Sunday, November 29, 2009
Healthcare thought
I was reading in a recent op-Ed and noticed that the new healthcare plan could cost more than 1 trillion (and there is uncertainity in that even) based on CBO analysis. Wouldn't it be easier and less expensive if the government would just insure all the american people that need it in the short term and instead invest in some sort of jobs training or education push? Recall that when Medicare was put in place it was predicted to cost $12 billion in 1990. The actual cost was $98 billion. We cannot afford this solution and remain the country that we are.
Vicki Kennedy: No Senate plans
Fox 25 Boston
via Vicki Kennedy: No Senate plans.
Why do we assume just because Vicki Kennedy was the wife of Senator Ted Kennedy she would run for the Senate? Not to be insensitive but it kind of defies logic a bit just to jump to wondering whether or not Mrs. Kennedy would pursue a career in politics due to her connections?
I wonder if Laura Bush ever got asked if she was interested in running for President?
via Vicki Kennedy: No Senate plans.
Why do we assume just because Vicki Kennedy was the wife of Senator Ted Kennedy she would run for the Senate? Not to be insensitive but it kind of defies logic a bit just to jump to wondering whether or not Mrs. Kennedy would pursue a career in politics due to her connections?
I wonder if Laura Bush ever got asked if she was interested in running for President?
Friday, November 27, 2009
Black Friday Brings Shopping Madness Locally - Nashville News Story - WSMV Nashville
This is probably an easy post but give me a break. What the hell is the problem with these people that there would be an injury to a fellow shopped because she was trampled by other shoppers. What kind of society are we in that this is somehow tolerated? What are these people thinking that they would act in such a manner to get into Toys R Us before the rest of the dopes who went out to shop at midnight on Thanksgiving.
Question - is the store going to be held liable for the injuries that were inflicted?
Black Friday Brings Shopping Madness Locally - Nashville News Story - WSMV Nashville
Question - is the store going to be held liable for the injuries that were inflicted?
Black Friday Brings Shopping Madness Locally - Nashville News Story - WSMV Nashville
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Aintitcool Reviews LOVELY BONES
Checking out the entertainment news - and saw that Peter Jackson has a new movie out based on the book The Lovely Bones - story below
Harry says that LOVELY BONES is a lovely brutal film! -- Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.
My wife read this book, even after I had warned her that this doesn't sound entertaining - it is a story of a girl who is raped and murdered and she goes to "heaven" and watches her family struggle with the aftermath of her murder. The book also follows the murderer and his "trials". Does this sound like something you want to read?
Needless to say, my wife finished the book in tears (referring to it as 'horrible'). This is not to say to say the writing was horrible or anything like that - it is just a horrid topic...
It makes me think of the movie American Beauty that came out in 1999 as it was the critics darling (won 5 oscars!). After watching it (on DVD) I remarked to my wife (girlfriend then) that it was one of the most depressing movies I had ever seen. There was nothing redeeming about the movie at all and for all its talk of being "so realistic" and showing the viewer the dark side of suburbia all it did was make we want the two hours of my life back (along with giving the viewer various cliches - the Nazi is actually gay!! - how original...). The Lovely Bones strikes me like that and I have no interest in seeing something like that.
Harry says that LOVELY BONES is a lovely brutal film! -- Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.
My wife read this book, even after I had warned her that this doesn't sound entertaining - it is a story of a girl who is raped and murdered and she goes to "heaven" and watches her family struggle with the aftermath of her murder. The book also follows the murderer and his "trials". Does this sound like something you want to read?
Needless to say, my wife finished the book in tears (referring to it as 'horrible'). This is not to say to say the writing was horrible or anything like that - it is just a horrid topic...
It makes me think of the movie American Beauty that came out in 1999 as it was the critics darling (won 5 oscars!). After watching it (on DVD) I remarked to my wife (girlfriend then) that it was one of the most depressing movies I had ever seen. There was nothing redeeming about the movie at all and for all its talk of being "so realistic" and showing the viewer the dark side of suburbia all it did was make we want the two hours of my life back (along with giving the viewer various cliches - the Nazi is actually gay!! - how original...). The Lovely Bones strikes me like that and I have no interest in seeing something like that.
BEWARE! Holiday Foods That Could Kill
Live everyone else, I am looking to drop a few lbs now that I have turned 40. Easier said than done and I have started working out more and watching what I eat. What a better way to start Thanksgiving!!
In any event, in my inbox today I got this story from ediets.com about Holiday Foods that can kill. How could I not read an article like that?
I didn't know Chocolate is toxic (and could be fatal) for dogs and cats...hey I didn't know. Check out the rest of the deadly holiday foods at ediets.com at the link below (and watch out!!!)
BEWARE! Holiday Foods That Could Kill
In any event, in my inbox today I got this story from ediets.com about Holiday Foods that can kill. How could I not read an article like that?
I didn't know Chocolate is toxic (and could be fatal) for dogs and cats...hey I didn't know. Check out the rest of the deadly holiday foods at ediets.com at the link below (and watch out!!!)
BEWARE! Holiday Foods That Could Kill
Chelmsford school's holiday item ban remains in effect
Last week I wrote about this ban in a local Chelmsford school (basically the school was banning on holiday items from their annual holiday gift shop which I thought was at a minimum counter intuitive.
Well reading Boston's Fox news I see that the ban is still in effect.
Chelmsford school's holiday item ban remains in effect
The story notes that "The ban covers all religious items, including items featuring Santa, candy canes, stockings and anything red and green."
Santa is a religious item?? Oh no - not stockings!!! They are also banning things red and green. The school should be ashamed of itself for this silliness but that would make it red...and then it would have to ban itself from its own gift sale..? I digress...
The parents should not support this Holiday Gift shop nor cave into what appears to be political correctness gone awry.
Well reading Boston's Fox news I see that the ban is still in effect.
Chelmsford school's holiday item ban remains in effect
The story notes that "The ban covers all religious items, including items featuring Santa, candy canes, stockings and anything red and green."
Santa is a religious item?? Oh no - not stockings!!! They are also banning things red and green. The school should be ashamed of itself for this silliness but that would make it red...and then it would have to ban itself from its own gift sale..? I digress...
The parents should not support this Holiday Gift shop nor cave into what appears to be political correctness gone awry.
Chelmsford school's holiday item ban remains in effect
Last week I wrote about this ban in a local Chelmsford school (basically the school was banning on holiday items from their annual holiday gift shop which I thought was at a minimum counter intuitive.
Well reading Boston's Fox news I see that the ban is still in effect.
Chelmsford school's holiday item ban remains in effect
The story notes that "The ban covers all religious items, including items featuring Santa, candy canes, stockings and anything red and green."
Santa is a religious item?? Oh no - not stockings!!! They are also banning things red and green. The school should be ashamed of itself for this silliness but that would make it red...and then it would have to ban itself from its own gift sale..? I digress...
The parents should not support this Holiday Gift shop nor cave into what appears to be political correctness gone awry.
Well reading Boston's Fox news I see that the ban is still in effect.
Chelmsford school's holiday item ban remains in effect
The story notes that "The ban covers all religious items, including items featuring Santa, candy canes, stockings and anything red and green."
Santa is a religious item?? Oh no - not stockings!!! They are also banning things red and green. The school should be ashamed of itself for this silliness but that would make it red...and then it would have to ban itself from its own gift sale..? I digress...
The parents should not support this Holiday Gift shop nor cave into what appears to be political correctness gone awry.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
‘Idol’ Runner-Up Sexes Up American Music Awards | NewsBusters.org
I can't stand American Idol anymore (I stopped watching it after Carrie Underwood who seemed to be a class act). When I read this crap I wonder why we call these people American "Idols" when they showcase crap like this. If you haven't seen it or heard about it, I am not going to give it the benefit of explaining it. Needless to say, American Idol is really proud of the press it is getting today.
Thanks for Newsbusters for the story.
‘Idol’ Runner-Up Sexes Up American Music Awards | NewsBusters.org
Thanks for Newsbusters for the story.
‘Idol’ Runner-Up Sexes Up American Music Awards | NewsBusters.org
‘Idol’ Runner-Up Sexes Up American Music Awards | NewsBusters.org
I can't stand American Idol anymore (I stopped watching it after Carrie Underwood who seemed to be a class act). When I read this crap I wonder why we call these people American "Idols" when they showcase crap like this. If you haven't seen it or heard about it, I am not going to give it the benefit of explaining it. Needless to say, American Idol is really proud of the press it is getting today.
Thanks for Newsbusters for the story.
‘Idol’ Runner-Up Sexes Up American Music Awards | NewsBusters.org
Thanks for Newsbusters for the story.
‘Idol’ Runner-Up Sexes Up American Music Awards | NewsBusters.org
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Monday, November 23, 2009
NYT: Wave of Debt Payments Facing US Government
See the following story -NYT: Wave of Debt Payments Facing US Government.
The story covers the financing that the Government is getting that is "too good to be true". Fact is, it looks like it really is.
Money quote from the story (in my opinon) - "Clever debt management strategy," the group said, "can't completely substitute for prudent fiscal policy."
And this is the same organization that thinks they can take over health care and run it in the black. Yeah right...
OS
The story covers the financing that the Government is getting that is "too good to be true". Fact is, it looks like it really is.
With the national debt now topping $12 trillion, the White House estimates that the government's tab for servicing the debt will exceed $700 billion a year in 2019, up from $202 billion this year, even if annual budget deficits shrink drastically. Other forecasters say the figure could be much higher.
In concrete terms, an additional $500 billion a year in interest expense would total more than the combined federal budgets this year for education, energy, homeland security and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Money quote from the story (in my opinon) - "Clever debt management strategy," the group said, "can't completely substitute for prudent fiscal policy."
And this is the same organization that thinks they can take over health care and run it in the black. Yeah right...
OS
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Belichick vindicated: Patriots defence contains Jets offence in 31-14 win (The Canadian Press)
Let's have the spears now...the Jets lost the to the Patriots today 31-14. It is never easy being a Jets fan and being one is Massachusetts is even harder. Dark days indeed.
Congrats to the Patriots.
Belichick vindicated: Patriots defence contains Jets offence in 31-14 win (The Canadian Press): "FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The defence Bill Belichick didn't want to put on the field a week ago kept the offence of the New York Jets off it Sunday."
Congrats to the Patriots.
Belichick vindicated: Patriots defence contains Jets offence in 31-14 win (The Canadian Press): "FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The defence Bill Belichick didn't want to put on the field a week ago kept the offence of the New York Jets off it Sunday."
Hume Defends American Exceptionalism: Obama Foreign Posture 'Exactly Backward' | NewsBusters.org
I am so glad I DVR'ed Fox News Sunday this week. I am looking forward to hearing Brit Hume's wisdom during the Sunday All Stars Panel. But I see that Newsbusters has already published an excerpt - link below.
Hume is spot on...as usual.
Hume Defends American Exceptionalism: Obama Foreign Posture 'Exactly Backward' | NewsBusters.org.
Hume is spot on...as usual.
Hume Defends American Exceptionalism: Obama Foreign Posture 'Exactly Backward' | NewsBusters.org.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
A&E News - A&E Presents "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty"
The state of current reality TV is not depressing enough I guess. In reading in my wife's newest People Magazine i see an advertisement for a new reality series starting the Jacksons that warns the reader "You only think you know them". I think to myself this has got to be some strange joke but lo and behold - it isn't (A&E story about the new series is below). It is bad enough that the family has tried to squeeze every last drop of fame from Michael - and then we get the story that Joe Jackson (the father) wants a stipend from Michael's estate seeing as how he was left out of the will (and was spending $150000 a month).
Face it - the rest of the family (except for Janet) just didn't make the cut. Spare us the drama of chronicling "... the personal and professional lives of Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon as they prepare for a Jackson Five reunion, while also coming to terms with Michael's tragic loss." (from the A&E website).
Can I get an amen!!
A&E News - A&E Presents "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty"
Face it - the rest of the family (except for Janet) just didn't make the cut. Spare us the drama of chronicling "... the personal and professional lives of Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon as they prepare for a Jackson Five reunion, while also coming to terms with Michael's tragic loss." (from the A&E website).
Can I get an amen!!
A&E News - A&E Presents "The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty"
WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs
A continuing problem with politicians especially here in Ma. Can you believe the chutzpah of these guys (yes - not all of them are male - it is an expression). They order their staff to take unpaid time off but they do not (their salaries are mandated by constitutional amendment)? In my opinion, if this state is having so many financial problems why don't the House members volunteer some of their salary and take the furloughs as well?
In my opinion, this is typical of politicians who always look to for other people to sacrifice for the greater good. Taxes are paid by someone else, balanced budget restraints are for someone else, unpaid off is for someone else to do.
Maybe it is time for someone else to work in the House??
WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs
WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs.
In my opinion, this is typical of politicians who always look to for other people to sacrifice for the greater good. Taxes are paid by someone else, balanced budget restraints are for someone else, unpaid off is for someone else to do.
Maybe it is time for someone else to work in the House??
WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs
WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs.
WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs
A continuing problem with politicians especially here in Ma. Can you believe the chutzpah of these guys (yes - not all of them are male - it is an expression). They order their staff to take unpaid time off but they do not (their salaries are mandated by constitutional amendment)? In my opinion, if this state is having so many financial problems why don't the House members volunteer some of their salary and take the furloughs as well?
In my opinion, this is typical of politicians who always look to for other people to sacrifice for the greater good. Taxes are paid by someone else, balanced budget restraints are for someone else, unpaid off is for someone else to do.
Maybe it is time for someone else to work in the House??
WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs
In my opinion, this is typical of politicians who always look to for other people to sacrifice for the greater good. Taxes are paid by someone else, balanced budget restraints are for someone else, unpaid off is for someone else to do.
Maybe it is time for someone else to work in the House??
WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - MA House orders staff - not member - furloughs
Postal Service to Resume Santa Letter Program - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
I blogged recently about the Postal Service dropping the Santa Letters program.
Well I am glad to report that it looks like saner heads have prevailed. Tks to Fox News for the updated story.
Postal Service to Resume Santa Letter Program - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Well I am glad to report that it looks like saner heads have prevailed. Tks to Fox News for the updated story.
Postal Service to Resume Santa Letter Program - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Postal Service to Resume Santa Letter Program - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
I blogged recently about the Postal Service dropping the Santa Letters program.
Well I am glad to report that it looks like saner heads have prevailed. Tks to Fox News for the updated story.
Postal Service to Resume Santa Letter Program - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Well I am glad to report that it looks like saner heads have prevailed. Tks to Fox News for the updated story.
Postal Service to Resume Santa Letter Program - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Final Verdict - Uneven ‘Prisoner’ gets caught in plot loops - The Boston Globe
As I blogged about recently, I was looking forward to AMC's reworking of "The Prisoner", based on the old tv series. Being a Lost fan, I heard that the old show was one of the influences of Lost.
All I can say is wow - this was a tough show to watch. Very choppy editing and little character development and a hard story to follow really made the 6 hours of the series painful to watch. As the Boston Globe puts it:
All I can say is wow - this was a tough show to watch. Very choppy editing and little character development and a hard story to follow really made the 6 hours of the series painful to watch. As the Boston Globe puts it:
"...the AMC remake is numbingly paced, heavy-handed, aimless, and humorless. Worst of all, there’s not a single character in the cold, visually cliched world created by director Nick Hurran who evokes sympathy or enduring interest."
That about sums it up. I wanted to like this...I just didn't.
Story from the Boston Globe - Uneven ‘Prisoner’ gets caught in plot loops - The Boston Globe
Friday, November 20, 2009
Florida Jury Awards $300 Million in Ex-Smoker's Suit - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Am I a bad person if I don't agree with the outcome of this suit? According to Wikipedia, cigarettes were labeled as early as 1967 with the warning "Caution: Cigarette Smoking May be Hazardous to Your Health (1966-1970)". The story notes that the plantiff started smoking in 1968 since "it made her look older". Shouldn't she have know better? She was 20 when she started smoking?
Something just seems wrong to me on this.
Florida Jury Awards $300 Million in Ex-Smoker's Suit - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Something just seems wrong to me on this.
Florida Jury Awards $300 Million in Ex-Smoker's Suit - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Florida Jury Awards $300 Million in Ex-Smoker's Suit - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Am I a bad person if I don't agree with the outcome of this suit? According to Wikipedia, cigarettes were labeled as early as 1967 with the warning "Caution: Cigarette Smoking May be Hazardous to Your Health (1966-1970)". The story notes that the plantiff started smoking in 1968 since "it made her look older". Shouldn't she have know better? She was 20 when she started smoking?
Something just seems wrong to me on this.
Florida Jury Awards $300 Million in Ex-Smoker's Suit - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
Something just seems wrong to me on this.
Florida Jury Awards $300 Million in Ex-Smoker's Suit - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News - FOXNews.com
AAA: Thanksgiving travel to go up
Not a fan of traveling on the holiday - reading that it will be more expensive continues to reinforce this.
AAA: Thanksgiving travel to go up: "WASHINGTON - A leading auto organization is projecting a 1.4 percent increase in Thanksgiving travel this year, although fewer people will travel by air due to budget concerns, reduced airline capacity and added charges."
AAA: Thanksgiving travel to go up: "WASHINGTON - A leading auto organization is projecting a 1.4 percent increase in Thanksgiving travel this year, although fewer people will travel by air due to budget concerns, reduced airline capacity and added charges."
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Starting February, LOST Will Air Tuesdays!! -- Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.
Just reviewing the myriad sites with all kinds of news and caught this that I thought was good enough to post. Thanks to Aint it Cool News for this. Lost will be airing on Tuesday, not Wednesdays.
Good, bad, indifferent??? Story link below.
Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.
Starting February, LOST Will Air Tuesdays!! -- Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.
Just reviewing the myriad sites with all kinds of news and caught this that I thought was good enough to post. Thanks to Aint it Cool News for this. Lost will be airing on Tuesday, not Wednesdays.
Good, bad, indifferent??? Story link below.
Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news.
Ho Ho No: Postal Service Drops Santa Letters Program
(Updated) - Postal Service reinstates this service.
Say it isn't so?? No more letters to Santa?
Say it isn't so?? No more letters to Santa?
But does he still answer the email? Fox News Story below on Postal Service dropping the Santa Letters program.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
W.A.T.C.H. world against toys causing harm, inc.
The World Against Toys Causing Harm (or W.A.T.C.H.) has released their list of the 10 worst toys for kids this Christmas season. It is no surprise that this group was founded in Massachusetts. Anyway - unfortunately many of these toys look pretty cool...hopefully no one buying for my kids will read this list.
LucasArts.com | LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues
The first Lego Wii game featuring Indiana Jones was great and I just found out there was a new game coming out. Of course at basketball when I was talking to some of the kids after the game they knew all about it. I need to get on that internet.
LucasArts.com | LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues
The first Lego Wii game featuring Indiana Jones was great and I just found out there was a new game coming out. Of course at basketball when I was talking to some of the kids after the game they knew all about it. I need to get on that internet.
Chelmsford school bans holiday items at gift shop | Byam Elementary School |
Chelmsford school bans holiday items at gift shop | Byam Elementary School |.
This is a joke right? A local Chelmsford school has gone so far as banning red and green tissue paper because it looks too "Christmasy". As if that is the the worst thing Chelmsford (and this state) need to worry about.
I like that the school is banning items such as Santa, candy canes, stockings and other items from its "annual holiday gift shop". What holiday would that be?
Merry whatever!!
OS
This is a joke right? A local Chelmsford school has gone so far as banning red and green tissue paper because it looks too "Christmasy". As if that is the the worst thing Chelmsford (and this state) need to worry about.
I like that the school is banning items such as Santa, candy canes, stockings and other items from its "annual holiday gift shop". What holiday would that be?
Merry whatever!!
OS
Chelmsford school bans holiday items at gift shop | Byam Elementary School |
This is a joke right? A local Chelmsford school has gone so far as banning red and green tissue paper because it looks too "Christmasy". As if that is the the worst thing Chelmsford (and this state) need to worry about.
I like that the school is banning items such as Santa, candy canes, stockings and other items from its "annual holiday gift shop". What holiday would that be?
Merry whatever!!
Chelmsford school bans holiday items at gift shop | Byam Elementary School |
This is a joke right? A local Chelmsford school has gone so far as banning red and green tissue paper because it looks too "Christmasy". As if that is the the worst thing Chelmsford (and this state) need to worry about.
I like that the school is banning items such as Santa, candy canes, stockings and other items from its "annual holiday gift shop". What holiday would that be?
Merry whatever!!
Opposing Views: OPINION: Cass Sunstein has Secret Animal Rights Agenda
This just keeps getting better. I have not heard about this before but another one of Obama's czars has some interesting ideas on animal rights
Opposing Views: OPINION: Cass Sunstein has Secret Animal Rights Agenda.
Quoting the article:
Animals can bring a suit against a human? Can you imagine bumper crop of new cases that the trial lawyers can bring to the court? But the madness continues:
This is typical insanity from an administration who mistook the election results for approval to move to the extreme left. Wake up folks - these are the people that the president surrounds himself with.
OS
Opposing Views: OPINION: Cass Sunstein has Secret Animal Rights Agenda.
Quoting the article:
“[A]nimals should be permitted to bring suit, with human beings as their representatives, to prevent violations of current law … Any animals that are entitled to bring suit would be represented by (human) counsel, who would owe guardian like obligations and make decisions, subject to those obligations, on their clients’ behalf.”
Animals can bring a suit against a human? Can you imagine bumper crop of new cases that the trial lawyers can bring to the court? But the madness continues:
“We ought to ban hunting, I suggest, if there isn’t a purpose other than sport and fun. That should be against the law. It’s time now".
This is typical insanity from an administration who mistook the election results for approval to move to the extreme left. Wake up folks - these are the people that the president surrounds himself with.
OS
Underperforming Boston schools may shut down
Continuing the education theme today - another story from the local Boston Fox website.
Question - why wouldn't they be shut down? Certainly there would be better alternatives for the children being affected wouldn't there?
Teachers union opposes bonus program
Not sure why the unions would be opposed to merit based bonuses for exceptional teachers. I for one would want my kids being educated by teachers who get these bonuses.
BOSTON - The Boston Teachers Union wants to stop hundreds of teachers from pocketing bonuses. The union is opposing a performance-based bonus program started in 2008 and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates and Exxon Mobil foundations.
"Teachers union opposes bonus program
Just checking the local news at Fox 25 Boston and saw this story -Teachers union opposes bonus program.
Apparently the Boston Teachers Union wants to prevent teachers from pocketing bonuses that are performance-based. As I read this, I wonder what is wrong with this? Don't we have merit bonuses in other areas (I know I have received bonuses at the end of the year for good work in growing the company). I don't see why the Union would oppose this as I would think it would encourage teachers to go the 'extra mile' in their job. Quite frankly, teachers have a critical job in the development of the next generation and they should be encouraged (like other professions) to be recognized for outstanding performance. Similarly we should look to remove from the educational establishment those teachers that are sub par.
My opinion at least
OS
Apparently the Boston Teachers Union wants to prevent teachers from pocketing bonuses that are performance-based. As I read this, I wonder what is wrong with this? Don't we have merit bonuses in other areas (I know I have received bonuses at the end of the year for good work in growing the company). I don't see why the Union would oppose this as I would think it would encourage teachers to go the 'extra mile' in their job. Quite frankly, teachers have a critical job in the development of the next generation and they should be encouraged (like other professions) to be recognized for outstanding performance. Similarly we should look to remove from the educational establishment those teachers that are sub par.
My opinion at least
OS
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Running update
So am trying to be more healthy and have run a couple of times now. Just got back from a slow as$ run (sorry for the language). Did a couple of miles and did a lot better than the first time I ran on Sunday but still a lot slower than I would like. Why do we abuse our bodies for so long and expect a change overnight - hmmmm
By the way, a friend tipped me onto this site -http://www.logyourrun.com/
I am using it to track my progress - goal for this week is to run two more times by Sunday.
Weigh in tomorrow.
By the way, a friend tipped me onto this site -http://www.logyourrun.com/
I am using it to track my progress - goal for this week is to run two more times by Sunday.
Weigh in tomorrow.
On ABC, Sarah Palin Slams the Snobbery and Arrogance of Katie Couric
Hat Tip to NewsBusters.org - Exposing Liberal Media Bias for this nice post on Barbara Walter's interview with Sarah Palin
via On ABC, Sarah Palin Slams the Snobbery and Arrogance of Katie Couric.
The Newsbusters post also has a nice nuanced point. Palin is asked if she would have supported her daughter if she wanted an abortion. Yet how many pro-abortion politicians are asked if they would support their daughter not having an abortion but keeping the baby - even if the baby had Down's Syndrome?
OS
via On ABC, Sarah Palin Slams the Snobbery and Arrogance of Katie Couric.
The Newsbusters post also has a nice nuanced point. Palin is asked if she would have supported her daughter if she wanted an abortion. Yet how many pro-abortion politicians are asked if they would support their daughter not having an abortion but keeping the baby - even if the baby had Down's Syndrome?
OS
AP POLL: Tax the rich to pay for health bill (AP)
What a surprise. After being exposed to so much class warfare rhetoric the AP now notes that Americans think taxing the rich is the right way to pay for the heath bill or 'health care reform'. No discussion on whether or not the Government should be controlling or even involving themselves in this area of life but how we should pay for it. And the idea at hand is a penalty in a sense directed toward the rich (those individuals making over $500000 or households making over $1 million as the current House bill notes)
The left can count this one was a win.Instead of people paying more for their own health care, they decide to pass the buck to the rich. What a surprise - well not really. This is the same Government that doesn't know how to balance a checkbook or live within a budget - the very things most of us need to do to get along in this economy.
I guess I am not surprised when we elect politicians who haven't done much - except community organizing.
Story at Yahoo! News: Top Stories
via AP POLL: Tax the rich to pay for health bill (AP).
OS
The left can count this one was a win.Instead of people paying more for their own health care, they decide to pass the buck to the rich. What a surprise - well not really. This is the same Government that doesn't know how to balance a checkbook or live within a budget - the very things most of us need to do to get along in this economy.
I guess I am not surprised when we elect politicians who haven't done much - except community organizing.
Story at Yahoo! News: Top Stories
via AP POLL: Tax the rich to pay for health bill (AP).
OS
Amazon savings
I know it is going to be a good day when I get emails like the one I just got from Amazon. It is as follows:
Greetings from Amazon.com.
You saved $0.02 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!
The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.
The following title(s) decreased in price:
xxxxxxxx (what I bought was irrelevant)
Price on order date: $9.00
Price charged at shipping: $8.98
Lowest price before release date: $8.98
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $0.02
$0.02 is your total savings under our Pre-order Price Guarantee.
Alright!!!! Every little bit helps
Greetings from Amazon.com.
You saved $0.02 with Amazon.com's Pre-order Price Guarantee!
The price of the item(s) decreased after you ordered them, and we gave you the lowest price.
The following title(s) decreased in price:
xxxxxxxx (what I bought was irrelevant)
Price on order date: $9.00
Price charged at shipping: $8.98
Lowest price before release date: $8.98
Quantity: 1
Total Savings: $0.02
$0.02 is your total savings under our Pre-order Price Guarantee.
Alright!!!! Every little bit helps
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Out for a run
Went out to work off the Jets loss. Had an ok run but it felt good to exercise after a day of working around the house.
Also trying out new iPhone app for blogging.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Also trying out new iPhone app for blogging.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Scobee kicks 21-yard field goal as time expires to give Jags 24-22 win over Jets (The Canadian Press)
Crap - Jets drop one to the Jags and also drop to 3rd in the AFC East. It is tough some times to be a Jets fan.
Illegal immigrant tuition gets new push
I was reading the Fox 25 Boston site and saw this story about illegal immigrants and the potential to 'award' them the privilege of paying in state rates for college.
Question: Why are illegal immigrants allowed to attend college when they are known to be illegal (or undocumented as the Fox Story refers to them as)? Why are they not deported?
Sorry - this is breaking the law and just goes to show me how whacked out this issue really is.
Story via Illegal immigrant tuition gets new push.
OS
Question: Why are illegal immigrants allowed to attend college when they are known to be illegal (or undocumented as the Fox Story refers to them as)? Why are they not deported?
Sorry - this is breaking the law and just goes to show me how whacked out this issue really is.
Story via Illegal immigrant tuition gets new push.
OS
Complete coverage of NY Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | New York Jets - - NJ.com
Complete coverage of NY Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | New York Jets - - NJ.com
Update - Jets lose to Jacksonville (24-22). What does this mean for their playoff hopes as the Jets Coach (Rex Ryan) stated "If the Jets (4-4) had any prayer of making the playoffs this season, they needed to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars".
I guess it is going to be another disappointing year for us Jets fans.
Complete coverage of NY Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | New York Jets - - NJ.com
Complete coverage of NY Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | New York Jets - - NJ.com
Update - Jets lose to Jacksonville (24-22). What does this mean for their playoff hopes as the Jets Coach (Rex Ryan) stated "If the Jets (4-4) had any prayer of making the playoffs this season, they needed to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars".
I guess it is going to be another disappointing year for us Jets fans.
Star Wars in Concert | Anthony Daniels | Star Wars C-3PO | Star Wars |
The family checked out Star Wars in concert yesterday afternoon in Boston. Absolutely superb as the concert with a live orchestra played music to snippets from all the movies as the story was narrated by C-3PO himself Anthony Daniels. I was so impressed with it a did a quick Google and found this story from the local Fox station interviewing Anthony Daniels about the show.
After hearing he was on twitter I sent Anthony Daniels a quick tweet to thank him again for the show. There were two standing ovations and as I tweeted, he especially looked quite overcome and I for one, thought it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Star Wars in Concert | Anthony Daniels | Star Wars C-3PO | Star Wars |
The family checked out Star Wars in concert yesterday afternoon in Boston. Absolutely superb as the concert with a live orchestra played music to snippets from all the movies as the story was narrated by C-3PO himself Anthony Daniels. I was so impressed with it a did a quick Google and found this story from the local Fox station interviewing Anthony Daniels about the show.
After hearing he was on twitter I sent Anthony Daniels a quick tweet to thank him again for the show. There were two standing ovations and as I tweeted, he especially looked quite overcome and I for one, thought it was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
AMC » The Prisoner
So as a huge Lost Fan, I am looking forward to AMC's The Prisoner Miniseries tonight. Link follows. I am worried about having unrealistic expectations but with Lost not returning to 2010, hopefully this miniseries will help.
AMC » The Prisoner: "Official site for AMC's The Prisoner miniseries. Sneak peeks, cast interviews and making-of videos; plus episode & character guides, contests, and talk forums."
Skip The Hand Shake Now Has A Wristband
Tks to Tech Crunch - it looks like there is a movement to make the handshake go the way of the Dodo. I guess it is more sanitary.
Link below.
Here’s who has (sort of, not really) pledged their support for the No Handshake cause to date:
- OpenCandy, Bessemer Venture Partners
- Some German city
- CNN, Dalai Lama And The Obamas
- One in three Canadians
- Brad Feld and Boston Globe
- NEW – The New Yorker, via this cartoon
Crunch Network: CrunchBoard because it’s time for you to find a new Job2.0
"
Friday, November 13, 2009
FACT CHECK: Palin's book goes rogue on some facts (AP)
Yahoo! News: Top Stories has a story 'fact checking' Sarah Palin's new book.
Although I think some of the fact checking leaves a bit to be desired, here is my question. Check AP the next time a liberal puts out a book and see if it is fact-checked. In fact a quick check of the NY Times Best Seller Hardcover Nonfiction has TRUE COMPASS, by Edward M. Kennedy (at #8). I haven't seen the AP story fact checking this book on say Chappaquiddick.
Original Fact Check Article on Palin's book is here - FACT CHECK: Palin's book goes rogue on some facts (AP).
OS
Although I think some of the fact checking leaves a bit to be desired, here is my question. Check AP the next time a liberal puts out a book and see if it is fact-checked. In fact a quick check of the NY Times Best Seller Hardcover Nonfiction has TRUE COMPASS, by Edward M. Kennedy (at #8). I haven't seen the AP story fact checking this book on say Chappaquiddick.
Original Fact Check Article on Palin's book is here - FACT CHECK: Palin's book goes rogue on some facts (AP).
OS
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Ex-Gov. Spitzer to Lecture at Harvard Ethics Center
Breaking News | Latest News | Current News - FOXNews.com
via Ex-Gov. Spitzer to Lecture at Harvard Ethics Center.
The last thing this guy is qualified for is to give a lecture on ethics. Very interesting choice by Harvard.
via Ex-Gov. Spitzer to Lecture at Harvard Ethics Center.
The last thing this guy is qualified for is to give a lecture on ethics. Very interesting choice by Harvard.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Former radical to speak at UMass after all
An item from WBZ - Top Stories
via Former radical to speak at UMass after all.
The story notes that:
I wonder how welcome a person who called for violence against abortion doctors would be for a speaking engagement at UMass?
OS
via Former radical to speak at UMass after all.
The story notes that:
"Raymond Levasseur, a former leader of the United Freedom Front, is scheduled to speak at the university on Thursday night. The group was linked to 20 domestic bombings in the to 20 domestic bombings in the 1970s and 1980s, and members were convicted of the slaying of a New Jersey state trooper and the attempted killing of two Massachusetts state troopers."
I wonder how welcome a person who called for violence against abortion doctors would be for a speaking engagement at UMass?
OS
No Free Lunches in Medical Care by Thomas Sowell on National Review Online
No Free Lunches in Medical Care by Thomas Sowell on National Review Online.
I was reading Monday's Patriot Post and there was a quote from this column by Thomas Sowell that said "If you think the government can lower medical costs by eliminating “waste, fraud, and abuse,” as some Washington politicians claim, the logical question is: Why haven’t they done that already?"
Good question for all you health care advocates. Does it really make sense to look to the Government to cut waste, fraud and abuse? Seems very silly and ignorant to me. This is the same Government that devised the postal service and wrote the tax code - not monuments to efficiency.
OS
I was reading Monday's Patriot Post and there was a quote from this column by Thomas Sowell that said "If you think the government can lower medical costs by eliminating “waste, fraud, and abuse,” as some Washington politicians claim, the logical question is: Why haven’t they done that already?"
Good question for all you health care advocates. Does it really make sense to look to the Government to cut waste, fraud and abuse? Seems very silly and ignorant to me. This is the same Government that devised the postal service and wrote the tax code - not monuments to efficiency.
OS
Bon Jovi Hair Retrospective
Bon Jovi Hair Retrospective: "THEN/NOW: To celebrate the release of 'The Circle,' we follow the boys back through thousands of cans of Final Net
I know it is probably not "cool" to be a fan on Bon Jovi but they remain one of the best concerts I have seen (the Have A Nice Day Tour in Boston). They have a new album coming out that is a return to rock (moving away from their last album that was country 'influenced') and the first single (We Weren't Born To Follow) is definitely a good 'arena rock' album.
Governor Denies Clemency, D.C. Sniper Will Be Executed
Glad to see some common sense with regards to the DC Sniper and Justice...from Fox Newa
Governor Denies Clemency, D.C. Sniper Will Be Executed.
Governor Denies Clemency, D.C. Sniper Will Be Executed.
Court rules natural gas a dangerous weapon
Court rules natural gas a dangerous weapon: "The Massachusetts Appeals Court has upheld the conviction of a man who tampered with a natural gas line inside his estranged wife's home, finding that gas can be considered a dangerous weapon. "
Ok - in any event the Court got it right.
From the desk of the blatantly obvious...I like the defense position that the conviction "should be overturned because (the defendant) did not seal the house or stop the people inside from leaving"
Ok - in any event the Court got it right.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Geocaching T-Shirt
We have recently gotten very into Geocaching (we have found about 30 caches) so far. Don't know what I am talking about? See http://www.geocaching.com/ for more info.
A friend of mine sent this to me as a joke but in some perverse way, it is actually kind of true.
A friend of mine sent this to me as a joke but in some perverse way, it is actually kind of true.
I just won the Irish Lottery
I just got this email...I think it is legit
I am so lucky - yeah right.
Irish National Lottery
Your email have been lucky to have been selected among 50 Recipient of £891,934.00 pounds sterlings. each by Irish National Lottery Board.
For further inquiry,please Contact our claim desk with your Details: names,Address,Tel,Age,Occupation,Country immediately.
Claim Department:FOREIGN TRANSFER MANAGER - Contact Mr. Sean James Email:irsboard-sj@msn.com
Your`s Sincerely,
Mrs.Linda Owen.
I am so lucky - yeah right.
Local gas prices rise for 4th time in month
Local gas prices rise for 4th time in month: "Give another penny to the gasoline pump. Prices in our area are up another cent, according to the last survey by AAA of Southern New England. On average, self-serve regular now costs $2.64 a gallon. It's the fourth increase in as many weeks."
Uh oh - this looks like it is going to be a tough winter.
I want to believe that the new XFILES movie doesn't stink
So I was able to see the new X-Files movie over the weekend (love the free movie channel preview) and found it confusing and by far inferior to many of the TV shows that were based on the "monster of the week" rather than the X-Files mythology with the Government and Aliens trying to colonize the Earth. This movie took so many illogical jumps (yes I know it is a movie) that I find even my credulity tested.
I did record Frost/Nixon so I have higher expectations for that. With regards to the X-Files movie, it is time to wrap that up - the ship has sailed.
I did record Frost/Nixon so I have higher expectations for that. With regards to the X-Files movie, it is time to wrap that up - the ship has sailed.
I want to believe that the new XFILES movie doesn't stink
So I was able to see the new X-Files movie over the weekend (love the free movie channel preview) and found it confusing and by far inferior to many of the TV shows that were based on the "monster of the week" rather than the X-Files mythology with the Government and Aliens trying to colonize the Earth. This movie took so many illogical jumps (yes I know it is a movie) that I find even my credulity tested.
I did record Frost/Nixon so I have higher expectations for that. With regards to the X-Files movie, it is time to wrap that up - the ship has sailed.
I did record Frost/Nixon so I have higher expectations for that. With regards to the X-Files movie, it is time to wrap that up - the ship has sailed.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Why doesn't Congress pass the Enumerated Powers Act, H.R. 2458,
Can't believe it has been so long since I posted. A little vacation and some trips and I am more than a month in the hole from posting. Oh boy.
So I have been catching up required reading (spending some time with Mark Levin's great book Liberty and Tyranny and reading a slew of back issues of the Patriot Post) and am in favor of Congress passing the The Enumerated Powers Act, H.R. 2458.
This act would require "... that all bills introduced in the U.S. Congress include a statement setting forth the specific constitutional authority under which the law is being enacted. This measure will force a continual re-examination of the role of the national government, and will fundamentally alter the ever-expanding reach of the federal government.". Who could disagree with that? By the way, the above quote is taken from the website of Congressman John Shadegg who has proposed the Act.
How great would that be if every time a bill is introduced, it must have some "rider" that explains clearly the authority that Congress has to enact such a law. By the way, I can't find any place where Congress has the authority to take over Health Care. You say the "general welfare' clause? Quoting James Madison in a letter to Edmund Pendleton in 1792:
Source is http://www.marksquotes.com/Founding-Fathers/Madison/index2.htm
Congress can not do whatever it wants but has enumerated powers focused actually on a few things (like war). The states and ultimately We the People are the ones that have the expansive powers of the Constitution.
The Enumerated Powers Act, H.R. 2458 is a great idea.
So I have been catching up required reading (spending some time with Mark Levin's great book Liberty and Tyranny and reading a slew of back issues of the Patriot Post) and am in favor of Congress passing the The Enumerated Powers Act, H.R. 2458.
This act would require "... that all bills introduced in the U.S. Congress include a statement setting forth the specific constitutional authority under which the law is being enacted. This measure will force a continual re-examination of the role of the national government, and will fundamentally alter the ever-expanding reach of the federal government.". Who could disagree with that? By the way, the above quote is taken from the website of Congressman John Shadegg who has proposed the Act.
How great would that be if every time a bill is introduced, it must have some "rider" that explains clearly the authority that Congress has to enact such a law. By the way, I can't find any place where Congress has the authority to take over Health Care. You say the "general welfare' clause? Quoting James Madison in a letter to Edmund Pendleton in 1792:
If Congress can do whatever in their discretion can be done by money, and will promote the General Welfare, the Government is no longer a limited one, possessing enumerated powers, but an indefinite one, subject to particular exceptions.
Source is http://www.marksquotes.com/Founding-Fathers/Madison/index2.htm
Congress can not do whatever it wants but has enumerated powers focused actually on a few things (like war). The states and ultimately We the People are the ones that have the expansive powers of the Constitution.
The Enumerated Powers Act, H.R. 2458 is a great idea.
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