Tuesday, December 30, 2008

'Magic Negro' flap might help Saltsman - Andy Barr - Politico.com

'Magic Negro' flap might help Saltsman - Andy Barr - Politico.com

I'm not sure that the party of Lincoln should be touching racial stuff. This helps crystallize the perception that they are the party against immigration, minorities, and science. I'm not sure they even know they are doing anything wrong. Sure "negro" is not the most offensive word in the world. However when was the last time you used it in polite conversation? It recalls a time from long ago. I'm sure the GOP Chairman wants to go back, but time keeps on truckin'

Bargain Hunting for Books, and Feeling Sheepish About It - NYTimes.com

Bargain Hunting for Books, and Feeling Sheepish About It - NYTimes.com

It is painful to see physical bookstore die on the vine. I do remember them as cheap dates and a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon. However with the closing of Oxford II in Atlanta I can't remember the last time I spent a really long time in a bookstore just looking. Things have changed and this creative destruction is an inevitable thing, but at the same time it is a little sad. I only have myself to blame though. I rarely would buy new books and if I did that I would certainly buy on price. It will take a really long time to run out of books though. I'm not sure that there will be that many new writers out there, but then again can you think of a time when there were a ton all the sudden.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Rooms - A Meat Box in Brooklyn Where the Steak Ages Gracefully - Series - NYTimes.com

Friday, December 19, 2008

James Stewart and Frank Capra’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’? It’s a Miserable Life! - NYTimes.com

James Stewart and Frank Capra’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’? It’s a Miserable Life! - NYTimes.com

The darkness in this movie makes the over the top saccharine of movie palatable. Because we know that George has sacrificed and left his dreams for reality, we can share in his joy of being alive. When everyone else realizes what George has done for them that they come to his rescue.

As my old college professor said, "so what?" We share this dream of Bedford Falls and as part of the common popular culture it makes us aspire to be George Bailey, To do the right thing when called upon. And also to be appreciated when we need help. The Village of Bedford Falls can still be found in the small towns and neighborhoods, maybe we should look there instead of on TV.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The First of the Gunslingers

Great obit for Sammy Baugh. I just watched that "Great Game Ever Played" show on ESPN (even though it was a different era than baugh). These old timers really had it rough. Not only was the pay lousy, the conditions were terrible and the game was dangerous. Although you could say that about the modern NFL, with the weight lifting, size and speed. Either way, it is a tough game.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

At M.T.A. Hearing, Another Shoe Almost Dropped - City Room Blog - NYTimes.com

Awesome. I think this shoe throwing thing should go big time. Can you imagine an entire stadium throwing their shoes at an opposing team!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Michael Wilbon - Zorn, Redskins Shouldn't Panic Over a False Start - washingtonpost.com:

"'I just feel like the worst coach in America. . . ."

That's because he is the worst coach in America. He's totally outclassed and out coached every week. He has not made the necessary adaptations that every team has done in the last six weeks. That being said, he shouldn't be fired.

While he should have been evaluating his coaches earlier (about week one would have been smart), he's doing that now. It's these last two games that we will see if Zorn's ego and reality match up. He needs to adapt his offense again and every week to the next team. He needs to get the special teams and the lines to play mistake free football. He can't do anything about the talent, but he can drill into them no penalties. He can't do anything about the injuries, but he can drill into then no mental mistakes.

Washington is stuck with Zorn. If he can learn enough in the last two weeks he might worth keeping around.

Monday, December 15, 2008

After Big Cuts, Automakers Try Lots of Small Ones - NYTimes.com

This has got to be the third story I've read about clocks and pencils in Detroit. The PR people need to get compliments for getting these stories in the paper. However it would be much more effective if they had the senior executive staff reveal what they are doing to save money. Are they still getting chauffeured to work? What about their compensation? Travel? Who makes over $200,000 with the Big Three? Not to say they shouldn't, but it would be good to see where they are spending thier money.

Friday, December 12, 2008

To keep gas prices down, raise the gas tax - Nov. 18, 2008

Sloan is great. This is totally political dynamite, but if President Obama can corral some national security and enviro nuts, there might be some traction. This gas minimum tax requires some fancy footwork, but it does make sense on a number of levels. First it gives the Auto Industry a stable predictor of future gas prices. Second it's good for the environment by letting the market decide fuel efficiency is better. Third, it would help fund Federal Road Building Funds which are greatly depleted. I also like Sloan's idea of offering tax rebates to those that would be punished by the gas tax. this should at the very least be part of any "bailout" for the Bid Three. Although it's not looking too good for them right now.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Rod Blagojevich, Illinois governor -- chicagotribune.com

Resigns at last! He must have done a pretty good job on hiding some of the old stuff. If the feds are getting him on this stuff since Election Day.

Does Pat Quinn take over? This might be a historic moment for GooGoos.

What happened to Harris? This guy was always supposed to be wicked smart. I guess he worked his way up to the wrong guy.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Lieberman Contributed to GOP Senate, House Candidates - Capitol Briefing

What? I know this is old, but it got buried on the Wednesday before thanksgiving. This is crazy and outrageous. I'm not sure how this is worse than speaking out against Obama at the RNC, but somehow seems much worse. I have always been a Joe fan and found to be thoughtful and smart Senator. This is very upsetting and I don't think is very forgivable. He better start making amends, but then again, this might be his last term.
Mike Wise - Mike Wise: The Redskins Chose Campbell. Now They Must Stick to Him. - washingtonpost.com:

"This is a tape league; if they don't know what's coming in September, they might have a pretty good guess by Thanksgiving."

That's the reason why Washington is having so many problems late in the year. The other teams have had time to coach their defenses up. It's no Zorn's turn to coach his team up and make some innovations to keep the D's on their heels. this is where his lack of experience is going to hurt. I hope he proves me wrong, but that's where I'm at.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Gregory to host 'Meet the Press' - Mike Allen - Politico.com

I guess its not Koppel? Let's give him a chance to grow into the seat. It will be tough replacing Russert, but then again where was MTP before him?
Big Three May Need to Trim Number of Car Brands - NYTimes.com

this will be too little too late. I liked Wagoner awhile ago, but now I think he's an arrogant ass. Please don't get me started on Nardelli. Executive compensation at these money losing enterprises is unbelievable.

The brands is another good reason they need to go into bankruptcy. If they could get out of these onerous contracts and obligations, they might have a chance. The brands have some worth, but it's impossible to get out of the knot they have tied themselves into. Only the blade of Chapter 11 (or something like that) can save them, otherwise they are going to go under with no chance of survival.
Michael Wilbon - BCS Beats Texas In Red River Sellout - washingtonpost.com:

"No automatic bids in my system."

That's the only thing I agree with. Otherwise you want a playoff? It's called the regular season. If you come from a major conference, win every game and you get a shot. There's your playoff. Unlike any other major sport (MLS, NBA, NHL, NFL, College B-Ball, etc.) every game matters. You lose in September, tough, you're out unless people fall down in front. Texas could have controlled its own destiny, beat Texas Tech and they are in the conference game, no debate. Keep college football the same and make every game count.