I noted the longed-for release of the Husker Depth Chart yesterday, but didn't have time to comment.
via Husker Extra.
Blackshirts
Only a couple of surprises here, one being Bo Ruud getting the nod over Octavian at WLB, another being the rapid promotion of frosh safeties Ricky Thenarse and Major Culbert to the second unit. Of course, Octavian had the appendectomy this fall and missed some practice time, which probably contributed. Another note is the work that former WRs Fluellen and Spain have put in at CB, but the secondary should definitely be viewed as a work in progress. Titchener seems to have gotten the nod at P over frosh Michael Suchs as well.
Corncoast O
Not any surprises here at all, except possibly that they list 4 WRs at X and only 2 at Y, with Hardy, Purify and Holt backing up Nate Swift, with Nunn and Petersen at Y. I recall them talking that Purify would have a "package" while he learns the playbook. O-line looks pretty well set, although I hadn't heard of Byford at C, and the RB situation is what one expected as well. Interesting that Wilson will be used at KR, perhaps an indicator that Lucky will be used more than advertised at RB. CB Jones is listed with fellow CB Grixby behind Nunn at PR.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Shuttle Launch Back On
Space.com
Despite being pulled off the pad yesterday, Atlantis has been returned as tropical storm Ernesto landed in south Florida and gradually weakened, with winds now expected to be no more than 55 knots. The quick turnaround on the ground allows for a possible launch on either Sep 6 or 7, so long as countdown restarts on Sep 3. An additional day is possible on Sep 8 due to an agreement with the Russians to use their Soyuz mission's fallback date of Sep 18 if the shuttle fails to launch on the two earlier dates.
Despite being pulled off the pad yesterday, Atlantis has been returned as tropical storm Ernesto landed in south Florida and gradually weakened, with winds now expected to be no more than 55 knots. The quick turnaround on the ground allows for a possible launch on either Sep 6 or 7, so long as countdown restarts on Sep 3. An additional day is possible on Sep 8 due to an agreement with the Russians to use their Soyuz mission's fallback date of Sep 18 if the shuttle fails to launch on the two earlier dates.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Shuttle Launch Delayed due to Storm
via Space.com
Tropical Storm Ernesto may cause the shuttle Atlantis to be taken off the launch pad and rolled back into the protection of its massive hanger. The fear is the storm could possibly strengthen to a hurricane as strong as category three by the time it reaches Florida. 40 knot winds are already making their presence felt at the Cape, and crews are already involved in removing the liquid rocket propellent from the orbiter's fuel tanks.
Earlier launch attempts were placed on hold due to an electrical strike Friday. While all is not lost, the shuttle could only meet its launch window before Sep 7, which could be an issue if it is removed to the hanger. However, if Ernesto were to weaken or change course, their are two points where rollback procedures could be halted.
"If Ernesto weakens to the point Atlantis does not have to leave its launch pad, the shuttle could be primed for launch late this weekend, possibly by Sept. 3, NASA officials said. “If we actually roll back...we can’t get to a T-0 before Sept. 7,” STS-115 Mission Management Team (MMT) chairman LeRoy Cain said during the briefing. It would take eight days once Atlantis is returned to its launch pad, assuming no post-storm clean up or repairs at KSC are required, Leinbach added."
A decision on whether or not to rollback to the hanger will be made Tuesday morning. Complications have arisen with one of the crawlers used to transport the shuttle to the hanger, which could add three hours (see Mission Update section) to the proposed plan.
Tropical Storm Ernesto may cause the shuttle Atlantis to be taken off the launch pad and rolled back into the protection of its massive hanger. The fear is the storm could possibly strengthen to a hurricane as strong as category three by the time it reaches Florida. 40 knot winds are already making their presence felt at the Cape, and crews are already involved in removing the liquid rocket propellent from the orbiter's fuel tanks.
Earlier launch attempts were placed on hold due to an electrical strike Friday. While all is not lost, the shuttle could only meet its launch window before Sep 7, which could be an issue if it is removed to the hanger. However, if Ernesto were to weaken or change course, their are two points where rollback procedures could be halted.
"If Ernesto weakens to the point Atlantis does not have to leave its launch pad, the shuttle could be primed for launch late this weekend, possibly by Sept. 3, NASA officials said. “If we actually roll back...we can’t get to a T-0 before Sept. 7,” STS-115 Mission Management Team (MMT) chairman LeRoy Cain said during the briefing. It would take eight days once Atlantis is returned to its launch pad, assuming no post-storm clean up or repairs at KSC are required, Leinbach added."
A decision on whether or not to rollback to the hanger will be made Tuesday morning. Complications have arisen with one of the crawlers used to transport the shuttle to the hanger, which could add three hours (see Mission Update section) to the proposed plan.
Mexican Election
It appears Felipe Calderon will be the next President of Mexico and not the leftist Andres Obrador. Calderon succeeds Vincente Fox, both of whom belong to the ruling National Action Party.
"Mexico's top electoral court threw out leftists' allegations of massive fraud in last month's presidential election on Monday, handing almost certain victory to conservative candidate Felipe Calderon. The seven judges voted unanimously to reject most of the legal complaints by left-wing candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who said he was robbed of victory in the July 2 vote."
Obrador's supporters have been protesting since the election, but the rallies appear to be losing some support in recent weeks. Obrador continues to insist that fraud at a signifigant number of polling staions is responsible for his losing the election. He vows to continue to demostrate or possibly lead some type of shadow government.
"Mexico's top electoral court threw out leftists' allegations of massive fraud in last month's presidential election on Monday, handing almost certain victory to conservative candidate Felipe Calderon. The seven judges voted unanimously to reject most of the legal complaints by left-wing candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who said he was robbed of victory in the July 2 vote."
Obrador's supporters have been protesting since the election, but the rallies appear to be losing some support in recent weeks. Obrador continues to insist that fraud at a signifigant number of polling staions is responsible for his losing the election. He vows to continue to demostrate or possibly lead some type of shadow government.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Barrett Sniper Rifles
Saw an episode of "Future Weapons" last night on cable, and was delighted to see the US Army's newest sniper rifle -- the .50 caliber Barrett. Yikes. While previous US sniper rifles in that caliber were bolt-action, this baby's semi-auto, and you can squeeze off 10 rounds in under 10 seconds should the situation warrant, such as a bunch a bad men in the desert trying to hide after being up to no good. The lethality of this rifle is just amazing. You simply do not, under any circumstances, want to be hit by a .50 caliber round.
Host Richard Machowicz, an ex-Navy SEAL, popped off 10 rounds from more than a half mile away and shattered, and I mean shattered, dual concrete cinderblocks set up as a target, then proceeded to ding up 1/4" steel plate with ball rounds--armored piercing being strictly for military use, of course. A Candian sniper team in Afghanistan has been credited with a kill from over 2400 meters with this weapon. Un-freakin' believable. Talk about ruining some jihadists' day. This baby is considered effective out to a little over 1800 meters and has a range out to 6000! The recoil is greatly mitigated by an innovative spring and buffer assembly, as well as a dual chamber muzzle break that redirects gases from the end of the barrel. Richard was pretty impressed with the weapon.
Naturally, while Mr. Barrett is doing his best to help maintain the lives of our personnel in uniform, the anti-gun lobby is trying to ruin his business, with assistance from law-enforcement agencies that actually use the Barrett! Go figure. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you.
Santorini Eruption Analyzed
via National Geographic.
New data analyzed on the volcanic eruption of Santorini, believed to have caused the end of the Minoan civiliztion 3600 years ago, determine that the event was perhaps twice as large as previously thought, and the second largest during the human historical era.
"a team of Greek and U.S. researchers estimate that the volcano released 14 cubic miles (60 cubic kilometers) of magma—six times more than the infamous 1883 eruption of Krakatau (Krakatoa). Only one eruption in human history is believed to have been larger: an 1815 explosion of Tambora, in Indonesia, which released 24 cubic miles (100 cubic kilometers) of magma."
The Krakatoa explosion caused 100 ft tsunamis and killed thousands, and the scale of the Santorini eruption would have been far worse, particularly in Crete, which lies only a few dozen miles away. At the time of the eruption, the Minoan civilization based there was one of the most advanced in the world, with indoor plumbing, highly decorated palaces and a trade empire that extended throughout the Mediterranean basin. It is thought that the Santorini explosion is the historical basis for the Atlantis myth, and perhaps also that of the Biblical flood.
New data analyzed on the volcanic eruption of Santorini, believed to have caused the end of the Minoan civiliztion 3600 years ago, determine that the event was perhaps twice as large as previously thought, and the second largest during the human historical era.
"a team of Greek and U.S. researchers estimate that the volcano released 14 cubic miles (60 cubic kilometers) of magma—six times more than the infamous 1883 eruption of Krakatau (Krakatoa). Only one eruption in human history is believed to have been larger: an 1815 explosion of Tambora, in Indonesia, which released 24 cubic miles (100 cubic kilometers) of magma."
The Krakatoa explosion caused 100 ft tsunamis and killed thousands, and the scale of the Santorini eruption would have been far worse, particularly in Crete, which lies only a few dozen miles away. At the time of the eruption, the Minoan civilization based there was one of the most advanced in the world, with indoor plumbing, highly decorated palaces and a trade empire that extended throughout the Mediterranean basin. It is thought that the Santorini explosion is the historical basis for the Atlantis myth, and perhaps also that of the Biblical flood.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Shuttle Mission
Great run down of the planned Atlantis mission and its three spacewalks, which could launch as soon as Aug 27. Each spacewalk is scheduled to last at least six and a half hours.
"STS-115 mission specialists Joseph Tanner and Stefanyshyn-Piper will perform the first and third spacewalks of their mission, with their crewmates Daniel Burbank and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steven MacLean tasked with the second EVA.....MacLean and ISS astronaut Jeffrey Williams will wield the space station’s robotic arm to attach the 17.5-ton truss segment to the outboard end of the station’s Port 1 (P1) truss. Once three of four motor driven bolts have secured the segment to the ISS, Tanner and Stefanyshyn-Piper begin their spacewalk to connect vital power and cooling, deploy two phone booth-sized cylinders – each containing solar arrays masts – and swing out arm-like boxes holding the folded up solar blankets for each array."
It gets even more complicated after that. This mission has one of the heaviest shuttle payloads ever, and is one of the more complicated in shuttle history. Fortunately, the spacewalk duos have had 4 years to practice and can even do one another's jobs.
"The primary goal of EVA 2 on Flight Day 5 seems basic – removing a plethora of locks and restraints that secured the P3/P4 truss segments in place during Atlantis’ launch. But for Burbank and MacLean, the tasks are vital. The two astronauts will spend more than six hours prying open thermal covers and removing 16 launch locks – and six restraints – latching a car-sized wheel called the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ) in place. The joint, located between the P3 and P4 truss, will allow outbound port trusses to rotate independently of the ISS so their solar arrays continuously track the Sun. "
The plan is to unfurl the solar arrays on Day 6 of the mission -- and these arrays will eventually provide up to 20% of the power for the completed station. The third spacewalk on Day 7 will primarily do clean up work, deploying a radiator to cool the array and clear the truss for the Mobile Transporter that moves the station's robotic arm. One other notable feature of the mission is the first use of the Quest airlock as a pre-EVA prep area to save time suiting up and egressing the station. By lowering the air pressure in the airlock, astronoauts can save up to an hour's time purging nitrogen from their bloodstreams before exiting the station.
We live in amazing times, my friends.
"STS-115 mission specialists Joseph Tanner and Stefanyshyn-Piper will perform the first and third spacewalks of their mission, with their crewmates Daniel Burbank and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Steven MacLean tasked with the second EVA.....MacLean and ISS astronaut Jeffrey Williams will wield the space station’s robotic arm to attach the 17.5-ton truss segment to the outboard end of the station’s Port 1 (P1) truss. Once three of four motor driven bolts have secured the segment to the ISS, Tanner and Stefanyshyn-Piper begin their spacewalk to connect vital power and cooling, deploy two phone booth-sized cylinders – each containing solar arrays masts – and swing out arm-like boxes holding the folded up solar blankets for each array."
It gets even more complicated after that. This mission has one of the heaviest shuttle payloads ever, and is one of the more complicated in shuttle history. Fortunately, the spacewalk duos have had 4 years to practice and can even do one another's jobs.
"The primary goal of EVA 2 on Flight Day 5 seems basic – removing a plethora of locks and restraints that secured the P3/P4 truss segments in place during Atlantis’ launch. But for Burbank and MacLean, the tasks are vital. The two astronauts will spend more than six hours prying open thermal covers and removing 16 launch locks – and six restraints – latching a car-sized wheel called the Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ) in place. The joint, located between the P3 and P4 truss, will allow outbound port trusses to rotate independently of the ISS so their solar arrays continuously track the Sun. "
The plan is to unfurl the solar arrays on Day 6 of the mission -- and these arrays will eventually provide up to 20% of the power for the completed station. The third spacewalk on Day 7 will primarily do clean up work, deploying a radiator to cool the array and clear the truss for the Mobile Transporter that moves the station's robotic arm. One other notable feature of the mission is the first use of the Quest airlock as a pre-EVA prep area to save time suiting up and egressing the station. By lowering the air pressure in the airlock, astronoauts can save up to an hour's time purging nitrogen from their bloodstreams before exiting the station.
We live in amazing times, my friends.
Senate Bill 2590
Senators Coburn and Obama have a Senate bill pending "that would create a single website with access to information on nearly all recipients of federal funding," according to the Porkbusters website. Great idea whose time is certainly due. Unfortunately, a secret hold has been placed on the legislation, effectively preventing it from moving forward in the Senate. The Porkbusters organization is asking everyone to contact their Senators to ask if they are the one placing the hold. I emailed Senator Hagel today, and will also get to Senator Nelson as well. Twenty-seven of the nation's Senators have cleared themselves so far.
On a related note, still no response from the Terry camp on the earmarks for our district here in NE-2. Previous post here.
UPDATE: Called Senator Nelson's Omaha office, was transferred around a couple of times, wound up being transferred to the DC office, where I was told that the man who would know, Charles Ellsworth(?) was unavailable, but he actually called me back this afternoon both to say that Nelson not only did NOT put the hold on, but supported the bill. Great news. I also got an apparent auto-reply to the email sent to Hagel.
On a related note, still no response from the Terry camp on the earmarks for our district here in NE-2. Previous post here.
UPDATE: Called Senator Nelson's Omaha office, was transferred around a couple of times, wound up being transferred to the DC office, where I was told that the man who would know, Charles Ellsworth(?) was unavailable, but he actually called me back this afternoon both to say that Nelson not only did NOT put the hold on, but supported the bill. Great news. I also got an apparent auto-reply to the email sent to Hagel.
Pluto -- NOT a Planet
Pluto gets demoted, and the other candidates get grouped into "dwarf planet" status, excpet Charon, which apparently remains a moon rather than getting any special status.
"Pluto and its moon Charon, which would both have been planets under the initial definition proposed Aug. 16, now get demoted because they are part of a sea of other objects that occupy the same region of space. Earth and the other eight large planets have, on the other hand, cleared broad swaths of space of any other large objects. "Pluto is a dwarf planet by the ... definition and is recognized as the prototype of a new category of trans-Neptunian objects," states the approved resolution. Dwarf planets are not planets under the definition, however. "
Because Pluto crosses the orbital path of Neptune, it doesn't meet the new third criteria.
"Pluto and its moon Charon, which would both have been planets under the initial definition proposed Aug. 16, now get demoted because they are part of a sea of other objects that occupy the same region of space. Earth and the other eight large planets have, on the other hand, cleared broad swaths of space of any other large objects. "Pluto is a dwarf planet by the ... definition and is recognized as the prototype of a new category of trans-Neptunian objects," states the approved resolution. Dwarf planets are not planets under the definition, however. "
Because Pluto crosses the orbital path of Neptune, it doesn't meet the new third criteria.
Chinese Civil Rights Battle
Jennifer Chou has a fantastic article on the growing Chinese civil rights movement at
The Weekly Standard.
She describes the growing realization of the Chinese population that they are citizens and have (or more properly, should have) certain legal and civil protections. The fact that they don't today often leads to sometimes violent civil protests. Lots of them. Chinese lawyers such as Chen Guangcheng are at the forefront of the movement to file legal actions against the government in support of these people's issues, but often wind up being harassed and imprisoned themselves by local officials and/or criminal elements in league with them.
"Chen Guangcheng's case highlights some of the problems facing China today: a judicial system that lacks due process and an increasingly murky, and at times violent, alliance between local bureaucrats and criminal elements. Even more important, Chen's case underscores one of the most significant developments in China in recent years: the emergence of rights consciousness at the grassroots level. People across all sectors of society are becoming increasingly conscious of the fact that they are citizens, ostensibly with legal rights and protections, and they have grown increasingly vocal in asserting these rights."
One can only hope that these brave souls continue their efforts and someday succeed in reforming the legal system of the world's most populous nation. An economically succesful China
with Western-style political freedoms would be among the most significant events of recent history, fully meeting, finally, the aborted expectations that so many hoped for in the events of 1989. Let Freedom Ring!
The Weekly Standard.
She describes the growing realization of the Chinese population that they are citizens and have (or more properly, should have) certain legal and civil protections. The fact that they don't today often leads to sometimes violent civil protests. Lots of them. Chinese lawyers such as Chen Guangcheng are at the forefront of the movement to file legal actions against the government in support of these people's issues, but often wind up being harassed and imprisoned themselves by local officials and/or criminal elements in league with them.
"Chen Guangcheng's case highlights some of the problems facing China today: a judicial system that lacks due process and an increasingly murky, and at times violent, alliance between local bureaucrats and criminal elements. Even more important, Chen's case underscores one of the most significant developments in China in recent years: the emergence of rights consciousness at the grassroots level. People across all sectors of society are becoming increasingly conscious of the fact that they are citizens, ostensibly with legal rights and protections, and they have grown increasingly vocal in asserting these rights."
One can only hope that these brave souls continue their efforts and someday succeed in reforming the legal system of the world's most populous nation. An economically succesful China
with Western-style political freedoms would be among the most significant events of recent history, fully meeting, finally, the aborted expectations that so many hoped for in the events of 1989. Let Freedom Ring!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Keller Makes it Official, Going to NU
ASU QB Sam Keller arrived in Lincoln today. He'll sit out this year as a redshirt and compete for the QB job next year. Husker Mike's take is here, and he urges caution. I think it's a huge positive for the program and am guardedly optimistic myself. Keller has been talked about as a top 5 NFL QB pick in next year's draft, but now he'll have to wait a year to play at NU before possibly attaining the next level. He had very impressive numbers from last season in seven games before the thumb injury -- 2100 yds, 20 TDs and nearly a 60% completion percentage to go along with 9 INTs (5 vs USC).
Husker FB Update
Boy, where to start. With all this Sam Keller talk, (he's apparently enrolled at NU now, according to some reports, but still going to visit Norman as well as Lincoln), it makes a certain amount of sense to go with the Blackshirts.
Juco DT Brandon Jackson has made enough of a splash that there is talk of shuffling the interior line around some. Steve Octavian, sidelined after an appendectomy, is back practicing, as is CB Andre Jones, who was nursing a sore hammy. With Jones out, converted WRs Isiah Fluellen and Tyrell Spain got time with the first and second teams at CB, respectively, with Titus Brothers also getting action with the second unit. At safety, Ricky Thenarse and Major Culbert are seeing time behind Tierre Green and Andrew Shanle, while Ben Eisenhart has been mentioned at nickelback. Thenarse seems to be a student favorite, with chants of Ricky, Ricky, Ricky while running drills on Sunday. Freshman Michael Such is pushing P Dan Titchener hard for the starting job.
Over on offense, things are a little more settled. QB Taylor has indicated the Marlon Lucky has developed some pretty good hands in the passing game, which is very welcome news. Also, wideout Maurice Purify has been working with the top unit and has been catching everything thrown in his general direction. Chris Patrick and Lydon Murtha are battling mightily for the top spot at left tackle. Backup QB Joe Ganz welcomes more competition for the QB position and says "bring it on" if Keller eventually comes to Lincoln.
Juco DT Brandon Jackson has made enough of a splash that there is talk of shuffling the interior line around some. Steve Octavian, sidelined after an appendectomy, is back practicing, as is CB Andre Jones, who was nursing a sore hammy. With Jones out, converted WRs Isiah Fluellen and Tyrell Spain got time with the first and second teams at CB, respectively, with Titus Brothers also getting action with the second unit. At safety, Ricky Thenarse and Major Culbert are seeing time behind Tierre Green and Andrew Shanle, while Ben Eisenhart has been mentioned at nickelback. Thenarse seems to be a student favorite, with chants of Ricky, Ricky, Ricky while running drills on Sunday. Freshman Michael Such is pushing P Dan Titchener hard for the starting job.
Over on offense, things are a little more settled. QB Taylor has indicated the Marlon Lucky has developed some pretty good hands in the passing game, which is very welcome news. Also, wideout Maurice Purify has been working with the top unit and has been catching everything thrown in his general direction. Chris Patrick and Lydon Murtha are battling mightily for the top spot at left tackle. Backup QB Joe Ganz welcomes more competition for the QB position and says "bring it on" if Keller eventually comes to Lincoln.
Pluto -- Planet or not?
The Great Planetary Debate of 2006 continues. The initial proposal expanding the solar system to 12 has been shot down, but remains the basis for a new proposal, although the term plutons has been eliminated -- geologists were already using the term for deep igneous rock formations.
The new propsal includes a new "orbital dominance" clause, along with the previous gravitational (big enough for gravity to make it round) and orbital (orbits a star, but isn't a star) ones.
"A planet, they insist, must be the dominant object in its area. That would draw a sharp distinction between the eight "classical planets" — Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — and Pluto, which would be known as a "dwarf planet.""
The other bodies (Ceres, Charon, and UB313 "Xena") that were being considered would obviously also not make the cut and be demoted as well.
The new propsal includes a new "orbital dominance" clause, along with the previous gravitational (big enough for gravity to make it round) and orbital (orbits a star, but isn't a star) ones.
"A planet, they insist, must be the dominant object in its area. That would draw a sharp distinction between the eight "classical planets" — Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune — and Pluto, which would be known as a "dwarf planet.""
The other bodies (Ceres, Charon, and UB313 "Xena") that were being considered would obviously also not make the cut and be demoted as well.
Baseball Standings
In my post Massacre swoon, I forgot to update y'all on the other, irrelevant (non-AL East)baseball divisions. Forgive me, gentle reader(s?) for my transgression.
Despite blowing last night's game the Yanks maintain their 6.5 game lead as the evil Red Stockings also fall to the West Coast team with the really long name, who are 4 back of their Bay area rivals in the AL West. The bouncy jouncy Tiggers continue to run away (up 7.5) with the Central, but the White Stockings are holding teeth and toenail to a 1/2 game wildcard lead over that team from southern Canada, which leaves the evil ones out in the cold. (All together now, ahhh!)
Over in the inferior circuit, the stupid Mets seem to want a Subway series rematch, holding a freakin' huge 13.5 game lead over Philly and dealing with the Snakes for Shawn Green. The Cards continue to fight off the Queen City, holding just a 1 game lead in the Central. In the West, the City of Angels nine holds a 2 game lead over the Priests to the south, with the Snakes 4 back after a 3 game losing streak. Cincy currently holds the WC, with the Priests 2 back and the home of the Liberty Bell 2.5 out.
Despite blowing last night's game the Yanks maintain their 6.5 game lead as the evil Red Stockings also fall to the West Coast team with the really long name, who are 4 back of their Bay area rivals in the AL West. The bouncy jouncy Tiggers continue to run away (up 7.5) with the Central, but the White Stockings are holding teeth and toenail to a 1/2 game wildcard lead over that team from southern Canada, which leaves the evil ones out in the cold. (All together now, ahhh!)
Over in the inferior circuit, the stupid Mets seem to want a Subway series rematch, holding a freakin' huge 13.5 game lead over Philly and dealing with the Snakes for Shawn Green. The Cards continue to fight off the Queen City, holding just a 1 game lead in the Central. In the West, the City of Angels nine holds a 2 game lead over the Priests to the south, with the Snakes 4 back after a 3 game losing streak. Cincy currently holds the WC, with the Priests 2 back and the home of the Liberty Bell 2.5 out.
Raising Taxes
A bit tongue in cheek, but Tim Worstall at TCS does a rather nifty takedown of all those who would like to raise your taxes. Apparently you can give money to the government, and people do -- to the tune of $2,671,628.40 last year. So I suppose I could (like
Tim does) support taxes being raised -- but only by that amount or a little more, maybe.
If interested, here's the address:
Gifts to the United States
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Credit Accounting Branch
3700 East-West Highway, Room 6D37
Hyattsville, MD 20782
He ends with a very nice summation:
"All the talk from the Democrats that taxes should be raised is just that: talk. They mean taxes should rise for you, not that they should rise for them. For if they really did believe that the Federal Government spends money better, more wisely, deserves it more, than they themselves do, wouldn't there be rather more flowing into that account? "
Ouch, that smarts. Can't wait to see Senators Kennedy, Schumer, Clinton, Kerry, Durbin, Dodd, et al. walk up to the trough and pitch in. Maybe Sen. Obama can show them where it is if they have to be helped.
Tim does) support taxes being raised -- but only by that amount or a little more, maybe.
If interested, here's the address:
Gifts to the United States
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Credit Accounting Branch
3700 East-West Highway, Room 6D37
Hyattsville, MD 20782
He ends with a very nice summation:
"All the talk from the Democrats that taxes should be raised is just that: talk. They mean taxes should rise for you, not that they should rise for them. For if they really did believe that the Federal Government spends money better, more wisely, deserves it more, than they themselves do, wouldn't there be rather more flowing into that account? "
Ouch, that smarts. Can't wait to see Senators Kennedy, Schumer, Clinton, Kerry, Durbin, Dodd, et al. walk up to the trough and pitch in. Maybe Sen. Obama can show them where it is if they have to be helped.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
ASU QB to Huskers?
While it's certainly not set in stone, former ASU starting QB Sam Keller has apparently left ASU and might be available. Coach C & O-Coordinator Jay Norvell are courting him to come to NU with the idea that he could possibly win the starting job in 2007 after redshirting this year. Interesting idea, but the young man is also considering....Oklahoma and the evil Buffs, among others.
Naturally, Husker fans are excited, but I would have to question the guy's makeup. Obviously, the coach down at ASU screwed up by telling Keller he had the job and then reversing direction, but the other kid may not play as well as he did last year, might get hurt, might even get in trouble with the law or the NCAA. Personally, I don't think you should lose your spot due to injury, which is what seems to be the case here, but the coach made the decision to open the competition up. Apparently Keller feels that he wasn't treated fairly and has decided to run -- not sure how mature, or immature, that makes him, but someone needs to tell him he should learn to deal with disappointment and how perserverance builds character. For sure, if the young man decides to end up an NU, someone needs to tell him about......Brook Berringer.
Naturally, Husker fans are excited, but I would have to question the guy's makeup. Obviously, the coach down at ASU screwed up by telling Keller he had the job and then reversing direction, but the other kid may not play as well as he did last year, might get hurt, might even get in trouble with the law or the NCAA. Personally, I don't think you should lose your spot due to injury, which is what seems to be the case here, but the coach made the decision to open the competition up. Apparently Keller feels that he wasn't treated fairly and has decided to run -- not sure how mature, or immature, that makes him, but someone needs to tell him he should learn to deal with disappointment and how perserverance builds character. For sure, if the young man decides to end up an NU, someone needs to tell him about......Brook Berringer.
NE Senate Race and Gov Race
New-found local blog Leavenworthstreet is ALL over the local political scene, particularly the Nelson-Ricketts race and Heineman-Hahn for governor. The incumbents currently have the lead, big time, with (as pointed out) a LOT of crossover appeal for both candidates (Nelson 41% of R's, Gov Dave 54% of D's).
Commentary is also pretty amusing, he's apparently attracted a few trolls for pointing out, among other things, Nelson has reneged on his promise to pay all his back property taxes on his "turkey farm" in Sarpy county.
Commentary is also pretty amusing, he's apparently attracted a few trolls for pointing out, among other things, Nelson has reneged on his promise to pay all his back property taxes on his "turkey farm" in Sarpy county.
Boston Massacre Part II
Yanks sweep into Boston, take five straight against their rivals for the first time since 1953, raise their lead in the AL East to 6 1/2 games.
"After outscoring the Red Sox 47-25 in four games over three days, the Yankees rediscovered their pitching in a 2-1 victory Monday in the finale to complete a demoralizing five-game sweep at Fenway Park. "
Former Yank bench coach Don Zimmer says that Torre is doing his best job managing this year, but believes that Jim Leyland in Detroit will keep him from winning Managerial honors this year.
"The only thing is he probably won't be the manager of the year because it will probably be (Detroit's Jim) Leyland... If ever Joe would be the manager of the year, to me, this would be the year. The job he's done with the pitching staff and three or four key men out of the lineup. This is probably his best job of keeping a club going," he said."
"After outscoring the Red Sox 47-25 in four games over three days, the Yankees rediscovered their pitching in a 2-1 victory Monday in the finale to complete a demoralizing five-game sweep at Fenway Park. "
Former Yank bench coach Don Zimmer says that Torre is doing his best job managing this year, but believes that Jim Leyland in Detroit will keep him from winning Managerial honors this year.
"The only thing is he probably won't be the manager of the year because it will probably be (Detroit's Jim) Leyland... If ever Joe would be the manager of the year, to me, this would be the year. The job he's done with the pitching staff and three or four key men out of the lineup. This is probably his best job of keeping a club going," he said."
Monday, August 21, 2006
2006 Election Projection
While it is still incredibly early yet, I thought it interesting to look at the early polling for the mid-terms nationally. While a lot of primary races haven't been decided yet, it appears that the Republicans will maintain control over both houses, but that the Democrats will control more state governorships.
The Senate will be a nail-biter for both sides, with a number of races (notably PA, MT, OH, RI, MO for the R's, and MD, WA & NJ, and perhaps MN for the D's) looking very close. Dems have been looking to the open TN seat (Ford) for a pick up as well, but the data don't support that right now.
House looks like about a 7-8 seat Democatic pick-up -- no diasaster for the GOP, but unwelcome news on the spending front for economic libertarians like myself. Of course, if the R's would actually govern like they campaign, they might not be having this problem.
The Senate will be a nail-biter for both sides, with a number of races (notably PA, MT, OH, RI, MO for the R's, and MD, WA & NJ, and perhaps MN for the D's) looking very close. Dems have been looking to the open TN seat (Ford) for a pick up as well, but the data don't support that right now.
House looks like about a 7-8 seat Democatic pick-up -- no diasaster for the GOP, but unwelcome news on the spending front for economic libertarians like myself. Of course, if the R's would actually govern like they campaign, they might not be having this problem.
Yanks start new ball park
Heresy most foul. The House that Ruth Built will be replaced starting in 2009. Key point:
"Until a dozen years ago, team owner George Steinbrenner had denigrated the neighborhood as dangerous and threatened to move the team to Manhattan or northern New Jersey. But the Yankees expect to draw more than 4 million fans to the stadium this year, making it the eighth consecutive season topping 3 million."
They draw 3-4 million fans and the Boss claims they need a new ballpark? While I know the stadium is the third oldest ballparks in the majors, you don't see the Cubs and the Evil ones replacing their icons. Uggh. I guess a pilgrimmage with the camera next year is in order. As a friend who grew up in NYC said, "That's sacreligious!"
"Until a dozen years ago, team owner George Steinbrenner had denigrated the neighborhood as dangerous and threatened to move the team to Manhattan or northern New Jersey. But the Yankees expect to draw more than 4 million fans to the stadium this year, making it the eighth consecutive season topping 3 million."
They draw 3-4 million fans and the Boss claims they need a new ballpark? While I know the stadium is the third oldest ballparks in the majors, you don't see the Cubs and the Evil ones replacing their icons. Uggh. I guess a pilgrimmage with the camera next year is in order. As a friend who grew up in NYC said, "That's sacreligious!"
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