More Friday NG science stuff -- and the kind of thing I have a particular interest in, namely, the beginnings of civilization.
DNA tracing done recently on goats show that they may be among the oldest domesticated species on the planet, perhaps as far back as 11-12,000 years. Originating near the Caucasus mountain range, the goat went global with people as they migrated from the early farming regions in the Near East west into Europe and east into Asia. The diversity of goat DNA is much lower than other domesticated livestock, indicating far more travel and interbreeding -- almost as mixed as humans themselves.
"DNA analysis of 7,000-year-old goat bones from caves in Baume d'Oullen in southwestern France revealed high genetic diversity and two goat lineages stemming from the Near East. The researchers say that this indicates genetic mixing in goats occurred with the first waves of Neolithic farmers in Europe around 7,500 years ago.
Goats would have been ideally suited companions for frontier farmers in Stone Age Europe, the researchers say, being hardy animals that can survive on minimal food, cope with extremes of temperature, and travel long distances."
Goats would have provided food, clothing, milk as well as bone and sinew for Stone Age equipment, and dung for fuel and fertilzer. As goat herding led to farming and more permanent settlement, farmers would go on to domesticate other local livestock such as cattle, sheep and pigs.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Huskers vs K St.
I see this game as a bellweather for the season. If the same team shows up that played ISU, we should be fine, but some consistency would be nice to see. If the team that played Kansas shows up, we are in trouble, particularly next week and later in the season. This SHOULD go onto the books as win number 800 for the program. We haven't won in Manhatten in a decade, and it's about time to start again.
If we can run the ball effectively, we will probably win the game, but it might be a tall order as the Wildcats rank ahead of the Blackshirts defensively, at least on paper. Of course, our D had to play USC, and had a huge letdown against KU as well. But we do have alot more offensive firepower than they do, and have been getting on teams early, outscoring opponents 62-7 in the first quarter. Taylor may have to mix it up and throw early to open up the ground game, but he can certainly do that.
"The Cornhuskers have the Big 12's top scoring offense at 39.7 points per game. They lead the conference and rank among the top 10 teams in the nation in rushing with 210.7 yards per game and total offense with 463.8."
Defensively, we need to stop their run game and pressure KSU's frosh QB, and we should be able to do just that, although the KU game is a stark reminder that we need to play all four quarters. Special teams could be huge this week, KU has a fine return man and starting RB in Patton. We shouldn't need to play dime defense this week, focus on stopping Patton and containing QB Freeman. KSU O-line is huge, but they are only averaging 116 yds/game, hard to figure.
I'm saying NU wins on the road, 31-14.
We have Texas next week in Lincoln, hopefully no one is looking ahead. I'm not.
If we can run the ball effectively, we will probably win the game, but it might be a tall order as the Wildcats rank ahead of the Blackshirts defensively, at least on paper. Of course, our D had to play USC, and had a huge letdown against KU as well. But we do have alot more offensive firepower than they do, and have been getting on teams early, outscoring opponents 62-7 in the first quarter. Taylor may have to mix it up and throw early to open up the ground game, but he can certainly do that.
"The Cornhuskers have the Big 12's top scoring offense at 39.7 points per game. They lead the conference and rank among the top 10 teams in the nation in rushing with 210.7 yards per game and total offense with 463.8."
Defensively, we need to stop their run game and pressure KSU's frosh QB, and we should be able to do just that, although the KU game is a stark reminder that we need to play all four quarters. Special teams could be huge this week, KU has a fine return man and starting RB in Patton. We shouldn't need to play dime defense this week, focus on stopping Patton and containing QB Freeman. KSU O-line is huge, but they are only averaging 116 yds/game, hard to figure.
I'm saying NU wins on the road, 31-14.
We have Texas next week in Lincoln, hopefully no one is looking ahead. I'm not.
Science - Ancient Giant Camels
via National Geographic.
Giant camel fossil, twice the size of modern species at nearly 12 feet, discovered in Syria. The find extends the history of the species back more than 90,000 years. Modern camels are thought to have been domesticated in Arabia around 6-7,000 years ago. Perhaps as significant is that human bones and tools were also found in the area, suggesting that early humans may have hunted the giant dromedary.
"Hunter-gatherers likely attacked and killed the giant camel when it visited one of these springs to drink, the researchers suggest."
Gotta hand it to those cave-men, they loved barbeque so much they were willing to take on giant camels and mammoths just to get a taste.
Giant camel fossil, twice the size of modern species at nearly 12 feet, discovered in Syria. The find extends the history of the species back more than 90,000 years. Modern camels are thought to have been domesticated in Arabia around 6-7,000 years ago. Perhaps as significant is that human bones and tools were also found in the area, suggesting that early humans may have hunted the giant dromedary.
"Hunter-gatherers likely attacked and killed the giant camel when it visited one of these springs to drink, the researchers suggest."
Gotta hand it to those cave-men, they loved barbeque so much they were willing to take on giant camels and mammoths just to get a taste.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Husker LB Kadavy
via Sports Illustrated.
Amazing story of a Husker walk-on LB Andy Kadavy, who is blind in one eye. Cut once as a FB during the Solich era, he caught on again as LB on the scout team with Bo Pellini's help after never giving up on himself. Coach Callahan rewarded the young man with a scholarship for his senior season after he had previously worked himself through school. Kadavy is a standout on the Husker special teams. Despite rumors to the contrary, the walk-on program is still very much alive at NU, with Kadavy and his good friend safety Brandon Rigoni being the current poster boys. Andy intends to teach elementary school after graduation.
Amazing story of a Husker walk-on LB Andy Kadavy, who is blind in one eye. Cut once as a FB during the Solich era, he caught on again as LB on the scout team with Bo Pellini's help after never giving up on himself. Coach Callahan rewarded the young man with a scholarship for his senior season after he had previously worked himself through school. Kadavy is a standout on the Husker special teams. Despite rumors to the contrary, the walk-on program is still very much alive at NU, with Kadavy and his good friend safety Brandon Rigoni being the current poster boys. Andy intends to teach elementary school after graduation.
Science - Ice Age
via Yahoo/Reuters.
Apparently new evidence has been uncovered in recent sediment cores that the Bering Land Bridge, widely thought to have allowed a land passage from Asia to North America during the Earth's last Ice Age, flooded about a millenia before previously thought, around 11,000 years ago. This leads further credence to the idea that Native Americans migrated further back in time than was once thought as well, perhaps as far back as 18,000 years if some finds I've read about can be proven.
"For decades most scientists believed that the first people to settle in the Americas were the Clovis people, and that they came via the Bering land bridge between 11,000 and 12,000 years ago. But recent evidence has suggested that humans came much earlier."
One of the interesting theories is that people not only migrated via the land bridge, but also along the coast in small boats. There is certainly evidence of boats before that time in South Asia and elsewhere. Naturally, the best places to look for evidence of such coastal migrations on America's west coast are now under water as the Ice Age glaciers melted, raising the world's sea levels.
Apparently new evidence has been uncovered in recent sediment cores that the Bering Land Bridge, widely thought to have allowed a land passage from Asia to North America during the Earth's last Ice Age, flooded about a millenia before previously thought, around 11,000 years ago. This leads further credence to the idea that Native Americans migrated further back in time than was once thought as well, perhaps as far back as 18,000 years if some finds I've read about can be proven.
"For decades most scientists believed that the first people to settle in the Americas were the Clovis people, and that they came via the Bering land bridge between 11,000 and 12,000 years ago. But recent evidence has suggested that humans came much earlier."
One of the interesting theories is that people not only migrated via the land bridge, but also along the coast in small boats. There is certainly evidence of boats before that time in South Asia and elsewhere. Naturally, the best places to look for evidence of such coastal migrations on America's west coast are now under water as the Ice Age glaciers melted, raising the world's sea levels.
North Korea
via Foxnews.
The US is attempting to bridge the gap between the sanctions being pushed by Japan (which unilaterally imposed a ban on N. korean shipping from docking at Japanese ports, among other things) and the "unspecified consequences" being proposed by the Chinese, who have the most leverage over the North. China is sending an envoy to the US to discuss the matter.
"Chinese officials have refused to say publicly what consequences they believe North Korea should face for its claimed nuclear test, although its U.N. ambassador, Wang Guangya, agreed earlier this week that the Security Council must impose "punitive actions."
The latest US proposals would drop the embargo conditions being pressed by the Japanese, but freeze some N. Korean assets and ban travel for some of its citizens.
However, the N. Koreans continue to threaten both the US and Japan if sanctions are imposed. The US is hoping to get the Chinese and the Russians on board with its proposals while maintaining the intense concern being expressed by the Japanese.
"The North will consider increased U.S. pressure "a declaration of war," RI Kong Son, vice spokesman for North Korea's Foreign Ministry, said in an interview with AP Television News in Pyongyang. He said North Korea would take unspecified "physical countermeasures. Song Il Ho, a North Korean envoy to Japan, gave a similar warning to Tokyo. "We will take strong countermeasures," he told Kyoto News Agency."
China appears to be pushing the North to admit going nuclear is a mistake and hopefully disarming, while at the same time attempting to prevent the international community from "punishing" the North. Hard to determine what the ultimate Chinese goals are, but they are legendarily obtuse in diplomatic circles. The North is demanding one-on-one talks with the US, which are wisely being refused in favor of a multi-lateral approach with the North's neighbors. It is still unclear, however, that the explosion/seismic event was, in fact, nuclear as both South Korea and Japan can find no signs of additional radioactivity in the atmosphere.
The US is attempting to bridge the gap between the sanctions being pushed by Japan (which unilaterally imposed a ban on N. korean shipping from docking at Japanese ports, among other things) and the "unspecified consequences" being proposed by the Chinese, who have the most leverage over the North. China is sending an envoy to the US to discuss the matter.
"Chinese officials have refused to say publicly what consequences they believe North Korea should face for its claimed nuclear test, although its U.N. ambassador, Wang Guangya, agreed earlier this week that the Security Council must impose "punitive actions."
The latest US proposals would drop the embargo conditions being pressed by the Japanese, but freeze some N. Korean assets and ban travel for some of its citizens.
However, the N. Koreans continue to threaten both the US and Japan if sanctions are imposed. The US is hoping to get the Chinese and the Russians on board with its proposals while maintaining the intense concern being expressed by the Japanese.
"The North will consider increased U.S. pressure "a declaration of war," RI Kong Son, vice spokesman for North Korea's Foreign Ministry, said in an interview with AP Television News in Pyongyang. He said North Korea would take unspecified "physical countermeasures. Song Il Ho, a North Korean envoy to Japan, gave a similar warning to Tokyo. "We will take strong countermeasures," he told Kyoto News Agency."
China appears to be pushing the North to admit going nuclear is a mistake and hopefully disarming, while at the same time attempting to prevent the international community from "punishing" the North. Hard to determine what the ultimate Chinese goals are, but they are legendarily obtuse in diplomatic circles. The North is demanding one-on-one talks with the US, which are wisely being refused in favor of a multi-lateral approach with the North's neighbors. It is still unclear, however, that the explosion/seismic event was, in fact, nuclear as both South Korea and Japan can find no signs of additional radioactivity in the atmosphere.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Yankees Offseason
Apparently the Boss has decided to stay with Joe Torre as Yankee manager, a wise decision I fully endorse. I've also seen reports that GM Brian Cashman has no intention of trading Alex Rodriguez, although it was confirmed that teams did approach the Yanks to inquire about his availability before the trade deadline last summer. Cashman's job has to be to find some pitching over the winter. There is speculation the Gary Sheffield may not be back next year, not sure what his contract situation is yet, I want to say it's an option year. I'd like to see a top shelf free agent starting pitcher landed, and maybe this guy from Japan, and perahps a couple of middle inning guys for sure.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Cosmology -- Shape of the Universe
Space.com
Long-overdue science post.
I've never even heard of this Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, and I'm about as robustly geeky as you can find. Anyhow, Italian scientists think that the universe is actually elliptical, rather than spherical, which explains certain ambiguities in background cosmic microwave radiation. Naturally, this solution causes even more questions, like how the universe became elliptical, than it solves. The thinking is magnetic fields, or cosmic strings are causing the shape to warp slightly, by about 1% -- but in something as big as the universe, that's alot.
But hey, this WMAP probe has been a bonanza of coolness since it's launch in 2001. Check out some of the findings here:
"So far data from this probe has helped nail down some of the most important details about the universe. This includes the age of the universe since the Big Bang, at 13.7 billion years; the time when the first atoms formed, at 380,000 years after the Big Bang; and how much of the universe is made of either ordinary matter or the mysteries known as dark matter and dark energy, at roughly 5, 25 and 70 percent, respectively."
Talk about good bang for your buck, this is what NASA should be about. Interesting that it sits at the L2 Lagrange point outside Earth's orbit. I'd love to know what this puppy cost, but whatever the price, it was definitely worth it for the top 2 scientific findings of 2003, among others.
Long-overdue science post.
I've never even heard of this Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, and I'm about as robustly geeky as you can find. Anyhow, Italian scientists think that the universe is actually elliptical, rather than spherical, which explains certain ambiguities in background cosmic microwave radiation. Naturally, this solution causes even more questions, like how the universe became elliptical, than it solves. The thinking is magnetic fields, or cosmic strings are causing the shape to warp slightly, by about 1% -- but in something as big as the universe, that's alot.
But hey, this WMAP probe has been a bonanza of coolness since it's launch in 2001. Check out some of the findings here:
"So far data from this probe has helped nail down some of the most important details about the universe. This includes the age of the universe since the Big Bang, at 13.7 billion years; the time when the first atoms formed, at 380,000 years after the Big Bang; and how much of the universe is made of either ordinary matter or the mysteries known as dark matter and dark energy, at roughly 5, 25 and 70 percent, respectively."
Talk about good bang for your buck, this is what NASA should be about. Interesting that it sits at the L2 Lagrange point outside Earth's orbit. I'd love to know what this puppy cost, but whatever the price, it was definitely worth it for the top 2 scientific findings of 2003, among others.
Hydrogen Cars, and their Impact
Pittsburgh paper via RCP.
Great article on the progress being made on hydrogen vehicles. BMW, GM, and Ford all either have vehicles coming to market or will in the next few years. With no emissions and no oil being consumed, the impacts on the Middle East could be immense.
"Given the competitive drive within capitalism to be first with the best, it's a safe bet that the pace of development of the aforementioned technologies will become only more rapid. Equally predictable is the negative impact on the economies of the Islamic Middle East......One might say we've ended up with two worlds. On the one side, BMW engineers. On the other, suicide bombers. On the one side, scientific advances, reason and individual liberty. On the other, never-ending grievances and boundless victimhood, a downward spiral of rage, self-righteousness, envy and self-pity."
Outstanding point, and one in which many would be wise to take heed.
The article also goes on to quotes Dr. Lewis referring to a World Bank study indicating that the entire Arab world's total exports of non-oil products is less than Finland, a nation of only 5 million citizens. And if we don't need their oil, there really isn't much reason to have anything to do with them, is there?
Great article on the progress being made on hydrogen vehicles. BMW, GM, and Ford all either have vehicles coming to market or will in the next few years. With no emissions and no oil being consumed, the impacts on the Middle East could be immense.
"Given the competitive drive within capitalism to be first with the best, it's a safe bet that the pace of development of the aforementioned technologies will become only more rapid. Equally predictable is the negative impact on the economies of the Islamic Middle East......One might say we've ended up with two worlds. On the one side, BMW engineers. On the other, suicide bombers. On the one side, scientific advances, reason and individual liberty. On the other, never-ending grievances and boundless victimhood, a downward spiral of rage, self-righteousness, envy and self-pity."
Outstanding point, and one in which many would be wise to take heed.
The article also goes on to quotes Dr. Lewis referring to a World Bank study indicating that the entire Arab world's total exports of non-oil products is less than Finland, a nation of only 5 million citizens. And if we don't need their oil, there really isn't much reason to have anything to do with them, is there?
Federal Deficit
Congressional Budget Office, or CBO, estimates the 2006 budget deficit at $250 billion, far better than expected a year ago, and lower than projected over the summer as well. Corporate tax revenues contributed heavily to the decrease. Of course the fact we are also at war also has something to do with the deficit.
"The Congressional Budget Office's latest estimate is $10 billion below CBO predictions issued in August and well below a July White House prediction of $296 billion. The improving deficit picture — Bush predicted a $423 billion deficit in his February budget — has been driven by better-than-expected tax receipts, especially from corporate profits, CBO said. The 2005 deficit registered $318 billion; the record $413 billion deficit was posted in 2004. At $250 billion, it would be the lowest since the $158 billion figure in 2002, the first deficit following four years of surpluses."
Of course, if you look at the deficit as a percentage of the economy, it looks even better than that. Fox even points it out, although they don't give numbers - which today, is around 65% (Total Debt as a percentage of the economy, or just under 2% for the year if looking at the $250 billion)
"when measured against the size of the economy, which is the comparison economists think is most important, the deficit picture looks even better."
Maybe the message from this guy is getting out. He had a good post on a politician, running for Senate in North Dakota, that appears to have learned the lesson.
"The Congressional Budget Office's latest estimate is $10 billion below CBO predictions issued in August and well below a July White House prediction of $296 billion. The improving deficit picture — Bush predicted a $423 billion deficit in his February budget — has been driven by better-than-expected tax receipts, especially from corporate profits, CBO said. The 2005 deficit registered $318 billion; the record $413 billion deficit was posted in 2004. At $250 billion, it would be the lowest since the $158 billion figure in 2002, the first deficit following four years of surpluses."
Of course, if you look at the deficit as a percentage of the economy, it looks even better than that. Fox even points it out, although they don't give numbers - which today, is around 65% (Total Debt as a percentage of the economy, or just under 2% for the year if looking at the $250 billion)
"when measured against the size of the economy, which is the comparison economists think is most important, the deficit picture looks even better."
Maybe the message from this guy is getting out. He had a good post on a politician, running for Senate in North Dakota, that appears to have learned the lesson.
UN Secretary-General
via Foxnews.
The only one of six candidates to survive a UN Security Council veto, South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon appears poised to take over on Jan. 1 if approved by the UN General Assembly.
"On Monday afternoon, Ban's dream took another step forward when he cemented his position to succeed Annan, becoming the only one of six candidates to escape a veto in an informal U.N. Security Council ballot while securing 14 votes in favor. "It is quite clear that from today's straw poll that Minister Ban Ki-Moon is the candidate that the Security Council will recommend to the General Assembly,"China's U.N. Ambassador Wang Guangya said."
Ban is a life-long diplomat, has served in India, Austria, the US and UN for his country. He has been S. Korea's FM since 2004. He is described as thoughtful, quiet and soft-spoken, a "natural" diplomat. He would take over the post from controversial Kofi Annan, whose term expires Dec. 31.
It will be a great relief to finally be rid of "oil-for-food" Annan for the US and the West in general. Ban met JFK travelling in the US as a student, and coming from S. Korea, is likely to be far more friendly to the US and its interests. He has been heavily involved with the negotiations with neighboring North Korea over its nuclear program, which appears active with a test firing this weekend. The US Geological Survey detected a magnitude 4 tremor thought to be the test.
The only one of six candidates to survive a UN Security Council veto, South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon appears poised to take over on Jan. 1 if approved by the UN General Assembly.
"On Monday afternoon, Ban's dream took another step forward when he cemented his position to succeed Annan, becoming the only one of six candidates to escape a veto in an informal U.N. Security Council ballot while securing 14 votes in favor. "It is quite clear that from today's straw poll that Minister Ban Ki-Moon is the candidate that the Security Council will recommend to the General Assembly,"China's U.N. Ambassador Wang Guangya said."
Ban is a life-long diplomat, has served in India, Austria, the US and UN for his country. He has been S. Korea's FM since 2004. He is described as thoughtful, quiet and soft-spoken, a "natural" diplomat. He would take over the post from controversial Kofi Annan, whose term expires Dec. 31.
It will be a great relief to finally be rid of "oil-for-food" Annan for the US and the West in general. Ban met JFK travelling in the US as a student, and coming from S. Korea, is likely to be far more friendly to the US and its interests. He has been heavily involved with the negotiations with neighboring North Korea over its nuclear program, which appears active with a test firing this weekend. The US Geological Survey detected a magnitude 4 tremor thought to be the test.
Yankees bounced by Detroit, Torre in Trouble
Yanks fall to Detroit, with a major power outage from the All-Star lineup in the three losses. The Boss is said to be unhappy, and rightly so -- but Torre isn't the reason the Yanks lost, it was the pitching. Apparently Lou is being considered, but they'd better move fast if they really want him, he's already had talks to four teams with openings. Pitching is the issue. Unit isn't the dominator he once was, and Moose is pretty long in the tooth as well. Jared Wright and Carl Pavano are absolutley not the answer either. Some are also calling for A-Rod to be moved, I think that is stupid as well, although he can't hit his weight in the playoffs. I'm not sure who is available, but they need to get younger and better on the staff. Barry Zito, anyone? When the Yanks were winning they had both pitching and hitting, and recently they've gone back to the late 80's all-bat, no pitch lineup that got them nowhere.
Elsewhere, the Tiggers go to the Bay on Tuesday, and the Cards go to the Stupid Mets on Wednesday. Go Cards.
Elsewhere, the Tiggers go to the Bay on Tuesday, and the Cards go to the Stupid Mets on Wednesday. Go Cards.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Huskers defeat ISU 28-14
Well, what to say? The offense rolled with a heavy dose of Cody Glenn (148 yds, 2 TDS) and Brandon Jackson (116 yds, 1 TD), Taylor was efficient (17-21 for 131 and a TD), and Maurice Purify made the biggest play of the game as time was running out in the first half to give the Huskers a 21-7 lead and some additional momentum. NU controlled the game throughout. Big win for the Big Red, who have definitely had their problems on the road in the Callahan era. It was the first time they have beaten the Clones at their house since 2000.
The Blackshirts showed up to play, holding ISU to 53 yds rushing, with Steve Hicks held to 21 yds and Meyer to 26 on the ground. Meyer passed for 262 on 18 of 39, but had pressure put on him at key times that forced him into several bad plays. NU held on the Clones fake FG attempt and twice held on fourth down in the second half. Coach Coz also introduced Safety Andrew Shanle to the fun of blitzing. They also put in a dime package (about time!) which included frosh Ricky Thenarse and junior Byran Wilson. ISU did have a blown call against them that would have given them a TD in the second half. ISU got a meaningless TD with time expiring to make it look closer than it was.
The Blackshirts showed up to play, holding ISU to 53 yds rushing, with Steve Hicks held to 21 yds and Meyer to 26 on the ground. Meyer passed for 262 on 18 of 39, but had pressure put on him at key times that forced him into several bad plays. NU held on the Clones fake FG attempt and twice held on fourth down in the second half. Coach Coz also introduced Safety Andrew Shanle to the fun of blitzing. They also put in a dime package (about time!) which included frosh Ricky Thenarse and junior Byran Wilson. ISU did have a blown call against them that would have given them a TD in the second half. ISU got a meaningless TD with time expiring to make it look closer than it was.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Iranian prince speaks in Omaha
Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah, spoke in Omaha at the UNO campus. He is advocating a more active US foreign policy against the current Iranian government, but believes an invasion would not be in anyone's best interest. Have to agree with him on that score.
"Pahlavi said he does not support a U.S. invasion because it would only inflame anti-American sentiment and Iranian nationalist pride. Instead, he envisions a democratic revolution from within Iran supported by U.S. economic might. The world's superpower can prompt this revolution by attempting to speak directly to the Iranian people using radio, TV and the Internet, he said. It can also make life difficult for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by imposing targeted sanctions geared to hurt the ruling class but not common Iranians, he said."
I also have to agree that making life difficult for the Iranian government is in our interest, and should be a high priority. He also appears to believe that many of our problems in Iraq are due to Iranian interference. That alone is reason enough to ratchet up the heat on Ahmadinejad. I have to wonder if Pahlavi was in NY when the Iranian President went to the UN. A picture of them meeting on the street would be......priceless.
"Pahlavi said he does not support a U.S. invasion because it would only inflame anti-American sentiment and Iranian nationalist pride. Instead, he envisions a democratic revolution from within Iran supported by U.S. economic might. The world's superpower can prompt this revolution by attempting to speak directly to the Iranian people using radio, TV and the Internet, he said. It can also make life difficult for President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by imposing targeted sanctions geared to hurt the ruling class but not common Iranians, he said."
I also have to agree that making life difficult for the Iranian government is in our interest, and should be a high priority. He also appears to believe that many of our problems in Iraq are due to Iranian interference. That alone is reason enough to ratchet up the heat on Ahmadinejad. I have to wonder if Pahlavi was in NY when the Iranian President went to the UN. A picture of them meeting on the street would be......priceless.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Dow Hits all-Time High--Again
Reuters.
"U.S. stocks climbed on Wednesday, driving the Dow to an all-time high for a second day, as data showing a weaker-than-expected services sector reaffirmed views the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged."
Strong growth, strong profits, low unemployment, low inflation.
Oil is now under $59/barrel, likely heading lower as drving season and EPA-mandated
summer reformulation goes away.
"U.S. stocks climbed on Wednesday, driving the Dow to an all-time high for a second day, as data showing a weaker-than-expected services sector reaffirmed views the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged."
Strong growth, strong profits, low unemployment, low inflation.
Oil is now under $59/barrel, likely heading lower as drving season and EPA-mandated
summer reformulation goes away.
1st District House Race
Moul-Fortenberry debate in Norfolk discusses in the LJS.
Not much on substance, although (surprise!) Moul apparently has some strange notion that there is no plan on the Iraq situation. Moron. What part of "turn over areas to Iraqi army control and withdraw from said areas" don't you understand? Currently 6 Iraqi divisions and 26 brigades command their areas and 2 Iraqi provinces have been turned over to Iraqi civilian control.
“President Bush and my opponent believe that empty rhetoric like ‘Stay the course’ are enough to win this war,” said Moul, responding to a question about Iraq.“We need to establish clear goals ... to make sure (the troops) can get the job done.”Moul said Congress should consider setting a timetable for withdrawing American troops from Iraq, adding: “Only when we complete our mission can we come home.” That last quote, Fortenberry fired back, is directly contradictory to establishing a timetable. Furthermore, he said, such a timetable would result in “absolute chaos” in the Middle East.“It is not a coincidence that since 9/11, our country has remained free from attack,” he said. “There’s progress being made, though it’s proceeded slowly.”
Fortunberry should have blasted her on this, but he's way ahead. Setting a timetable is pathetically stupid, as well as naive in the extreme -- just a good way to lose. She's also against any border fencing, which should be a no brainer for anyone not in the amnesty crowd. And to think I considered this woman a serious candidate. She's been nearly invisible, and has idiotic feel good ideas to boot.
Not much on substance, although (surprise!) Moul apparently has some strange notion that there is no plan on the Iraq situation. Moron. What part of "turn over areas to Iraqi army control and withdraw from said areas" don't you understand? Currently 6 Iraqi divisions and 26 brigades command their areas and 2 Iraqi provinces have been turned over to Iraqi civilian control.
“President Bush and my opponent believe that empty rhetoric like ‘Stay the course’ are enough to win this war,” said Moul, responding to a question about Iraq.“We need to establish clear goals ... to make sure (the troops) can get the job done.”Moul said Congress should consider setting a timetable for withdrawing American troops from Iraq, adding: “Only when we complete our mission can we come home.” That last quote, Fortenberry fired back, is directly contradictory to establishing a timetable. Furthermore, he said, such a timetable would result in “absolute chaos” in the Middle East.“It is not a coincidence that since 9/11, our country has remained free from attack,” he said. “There’s progress being made, though it’s proceeded slowly.”
Fortunberry should have blasted her on this, but he's way ahead. Setting a timetable is pathetically stupid, as well as naive in the extreme -- just a good way to lose. She's also against any border fencing, which should be a no brainer for anyone not in the amnesty crowd. And to think I considered this woman a serious candidate. She's been nearly invisible, and has idiotic feel good ideas to boot.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Big 12 Football Report
Standings via ESPN.
Well, what do we know so far? The Big 12 isn't very good, being 0-10 against ranked teams, including 0-7 from the North. However, everyone in the conference except Baylor and Colorado do have winning records....against pretty weak competition. Mizzou, Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech are probably the teams most likely to win the conference, with Texas likely to win it all.
Obviously, no one knows whether Mizzou or Nebraska are for real since neither have won a game against anyone of note, but they both get good tests this week on the road against Tech and Iowa St., who could put themsleves in play for the North with a win, although they follow with OU and Tech. Ouch. North front-runners both travel the following week as well, MU to A & M and NU to K St., so we'll know a lot more then.
In the South, the Red River shootout will likely to decide things as usual. OU gets ISU at home the following week, with UT at home vs. Baylor. Tech survived a close one against A & M last week, will test MU and then goes to the woeful Buffalos. A & M goes to KU this week, might be interesting to see if the Jayhawks continue to improve.
Well, what do we know so far? The Big 12 isn't very good, being 0-10 against ranked teams, including 0-7 from the North. However, everyone in the conference except Baylor and Colorado do have winning records....against pretty weak competition. Mizzou, Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Tech are probably the teams most likely to win the conference, with Texas likely to win it all.
Obviously, no one knows whether Mizzou or Nebraska are for real since neither have won a game against anyone of note, but they both get good tests this week on the road against Tech and Iowa St., who could put themsleves in play for the North with a win, although they follow with OU and Tech. Ouch. North front-runners both travel the following week as well, MU to A & M and NU to K St., so we'll know a lot more then.
In the South, the Red River shootout will likely to decide things as usual. OU gets ISU at home the following week, with UT at home vs. Baylor. Tech survived a close one against A & M last week, will test MU and then goes to the woeful Buffalos. A & M goes to KU this week, might be interesting to see if the Jayhawks continue to improve.
Baseball Standings, Playoff spots
Tiggers come to the House that Ruth Built after losing the division on the last day of the season.
Lefty Robertson going against the industrial strength sinkerballer Wang.
A's go to Southern Canada where the Twinkies have the best home record in the majors.
Zito vs. Santana in a duel of Spanish guitars classicists.
Cards survive the late season scare and travel to SoCal to play the Priests.
Carpenter tries to build a victory against soup mogul Peavy.
Dumb Dodgers go the other coast to bumble around with the Stupid Metropolitians at the House that Ruth obviously didn't build. Former Evil Sock Lowe against El Duke, who at least can pitch in NY. At least we have to wait until Tuesday for this one to start.
Hard to find a team to root for in the Inferior Circuit. Probably have to go with the Cards, they were Grandpa's team. And have Sir Albert of Pujols. Too bad Sir Ryan of Howard's team didn't make the cut instead of the dumb ones.
Lefty Robertson going against the industrial strength sinkerballer Wang.
A's go to Southern Canada where the Twinkies have the best home record in the majors.
Zito vs. Santana in a duel of Spanish guitars classicists.
Cards survive the late season scare and travel to SoCal to play the Priests.
Carpenter tries to build a victory against soup mogul Peavy.
Dumb Dodgers go the other coast to bumble around with the Stupid Metropolitians at the House that Ruth obviously didn't build. Former Evil Sock Lowe against El Duke, who at least can pitch in NY. At least we have to wait until Tuesday for this one to start.
Hard to find a team to root for in the Inferior Circuit. Probably have to go with the Cards, they were Grandpa's team. And have Sir Albert of Pujols. Too bad Sir Ryan of Howard's team didn't make the cut instead of the dumb ones.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Huskers
No link. I'm just that irritated (AAARRGGHH!) by the alma mater. It's pretty apparent that NU isn't perhaps as good as advertised, nor KU as bad. On the plus side, NU got some early turnovers and jumped out to a nice halftime lead (24-10) on some real nice big pass plays.
On the bad side, we let the opposition get back into the game and if it weren't for some egregious errors (fumble at the goal line, int in the endzone) on their part, we would have lost. The defense never got any real pressure on the KU QB, who I think should probably be the starter over goldilocks Meier.
We didn't move the ball in the second half until it was almost too late, and as a result, the Blackshirts were out on the field most of the second half AGAIN. Fortunately, they got a good blow in OT as Taylor's pass to Swift at the goal line was reviewed multiple times. The play should have been ruled a TD in my book, but Glenn scored the next play anyway.
next up: Iowa State
Can we win? Maybe, but we'd damn well sure better play a better game on both sides of the ball than we did last night. Prediction? It could be a pinball contest unless Coz lets the D rush the QB.
On the bad side, we let the opposition get back into the game and if it weren't for some egregious errors (fumble at the goal line, int in the endzone) on their part, we would have lost. The defense never got any real pressure on the KU QB, who I think should probably be the starter over goldilocks Meier.
We didn't move the ball in the second half until it was almost too late, and as a result, the Blackshirts were out on the field most of the second half AGAIN. Fortunately, they got a good blow in OT as Taylor's pass to Swift at the goal line was reviewed multiple times. The play should have been ruled a TD in my book, but Glenn scored the next play anyway.
next up: Iowa State
Can we win? Maybe, but we'd damn well sure better play a better game on both sides of the ball than we did last night. Prediction? It could be a pinball contest unless Coz lets the D rush the QB.
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