July 23, 2005

Diane Lane Photo of the Week...

A special thanks to my blog bud, groovy vic for scanning this pic from US magazine.

Not too shabby for a forty year-old babe, huh?

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July 22, 2005

What the hell are you doing surfing the internet?

Battlestar Galactica is on Sci-Fi NOW (or will be repeated soon).

Lots of Cylons in tonight's episode! The scary metal kind, that is. Not the hot ones with boobs.

Go check it out! Now!

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Conservative Economics Quotes...

Round-up at RWN, via h/t from Viking Pundit. Mostly Friedman and Sowell.

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Schoolboy Crush Flashback...

Laura Ingalls was gotten "Wilder" - and shows her stuff at the 11th annual Screen Actor Guild (SAG) Awards. Don't see any "sag" here. They've help up nicely.

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Who Said It?

HereÂ’s a quote from the autobiography of a sitting U.S. Senator on the issue of inner city crime and the current state of our judicial system:

"One's life is probably in no greater danger in the jungles of deepest Africa than in the jungles of America's large cities," he writes. "In my judgment, much of the problem has been brought about by the mollycoddling of criminals by some of the liberal judges who have been placed on the nation's courts in recent years."
OK, an unfortunate analogy, but the jist of the passage is that the problem of crime in American urban centers makes them very dangerous to live in and is largely the result of the courts being too lenient in punishing criminal offenders - a difficult argument to refute.

Personally, I would have avoided describing the cities as “jungles” or making any reference to Africa as some in the African-American community might make an inference that would cause them to take offense. It’s in really bad taste and detracts from the point being made.

Now imagine if a prominent Republican leader, say someone like Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, wrote this. The Left and their MSM enablers would be apoplectic in their condemnation of this comment and would be screaming for him to not only relinquish his leadership post but that he should vacate his Senate seat, toots sweet!

But of course this wonÂ’t happen. Why?

Because those words were written by Sen. Robert “Sheets” Byrd – Democrat of West Virginia. Forget the fact that he was also once a Klan member and there should be little doubt about his feelings towards the residents of America’s urban “jungles”. Despite the fact that these words are publish in his memoir, “Child of the Appalachian Coalfields” for anyone in the media to read and report, it took an article in the Washington Times to even make a passing mention of it.

Anyone who wants to see an example of complete hypocrisy from the Left, look no further than they way they treat Sen. Byrd.

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Happy 5th Birthday, Justin!

"5 years, huh? Cool. Now what is there in my line of sight that I can destroy?"

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July 21, 2005

Support the allies...Drink Polish vodka!

Cranky NeoCon weighs in with his endorsement of Luksusowa vodka. I actually remember this stuff way back when I was in college. A buddy of mine used to drink it all the time. I remember saying, "made from potatoes? WTF?" But I remember is wasn't half bad. Anyway it's a great blast from the past.

Next trip to the packy...I think I'll bypass the Stolichnaya for a bottle of this hootch. What do I got to lose except $12?

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Jobless Claims Down...

By a whopping 34,000! H/T to Alexander at Polipundit.

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Bad Girl!

This is what you get if you're caught cutting into line at a big-time Hollywood premiere! Now that's what I call "zero-tolerance".

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Poetic tribute to James "Scotty" Doohan...

From Ace of Spades HQ. I laughed so hard I nearly wet myself.

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Another benefit of the Roberts nomination...

The NY Times' David Brooks has a litany of reasons why he loves this pick. He reminds us that this will be the first Supreme Court nomination process in the "age of the blogger", which in itself will make this process fascinating to watch. But it also presents prominent Democrats with a dilemma:

I suspect the Democratic elites would rather skip this fight because it has all the makings of a political loser. Anybody who is brilliant during Supreme Court grillings, as Roberts is, will be impressive at confirmation hearings. He is modest and likeable, and has done pro bono work on behalf of the environment, parental rights and minorities.

But the Democratic elites no longer run the party. The outside interest groups and the donors do, and they need this fight. It's why they exist.

Hillary Clinton and the other Democratic hopefuls will have to choose between the militant wing of the party, important in the primary season, and the nation's mainstream center, which the party needs if it is to regain its majority status. It will be a defining and momentous vote.

This is going be interesting.

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July 20, 2005

Define Republican...

I got this as an email, but if I ever find a link to it I'll be sure to post it. This is a long one, but it is a MUST read:

This is a $104,000+ ad that appeared in the Washington Post:

Here is someone with the money to fund a rebuttal to what Howard Dean, Democratic National Committee Chairman, said recently that many Republican have never done an honest day's work in their life. The following full page ad was placed in the Washington Post by a businessman named George J. Esseff, Sr. He paid $104,655.60 to run the ad and only did it because he is sick and tired of the way that "the rich" are portrayed by liberals these days.

Maybe you're a Republican?

In today's America ask a growing number of high school and college students, their teachers and professors, the self-anointed media elite and/or hard working men and women of all ethnicities, the question, "What is a Republican?" and you'll be told "... a rich, greedy, egotistical individual, motivated only by money and the desire to accumulate more and more of it, at the expense of the environment, the working poor....and all whom they exploit...

"I am a Republican - And I am none of those things....and I don't know any Republicans who are!

WHAT I AM first and foremost, is a loving husband of some 52 plus years, the father of four and an American who's proud of his country...and his country's heritage

WHAT I AM is the grandson of immigrants who risked every-thing, including their lives and those of their children, to escape tyranny in search of freedom.

WHAT I AM is a man who grew up during the Depression and witnessed first hand the effects of the Stock Market crash and the soup lines that followed. I watched as both my parents and grandparents, who had very little themselves, share what food they had with a half dozen other families, who had even less.

WHAT I AM is someone who worked his way through college by holding down three and four jobs at a time and then used that education to build a better life.

WHAT I AM is a husband who at age 24 started his own business for the "privilege" of working 60, 70 and 80 hours a week, risking everything I had including my health, in search of a better life for myself and my loved ones.

WHAT I AM is a businessman whose blood, sweat and tears....and plenty of them..., made it possible for me to provide a secure living not only for my family and myself, but also for literally hundreds of my employees throughout the years. Employees who in turn were able to buy their own homes, raise their own families and give back to their communities and their country.

WHAT I AM is a man who believes in God; a God who has blessed this country... and all for which it stands.

WHAT I AM is someone who knows, if you doubt miracles exist in today's world, you need only to look into the face of those who received them....and the eyes of those who give them.

WHAT I AM is an American who's proud that his President embraces a belief in God; proud of a President who understands, as "politically incorrect" as it may be, there is evil in this world and for the security and safety of all freedom loving people everywhere, it must be confronted...and it must be defeated.

WHAT I AM is an American who takes comfort in the knowledge that our President refuses to allow decisions concerning the very safety and security of this nation to be governed by the political whims of foreign governments.

WHAT I AM is tired of hearing from leading Democrats who see only negativity in America; racism in her people; class warfare in her society and "political incorrectness" in her character.

WHAT I AM is a former Democrat who now understands that it is the soldier and not the reporter that guarantees us our freedoms of press, speech, and dissent.

WHAT I AM is a man who believes in the sanctity of life. A man who is repulsed by the pandering of the political left for votes at the expense of the unborn.

WHAT I AM is a husband and father who believes in the sanctity of marriage and the preservation of the family unit.

WHAT I AM is a ex-movie goer who is repulsed by those insecure, socially inept, elementary thinking, ego-inflated "entertainers" who have appointed themselves "experts" in the fields of national security and geo-politics and then use their forum to attack this nation, its leaders, and its actions....much to the delight and encouragement of our enemies.

WHAT I AM is an American who understands the difference between "censorship" and "choice." Evidently, these individuals do not, because when these same "celebrities" receive public ridicule for their offensive actions, the first thing they yell is "censorship." What they seem incapable of understanding is...the right of free speech and dissent is shared equally by those offended...as well as those who offend. I support and will continue to support those films and performers whom I choose to and refuse to support those I don't. It is my right as an American - a right I will continue to enthusiastically exercise.

WHAT I AM is a voter, tired of politicians who, everytime their voting records are subjected to public scrutiny, try to divert attention from their political and legislative failures by accusing their opponents of "attack ads" and "negative campaigning"....and the news media who allow them to get away with it.

WHAT I AM is a Catholic who loves his God and his Faith....and who's been taught to respect all religions whose teachings are based in love, peace, and charity. As such, I am embarrassed and ashamed of those individuals in both private and public life whose decisions and actions are devoid of any sense of character or morals; individuals who are only driven by what's best for them....rather than what's right... often times at the expense of many....including our national security.

WHAT I AM is a realist who understands that the terrorist attack that murdered hundreds of innocent Russian children could have occurred here, in our heartland. That's why I sincerely believe America needs now, more than ever, a President who sees with a clear and focused vision and who speaks with a voice when heard by both friend and foe alike is understood, respected, and believed.

WHAT I AM is eternally grateful to Ronald Reagan for having the bravery to speak out against Communism and the courage of his convictions in leading the fight to defeat it; and George W. Bush for the vision, courage, conviction, and leadership he has shown in America's war on terrorism amidst both the constant and vicious, personal, and political attacks both he and his family are made to endure.

WHAT I AM is a human being, full of numerous faults and failures, but a man nonetheless who though not always successful has continually strived to do "what's right" instead of "what's easy." A man who is challenging the religious leaders of all faiths to not only preach to their congregations the fundamentals of "what's right" and"what's wrong," but also to then hold them accountable for their actionsin both the public and private sectors.

WHAT I AM is disgusted with the Courts who on one hand call the murder of a pregnant woman a "double homicide," but then refer to the abortion of her baby as "pro-choice".

WHAT I AM is someone deeply troubled by a political party which embraces a candidate whose primary "leadership" qualities center around his protesting of the Vietnam war and his labeling of the honorable men and women who fought in it (50,000 of whom gave their lives in that action) as rapists and war criminals (John Kerry). That same political party then stepped forward this year to block the appearance of a true Vietnam war hero, retired Admiral and former United States Senator, Jeremiah Denton (a man who spent seven years and seven torturous months in a North Vietnam prison) from speaking before an open session of the California legislature as part of that state's 4th ofJuly celebration. The reason Democrats gave for refusing to allow this American hero to speak before their state legislature was because of the "conservative" nature of his views. As an American, that troubles me deeply....as well it should you. (Are you listening Mr. D?)

WHAT I AM is a man who feels the need to spend ONE HUNDRED & FOUR THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED & FIFTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS($104,655.60, tax paid) of his own money to purchase this advertisement, in order to set the story straight. Some may say this money would have been better spent feeding the world's poor. At the risk of sounding self-serving, as an American and as a Republican for the last six decades of my life, I have done exactly that...and more. Following the examples of my parents and grand parents, I have used my earnings to feed the poor, shelter the homeless, provide housing for the elderly, and medical care for the sick.....and continue to do so...and I'm not alone in that work.

WHAT I AM is someone who is paying for this announcement at my sole expense in hopes of opening the eyes of those led blindly by ill-informed elements of our great nation who, through either ignorance or malicious intent, repeatedly attack and belittle those of us who belong to a political party that holds true to the belief, "The rights of the governed, exceed the power of the government." For those interested, I am speaking only as a tax-paying individual who is in no way associated with the Republican National Committee, nor with any of its directors or delegates.

WHAT I AM is a man who understands, "the American way of life" is a message of self-empowerment for all.

WHAT I AM is an American who is grateful that our nation gives each of us the opportunity of self-determination and the right to benefit from the fruits of self achievement.

WHAT I AM is blessed to be an American.... and proud to be a Republican.

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Almost time to let the big dogs out...

When I was in college, I remember one Friday morning I was sitting on the commode in the dorm bathroom hungover as all hell (actually there many of those) when I looked over at the stall wall and read something someone had scrawled just over the TP roll. It said "you cheer the sports of the winter season but you fall in love with the game".

An odd thing to see written on the shitter wall, I admit. But I had an idea who wrote it. There were a handful of huge baseball fans on my floor who would get all giddy when March started to roll around. And sure enough it was just about the beginning of spring at that time.

What the hell does this have to do with anything? Stay with me on this.

I like baseball a lot. I'm a big Mets fan but frankly for me the summer season is a time to go out and do things, not sit in front of my TV watching 162 games. Plus it's hard for me to sustain enthusiasm for a pennant race day in and day out for six months (especially if there's no way in hell my team has a chance to win it).

No siree, that little ditty I read that morning as I was moving the mail describes the exact opposite of how I feel.

Frankly, I LOVE pro football and when Labor Day weekend comes around I get pretty pumped for Sundays. I don't get involved in Fantasy Football leagues. I don't have patience for that shit. But as autumn is my favorite time of year to begin with, the NFL season to me is like Christmas once a week for seventeen weeks (minus the bye week). Having been a NY Giants fan for twenty-five years, I've seen elating wins and punishing defeats, but the overall feeling of the season is the same.

Next Friday, the 29th, is the day that all Giants players must report for training camp. And while half the names are unfamiliar, the scrimmages are meaningless and the best you can hope for is no stupid injuries, this time of year just barely whets your appetite for the four months that follow.

So if you're a regular reader of the old Ex-Donkey Blog, I'm giving you fair warning that we are heading into the time of year when I will be prone to rants both euphoric and bitter on the state of the NY Giants. If you're also a fan, I invite you to follow along the emotional roller-coaster with me. If not, then I ask your indulgence in dealing with this side obsession. I can be a pretty moody son of a bitch when things aren't going well for Big Blue.

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Playing the MSM like a Strativarius...

In case you were locked in a closet most of yesterday (or actually have a life), Howard Kurtz chronicles the day-long clusterf*** that was the media frenzy over who the nominee would be.

It's really amusing to see how much less control "the filter" has over news these days.

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And so it begins...

Now Polipundit has gotten sucked into the "Roberts = Souter" meme. Who's next?

UPDATE: 2:01pm
BeldarBlog laws out his case against this concern. (via...gasp...Instapundit)

UPDATE: 4:15pm:

Southern Appeal says now hold on a minute...

and Paul @ Powerline points out:

"Roberts may not be as conservative as a few who reportedly were on Bush's list. And a longer track record as a judge would have been nice. But it's unfair to suggest that Roberts is or will be anything like Souter. A comparison to Rehnquist would be far more apt. Indeed, while Coulter contends that "stealth" nominees "never" work out, I don't recall Rehnquist, plucked by Nixon from the Justice Department, having a more substantial track record than Roberts can point to."

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Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott: Dead at 85

Starfleet loses James "Scotty" Doohan. R.I.P.

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Looks Like Annie was spoiling for a fight...

NOT happy with Roberts.

"We're the Harlem Globetrotters now - why do we have to play the Washington Generals every week?"

The first on the right to drop the Souter bomb.

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Boring Choice?

Not really, says NY Post's John Podhoretz. Much bolder when you consider the pressure to appoint a woman or minority - or both - for O'Connor's spot. But the most interesting aspect about John G. Roberts as the nominee is that if Bush could find someone that even the Left has to concede is a solid jurist, this is the guy.

When Teddy Kennedy began the successful war against Robert Bork, he swung for the fences instantly by declaring that Bork wanted to return America to an age of back-alley abortions. If all Schumer can come up with is "I can't deny he's got a lot going for him," Roberts will be wearing that black robe by the first Monday in October. Declaring that someone possesses "outstanding legal credentials" isn't a good foundation for a bloody, furious, crazed battle.
Quite possibly the toughest possible nominee to try and "Bork", not that the Left won't try anyway - on principle. Roberts is the kind of judge that will elicit howls from Liberals but no coherent argument can be made against him. Those who try will reveal themselves as moonbat nutjobs instantly.

And the pajamahadeen are ready to tear to shreds anything they can throw at him.

Right-Wing News has good round-ups of the early reaction from the Right and the Left. Not the contrast is tone and connection to reality.

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July 19, 2005

Wow...talk about a head-fake...

I've got to hand it to team W, they really knocked the MSM ass over teakettle on this one. They fooled 'em all. It wasn't until after 7:30pm (an hour and a half prior to Bush's announcement) that they were finally able to figure it out.

No pre-emptive press conference for Teddy or Chucky Schumer or Harry Reid or People for the American Way or NARAL or...anyone. Just the President with his nominee at his side. My fellow Americans...meet Mr. Roberts.

From Bush's speech:

In my meetings with Judge Roberts, I have been deeply impressed. He's a man of extraordinary accomplishment and ability. He has a good heart. He has the qualities Americans expect in a judge: experience, wisdom, fairness, and civility. He has profound respect for the rule of law and for the liberties guaranteed to every citizen. He will strictly apply the Constitution and laws, not legislate from the bench.
What's not to like, Mr. and Mrs. America?

Michelle Malkin has a good round-up thread. As does Captain Ed. Hugh Hewitt is dancing a jig.

See also: Confirm Them!, RedState.org (sorry Erick) and NRO's Bench Memos. All will no doubt update throughout the evening.

Got a lot of reading to do. Oh, BTW, "Wedding Crashers" was awesome. Go see it!

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Dammit, I can't stay away...

Redstate.org is THE place to go for updates.

The latest: Update [2005-7-19 16:2:29 by Erick]: Within the past hour, staffers on the Senate Judiciary Committee have begun steering people away from Edith Brown Clements.

I have done a little reading up on Edith Jones. Think Ann Coulter with more experience and tact. Liberals would be LUCKY to have Clement. If this turns out to be Jones...the Left will LOSE THEIR SHIT!

UPDATE: 4:25pm
Jonathan Alder on the timing:

The President's decision to announce his first Supreme Court nomination is a very wise move. One of the lesson's of past nomination battles is the importance of defining the nominee before the opposition. This is particularly important with Supreme Court nominations where less of the battle will get waged under the radar. Starting tonight, and on tomorrow morning's news programs, the video will be of the President commending his nominee, rather than a Massachusetts Senator warning of segregated lunch counters and back alley abortions.
Makes the bait 'n switch theory seem more plausible. Keep the heat off the real nominee until Bush has the chance to introduce him/her to the country.

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