ShayneBlog

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:52:00 +0000

Dallas Cowboys
Heroes & Zeroes
Game Eleven

Dallas Cowboys 24 Oakland Raiders 7

Okay, I'm going to start with the fact that I predicted the final score to be 24-6 and since I am almost always wrong, I'm going to gloat. With that said, this was the kind of game that gives you no clear idea what to think. If the Cowboys would have squeaked by (or lost), then we'd know they are really in serious trouble. If they won big, then we could say that it was only the Raiders and meaningless. Instead, the score was relatively pedestrian, but the offense rolled up almost 500 yards (494 to be exact).

Big plays were the theme of the day, as Dallas had 10 of them (plays covering at least 20 yards). That was the most they have had all season long. But in reality, the defense deserves a great deal of credit today, as well. Even though Oakland is far from being a powerhouse, they did defeat the (probably) playoff-bound Bengals last week and they have a strong rushing offense.

HEROES

Tony Romo, Quarterback -- Once again, Romo was the catalyst for the offense. He started off slowly, and had a few drops along the way, but after that slow start was on target most of the day. His uncanny ability to avoid sacks and throw on the run puts his in the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks.

Anthony Spencer, Outside Linebacker -- For the third week in a row, Anthony Spencer stood out from the crowd. He is fast becoming one of the most valuable players on defense. Of course, having DeMarcus Ware on the other side helps quite a bit. But Spencer finally got a sack, and then in one Oakland drive, late in the game, got another. Plus, he made two additional plays on that drive to finish the Raiders last gasp.

Miles Austin, Wide Receiver -- Austin had been relatively quiet the past two weeks, after catching over 470 yards in passes the two weeks prior. But today, against a top-notch cornerback (Nnamdi Asomugha), Austin caught seven passes for 145 yards, and a touchdown. Plus, he had a TD catch called back when he was ruled the side of his foot touched the ground. He is clearly Romo's #1 receiver. But it was nice to see Roy Williams make a couple of nice grabs, which will hopefully take some coverage pressure off of Austin.

ZEROES

Marcus Spears, Defensive End --It has long been proven that Spears is not a very good pass rusher. However, he does succeed in run defense. Yet today, the Raiders ran for 124 yards - 5.2 yards per carry. The fact that they are inept in the passing game is regardless. The run defense was soft all the way through and while you can get away with that against the Raiders and Redskins, the Giants and Saints (two teams coming up on the schedule) will eat you alive.

Nick Folk, Kicker -- I am very concerned about Nick Folk. Granted, his miss was from 49 yards out. But he also has missed 3 out of his last 4 kicks. Confidence is a very tricky thing with kickers and I have seen Richie Cunningham (not the Happy Days one) and Mike Vanderjagt lose theirs, only to lose their jobs soon after. I don't think Folk is in jeopardy to be released. But with December coming up, he needs to get his groove back, and soon.

Kevin Ogletree, Wide Reciever -- Really, not a lot of "bad" came out of this game and my placing Ogletree here says more about how well the team played than anything the rookie receiver did. However, he did make the one fumble today and although it was recovered by Dallas, it could have been costly. I guess I could give him the "Leon Lett" award - named so because like in Super Bowl 27, his blunder was excused because it made no difference in the game.

For the second week in a row, the Cows held a bad team to just 7 points. In fact, Phil Simms pointed out that it has been 12 years since the Cowboys have let up a 4th quarter TD on Thanksgiving. So Dallas is used to dominating on Turkey Day. Even though the Raiders are a weak team, it is still an NFL team, and gaining 500 yards against anyone is an accomplishment. But though they gained so many yards, they only had 24 points to show for it. An improvement, yes. But still a lot of work to do. Now they have 10 days to heal and rest before their rematch against the Giants.

Next Game:

Dallas..............................27
NY Giants........................24

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 04:04:00 +0000

Ten Things Part I

I clearly have a thing for lists of ten. For today, boys and girls, I will rant about the ten things that are worth ranting about today.

1. Adding Insult to Infamy -- On October 23, 1983, simultaneous suicide truck-bombings destroy both the French and the U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, killing 241 U.S. servicemen. It took 20 years for an American court to finally find the nation of Iran legally responsible for providing Hezbollah with financial and logistical support that helped them carry out the attack.

Four years later, the victim families were awarded $2,656,944,87, to be divided among the victims; the largest award was $12 million to Larry Gerlach, who became a quadriplegic as a result of a broken neck he suffered in the attack.

But there is now a snag. In order to appease the unappeasable, the Obama administration is going to court to try to block payments from Iranian assets that the families’ lawyers want seized, contending that it would jeopardize sensitive negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program and establish a potentially damaging precedent.

These people will probably never see a dime of justice served. And to make matters worse, Obama is foolishly naive enough to believe he can make friends with the Ayatollahs. Well, Achminahomo did suggest that he was open to a deal if he simply threw Israel under the bus. I don't think Obama will be able to completely accomplish that. But he has taken serious steps to piss Israel off.

Regardless, the shame is on us for ignoring the rights of our own citizens, while kissing the ass of tyrants. Change indeed.

2. Kentucky Census Worker Committed Suicide -- I don't know how many of y'all followed this story originally. What happened was that a Kentucky state census worker was found hanging from a tree last September 12th, with the word "fed" (as in federal employee) crawled across his chest.

Almost immediately, lefty bloggers took the story as an indictment against the south, and against "Right-wing extremists" (you know, like you and me). Newsbusters has a list of the most prominent left wing blogs who jumped the shark, and you can access it here.

I would wait for an apology, but I still haven't heard one from all those left wing bloggers who indicted the Duke University lacrosse players. But this is the era of hope and change, right?

3. Why The Media Ignores ClimateGate -- It doesn't take a genius to figure that one out, does it? Proof that the whole global warming fear was smoke, mirror and hype means nothing to the mainstream media. Besides, I'm sure they are far too busy combing through Sarah Palin's "Going Rouge", looking for spelling errors, probably, then to devote any time to the biggest scam in world history.

At least Al Gore can hock his Nobel prize to pay for all the lawsuits he's about to face.

4. Doug Ross linked my latest post today. That makes him my hero for the day. I'm small potatoes compared to Mr. Ross - who is more in the stratosphere of Michelle Malkin, Andrew Breitbart and Ace of Spades (to name a few of the top Conservative blogs). Doug recently ranked #15.

Me? I wasn't listed (the list only goes up to #133). But I have no doubt I would be in the top 134...thousand. Face it, I love my small readership and I have no illusions of grandeur. But it really is a good feeling when one of the big ones notices me.

5. Wonderful newly discovered websites -- I'm constantly on the look out for humor sites that fit my personality. Here are a couple of new ones I discovered recently and will be adding them to my links list shortly:

My First Fail -- You may have heard of FAILBlog, where any mistake, error or lapse in judgement will be seen and mocked with reckless abandon. Well, My First Fail is the same concept, just with children. Many times, it's more adorable than mean.

Very Demotivational -- Everybody loves motivational posters, right? There are a few funny poster sites out there, but I found this one to be the best so far. Try it, you may be motivated (or not).

Stay tuned for part two of this post tomorrow (or the latest on Friday).

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:10:00 +0000

There's a news story out of Belgium today about a man who doctors believe lapsed into a coma in 1983, following a car accident. However, new brain-imaging technology (done in 2006) found that he had a fully functioning brain and that he was, in fact, wide awake for the past 23 years.

As most of you know, I was in a coma for four weeks, following my failed bypass (which led to a minor stroke). From the stories I hear, some people remember things that happen in their comas, and others simply "sleep" through them.

I did both.

I don't know exactly when it happened, but I woke up during my coma for a few moments. I recall seeing my two brothers in my room and the younger one (who is six years older than me), when he saw my eyes, asked me how I was. I tried to respond, but I had a tube in my throat and all I could do was blink. At the time, I figured I was just walking up from the surgery. But apparently, I had been comatose for a while at that point. I also recall seeing my oldest brother standing by the wall.

It was actually a couple of years later that I even remembered that happened. When I mentioned it to my brother, he acknowledged that it had, in fact, happened. But that was the only time I woke up during my month-long coma.

What I remember most about it, though, were the nightmares and begging my sister to help me wake up. I think I was pleading with her because she was very instrumental in raising me and I looked upon her as my savior.

But with each nightmare, I felt more and more frustrated, lonely, isolated and yes, tortured.

That's why, when I read this story about this Belgian, I was so taken back. I can not imagine how tortuous it must have been for him to know he was awake and aware, yet be able to do nothing about it. For 23 years, he suffered in absolute silence while the world went on around him.

What did he hear? Did doctors talk about pulling the plug? Did his family give up? Could you imagine being told you were a vegetable, while your brain was thinking and aware?

This also led me to wonder about Terri Schiavo.

Remember her? She was the young woman who was taken off life support because he husband successfully convinced the courts that she was in a complete vegetative state. Even though video showed her being aware of her surroundings, she was deemed not conscious and unable to ever improve. So they pulled the plug and she died.

What if they would have done that with this guy? Perhaps it is possible that Ms. Schiavo, as well as others like her, were merely unresponsive because they too were incapacitated.

The brain is an incredible machine. Scientists and doctors do not fully understand how and why it works the way it does. This Belgian just proved them that while they are getting closer, they still have a long way to go.

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 03:01:00 +0000

It took a little over a month to finally finish it. But for those of you who are interested, I have just published chapter 9 of my transplant story on my website. Click here for the direct link.

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Dallas Cowboys
Heroes & Zeroes
Game Ten

Dallas Cowboys 7 Washington Redskins 6

Ugh. Two weeks in a row and the Cowboy offense looks completely out of sync. It seems the Packers found something in their game planning a week ago that the Redskins - who do have the best pass defense in the league - were able to copy this week.

For all intents and purposes, it was still a victory for Cows against an NFC East rival. But it was extraordinarily ugly and in all honesty, the 'Skins should have won. But bad teams find a way to lose and good teams sometimes win badly. Hopefully, the momentum from winning in the last 3 minutes will carry over to Thursday. In the mean time, thew will be playing Oakland, who are simply horrible. Walk away with a win on Thanksgiving, and the Cows will be 8-3, with 10 days to get healthy.

HEROES

Tony Romo, Quarterback -- Romo was beaten and battered all game long. On the first drive, he hurt his back while tackling London Fletcher, who had just recovered Marion Barber's fumble. It was apparent that his injury affected the way he throws, as many passes early on sailed high and away. But when it mattered most, Romo put aside the pain and led his team for the winning score. The TD pass was a thing of beauty, as Romo escaped a furious rush, scrambled to his left, stopped and threw a bullet across the field to Patrick Crayton. It was clearly not his best game. But he proved why he is this team's leader.

Anthony Spencer, Outside Linebacker -- For the second week in a row, Anthony Spencer stood out from the crowd. The Cowboy defense was very good today, especially considering they had little room for error. Spencer just missed his first sack (again), when Jason Campbell just threw the ball out of bounds before he stepped out, and he made THE play of the game when he intercepted Campbell on Washington's last stand.

Keith Brooking, Inside Linebacker -- Brooking shows up for every down of every play. He is outstanding against the run, excellent against the short throws, wonderful as a blitzer and extremely vocal and animated on the sidelines. Along with Gerald Sensibaugh, Brooking has been a terrific addition to the defense and has clearly returned to Pro-Bowl form. He sacked Campbell once today and was in his face three additional time, wrecking havoc against the 'Skins O-line.

ZEROES

Roy Williams, Wide Receiver --What can I say. Roy Williams has been terrible. Jerry Jones spent a lot of money to bring the former-Texas Longhorn back home and so far, it has completely backfired. Last week, he dropped a crucial pass and fumbled on another play. This week, he didn't fumble, but he dropped a couple more passes. Granted, they weren't well thrown balls. But as the supposed "number 1" receiver, he has to make those plays. The reason Miles Austin has not made the plays he made before is because defenses are able to double him - since they are no longer concerned with Williams. He's been a terrible waste and consideration should be made to put Crayton back at the starter (or Sam Hurd).

Nick Folk, Kicker -- Nick Folk has been a terrific kicker for the Cows. FOr the past two years, since he was drafted in the 6th round (the highest round a kicker was ever drafted by Dallas), he has been money in the bank. But this season has been different. He has missed 5 of his 19 kicks and has already lost his kicking off duties to David Buehler. His miss this week did not end up hurting the team, but two weeks in a row he has missed kicks that were very makeable. When your team is only averaging 7 points a game (for the past two weeks), missing field goals are not an option.

Jason Garrett, Offensive Coordinator -- Even if you excuse last weeks loss to Green Bay (I didn't), today's performance against Washington was inexcusable. I will give Garrett credit for running the ball effectively - something the Cows have not done for a few weeks - but they were playing one of the worst run defenses in the league. The offense looked completely out of sync and unprepared to play against a bad team. Again.

Scoring 14 points in two weeks is a recipe for a losing season. The Cows are very lucky to walk away with a split of the two. Luckily, the have the lowly Raiders on Thanksgiving and then have twn days to get healthy for the final stretch of the season. If they play this December like previous ones, it won't matter. But these past two weeks have looked like previous Decembers. Can they right the ship this time? Thankfully, at 7-3, they are in position to do just that. Whether or not they can is yet to be seen.

Next Game:

Dallas..............................24
Oakland...........................6

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:59:00 +0000

We had a nice voter turnout this week and I thank all of you who took the time to vote. The winning song was "Old Days." I think this is the first time my favorite was actually yours too.

Ten Great Songs From One Great Year

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)

With the exception of America and maybe The Eagles, no rock band has meant more to me than the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). I was really first introduced to their music when “Evil Woman” became a hit, in 1975. But that was only when I first realized who they were.

My real infatuation with their music grew in earnest the following year, when they released their breakthrough LP, A New World Record. It was 14 years old and my friends and I started a band (we played one gig and broke up – probably because we weren’t very good) and one of the first songs we attempted was “Telephone Line.”

For some reason, I associate much of their music to trips I took back then. In 1979, Discovery (which was their best selling record) was a common album played in my high school dormitory. My favorite ELO album was Time, which came out n 1981. But everyone of Jeff Lynne’s records, whether they were ELO recordings, George Harrison’s, Tom Petty’s or the Traveling Wilbury’s, has a special place in life’s soundtrack.

It was very hard to choose just 10 songs to post. It seems like every one of their songs has an accompanying video. But the ten I did choose are definitely among my favorites and give a good representation of their body of work.

Showdown – 1973

Jeff Lynne is a huge Beatles fan. On September 28, 1974, John Lennon gave the song quite an endorsement when he appeared on the New York City radio station WNEW. Said Lennon: "'Showdown' I thought was a great record and I was expecting it to be #1 but I don't think UA [United Artists] got their fingers out and pushed it. And it's a nice group - I call them 'Son of Beatles' - although they're doing things we never did, obviously. But I remember a statement they made when they first formed was to carry on from where the Beatles left off with 'Walrus,' and they certainly did. This is a beautiful combination of 'I Heard It Through The Grapevine' by Marvin Gaye and 'Lightnin' Strikes' by Lou Christie, and it's a beautiful job with a little 'I Am The Walrus' underneath."

Can't Get It Out Of My Head – 1974

This was the bands’ first top 40 hit (#9) and helped boost public awareness of the band in America; however, back in the UK the single and LP (Eldorado) failed to chart. It was a turning point for them as they had only really enjoyed success in England to this point. Considered a fan favorite, this song has been covered by Velvet Revolver and Fountains of Wayne.

Strange Magic – 1975

In 1975, ELO released their 5th album, Face the Music, which was their first LP to go Platinum (1,000,000 in sales). The first single of the record was “Evil Woman,” which tore up the charts and became their first worldwide hit, reaching #10 in America and Great Britain. This follow up single also hit big, hitting #14 in the US. The song appears in the film The Virgin Suicides featuring the song in the homecoming dance scene but is not on the soundtrack album.

Telephone Line – 1977

Following the success of Face the Music, the band then released a greatest hits package, titled OLE ELO, which was aimed towards the US market in order to introduce their earlier music to American fans. The album went top 40 and it built up anticipation for new music. Their next release, A New World Record, did not disappoint. Considered by critics to be their finest body of work, the album featured four top 25 hits, including this song, which was their highest charting single to date (#7), as well as being their first Gold record (500,000 in sales).

Shangri-La – 1977

Although not released as a single, “Shangri-La” (the final track on A New World Record) is a personal favorite. The song utilizes the same thread that winds through the entire album, most notably the operetta and strings, and places the final touches on what is considered to be their masterpiece. Shangri-La was a fictional paradise from James Hilton's 1933 novel "Lost Horizon." It is often associated as a place of Earthly paradise. This song seems to have two meanings: One referring to a loved one that is never going to come or never come back, the other being that it could be the main characters referring to the mystical lands itself.

Midnight Blue – 1979

1977 to 1980 was considered the “golden years” for ELO. The follow up LP to A New World Record, titled Out of the Blue, was their most commercially successful record and even though it was a double-album, it was written in just three weeks. Jeff Lynne hid away in a Swiss chalet to write it and the LP garnered five hit singles. The next year, they released Discovery (or as band member Richard Tandy calls it, “Disco Very”). Much of the sound the band is known for (especially on Lynne’s side projects) was formulated on this album. This song, while not released as a single, is a personal favorite..

Last Train To London - 1979

This song was the B-side to the hit single “Confusion.” However, because it received such extended play in the states, it was then re-released as a single on its own. Originally, the single (with “Confusion”) reached #8 and was their 7th straight top 10 hit in the UK (their fourth from the Discovery album). Re-released, it still reached the top 40 in the US, stopping at #39. In 2002, the British girl group, Atomic Kitten, recorded this song with new lyrics and titled it “Be With You.”

Here Is The News – 1981

The following year, Lynne and his band mates were approached about writing songs for a remake of the Rita Heyworth movie, “Down to Earth.” The new film, Xanadu, starred Olivia Newton-John as a muse sent to earth to help a struggling artist. The movie itself was a flop (although it has since become a cult favorite and has spawned a Tony Award winning musical), but the soundtrack was huge. It hit #1 and spawned four top 40 hits (2 by ELO and 2 by Newton-John). After that, Lynne set out to create a concept album about a man who is taken 100 years in the future. The LP, Time, received mixed reviews. Some loved it and yet others felt it was to “out there.” Personally, I loved it and it is one of my all time favorite LPs. In a Rolling Stone interview, rocker Steve Winwood admitted that he was greatly influenced by Time.

Stranger – 1983

The band’s next album was again conceptual. Originally, Secret Messages was to be a double-album. But their record company felt that it would be too expensive for a double vinyl LP due to the early 80's oil crisis. Secret Messages, as its title would suggest, was littered with hidden messages in the form of backmasking, some obvious and others less so. This was Lynne's second tongue-in-cheek response to allegations of hidden satanic messages in earlier Electric Light Orchestra LPs by Christian fundamentalists, which led up to early 1980's American congressional hearings. The LP was not as successful as previous albums and contained only one American top 40 hit (“Rock and Roll is King”). “Stranger” was released as a single, and although it was their lowest charting US single, it was my favorite song from the album.

Calling America – 1986

Balance of Power was ELO’s last studio album (until 2001’s Zoom) and for me, the album seemed like an afterthought. The band was whittled down to just three members – Jeff Lynne, Bev Bevan and Richard Tandy (on Zoom, only Tandy appeared and even then, just on one track – making it more of a Jeff Lynne solo record). However, the LP was introduced with their last top 20 hit, “Calling America,” which musically upbeat and bright but lyrically darker, concerning a dishonest lover. After this album left the charts, the band essentially broke up, although no official announcement was made for the next 2 years, during which George Harrison's Lynne-produced album Cloud Nine and the pair's follow-up (with Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty) Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 were released. After that came Roy Orbison’s last record, “You Got It”, which was a huge hit (and pretty much an ELO song) along with Tom Petty’s comeback LP, Full Moon Fever (featuring more ELO-styled recordings). Bevan approached Lynne to make another ELO album in 1988. Lynne was not interested and went on to announce that ELO was no more.

Bonus Tracks

Beatles Forever – 1983

In 1983, Lynne wrote a tribute to his greatest influence, The Beatles. The song, “Beatles Forever,” was intended for the album Secret Messages. When the album was cut from a planned two-disc set to a single LP, "Beatles Forever" was abandoned — and somewhat abruptly, given that it had previously been cited as the likely lead-off single from the intended double LP. It currently remains the only "lost" track from the original Secret Messages album not to appear later as an official bonus track or part of a compilation. However, the chorus part of "Beatles Forever" was used by Jeff Lynne on his "Video!" solo single (see below). At an ELO Fan Club Convention, "Beatles Forever" was played as a treat for fans under strict conditions concerning the presence of recording equipment. These conditions were evidently not strict enough, and a recording was made (somewhat ironically) using a portable video camera. This bootleg recording was subsequently made available as an MP3 download, with predictably low sound quality given the source, format, and date of the recording.

Video – 1984

During a lull between their last two albums (in 1984), Lynne was once again approached to write a song for a movie soundtrack. This time, the movie (Electric Dreams – a film that depicts a love triangle between a man, a woman, and a home computer) AND the soundtrack both flopped. However, the song, “Video” is now forever saved on You Tube. In 1988 ELO drummer Bev Bevan approached Jeff Lynne wanting to do another ELO album. After Lynne declined to participate, Bevan intended to continue the band without him. Lynne objected and lawyers were soon involved. The legal agreement reached between Lynne and Bevan resulted in Bevan forming a new band in 1989 initially called Electric Light Orchestra Part Two. After two curious albums, they disbanded as well. In 2001, Lynne decided to release a new album of original tracks under the ELO name, titled Zoom. It was the first ELO studio album in 15 years and featured a more organic feel with less reliance on electronic effects and a return of strings in the form of cellos. Although billed as a return to the classic ELO sound the album sales were relatively poor and a planned North American concert tour was cancelled.

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:38:00 +0000

Charles Krauthammer hits another home run...

Travesty in New York

WASHINGTON -- For late-19th-century anarchists, terrorism was the "propaganda of the deed." And the most successful propaganda-by-deed in history was 9/11 -- not just the most destructive, but the most spectacular and telegenic.
And now its self-proclaimed architect, Khalid Sheik Mohammed, has been given by the Obama administration a civilian trial in New York. Just as the memory fades, 9/11 has been granted a second life -- and KSM, a second act: "9/11, The Director's Cut," narration by KSM.
September 11, 2001 had to speak for itself. A decade later, the deed will be given voice. KSM has gratuitously been presented with the greatest propaganda platform imaginable -- a civilian trial in the media capital of the world -- from which to proclaim the glory of jihad and the criminality of infidel America.
So why is Attorney General Eric Holder doing this? Ostensibly, to demonstrate to the world the superiority of our system where the rule of law and the fair trial reign.
Really? What happens if KSM (and his co-defendants) "do not get convicted," asked Senate Judiciary Committee member Herb Kohl. "Failure is not an option," replied Holder. Not an option? Doesn't the presumption of innocence, er, presume that prosecutorial failure -- acquittal, hung jury -- is an option? By undermining that presumption, Holder is undermining the fairness of the trial, the demonstration of which is the alleged rationale for putting on this show in the first place.
Moreover, everyone knows that whatever the outcome of the trial, KSM will never walk free. He will spend the rest of his natural life in U.S. custody. Which makes the proceedings a farcical show trial from the very beginning.
Apart from the fact that any such trial will be a security nightmare and a terror threat to New York -- what better propaganda-by-deed than blowing up the entire courtroom, making KSM a martyr and making the judge, jury and spectators into fresh victims? -- it will endanger U.S. security. Civilian courts with broad rights of cross-examination and discovery give terrorists access to crucial information about intelligence sources and methods.
That's precisely what happened during the civilian New York trial of the 1993 World Trade Center bombers. The prosecution was forced to turn over to the defense a list of two hundred unindicted co-conspirators, including the name Osama bin Laden. "Within ten days, a copy of that list reached bin Laden in Khartoum," wrote former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, the presiding judge at that trial, "letting him know that his connection to that case had been discovered."
Finally, there's the moral logic. It's not as if Holder opposes military commissions on principle. On the same day he sent KSM to a civilian trial in New York, Holder announced he was sending Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, mastermind of the attack on the USS Cole, to a military tribunal.
By what logic? In his congressional testimony Wednesday, Holder was utterly incoherent in trying to explain. In his Nov. 13 news conference, he seemed to be saying that if you attack a civilian target, as in 9/11, you get a civilian trial; a military target like the Cole, and you get a military tribunal.
What a perverse moral calculus. Which is the war crime -- an attack on defenseless civilians or an attack on a military target such as a warship, an accepted act of war which the U.S. itself has engaged in countless times?
By what possible moral reasoning, then, does KSM, who perpetrates the obvious and egregious war crime, receive the special protections and constitutional niceties of a civilian courtroom, while he who attacked a warship is relegated to a military tribunal?
Moreover, the incentive offered any jihadi is as irresistible as it is perverse: Kill as many civilians as possible on American soil and Holder will give you Miranda rights, a lawyer, a propaganda platform -- everything but your own blog.
Alternatively, Holder tried to make the case that he chose a civilian New York trial as a more likely venue for securing a conviction. An absurdity: By the time Obama came to office, KSM was ready to go before a military commission, plead guilty and be executed. It's Obama who blocked a process that would have yielded the swiftest and most certain justice.
Indeed, the perfect justice. Whenever a jihadist volunteers for martyrdom, we should grant his wish. Instead, this one, the most murderous and unrepentant of all, gets to dance and declaim at the scene of his crime.
Holder himself told The Washington Post that the coming New York trial will be "the trial of the century." The last such was the trial of O.J. Simpson.

Can someone please explain to me why this administration is so Hell-bent on making a mockery of our country?

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Around the News in a Day

Legal Insurrection has an excellent post today about how liberal women are starting to realize that attacking Sarah Palin is incredibly hypocritical. The Newsweek cover (which incidentally, the magazine did not own the rights to the picture - it was owned by Runner's World), was the final straw. Love her or hate her, she clearly scares the daylights out of the left. The liberals I know all claim they don't consider her at all, or if they do, it's only to point out how "stupid" and "inexperienced" she is (as if Obama didn't prove that to be meaningless).

But still, they talk about her. Her book is flying off the shelves and her interview on Oprah gave the talk show icon her highest rating in two years. And yet, the Washington Post still saw it normal (and oddly ethical) to have someone review the book, even though the reviewer admitted she didn't even read it. According the FOX News, during her book launch, the MSM ran 39 stories about the former Alaskan governor. 37 of them were negative.

Still wonder if the media is biased?

****************

President Obama has made a big deal about how much he appreciates dissent, during his visit to China. Michelle Malkin asks, "how come he goes to so much trouble to stifle dissent in America?"

Good question. Any ideas?

Oh yeah, I forgot. To question is racist.

****************

Speaking of good questions, here is Senator Lindsay Graham, speaking to Attorney General Eric Holder: "What happens if Khalid Sheik Mohammed wasn’t mirandized?"

This idea may be the dumbest one this administration has come up with - and that says something. Seriously guys, this is ludicrous. In fact, it may turn out to be the main reason Obama turns out to be a one-termer.

One of two things can happen here. Either he's convicted, in which case sympathizers around the world will scream that the fix is in - especially given Obama's comments today. Or, he will beat the rap, in which case there is no way the Democratic Party would survive the wrath of the public. Add this to the negative reaction he's receiving by trying 9-11 mastermind in the shadow of the Twin Towers, and I just can't see how this is a good idea for Obama.

Plus, where the heck is he going to find an unbiased jury in New York? Which leads one to believe that the defense will file motions to move the venue. So what was the point?

All in all, it looks like a naive decision. Unfortunately, this is far from his first.

****************

You know, Al Gore is a lot of things. But in my opinion, he's mostly a snake-oil salesman, who deserves no mention on my blog. However, I could not pass up this opportunity to show just how ridiculous the former Vice-President is.

According to Mr. Gore, the temperature of the earth's core is "several million degrees." Now, I'm really not a scientist, but even I know that if the earth's core was that hot, the earth wouldn't be a planet, but a star. If the core were that temperature, we would never need to wear clothes again, since our skin would have long since burned off.

Uh, Al? The temperature, at the earth's core, is 5,000-7,000 degrees Celsius (9,032F - 12,632F).

****************

From the "He Must Really Think We're Stupid" department, comes the story out of Washington that in the government stimulus monstrosity (recovery.gov), the Obama administration credited job growth in 440 districts that do not exist.

Okay, one, maybe two districts I can see. But 440??? Either they are completely incompetent, or they are terrible liars. You make the call. Regardless, even the recovery.gov website admits that they have no idea how many, if any, jobs were saved by the stimulus.

Don't worry, folks. It's just your children and your grandchildren who will be responsible for the $787,000,000. Besides, with interest (probably paid in Chinese currency), they'll be on the dole for a hell of a lot more than that.

Don't you just love the Chicago way of doing things?

****************

Other bits of news going around my head...

Obama bowing to Japanese Emperor Akihito made me throw up in my mouth. Either Obama is a fool, or his protocol department is incompetent.

Is there any doubt in any one's mind that the The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's recommendation that women between 40-49 do not need mammograms was anything but a preview of what life will be like under ObamaCare?

Forget about what is right for the patient. Let's let a Washington bureaucrat decide what the patient needs. After all, when Washington calls the shots, you can be sure that it is what's most cost-effective - regardless of need.

I'll leave you with a little Israeli humor - courtesy of Don Surber:

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:51:00 +0000

Keep in mind Obama's close association with these thugs...

Union troubled by Eagle Scout project in Allentown
After layoffs, SEIU president complains about city's use of volunteers, contractors

November 15, 2009 - In pursuit of an Eagle Scout badge, Kevin Anderson, 17, has toiled for more than 200 hours hours over several weeks to clear a walking path in an east Allentown park.

Little did the do-gooder know that his altruistic act would put him in the cross hairs of the city's largest municipal union.

Nick Balzano, president of the local Service Employees International Union, told Allentown City Council Tuesday that the union is considering filing a grievance against the city for allowing Anderson to clear a 1,000-foot walking and biking path at Kimmets Lock Park.

"We'll be looking into the Cub Scout or Boy Scout who did the trails," Balzano told the council.

Balzano said Saturday he isn't targeting Boy Scouts. But given the city's decision in July to lay off 39 SEIU members, Balzano said "there's to be no volunteers." No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path.

"We would hope that the well-intentioned efforts of an Eagle Scout candidate would not be challenged by the union," said Mayor Ed Pawlowski in an e-mail Friday. "This young man is performing a great service to the community. His efforts should be recognized as such."

Balzano said Saturday the union is still looking into the matter and might cut the city a break.

"We are probably going to let this one go," Balzano said .

The possible entanglement of a local Boy Scout in a union dispute underscores the frustration and anger SEIU members feel after being the lone city union to suffer layoffs in the ongoing financial crisis. It may also serve as a preview of future labor battles as the city tries to outsource some necessary jobs as a result of the layoffs.

Anderson, a junior and varsity soccer player at Southern Lehigh High School, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 301 of Center Valley.

He got the idea for the trail while taking hikes along the partially complete, 165-mile Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. He noticed there were a few missing connections to the trail in Kimmets Lock Park, which is on the Lehigh River near Dauphin Street. He already has logged 250 hours trying to carve out a walking and biking trail along the river.

"I decided to do my part in completing this part of the trail. In that way, others could enjoy walking along the river, without having to walk on the busy road," Anderson said in an e-mail Friday.

During last week's budget hearings, where City Council reviewed the Public Works and Park and Recreation departments' funding requests, it was made clear that the layoffs and early retirements -- all of which have led to the lowest city staffing levels in two decades -- are bound to create union disputes in the weeks and months ahead.

For example, the city currently does not have an electrician available because of the layoffs and an employee on an extended sick leave. As a result, the city has been forced to hire an outside union electrician to oversee the installation for the popular Lights on the Parkway holiday display.

"In the spirit of the holiday, we decided to let that go," Balzano said.

Greg Weitzel, head of the Parks and Recreation Department, which lost 17 full-time employees as a result of the layoffs and retirements, said the low staffing levels will require more outsourcing of labor and a greater reliance on volunteers.

"There are some things that we can do in-house and other things we will have to bid out," Weitzel said Tuesday. "We originally had plans to do more with our labor force, but now we have to bid out that work."

I especially liked the comment, "No one except union members may pick up a hoe or shovel, plant a flower or clear a walking path."

Look, I think unions really served a purpose in the early 20th century. Truth is, while the idea of unionizing is noble and altruistic, today's unions have mostly become cesspools of corruption and kickbacks. I realize the union is "probably" going to let this go. But the fact that it is even an issue should send shivers up the spine of any American who remembers what it was like in the old days when volunteerism was considered to part of the nation's greatness.

SEIU has shown, time and again, that they are out of touch and out of line. That Obama has been attached to them (and ACORN) tells you all you need to know about our President.

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:35:00 +0000

Dallas Cowboys
Heroes & Zeroes
Game Nine

Green Bay Packers 17 Dallas Cowboys 7

Just prior to kickoff, I gave a shudder and thought (for some reason) that this could be a "trap" game. You know, when it looks so obvious that one team is going to walk away with an easy win - after all, the Packers have let up 38 points two games straight, and they have a very suspect offensive line). But as I thought that, I then reconsidered because this is a more mature Cowboys team and since inserting Miles Austin into the lineup, a far more potent one also.

But then the omens began. First, Nick Folks misses his first kick inside the 40 all year, then when they finally seem to figure it out and throw a long completion to Roy Williams, he fumbles it away, along with whatever momentum the Cows built up.

There is plenty of blame for losing to the Packers today, so let's get to it.

HEROES

Tony Romo, Quarterback -- Yes, he threw an interception in the red zone, but that was a ridiculous catch by defender Charles Woodson. Romo was sacked 5 times and harassed all day. But he put the team in position to score and possibly win. Even though he had no running game supporting him (what was that all about), lost his starting right tackle and had numerous mind numbing drops, he single-handidly kept Dallas in the game.

Anthony Spencer, Linebacker -- I've not been very impressed with Spencer this year, but he deserves praise for his play today. The biggest knock on him is that he isn't Greg Ellis and has yet to record a sack. But he came close a number of times and was all over the field making plays today. The better he gets, the more the opposition will have to respect him and take some pressure off DeMarcus Ware.

Mat McBriar, Kicker -- It's about time I gave some love to the Cowboys' punter. He has been incredibly consistent (as always) and is having his best year, after losing half of last season to a broken foot. While his average was down this game, he leads the league in punts inside the 20 and has been the difference in a number of games with his accuracy.

ZEROES

Roy Williams, Wide Reciever -- I know what you're thinking - How can I call a guy who had 5 catches, 105 yards and a TD a zero? Well, I can when said player fumbles on a crucial play, doesn't go after an underthrown pass (that could have been intercepted because he didn't come back for it) and drops a sure 3rd down pass that would have kept their best drive of the day going. In addition, I am very sick of his antics whenever he gets a first down. He's not Michael Irvin, so stop acting like it.

Curtis Johnson, Linebacker -- This is really more because of his play on special teams. Johnson, who rarely sees action on defense had two bone-headed penalties called on him on kick coverage. In Jimmy Johnson's day, he would have been kicked off the team for his transgressions. But being Wade Phillips' team, stupid penalties have become an acceptable evil.

Jason Garrett, Offensive Coordinator -- There is really no excuse for what happened today. Green Bay was reeling, after two games in row (Tampa Bay and Minnesota) where they let up 38 points. After the first half, when it seemed there was a Packer in Romo's face the whole time, the Cow's seemed to make no real adjustments. Only down 3, Garrett abandoned the run (the first two runs of the game by Barber went for 20 yards - he only carried the ball 3 more times all day for additional 6 yards). That was the main reason Green Bay was able to control the clock (almost 2:1 by the end of the 3rd quarter).

The hope is that this game was a mere "bump" in an otherwise seamless road. But this game looked awfully like the loss earlier this year against Denver. Both teams play a 3-4 style defense and you would think that since Dallas plays it as well, they would know how to defeat it. On the other hand, this was "do or die" for the Packers and to their credit, they didn't lay down and die. The Cows, however, need to realize that while they are still alone in first place in the NFC East, they aren't good enough to just show up against lesser teams and expect to win.

Next Game:

Dallas..............................27
Washington.....................10

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:03:00 +0000

While we didn't receive too many votes last week, the song voted as the favorite for 1985 was "Invincible" by Pat Benatar. Thank you for voting!

Ten Great Songs From One Great Year

Chicago

From early as I can remember, I have always loved the band Chicago. As a kid, all I knew about the city was from watching game shows, where the announcer would always say that whatever prizes the contestants won were from “the Spiegel Catalogue, Chicago Illinois, 60606.”

All that changed in high school, were I had a roommate who was from the windy city. The best part about that was when his folks would send him care packages with Jay’s potato chips, a Chicago standard. Over the ensuing years, I made friends with a few other Chicago natives, but unless I was watching “Good Times” on TV, I thought very little of the town.

But that all changed in 1990, when my company transferred me there. At the time, I only spent one year in the West Rogers Park neighborhood. But I felt welcome and at home. A few years later, as luck would have it, we moved back there and stayed for another 3 years. I guess even I knew eventually I’d make it back and in 2003, my family and I returned for good. I found outstanding doctors, good schools for my kids and some good friends.

Yes, it is a very politically corrupt town. But it has an amazing history. Just like the Band that adopted its name. Here are my ten favorite songs by them, in chronological order.

Beginnings (1969)

This song was the band’s second release (following “Questions 67 & 68”), but like its predecessor, did not make much noise. However, after the band began to see some chart success the following couple of years, they re-released this song and it climbed to #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 (it also topped the Adult Contemporary chart – the first Chicago song to accomplish that).

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? (1970)

This song was not released as a single until two records from their second album ("Make Me Smile" and "25 or 6 to 4") had become hits. It became the band's third straight Top 10 record, peaking at #7 in the U.S. The song deals with the stress of the Vietnam War on young people who were living with the threat of the draft, coping with the deaths of their friends or even the possibility that they would be drafted and killed themselves. Thus the lyrics state that one should not care about such mundane issues as what the current time of day was.

(I've Been) Searching So Long (1974)

Continuing a string of hit records, this song, released in February of 1974, was the first hit of the album Chicago VII, and it became their 10th top 20 hit (finally peaking at #9). It also continued a trend of the bands to spread the glory around; as four different lead singers and 5 different writers all had top 10 hits by this point.

Wishing You Were Here (1974)

Chicago was considered (at the time) a jazz-rock fusion band that relied heavily on its brass section. In its early days, they were in the same league as Blood, Sweat and Tears. By the time Chicago VII was released, they were in a league of their own, making up their own sound. This ballad cemented Peter Cetera as the main voice of the band, although Robert Lamm and James Pankow were also well recognized.

Old Days (1975)

Following up the huge success of Chicago VII was no easy task. To make things sound fresh, the band returned with a more streamlined sound for Chicago VIII. Preceded by Lamm's nostalgic "Harry Truman" (#13) as lead single, Chicago VIII was held over for release until March 1975 as Chicago VII was still riding high in the charts. While it easily reached #1 in the US, the album had a lukewarm critical reception - still commonly considered, by some as one of their weakest albums, resulting in the briefest chart stay of any Chicago album thus far. However, the Pankow-penned nostalgic tune “Old Days” still reached #5 on Billboard.

If You Leave Me Now (1976)

In order to take a break from their whirlwind recording and touring, the band decided to release a greatest hits compilation next (Chicago IX). Even though their previous album took a slide on the charts, Chicago IX turned out to be a huge success (it went to #1 on Billboard) and reignited passion in the band once again. The single topped the US charts on October 23, 1976 and stayed there for two weeks, making it the first number one hit for the group. It also reached the number one spot in the UK, maintaining the position for three weeks. It was popular in multiple radio formats, and at one point during its peak listeners could hear it being played simultaneously on four different New York City radio stations.

Take Me Back To Chicago (1978)

The band followed up the success of Chicago X with their 10th studio album (any guesses what it was called?). In September of 1977, the released the Cetera-penned “Baby. What a Big Surprise” and launched a worldwide tour to accompany the album. In concert, one of the most requested songs was “Take Me Back To Chicago” – a sweet homage to their home city. It did not chart very well (only hitting #63), but the album was the final one to feature guitarist Terry Kath, who accidentally and fatally shot himself during a party at a roadie’s house.

Hard To Say I'm Sorry (1982)

Following the death of their lead guitarist, Chicago – after a period of mourning – decided to move on and besides adding new guitarist Donny Dacus and producer Phil Ramone, the band eschewed the number titles and released the album Hot Streets. However, after album failed to make a buzz, they returned to familiarity with Chicago XIII. But that album failed to have a charting single and is considered to be their worst album. To make changes in their success, the band switched labels and hired producer David Foster and using outside writers for the first time, they radically redefined their sound for the 1980’s. Benefiting most was Cetera, whose soft-rock leanings were more in synch with Foster. The result was a return to the top of the charts with “Hard To Say I’m Sorry.”

Hard Habit To Break (1984)

With renewed interest in the band, and the advent of music videos, Chicago was suddenly hot again. With their next release, Chicago 17 (they stopped using Roman numerals after Chicago XV – Greatest Hits Vol. 2), they again turned to Foster to continue the AC sound that brought life back to the band. Chicago 17 was a slow burner, finally reaching #4 in early 1985. However, along the way, they accumulated four top 20 hits on the LP. Chicago 17 was also the final one for Peter Cetera, who had become the primary voice of the band. He left to pursue a solo career, which led to his #1 hit “Glory of Love” in 1986..

If She Would Have Been Faithful... (1987)

Chicago 18 was the beginning of yet another new era for the band – the post-Cetera years. Chicago hired Jason Scheff, son of Jerry Scheff (who had backed up Elvis Presley for years), to replace Cetera's high register vocals and bass duties. Although founding member Robert Lamm still took an active part in the band, the most used voices in Chicago now belonged to their two newest recruits: Scheff and Bill Champlin, who had joined the band in 1981. "If She Would Have Been Faithful..." was written by Steve Kipner and Randy Goodrum (who is best known for composing Ann Murray’s “You Needed Me” and Steve Perry’s “Oh, Sherrie.” Chicago 18, while still going gold, saw a noticeable drop-off in album sales following Cetera's departure (17 went platinum six times). The album did not fare well on the charts either, peaking at #35. Thus, Chicago emerged as a singles band having major hits, but with merely competent album sales from this point on.

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:35:00 +0000

If I really wanted to, I could re-post ever article by Charles Krauthammer and feel as if I've gotten my my point across. I look forward to Fridays for the simple pleasure of knowing Mr. Krauthammer will once again, express in words what many of us on the right (and center-right) feel.

Once again, he doesn't disappoint:

Medicalizing Mass Murder

What a surprise -- that someone who shouts "Allahu Akbar" (the "God is great" jihadist battle cry) as he is shooting up a room of American soldiers might have Islamist motives. It certainly was a surprise to the mainstream media, which spent the weekend after the Fort Hood massacre downplaying Nidal Hasan's religious beliefs.

"I cringe that he's a Muslim. ... I think he's probably just a nut case," said Newsweek's Evan Thomas. Some were more adamant. Time's Joe Klein decried "odious attempts by Jewish extremists ... to argue that the massacre perpetrated by Nidal Hasan was somehow a direct consequence of his Islamic beliefs." While none could match Klein's peculiar cherchez-le-juif motif, the popular story line was of an Army psychiatrist driven over the edge by terrible stories he had heard from soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
They suffered. He listened. He snapped.
Really? What about the doctors and nurses, the counselors and physical therapists at Walter Reed Army Medical Center who every day hear and live with the pain and the suffering of returning soldiers? How many of them then picked up a gun and shot 51 innocents?
And what about civilian psychiatrists -- not the Upper West Side therapist treating Woody Allen neurotics, but the thousands of doctors working with hospitalized psychotics -- who every day hear not just tales but cries of the most excruciating anguish, of the most unimaginable torment? How many of those doctors commit mass murder?
It's been decades since I practiced psychiatry. Perhaps I missed the epidemic.
But, of course, if the shooter is named Nidal Hasan, whom National Public Radio reported had been trying to proselytize doctors and patients, then something must be found. Presto! Secondary post-traumatic stress disorder, a handy invention to allow one to ignore the obvious.
And the perfect moral finesse. Medicalizing mass murder not only exonerates. It turns the murderer into a victim, indeed a sympathetic one. After all, secondary PTSD, for those who believe in it (you won't find it in DSM-IV-TR, psychiatry's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual), is known as "compassion fatigue." The poor man -- pushed over the edge by an excess of sensitivity.
Have we totally lost our moral bearings? Nidal Hasan (allegedly) cold-bloodedly killed 13 innocent people. In such cases, political correctness is not just an abomination. It's a danger, clear and present.
Consider the Army's treatment of Hasan's previous behavior. NPR's Daniel Zwerdling interviewed a Hasan colleague at Walter Reed about a hair-raising Grand Rounds that Hasan had apparently given. Grand Rounds are the most serious academic event at a teaching hospital -- attending physicians, residents and students gather for a lecture on an instructive case history or therapeutic finding.
I've been to dozens of these. In fact, I gave one myself on post-traumatic retrograde amnesia -- as you can see, these lectures are fairly technical. Not Hasan's. His was an hour-long disquisition on what he called the Koranic view of military service, jihad and war. It included an allegedly authoritative elaboration of the punishments visited upon nonbelievers -- consignment to hell, decapitation, having hot oil poured down your throat. This "really freaked a lot of doctors out," reported NPR.
Nor was this the only incident. "The psychiatrist," reported Zwerdling, "said that he was the kind of guy who the staff actually stood around in the hallway saying: Do you think he's a terrorist, or is he just weird?"
Was anything done about this potential danger? Of course not. Who wants to be accused of Islamophobia and prejudice against a colleague's religion?
One must not speak of such things. Not even now. Not even after we know that Hasan was in communication with a notorious Yemen-based jihad propagandist. As late as Tuesday, The New York Times was running a story on how returning soldiers at Fort Hood had a high level of violence.
What does such violence have to do with Hasan? He was not a returning soldier. And the soldiers who returned home and shot their wives or fellow soldiers didn't cry "Allahu Akbar" as they squeezed the trigger.
The delicacy about the religion in question -- condescending, politically correct and deadly -- is nothing new. A week after the first (1993) World Trade Center attack, the same New York Times ran the following front-page headline about the arrest of one Mohammed Salameh: "Jersey City Man Is Charged in Bombing of Trade Center."
Ah yes, those Jersey men -- so resentful of New York, so prone to violence.

Did Joe Klein really blame the Jews????

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:31:00 +0000

The Death Penalty

I had a discussion with my far-left leaning boss the other day about the death penalty. As a matter of policy, I have always felt it is a necessary policy. But my convictions were never very strong. As a lib, my boss is adamantly opposed in all instances. Of course, you don't have to be a liberal to oppose it. However, he was clear that his opposition is consistent with his liberal views.

It was a good discussion, unlike many of our disagreements because it brought to light many of the pros and cons of the subject. For instance, while the Torah allows it, a Jewish court that utilized it (at the time of the Holy Temple) was considered a "murderous court."

One of his biggest issues with the death penalty is the fact that it really isn't a deterrent. I mean, if someone is hell-bent on killing another person, it's unlikely that the threat of execution is going to stop it. Although, I suppose it has caused some to reconsider. Furthermore - and this may have been his biggest complaint - is that the possibility exist that we may execute the wrong person (the person may have been wrongly accused). It isn't THAT rare when the courts make a mistake.

After all, once a person is executed, realizing an error was made is not something we can correct. Not with that guy, anyway.

These are all valid concerns and there are no easy answers to them. On the other hand, there are also valid reasons to allow the death penalty as well. But we must be very certain that there is not a shadow of a doubt of guilt, before taking the life of someone.

Obviously, the most recognized reason - as morally unfortunate as it may be - is the revenge factor. You killed someone's loved one and now you will pay with your own blood. An eye-for-an-eye, so to speak. Another consideration is executing someone who is exceptionally dangerous, even in incarceration. Furthermore, there must be values to the people who have fallen victims. For instance, assassinating the President, or a policeman, should carry with it a more stern punishment.

What about child molesters? Well, if their victim survived, the animal should not be executed. But if in the act of the molestation he kills the child? This man has no right to occupy the air we all share. Someone who is capable of murdering children is beyond rehabilitation.

The reason I vacillate between being pro and con on this issue is because as someone who faced death, I know how scary and lonely it is. The idea that there is no more...anything is frightening beyond words. However, as I healed, I began to understand that while life on earth does end, we do not just "end." Call it heaven, call it a weigh-station or call it Montana, whatever it is, it is. I know it and because I know it, I know longer fear the day I will discover it first hand.

With this knowledge, I no longer feel sorry for the execution of certain people. John Allen Muhammad murdered 11 people in the Washington, D.C. area in the fall of 2002. With his rampage, he scared hundreds of thousands of people who feared they would be next. He had no rhyme or reason to kill these particular 10 people. The legal reason for the execution was because of his shooting Dean Harold Meyers, 53, who was shot and killed while pumping gas at a Sunoco station in Manassas, VA.

It could have been anyone. I fill up my tank with gas every other week. Another of those killed Oct. 3 was Lori Lewis Rivera, a 25-year-old nanny and mother. She was vacuuming her employer's minivan at a Shell station at Connecticut and Knowles avenues when she was shot in the back. The bullet fragmented inside, destroying her left lung.

Conrad Johnson was standing on the top step of Ride On Bus number 5705, when a bullet pierced through the abdomen of the 35-year-old driver. At the time of the murder, Johnson and his wife had two sons, ages 13 and 21.

Imagine what it's like for a 14-year-old boy to lose his dad because some arrogant, unstable SOB decides it's open season on everyday Americans.

Where is the justice for him and his brother?

The stories are heart wrenching. Yes, I know that prison is not something any sane person would want. But just like what my boss said - that execution is final - the other sode of the coin is the possibility that this monster can be set free one day. Whether it be through the appeal process, jailbreak or an ACLU lawyer discovering that page 265 of the conviction is unvalid because they only made 4 copies, and not the required 5. So they throw out the conviction.

Do you doubt something like this happens?

And what about Nidal Malik Hasan?

If this is a case of homegrown terrorism, will he be charged with Treason? That's an executable offense. I love all of these talking heads on the left who are ignored Hasan's religious doctrine and instead focusing on how an Army Major could have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Speaking as someone who was diagnosed with the disorder, following my transplant, I can tell you it did not make me feel homicidal. If anything, it made me very sad, and at times suicidal. But how do you contract PTSD when you didn't have any trauma? Fail.

But this is not about why Hasan did what he did. The question is, should he be put to death for his crimes? How about Osama Bin Ladin, assuming we ever capture him? Had we caught Hitler alive, would we have spared his life? I'm sure there are many on the left who would say "yes."

After all, by executing someone - whether they deserve it or not - we are playing G-d. It's interesting to hear that from Atheists, though. So here is what I'm thinking...

The death penalty is needed perhaps not as a real deterrent to stop someone of committing a crime, but as a consequence. Obviously, the death sentence should 0nly be used where the evidence is so overwhelming and doubt is not in doubt (i.e. Major Hasan - there is no doubt of his guilt. The only question some have is his motivation).

My feeling is this - if you take someone else's life on purpose, you lose your right to live. Even though death comes relatively quickly in an execution, for that brief moment when the lethal injection is put in, he will then know and see what his victims knew and saw. He will feel the same horrific fear that they feared. It isn't perfect, but it is justice.

When I had my heart attack, I was rushed into the hospital and I recall a female doctor who was there from Los Angeles. After asking her if she were an angel, she responded that I was still alive, but barely and they must get me into the OR immediately. G-d showed tremendous grace on me by making me forget the next 4 days. But what I do remember was the feeling that my heart was a ticking bomb and the only way I can get better was through a bypass. However, I was still way too sick to survive the surgery. I was constantly reminded by the machine that was pumping my heart, that any number of things can go wrong between then and four days later.

I had to make my peace and it was a good thing i did. What I mean is, I remember the feeling of preparing for death in your mind. In some of these cases, they were lucky enough to die instantaneously, instead of suffered and dying slowly. Cruel and Humane punishment laws are in affect so we don't torture the murderer. But I honestly believe that should someone kill another human being in cold blood (pre-meditated), he should learn first-hand what it is to die.

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:41:00 +0000

This is not - I repeat - IS NOT real. But it is funny, nonetheless.

Considering all the crap going on around the world, a little humor is good.

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:23:00 +0000

I am always amazed at the complete lack of sense of today's liberal establishment:

Mr. Netanyahu, Tear Down This Wall

Is he THAT stupid? Or just antisemitic?

Does it make a difference?

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:48:00 +0000

As many of you know, I am strongly against this health care monstrosity that is being forced upon us by our elected officials. Thankfully, enough Democrats care enough about their constituents to actually represent their wishes and will most probably, reject this horrible seizure of 1/6 of our economy.

I am simply astounded at the utter arrogance of Pelosi, Obama, and anyone else who is foisting this behemoth entitlement against our freedom. These communist/socialist/Marxist (or maybe they are simply stupid) will probably never understand why they are eventually voted out of office (assuming they aren't tarred and feathered first). I guess stupidity and arrogance does go hand in hand.

As always, Doug Ross has the goods:

The Health Care Bill in Ninety Seconds

The key 'features' of of H.R. 3962:

Cost
The CBO now estimates health bill spending at $3 trillion over 10 years. Since the CBO historically underestimates expenses, assume massive new deficits for a country that can ill afford them.

Personal Requirements
You'll be required to buy a 'qualified' health plan. A family earning $102K a year will pay $1,700 a month in premium and out-of-pocket expenses. 'Willful' failure to buy a plan will result in a fine of up to $250,000 and 'imprisonment of up to five years'. Illegal immigrants are exempt from fines and imprisonment.

Business Requirements
Every business in America must provide a 'qualified plan' for employees and pay 72.5% of the cost. Failure to do so results in an 8% payroll tax.

Impact to Seniors
Medicare reimbursements will be slashed by $500 billion. Medicare Advantage plans will be slashed by 20%. In many cases, seniors will be forced to see nurse practitioners rather than doctors.

Payments for Community Organizers, Translators and Racial/Ethnic 'Balance'
The bill provides grants to community "entities" with no required qualifications. The bill also provides translators for patients who do not speak English and offers grants to schools serving students with "disadvantaged backgrounds including racial and ethnic minorities."

Illegal Immigrants Covered, Abortion Funding Still Possible
Proof of citizenship requirements were gutted, so illegal aliens will be subsidized. The legislation also "doesn't close the door to using taxpayer funds" for abortions.

This bill truly is, as Michele Bachmann describes it, the "crown jewel of socialism". Its implementation will result in an economic catastrophe of the first order as certainly as the sun rises in the morning.

How can anyone with half a brain want this??? For those of you who do, do you not realize the ramifications of your desires?

I would love to hear from someone, anyone, who supports this plan and please explain to me why you think this is a good idea. I'm not saying that American health care is perfect. But if you must do something, and there are very valid arguments for doing something, why do something as horrible and dangerous as this?

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:18:00 +0000

Dallas Cowboys
Heroes & Zeroes
Game Eight

Dallas Cowboys 20 Philadelphia Eagles 16

I certainly didn't expect the Cows to be where they are today. Not after barely beating Kansas City, just a few weeks ago. But here they are at 6-2 and thanks to the sudden demise (although, I dare say it won't be permanent) of the New York football Giants, they find themselves alone at the top of the very challenging NFC East.

However, as much as winning a road game in Philadelphia - especially after what happened there last year (6-44 anyone?), it is tough to get too excited about a game in November. After all, we have been here before. But I also believe that this year's team is quite different from the past. There is a certain cohesiveness that was lacking in years gone by. I won't place all of it on Terrell Owens. But ever since Miles Austin broke out, the Cows seem alive and extraordinarily confident.

HEROES

Tony Romo, Quarterback -- His numbers were not as stellar as it was the past few weeks, and he threw his first interception in a month Although, he did throw for over 300 yards against an excellent defense). Still, with what seemed to be a blitz in his face on every play, Romo was not rattled and was almost always on target. His lone interception was a joint effort with his receiver, who thought Romo was going to throw to his other side. Romo is showing vastly improved leadership skills and finally got Roy Williams involved.

Gerald Sensabaugh, Safety -- In what may turn out to be the best free agent acquisition of the off-season (along with Keith Brooking), former Jaguar Sensabaugh adds a terrific element to this defense. Because of a broken arm, he missed most of three games this year and the team suffered for it. Tonight, he led the team with 6 tackles, made a diving interception which led to the first touchdown of the game. In addition, his reputation as a big hitter led directly to two dropped passes by Eagle receivers.

Wade Phillips, Head Coach -- I have to admit, most of the last three seasons I found much to criticize a head coach who has amassed a 28-12 record since joining the Cowboys. However, I stand by all I've said in that regard. But certainly, Phillips deserves a tremendous amount of praise and respect for the way the Cows' defense played against the 7th ranked offense in the league (the Eagles score an average of 29 points a game, 3rd best in the NFL), and held them to 16 points and under under 300 yards. In addition, Donovan McNabb had thrown one interception all year. Tonight, he suffered two - and could well have had two more, had the defenders had better position. McNabb was harassed all day and was unable to find his big play receiver, DeSean Jackson, all night.

ZEROES

Marcus Spears, Defensive End -- I can't really find a reason for Marcus Spears to play, much less start. The only reason I can come up with is that he plays his position so well, that he allows everyone else to make plays around him. For the season, he does have 14 tackles and two sacks. These are great numbers for a third-string lineman. But Spears, a former first round pick, is a full time starter. In comparison, Stephen Bowen has a couple of sacks and is always around the quarterback. Yet he plays 1/4 of the time that Spears does.

Felix Jones, Running Back -- I really don't want to rag on Felix Jones. This guy is definitely a play maker. But either because the Eagles were ready for him, or he simply had a bad game, he was a non-factor for the second week in a row. In his defense, the Eagle defense is outstanding against the run. But early on, when they were plugging up the middle and stopping Marion Barber, Jones was needed to spread the offense out. Unfortunately, because he is still less than spectacular (and I'm being very nice here) against the blitz, Phillips was forced to go with either Barber or Tashard Choice since Philly blitzed so much.

The officials -- This goes out to both teams. The officiating was average at best, horrible at worst. Non-calls on certain plays and phantom calls on others nearly wrecked the flow of the game. It certainly destroyed any chance that Philadelphia had for a comeback. While I fumed at a couple of misses the refs had that benefited the Eagles, I can't help but feel sorry for Andy Reid's bunch when McNabb seemed to clearly get a first down (on a 4th and one), only to lose the challenge. That play spelled the end for the Eagles hopes because the failed challenge left them with no challenges and no timeouts left in the game. I won't go so far to say the Eagles were robbed, because the Cows were victims of the poor officiating as well. But if I were an Eagle fan, I'd be pretty upset.

For three and a half games, the Cowboys are looked like one of the best teams in the league. I won't saw the best team - not while New Orleans, Denver, Minnesota and Indianapolis are out there - but certainly a team to contend with. Given where they were a month ago, I think that is amazing. A lot of credit goes to the coaching staff who has kept this team focussed on the big picture. Even had they lost 20-16, instead of winning, I would still feel like these guys were heading in the right direction.
Here is my pick for next week:

Dallas..............................38
Green Bay........................24

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:44:00 +0000

Why Don't They Get It?

Brain dead. That's what David Horowitz says and I agree with him.

That's the only explanation I can logically deduce about our media, and by extension, our culture.

Or perhaps a better definition is suicidal.

Here we have a man, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, a Muslim with an Internet site praising Islamic suicide bombers as defenders of their comrades. As an officer in the U.S. Army, he had access to military intelligence and lethal weaponry. In fact, the military was well aware her was an Islamic fundamentalist as e was under investigation for six months because of his anti-American, jihadist rantings.

But despite the fact his beliefs were counter t the very ideals he swore to protect, and despite the fact he was being investigated for his possibly treasonous actions, the U.S. Army allowed him to remain an officer and continue to counsel soldiers, in his job as a psychologist - even after complaints were levied on him for abusing his position by attempting to convert his patients to Islam

Yet the media, and not just here in America, continue to question what possible motive Hasan might have had for the shooting death of 13 soldiers at Ft. Hood. Even when they do mention the fact that he was a "Palestinian," it is often done so with the charge that it is "Islamophobic."

Forget about the fact that had this been a Republican "tea-bagger", there would be no end to the bashing of all things conservative. Keith Olbermann would host a 3 hour special about the "New Nazis - the GOP" (although, in retrospect, I think he does that nightly on MSNBC anyway).

Had this been a Jew, the condemnation of Zionism, about dual-loyalties and about how Jews are filled with bloodlust would lead to another UN resolution and mass self-flagellation of Jews worldwide.

But because Hasan was a Muslim, the press bends over backwards to play dumb and ignore the obvious.

I really appreciated what Mark Steyn wrote on the National Review blog:

The Headline of the Day, from the BBC:

Shooting Raises Fears For Muslims In US Army

Really? Right now the body count stands at:

Non-Muslims 13
Muslims 0

Mr. Horowitz asks, "is everybody out of their mind?"

In response, former CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Company) news producer, Deborah Gyapong, had this interesting observation:

Yup. And those who aren't out of their mind get banned from university campuses and tracked by human rights commissions.

As Jim Treacher tweeted recently:

If this idiot had been wearing an I Kill Unbelievers 4 the Glory of Allah t-shirt, they'd still be going, "Whuh-whuh-why did he do this?"

Adds Gyapong, "Our culture is suicidal, folks. Somehow the part of us that is still awake has to rouse the lethargic body and grab the phone and call 911. As I said, this is NOT about Muslims. It is about the decay of western civilization and its embrace of some strange death wish. We're the ones who love death---our own."

I'm not sure it is all of us who feel this way. But the same blindness that led to the election of Barack Obama is leading us down a very dark and dangerous street. I was never a fan of Bill Clinton. But I was never afraid about the future of my country when he was President.

This fear is neither Islamophobia, or racism. It is my taking the blinders off and actually looking at the world around us. Unfortunately, our nation has been so deceived by political correctness, we are now impotent to notice.

But there is still yet hope for us. The election results in New Jersey and Virginia confirm that the Obama phenomenon was, as Charles Krauthammer so eloquently stated:

"The '08 election was a historical anomaly. A uniquely charismatic candidate was running at a time of deep war weariness, with an intensely unpopular Republican president, against a politically incompetent opponent, amid the greatest financial collapse since the Great Depression. And still he won by only seven points."

It really is no wonder why Nancy Pelosi was so desperate to pass her monstrosity of a health care bill so quickly. She knew darn well that with each passing day, the Obama "mandate" diminishes to nothingness. Even though the bill barely slipped through congress yesterday, the fact that it passed by only 5 votes (in a House that is over 60% Democrat) sends a clear signal that is destined to fail in the Senate.

What all this means is that while the media, and the Obama administration may still have their heads up their proverbial asses, more and more Americans are waking up to reality.

I can only hope it isn't too late.

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:03:00 +0000

Ten Great Songs From One Great Year

1985 v.2

The year started with the second inauguration of President Ronald Reagan, who won a second landslide election. Later that month, taking a cue for Britain’s Band Aid, the single “We Are the World” is recorded in Hollywood.

In March, in what was becoming an all-too-common occurrence, Associated Press newsman Terry Anderson is taken hostage in Beirut (he is eventually released on December 4, 1991).

In May, Philadelphia (PA) Mayor Wilson Goode orders police to storm the radical group MOVE's headquarters to end a stand-off. The police drop an explosive device into the headquarters, killing 11 MOVE members and destroying the homes of 61 city residents in the resulting fire. In June, a Hezbollah fringe group hijacks TWA Flight 847, carrying 153 passengers from Athens to Rome. One passenger, U.S. Navy Petty Officer Robert Stethem, is killed. Of course, just a few months later, the cruise ship Achille Lauro is hijacked in the Mediterranean Sea by 4 heavily armed Palestinian terrorists. One passenger, American Leon Klinghoffer, is killed. And in December, as if the year didn’t have enough Islamic terrorism, Rome and Vienna are attacked when Abu Nidal terrorists open fire at the El-Al ticket counters at the two cities’ airports, leaving 18 dead and 120 injured. Just another friendly hello from the “Religion of Peace.”

On the lighter side, “Calvin and Hobbes” debuts in 35 newspapers, the computer game Tetris is released and Mike Tyson makes his professional debut in Albany, New York, a match which he wins by a first round knockout.

Can't Fight This Feeling – REO Speedwagon

It took 14 years for REO Speedwagon to reach the top of the charts, with their epic hit “Keep on Loving You.” Yet, it only took an additional four to reclaim the top spot. With this cheesy, but extremely popular ballad. "Can't Fight This Feeling" has appeared on dozens of 'various artists' compilation albums, as well as several REO Speedwagon greatest hits albums. It has also been featured on soundtracks of movies such as “Not Another Teen Movie”, “Waiting...”, and, most recently, “Kickin' It Old Skool” and “Sex Drive.” The song was also heard on the South Park episode "Miss Teacher Bangs a Boy," the Fringe episode "Power Hungry" as well as in the Showtime hit series Queer as Folk. The band performed the song at the 1985 Live Aid concert and it was sung at the end of “Horton Hears a Who!”

Everybody Wants To Rule The World - Tears for Fears

This song is about the quest for power, and how it can have unfortunate consequences. In an interview with Mix magazine, the band's producer Chris Hughes explained that they spent months working on "Shout," and near the end of the sessions, Roland Orzabal came into the studio and played two simple chords on his acoustic guitar, which became the basis for the song. Said Hughes: "'Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ was so simple and went down so quickly, it was effortless, really. In fact, as a piece of recording history, it's bland as hell.” This was the first #1 hit for Tears for Fears. "Shout" went to #1 two months later.

Don't You (Forget About Me) - Simple Minds

This was featured in the 1985 movie The Breakfast Club. Directed by John Hughes, it featured many members of the "Brat Pack," including Ally Sheedy, Molly Ringwald, and Judd Nelson. Simple Minds had been around for 5 years and developed a strong following in England when this was released. The song was much more bombastic and radio-friendly than their previous material, and alienated many of their core fans, but was a breakthrough hit in the US for the band, where it was by far their biggest hit.

You Belong To The City - Glenn Frey

This was written specifically for the TV series Miami Vice. In 1985, Frey acted in an episode of the show that was based on his song "Smuggler's Blues." This song, along with Jan Hammer's "Miami Vice Theme", helped the Miami Vice soundtrack album reach the top spot of the Billboard 200 chart for 11 weeks in 1985, making it the best-selling album of the year and the most successful TV soundtrack of all time.It was written by Frey and Jack Tempchin. Among Tempchin’s credits are other Eagles hits “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Already Gone” - as well as Johnny Rivers’ smash, “Slow Dancin’ (Swayin’ to the Music).”

Every Time You Go Away - Paul Young

This was written and originally recorded by Hall & Oates in 1980; Young's version became a hit 5 years later. In the October 16, 2009 issue of Entertainment Weekly, Daryl Hall listed this as one of his favorite Hall & Oates songs, and explained: "Paul Young had a pop hit with it a few years after we released it. It's just one of those songs. I feel very proud of its craftsmanship." This was the biggest hit for Young. He contributed to Band Aid in 1984, and had hits with covers of R&B classics "Oh Girl" and "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted."

You’re Only Human (Second Wind) - Billy Joel

After Billy Joel attempted suicide back in 1970 (by drinking furniture polish), it failed to kill him and he wrote the song "Tomorrow is Today" (on the LP “Cold Spring Harbor) as the suicide note. Later on he was asked if he could write a song that could help prevent teenage suicide. Joel agreed, but the first recording concerned him because it had a dreary and depressing tone that he thought might give troubled teens the wrong message. As result he created a new version with bouncy, joyous beats and lyrics about personal forgiveness and optimism for life. During the song, Joel noticeably hesitates with one of the verse lines and laughs after it. He decided to keep this mistake in the recorded version because it seemed to be proof of his personal fallibility, as in the line "You probably don't want to hear advice from someone else - But I wouldn't be telling you if I hadn't been there myself."

Invincible - Pat Benatar

This was the theme song to the movie “The Legend of Billie Jean,” which was a box office bomb despite the success of this song. By the end of the decade, Pat Benatar had become one of the most popular voices on radio - with two RIAA-certified Multi-Platinum albums and five RIAA-certified Platinum albums, plus three RIAA-certified Gold albums and 19 Top 40 singles to her credit. Simon Climie and Holly Knight wrote this song. Climie's songwriting credits include "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" by George Michael and Aretha Franklin, and "Ecstasy" by Jeff Beck. Knight wrote Benatar's 1983 hit "Love Is A Battlefield." Knight says of "Invincible": "I love that song. It's one of my favorite songs. I'd love to hear that song cut by an alternative band, like Foo Fighters or something."

Cry – Godley & Crème

Kevin Godley and Lol Crème were childhood friends who both became session musicians. Between 1970 and 1976 they were members of the band 10cc (“The Things We Do For Love”, “I’m Not In Love”). They left after recording 10cc's 4th album “How Dare You!” to work as a duo, later moving into video production. The pair directed memorable videos for The Police ("Every Breath You Take"), Duran Duran, Herbie Hancock and Frankie Goes to Hollywood that stretched the boundaries of the new format. The video was very influential as it featured one of the first uses of the digital morphing effect, to sequentially blend numerous faces of different ages and races that morphed from one to another as they mimed the lyrics to the song. They used people from the London Ugly Agency for the video, which Kevin Godley directed. This was their only American hit as a duo.

Fortress Around Your Heart – Sting

This was inspired by Sting's divorce. The pain he felt when he couldn't make his first marriage work led him to write some of his biggest hits, including "Every Breath You Take" and "King Of Pain." In a Musician magazine interview later that year, he said: "Fortress is about appeasement, about trying to bridge the gaps between individuals. The central image is a minefield that you've laid around this other person to try and protect them. Then you realize that you have to walk back through it. I think it's one of the best choruses I've ever written." During one of Sting's concerts, his roadies pulled a practical joke by lowering a miniature fortress around him while he performed this. Sting was not pleased.

Never – Heart

After hitting it big in the 70’s, with classic rock standards “Crazy For You,” “Magic Man” and “Barracuda,” Heart hit a dry spell. Two of the original members, Steve Fossen and Michael Derosier, left the band and their subsequent album failed to make any noise. However, Ann Wilson recorded a duet with Mike Reno (of the band Loverboy), called “Almost Paradise.” The song went to #7 and brought a new generation of interest in the band. Their next album, simply titled “Heart,” went to #1 and sold 5 million copies on the strength of 4 Top-10 hits: "What About Love?" (#10, 1985), "Never" (#4, 1985), "These Dreams" (#1, 1986) and "Nothin' at All" (#10, 1986). By that time, Heart had abandoned their earlier hard rock aspirations to make slick, radio-friendly pop music.

Bonus Track

You Look Mahvelous – Billy Crystal

Since the beginning of Saturday Night Live, the show has been something of an anti-television show, turning the medium on its head with endless fake commercials and parodies of TV shows themselves. The most common style of their recurring sketches has been the talk show format. One of the more popular of these types of sketches featured Billy Crystal playing Fernando Lamas. He would interview various celebrities, often confusing them with someone else (e.g. confusing actor Johnny Yune for football player Johnny Unitas.. .). Always during the interview he would say, "You look mahvelous." and frequently the sketch would end with, "It's better to look good than to feel good."

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:38:00 +0000

How does MSNBC stay on the air?

According to Rachel Maddow, "the U.S. Constitution doesn't have a preamble."

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

O RLY?

From usconstitution.net:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

If it weren't for her, and bathtub boy (Keith Olbermann), there would be no comedy left on television. Hey, PMSNBC, how are those ratings holding up?

However, in fairness to all, it should be noted that Boehner is quoting the Declaration of Independence while calling it the Constitution. But then again, he is just a Congressman. He's not expected to know what the Hell he's talking about.

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:21:00 +0000

Video of the year...

Now I need a tissue.

Courtesy of SondraK

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:02:00 +0000

No one outperforms his Shat-ness...

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:49:00 +0000

You gotta love the Washington Post...

From the Wall Street Journal:

Virginia is one of two states that elect statewide officials a year after presidential elections, and in the governor's race, Republican Bob McDonnell looks to win big over Democrat Creigh Deeds. (We're not sure whether Creigh rhymes with "gay" or "brie.") The Washington Post, Northern Virginia's biggest paper despite being published out of state, endorsed Deeds, in part citing McDonnell's views on social issues:

We worry that Mr. McDonnell's Virginia would be one where abortion rights would be curtailed; where homosexuals would be treated as second-class citizens; where information about birth control would be hidden; and where the line between church and state could get awfully porous. That is a prescription for yesterday's Virginia, not tomorrow's.

The Post also endorses the Democrat for state attorney general, in part because the Republican, Kenneth Cuccinelli, is "a provocative hard-liner":

Given his sometimes bizarre and incendiary ideas, we worry that Mr. Cuccinelli would drive qualified and nonpartisan lawyers away, transform the attorney general's office into a staging ground for his pet peeves and causes, and make it an object of ridicule in a state where it has enjoyed a long run of respect.

What the Post doesn't tell you is the name of the attorney general under which the office "enjoyed a long run of respect" between January 2006 and February of this year: Bob McDonnell.

Shhhhh!

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:48:00 +0000

Busy watching Game 5 of the World Series and occasionally changing over the the Falcons-Saints (Damn, Drew Brees is GOOD!). But I did want to share this article by one of the best, Jeff Jacoby. If you are still unsure of Obama's following of Saul Alinsky's "Rules for Radicals", this should convince you:

Hyperbole and the health-care debate

Two things supporters of a government-run "public option" for health insurance know for sure. One is that private health insurers are raking in obscenely high profits. The other is that only a government rival can force them to compete on price.
In a clever new commercial featuring Heather Graham as an agile sprinter named "Public Option," the left-wing pressure group MoveOn combines both themes, describing insurance companies as "lazy" and "bloated from the profits of raising our health care costs sky-high." Why, it asks, should anyone resist the competition a public option would generate? After all, "competition is as American as apple pie." In a less amusing print ad a few weeks ago, MoveOn charged that "insurance companies are willing to let the bodies pile up, as long as their profits are safe."

President Obama also attacks health insurers as avaricious profiteers.

"The insurance industry is making this last-ditch effort to stop reform," he declared on Oct. 16, "even as costs continue to rise and our health-care dollars continue to be poured into their profits (and) bonuses." When he addressed Congress in September, Obama insisted that only a public option will "keep insurance companies honest." On the White House Blog, ObamaCare opponents are accused of "fighting to protect insurance industry profits."

Indeed, there is no shortage of voices characterizing health insurers as greedy villains. Earlier this year, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised her party for highlighting "the immoral profits being made by the insurance industry." On CNN last week, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown demanded a public option "so the insurance industry can't continue to game the system and discriminate" against women and the disabled -- tactics insurers have used to "quadruple their profits in the last five years." If quadrupled profits don't seem rapacious enough, the union-backed Health Care for American Now! ups the ante, claiming, according to the AFL-CIO's news blog, that "during the past five years, health insurance company profits have soared by 1,000 percent."

Outbidding them all is Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Health insurance companies "are so anti-competitive," he said last month, "because they make more money than any other business in America today."

To such overheated agitprop, the only useful response is a cold shower of facts, and the Associated Press supplied a timely one last week. For all the impassioned talk about obscene profits and bodies piling up, AP's Calvin Woodward reported, "health insurance profit margins typically run about 6 percent" of revenues, a return "that's anemic compared with other forms of insurance and a broad array of industries."

On the Fortune 500 list of top industries, health insurance companies ranked 35^th in profitability in 2008; their overall profit margin was a mere 2.2 percent. They lagged far behind such industries as pharmaceuticals (which showed a profit margin of 19.3 percent), railroads (12.6 percent), and mining (11.5 percent). Among health insurers, the best performer last year was HealthSpring, which had a profit of 5.4 percent. "That's a less profitable margin," AP noted, "that was achieved by the makers of Tupperware, Clorox bleach, and Molson and Coors beers."

For the most recent quarter of 2009, health-insurance plans earned profits of only 3.3 percent, ranking them 86^th on the expanded Yahoo! Finance list of US industries. The application-software industry, by contrast, is pulling in profits of nearly 22 percent. Why aren't MoveOn and the Democrats demanding a "public option" to compete with Microsoft and Adobe and drive down their "immoral" profits?

There are certainly industries doing worse than health insurance -- airlines and newspapers, for example -- but the notion that health insurers "make more money than any other business in America today" is preposterous. Advocates of a public option may find it tactically expedient to paint insurers as insatiable predators, swollen with ill-gotten profits. The reality is otherwise.

Still, the critics do have one thing right: More competition would bring down health-care premiums. But the way to increase competition is not by adding a government-run health plan to the 1,300 private firms already providing Americans with health insurance. After all, there's no public option for auto insurance and life insurance, yet they're sold in a highly competitive national market. There is no reason health insurance can't be sold the same way.

rshayne@sbcglobal.net (S) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:11:00 +0000

Dallas Cowboys
Heroes & Zeroes
Game Seven

Dallas Cowboys 38 Seattle Seahawks 17

For the first time, in what seems forever, the Cows played two back to back solid games. While the quality of the opponent was less than it was a week ago, the quality of play was better. In fact, I can't even remember the last time the team had fewer penalties than their opponent - and none that really much affected any drives.

It was a good effort from start to finish, although if I could make one criticism, it would be that for the second week in a row (and the 4th time in 7 weeks) the defense allowed the other team to score on their first possession (although actually, Tampa Bay missed a field goal instead). It is a dangerous way to start games and it must be addressed as the team faces stiffer challenges.

HEROES

Tony Romo, Quarterback -- Another solid performance by Romo this week. He set a personal record when he completed his 99th pass in a row without an interception. Considering he threw three in the loss to Denver, it should be noted that he has only thrown four picks all season. And it isn't as if he isn't taking chances downfield. The emergence of Miles Austin has been a real boon to Romo and the entire team.

Patrick Crayton, Wide Receiver -- It's time to give the six-year veteran some love. When demoted back to being the slot receiver, all while losing his punt return job, he took it like a pro and just continued to work. Today, for the second consecutive week, it paid off in a big way. Aside from making three big receptions, Crayton returned his another punt return for a touchdown.

Keith Brooking, Linebacker -- Ever since joining the team during the off-season, Brooking has made a huge contribution. Wade Phillips admitted he didn't know what Brooking had left, after making the Pro-Bowl five times, as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. What Phillips has discovered is that Brooking may just well be the the best free-agent signing in the league. He plays with unbridled emotions and is a real team leader. He had another 8 tackles today, along with a sack and a forced fumble (that was credited to Bradie James, but it could have easily gone to Brooking).

ZEROES

Martellus Bennett, Tight End -- Bennett really didn't have a bad day, per se. But considering how much was expected of the second year pro, he really did have a good one, either. He missed a couple of connections with Romo, where the quarterback looked frustrated with the tight end. He did make a couple of plays, however. So all wasn't lost.

Felix Jones, Kick Returner -- Don't get me wrong. Felix Jones is a star. But so far this season, as a kick returner, he's been average at best. The play that upset me today was his taking a kickoff 5 yards deep and barely making it to the 15-yard-line. The truth is, this woudn't be enough to make the zeroes list normally, but in a week where so much went right, there you have it.

Roy Williams, Wide Receiver -- This is starting to get old. Roy Williams is not a bad wide receiver. But right now he is playing one on TV. I can't understand why he and Romo are having so many problems connecting. In the mean time, he did make a touchdown catch (barely) to redeem himself, slightly. But it seems that every pass Romo sends his way ends poorly. This must be fixed for this team to win down the stretch.

It was a second consecutive strong showing for a team that has been marred by inconsistency for two years. It will be interesting to see how they handle Philadelphia, as the Eagles are coming off a huge win over the Giants. The Eagles have also been inconsistent, but were awesome against New York. Dallas should have a real chip on their shoulders after getting badly embarrassed in Philly at the end of last season. Personally, I think the Cows are up to the challenge.

Here is my pick for next week:

Dallas..............................31
Philadelphia....................20