Saturday, August 30, 2008
Trash vacation reading, Part II
Finished Elizabeth Kostova's 'The Historian.' Quickie Hub Blog verdict: Not bad. Reading it late at night, I was scared a couple times at the slightest noise in my vacation home, passing a key horror-story test for even the most casual of horror-story readers. ... The best part: The reactions of the Hub Blog niece and nephews. I tried to scare the you-know-what out of them by summarizing the book -- the blood-thirsty vampires, Dracula, the undead, the dangers lurking in the night for young ones preyed upon by the condemned of the underworld, etc. But they weren't buying it. I had forgotten they were raised a few years in Haiti -- home of werewolves, voodoo and other monstrous stuff no non-Haitian uncle can compete with in terms of scaring the wits out of little ones. But we thoroughly enjoyed discussing the relative merits of killing a vampire with a wooden stake or silver bullets, why some vampire-slaves of Dracula can tolerate the sun, the number of garlic cloves one should carry in pockets while walking alone in the woods, etc. ...
Finished Elizabeth Kostova's 'The Historian.' Quickie Hub Blog verdict: Not bad. Reading it late at night, I was scared a couple times at the slightest noise in my vacation home, passing a key horror-story test for even the most casual of horror-story readers. ... The best part: The reactions of the Hub Blog niece and nephews. I tried to scare the you-know-what out of them by summarizing the book -- the blood-thirsty vampires, Dracula, the undead, the dangers lurking in the night for young ones preyed upon by the condemned of the underworld, etc. But they weren't buying it. I had forgotten they were raised a few years in Haiti -- home of werewolves, voodoo and other monstrous stuff no non-Haitian uncle can compete with in terms of scaring the wits out of little ones. But we thoroughly enjoyed discussing the relative merits of killing a vampire with a wooden stake or silver bullets, why some vampire-slaves of Dracula can tolerate the sun, the number of garlic cloves one should carry in pockets while walking alone in the woods, etc. ...
Bigger than 'American Idol'?
This should put to rest the snarky pre-speech criticism of Obama's extravagant DNC address:
This should put to rest the snarky pre-speech criticism of Obama's extravagant DNC address:
Obama’s speech before 80,000 spectators in Denver drew a bigger TV audience than the opening night of the Beijing Olympics, the final “American Idol” or this year’s Oscars.Thirty-eight million viewers is 38 million viewers. Obama's address was a ratings smash hit. The fact McCain knocked him off the top of the ratings chart the very next day is almost equally impressive. ... A reader notes that Harry Truman was not a nobody when FDR picked him as his VP choice (see post below). His points are well taken: Truman, a U.S. senator, was prominent in D.C., holding high-profile hearings etc. But he was a nobody outside D.C. and even he didn't think he was ready to be president in the middle of a world war. That's all I was trying to convey. ... Some are also making comparisons to Dan Quayle, as did I yesterday. It's an easy comparison. But keep in mind Dan Quayle's selection ultimately didn't make a difference in '88. George Bush I still won. ... I'm still trying to sort through my reactions to McCain's pick. The first thoughts that jumped to mind were: 'pander' and 'uninspired' and 'light weight' and 'Dan Quayle' and 'Jane Swift' etc. But she was impressive on the podium and could be a huge surprise. ... Lots of reactions here. Note: Dan Quayle's speechwriter likes the Palin pick. ... Charles Krauthammer on McCain's huge gamble: "The McCain campaign is reveling in the fact that Palin is a game changer. But why a game changer when you’ve been gaining? To gratuitously undercut the remarkably successful "Is he ready to lead" line of attack seems near suicidal." ...
Friday, August 29, 2008
'I want to invite readers to remember Jane Swift'
Morra asks us to remember Jane Swift following John McCain's surprise selection of Alaska's Sarah Palin as his running mate. I thought of Jane too. But not for the reasons cited by Morra. ... OK, I'll give Sarah a chance. Who know? Harry Truman also was a surprise nobody when tapped by FDR. But then there's surprise-nobody Dan Quayle. ... The timing of McCain's announcement was brilliant. Completely knocked Obama's speech to the sidelines. Palin also looked quite sharp on the podium. Excellent day for McCain even if his pick turns out to be a long-term loser. ... P.S. - It's fun hearing all the 'experience' arguments over the past few hours. Total partisan flip-flops on both sides. ...
Morra asks us to remember Jane Swift following John McCain's surprise selection of Alaska's Sarah Palin as his running mate. I thought of Jane too. But not for the reasons cited by Morra. ... OK, I'll give Sarah a chance. Who know? Harry Truman also was a surprise nobody when tapped by FDR. But then there's surprise-nobody Dan Quayle. ... The timing of McCain's announcement was brilliant. Completely knocked Obama's speech to the sidelines. Palin also looked quite sharp on the podium. Excellent day for McCain even if his pick turns out to be a long-term loser. ... P.S. - It's fun hearing all the 'experience' arguments over the past few hours. Total partisan flip-flops on both sides. ...
'There was zero, nothing, a flat line,' Part II
Better. Obama's criticism of McCain starts at about 0:50. But I don't think it was devastating criticism. They're trying to paint McCain as an out-of-touch rich man. Didn't work against Reagan and Bush I and Bush II. Probably won't work now. ... I might come across as overly picky, but I'll repeat: The election is about the past eight years. Attack that -- and you're attacking McCain more effectively. ... Just my own little observaton. ...
Better. Obama's criticism of McCain starts at about 0:50. But I don't think it was devastating criticism. They're trying to paint McCain as an out-of-touch rich man. Didn't work against Reagan and Bush I and Bush II. Probably won't work now. ... I might come across as overly picky, but I'll repeat: The election is about the past eight years. Attack that -- and you're attacking McCain more effectively. ... Just my own little observaton. ...
Thursday, August 28, 2008
'There was zero, nothing, a flat line'
Maybe tonight's speech will make a difference. But I now think 'stuck in neutral' is an apt way to describe Obama's stagnant campaign. The most astounding thing about the DNC, at least until Biden's speech last night, is how Democrats have not framed the election as a referendum on the last eight years. Here you have one of the most unpopular presidents since World War II, and Democrats aren't pounding away at it at every opportunity? They're too busy praising Obama, or Ted, or Hillary, or Bill, when the subjects should be about the war, gas prices, Wall Street bailouts, the national budget deficit and debt, Katrina-like incompetence, corruption, pork-barrel spending, etc. It's not that hard to tie it to McCain, who, unbelievably, has Dems on the defensive, despite his own ineptness. Maybe tonight's speech will make a difference. Maybe the confidence of Obama's staff has merit. But this race, as measured by polls, shouldn't even be close at this point. The race was bound to tighten up. But not in August. ...
Update -- A Hub Blog friend notes that Obama's disappointing polls numbers might actually bode well for his campaign. The theory: Didn't Mike Dukakis and John Kerry have big poll leads at this point in the cycle -- only to blow them in the end? "History isn't repeating itself,'' he said. ... Maybe history is simply contracting. But I take his point. There's still time to pound back and frame the election beyond the non-burning question of 'Who's more credible?' ... And Lord knows Obama's camp has the dough to counter-attack. ...
Update II -- Dan notes Kerry was on the attack last night. Four years late, one should add. But at least he's attacking. ...
Maybe tonight's speech will make a difference. But I now think 'stuck in neutral' is an apt way to describe Obama's stagnant campaign. The most astounding thing about the DNC, at least until Biden's speech last night, is how Democrats have not framed the election as a referendum on the last eight years. Here you have one of the most unpopular presidents since World War II, and Democrats aren't pounding away at it at every opportunity? They're too busy praising Obama, or Ted, or Hillary, or Bill, when the subjects should be about the war, gas prices, Wall Street bailouts, the national budget deficit and debt, Katrina-like incompetence, corruption, pork-barrel spending, etc. It's not that hard to tie it to McCain, who, unbelievably, has Dems on the defensive, despite his own ineptness. Maybe tonight's speech will make a difference. Maybe the confidence of Obama's staff has merit. But this race, as measured by polls, shouldn't even be close at this point. The race was bound to tighten up. But not in August. ...
Update -- A Hub Blog friend notes that Obama's disappointing polls numbers might actually bode well for his campaign. The theory: Didn't Mike Dukakis and John Kerry have big poll leads at this point in the cycle -- only to blow them in the end? "History isn't repeating itself,'' he said. ... Maybe history is simply contracting. But I take his point. There's still time to pound back and frame the election beyond the non-burning question of 'Who's more credible?' ... And Lord knows Obama's camp has the dough to counter-attack. ...
Update II -- Dan notes Kerry was on the attack last night. Four years late, one should add. But at least he's attacking. ...
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
'Plot unfolds'
This is very scary stuff. I hope it's bogus. But such a plot is sadly not unthinkable. Via John Daley, who's in Denver during the DNC and who blogged about this last night. ... Quickie thoughts on last night's speech by Teddy: The speech was almost unbearable. Not because of what he said or how he said it. But because the Kennedy relatives, when the TV cameras panned to them during the speech, looked like they were about to cry. They know this could be Ted's last hurrah. It was tough to watch them, especially Maria Shriver. ...
Update -- U.S. Attorney Troy Eid: "We're absolutely confident there is no credible threat to the candidate, the Democratic National Convention, or the people of Colorado." ... Thank goodness.
This is very scary stuff. I hope it's bogus. But such a plot is sadly not unthinkable. Via John Daley, who's in Denver during the DNC and who blogged about this last night. ... Quickie thoughts on last night's speech by Teddy: The speech was almost unbearable. Not because of what he said or how he said it. But because the Kennedy relatives, when the TV cameras panned to them during the speech, looked like they were about to cry. They know this could be Ted's last hurrah. It was tough to watch them, especially Maria Shriver. ...
Update -- U.S. Attorney Troy Eid: "We're absolutely confident there is no credible threat to the candidate, the Democratic National Convention, or the people of Colorado." ... Thank goodness.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Trash vacation reading
Picked up Simon Scarrow's 'Under the Eagle' in preparation for Hub Blog's summer vacation. Some are comparing Scarrow to Cape Cod's Bernard Cornwell. I've started reading the first of Scarrow's Roman-legion series. It's pretty good, but I can already tell you he's no Cornwell. ... Now here's a Cornwell book I can't wait to get my hands on: 'Agincourt.' But I'll have to wait. ... On-deck vacation read: 'The Historian.' Should be getting to it by about Tuesday. ...
Picked up Simon Scarrow's 'Under the Eagle' in preparation for Hub Blog's summer vacation. Some are comparing Scarrow to Cape Cod's Bernard Cornwell. I've started reading the first of Scarrow's Roman-legion series. It's pretty good, but I can already tell you he's no Cornwell. ... Now here's a Cornwell book I can't wait to get my hands on: 'Agincourt.' But I'll have to wait. ... On-deck vacation read: 'The Historian.' Should be getting to it by about Tuesday. ...
'Unusual and politically risky'
The first reaction to Carla's self-payments: Disappointment. But now let's look at public unions' use of pass-through taxpayer funds to fight the November anti-tax initiative -- and look at the pay, perks and palaces of union bosses and underlings at the same time. As one commentator put it: "What Ms. Howell pays herself from her efforts is a fraction of what lobbyists who work to extract more money from taxpayers are raking in." ...
The first reaction to Carla's self-payments: Disappointment. But now let's look at public unions' use of pass-through taxpayer funds to fight the November anti-tax initiative -- and look at the pay, perks and palaces of union bosses and underlings at the same time. As one commentator put it: "What Ms. Howell pays herself from her efforts is a fraction of what lobbyists who work to extract more money from taxpayers are raking in." ...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
'I think it’s terrific'
I do too. But it's a shame Julia Child and others couldn't reveal too much about their OSS roles in World War II. They deserved recognition right up there with GIs, WACs, Coast Guard members, Rosie the Riveter, etc., for helping win the war. Glad to see some of them are now proudly talking about their association. ...
I do too. But it's a shame Julia Child and others couldn't reveal too much about their OSS roles in World War II. They deserved recognition right up there with GIs, WACs, Coast Guard members, Rosie the Riveter, etc., for helping win the war. Glad to see some of them are now proudly talking about their association. ...
Cutting out the Olympics fat, Part III
Ben responds to my earlier post on what Olympic sports I'd like to see cut:
Update -- 8.14.08 - From Andre: "How about swimming events by distance alone? Hey, if you want to backstroke 800 meters, be my guest, but you're not going to win. ... The butterfly is a sack race with water."
Ben responds to my earlier post on what Olympic sports I'd like to see cut:
I'm all for reducing the number of sports and increasing the focus on track and field, but I would keep badminton and field hockey on the grounds that they are big sports in South Asia and Southeast Asia.But keeping soccer, baseball and tennis could also be defended on the grounds they're big elsewhere. I'd still cut badminton and field hockey. ... I like the small-country idea. Every eight years, I'd hold the games in Athens, then award the games to other cities/countries in alternate years. It'd reduce the absurd costs to a degree.
I think it would also be a good idea to hold Olympic games in small countries that might be less likely to exploit the games to prove national greatness: how about Denmark and Cost Rica for the next two Olympics? They could draw on the advertising revenue to fund site construction where necessary and with smaller games it would be more feasible to hold the games in smaller countries.
Update -- 8.14.08 - From Andre: "How about swimming events by distance alone? Hey, if you want to backstroke 800 meters, be my guest, but you're not going to win. ... The butterfly is a sack race with water."
'Political courage?' Part II
Charley, who emailed in, and I discuss the meaning of 'courage' as applied to Deval's recent pension/police-details moves. From Charley:
Charley, who emailed in, and I discuss the meaning of 'courage' as applied to Deval's recent pension/police-details moves. From Charley:
If it doesn't take political courage to get rid of the details, how come no one's done it until now? ...My email response:
If these are bones being thrown at our feet, in your words, what would constitute a big, juicy steak? (i.e. something that would actually represent a gigantic step forward in efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, getting out of the fiscal hole, etc.) I would LOVE to hear anyone with good ideas about how to deal with roads-bridges/MBTA debt/'Pike debt/pensions etc. without raising taxes. I would also love to hear about what reforms are necessary for those agencies.
OK, let's put it this way: Do you really see Caroline Kennedy giving Deval Patrick a Profiles in Courage Award for what he just did? The praise for what he's done is just out of whack. If he proposed: A ban on early pension-paid retirements before the age of 65 (similar to what's done at Social Security); a ban on double-dipping pensions/jobs; a ban on personal-injury pensions without three doctors' confirmations (even though the private sector has no such personal-injury pension plans, BTW); a police-detail reform that included, oh, er, the private sector; elimination of the unused sick-day and vacation-day payouts that can't be found in most private-sector jobs; health-care premiums in line with what private sector employees and retireees pay; and a phase-in of a 401(k) like pension system for new employees, all of that and more, yeah, that would be courageous. In fact, we'd have to invent a new word for courageous, because it's already been used to describe the small half-measures he's already proposed.And Charley responded:
... Pension/benefits reform is definitely on people's minds now. You're right -- in and of themselves, these are small measures. The symbolism matters, but only if it genuinely signals a will to go beyond and clean up the hack culture writ large. ...BTW: Hub Blog should be be more gracious and say, yeah, I'm impressed with what Deval is doing. Perhaps only a Democrat can tackle the party's own special interest groups (insert obligatory Nixon-going-to-China line here). I have a gut instinct the governor wants to push even more reforms. But let's be careful about how we describe these first baby-step reform proposals. ...
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
'Political courage'?
It didn't take political courage to veto a pension pay hike on top of a pension pay hike. It doesn't take political courage to propose limited reform of police details. But they are small (very small) steps in the right direction. Now it's up to the Legislature to act or not act. But ask yourself: What type of political culture would actually approve a pension pay hike on top of a pension pay hike at a time when taxes are going up and services are being cut? What type of political culture has consistently balked at even the most minor reforms of police details? ... I do agree with this statement:
... Moving on to other political matters: The same clown who produced 'Unfit for Command' has a new book out, 'The Obama Nation.' Dismiss it all you want. But it's already No. 1 on the NYT book list. ... The Economist also notices 'Obama Fatigue' and warns:
It didn't take political courage to veto a pension pay hike on top of a pension pay hike. It doesn't take political courage to propose limited reform of police details. But they are small (very small) steps in the right direction. Now it's up to the Legislature to act or not act. But ask yourself: What type of political culture would actually approve a pension pay hike on top of a pension pay hike at a time when taxes are going up and services are being cut? What type of political culture has consistently balked at even the most minor reforms of police details? ... I do agree with this statement:
Make no mistake, Patrick has an election in mind all right. It's the November referendum on Question 1, the income tax repeal. Polls suggest voters are unhappy enough that they could vote their wallet and not their best interests. Sacred cows need to fall.But it needs a little translation: Those are bones being thrown at your feet. ...
... Moving on to other political matters: The same clown who produced 'Unfit for Command' has a new book out, 'The Obama Nation.' Dismiss it all you want. But it's already No. 1 on the NYT book list. ... The Economist also notices 'Obama Fatigue' and warns:
The McCain team has been quick to spot its opportunity. It has released a series of advertisements that are designed to pummel the president-in-waiting. ... This onslaught cleverly tries to turn Mr Obama’s qualities — his youthful good looks and devoted supporters — into weaknesses. It also sends a clear message to voters: Mr McCain equals country first, Mr Obama equals Obama first.Well, it's not that clever. Republicans have been using the same tactic for decades against Dems: Attack their strengths. It's not enough for Dems to refute charges. They need to counter-attack GOP strengths.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
'I really don't want to hurt your feelings'
I think Jon's pulling punches on John Edwards. Same with Seth. ... Outraged Liberal thinks there's a partisan media double-standard. I briefly went down the partisan media double-standard path, in the opposite direction, and immediately had to backtrack. ... Hub Blog used to like Edwards. But the born-again populism and $400 haircut/mansion set off belated alarm bells. His hiding in the men's room with National Enquirer hounds outside merely helped complete the picture. There's a difference between youthful indiscretions and actual candidate/office-holder indiscretions. ...
I think Jon's pulling punches on John Edwards. Same with Seth. ... Outraged Liberal thinks there's a partisan media double-standard. I briefly went down the partisan media double-standard path, in the opposite direction, and immediately had to backtrack. ... Hub Blog used to like Edwards. But the born-again populism and $400 haircut/mansion set off belated alarm bells. His hiding in the men's room with National Enquirer hounds outside merely helped complete the picture. There's a difference between youthful indiscretions and actual candidate/office-holder indiscretions. ...
'Cartoon of a Back Bay building'?
A developer trying to maximize profits lectures the petty bourgeois about architectural aesthetics. ... So preserving existing Back Bay buildings is now a sentimental form of drawing cartoons. The same arrogant logic could apply to every building in the Back Bay, when you think about it. ... Notice who's hiding in the background. Hint: He hates upsetting certain developers and voting constituents at the same time. ...
A developer trying to maximize profits lectures the petty bourgeois about architectural aesthetics. ... So preserving existing Back Bay buildings is now a sentimental form of drawing cartoons. The same arrogant logic could apply to every building in the Back Bay, when you think about it. ... Notice who's hiding in the background. Hint: He hates upsetting certain developers and voting constituents at the same time. ...
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Cutting out the Olympics fat, Part II
BTW: Nice of Russia to time its little war with the opening of the Olympics. ... Bob asks: Are the Olympics worth $43 billion? I loved this line about the demolition of entire Beijing neighborhoods: "If I've got it gauged correctly, this was the West End saga times a hundred." ... One other suggestion for the Olympics: Hold every other Summer Olympics in Athens. It'll cut down on costs. Not that it and other suggestions below will save the Olympics. The problems are deeper, mostly tied to how the games are no longer so special in an global age when someone can hop on a plane and go anywhere or post a YouTube video in seconds. All the more reason to make the Olympics more focused and unique. ... BTW II: Have no suggested solution for American television's wretched coverage, other than to tune out the coverage. Notice the Herald's coverage of the Olympics: Below the New England Revolution as of 9:40 this morning. Says something about where the Olympics are headed. ...
BTW: Nice of Russia to time its little war with the opening of the Olympics. ... Bob asks: Are the Olympics worth $43 billion? I loved this line about the demolition of entire Beijing neighborhoods: "If I've got it gauged correctly, this was the West End saga times a hundred." ... One other suggestion for the Olympics: Hold every other Summer Olympics in Athens. It'll cut down on costs. Not that it and other suggestions below will save the Olympics. The problems are deeper, mostly tied to how the games are no longer so special in an global age when someone can hop on a plane and go anywhere or post a YouTube video in seconds. All the more reason to make the Olympics more focused and unique. ... BTW II: Have no suggested solution for American television's wretched coverage, other than to tune out the coverage. Notice the Herald's coverage of the Olympics: Below the New England Revolution as of 9:40 this morning. Says something about where the Olympics are headed. ...
Cutting out the Olympics fat
One of the problems of the modern Olympics, in my opinion, is the proliferation of official sports and de-emphasis of track and field, the heart and soul of the games. So as a public service, here is Hub Blog's list of sports that would be eliminated if the IOC had the common sense to implement my recommendations:
FYI: I eliminated some well-known sports because they're Olympic late-comers and/or already have their own well-established championships (baseball, soccer and tennis). Others were nixed because they're just silly (beach volleyball, trampoline etc.; there's the brand issue again). I've left some sports, such as basketball, because they're long established within the games. But I wouldn't shed a tear if basketball got the boot, as well as a few other sports.
FYI II: I'd also put the Winter Olympics (which needs its own events pruning) back in the same year as the Summer Olympics. Holding the games every four years makes them special. Every two years is dilution and over-exposure.
FYI III: Check out 'Finnish baseball,' or Pesäpallom, once a demonstration sport. Never knew. The rule differences are fascinating.
One of the problems of the modern Olympics, in my opinion, is the proliferation of official sports and de-emphasis of track and field, the heart and soul of the games. So as a public service, here is Hub Blog's list of sports that would be eliminated if the IOC had the common sense to implement my recommendations:
Synchronized swimmingThere's precedent for such moves (see list of 'discontinued sports' and of 'demonstration sports' that, thank goodness, never made it to official-sports status). I'd also eliminate the whole notion of 'recognized Olympic sports' that aren't even played at the games and only serve to confuse and draw contempt (chess, tug of war, surfing etc). Why call them Olympic sports if they're not played at the Olympics? The IOC is not protecting its brand.
Badminton
Baseball
BMX
Mountain biking
Field hockey
Judo
Soccer
Trampoline
Handball
Softball
Table tennis
Taekwondo
Tennis
Beach volleyball
FYI: I eliminated some well-known sports because they're Olympic late-comers and/or already have their own well-established championships (baseball, soccer and tennis). Others were nixed because they're just silly (beach volleyball, trampoline etc.; there's the brand issue again). I've left some sports, such as basketball, because they're long established within the games. But I wouldn't shed a tear if basketball got the boot, as well as a few other sports.
FYI II: I'd also put the Winter Olympics (which needs its own events pruning) back in the same year as the Summer Olympics. Holding the games every four years makes them special. Every two years is dilution and over-exposure.
FYI III: Check out 'Finnish baseball,' or Pesäpallom, once a demonstration sport. Never knew. The rule differences are fascinating.
Friday, August 08, 2008
'Edwards admitted today ...'
'... the National Equirer was correct.' ... Says it all, doesn't it? ... Mickey summing it up: 'Edwards: I lied. Can I Go to Denver Now?' ...
'... the National Equirer was correct.' ... Says it all, doesn't it? ... Mickey summing it up: 'Edwards: I lied. Can I Go to Denver Now?' ...
'He’s my brother'
The Christopher Chichester and Cristian Gerhartsreiter link is made in Germany. ... The CG/CC/CR story is amazing -- and it hasn't even played out yet. ... P.S. -- Both papers have reporters in Germany. Didn't initially see the latter. ... Again: amazing. ...
Update -- From a friend on the Rockefeller story: "It's been a real nice summer read.'' ... It's one of those stories in which you expect an update every day. ... Now if we can only get a Nazi angle. ...
Update II -- NYPost has a correspondent in Germany too. NY Daily News has someone in Berlin (Conn.). ...
Update III -- From another friend: "Nazism is fine. But we also need sex. Nazis and sex. That's what we need." ...
The Christopher Chichester and Cristian Gerhartsreiter link is made in Germany. ... The CG/CC/CR story is amazing -- and it hasn't even played out yet. ... P.S. -- Both papers have reporters in Germany. Didn't initially see the latter. ... Again: amazing. ...
Update -- From a friend on the Rockefeller story: "It's been a real nice summer read.'' ... It's one of those stories in which you expect an update every day. ... Now if we can only get a Nazi angle. ...
Update II -- NYPost has a correspondent in Germany too. NY Daily News has someone in Berlin (Conn.). ...
Update III -- From another friend: "Nazism is fine. But we also need sex. Nazis and sex. That's what we need." ...
'This culture'
Scott Harshbarger gets at the heart of the John Buonomo affair, which he rightly argues is not an aberration:
Update -- David: "Come on, folks: there must be a way to avoid reelecting this guy. Is a sticker campaign the only way?" ...
Update II -- A BMG reader captures the cynicism: "I would rather re-elect the guy, then have the office vacated upon conviction, rather than let a sticker campaign deliver us a well-oiled hack." ...
Scott Harshbarger gets at the heart of the John Buonomo affair, which he rightly argues is not an aberration:
I think it's outrageous, both sad and outrageous... What's happened is this is a culture that has come to denigrate public service. It's all about the attitude at the leadership level. ... The culture here is 'get what you can, nobody's watching.' The standards have eroded.Via Jon, who has much more on Buonomo, who, incredibly, is running for re-election. Keep in mind a reporter approached Buonomo about rumors of thefts in his office -- and afterward he still got caught on video allegedly looting the copying machines.
Update -- David: "Come on, folks: there must be a way to avoid reelecting this guy. Is a sticker campaign the only way?" ...
Update II -- A BMG reader captures the cynicism: "I would rather re-elect the guy, then have the office vacated upon conviction, rather than let a sticker campaign deliver us a well-oiled hack." ...
Thursday, August 07, 2008
'John's life started out idyllic enough ...'
Soxaholix reveals the general plot-line formula for all those annoying Olympic personal stories the TV types think viewers want. ... What can you say about the Olympics? It's like hearing about Polaroid, or some other long-forgotten person or institution, and thinking, "Are they still around?" The same thought pops to mind when I see a Howard Johnson's or a bottle of Tang, etc., etc. ... Soxaholix post via Adam. ...
Update -- The Phoenix's Steven Stark:
Soxaholix reveals the general plot-line formula for all those annoying Olympic personal stories the TV types think viewers want. ... What can you say about the Olympics? It's like hearing about Polaroid, or some other long-forgotten person or institution, and thinking, "Are they still around?" The same thought pops to mind when I see a Howard Johnson's or a bottle of Tang, etc., etc. ... Soxaholix post via Adam. ...
Update -- The Phoenix's Steven Stark:
Despite all the hype about to smother the planet like a Beijing smog cloud, the Olympics will soon be unmasked as the overrated spectacle it is -- one that is also long past its modern heyday, which occurred in an era when there were few other international competitions.Personally, I'd rather watch the World Cup. I wouldn't have said that 10 years ago.
'Haunted by John F. Kerry's 2004 run and ...'
Obama is hitting back (sort of) amid 'Democratic hand-wringing' that variations of '88, '00, and '04 are repeating themselves. I'm impressed (sort of) with the Obama campaign's confidence that it has everything under control. But the lesson from previous campaigns is that Dems didn't take GOP attacks seriously enough until it was too late. ... Not sure about Kev's 'Wizard of Rove's playbook' and 'uppity' arguments (they themselves sound like they come from a Dem playbook). But agree with him that both Obama and McCain are fundamentally decent candidates. I said so earlier this year. I still stand by it, though the substance behind their styles is frustratingly thin. ... Alert: 'Obama fatigue.' There is such a thing as over exposure -- and it has nothing to do with being uppity. ...
Obama is hitting back (sort of) amid 'Democratic hand-wringing' that variations of '88, '00, and '04 are repeating themselves. I'm impressed (sort of) with the Obama campaign's confidence that it has everything under control. But the lesson from previous campaigns is that Dems didn't take GOP attacks seriously enough until it was too late. ... Not sure about Kev's 'Wizard of Rove's playbook' and 'uppity' arguments (they themselves sound like they come from a Dem playbook). But agree with him that both Obama and McCain are fundamentally decent candidates. I said so earlier this year. I still stand by it, though the substance behind their styles is frustratingly thin. ... Alert: 'Obama fatigue.' There is such a thing as over exposure -- and it has nothing to do with being uppity. ...
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
'The Oh Manny song'
Kev is all excited about this 'Oh Manny' video. ... Barry Manilow. Neil Diamond. There's a pattern forming here. ... And I have to put up with Kev over beers as he hums tunes to both. ...
Update - 8.06.08 -- A reader notes that a Sox connection to Engelbert Humperdinck would turn the pattern into a trend. I really hope that doesn't happen. ...
Kev is all excited about this 'Oh Manny' video. ... Barry Manilow. Neil Diamond. There's a pattern forming here. ... And I have to put up with Kev over beers as he hums tunes to both. ...
Update - 8.06.08 -- A reader notes that a Sox connection to Engelbert Humperdinck would turn the pattern into a trend. I really hope that doesn't happen. ...
'Tired ideas'
From Reader No. 1 on the source of 'tired ideas':
From Reader No. 1 on the source of 'tired ideas':
I have been thinking about your comments (see below) that Obama hasn't shown any fresh ideas and have a few suggestions.
1- Part of the answer is in yesterday's David Brooks column that you found 'OK'. If you don't stay in one place for very long, you can develop a 'supple grasp' of ideas but not the depth essential to 'bold and refreshing.'
2- Part of the answer is that people in and around the campaign and of course, the mainstream reports, are more interested in style than substance, ie "does he look Presidential" on his European trip.
3- Part of the answer is that ideas that make a difference make for hard choices. For two economic examples around the relationship between taxes and investments, see Professor Feldstein in today's WSJ and Capitalist Nexus blog. For someone who thinks looking Presidential is the most important issue, thinking about these ideas might make them tired. But that doesn't make these tired ideas.
4- Another question is: what do we mean by 'ideas'? There are Big Ideas and then there are ideas for specific actions. The most effective of the latter are usually grounded in the former. Events of the past couple of weeks suggest the Democratic Party is confused on some fundamental big ideas - without getting those right, there's little hope for effective action. (Which takes us back to #1 above).
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
'Stuck in neutral'?
Not sure 'stuck in neutral' is the right metaphor for Obama. The race is too fluid to describe it that way, as Obama's poll numbers grow then contract. Reader No. 1 really liked this morning's David Brooks column: "This is the most perceptive analysis of Obama to date, for my money - particularly the last 3 paragraphs (which are admittedly Brooks' speciality)." I thought the column was OK. But my problem with Obama is seemingly more banal: There doesn't appear to be much substance behind the style. He's done a good job identifying and articulating the national zeitgeist: Many voters want to move beyond the hyper-partisan Culture Wars era, etc., etc. But then Obama serves up tired ideas, the latest being a windfall profit tax on oil companies, something, due to the way he would distribute the money, wouldn't do a damn thing to solve the nation's energy problems. There's a sense he's spent a lot of time figuring out how to be appealing -- but not enough time developing truly bold and refreshing ideas. ... P.S. -- McCain's candidacy is even worse: There doesn't appear to be much substance behind his crumbling facade of style. ...
Update -- A Hub Blog friend went to the Obama event last night and was adamant afterward that Dems are on verge of repeating the "same old-same old'' of '88 and '04 -- overly confident about the general election, dismissing the notion the election could be razor-thin close again, not appreciating the effectiveness of Republican attacks outside Massachusetts, etc. etc. Though the 'stuck in neutral' metaphor doesn't work for me, I immediately thought of Alan's warning that Dems better start counter-punching.
Not sure 'stuck in neutral' is the right metaphor for Obama. The race is too fluid to describe it that way, as Obama's poll numbers grow then contract. Reader No. 1 really liked this morning's David Brooks column: "This is the most perceptive analysis of Obama to date, for my money - particularly the last 3 paragraphs (which are admittedly Brooks' speciality)." I thought the column was OK. But my problem with Obama is seemingly more banal: There doesn't appear to be much substance behind the style. He's done a good job identifying and articulating the national zeitgeist: Many voters want to move beyond the hyper-partisan Culture Wars era, etc., etc. But then Obama serves up tired ideas, the latest being a windfall profit tax on oil companies, something, due to the way he would distribute the money, wouldn't do a damn thing to solve the nation's energy problems. There's a sense he's spent a lot of time figuring out how to be appealing -- but not enough time developing truly bold and refreshing ideas. ... P.S. -- McCain's candidacy is even worse: There doesn't appear to be much substance behind his crumbling facade of style. ...
Update -- A Hub Blog friend went to the Obama event last night and was adamant afterward that Dems are on verge of repeating the "same old-same old'' of '88 and '04 -- overly confident about the general election, dismissing the notion the election could be razor-thin close again, not appreciating the effectiveness of Republican attacks outside Massachusetts, etc. etc. Though the 'stuck in neutral' metaphor doesn't work for me, I immediately thought of Alan's warning that Dems better start counter-punching.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
'Blocks the Freedom Trail'
Pictures speak a thousand words. The proof is here. Police barricades blocking the freedom trail. Pretty amazing image. I'd like to think the mayor is embarrassed by the photo. ...
Pictures speak a thousand words. The proof is here. Police barricades blocking the freedom trail. Pretty amazing image. I'd like to think the mayor is embarrassed by the photo. ...
Saturday, August 02, 2008
'Embracing their inner moonbat'
It's not a bad way to turn a negative into a positive. The Menotomy MoonBats even have a web site. ... I have a gut feeling Howie will find another way to insult them. ...
It's not a bad way to turn a negative into a positive. The Menotomy MoonBats even have a web site. ... I have a gut feeling Howie will find another way to insult them. ...
'A cardboard Burger King crown'
From Peter Porcupine:
From Peter Porcupine:
Mr. Hub Blog - I've never really cared much for baseball, I'm a football fan.From Reader No. 1 to Bert: 'Message to Bert: a beer, of course!'
But having Manny on the team made the game unwatchable.
If you're really wondering what Manny would wear when - and if - he's inducted into the Hall of Fame, I would suggest a cardboard Burger King crown, as something that reflects both his opinion of himself - and his shabby reality.
Friday, August 01, 2008
'So it is what it is ...'
Hart emerges from vacation for a Special Manny's Gone strip. Captures the sadness well:
Hart emerges from vacation for a Special Manny's Gone strip. Captures the sadness well:
So it is what it is, but that doesn't make seeing Manny go any less poignant, especially to those of us who've not only defended but reveled in "Manny Being Manny" over the years.Update -- Re Reader No. 1's challenge below to Bert ("Here's a bet for Bert: at his Hall of Fame initiation ceremony, will Manny come out with an Indians cap under his Sox hat?”), Bert responds:
Do you think it’s such a toss up that you’re letting me pick what I want in the bet? It probably is.I've already lost a bet today. So no more. I'm also tired of Manny, Manny, Manny. ...
I think by the time the Hall of Fame comes for Manny they may not put hats on the players when they make the plaques. And I’m not sure Manny likes to wear a hat when he’s on the field, never mind when he’s attending a Hall of Fame ceremony. You also have to accept the premise that Manny won’t miss the ceremony because he’s made a mistake on (take your pick) the date, the time or the place.
But if forced to pick, I’ll bet Manny has another change of heart and goes in with a Boston cap. The World Series wins here are the most compelling to me.
Now another dilemma; do you want to bet $10 or a beer?
'Imminent departure,' Part IV
ProJo's Sean McAdam, who's been on fire on the Manny story, dispels any lingering doubts (not that I had many left) that Manny had to be traded. Not last year. Not the year before. Not in 2004, 2003 etc. But this year -- and now. ... Critics who cite players' current sentiments toward Manny need to keep in mind players' past sentiments toward Manny. Manny-being-Manny used to be fine. Until this year. Read McAdam's piece. ... Michael Holley was mentioning a few minutes ago that Manny's teammates had to talk him into getting on the plane from Anaheim to Seattle. Incredible. It's all really a shame. Manny should have left a hero after the season. Now he's leaving a very flawed hero. ...
Update -- From Reader No. 1:
And thanks to Reader No. 1 for catching some big boo-boos in the post below (I mixed up right field and left field for whatever subconscious red state/blue state reason).
Update II -- I was dreading this email from Kev:
ProJo's Sean McAdam, who's been on fire on the Manny story, dispels any lingering doubts (not that I had many left) that Manny had to be traded. Not last year. Not the year before. Not in 2004, 2003 etc. But this year -- and now. ... Critics who cite players' current sentiments toward Manny need to keep in mind players' past sentiments toward Manny. Manny-being-Manny used to be fine. Until this year. Read McAdam's piece. ... Michael Holley was mentioning a few minutes ago that Manny's teammates had to talk him into getting on the plane from Anaheim to Seattle. Incredible. It's all really a shame. Manny should have left a hero after the season. Now he's leaving a very flawed hero. ...
Update -- From Reader No. 1:
Interesting how many (most?) of Dan Duquette's big acquisitions here left in a huff...
The problem with critics sticking to baseball arguments is that baseball transcends baseball arguments. Manny's departure has actually been a good learning opportunity for young fans in our household whose first question was "why did they do it, he's a pretty good player?" Well - when you act like a jerk, you have to leave your place of work and say goodbye to people you work with. And to the second question, "they gave up a lot in this trade!", the answer is - yes, they sure did. That's a lesson called - when you're negotiating from weakness, other people will drive a hard bargain. (At the risk of invoking a Shaughnessyesque curse, is having to give up Manny AND two prospects at the deadline Karma for Larry Bigbie 3 years ago? And that mysterious Minnesota prospect in the Nomar deal?)
That said, it is quite amazing how Manny has turned sports radio into a literal red state/blue state war of words over the past week. Suggested Larry Johnson cartoon: Manny walks into the Green Monster, opens the door and steps out onto Lansdowne Street.
Here's a bet for Bert: at his Hall of Fame initiation ceremony, will Manny come out with an Indians cap under his Sox hat?
And thanks to Reader No. 1 for catching some big boo-boos in the post below (I mixed up right field and left field for whatever subconscious red state/blue state reason).
Update II -- I was dreading this email from Kev:
Mmmmmmmmmm cold beer. ... Insufferable? Not me.:) Actually, looking forward to knocking a few back with you. Anytime.
'Imminent departure,' Part III
Tony has me rethinking the trade again. ... I'll probably go back and forth for a while on its value. ... Gerry's 'for the kids' piece has an eerie resemblance to what Boston Record columnist Dave Egan wrote long ago about another departing left fielder:
Tony has me rethinking the trade again. ... I'll probably go back and forth for a while on its value. ... Gerry's 'for the kids' piece has an eerie resemblance to what Boston Record columnist Dave Egan wrote long ago about another departing left fielder:
The skies will not tumble down upon us, whether a boy wears a necktie or not, but I have the right and the duty to ask where Ted Williams is leading this boy. Does he also refuse to tip his cap, does he feel that even the most indecent gestures will be overlooked, so long as he can hit a baseball with a piece of wood? Is he a rebel against conformity, simply because the man after whom he models himself has successfully rebelled, and may he expect to be honored by the municipal big wheels at a later date, if he follows the pattern set by Williams?Things don't change much around here, do they? ... I know, I know. Manny ain't no Ted. But I just wish critics would stick with baseball arguments. ... P.S. -- I was glued to NESN last night, lapping up every piece of Manny (and Jason) news I could get. But then NESN broacast a Sox all-time greats show, position by position. Left field: Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice and Manny Ramirez. Talk about stacked. ... Ted item via a brilliant post at BSM.
It seems disgraceful to me, that a person such as Williams now is to be given the keys to the city. We talk about juvenile delinquency, and fight against it, and then officially honor a man whom we should officially horsewhip for the vicious influence that he has had on the childhood of America …
Williams has stubbornly and stupidly refused to recognize this responsibility to childhood. The kid has set a sorry example for a generation of kids. He has been a Pied Piper, leading them along a bitter, lonely road.
'The two sides of ...'
The Hack-Progressive Alliance. Isn't that what Joan's ultimately talking about? Bob and David may have some legitimate gripes on the particulars, but they shouldn't be surprised by what Joan writes about in general. Deftly balancing the progressive and hack sides of the Democratic Party is how the one-party system has effectively operated and survived over the years. Right? The Hack-Progressive Alliance: It exists. ...
The Hack-Progressive Alliance. Isn't that what Joan's ultimately talking about? Bob and David may have some legitimate gripes on the particulars, but they shouldn't be surprised by what Joan writes about in general. Deftly balancing the progressive and hack sides of the Democratic Party is how the one-party system has effectively operated and survived over the years. Right? The Hack-Progressive Alliance: It exists. ...
