Leadership -

The ability to inspire others in a shared vision.

Michael Corlene invited me to join him at The Union Club for the First Annual Summit on Leadership hosted by the Cleveland Business Leaders of The Union Club. I’m not usually one for these types of ‘networking’ events (I’ve got all the friends I need) but hey, it’s The Union Club and George Nemeth (of http://www.meetthebloggers.net/ and http://www.brewedfreshdaily.com/) was one of the breakout session speakers so what the hell.

[SIDEBAR: I’ve looked at BFD before and I’m still trying to figure out what the BFD is. It’s a bunch of cut and paste and links to other blogs. Please explain? If it serves as a clearing house for other blogs, cool. Sign me up!

MTB, now that’s some good stuff. While our politics are different, they’ve been able to pull some great interviews with politicos, movers and shakers, and the people that make/are making Cleveland a great place to be. I highly recommend checking it out. I’m looking forward to MTB’s sitdown with Joe Cimperman on 2/6 to talk about his race for the 10th Congressional District of Ohio. END SIDE BAR]

So back to the TUC. Two Italians drinking cocktails in the ballroom. The founders are rolling in their graves. While there we run into Chef, who I’d forgotten, is running the kitchens at TUC. Great guy who I hadn’t seen for a while. Me and MC catch up with him for about an hour trading stories and laughs. I didn’t do much networking, but as I said before, I’ve got just about all the friends I need…for now anyway.

We cut out a bit early and there was some time on the clock, so we head to one of Little Italy’s nicest restaurants – Valerio’s. The last time I was there, I took FLOTUS to dinner following the Bugatti exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art. I was happy nothing has changed.

V’s is an intimate, white table cloth restaurant. When you walk in, you’d think you just walked off Mulberry Street. The place has about 10 tables and a small bar. It’s authentic. We didn’t eat much at TUC so we grabbed a table to order some food. MC’s a regular so everyone knew him. We order some red (great wine selection) and some light fair – MC got the Caprese salad – fresh sliced mozzarella and sliced tomato with fresh basil and oregano topped with extra virgin olive oil and I believe the Risotto special. It looked great. I got the Insalata del Finocchietto - thinly sliced fennel with extra virgin olive oil oregano and Balsamic vinaigrette and the Calamari in Guazzetto - Calamari rings sautéed with garlic in extra virgin olive oil with a spicy red sauce. It was awesome. The fennel was crisp and the balsamic was on the mark. Topped with some fresh ground pepper and some of the table bread for the balsamic. Perfect. The Calamari was sautéed nicely. I was expecting a little more spice from the red sauce, but nothing some additional ground pepper couldn’t address.

I haven’t had the chance to talk with MC for a while so it was nice to catch up. We finished the bottle of red and enjoyed some coffee while talking about work, family, etc. (Which reminded us, we need to pick a date for Bemus.) We called it a night, only 10 mins behind schedule, but I knew I could make up the time on the way to the Residence before the clock expired.

While walking to my car I was reminded of my great-grandfather who lived here and who walked these same streets. He, and many like him, came with nothing. But from nothing they built something – a neighborhood, a community, a city. That, my friends, is what we are called to do - to lead and make a difference in the lives of others and the communities to which we call home.

- POTUS

As if You Needed Another Reason to Not Vote for Billary

This, from Jake Tapper of ABC News:

Former President Bill Clinton was in Denver, Colorado, stumping for his wife yesterday.
In a long, and interesting speech, he characterized what the U.S. and other industrialized nations need to do to combat global warming this way: "We just have to slow down our economy and cut back our greenhouse gas emissions 'cause we have to save the planet for our grandchildren."
At a time that the nation is worried about a recession is that really the characterization his wife would want him making? "Slow down our economy"?

Are you kidding me?

--G

Latest Rasmussen Poll--McCain v. Clinton and McCain v. Obama

McCain Leads Obama by Six, Clinton by Eight

The latest Rasmussen Reports survey shows Republican U.S. Senator John McCain with leads over Democratic Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

McCain now leads Clinton 48% to 40%. He leads Barack Obama 47% to 41%.

In a Rasmussen Reports poll conducted mid-January, McCain was two points behind Clinton, five behind Obama. A couple days later McCain won the South Carolina primary.
McCain has led Clinton in four of the last five polling match-ups conducted by Rasmussen. He has had the edge over Obama in three of the last four polls. (see history and trends).

Following his victory in Florida, Rasmussen's data indicates that McCain is the overwhelming favorite for the Republican Presidential nomination (86% to Romney's 14%).

--G

I am for John McCain

Look, this presidential election cycle is uninspiring, at least for a conservative republican. The fact remains, I happen to agree with John McCain a majority of the time. We see eye to eye on Iraq, making the 01 and 03 tax cuts permanent (even though he didnt originally vote for them), fighting against universal health care, not making it easier to get an abortion than a Big Mac, privatizing (to some extent) Social Security, getting the Line-Item Veto for the President, supporting the death penalty (i dont care if we throw them off tall buildings, either) and fighting those who seek to destroy the 2nd amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

I'm not with him on immigration, for sure. Hopefully that amnesty nonsense will go away, though, and he's learned his lesson.

The guy, with all his faults, has two things going for him. REAL experience and he is not Billary.

I actually believe he will do everything he can to make me and my family safe.

I'm for John McCain.

It's a matter of time before Mitt drops out. He'll take it on the chin hard on Super Tuesday.

Guiliani is dropping out today and supporting McCain. Edwards is dropping as well (I hope he throws his support to Obama--NOW--and doesn't wait). Obama could use the Super Tuesday boost.

--G

Bill Clinton Library

This speaks for itself! Too funny! Thanks, Lefty.

-G

SOTU

I would like to take this opportunity to start a new tradition here at SteakMatters - the first edition of SOTU - the STEAK of The Union. Very simply, the day after the President gives his (or mayber her) State of The Union speech, we will all provide you with, what we think, is the best steak we have consumed during the past year. For me, it's a no-brainer. It's the 10 oz filet mignon at The Prime Rib in DC. When you sit down at this K Street establishment, you never get up disappointed. As POTUS has appropriately described in past postings, "The knife cut through this perfect cut of meat as though Moses himself was at the table." OK - maybe POTUS was a little carried away, but one thing's for sure, this steak is heavenly - and definitely deserving of my SOTU this year!
Lefty

A Charge to Keep

President Bush delivered his final State of the Union address this evening. By all accounts it was a fine speech. Go back and watch his first address--marked improvement. Those who are not tasked with speaking in public will never understand the difficulties in such a task.

I encourage you to take the time to read it. After you've read it, I'd encourage you to then find out how your candidate responded to it. I'm still candidate-less. McCain and Romney are illustrating all that is wrong with politics--their nasty back and forth in Florida is discouraging.

Billary is up to their same tricks. She pledged not to campaign in Florida over the move in primary fiasco--of course, she only made that pledge because she thought she'd be home free by now--clearly she is not. Consequently, she broke that promise and is now campaigning in Florida.

I'm probably going to waste my vote this year and vote for someone who doesn't have a prayer. In fact, I'm not sure Dr. Keyes is even on the ballot in Ohio. I guess I'll research that tomorrow.

But I digress. Overall, it was a fine speech. The Democratic response was pathetic, predictable, and stale. Governor of Kansas, really?!?! The following quote from the Democrat response (delivered by the Gov. of Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius) sums up the difference between republicans (forward looking) and democrats (living in the past and keeping people under the thumb of government): "The last five years have cost us dearly -- in lives lost; in thousands of wounded warriors whose futures may never be the same; in challenges not met here at home because our resources were committed elsewhere. Americas foreign policy has left us with fewer allies and more enemies".

Such short memories--

--G

Public Service Announcement

Some readers may find this redundant, some may find it informative. If you've read Steak Matters for any length of time, you've heard us reference the all important primary date known as "Super Tuesday"--February 5th. I thought folks would appreciate a source that identifies the states that will be holding primaries/caucuses that day. The following is the list of states where more than 1,000 delegates will be at stake.

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho (Democratic Party Only) Illinois, Kansas (Democratic Party Only), Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico (Democratic Party Only), New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah.

--G

Urban Brings Rural Values

The cities of Elyria, North Ridgeville, Avon, and Avon Lake will be lucky to have a guy like Dan Urban represent them at the statehouse in Columbus. Just ask the people of Avon. He ran unopposed during his last council election. People recognize his hard work on their behalf--and awarded him another term.

Dan has declared his intention to run for the 57th House District seat. In fact, he has already filed the necessary paperwork with Ohio's Secretary of State which makes him the lone Republican who will face Democrat incumbent Matt Lundy of Elyria.

Alot of you may already know Dan. If you do not, you soon will. Dan's a special candidate. No, not because he's a Yale grad (in spite of that actually) :), not because he graduated cum laude from CSU Law School, not because he has a promising career with the largest law firm in Lorain county, not because he represents Avon Ward 4 on City Council--all that just makes him experienced.

The thing that makes Dan a special candidate is that the guy cares--no, I mean he really cares. And not just about Avon or Cleveland, or Elyria--he cares about Ohio. He comes from humble means as well--no silver spoon here. His dad (like mine) was a 30-year U.A.W. guy--a working stiff like the rest of us. Dan understands important working-class values, he embraces those values, and will work his Ivy League tail off to make the 57th District a better place in which to live.

I'd like to trail this post with some NFL Films-like music because that's how Dan will approach his campaign--with toughness, tenacity, and passion,--and he knows it'll take teamwork to be successful. It won't be dirty either--it won't come from Dan, anyway. It'll be about Dan's ideas for the district--about what Dan can bring to the table--not what his opponent doesn't.

--G

Obama Wins South Carolina

Not suprisingly, Barrack Obama won South Carolina last night. What was suprising, however, is the margin by which he won. He more than doubled the Hil's 27%. Edwards finished with around 18%.

The Clinton's (Bill more than Hil, since she abandoned the state early on) tried their best to play the race card from the bottom of the deck. If Obama miraculously defeats the Hil and gets the Democrat nomination, the Republican nominee will not get away with some of the racist nonesense the Clinton's have tried to pull off this week. I'm glad it back-fired. It looks like Bill, the country's "first black president", doesn't have as much influence in the african-american community as he thought. I love the spin, though. They're now trying to suggest that the vote was racially divided with blacks voting for Obama and the Hil and Edwards splitting the white vote. The only problem with that analysis is that only 29% of South Carolina's population is black. Where'd the other 26% of Obama's support come from, then? Does South Carolina have that large of an asian and hispanic population? What? You mean white Democrats actually voted for Obama too?!

I'm not sure what all this means yet. I do know it was a humiliating rebuke of the Clinton's and their race-baiting tactics. Bill actually compared Obama to Jesse Jackson last night ( I think he won South Carolina in 1988). I'm not an Obama fan, but he's nothing like J.J.--ill leave it at that.

I'm not sure it carries over though, we'll see. Florida this Tuesday will be something. And, just over a week until Super Duper Tuesday (Feb. 5th).

--G

Rezko-gate

During the South Carolina debate, Obama confronted the Hil by pointing out her inconsistent behavior with respect to Walmart (sitting on the board of directors, etc). She fired back with a pre-planned quip--and it was effective at the time. She pointed out that Obama had a long-standing relationship with a man who is under federal investigation--a "slum lord", as she said. It's unclear if it will stick. Maybe the relationship is something that should be looked into--I don't know. But, in typical Clinton fashion, she had to take it a step further.

To quote her directly: "I was fighting against those ideas when you were practicing law and representing your contributor, Rezko, in his slum landlord business in inner city Chicago." See also this clip from YouTube.

Later, in an interview on the Today show, the Hil proclaimed: "I probably have taken hundreds of thousands of pictures. I don't know the man. I wouldn't know him if he walked in the door.'

Not suprisingly, the above picture surfaced. I understand that Presidents and First "Ladys" meet, greet, shake hands with, and take photos with many, many people they don't know. The Clinton's are alot of things--dumb is not one of them. The Hil had that dirt--ready to use at the first opportunity. This Rezko character was a known---known DNC contributer. And she's FROM Illinois. Would you not, if you were going to say "i wouldn't know him if he walked through the door", make sure there was no evidence of a prior meeting? I'd be more inclined to accept her word if there were not so many many examples of her having not been forthright (I'm trying to be nice here).

The lies never cease. The contradictions are plentiful. I hope the American people aren't fooled...again. Fool me once, shame on you--fool me twice, shame on me. I'm not fooled--don't you be. I trust South Carolinians will do their part tomorrow.

--G

Aloha Dennis

Dennis Kucinich, “I am the Aloha candidate.” @ 3:30 mins

For those of you that had Hawaii, pay up.

February 20, the day after the Hawaiian primary was the date that was the consensus within the office pool of when Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D, OH-10) would end his second bid for the Presidency. It was generally felt that he won’t pass-up another opportunity to travel to the 50th state in the Union, especially with the cold snap we’ve been dealing with on the North Coast. It was not to be.

News broke this afternoon that the Congressman has scheduled a press conference tomorrow to end his candidacy.

So remember, ‘aloha’ means both good bye (Presidency) and hello (10th Congressional District)….

- POTUS

The Economy, Stupid Redux

Whether it is a truly unique dining experience, or intelligent, creative commentary, we like to think that Steakmatters offers our readers insight, perspective, and even a little humor. Never would we accuse or even suggest that other bloggers or columnists would copy our materials. Yet, since our posting on January 16, "The Economy, Stupid", dozens of news outlets, including CBS, NBC, the Arizona Republic, the Baltimore Sun, and even Phyllis Schlafly - have all picked up on this theme. Of course, these outlets aren't copying us...they are simply picking up on polling data that is suggesting voters now care about the economy more than anything else. Unfortunately, they don't look behind the numbers to see what is really going on. Which, by the way, is very typical of our USA Today nation. Further - nobody is giving W his due, like we did here at Steakmatters. Regardless, it is reassuring to know that our themes here seem worthy of some of the largest media outlets in the world.

Now to a much more important subject... today was the first competitive round of golf played by Lefty in 2008. He shot 70 at the North Course at Torrey Pines. Not great, but considering how ill he has been, not too bad either. Yes, the Tour needs Tiger and the cash he brings, but the fans need someone who can beat him. Get well soon Lefty!

Lefty

2 Days and Counting...

until Billary's next defeat. South Carolina will end up going to Obama by a wide margin with Clinton and Edwards running a close second and third respectively. Bill Clinton campaigning for his wife in SC won't work. If I were a South Carolinian, I'd be insulted that the candidate sent a surrogate instead of investing the time to make her case. Unfortunately, it just might be her LAST defeat of the campaign.

Read Dick's take on it. If Dick says it's so, then it's so.

--G

Fred's dead?

I was certainly disappointed by Fred Thompson's performance as a Presidential candidate. I think many were hoping that he would be the candidate that provided the alternative to what some have described as a lackluster field.

However, my disappointment has been tempered by comments of Charlie Cook (and friend of FT) during a recent visit to Cleveland, who when asked to describe Thompson said something to the effect that the person you see on Law and Order is Fred Thompson, only with more energy. There's talk that Fred is campaigning for the VP post, to bring 'conservative' credentials to the ticket. We will wait and see, but as regular readers of SteakMatters know, one does not campaign for the VP post.

Here's to hoping for a candidate that GOTSOO can be for!

- POTUS

p.s. - Stay tuned for some upcoming Steak reviews. Its been a busy couple of days.

Heath Ledger...Dead

1979-2008

...and leaves behind a two year old daughter. I hope this is an accident. If not, what a selfish, selfish act. Sad.

--G

Ding Dong...

The Fred is dead. So much for being FOR someone. At least he still has Jeri (see above).

I have alot of thinking and analysis to do now. I'm leaning toward Romney. But, let's face it, I'm still AGAINST Billary.

--G

Martin Luther King, Jr.: I Have a Dream

I have my own thoughts about the progress and status of the civil rights movement. I'm not going to share those today.

I will say, however, if, when you watch this video, it doesn't give you chills...check your heartbeat. Dr. King was an amazing public speaker. Do yourself a favor and watch this video.

--G

McCrazy Gets Big South Carolina Win--Billary Tops Hussein Obama in Nevada

As expected, John McCain pulls out a big win tonight in South Carolina. Mike Huckabee made it interesting though, trailing by only 3%. This was an important win for McCain. Eight years ago, it was a South Carolina defeat at the hands of George W. Bush that knocked McCrazy out of the race. Huckabee really needed this win, though--he's in trouble. South Carolina is evangelical heavy--probably more than any other state in the union. He didn't pull it off. McCain garnered a huge majority of the military and retired military (a nice chunk of the population in South Carolina--it's the home of numerous military bases)--and that was probably the difference.

This win certainly gives McCrazy some momentum going into Florida (January 29th). Romney, however, still holds a comfortable lead in the race for delegates. Support for Rudy G is starting to slip--I don't see him winning Florida. Florida (and thus the nomination) is McCrazy's to lose. That saddens me. I'm not for him.

Billary wins in Nevada--she overcame the Culinary unions' support of Obama. That had to sting a little for him, but he's going to bounce back strong in South Carolina on January 26th.

John Edwards, all of a sudden is King-maker. He's showing just strong enough to garner a good chunk of delegates. It's going to matter to whom he lends his endorsement (and delegates). He's setting himself up nicely to either be the VP nominee again--or the next U.S. Attorney General if the D's can pull out a win in November.

It's all so dizzying--especially closing in on midnight on a Saturday night.

--G

Ohio State Struggles to Defeat

The OSU/Tennessee game just finished. After trailing by double-digits in the second half, the OSU Basketball Buckeyes showed their youth and inexperience this afternoon in a heart-breaking loss to the #6 team in the country, the Tennessee Volunteers. They go down to defeat 74-69.

The young Bucks showed amazing athleticism at times, but unfortunately, they couldn't throw the ball in the ocean. Really poor shot selection was their downfall. It didn't help that they shot a miserable 41% from the field--going 2-20 from 3-pt. range and 25-61 overall.

The bright spot in the loss is that these guys have heart--they didnt give up. Respect.

But--a loss is a loss is a loss--as they say.

-G

Race to the White House--Time for Edwards to go--Mitt takes Nevada

Mitt storms Nevada in a landslide. Impressive win. It gives him a nice lead in the delegate count--that's 3 wins now! He needs to finish top three in South Carolina, he won't win there--but that's ok.

Dick Morris wrote a nice article on the necessity for Edwards to drop out of the race. I think I said that earlier this week. The guy is an absolute nut, but he gets it right 99% of the time--not sure what that says about me.

Polls close at 7pm in South Carolina--what a wild ride!

--G

"Vote or Die" - P. Diddy

What a great American. Take Diddy's advice.

The poll closes in less than 24 hours!

800 Grams of South American…BEEF

Friend and avid reader of SteakMatters, Collector, recently went on a long delayed, multi-national, multi-continent honeymoon excursion with her hubby of one-year, Jack Ryan. The list of destinations is too many to mention, except for one – Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

For those of you that don’t know, Argentina is known for its beef. According to Wiki, the country has the world's highest consumption rate of beef, at 68 kg a year per capita. (That’s 149.6lbs in the good ‘ol U.S. of A. And now I have a New Year’s Resolution – 150 lbs of beef in 2008!)

As Collector explained, all they ate while in-country was beef. Every night it was beef. This was great for the Adkins supporter as long as she watched what she ate with it, i.e. no French fries (if that’s what they call them there), dessert, etc.

She raved about one restaurant Las Lilas in Puerto Madero. It was at this fine establishment that Jack ate an 800g baby beef steak, which in the land of the Red, White and Blue equates to a 1 pound 12 ounce steak. (Now that’s the fast track to the New Year’s Resolution!) Had I not seen the photos, I wouldn’t have believed her. She reported that all the steaks, including the one pictured, were some of the best beef she’d ever had. By the looks of it, I’d say so.

Collector, thanks for sharing the photos and your experience.

Do you have photos and a description of your most recent steak experience? Send them to POTUS@SteakMatters.com.

South Carolina

I love how the Steakmatters Poll has yet to record a vote for either Huckabee or Romney. Ten votes is sufficient for a solid scientific sample, isn't it?

If you are interested in what the latest poll results for SC are, have a look--some have it a statistical dead heat between McCain and Huckabee--Thompson could be in trouble.

--G

The Economy, Stupid

W deserves his due. While all of us - and I mean ALL of us - have been critical at one time or another of the President, there is an incredible shift that has occurred in the American psyche. The foremost issue on our minds is now the economy - not the war. This is incredible for a number of reasons. But suffice it to say that this is true because of three major factors...1) the new strategy in Iraq is working, 2) the lack of terrorist incident on our soil since 9/11, and 3) our nation's economic conditions. W doubters will say that our economic woes are his fault - but this blog's readers are smarter than that. They are keenly aware of the cyclical nature of our economy and that we are fortunate our downturns are never as bad as those of other nations. Actually, there is a better case to be made that W's tax plan is more important now than ever. If you ask me, the most important job our President has is to keep us safe (by the way - something to keep in mind when thinking about '08). And on this score - W deserves his due.
Lefty

First in the Nation Steak Poll

SteakMatters.com is happy to announce its newly added polling feature, which can be found on the right of your screen.

In its inaugural vote, you can make steak history by participating in the “First in the Nation” Steak Poll. Vote in advance of the “First in the South” Presidential Primary taking place in South Carolina on Saturday, January 19.

The Republican field looks like a cattle call with wins for Huckabee, McCain and Romney. Who will come out to lead the herd? Or will Thompson make it a four-way stampede to Florida where Giuliani will attempt to corral ’em all?

Be a part of SteakMatters history! Cast your vote now!

And stay tuned for the next poll: the Democratic field…

Steak n Shakin' your 401(k)

Can it be that the analysts read SteakMatters.com? Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Hot off the presses and appearing under “The News” at SteakMatters.com:

“NEW YORK - Steak n Shake Co. shares dropped to their lowest point in nearly seven years Monday as investors digested the restaurant operator's warning that it would likely report a loss in its first quarter.

Shares fell $1.68, or 17.7 percent, to $7.80 Monday. Earlier in the day, the stock sunk to $7.75. The shares haven't traded that low since March 2001.”

Read on at: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/01/14/ap4529882.html

Hey Rabbi, good thing we shorted 'em.

Mitt Masters Message in Michigan

Focusing his message on the frail Michigan economy, Mitt Romney outpaced John McCain by communicating a strong economic message to the citizens of a state desperate for good news.

Michiganders aren't helped by an inept Michigan Governor and a thug-mayor of Detroit who uses taxpayer money to buy himself Cadillac Escalades, $850 dinners, and $200,000 swimming pools--all while the city and its citizens struggle to survive.

Congrats goes out to Ghost and his van-full of soldiers who helped bring it home for the native Michigander, Romney. Are you gassing up for South Carolina now? If so, stop by and pick me up!

On the Republican side, the race is just beginning. But I think this is good for the Republican party. Are they going to support a fiscal conservative in Thompson? A moderate, pro-war candidate in McCain? A social conservative in Huckabee? And to Ghost's point, all I can think of for Romney is Mormon--what is he?!

I submit that you can't read too much into any of these first three results. Iowa, a midwest state with a unique Caucus system (Evangelicals made the difference for Huckabee); New Hampshire, a Northeast state with a strong independent streak (predictably showed up for McCain); and a favorite son wins Michigan, a midwest industrial state (responds to a strong economic message by Romney). These candidates offer markedly different qualities and communicate uniquely different messages.

The next battle ground state will be South Carolina this Saturday. South Carolina is firmly Republican and traditionally conservative. They are represented in the U.S. Senate by two R's and the Governor, Mark Sanford is a Republican as well.

Going into South Carolina, Huckabee is the clear frontrunner. Thompson helped himself immensely in the last two debates, but I doubt it will be enough to overtake Huckabee. That means McCain may be starring at two straight losses going into Florida. Romney's win tonight really changed the dynamic of this race. His next step could be the difference between being the nominee or...not. Thompson, McCain and Romney need to attack Huckabee for the next several days. If you like presidential politics--you are in heaven right now.

On the D side, Michigan was anti-climactic. South Carolina and Nevada are the next challenge. Obama has alot of momentum. Sure, Clinton won Michigan (no opponent), but the results are going to show that a large percentage of the Democratic population in Michigan chose to vote "Uncommitted" (38% as of this post) rather than pull the lever for her! Michigan was so irrelevant that the D's held a debate in Nevada tonight!

The most important issue still unresolved is when John Edwards is going to get out of the race. For those who want to see Billary defeated, Edwards' exit out of the race is essential. He is siphoning off the "change" vote (a.k.a. the "anyone but Hillary vote"). He needs to get a clue--he can not win--Period. Take a hike, pretty boy.

Last thought: I'm looking forward to seeing how Guiliani's plan of ignoring everything but Florida works out. This guy is either a complete moron or a genius. We'll see.

--G

Tomorrow in Michigan

Tonight, I was going to sit down and write some thoughts on the Michigan primary (held tomorrow). My good friend Ghost wrote a piece I'll share with you instead. He did some fine work for the Romney campaign, and so is intimately familiar with the ins and outs of why tomorrow is so important for the Mittster. Although, the latest poll i saw had him up by a SLIM margin.

For a very well written analysis (note: ghost writes as I speak--with considerable profanity) read this POST on germanvillagemedia.blogspot.com it's a MUST read. Good luck in the MI, ghost.

--G

Bowling Night

Last night was bowling night. That will be the case every Saturday night until April, I think. We arrived late. I am not a fan of arriving anywhere late--not my style. That is the case even more so when it involves a physical activity in which I am participating. I just can't show up like at the last minute and expect to contribute anything of value. Most of my extremities don't work the way they used to (get your mind out of the gutter, pun intended). My legs need to stretch, I have to have a Miller Lite, take my triple dose of Aleve, etc.

I fully anticipated showing out just like I did last week to lead my team to victory. And, although we were victorious once again, Devo led the way this time. The guy was on fire. 201, 209 and 190, I think. Clearly the anchor of our formidable team. I followed with a 150, 164 and an embarassing 122. There is no "I" in team, though--so I was happy with the win. Co-conspirator managed a career-high 179 to contribute to the win. She was happier than Jessica Simpson at a Cowboys game. Good for her!

What I did not anticipate, however, was the overwhelming thanks and appreciation I received from members of the bowling league. It seems they all enjoyed the "300" post. TM was especially thankful. In fact, they passed it around to their family and friends, thus expanding our somewhat anemic readership. Thank you all for your kind words, I'm glad you enjoyed my recapitulation of "The Game". I'm sure, unlike TM and his perfect game, I'll never be able to replicate it!

Nothing as exciting this week. Although TM and a gentleman whose acquanitance I have yet to make (but is rumored to hold his PBA card) went head to head in a battle of the titans. I'm not sure who came out on top. If someone reading knows the answer, please reply and let us know. I saw them both take perfect games into the 6th or 7th frame. No one was excited, no one was suprised. How good are they?!

Anyway, thanks to all of you who expressed your appreciation for the post--it was unexpected and appreciated. What a great group of people...

-G

Quote of the Day...

Frank Jackson, mayor of Cleveland (on his decision to sue 21 Investment banks he believes are responsible for the rise in home foreclosures and abandoned homes in Northeast Ohio): “If we continue down that path, we’ll stand still and when you stand still, you go backward.” WTF?! On his worst day, W makes more sense than that!!

Thanks to JC, Esq for passing that along. JC is worked up--so much so that I thought I'd include his well-reasoned thoughts on the issue.

"I am absolutely apoplectic about this! How do you lure investment to Cleveland when the city sues entities that are not responsible on an absolutely bullshit theory. No one feels worse about mortgage defaults than these banks who bought the notes. The idea that the mortgage obligations are somehow "defective products" because people defaulted on them is nuts. First of all-- they weren't defective to the extent that banks actually lent the money. And the fact that someone downstream bought the obligation from the original lender has nothing to do with the mortgage was a bad deal for the homeowner. Without the secondary market, these people wouldn't have gotten a loan in the first place. And there is nothing "defective" with the fact that mortgages defaulted-- the banks that bought the obligation paid their money and took their chances, just like anyone who buys any investment. Anyway, I'm preaching to the choir, but I think this is horrible public policy. Like the man said, capital goes where it is welcome."

Right on, brother.

--G

I would trade all the steak in the world...

for just 5 minutes with this coward. Sickening.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — A Florida man is facing first-degree murder charges for allegedly killing his 4-month-old daughter. Every time Marcos Gomez-Romero looked at Ariana Rodriguez-Romero he would get angry, because she was not the boy he wanted, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

The 28-year-old told investigators he starting beating her months ago — slapping her as she slept, the newspaper reported. Click here to read the Orlando Sentinel report.

She died on Christmas Day and, on Thursday, a grand jury indicted him on first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse charges, the newspaper reported. Ariana had dozens of internal and external injuries, including fractured ribs and a cut spleen, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
According to a Polk County Sheriff's Office report, Gomez-Romero told police he called his daughter an "ugly, girl, prostitute and deny [sic] she was his daughter," the newspaper reported.

He would pick the little girl up by her hands to carry her and told police he often spanked her out of anger for no reason, according to the report. Ariana's mother Juana Rodriguez-Perez told police she threatened to call the police on him, but he said he would flee with their 2-year-old son, the newspaper reported.

Night of the One-Liners

Fox News hosted a Republican debate tonight in Myrtle Beach, SC. What entertainment! This one go down as the night of one-liners. Some examples:

Thompson: "You can tell the news is good coming out of Iraq, because you read so little about it in the New York Times."

Romney: "Congressman Paul, you should stop reading Ahmedenijad's press releases."

Guiliani: "The kind of change Democrats want to make is to take the change out of your pocket."

Huckabee (not funny but a great quote): "Marriage is important because it teaches people how to love."

Thompson: "We need to be a nation of high fences and wide gates and we get to decide when to open the gate and when to close it."

Campaign Carl: To Ron Paul--"With regard to your electability: Do you have any, sir?"

And my favorite of the night: When asked about whether or not he thought the commander of the Naval ship which faced off with Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz, did the right thing by not firing on the ship. Thompson said yes, he did. But that "one more step, you know, and they would have been introduced to those virgin's they're looking forward to seeing."

Debate observations:

I think Huckabee and Thompson set themselves apart, actually. Impressive. Thompson, especially and I think he helped himself by going after Huckabee at every opportunity. McCain was arrogant and condescending. Ron Paul came across as a kook, which is a shame because he made some very good points and had some good ideas.

Guiliani was steady but uninspiring. You could say the same about Mitt Romney.

Bottom line: Thompson desparately needed a boost and this performance just might provide it. I think he can make a run at South Carolina.

Impacting hard...

--G

Intervention

I had a mini-intervention today--the Boss and the Conductor--over lunch (at the Club).

First things first, though. I had an amazingly tasty marinated, grilled salmon--served with some sort of pasta nonesense. The salmon (which I love almost--almost as much as steak) was amazing. The most important thing, to me, when it comes to salmon is that it is not undercooked. It's not great overcooked either. Fortunately, I didn't have to deal with either of those scenarios; my salmon was cooked perfectly. Very tasty and filling.

As for our lunch-time discussion, we started by discussing the affinity that both the Boss and the Conductor have for Key West, Florida. They tried to sell me on the idea that it's a great place (and I bet it is). I'm not so sure I'd like Cinderalla witnessing all the alternative lifestyle issues that we'd inevitably run into. "Daddy, why is that man wearing a dress"? "Daddy, why are those two girls holding hands--are they sisters"? Yea, I'm all for people living their lives as they wish, but I don't want to have to explain it to my little girl yet.

As for the intervention--they told me they were worried about the amount of energy it is taking out of me--my disdain for Billary. Their argument was fairly well reasoned. They suggested that I should watch what I say about her, especially in front of women. Why you ask? Well, their reasoning goes that the more "men" gang up on her and talk about her as being too aggressive, not lady like, etc. that women, in general, take offense to that. Conductor used the example of a recent comment made by Chris Matthews where he said the Hil wouldn't even by in the U.S. Senate right now were it not for her husband cheating on her. Conductor's wife was appalled by the comment and wants to vote for her now. I happen to agree with the statement, but I digress.

I promised to focus my efforts and look at the upcoming race more rationally--I have an analytical mind--I'm going to use it. After the boss left, Conductor and I had an additonal discussion on the subject. He made some very, very compelling arguments about why it would not be a complete disaster for R's for her to get elected. I'm not going to go into details yet--as I'm still absorbing his analysis--but at first blush--I like his thinking. I now have something tangible with which to manage expectations. The jest of the argument is that it helps in 2010. I buy it. To this point, I haven't allowed myself to analyze the race rationally--it's been all about disdain. From now on, my arguments will take the form of analysis--not green eggs and ham. Although, I still think that was hilarious.

Richardson dropped out today. Unfortunately he couldn't last longer than Kucinich. I actually like the guy--he might be a descent running mate for someone. That's probably why he refused to endorse anyone today. On another note, John Kerry sticks his middle finger up the sphincter of his old running mate John Edwards by endorsing Barrack Hussein Obama. That must have stung a little.

I should focus my vitriol on the media. What a joke the national media is. They all have agenda's--including Fox. Their credibility is shot wit