bit, but I wonder if we'd get different results? Something tells me we would.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Beat Jenkins!
This one could be a lot closer than I previously predicted. Don't get me wrong, I hope the Cadets surprise everyone and run up the score, but in all seriousness, if the Warriors have ever had chance of beating BC in the last 16 years, tonight's their night.
All you rabid fans of Cadet Nation who aren't able to make this game, all 3 of you, can check Will's live audio updates over at BC Gottum.
All you rabid fans of Cadet Nation who aren't able to make this game, all 3 of you, can check Will's live audio updates over at BC Gottum.
R.I.P. Erk
Erk Russell passed away today while driving his car due to an apparent stroke or heart attack. He made Georgia Southern football, but originally gained notoriety as UGA's defensive coordinator. He will be missed.
Vox Populi: Gems of the Week
The Voxians never cease to supply me with fodder for my little column here. Here’s this weeks batch.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Hey CBS, how about teams of Christians, Jews and Muslims for the next Survivor?"
- It’s already going on, has been for years. Episodes are airing daily. Watch the news.
Third Runner-up:
"Let's forget about the cigarette butts and please get the criminal butts."
- What a cute and clever turn of phrase. Good for you. Criminal butts… you must be Santa Claus because you SLEIGH me! Pun intended.
Second Runner-up:
"Dodge ball is the dumbest game. Getting hit by a ball is no fun. Some kids break a bone because of dodge ball. I wish orthopedists would speak up about injuries caused in this game."
- Dodgeball is a game in the purest form. Two teams. Balls. If you get hit, you’re out. What’s so unfair? Of course getting hit is no fun. That’s why you DODGE the ball. Pansy.
First Runner-up:
"I purchased regular gas with my credit card in north Georgia for $2.49 a gallon. It was $2.82 for regular in Savannah. I would like for the Savannah service station owners to explain this difference."
- It wouldn’t be Vox Populi without CONSTANT complaints about gas prices. Anyway, retard, the price difference probably has something to do with the fact that there are a lot more motorists here in Savannah than there were in whatever hick-ass North Georgia town you were visiting. More motorists mean higher demand for fuel. Higher demand means higher prices. If price didn’t increase with demand, a shortage would eventually occur. Get a clue. Or a high school diploma.
And your Gem of the Week…
"If you want to end the Iraq war quickly and efficiently, let's put Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Jack Kingston, Saxby Chambliss, Johnny Isakson and the rest of the chicken hawks on the front lines and bring our brave soldiers home. If they want a war, let them fight a war."
- Six men and some birds could not win a military engagement. It’s not their job. This is why we have armed forces.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Hey CBS, how about teams of Christians, Jews and Muslims for the next Survivor?"
- It’s already going on, has been for years. Episodes are airing daily. Watch the news.
Third Runner-up:
"Let's forget about the cigarette butts and please get the criminal butts."
- What a cute and clever turn of phrase. Good for you. Criminal butts… you must be Santa Claus because you SLEIGH me! Pun intended.
Second Runner-up:
"Dodge ball is the dumbest game. Getting hit by a ball is no fun. Some kids break a bone because of dodge ball. I wish orthopedists would speak up about injuries caused in this game."
- Dodgeball is a game in the purest form. Two teams. Balls. If you get hit, you’re out. What’s so unfair? Of course getting hit is no fun. That’s why you DODGE the ball. Pansy.
First Runner-up:
"I purchased regular gas with my credit card in north Georgia for $2.49 a gallon. It was $2.82 for regular in Savannah. I would like for the Savannah service station owners to explain this difference."
- It wouldn’t be Vox Populi without CONSTANT complaints about gas prices. Anyway, retard, the price difference probably has something to do with the fact that there are a lot more motorists here in Savannah than there were in whatever hick-ass North Georgia town you were visiting. More motorists mean higher demand for fuel. Higher demand means higher prices. If price didn’t increase with demand, a shortage would eventually occur. Get a clue. Or a high school diploma.
And your Gem of the Week…
"If you want to end the Iraq war quickly and efficiently, let's put Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Jack Kingston, Saxby Chambliss, Johnny Isakson and the rest of the chicken hawks on the front lines and bring our brave soldiers home. If they want a war, let them fight a war."
- Six men and some birds could not win a military engagement. It’s not their job. This is why we have armed forces.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Newt Gingrich
( I apologize for the length of the post, but I think it is important.)
I don't know about anyone else out there, but I have always liked Newt. He is one of the better conservative-thinkers in this time of "RINOs" (Republicans In Name Only). He has come up with 11 things republicans must come out and stand for to win the upcoming election and I have to say, like in 1994 with the Contract With America, Newt is pretty much dead-on:
1. Make English the Official Language of Government. The House should pass a bill making English the official language of government, abolishing multilingual ballots and reaffirming that new citizens should be required to pass a test on American history in English.
2. Control the Borders. The House should pass a narrowly focused bill to ensure that the United States can control the border. The current Senate bill is a disaster. It is impossible to pass a "comprehensive" immigration bill in the next two months. The American people overwhelmingly want the borders controlled and every act of terrorism reminds us that having the borders uncontrolled makes us more vulnerable to attack. The House should immediately pass a border-control bill and conservative Republican senators should move every day to bring it up in the Senate. Let Democrats and elitist Republicans block controlling the border and make that a referendum test for Election Day.
3. Keep God in the Pledge. Congress should take two steps to preserve the right to say "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, a right which is supported by 91% of all Americans. The American people feel deeply that our Declaration of Independence is correct in saying that each of us is endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights. Beginning with the Supreme Court's 1963 decision outlawing school prayer, the courts have waged a 43-year assault on the core values of American liberty. It is time to return to a balanced Constitutional system. There is no Constitutional case for five lawyers on the court being a floating majority for a permanent Constitutional Convention.
The American people would rally to the elected branches' taking steps to rebalance the Constitution. First, the Congress should pass a bill suspending the recent federal district court decision in California outlawing the words "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. Second, the House should pass a law blocking the Supreme Court from reviewing the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance (a power of the House expressly granted in the Constitution).
4. Require a Voter ID Card.
5. Repeal the Death Tax, for Good. The American people have consistently supported the total repeal of the death tax and the House should simply pass it once a week and attach it to various Senate bills to force the Senate to deal with it again and again. Let liberals explain why they oppose something that more than 70% of the country favors.
6. Restore Property Rights. The American people are deeply opposed to local politicians' being able to seize a citizen's home or business. The Supreme Court's Kelo decision on eminent domain is one of the most unpopular in recent years and is also one of the most dangerous. Anyone who knows the history of local government corruption in America knows it will not be long before some corrupt developers engage some corrupt politicians and this power is exploited at the cost of most Americans. Members of the Black Caucus have been among the most vocal in pointing out that it is poor people who will be the most victimized so rich developers and greedy politicians can make the money off their homes and businesses. The House should pass a powerful bill returning the constitutional law to the pre-Kelo rules and blocking the Supreme Court from reviewing it.
7. Achieve Sustainable Energy Independence. The country is eager for a straightforward new energy strategy for national security, environmental and economic reasons. The combination of $3 gasoline, watching Iran, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Russia get more of our money, and concerns about the environment come together to require real change. The House should meet that need. Starting with Rep. Jim Nussle's (R-Iowa) bill on renewable fuels, adding to it clean nuclear power using new technologies that are safe and produce little waste, developing more clean coal solutions, investing in a conversion to a hydrogen economy, incentivizing conservation, providing tax credits so the auto industry can invest in the new technology and new manufacturing equipment needed to produce revolutionary new vehicles, creating the tax incentives to build the distribution system for biofuels, hybrids, and hydrogen, providing deeper tax incentives for radically better cars (imagine a substantial tax credit for cars exceeding 200 miles to the gallon of petroleum through a combination of E-85 or biodiesel, hybrid use of electricity and hydrogen), and a bill to create state flexibility in exploring off shore with a 50% split in revenue so state legislatures and governors would have an incentive to develop environmentally sound methods of exploration and production.
8. Control Spending and Balance the Budget. The House should pass new budget legislation to control spending, leading to a balanced budget in seven years (the length of time we gave ourselves in the Contract with America and which led to the first four balanced budgets since the 1920s), with special focus on programs liberals will fight to increase spending.
9. Tie Education Funding to Teacher Accountability. A major result of the No Child Left Behind legislation has been the clear revelation that a number of schools systems are crippling and destroying children. When the Detroit school system only graduates 21% of entering freshman on time, it is clear the children are being cheated. The American people strongly support reforms designed to save the children. The first step would be to insist that federal funds only go to school systems which require teacher competency and accountability. A clear choice between those who want to save the children and those who want to save the bureaucrats would mobilize the country in favor of dramatic education reform.
10. Defend America From the Irreconcilable Wing of Islam. Terrorism is a real threat. Congress should hold hearings on the recent terror activities in Canada, the United Kingdom and Morocco. The House should move bills that strengthen our security from terrorists with increased powers for surveillance, an overruling of the disastrous Hamdan decision and a series of other steps.
11. Focus on Iran and North Korea. The American people are very prepared to believe we face extraordinary threats from a nuclear North Korea and an Iranian regime actively seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Any actions in Iraq need to be recast in terms of their impact on Iran. A weak America in Iraq will be unable to stop Iran. Stopping Iran is potentially literally a matter of life and death. Congress should hold hearings on the scale of the Iranian and North Korean threat, the statements of their key leaders and the requirements for action to replace these dictatorships before they succeed in killing millions of Americans. The Santorum Iranian democracy bill should be forced out of the Senate in the context of these threats. Everything about Iraq should be debated within this larger and much more dangerous context
I don't know about anyone else out there, but I have always liked Newt. He is one of the better conservative-thinkers in this time of "RINOs" (Republicans In Name Only). He has come up with 11 things republicans must come out and stand for to win the upcoming election and I have to say, like in 1994 with the Contract With America, Newt is pretty much dead-on:
1. Make English the Official Language of Government. The House should pass a bill making English the official language of government, abolishing multilingual ballots and reaffirming that new citizens should be required to pass a test on American history in English.
2. Control the Borders. The House should pass a narrowly focused bill to ensure that the United States can control the border. The current Senate bill is a disaster. It is impossible to pass a "comprehensive" immigration bill in the next two months. The American people overwhelmingly want the borders controlled and every act of terrorism reminds us that having the borders uncontrolled makes us more vulnerable to attack. The House should immediately pass a border-control bill and conservative Republican senators should move every day to bring it up in the Senate. Let Democrats and elitist Republicans block controlling the border and make that a referendum test for Election Day.
3. Keep God in the Pledge. Congress should take two steps to preserve the right to say "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, a right which is supported by 91% of all Americans. The American people feel deeply that our Declaration of Independence is correct in saying that each of us is endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights. Beginning with the Supreme Court's 1963 decision outlawing school prayer, the courts have waged a 43-year assault on the core values of American liberty. It is time to return to a balanced Constitutional system. There is no Constitutional case for five lawyers on the court being a floating majority for a permanent Constitutional Convention.
The American people would rally to the elected branches' taking steps to rebalance the Constitution. First, the Congress should pass a bill suspending the recent federal district court decision in California outlawing the words "one nation under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. Second, the House should pass a law blocking the Supreme Court from reviewing the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance (a power of the House expressly granted in the Constitution).
4. Require a Voter ID Card.
5. Repeal the Death Tax, for Good. The American people have consistently supported the total repeal of the death tax and the House should simply pass it once a week and attach it to various Senate bills to force the Senate to deal with it again and again. Let liberals explain why they oppose something that more than 70% of the country favors.
6. Restore Property Rights. The American people are deeply opposed to local politicians' being able to seize a citizen's home or business. The Supreme Court's Kelo decision on eminent domain is one of the most unpopular in recent years and is also one of the most dangerous. Anyone who knows the history of local government corruption in America knows it will not be long before some corrupt developers engage some corrupt politicians and this power is exploited at the cost of most Americans. Members of the Black Caucus have been among the most vocal in pointing out that it is poor people who will be the most victimized so rich developers and greedy politicians can make the money off their homes and businesses. The House should pass a powerful bill returning the constitutional law to the pre-Kelo rules and blocking the Supreme Court from reviewing it.
7. Achieve Sustainable Energy Independence. The country is eager for a straightforward new energy strategy for national security, environmental and economic reasons. The combination of $3 gasoline, watching Iran, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Russia get more of our money, and concerns about the environment come together to require real change. The House should meet that need. Starting with Rep. Jim Nussle's (R-Iowa) bill on renewable fuels, adding to it clean nuclear power using new technologies that are safe and produce little waste, developing more clean coal solutions, investing in a conversion to a hydrogen economy, incentivizing conservation, providing tax credits so the auto industry can invest in the new technology and new manufacturing equipment needed to produce revolutionary new vehicles, creating the tax incentives to build the distribution system for biofuels, hybrids, and hydrogen, providing deeper tax incentives for radically better cars (imagine a substantial tax credit for cars exceeding 200 miles to the gallon of petroleum through a combination of E-85 or biodiesel, hybrid use of electricity and hydrogen), and a bill to create state flexibility in exploring off shore with a 50% split in revenue so state legislatures and governors would have an incentive to develop environmentally sound methods of exploration and production.
8. Control Spending and Balance the Budget. The House should pass new budget legislation to control spending, leading to a balanced budget in seven years (the length of time we gave ourselves in the Contract with America and which led to the first four balanced budgets since the 1920s), with special focus on programs liberals will fight to increase spending.
9. Tie Education Funding to Teacher Accountability. A major result of the No Child Left Behind legislation has been the clear revelation that a number of schools systems are crippling and destroying children. When the Detroit school system only graduates 21% of entering freshman on time, it is clear the children are being cheated. The American people strongly support reforms designed to save the children. The first step would be to insist that federal funds only go to school systems which require teacher competency and accountability. A clear choice between those who want to save the children and those who want to save the bureaucrats would mobilize the country in favor of dramatic education reform.
10. Defend America From the Irreconcilable Wing of Islam. Terrorism is a real threat. Congress should hold hearings on the recent terror activities in Canada, the United Kingdom and Morocco. The House should move bills that strengthen our security from terrorists with increased powers for surveillance, an overruling of the disastrous Hamdan decision and a series of other steps.
11. Focus on Iran and North Korea. The American people are very prepared to believe we face extraordinary threats from a nuclear North Korea and an Iranian regime actively seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Any actions in Iraq need to be recast in terms of their impact on Iran. A weak America in Iraq will be unable to stop Iran. Stopping Iran is potentially literally a matter of life and death. Congress should hold hearings on the scale of the Iranian and North Korean threat, the statements of their key leaders and the requirements for action to replace these dictatorships before they succeed in killing millions of Americans. The Santorum Iranian democracy bill should be forced out of the Senate in the context of these threats. Everything about Iraq should be debated within this larger and much more dangerous context
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
One more reason to hate Paula Deen.
Mourners will gather at Finnegans Wake (formerly O'Connell's) on September 16th to pay their last respects to one of downtown's great watering holes. Paula Deen is expanding The Lady & Sons into the space currently occupied by the bar. What a skank.
Here's the article on SavannahNow.
http://new.savannahnow.com/node/132933
Here's the article on SavannahNow.
http://new.savannahnow.com/node/132933
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Election '06 Countdown
With Labor Day over with, election season is now officially in full swing, and you know what that means: even more incessant political rants from yours truly on stuff you don't care about. For now though, check out these trendy Reagan desktop wallpapers, courtesy of the Club for Growth. A must for the home or office computer desktop this Fall. Get yours here.
Adam Smith Ties!
Made popular by Nobel Prize-winning economists F.A. Hayek and Milton Friedman, and later by administration officials in the upper echelons of the Reagan White House, these classics will make a fantastic addition to any wardrobe. Show your conservative, free-market roots by purchasing yours today here for a mere $20.
And while you're at it, why not go ahead and buy yourself a copy of one of the most enlightening books ever written.
"Little else is requisite to carry a state to the highest degree of opulence from the lowest barbarism but peace, easy taxes, and a tolerable administration of justice: all the rest being brought about by the natural course of things." -- Adam Smith
Monday, September 04, 2006
Audioblogger
Blogger nation just got a lot better! This service allows you to call a number from any phone and record an mp3 file that is posted to your blog. I will use this on BC Gottum to give live updates of BC games for those who can't make it.
What's the Word of the Week?
Friday night BC squares off against the Warriors of Jenkins. Judging from the Cadets' performance against a larger Savannah High squad, this shouldn't be too much of a contest (it should be noted, however, that Beach had little trouble with the Blue Jackets this past weekend).
Hopefully we'll have a good turnout. Just about everybody I know will be there, except for Ryan of course, who, as usual, planned on coming but now has to have band practice.
You can also count on Jenkins' fans, all 23 of them, to show up and make some noise as well. Not bad for a school with an enrollment of only 1,500 people.
Anyway, I know this is usually Will's jurisdiction, but here's my prediction:
BC - 28, Jenkins - 10
Go Cadets.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
"No Connection between Iraq and al-Qaida."
But then how do we keep managing to find guys like these? I guess he just stumbled in there by mistake.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Vox Populi: Gems of the Week
This week provided an absolute gold mine of stupid remarks. Here you go, folks; your Gems of the Week:
Dishonorable Mention:
"Are you ever going to cut the weeds on Chatham Parkway? What an eyesore."
- What a stupid thing to complain about. It’s the Chatham Parkway, not Rodeo Drive. It’s going to have weeds. I just had to mention this one, but you’ll get no prize. I’m sure you’ll complain about that too.
Third Runner-up:
"Go back to rationing gasoline and neighborhood schools. It would help us and hurt the big gasoline companies."
- Again with the gas prices. If gas is just too expensive for you, take the bus. You can get a weekly CAT Card for $12 or a monthly CAT Pass for $48. Just shut up about gas prices. No one is forcing you to drive.
Second Runner-up:
"Pedestrians have the right of way in the state of Georgia."
- That may be true, but you go ahead and step out onto Whitaker, Drayton, or Bay Street without looking and see what happens. It’s like my Dad once said, “You can be dead right.”
First Runner-up:
"What are we going to do about school nutrition? Every year it is the same thing and I feel sorry for the obese kids."
- Well, for starters, you could pack your little porker a lunch. Everything served in cafeterias is fried because it’s cheap and easy to make. Just fix him a sandwich and hold the mayo, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce and marinara. That’s why your kid is fat in the first place.
And your Gem of the Week:
"The best way to help the schools is to outlaw all private schools and make all children go to public schools."
- You must be retarded. Or you’re a communist. If everyone were forced to go to public schools, what incentive would the public schools have to provide a quality education? There would be no private schools to force public schools to keep up. This would ultimately lead to having even more dumb people around like you.
Dishonorable Mention:
"Are you ever going to cut the weeds on Chatham Parkway? What an eyesore."
- What a stupid thing to complain about. It’s the Chatham Parkway, not Rodeo Drive. It’s going to have weeds. I just had to mention this one, but you’ll get no prize. I’m sure you’ll complain about that too.
Third Runner-up:
"Go back to rationing gasoline and neighborhood schools. It would help us and hurt the big gasoline companies."
- Again with the gas prices. If gas is just too expensive for you, take the bus. You can get a weekly CAT Card for $12 or a monthly CAT Pass for $48. Just shut up about gas prices. No one is forcing you to drive.
Second Runner-up:
"Pedestrians have the right of way in the state of Georgia."
- That may be true, but you go ahead and step out onto Whitaker, Drayton, or Bay Street without looking and see what happens. It’s like my Dad once said, “You can be dead right.”
First Runner-up:
"What are we going to do about school nutrition? Every year it is the same thing and I feel sorry for the obese kids."
- Well, for starters, you could pack your little porker a lunch. Everything served in cafeterias is fried because it’s cheap and easy to make. Just fix him a sandwich and hold the mayo, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce and marinara. That’s why your kid is fat in the first place.
And your Gem of the Week:
"The best way to help the schools is to outlaw all private schools and make all children go to public schools."
- You must be retarded. Or you’re a communist. If everyone were forced to go to public schools, what incentive would the public schools have to provide a quality education? There would be no private schools to force public schools to keep up. This would ultimately lead to having even more dumb people around like you.
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