Saturday, December 31, 2011
Top News Stories 2011
FOX News offers a slideshow of the top news stories of 2011.
Check it out here.
Tommy Thompson: New Year's Resolutions
Tommy Thompson, candidate for U.S. senator from Wisconsin, offers his resolutions for 2012:
Repeal and replace Obamacare
Cut government regulations to create jobs
Lower taxes
Cut reckless government spending
Make Barack Obama a one term President
Deliver the Senate majority for the Republican Party, and become the next US Senator from the great state of Wisconsin
A sure thing for 2012 is that Herb Kohl will be replaced.
A very good thing.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Hey, Michelle!
A $4 million vacation. A $2,000 sundress.
And Michelle Obama has the audacity to push economically strapped people to donate 3 bucks to her husband's reelection fund?
Here's her e-mail:
Friend --
This holiday has felt a bit like one last long, deep breath before we plunge into 2012.
This time next year, I don't want us to have any regrets. I want to be able to say we rose to the task, and got it done. We've all got some work to do right now.
Over the next 11 months we've got an organization to grow, voters to register, and people to get fired up.
I hope you'll close out this year by donating $3 or more now to help make sure we're ready for the next one:
https://donate.barackobama.com/No-Regrets
Thank you so much, and happy new year,
Michelle
P.S. -- Also, when you donate today, you are automatically entered for a chance to be one of three supporters to have dinner with Barack and me.
I agree with Michelle. I don't want to have any regrets, which is why I wouldn't donate one cent to reelect Obama.
Michelle should cut back on the money she spends on her wardrobe, like the rest of us have done thanks to her husband's disastrous handling of the economy. She should quit pressuring those struggling to make ends meet to give to her husband's already bloated campaign war chest.
With all due respect, what a jerk!
JS Everywhere
Once upon a time, we had a subscription to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. We cancelled our subscription five years ago.
For the past few years, I check the newspaper's content online.
That's going to change.
Now, I can read 20 Journal Sentinel articles a month for free. More than 20 requires payment.
Read "A New Year - A New Commitment to Go Everywhere."
Read "JS Everywhere - Frequently Asked Questions."
We are pleased to offer Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Everywhere – unlimited access to the #1 source for news and information about Wisconsin. With JS Everywhere’s unlimited digital service you’ll have 24/7 access to the news stories, events and information you want. You’ll get the most complete, in-depth news coverage in the state, with full access to JSOnline.com, the Journal Sentinel e-Edition, content previously in Packer Insider and the Journal Sentinel’s mobile website.
This means that the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will no longer be available online for free.
I think it's funny that this announcement trumpets "we are pleased to offer...unlimited access."
Uh, no. Not at all.
Bottom line: JS Everywhere is completely about limiting access.
It's a business. I understand that profit is the aim.
But it's ridiculous to proclaim "unlimited access."
The Journal Sentinel is cutting people off.
Q. If I have not registered or subscribed how will I know when I’m reaching my monthly limit?
You will receive a pop-up alert notifying you when you have 15 articles remaining, when you have five articles remaining and again when you have reached the limit of 20 articles per month. At that point, you will have the opportunity to subscribe and register. We hope you’ll want to read more than 20 articles each month and your print or digital subscription provides easy 24-hour access – so you can browse and read freely without running into the monthly limit.
I'm not paying.
I'll go to other sources for news. Given the liberal bias of the Journal Sentinel and its failure to cover so many significant stories, it's really no loss.
In 2005, when the New York Times started charging for access to some of its columnists, I didn't consider paying. I managed to do just fine without TimesSelect.
Apparently, many online readers did, too.
TimesSelect was a bust.
People online shared the content. It was readily available.
I suppose the same will be the case for the Journal Sentinel.
Links shared via avenues such as Facebook and Twitter won't count against an individual's 20 article limit.
If a family shares a computer, that 20 article limit will be reached quickly.
Do the liberals running the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel feel guilty about cutting off families and the poor from its content?
It certainly is placing more of a burden on the less economically fortunate.
New slogan for JS Everywhere: NO NEWS FOR YOU!
Goodbye again, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Michele Bachmann and Margaret Thatcher
The Associated Press labels this video clip with "Bachmann Compares Herself to Margaret Thatcher."
That's misleading. She says she would lead like Thatcher, a strong woman.
Bachmann says, "That's what I hope to be, America's iron lady."
The operative word is "hope."
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Ron Paul - Newsletters
Ron Paul explains his controversial newsletters.
From Breitbart:
What a load!
Cody Jackson
Cody Jackson is a thoughtful and patriotic little boy.
In all likelihood, Cody has thoughtful and patriotic parents.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Ron Paul: 9/11 'Glee'
Ron Paul is a disgrace.
Video, from Breitbart.
If Paul achieves the impossible and somehow becomes the Republican nominee for president, I wouldn't vote for him.
I certainly wouldn't vote for Obama under any circumstances.
I suppose I'd cast a write-in vote; maybe someone from Wisconsin, like Mickey Mouse or Adolph Hitler.
No, not Hitler. I couldn't do that.
Mickey Mouse 2012.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Denis Leary: Charlie Brown, Islam
Denis Leary takes on radical Islam in this spoof of A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Click to play.
Denis Leary on WhoSay
Monday, December 26, 2011
Packers: 14-1
The Packers beat the Bears on Christmas night. What's not to love?
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
The road to the Super Bowl goes through Wisconsin. Aaron Rodgers and his array of receivers rediscovered their rhythm and the Packers sure looked like an offense operating inside a climate-controlled dome on Christmas Day. They cruised past the Bears to lock up home-field advantage in the NFC. Rodgers completed 21 of 29 passes for 283 yards, five touchdowns and no picks. Chicago hung around early on, leaning heavily on its ground game. But the Packers' Greg Jennings-less passing offense got into a groove and the Packers now have 14 wins for the first time in franchise history.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
MERRY CHRISTMAS
MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the whole world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment,
when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there,
the time came for her to have her child,
and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,
praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:1-14
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Silent Night
Silent night, Holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth
Friday, December 23, 2011
Jimmy Fallon: Michelle Obama and Congressman Mix-A-Lot
JIMMY FALLON: Speaking of Michelle Obama, a Wisconsin congressman is facing criticism after saying that Michelle has, quote, a large posterior; though Michelle took it as a compliment when she heard the guy's name: Congressman Mix-A-Lot.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Jim Sensenbrenner and Michelle Obama's Big Butt
I saw the story about Jim Sensenbrenner's comments regarding Michelle Obama telling Americans what they should and should not eat on Drudge yesterday.
I bookmarked it for later, considering weighing in on Sensenbrenner's alleged remarks about Michelle Obama having a "large posterior."
I checked the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's website, wondering if the story was mentioned. It wasn't. That surprised me, but I was pleased that Sensenbrenner's remarks weren't being splashed as big news.
Given the fact that it's just days before Christmas and, believe it or not, the holiday celebration doesn't just come together magically, I decided to spend my time on preparations rather than commenting online.
For me, this is a holy season. Yes, holy. I celebrate the birth of Jesus.
The bickering and sniping of politics gets in the way of that.
"Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
However, now that the Journal Sentinel's "investigative reporter" Dan Bice writes about a "witness" to Sensenbrenner commenting on Michelle Obama's posterior, and the story is receiving such odd attention and being blown out of proportion, becoming "big news," I think some perspective is in order.
First, the story-
From Mediabistro:
Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.), known for his cantankerous ways and for not speaking to media unless it’s his idea, was overheard at the Delta Crown lounge at Reagan National Airport today talking on his cellphone about an incident he said occurred three weeks ago while at an Episcopal church auction. Please note, a church auction.
Our source, a Democratic operative who heard the whole thing, said he was “very loud”. Sensenbrenner was overheard saying that after buying all their “crap” (his word) a woman approached him and praised first lady Michelle Obama. He told the woman that Michelle should practice what she preaches — “she lectures us on eating right while she has a large posterior herself.”
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Ann Marsh-Meigs has never been a big fan of U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.).
But even Marsh-Meigs, a 72-year-old retiree, was shocked to hear the jowly congressman make a snarky remark about first lady Michelle Obama's "big butt" to a group of church members during a recent Christmas bazaar at St. Aidan's Episcopalian Church in Hartford.
While chatting with five St. Aidan's parishioners on Dec. 10, Sensenbrenner took several swipes at the first lady, Marsh-Meigs said. In one, she said, the congressman claimed Michelle Obama left a recent charitable event when the media did, though Sensenbrenner's handicapped wife continued to work it.
"He then talked about how different first ladies have had different projects - Laura Bush and literacy - and he named two or three others," Marsh-Meigs said in an interview last week. "And then he said, 'And Michelle Obama, her project is obesity. And look at her big butt.'
"That's basically what he said," she continued. "It was a combination of her work on obesity and her shape."
The remark stunned the group, according to Marsh-Meigs, who was the only woman at the table where the conversation occurred.
"I was sitting next to him, and I felt he should be called on it,'" she continued. "I just said, 'I just happen to think Michelle Obama is a beautiful and elegant lady, and I think she dresses beautifully.' And then he said, 'Oh, well, I think she's elegant, too.' He just started back-pedaling.'
Without question, Sensenbrenner was wrong to make a negative remark about the first lady's physical appearance.
It was an inappropriate thing to say.
His point about Michelle Obama telling Americans what to eat and using the power of the White House to pressure private businesses to make marketing decisions that suit her agenda is valid.
Maybe it wouldn't bug me that Sensenbrenner's remarks are being covered by the Wisconsin media, Leftists, if there were some balance in terms of how offensive statements are covered in general.
In short, Democrats get a pass. Sensenbrenner is being tarred and feathered, but the Dems aren't held accountable for their incivility by the mainstream media.
Again, Sensenbrenner made a boorish comment. Pointing out the size of the first lady's posterior was wrong to do. No doubt about it. He's going to apologize to Michelle Obama. An apology is in order. He should not have made that remark.
Meanwhile, you have elected officials, Democrats, routinely spewing ugly remarks about Republicans.
Those cases are ignored.
Double standard.
Business as usual.
I wonder if Ann Marsh-Meigs would have been offended if she heard an elected Democrat make a negative comment about Laura Bush or Tonette Walker.
Would she call the official on the inappropriateness of his or her remark if it had been directed at a political opponent?
I hope Marsh-Meigs' dislike for Sensenbrenner and his politics didn't prompt her decision to criticize him.
I hope Marsh-Meigs has a sense of decency and decorum that's nonpartisan.
We know such a sense of decency and decorum is not exercised by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
________________
UPDATE: Sensenbrenner apologizes to first lady over "big butt" remark
U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) has written a formal apology to first lady Michelle Obama for disparaging her appearance during a recent chat at a Hartford church.
“I regret my inappropriate comment and I have sent a personal note to the First Lady apologizing," Sensenbrenner said in a statement today. His office declined to release the letter.
Santa Tracker: NORAD
He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake.
Well, you can keep tabs on Santa and see what he's doing.
For reliable information on Santa's whereabouts, use the official NORAD Santa Tracker.
Jimmy Fallon: Topical Carolers 2011
The Late Night with Jimmy Fallon Carolers sing about 2011 events to the tune of "The Twelve Days of Christmas."
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Solstice Sign - Milwaukee County Courthouse
Hanukkah 2011 began at sundown on December 20th. Happy Hanukkah!
Christmas is just a few days away.
And the atheists, like Annie Laurie Gaylor of Madison's Freedom From Religion Foundation, can't stand the free exercise of religion.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
At the Milwaukee County Courthouse 'tis the season, for Christmas, Hanukkah - and atheism.
By far the dominant feature in the courthouse rotunda is a giant lighted Christmas tree, but if you look closely into the surrounding areas you'll also find a crèche, placed on a small table; a menorah marking the Jewish Festival of Lights; and a 3-foot-high sandwich-board type sign proclaiming the winter solstice.
The tree is a longtime tradition maintained by first-year County Executive Chris Abele, who refers to the display as a Christmas tree, not a holiday tree. The other displays were included in the courthouse by request.
"We welcome all religious views expressed by their displays," Abele spokeswoman Amy Paul said. "We don't exclude anyone."
The tableaux were OK'd by the county corporation counsel, Paul said.
The solstice sign came courtesy of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a Madison-based group that has objected to religious displays in various public buildings around the country.
The group's sign in the Milwaukee County Courthouse states: "At this season of winter solstice, let reason prevail. There are no gods, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
And there you have the extremely offensive nature of the atheists on display.
For Christians, a decorated tree is part of the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Take it or leave it.
For Jews, a menorah is part of the Festival of Lights.
Take it or leave it.
But atheists can't muster tolerance. They insist on attacking the beliefs of others.
"At this season of winter solstice, let reason prevail. There are no gods, no angels, no heaven or hell. There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."
The holiday displays of Christians and Jews don't belittle others. They are part of their celebrations. There's nothing degrading.
But not the atheists. Apparently, they don't know how to be tolerant. They don't know how to handle religious freedom. They lash out.
Very sad.
The foundation has a similar solstice sign on display at the state Capitol in Madison, as well as a "free thought natural nativity" display aimed at celebrating the birth of the sun, Gaylor said.
The birth of the sun--
Lame.
I guess that's the "irreverent tweak" Gaylor said was coming.
Why can't the atheists just have a positive display, celebrating the solstice? Why do they have to go on the attack and demean others?
There's a bitterness harbored by the atheists that makes me feel genuinely sorry for them.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Obama's $4 Million Vacation
What does a 17-day vacation in Hawaii cost?
$4 MILLION!
Contrast that with this e-mail from Obama's 2012 campaign:
Friend --
Beyond the titles, it's easy to forget sometimes that our President and First Lady are, when it comes down to it, regular people like us.
So I'd encourage you right now to enter our contest to do what few people will ever get to do -- not just have dinner with the President and First Lady of the United States, but have dinner with Barack and Michelle Obama.
Here's the link to throw your name in the hat for dinner with Barack and Michelle:
https://donate.barackobama.com/Barack-and-Michelle
This dinner isn't just some sweepstakes -- it's also a way to help build this campaign just days before our Republican opponents start competing in primaries and caucuses, and inevitably step up their attacks on the President and our campaign.
So make sure to enter before the deadline, and to spread the word to a friend or two -- if someone you tell about this opportunity ends up winning, I'd guess you'd be at the top of their guest list.
Thanks,
Julianna
Julianna Smoot
Deputy Campaign Manager
Obama for America
"Beyond the titles, it's easy to forget sometimes that our President and First Lady are, when it comes down to it, regular people like us."
EXCUSE ME?
That's insane.
Obama and Michelle are not "regular people." They are not "like us."
We fund their lavish lifestyle. The money for their fun comes out of our paychecks.
It's not a matter of forgetting that Obama and Michelle are "regular people like us," because they aren't.
Reaction to Kim Jong Il's Death
Here's raw video of reaction to Kim Jong Il's death, from North Korean state television:
Unless these people are worried that conditions in North Korea will get worse, I don't know why they are upset by the tyrant's death.
I wouldn't mourn a legacy of starvation and murder.
Here's video of Korean-Americans reacting to Kim Jong Il's death:
The difference is dramatic.
Barney 'The Body' Frank
What is Barney Frank's problem?
This can't be classified as a wardrobe malfunction. This was an intentional wardrobe selection.
Yikes!
Video.
Jeremy Renner and Jimmy Fallon: Hole in Pants
Jeremy Renner was a guest on Monday's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
It was a very revealing interview.
Jeremy Renner had a hole in his pants.
I don't know why the director didn't choose shots of just Renner's face or at least above the waist. It was very obvious.
What's funny is that Renner knew his pants were ripped but he didn't sit as if he did, trying to conceal the tears.
Eventually, they cut away to show a clip from Renner's movie, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
After the clip, both Renner and Fallon were laughing.
JIMMY FALLON: Speaking of scary, you have a hole in your pants. You've been exposing yourself the whole time you were on here. What happened?
...
JEREMY RENNER: When I get nervous, I do a deep lunge, and it alleviates all the nerves out of me.
FALLON: So you did a lunge before you came out here?
RENNER: I did a lunge right before I came out. But these are not lunge-approved pants, apparently, and I definitely popped a couple holes.
Advice: Be careful when you lunge.
'No Sign' Registration
Badger Blogger points out a site to help weed out fraudulent signatures in the effort to recall Governor Scott Walker.
Verify the Recall offers a "no sign" registration.
If you did not sign a recall petition, are you concerned that your name or address might have been fraudulently used as a signature anyway?
Sign up for this "No Sign" Registration, and we will contact you if your name or address is found on a recall petition!
Please note that we will inform you if your name or address is found on a recall petition,
but it will still be your responsibility to challenge any fraudulent signature.
Instructions of how a fraudulent signature can be challenged by an individual will be provided.
I think this is a good idea.
I'm concerned about my name and/or address being used on a recall petition.
In terms of fraudulent signatures, some may be discovered via this registration. That's good.
The problem will be finding the completely fabricated signatures. I'm sure there are many.
These anti-Scott Walker fanatics will stop at nothing.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Kim Jong-il Dead
Terrific.
Another leadership transition.
What's the Obama administration going to do now that Kim Jong-il is dead?
From the New York Times:
Kim Jong-il, the North Korean leader who realized his family’s dream of turning his starving country into a minor nuclear-weapons power even as the isolated nation sank further into despotism, died on Saturday of a heart attack, according to the country’s state-run media.
The North kept news of the death of its leader secret for roughly two days, perhaps a sign that the leadership was struggling to position itself for what many believe could be a particularly perilous transition. Kim Jong-il’s death came after a long illness, dating to 2008, that American intelligence agencies believed involved some form of a stroke. The North has indicated he was 69 years old, but scholars have said he could have been a year older.
“We took every emergency measure we could, but the great leader passed away,” the North Korean statement said.
His death ended 17 years of rule over the isolated, paranoid country that his father, Kim Il-sung, founded, and that Mr. Kim made clear he wanted to pass on to his son Kim Jong-un.
But it is far from clear whether the North Korean military will bless the continuation of the family dynasty, and American and Asian officials were on alert on Sunday evening for any signs that the country, which has almost inexplicably avoided collapse in recent decades, could begin to fracture.
Will Barack "lead from behind" again?
Will he frolic in the Hawaiian surf as he stays "on alert"?
Here's video:
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Packers: 14-0
What might have been...
No, what should have been.
The Packers underperformed today.
Better now than in the playoffs.
SNL: Tim Tebow and Jesus
On Saturday Night Live, Taran Killam played a very enthusiastic Tim Tebow. Jason Sudeikis, who has played Satan on several occasions, was a very laid-back Jesus.
Here's video:
SNL: Jimmy Fallon Mirror
Instead of Jimmy Fallon being the mirror image of Mick Jagger, it's Andy Samberg as Jimmy Fallon.
SNL: 'I Wish It Was Christmas Today'
With Jimmy Fallon as host, this was reunion night at SNL.
So many former cast members participated - Rachel Dratch, Amy Poehler, Horatio Sanz, Chris Kattan, Tracy Morgan, and Tina Fey.
It was an enjoyable show, nice for Christmas. No political sketches. We were spared another Republican debate rehash, Herman Cain a distant memory.
Leno: 12 Days of Christmas
Adam Smith, of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, collects the 12 Days of Christmas gifts on a budget.
Adam's 12 Days of Christmas, Part 1
Adam's 12 Days of Christmas, Part 2
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Ron Paul and Jay Leno (Video)
Jay Leno gave his guest, "Dr. Ron Paul," three segments on Friday's Tonight Show.
The audience was packed with Ron Paul supporters. Every time Paul finished an answer to Leno's softball questions, the audience would erupt with applause. It was not effective because it was so staged.
Ron Paul really is a joke.
Still, Leno treated him with respect, which was appropriate. After all, the guy is a Republican candidate for president.
However, Leno didn't challenge any of Paul's responses, no follow-up questions.
Here's video:
Ron Paul on Candidates
What a nutjob!
Paul's remarks about Michele Bachmann were disgraceful.
Leno ran through the list of Republican candidates and Paul gave his assessment.
JAY LENO: Michele Bachmann?
RON PAUL: She doesn't like Muslims. She hates Muslims. She wants to go get 'em.
What an idiotic thing to say!
More video:
Ron Paul Gay Marriage
Ron Paul on Trump
Ron Paul Legalizing Marijuana
Comedian Mario Joyner was bumped because Leno spent so much time with Paul.
There was time for one guest following Paul, Joe Rogan of NBC's Fear Factor. Rogan came out wearing a Ron Paul shirt, saying he was a huge fan.
What a coinkydink!
JAY LENO: What part of his platform do you like?
JOE ROGAN: Every single thing that comes out of his mouth, I go, 'Yeah, yeah! Finally!' When he talks about the gold standard, when he talks about civil liberties, when he talks...everything he says.
__________________
Here's video of the complete interview:
Ron Paul, Part 1
Ron Paul, Part 2
Ron Paul, Part 3
Friday, December 16, 2011
David Buerger - GAB
David Buerger, elections specialist with Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board, has some explaining to do when it comes to the manner in which he conducts himself.
Buerger is an employee of this allegedly nonpartisan body, yet his very public online behavior is anything but professional and nonpartisan.
From MacIver News Service:
The same employee who admitted the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board would deem all recall signatures valid, even if they were signed Mickey Mouse or Adolf Hitler, has engaged in online activity that could lead some to question his impartiality.
David Buerger, an elections specialist with the GAB used his Twitter account to praise a blog posting wherein Republican State Senator Mary Lazich was called “Crazy Mary.”
“OMG! Headline winner…” Buerger tweeted last month, and then included a link to the blog post.
Just this week Buerger linked to a story about the two-year long investigation by the Democratic District Attorney in Milwaukee that may or may not involve the activities of Scott Walker’s Milwaukee County Executive staff.
“Ruh-roh… John Doe investigation on the move: ”
This doesn't exactly bolster my faith in the GAB to carry out its duties fairly.
Last night, the Maciver Institute, whose twitter handle is @MacIverWisc, retweeted Buerger’s questionable missives. This brought an immediate reaction from the elections specialist.
Buerger, who uses the Twitter handle @buergd, later blocked the MacIver Institute fro accessing his twitter feed. He does note in his twitter profile that, “My opinions are my own (not G.A.B. official).”
This is really getting crazy. This is NOT what democracy looks like.
We have to defeat these partisan hacks and keep Wisconsin on the path to prosperity.
In my opinion, Buerger is not fit to serve in his current position.
The people of Wisconsin need to have faith in the electoral process.
Right now, I'm feeling disenfranchised.
However, I'm sure Adolph Hitler and Mickey Mouse and Jim Doyle and the Leftist minions are feeling very comfortable.
The Debate, Sioux City
Did anything important happen during last night's Republican presidential primary debate?
I had it on, but I was writing out Christmas cards.
Occasionally, something on TV would draw my attention away from my task.
It might be Ron Paul's squeaky yapping or Newt Gingrich talking over the moderators that would distract me.
I'd look up now and then, and see Mitt Romney speaking, looking like he always does, very Romney-ish. What was he saying? I don't know.
Rick Perry seemed lost. The "Tim Tebow" line was stupid. In that brief moment, which was all I saw of him, he was trying too hard.
If Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum said much, I missed it. All I heard from Jon Huntsman were his closing remarks.
This debate received a lot of hype. It is the last one before Iowa, so I guess I should have watched it closely.
But I'm powerless. I'm not in Iowa or New Hampshire. Why bother?
All the pundits have been fighting it out. Who's the best candidate? Who can beat Obama? Who guarantees failure in November?
What does the Wall Street Journal say? National Review?
I feel like I'm on the sidelines and my vote won't matter. Others will decide.
I don't think that's the way it's supposed to work.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Russ Feingold and TMJ4
Russ Feingold, former radical Leftist U.S. senator, fired by the people of Wisconsin and replaced with conservative Ron Johnson, tweets:
Told TMJ14 that having Walker as gov for the next few years is frankly dangerous http://tiny.cc/nzvut Watch the video
TMJ14?
Mike Tate: Enough Signatures to Force a Recall
Mike Tate made the announcement we all knew would be coming.
Adolph Hitler was confident. Mickey Mouse never doubted.
The unions and other assorted Leftists claim to be well on their way to having enough signatures to force a recall election.
In his media hyped announcement, Tate spewed every stupid Leftist talking point known. What a thoroughly idiotic statement!
Apparently, this recall is about not liking Scott Walker and his policies, not dereliction of duty while office.
Good grief, I believe Tate mentioned the Koch brothers at least three times in only a couple of minutes.
SO lame.
It will be a pleasure to vote for Scott Walker and Rebecca Kleefisch again and celebrate their victories.
November 2, 2010, revisited.
Kristi Lacroix
The thug culture in the Wisconsin unions should disturb every American.
Kristi Lacroix is being mercilessly harassed for the sin of voicing her support for Governor Scott Walker.
The unions thugs are attacking and bullying her to the point that she's considering quitting her job.
That really is disgraceful.
Here's video:
I wish Adolph Hitler and Mickey Mouse and others who signed the Walker recall petitions would think about what they're doing.
Apparently, they're ruthless.
Mitt Romney, KKK, MSNBC Apology
You know MSNBC is in deep trouble when the network goes to Chris Matthews to be the voice of reason and deliver a "sincere" apology.
Earlier on Wednesday, MSNBC's Thomas Roberts compared Mitt Romney's rhetoric to the KKK, giving AMERICAblog credit for catching Romney's KKK reference.
There's a problem when MSNBC is getting its news from a source like AMERICAblog.
Video, from Breitbart:
Roberts cites AMERICAblog:
THOMAS ROBERTS: So you may not hear Mitt Romney say 'Keep America American' anymore. That's because it was a central theme of the KKK in the 1920s. It was a rallying cry for the group's campaign of violence and intimidation against blacks, gays and Jews. The progressive blog, AMERICAblog, was the first to catch on to that.
Good grief.
Here's Chris Matthews reading MSNBC's apology off the teleprompter:
CHRIS MATTHEWS: During the 11:00 AM hour on MSNBC today, we reported on a blog item that compared a phrase used by the Romney campaign to one used by the KKK way back in the 1920s. It was irresponsible and incendiary of us to do this and it showed an appalling lack of judgment. We apologize, we really do, to the Romney campaign.
That had to hurt Matthews. He looks like a hostage being forced to read a statement - his expression, the dead eyes.
This was funny: "We apologize, we really do...."
That "really do" punch is hilarious.
In general, it was a strongly worded apology, not wishy-washy.
"Irresponsible."
"Incendiary."
"Appalling lack of judgment."
Actually, those words perfectly describe MSNBC overall.
Matthews should have apologized for the network and signed off permanently.
Fade to black.
Done.
Occupy Portland Mom: Daughter on Train Tracks
This woman, "Lotus," is a terrible mother.
As an Occupy Portland protester, she placed her 4-year-old daughter on train tracks as part of the effort to shut down the Port of Portland.
Video.
How could she?
Lotus explains that her little girl wasn't in danger.
She says, "The thing is, I have faith in humanity. I don't think that any person driving a train is going to plow through a bunch of peaceful people with children."
She's not fit to care for a child if she thinks that a freight train can stop on a dime.
"Faith in humanity" has nothing to do with it.
Lotus, a Person of the Year according to TIME, put her child at risk.
Inexcusable.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
TIME Person of the Year: The Protester
TIME has defined 2011.
It was a protest.
And TIME's Person of the Year is:
The Protester.
Read about TIME's selection process: A Year in the Making.
TIME had the audacity to give Islamists in the Middle East, lazy Europeans, and the Occupy Wall Street protesters a tiny bit of immortality by declaring them the most influential people of 2011.
What a joke!
This seems to be an effort to lend legitimacy to the Occupiers - the anti-Semites, criminals, rapists, and toilet-challenged.
It should be noted that TIME's Person of the Year is not necessarily an honor. The choice is supposed to be the person who, for better or worse, had the most influence on the news of the past year. Hitler and Stalin and the Ayatollah Khomeini have all been selected by TIME to be its Man/Person of the Year.
Still, the issue is often taken to be the profile of an admired person.
View TIME's photo essay of its Person of the Year: The Protester: A Portfolio
In its essay of 36 photos, only one is an anti-Scott Walker protester.
The filthy protesters of the Occupy movement and the slew of violent protesters in Europe and the Middle East overshadowed Big Labor's occupation of Wisconsin's Capitol.
They must be so disappointed.
Chuck Todd: The Finger
NBC's Chuck Todd keeps it classy.
During Joe Scarborough's Morning Joe, Todd is televised flipping the bird.
MSNBC is a really a disgusting operation.
Mickey Mouse, Recall Walker, and the GAB
This is insane.
An individual can sign petitions to recall Governor Scott Walker and Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch with a fake name. The Government Accountability Board has NO PROBLEM WITH THAT.
"Mickey Mouse" can sign to recall the Governor.
WISN has the story:
The signatures of Mickey Mouse and Adolf Hitler will be counted on recall petitions targeting Gov. Scott Walker as long as they are properly dated and include a Wisconsin address, the board charged with reviewing the petitions was told Tuesday.
Suspicious signatures will be noted when the Government Accountability Board reviews the petitions, but reviewers will look to see that signatures are accompanied by a Wisconsin address and are dated as having been signed during the circulation period, board elections specialist David Buerger said.
"We will flag them, but we will not strike them without challenge," Buerger said after being asked whether Mickey Mouse's signature would be counted. He noted that in previous recall petitions, Adolf Hitler's name was struck because the address given was in Germany, not because of the name itself.
The board unanimously approved the board's plan for reviewing the petitions.
Circulators need to gather 540,208 valid signatures by Jan. 17 to force a recall election for Walker and Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. Organizers said they had 300,000 as of Nov. 28 and then declined to give an update Tuesday.
This is key:
"Circulators need to gather 540,208 valid signatures by Jan. 17 to force a recall election for Walker and Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch."
Mickey Mouse and Adolph Hitler are not VALID signatures.
In effect, anyone can pull addresses out of the phone book and sign Barack Obama or Dr. Seuss.
It's utterly unacceptable for the GAB to discover clearly invalid signatures and do nothing about it.
The GAB is useless.
I don't think the burden should be on Scott Walker supporters to sort through the signatures. It should be on those challenging him.
______________
Here's video, from WISN.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Romney Ad: 'A New Captain'
Mitt Romney's new ad focuses on defeating Obama.
That's what matters most to me.
Anybody but Obama.
Video.
It's a good ad.
Lowe's and 'All-American Muslim'
I can understand why Lowe's doesn't want to invite controversy. As a business, Lowe's is attempting to make good decisions for sales, for its bottom line.
So, when Lowe's decided not to advertise on All-American Muslim, the politically correct crowd, including the Big Three networks, flipped out, calling it a bigoted move.
Video.
Lowe's defends its decision.
The reason that the Left is attacking is Lowe's is because it supposedly bowed to the Florida Family Association, a conservative group.
The Left has declared war on the Florida Family Association as well. Apparently, its website has come under attack.
No further proof is needed of the potential for vicious action then exactly what these folks are trying to do to this web site!
The attack has been extremely mean spirited. In a country that supposedly embraces free speech, those that oppose our postion have no qualms about destroying our free speech. Yet, these same folks claim the Internet should not be restricted in any way. How the two conflicting postions can be reconciled in their minds is beyond comprehension.
Because of our real concern for the terrorism that is a way of life for some folks, we ourselves have become victims. Because we urge others to be vigilant, we become the targets. Don't let it happen folks, take a stand before it is too late. Please support Florida Family Association
Bottom line: Lowe's has the right to steer clear of advertising on shows it considers controversial. It has the right to choose to buy advertising time on any program it wants.
The Florida Family Association has the right to express its views, even if they are seen as extreme.
I highly doubt that Lowe's decision was based on pressure from the Florida Family Association. It claims to have 35,000 members.
That's nothing. I don't believe that this small group was the deciding factor in Lowe's choice to spend its advertising dollars elsewhere.
Right now, the power of the Left, elected Democrats and their media mouthpieces, is being harnessed to intimidate Lowe's regarding its business decisions.
I don't think it's right to accuse Lowe's of religious bigotry simply because it wants to avoid controversy.
I see Lowe's and its employees as victims here.
Chris Matthews: Newt Gingrich, Satanic, 'Political Killer'
The unhinged Leftist Chris Matthews became unhinged among the unhinged last night.
From the Media Research Center:
Hardball's Chris Matthews on Monday spewed hatred for Newt Gingrich, excoriating him as voicing "deadly" contempt for Barack Obama. Matthews trashed, "He's a political killer, a gun for hire."
The unhinged Matthews compared Republicans who support the former Speaker to those who would make a deal with the devil.
Here's video:
Transcript, from MRC:
CHRIS MATTHEWS: Let me finish tonight with this. The Republican Party is about to seal a Faustian deal with the devil. Every observer from left to farthest right knows what's going on here. The Republicans, led by the angriest among them, are about to give away their partisan souls for one all-consuming political purpose, the destruction of Barack Obama. They're about to begin the nomination for President of a figure who represents the Mephistopheles of what they preach. He is nasty, brutal, ready to fight and kill politically, a man of no discernible commitments or values, who has nothing to offer but a sharp-as-hell intellect and a wicked rapier of words. For the right price and a presidential nomination is his [sic], Newt is ready to jump on a dime and hit any opponent where he shows weakness. Why are they on the verge of enlisting in the army of Newt? Because he voices in cold, nasty, deadly tones the words of their contempt, because he's an opportunist ready to seek any route to his opponent's heart and thereby kill it. He's a political killer, a gun for hire. But he offers a prize so precious, he cannot be resisted.
This. This is the Faustian deal at hand: Newt Gingrich's promise of a vision of which they on the right have set their hearts, the few minutes of national television in which the President and his wife stand before them in defeat. That's why they're offering up their partisan souls, why they're ready to bow down before this false god of hatred. They will give their souls to Newt, their compact with the devil to get what they most want: Pain on their enemy. They want it more than yet another tax cut, more than another wild, unwarranted war, more than love or freedom or joy.
They want the President's head. And they've cut a deal with Mephistopheles to get it. What they're doing isn't good. They know it as well as we know it. Deep down, it is wrong to run someone who is so different from what you value. They know it's wrong and they're doing it still. They're willing to give up all the values and hopes and claims to goodness they've ever professed. They're willing to strike this deal with the devil because they want to hurt Obama, because the most enticing prospect of this entire campaign is the chance to bring down this President. And in the prospect and act of doing so, they imagine how damn good it will feel.
Good grief.
I know MSNBC's ratings are in the cellar but it's troubling to think that anyone would watch this stuff and agree.
Matthews' violent rhetoric and demonic references, ("They want the President's head. And they've cut a deal with Mephistopheles to get it"), is really over the top.
How extreme! How bizarre! How typical of the Leftists!
Ron Paul: Newt Gingrich Attack Ad
Here's the latest ad from Ron Paul's campaign, "Selling Access."
Newt Gingrich is the target.
The Ron Paul 2012 Presidential campaign announced today the release of its latest ad, 'Selling Access', another two-minute web video aimed at former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, calling him out as a corrupt Washington insider who got rich through influence-peddling.
The video, which the campaign plans to promote prominently on conservative web sites, includes a clip of Gingrich calling himself an 'insider' and another in which the former Speaker brags about getting paid $60,000-a-speech. The video comes after the viral success of Paul's earlier web ad, 'Serial Hypocrisy', which criticizes Gingrich for many of the same issues.
Wisconsin Right to Life: Victory!
Wisconsin Right to Life State Political Action Committe Wins Sweeping Victory in Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
From Wisconsin Right to Life:
The Wisconsin Right to Life State Political Action Committee won a sweeping victory today in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals which allows our organization to accept unlimited contributions to carry out our election work.
The Wisconsin Right to Life State PAC challenged a state law which limits individuals’ total annual contributions to PACs and candidates to $10,000. In its brief, Wisconsin Right to Life State PAC asked the three-judge panel to enter a permanent injunction in our favor. In a unanimous decision, a permanent injunction was issued “enjoining the enforcement of section 11.26(4) as applied to contributions to independent-expenditure committees.” The decision does not apply to political action committees that give contributions to candidates or political parties, only to those that act independently of candidates or political parties.
This victory is one more in a series of wins for Wisconsin Right to Life and the Wisconsin Right to Life State PAC in the areas of free speech and election law. We acknowledge the brilliant work done by our attorneys allowing Wisconsin Right to Life and its entities to significantly contribute to the state and national dialogue on speech and elections.
Barbara Lyons
This is a great victory for free speech, as well as a victory for life.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Capitol Nativity Scene - Madison
Check out this headline from the Associated Press, via JSOnline:
Capitol nativity scene upsets atheist group
An atheist group upset about a nativity scene?
Really???
Here's the story:
A conservative group has set up a nativity scene at the Capitol building, and an atheists' group is seeking its own permit for an opposing display.
WISC-TV reported that Wisconsin Family Action has been granted a permit to display its scene until the end of the month. The six statuettes that sit on a table depict the birth of Jesus Christ.
Group spokeswoman Julaine Appling said the display is tasteful and that there's room for a number of different voices in the Capitol.
But the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation said a nativity scene isn't appropriate for a state building. Annie Laurie Gaylor said her group is seeking a permit for its own display, one that's "slightly blasphemous" and an "irreverent tweak" on the nativity scene.
That's what really bugs me about Gaylor and her group.
Their "holiday" display will be "slightly blasphemous" and an "irreverent tweak" on the nativity scene.
The atheists demean the believers. That's the purpose of their display, to assault.
A nativity scene isn't irreverent. There's no tweak or intolerance. It's simply an expression of faith and belief.
I think that's the nub of the problem. The atheists attack believers.
Displaying a nativity scene doesn't mock atheists.
Gaylor and her group, on the other hand, intend to be cruel and mocking.
No integrity.
Here's video, from WISC-TV:
Ben & Jerry: Occupy Movement Supporters
Ben & Jerry, members of the 1 percent, support the Occupy movement.
From CNN:
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, co-founders of Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream, will be at the National Press Club today to discuss why and how they feel business leaders should work to reduce economic inequality and to explain why they support the "Occupy Wall Street" demonstrators.
In a statement of support on the Ben and Jerry website, the Board of Directors writes, "As a board and as a company we have actively been involved with these issues for years but your efforts have put them out front in a way we have not been able to do."
Cohen and Greenfield join American Morning today to explain why they support the Occupy movement and to offer their suggestions about how to create the changes proposed by the OWS demonstrators.
I think Ben and Jerry should start by handing over their profits.
It's not enough to give a portion of their profits to charities and causes.
They should sell what they own and share their wealth and become true members of the 99 percent.
They present themselves as if they haven't benefited by engaging in capitalism. Very hypocritical.
I get that they are in a very awkward position, but unless they take a vow of poverty and quit profiting from their ice cream kingdom, there's nothing that can change that.
Instead of supporting the Occupy thugs and thieves, they should serve as role models to show that capitalists aren't necessarily bad people.
Capitalism isn't evil.
Obama: Iraq War Ends
It's official according to Obama.
From an Associated Press news alert:
Obama: `After nearly 9 years our war in Iraq ends this month'
It's over.
Obama has declared that we are leaving with "heads held high."
Oh really?
From CBS News:
President Obama marked the end of the United States' almost nine-year war in Iraq on Monday, saying at an appearance with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki that the final U.S. troops leave Iraq this year "with their heads held high."
Mr. Obama is taking something of a victory lap this week for fulfilling his campaign promise to end the war, which will effectively end when the several thousand remaining troops exit the country by December 31. On Saturday, he thanked service members at the annual Army-Navy football game; on Wednesday, he and first lady Michele Obama will visit Fort Bragg in North Carolina to speak to troops about the war.
"This is a season of homecomings," Mr. Obama said Monday at the White House, flanked by al-Maliki. "Military families across America are being reunited for the holidays."
Mr. Obama's decision to end the war - in keeping with a timetable first put in place under former President George W. Bush - has been popular with the American people, with even one in two Republicans saying they approve of his handling of the issue.
Obama and al-Maliki met Monday to discuss the strategic relationship between the countries, which Mr. Obama described as an "equal partnership based on mutual interest and mutual respect." He described Iraq as "sovereign, self-reliant, and Democratic," telling the Iraqi leader, "You have a strong, enduring partner in the United States of America."
Despite the positive rhetoric from Mr. Obama, the U.S. troop withdrawal comes at a time when it is far from clear that Iraq will be able to maintain its security and a health political system - and with Iran seeking to expand its influence in Iraq and in the region as a whole. Both Iran and Iraq are majority Shiite, and there are ties between the two countries' political establishments; it is not clear whether Iraq will become a safe haven for America's enemies once the United States fully leaves the country.
The "positive rhetoric" from Obama makes me sick.
On the 2008 presidential campaign trail, Obama bragged about his opposition to the war in Iraq.
I find it strange to hear Obama speak about success in Iraq with any degree of pride, given his opposition to the war.
In 2007, when Obama was campaigning in Madison, here's what he said about Iraq:
Obama talked about Iraq. He told of how he spoke out against the war during his Illinois Senate campaign in 2002.
"This is a dumb war, ...and we shouldn't fight it."
I wish Obama would have included that line in his statements about the war being over.
"Of course, as you know, Iraq is a dumb war and we shouldn't fight it. It was a mistake. The troops fought in a war that was dumb, dumb, dumb. Their accomplishments were made in the name of dumbness. I'm bringing American troops home."
That's what Obama should have said.
No one's head should be held high leaving Iraq, according to Obama.
Obama is such a hypocrite for having the audacity to hold his head high.
Target and Union Protesters - Pittsburgh
I shop at Target. If a mob of union protesters descended on the store while I was there, it would do absolutely nothing to win me over. I would be seriously pissed off.
Watch union thugs disrupt shoppers at Target in Pittsburgh.
Video.
From the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
On the day before they're supposed to clear out of a Downtown park belonging to The Bank of New York Mellon Corp., about 350 members of Occupy Pittsburgh marched on Saturday through Larimer and East Liberty, targeting several businesses.
The protesters briefly blocked the Penn Avenue entrance to Bakery Square yesterday afternoon before marching into the Target store in East Liberty about 3:15 p.m. Chanting as they entered the store, they said they're protesting to bring attention to low-paying jobs at corporate businesses in the city's East End neighborhoods.
"We want full-time jobs with benefits in our community when you use our taxes to build our store," shouted protester Calvin Skinner, 38, of Homewood.
The state and federal governments provided $14 million for site preparation of the Target store, and Allegheny County supplied $2 million in tax increment financing to upgrade the road system around the store.
Bemused customers smiled and took pictures of protesters, who stayed in the store for about five minutes, then left peacefully as Pittsburgh police monitored them. There were no arrests made inside the store.
I don't believe all Target customers were "bemused."
If I had small children with me, I wouldn't have been smiling.
Packers: 13-0
The Packers are still perfect.
With their win over the Oakland Raiders, the Packers have secured a first-round bye in the playoffs.
From the Green Bay Press-Gazette:
The Green Bay Packers boosted their record to 13-0 and hit another goal on their quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions with a 46-16 victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field.
The win gives the Packers a first-round bye in the playoffs. The San Francisco 49ers’ loss to Arizona also puts the Packers on the brink of claiming home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Packers’ magic number is one. Any Packers win or 49ers loss in the final three weeks of the season gives the Packers home-field advantage.
The only way the Packers could lose home-field advantage is if they lose their remaining three games and the 49ers win their final three games. In that case, the Packers would lose a tiebreaker to the 49ers based on record against common opponents, where the 49ers would have a 5-0 record and the Packers would be 4-1.
It's great being a Packers fan.
Great.
A cloud over Sunday's victory--
One of my favorite players, Greg Jennings, suffered a knee injury.
From Vic Ketchman, Packers.com:
The Packers’ main concern following the game was for the severity of a knee injury wide receiver Greg Jennings sustained in the second half. Jennings gave fans a thumb-up signal as he left the field on a cart.
“I do not have a feel for the severity of his injury,” McCarthy told reporters. He classified it as a “knee sprain.”
“It didn’t look very good but we’ll see what the MRI says tomorrow, but we have a first-round bye wrapped up so he has five weeks,” Rodgers said.
I'm really, really hoping for the best.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Ryan Braun Tests Positive
SAY IT AIN'T SO.
This is how I found out:
It wasn't from TV or radio or the Internet. A friend told me.
He called, sounding troubled. Then he said, "Ryan Braun has tested positive...." He paused for what seemed like forever. Concerned, I said, "What happened? What's wrong with him?"
Now normally when someone says a professional athlete has tested positive, you assume it's for performance-enhancing drugs or some sort of banned substance.
That never crossed my mind. I honestly thought Braun was ill. The thought of him using PED wasn't a possibility.
It was just so bizarre - the conversation, the direction my mind went, and then the news.
From ESPN:
National League MVP Ryan Braun, who last season led the Milwaukee Brewers to their first division title in nearly three decades, has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug and faces a 50-game suspension if the initial finding is upheld, two sources familiar with the case told "Outside the Lines."
Major League Baseball has not announced the positive test because Braun is disputing the result through arbitration.
A spokesman for Braun confirmed the positive test Saturday and issued a statement: "There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan's complete innocence and demonstrate there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program. While Ryan has impeccable character and no previous history, unfortunately, because of the process we have to maintain confidentiality and are not able to discuss it any further, but we are confident he will ultimately be exonerated."
USA TODAY reported Saturday night that Braun said of the test result: "It's B.S."
The 28-year-old Braun had to provide a urine sample for testing during the playoffs, and he was notified of the positive test sometime in late October -- about a month before he was named the National League's most valuable player.
The positive result was triggered by elevated levels of testosterone in Braun's system, the sources also told "Outside the Lines." A subsequent, more comprehensive test revealed the testosterone was synthetic -- not produced by Braun's body.
...Since being informed of the results, Braun has been disputing his case. A source close to Braun said that when he was told about the positive test, he immediately requested to be tested again. That second test, using a different sample that was tested by Braun's camp, the source said, was not positive. Those close to Braun believe that the difference between the two tests will show that the first test was invalid. Although Braun's representatives acknowledge that a non-positive test would not negate a positive one, they believe the second test shows certain anomalies that will suggest problems with the first. They declined to specify.
Since being informed of the results, Braun has been disputing his case. A source close to Braun said that when he was told about the positive test, he immediately requested to be tested again. That second test, using a different sample that was tested by Braun's camp, the source said, was not positive. Those close to Braun believe that the difference between the two tests will show that the first test was invalid. Although Braun's representatives acknowledge that a non-positive test would not negate a positive one, they believe the second test shows certain anomalies that will suggest problems with the first. They declined to specify.
I'm not going to rush to judgment.
Here's video, from FOX 6:
Here's a statement from Mark Attanasio.
SNL: Alec Baldwin, American Airlines Pilot (Video)
During "Weekend Update" on Saturday Night Live, Alec Baldwin appeared as an American Airlines pilot.
Playing the pilot who kicked him off the flight, he apologized to Baldwin (himself) for the incident earlier in the week. In addition to apologizing for tossing him off the flight, Baldwin the phony pilot praised the actor Baldwin's talents.
Transcript
SETH MEYERS: On Wednesday of this week, actor Alec Baldwin was kicked off an American Airlines flight after he refused to turn off his phone and stop playing "Words with Friends." Now here to comment, the pilot of that flight, Captain Steve Rogers.
MEYERS: Thanks so much for coming, Captain.
ALEC BALDWIN: Thanks for having me, Seth.
MEYERS: So, Captain Rogers, what's your take on the events of last Wednesday?
(NOTE: Baldwin was kicked off the flight on Tuesday, not Wednesday.)
BALDWIN: Well, it was awful, Seth, which is why it was very important for me to come here tonight and on behalf of everyone at American Airlines issue an apology to Mr. Alec Baldwin.
MEYERS: Alec, are you sure this is the right way to handle this?
BALDWIN: (Quietly) Yeah, yeah, keep going, keep going.
MEYERS: So, let me get this straight. You, Captain Rogers, want to apologize to Alec Baldwin.
BALDWIN: Yes. Mr. Baldwin is an American treasure, and I am ashamed at the way he was treated. I mean, what harm would it do to let him keep playing his game, not any game, mind you, but a word game for smart people?
MEYERS: But, Captain Rogers, don't phones interfere with the plane's communication system?
BALDWIN: Oh, you don't believe that, do you, Seth? Would you really get on an airplane that flew 30,000 feet in the air if you thought one Kindle switch could take it down? Come on! It's just a cruel joke perpetrated by the airline industry. And we would have gotten away with it, but Alec Baldwin was just too smart for us. He really is something, Seth.
MEYERS: Seriously, Alec, I just don't think...
BALDWIN: (Quietly) Keep going, Seth.
MEYERS: OK. But didn't Alec Baldwin getting kicked off the plane delay takeoff?
BALDWIN: It did. And it was the first time in the history of American Airlines that one of our flights was delayed. COME ON, SETH!! We're bankrupt. How dare we speak ill of the great Alec Baldwin, and we can't even take off on time!
MEYERS: It was also reported that Alec Baldwin slammed the bathroom door so loudly that you could hear it in the cockpit.
BALDWIN: Now, Seth, "Words with Friends" can be frustrating in a game. I just started playing the game myself. But when you think you're about to play 'jailers' off of someone's 'quiche,' and then you realize you don't have the 'i,' let me tell you, that'll make you slam the bathroom, too. Besides, when I go to the bathroom on a plane, I always want that door slammed nice and tight. Doesn't everyone? Gee willikers!
MEYERS: OK, Alec, this is too much. I don't want to be a part about this anymore.
BALDWIN: Seth, I'm not Alec. Do you hear me? But I wish I was. That man's a hero. A smart hero.
MEYERS: Captain Steve Rogers.
This was funny because it was so ridiculous and Meyers' lines pointed out the absurdity of it.
Baldwin was clearly making fun of himself. He elected to tell the jokes and get the laughs, but at his own expense.
The audience cheered him before he even said a word. It didn't appear that anyone thought of Baldwin as a self-centered jerk for his latest public embarrassment.
"That darn Alec! In trouble again! But we love him!"
Still, part of me thinks that Baldwin might actually believe that he really is a national treasure and deserves an apology from American Airlines.
Here's video:
SNL: Al Sharpton (Video)
Saturday Night Live finally has lampooned Al Sharpton and his MSNBC show.
Kenan Thompson played Sharpton as a buffoon, completely incompetent, repeatedly looking into the wrong camera.
Here's video:
The sketch ended with some classic Sharpton lines:
KENAN THOMPSON (Al Sharpton): There's a national conspiracy to keep this country in the hands of the privileged. But is there now a national movement to push back? It seems like it, for push back we much. We must, and we will much... about... that... be committed... to be.
Here's video of the real Al Sharpton on MSNBC:
Transcript
AL SHARPTON: Tonight is the measure of whether the country begins in the state of Wisconsin a national drive to push back, or whether we have more to go to build a movement of resistance. But resist we much. We must, and we will much about that be committed.
Not much difference between the two.
MSNBC is funny.
SNL: Jesus and 'December Man'
SETH MEYERS: People in Rhode Island on Tuesday protested the governor's decision to refer to the state house Christmas tree as a 'holiday tree,' and they really don't like his decision to refer to Jesus as 'December man.'
Saturday, December 10, 2011
CSUN Library Stress: Bullying
Finals, if you care about your grades, can be an extremely stressful time.
The young woman seen in this video, taken at the library of California State University, Northridge, is obviously on edge.
From CBS Los Angeles:
A video of CSUN student behaving erratically in the university’s library has gone viral after another student posted it on Facebook.
Monroe Ashley claims the young woman in the video melted down because she thought other students in the library were breathing too loudly as they studied for finals.
“Okay this isn’t a scary movie, you need to calm your dramatic a** down,” someone can be heard telling the upset student at the beginning of the video, which was first picked up by Gawker.
The woman, who was walking back to her study area, then turns around and spits out, “Don’t you tell me that. It’s rude and disrespectful, okay? It’s finals right now. Please, respect!”
“Oh, hell no” the same person responds as the woman begins to walk away, which prompts her to turn around again, cross her arms and head back to the other students’ table.
“What’s wrong with you? What is wrong with you? What is wrong with all of you,” she says, waving her hands in a circular motion, implying that she’s upset with everyone in the library. “What is wrong with all of you?”
“You’re being louder than all of us,” someone interjects.
“I am not being louder than you, am I?” she screams. “Am I talking like this? Can you please just stop talking?”
She then continues to shout as she repeatedly slams her hand or books onto her desk.
Other CSUN students took to Twitter, saying it got much worse after the 90-second video ended. One user joked that it’s “that time of the semester again.”
Here's the video:
I may be the only one, but I don't think this is funny.
The students taking the video are clearly enjoying the woman's anxiety, and mocking her.
If the woman complaining is disturbing the others in the library, and she seems to be, that's a problem. She's behaving inappropriately. I'll repeat: SHE is behaving inappropriately in the library environment.
However, I don't think laughing at her, being mean, escalating the situation, and then posting the video on the Internet shows any compassion whatsoever for an obviously troubled individual.
What once would have been an outburst just witnessed by the relative handful of people present, now can be see over and over again by millions of people, at least potentially.
What about the anti-bullying campaigns and all that crap?
Are those on the anti-bullying bandwagon going to come to this woman's defense?
Are celebrities going to do ads calling for people to stop this sort of harassment?
I doubt it.
Maybe the "star" of this video is laughing it off. Maybe she likes her taste of fame. Maybe she'll be on the Today show because of it and she's totally fine with the video.
I don't know.
It just seems to me like those enjoying her meltdown and purposely making it worse are being cruel.
The student cracking up under the stress of finals isn't the only one who looks bad.
There are so many a**holes in this world.
