Superbad

Ok, so maybe i'm behind the times, but this was one of the funniest movies I have ever, ever, EVER seen. Tears...

--G

Blackwell losses (another) election(s)

Ken Blackwell dropped his bid to be the next National GOP chairman because he’s a loser, I mean he lost on two ballots, according to the PD. Congrats to Michael Steele.

Hey Kenny, I guess sticking knives in the backs of the people (Republicans) who got you where you are is bad for (Republican) career development. Stick to your bug-eyed commentary on Fox.

- POTUS

What’s up Mr. Mayor?

Special thanks to SteakMatters.com contributor, Ron Jawarski, for keeping me posted while on assignment in FLA.

Canton Mayor William Healy Jr. is under (you decide) investigation/suspicion/an intern for having an extramarital affair with a 16-year old (not a misprint) intern, who also worked on his campaign.

WKYC had this first. Watch Tom Beres’ exclusive, (unedited 11-min) video here.

Read the Canton Repository article here:

The fact is: Healy is the subject of two law enforcement investigations relatedto the alleged relationship. He asked for one of them himself. The other was initiated two weeks ago, unbeknownst to the mayor.

I hope The Mayor is sitting in FLA laughing.
- POTUS

What do you see?

Following The Great Sausage of Ohio photo, The Godmother sent me the accompanying photo, allegedly of a baby carrot.

She sees a heart - for Valentine's Day. What do you see?

Lawsuit of the Day

Mildred Tate Perry v. Ohio Bell Telephone Co.; James Parks

1/28/2009

Employment discrimination complaint. The plaintiff was sexually assaulted by defendant Parks, and encouraged to participate in a menage a trois by her female supervisor.

Comment from an email I got (thanks, JC): I have to think that this is the first time in history anyone named "Mildred" was encouraged to participate in a threesome.

Never were truer words spoken.

--G

It just doesnt stop...

Push back delayed due to a late connecting flight from... Pittsburgh. I think I'm going to be sick from all the black and gold.

Cardinals player Steve Brestin (sp) cardinals player parents are on the plane.

The Pitts

Heading to MCO FLA, couldn't figure out why the PC was so loud. Got to the gate, and it all became evident - Pittsburgh fans heading to FLA for the Super Bowl (c)!

At least I got upgraded....

Stim You Less

Well, O got what he wanted late this afternoon. The U.S. House, under the "leadership" of Fancy Nancy Pelosi, passed an $825 billion dollar (give or take a few billion, but clearly no one is counting) "stimulus" bill. The vote was, I think, entirely upon party lines. Lefty, Big Red, POTUS, correct me if I'm wrong there.

Think about that, my friends. After we just dropped $700-and-some-odd billion on the TARP, we intend to drop another 850 on various stimuli.

I was happy that O put the pressure on Fancy Nancy to drop the $300 million or so on contraceptives. Good call. While he was at it, he should have demanded that she drop the $350 or so million on the prevention of STD's. WHAT THE HELL!?!?! Stimulus bill?! Good for my conservative---hell, non-insane-- friends on the right for not voting for this thing. Take the garbage out--nope, the Fancy Nancy's just couldn't resist.

I hope our friends in the Senate clean it up--or leave Dingy Harry scrambling for votes.

--G

I Hate To Say You Deserved It, But Really??

We here at Steakmatters encourage our readers to try new things! After all, we LOVE food! FOOD, though!

Really, Blowfish testicles? Lucky for you, I couldn't find a picture of the little guys!

TOKYO — Seven diners in northern Japan fell ill and three remained hospitalized Tuesday after eating blowfish testicles prepared in a restaurant not authorized to serve the poisonous delicacy.

The owner of the restaurant in Tsuruoka city, who is also the chef, had no license to serve blowfish and was being questioned on suspicion of professional negligence, police official Yoshihito Iwase said.

Blowfish, while extremely poisonous if not prepared properly, is considered a delicacy in Japan and is consumed by thrill-seeking gourmets.
Iwase said the seven men ordered sashimi and grilled blowfish testicles at the restaurant Monday night.

Shortly after, they developed limb paralysis and breathing trouble and started to lose consciousness — typical signs of blowfish poisoning — and were rushed to a hospital for treatment, Iwase said.

A 68-year-old diner remained hospitalized in critical condition with respiratory failure and two others, aged 55 and 69, were in serious condition, he said.

"It's scary. If you go to a decent-looking restaurant that serves fugu, you would assume a cook has a proper fugu license," Iwase said, using the Japanese term for blowfish.
Blowfish poison, called tetrodotoxin, is nearly 100 times more poisonous than potassium cyanide, according to the Ishikawa Health Service Association. It can cause death within an hour and a half after consumption.

Three people died and 44 others were sickened by blowfish poisoning in 2007 — most of them after catching the fish and cooking it at home — according to the Health Ministry

.

--G

The Great Sausage of Ohio

So me and Jaws grabbed breakast the other day at YT Mayfield Hts. I had to drop the Prince and Princes at school, so I just missed Butch but I guess he's looking trim. (Good for him.) We we're taking OH political hotstove - 2010 tickets R and D. That's when I noticed The Chief in the corner talking with a fellow political hack; how appropriate considering his recently emailed Op Ed/shot across the bow at Nephew Ted.

I love YT because you can get Italian sausage with your eggs. This day was no diferent. I got a couple eggs scrambled w/ italain sausage. And when it came...the sausage, as you can see from the pic looked like the state of Ohio. Considering the topic of discusion it was appropriate. Needless to say our waitress Linda didn't get the irony.

- POTUS

Good Job, O

To repeat what I said last night, when O does something I don't like, I'm going to go after him on this blog. When he does something of which I approve, I will say that as well.

Ladies and gentlement, sit down, as I am about to say Good job, O!

Last night I complained about the hundreds of millions of dollars Nancy the Nut Pelosi was going to spend on contraceptives (within the context of the stimulus package).

If the following news item rings true, well done, Mr. President...you did the right thing by applying pressure to rid this package of such wasteful nonsense.

By DAVID ESPO and ANDREW TAYLOR

WASHINGTON (AP) - House Democrats are likely to jettison family planning funds for the low-income from an $825 billion economic stimulus bill, officials said late Monday, following a personal appeal from President Barack Obama at a time the administration is courting Republican critics of the legislation.

Several officials said a final decision was expected on Tuesday, coinciding with Obama's scheduled visit to the Capitol for separate meetings with House and Senate Republicans.
The provision has emerged as a point of contention among Republicans, who criticize it as an example of wasteful spending that would neither create jobs nor otherwise improve the economy.

Under the provision, states no longer would be required to obtain federal permission to offer family planning services - including contraceptives - under Medicaid, the health program for the low-income.

Democrats considered the politically-potent change as congressional budget experts estimated it would take slightly longer for the overall legislation to achieve an impact on the economy than the administration projects....

Here is the entire story if you want it.

--G

Passing Along Another Funny Blog

I've been reading this blog for a few months now. I first heard about it from my friend, Godfather. The blog I'm passing on is written by an OSU basketball player, Mark Titus.

Yeah, I know, Michigan State handed them their ass today--and the author scored exactly zero points in his zero minutes of PT. Dude has more DNP's than W. had critics.

Anyway, back to my point: Titus' blog, had an especially funny post tonight. Topic: Who the "whitest guy" on the team is. I hope you find it as funny as I did.


It's All White
Let me begin this post by saying if you are looking for a politically correct blog, please keep looking. With Martin Luther King Day and the inauguration of Barack Obama both happening in consecutive days this week, I thought it would be a perfect time to introduce what will undoubtedly be the coolest thing I've ever done with this blog. Again, if you are one of those PC people (and I don't mean this guy) then just go ahead and stop reading right now. Seriously. I don't want you to read this. The joke is over. I honestly want you to stop reading.

At dinner the other night Kyle Madsen and I were discussing the makeup of our team. We have a diverse squad with a variety of cultural backgrounds and Kyle and I were commenting on this. I casually suggested that the team seemed to be sitting in order from the blackest guy to the whitest guy, with me being on the end of the white spectrum. I was not commenting on the intensity of our skin tones, either. The fact that I claimed to be the whitest guy on the team upset Kyle and we spent the rest of the evening arguing about who encompasses white culture more. Let me further explain.

There is a popular blog out there called "Stuff White People Like" (I would link you, but the NCAA would punch me in the kidneys). It basically is exactly what the title says it is--a list of things that white people are interested in. In that same vein, Kyle and I discussed which one of us represents white culture more. This does not make us white supremacists or anything of the sort, but rather makes us two guys who love the fact that we are minorities of college basketball and are proud to be holding it down for our culture. We respect and appreciate all cultures, but we really like ours and think it is very important to be a beacon of hope for all white basketball players in the world.

Before I get into whether Kyle or I are more deserving of this title, I will explain why nobody else on the team is anywhere close to being a viable option.

William Buford - When we dress up to go to restaurants and various other places, Will wears this shirt. For serious. Also, he's not white, making his chances at being the whitest guy on the team minimal.

Jon Diebler - Jon seems like he would be a good candidate, seeing as how he is from a farming town. However, Jon can do a 360 and doesn't like listening to country music. Those are two big no-nos for our purposes.

P.J. Hill - He has dreadlocks. Also, he is not white either. Sorry, P.J.

Nikola Kecman - When asked if he thinks of himself as a foreigner or a white guy, he responded "Serbian." So not only does he not think of himself as white, he doesn't understand how to answer either/or questions.

Dallas Lauderdale - He easily has the ugliest jump shot on the team. And as a general rule of thumb, if you can't shoot, you really can't epitomize an average white guy. Plus he's black, which doesn't bode well for a whitest guy on the team contest.

David Lighty - If there is one thing all white people are (besides white), it's punctual. The only way to get Dave to show up on time is to tell him that we are meeting a half hour before we actually are meeting. Not cool, Dave.

B.J. Mullens - Has a legitimate chance at being the top pick in the NBA draft in the future. Honestly, B.J., what do you think this is? 1955? White guys just don't go first in the draft, especially white guys from America.

Walter Offutt - Walter has a nickname on his Facebook account, as his profile says "Walter WaltDisney Offutt." Unless you have a legitimate nickname or you are recently married and have your maiden name in quotes or something, you cannot put a nickname on your Facebook and plan on being viewed as a legitimate white guy. Also, he loses his mind when getting stuck on an elevator (not that that has anything to do with being white--just thought I'd remind you of the type of person we are dealing with here).

Danny Peters - Danny would eat a roasted caterpillar off of Grandma Winslow's back hair if LeBron James told him to. And last I checked LeBron isn't a white guy. Beyond that, Danny doesn't even know the lyrics to "Callin' Baton Rouge", which is a must if you want to be white. Honestly, I think they should have a thing on legal documents where if you check the box that says "white" when filling out your ethnicity or race, you should be required to at least provide the chorus to "Callin' Baton Rouge." Just one of the things I will change when I'm elected President in 2024 (that's twenty twenty-four, not two-thousand twenty-four).

Zisis Sarikopoulos - Zisis would actually make for a pretty solid candidate. Unlike Nikola, Zisis is a European who is proud to say he's a white guy. However, the NCAA has recently concluded its investigation on Zisis and they found that he is actually not white at all, but is instead a pretty famous movie star with a naturally green skin. Sorry, Zisis, but I cannot reward a cheater.

Jeremie Simmons - It would be really easy for me to make a joke about how Jeremie is the only guy on the team who is darker than his shadow, but I'm not that mean so I won't even bring that up. Instead I'll say that he has a lot of tattoos, none of which are of Tweety Bird or NASCAR related. I'm not entirely sure what he was thinking when he passed on the chance to get a Dale Jr. tat, but I guess that's his business.

Evan Turner - Surprisingly, Evan is a perfect candidate for being the whitest guy on the team. He went to a private high school, listens to John Mayer, and regularly wears a scarf. I honestly can't think of a single reason why Evan shouldn't be considered. Maybe Kyle and I should just battle for second place. Congratulations on representing our culture so well, Evan. Maybe you should teach Rascal Flatts a thing or two on how to successfully tie in aspects of other cultures into your own. Lord knows they could use the help.

So there you have it. With the exception of Club Trillion nemesis Evan Turner, nobody can make a legitimate claim at being eligible for this contest. That leaves the two candidates you will (hopefully) cast your vote for in the near future. Let's get to know these two worthy candidates a little better.

Kyle Madsen was literally born with a silver spoon in his hand. It baffled the doctors and Kyle really doesn't like to talk about it, but that's not the point. The point is that Kyle owns a membership to Costco and wears a pullover sweater at least six days a week. His high school boasts an impressive four minorities in his graduating class, proving that Kyle's concept of diversity is similar to that of Ron Burgundy's. He could listen to Dave Matthews read the dictionary and not even hint at being bored. Often times Kyle will have to take his Lexus into the shop, at which point he relies on his polo horse for transportation. As if this isn't enough, Kyle went to Vanderbilt for a year. In case you don't know anything about Vanderbilt, it's actual mission statement reads "...to offer a quality education for our students, provided they wear pink polo shirts with their collars popped." Simply put, this man is a bigger preppy than Zach Morris.

You pretty much know all you need to know about me. My jump shot is wetter than your girlfriend's eyes when Rachel came back for Ross. I love professional wrestling, auto racing, and country music. I once got second degree burns at the Indy 500 because I refused to wear sunscreen along with my wife-beater. If they aren't selling it at Wal-Mart, chances are I'm not buying it. When people tell me they are growing out a mullet and/or a mustache because they think it will be awesomely funny, I look them squarely in the eye and with a straight face say "May God have mercy on your soul." Mustaches and mullets are simply no laughing matter to me. While Kyle plays the role of a preppy and upper class white guy, I play the role of white trash redneck. And I play it well.As you can see, both candidates epitomize two contrasting aspects of white culture. This election could come down to whether you view white people as preppy or whether you view white people as rednecks.

We will continue to campaign for the next few weeks, as Kyle and I will both write entries explaining why we deserve the title and possibly shoot a couple videos to further our respective claims. The election will be held on March 1st and will be conducted using the poll feature on the side of the blog. I could put the poll up now, but I want The Trillion Man March to gather the facts and make the best decision based on who you think is the most qualified candidate. The easy answer would be to vote for me because I could threaten shutting down the blog if Kyle wins, but I refuse to resort to scare tactics to get your support.

Just like the 2000 election, I want this election to be fair and honest. Forward it to all of your friends and get them in on the action. This has the potential of being the sweetest thing to happen to society since barbers decided to heat the shaving cream they use to shave the back of necks.

--G

Response From The Right

Perhaps some of you who read do not think I've given the President enough of a honeymoon. Fair enough. But those who know me know I call it like I see it. So I'm going to stay on him--and criticize him when I disagree (just as I did with President Bush--i.e. immigration, spending, bailout, etc.). When/if the time comes when I agree with Obama, I'll declare that as well.

What I see now is "O"--heretofore the moniker I will use to describe our illustrious Prez--O is playing political games with the stimulus.

On friday, I talked about how O was using Limbaugh to change the subject--or at least divert attention off of his stimulus plan. This article points out that tactic is one of the tactics of Saul Alinksy--"community organizer" in the 1950's and 60's. The most obnoxious of the Alinsky rule's is "Ridicule is man's most potent weapon. It is almost impossible to counterattack ridicule. Also, it infuriates the opposition, who then react to your advantage." Change indeed. Can you say Clinton administration?

Rule 13 of Alinksy's Rules for Radicals: "Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it." I.e. Monica Lewinsky, Linda Tripp, Paula Jones, anyone else who dared to challenge the Clinton's.

Well, Rush, it looks like you've been picked, frozen, personalized and polarized. Welcome to change...

--G

More from S.E. Cupp

So this is what change means? In this piece, S.E. Cupp illustrates why some liberals are worse than Anquan Boldin.

My personal favorite: "You sound like a well-spoken asshole but you'll grow out of it." Peter Melocco.

--G

And Bush was Arrogant?

So, it took a whole three days for this guy to piss me off.

Charles Hurt of the NYPost illustrates Obama's Harvard-taught debate skills.

While discussing the stimulus package with top lawmakers
in the White House's Roosevelt Room, President Obama
shot down a critic with a simple message. "I won," he said,
according to aides who were briefed on the meeting. "I will
trump you on that."

I won. Nah nah na Nah Nah. He goes on to lecture GOP leaders to stop listening to Rush Limbaugh. Thanks for the advice, Obama.

Minority Leader Boehner interjected some reason into the discussion. On the stimulus package:

"You know, I'm concerned about the size of the package. And
I'm concerned about some of the spending that's in there, [about] ...
how you can spend hundreds of millions on contraceptives," House
GOP Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) later said. "How does that
stimulate the economy?"

Contraceptives. So that's what they mean by stimulus package.

--G

What's On G's iPod--Tequila Does What?!

I think folks who read the blog know i love music. For some reason, lately, I'm into country music. This is new for me.

This week, Joe Nichols is on my iPod with "Tequila makes her clothes fall off".

--G

Day One Summation

I read the following comment following a typical news article about what a great first day Obama had. I enjoyed the sarcasm.

"Wow! Peace is restored in the Middle East. The economy getting better & Dow Jones is up today. The enviroment is already better (it's not 80F in LA today & rain on the way tonight) . .what else can He do since there is still 6 days left before he rests".

Joe, Newport Beach, CA, USA

--G

Feeling sore and sorely disappointed

Boss forwarded me the below post for Ms. Balboa’s friend, who along with the aforementioned Balboa, had a ticket and attempted to get into the swearing in today. Unfortunately she did not. As reported in the Washington Post, some ticket holders were turned away and it seems that someone either ran too many tickets off the press or didn’t calculate the volumes correctly. Either way, it really truly is my hope, that the HOPE, instilled in so many by the President during his campaign, does not turn into despair and disappointment, because if it does, our nation, our government, and our people will be worse off for it.

I woke up from a nap this afternoon feeling sore and sorely
disappointed. I waited patiently for weeks, but finally, just one day
before the big day, I had secured a golden (blue) ticket to
President-Elect Obama's swearing-in. I packed a bag and headed to
an Inaugural Sleepover in Ballston, four "Cupcakes for Change"
in-hand. I can't remember the last time I was so excited.

This morning, we woke up early and joined the masses on the Metro. The camaraderie we had experienced at Sunday's concert was evident -- and then some. One fellow rider dubbed me Joan of Arc for powering my way into the packed car. Another offered provisions from his personal stash. "Beef jerky?"

We arrived at Capitol South well before the security gates opened and finagled our way into the blue ticket line. The only real movement we experienced from 8 a.m. until the festivities began was from fellow blue line members pushing closer together. The camaraderie was still there -- we joked about crowdsurfing to the front, and how disorganized the rival silver ticket line had gotten. And where were those 25,000 police and Army personnel?!

Eight, nine, 10, 10:30 a.m...OK, now we were starting to get nervous. Is it really possible that people with tickets won't be admitted? Rumors rippled through the line. The metal detectors had ceased working and bags were being checked by hand. They were already turning silver ticketholders away. My only consolation came in the form of encouraging text messages. "Keep hope alive!" my Dad reminded me. I hardly exchanged words with my equally frozen friend, the one who had so generously gifted me her extra ticket.

We turned around and snaked back through the barricades at 11:45 a.m. Heading back toward the Metro, we had little choice but to watch President Obama's speech on TV at Tortilla Coast -- from outside looking in, because fellow blue ticketholders had already packed the Capitol Hill restaurant to capacity. The inspiring text messages continued to flood in, "Don't be down, u got off the couch and tried 2 do something!" Thanks, Mom.

At home, I slept and avoided the TV coverage. My boyfriend and I laughed when even Pardon the Interruption opened with a one-minute discussion on the swearing-in. I really do look forward to watching the speech that several family members and friends offered to DVR for me. But I need to wait for the shock to wear off.

I'm proud to have gotten off the couch. I just wish things had gone differently. I would've really enjoyed watching a jumbotron on the Mall with the friendly out-of-towners that complimented my cupcakes.

Good luck. Maintain your optimism and no matter what, keep getting off the couch.

POTUS

Das Boots

Yes, I have a boot fetish. In fact, I got FLOTUS a pair for Christmas. Mama Mia!

But even FLOTUS knows when and were to wear them - a night on the town with POTUS, Yes we can! Christmas mass, No we can't! Michael Corleone and Jackie Moon's birthday(s) party, Yes we can! Presidential Inauguration Swearing-in, NO WE CAN'T!

Joe and Jill went up the Hill to fetch a pail of...Holy Crap, its 25 degrees out and Jill's wearing a mini-skirt and go-go boots.

I can see it now:

Joe Biden: Hey Barry, while you and Mikkie are kickin' it at the Commander and Chief's Ball, you mind if Jill and I take The Beast out for a spin...if you know what I mean., and I know you do.

Barry Obama: Yes you can!

POTUS

p.s. - You have to appreciate the constrast between Lynne Cheney (l) and Jill Biden (r).

Greatest Country in the World

With today's swearing in of the 44th President of the United States of America, Barrack Hussein Obama, America proves again that she is among the greatest nations of the world.

I wish the new President well. The expectations are high. The energy seems to be even higher. Let's hope my taxes don't follow.

I have to say, I was sorely disappointed on two levels. First, many liberal morons showed their complete lack of class by chanting down President Bush upon his being announced. Their chant of Nah Nah, good bye proves that they can't be gracious, even in victory. Pathetic and not suprising.

Secondly, i was disappointed, and disgusted, actually, by the Benediction. The Rev. Joseph Lowery said, and I quote, "Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen. Say Amen'.

Really? All things, evidently embraced by white's is not right, according to Joe Lowery. The comforts me.

Lastly, like POTUS, i was quite shocked that the Jill Biden was sporting her club clothes. Those boots, though...nice! Now that's change I can support!

On a more positive note, President Obama seems to be handling things with class. Tomorrow comes the real test. Good luck.

--G

THE Limo, AKA The Beast

I love the new presidential limo. This thing is bad ass. Its jacked up and while it looks like a sedan from afar, the closeups on tv show this thing is (shh) an SUV, or at least the crossover caddy SRX. Now that's American supremacy!

UPDATE: Here's a link that talks about the new limo: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/06/obama-gets-new-presidential-limo/

UPDATE: Pic included.

UPDATE: By all accounts the 'new' Beast is the baddest thing rolling on four wheels since the HUMVEE made it debut in Gulf War I. Reports have it built of a light duty truck frame, and steals cues from other Caddy badges - Escalade, DTS, STS, SRX. Its one bad ride. I had the pleasure of standing next to the previous limo after it went into service 4 years ago. The old one was a monster. This one is like its bigger, bad ass brother. I wonder if it comes in a hybrid...NOT!

attire

What's with Jill Biden's red coat, black boots and ABOVE THE KNEE (!) Skirt?

Farewell Mr. President--And Thank You

I'll be the first to admit that the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush, was not a perfect President. Having said that, who among us is perfect at our jobs, in our own lives?

I'm willing to admit that there are some things about "43" that I just won't miss. I'm also willing to admit that there will be things about this President that I will sorely miss. I'll share each with you in the form of a list:

Top Ten Things I'll Miss About George W. Bush

10. His faith--his pastor never publicly damned America.
9. His wife--what a gracious, classy lady.
8. His compassion--whether it's mourning the heros, or comforting their families.
7. His respect for the office--something sorely lacking by his predecessor.
6. His passion for american sports.
5. His sense of humor.
4. His Vice-President. He took heat for his POTUS and shot a guy in the face!
3. His Dog, Barney. Any dog that bites a reporter is ok in my book.
2. His steadfastness to do the right thing in the face of left-wing hate.
1. His leadership in the war on terror.

Top Ten Things I'll NOT Miss About George W. Bush

10. His first Defense Secretary.
9. Jenna. She oozed spoiled brat.
8. His stimulus bills. Blame also assignable to the Democrat Congress and Obama.
7. His immigration policy. I suspect I'll long for the days, soon.
6. Sore Loserman becomes even more distant in history. Greatest slogan ever.
5. Premature claims of victory.
4. Seeing those tiny jogging shorts on my President.
3. The left-wing, disrespectful idiots who hate America have to find someone else to hate.
2. The left-wing, so-called media ripping him daily. How long will the Obama honeymoon last?
1. That friggin' smirk.

--G

The World's Most Stressful Job

--G

Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses

Back on November 24 of last year, I blogged about the authority of the United States President to "Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." Empowered by Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, the President has the power to commute or pardon deserving citizens.

As I mentioned last November, I thought chief among those was Ignacio Ramos and Jose Alonso Compean. Well-deserved, I think.

The President has used his Article II, Section 2 authority sparringly--and rightfully so. I'm glad to see he didn't help Duke Cunningham or George Ryan . Well done, Mr. PResident.

--G

Voinovich on Appropriations

Word out of DC, from two rival sources, is that inspite of his retirement in 2010, Voinovich has been given the opportunity to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee. What that will mean for Ohio, our faltering economy and the National debt remains to be seen as our 'deficit hawk' Senator looks at the 2nd Stimulus package, the 2009 Appropriations, the 2010 Appropriations, and the next Highway Bill. This is really shaping up to be an interesting final call for Ohio's senior Senator.

A Tampa State of Mind

Congrats to the Steelers for making SuperBowl XLIII. Also, congrats to the Browns for now being only one of four NFL teams to never sniff a Super Bowl (good company though, in the Jags, Texas and Lions).

Go Stillers.

--G

Voinovich retirement

So Sen. Voinovich has decided to retire in 2010 at the conclusion of his second term in the U.S. Senate. Much has been written about this decision and why he ultimately made the call. When asked over the last four years, I have said all along that until his announcement to the contrary, Voinovich believed he was running for re-election and that there were only two ways he was leaving the U.S. Senate – feet first, or with Mrs. Voinovich pulling him. Thankfully it’s the later.

Voinovich truly believes his service is a calling, but that calling is now to get this country through the next two years, and then spend his time with his family and the community that he has called home since his birth. Thank you for your service and your pragmatic approach to leadership and governing. I’m sure the next two years will be full of challenges and accomplishments, all of which will cap an exceptional 40-some years of public service.

POTUS

Crows vs. Stillers = pile of steaming crap

So the Steelers and the Ravens matchup this evening at 6:30pm in Pittsburgh. What is this Browns fan to do? The Steelers are our sworn rival, and the Ravens are the ‘old’ Browns, whisked from Cleveland aboard Al Lerner’s (God rest his soul) private jet.

I have to be honest with you, the back and forth from Reps. Tim Ryan and Jason Altmire at Friday’s City Club on the issue was pretty good. However, I have to admit that I really don’t think of the Ravens as being the former Browns anymore. That’s probably because they are good.

So in the spirit of Tim Ryan’s TechBelt, I’m going to root for…GOTSOO...the eternal Steelers fan. Now let me get that shower started. I feel dirty.

POTUS

Script Ohio

And you thought the Buckeye spirit was dead! POTUS found this posted on the Plain Dealer. Good stuff.

--G

Miracle on The Hudson

Truly amazing. Wow. No one died? No one. Amazing. I'm sure the fact that the plane crashed was Bush's fault--and the fact that everyone survived was due to the impending inauguration of the Messiah, Obama.

--G

Straight Pimpin' G

For those of you operating under the assumption that the sexual shennanigans were kicked out of Columbus when Marc Dann was forced to resign, you'll have to now operate under a different set of assumptions.

This just in....the..and here is the irony...the former Director of Faith-Based Outreach in the Strickland Administration was arrested for being a pimp--among other things.

Raise your hand if you'd like to see THAT little black book. Heidi Fleis has nothing on this guy. I'd say this might get juicy, but the in-the-tank, liberal media won't let this get too much press, I'm sure.

By Donna WillisWeb Content Coordinator
Published: January 14, 2009

DUBLIN, Ohio—Columbus police have charged a former member of Governor Ted Strickland’s staff with seven felonies, involving a prostitution ring.

Democrat Eric McFadden, who until October of 2007 was head of Strickland’s Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, was arrested Wednesday morning in Dublin.

Police said they believe McFadden was “Toby,“ the man they have been looking for during the past two months after busting up a prostitution ring that was operated on Craig’s List.

An employee of the OSU School of Nursing and an employee of the Franklin County Children Services was arrested at that time.
McFadden was being charged with seven felonies, including pandering obscenities involving a minor, promoting prostitution and compelling prostitution.

Police said the number of charges could rise to 15. Police also said McFadden was the go-to guy in Columbus when it came to prostitution.

Police said McFadden was involved in Columbus prostitution for about six years. They claimed he was the “guru” of Columbus prostitution, writing reviews of their services and advice on how not to get caught.

--G

Portman to make CLE announcement

Word is Rob Portman is scheduled to make his Cleveland announcement for his Senate bid tomorrow at 900a outside Tower City.

I Mean, Really?

I mean, really! If I were going to pay $3,700,000 to have relations with a woman, I would want to be working under the assumption that she would, at least, know what the hell she was doing. This world...

22-Year-Old's Virginity Auction Hits $3.7 Million

A San Diego woman who is auctioning off her virginity said she has now received a bid of $3.7 million, according to a published report.
Natalie Dylan, a 22-year-old San Diego woman, said she got the idea for the auction after her sister was able to pay for her college education after prostituting herself for three weeks, according to the London Telegraph.

Dylan has a degree in women's studies. She told the paper she hopes to pay for an advanced degree in family and marriage therapy with the proceeds from the auction.

She told the Telegraph that she doesn't think she's the only one who will be benefit from the auction.

"I think me and the person I do it with will both profit greatly from the deal," Dylan told the paper.

How proud do you suppose her Women Studies professors are?! For those reading at work, I've included her pics in a link--if you care to see the goods. Don't worry, they're not lude--tasteless, maybe, but not lude.

Happy Bidding!

--G

Greatest News Story EVER!!!

This news story was just too good to be true. How the mighty have fallen. I feel sorry for the Girl Scouts--they know not what evil is now in their midst. I wonder if she'll sell cookies the way she treated her staff?! I'm sure she'll have an open (very closed) door policy.

Former Lt. Gov., Treasurer Lands with Wisconsin Girl Scouts

Former Lt. Gov. and Treasurer Jeanette Bradley has been named the new CEO of the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin-Badgerland Council Inc.

Bradley served as lieutenant governor under former Gov. Bob Taft during his second term, until Taft appointed her to the vacated treasurer’s position in 2005. She lost an election bid during the Republican primary in 2006. For the last two years, she has run a consulting firm in Columbus.

She will begin her new position in mid-January.

“I am very excited about working with the staff and volunteers to create great opportunities for girls in our areas,” Bradley said. “I even sold Girl Scout cookies.”

Sorry about your luck, Wisconsin. It's now, officially, the shittiest state in the union.

--G

Why Is This News?

Can someone tell me why this is news? In November, John McCain spent millions of dollars to educate the American people on the Socialist ways of the junior Senator from Illinois. Is it really news that he would appoint a Socialist to his cabinet? Yawn.

Obama climate czar has socialist ties

Until last week, Carol M. Browner, President-elect Barack Obama's pick as global warming czar, was listed as one of 14 leaders of a socialist group's Commission for a Sustainable World Society, which calls for "global governance" and says rich countries must shrink their economies to address climate change.

By Thursday, Mrs. Browner's name and biography had been removed from Socialist International's Web page, though a photo of her speaking June 30 to the group's congress in Greece was still available.
Socialist International, an umbrella group for many of the world's social democratic political parties such as Britain's Labor Party, says it supports socialism and is harshly critical of U.S. policies.
The group's Commission for a Sustainable World Society, the organization's action arm on climate change, says the developed world must reduce consumption and commit to binding and punitive limits on greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Obama, who has said action on climate change would be a priority in his administration, tapped Mrs. Browner last month to fill a new position as White House coordinator of climate and energy policies. The appointment does not need Senate confirmation.
Mr. Obama's transition team said Mrs. Browner's membership in the organization is not a problem and that it brings experience in U.S. policymaking to her new role.

"The Commission for a Sustainable World Society includes world leaders from a variety of political parties, including British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who succeeded Tony Blair, in serving as vice president of the convening organization," Obama transition spokesman Nick Shapiro said.

"Carol Browner was chosen to help the president-elect coordinate energy and climate policy because she understands that our efforts to create jobs, achieve energy security and combat climate change demand integration among different agencies; cooperation between federal, state and local governments; and partnership with the private sector," Mr. Shapiro said in an e-mail.

Mrs. Browner ran the Environmental Protection Agency under President Clinton. Until she was tapped for the Obama administration, she was on the board of directors for the National Audubon Society, the League of Conservation Voters, the Center for American Progress and former Vice President Al Gore's Alliance for Climate Protection.

Her name has been removed from the Gore organization's Web site list of directors, and the Audubon Society issued a press release about her departure from that organization.

--G

GVV

Lobster says it well on GVM. I thought I'd share.

--G

AFC Championship

Santonio Holmes had a big game in yesterday's glorious victory. It was nice to see a Buckeye actually snif an end zone.

And now for my shameless plea to any who may have tickets to the Ravens / Steelers matchup this weekend. Can you help a brotha out?

--G

Its official: Voinovich to Retire in 2010

From the Voinovich press shop:

Please see below for a statement from Sen. George V. Voinovich (R-OH):

After prayerful consideration and much thought, my wife Janet and I have decided that I will not seek a third term in the United States Senate.

As I spent time with my family during the holidays and celebrated Janet’s birthday, I reflected on God’s blessings on our family: my wife, our three children, our seven grandchildren and our health.

I also spent time thinking about the health of our country. In my lifetime of public service, I have never seen the country in such perilous circumstances. Not since the Great Depression and the Second World War have we been confronted with such challenges, as a nation and as a world.

Those of us that have been given the honor to serve in these times must step up to the plate and put this country on a course that will see it through these harrowing times and make it strong and viable for the 21st century.

These next two years in office, for me, will be the most important years that I have served in my entire political career.

I must devote my full time, energy and focus to the job I was elected to do, the job in front of me, which seeking a third term – with the money-raising and campaigning that it would require – would not allow me to do.

In addition, Janet and I have concluded that once my second term is complete, we should devote ourselves to our children and grandchildren. We have been blessed with good health, but we’re no spring chickens. In 2010, I will be 74 years old and will have served 44 years in public office, having been elected to more public offices than any other person in Ohio history.

I am grateful for the opportunity that I have had to serve my statehouse district, my county, city, state and nation and feel good about the fact that with the help of some extraordinary people, many of whom are no longer with us, I have made a difference and will, with God’s help and a great team in my Senate office, continue to make a difference during these next two critical years. We intend not to wind down—but to wind up, just like I did in the Mayor’s office as well as the Governor’s office.

We have a great deal to do in this Congress, and I will continue to focus on the areas that matter most: providing the nation a responsible stimulus package; jump-starting our credit markets; re-establishing confidence in the housing market and stemming the tide on mortgage foreclosures; harmonizing our nation’s economic, energy and environmental policies; ensuring safe and stable highways; and continuing to improve the personnel and management of the federal government.

After the next two years, it will be time to give someone else the opportunity to serve our great state in the Senate, someone who can devote full time to organizing their campaign and raising the money necessary to win.

This has not been an easy decision for us. I still have the fire in my belly to do the work of our nation, but after serving the next two years, it will be time to step back and spend the rest of our time with our children and grandchildren, siblings and extended family and friends.

We both are confident that God has a plan for us to use the time, energy and talents that He has given us to make a difference in another way.

Big Win for GOTSOO

G's team trounced tonight. Congrats to you G, but not to you team who I will not mention here.

POTUS
(Posted remotely via handheld device.)

Voinovich to retire?

Multiple sources are reporting that Ohio’s senior Senator, Republican George Voinovich, will announce his retirement tomorrow at 4:00pm.

From NBC’s Chuck Todd:
NBC News confirms that Ohio Republican Sen. George Voinovich will announce tomorrow he intends to retire after his term expires in 2010. He is the third GOP senator to retire in a month, following Florida's Mel Martinez and Missouri's Kit Bond. Also, Kansas GOP Sen. Sam Brownback is widely expected to run for governor in 2010, rather than seek re-election, meaning the minority party already is set to defend four open seats. A tough start to the new year. The openings created by Voinovich, Bond and Martinez are all in the most hotly contested battlegrounds in the country.

From CNN’s Political Ticker:
WASHINGTON — Sources close to Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, tell CNN he will announce Monday he is retiring from the Senate. The 72-year-old senator and former Ohio governor has been contemplating retirement for a while but made his final decision this weekend in Florida, where he was joined by his wife, children and grandchildren, according to one of the sources. Voinovich plans to serve out his term, which expires in 2010. He plans to make the announcement at 4 p.m. ET Monday in Washington, the source said.

POTUS

Impressive

I'm not a big 'Bron fan lately, but I have to say, World B. Free would be proud of this impressive win streak. Keep it up. Cleveland needs something to cheer for...


Cavaliers rock Celtics 98-83
Preview Box Score Recap

By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer 25 minutes ago

CLEVELAND (AP)—For days, LeBron James insisted facing the NBA champions in January was no ordinary regular-season game.

He and his teammates proved it.

James scored 38 points, harassed Paul Pierce all over the floor and strengthened his case to be the league’s MVP front-runner as the Cleveland Cavaliers improved to 19-0 at home by beating the staggering Boston Celtics 98-83 Friday night in a game oozing with postseason intensity.
James scored 23 in the second half. He added seven rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks.

After the Cavs had built their lead to a comfortable 20 points in the second half, Cleveland fans began chanting “M-V-P!”

There was no debate this night.

With James leading the way, the Cavaliers handed the Celtics their second-worst loss of the season and dropped them to 2-7 since opening 27-2. Boston had to resort to fouling Ben Wallace to try to trim Cleveland’s lead in the fourth, but the Hack-A-Ben strategy was hardly effective as Cleveland’s forward, a 44 percent free-throw shooter, made 5-of-10 free throws after being fouled on five straight possessions.

When he was taken out, Wallace shot a menacing stare toward Boston coach Doc Rivers.
Pierce, who came in averaging 19.5 points, was held to 11 on 4-of-15 shooting. Boston’s leading scorer only got into double digits when James turned him over to Wally Szczerbiak in the fourth. Before that, James wouldn’t let Pierce get out of his sight, chasing up, down and around the 94-foot court.

Kevin Garnett had 18 points and 15 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo added 13 assists for the Celtics, who shot only 41 percent from the floor and didn’t have their usual swagger.
Anderson Varejao scored 14 points and Mo Williams 13 for Cleveland, which avenged a season-opening road loss to the Celtics despite playing without injured center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
The win was vital to the Cavaliers, who lost Game 7 in Boston in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals and want to secure home-court advantage during the playoffs this season. The first tiebreaker if the teams end up with the same record is head-to-head matchups.
James scored 13 in the third quarter, but was his swarming defense— especially on Pierce—that allowed the Cavaliers to take a 72-60 into the fourth.

With James cutting off his driving lanes and keeping a hand in his face, Pierce missed all four shots he attempted in the third. After misfiring on a long 3-pointer just before the horn, a frustrated Pierce turned and said something to fans sitting in courtside seats. They just laughed as he walked to the bench.

Cleveland and Boston have developed a healthy, heated rivalry, something Rivers wishes was more prevalent around the league.

“I think you have to play a team in the playoffs to get a better rivalry, like us with Cleveland,” Rivers said. “I think that’s what starts it. You see a team every night, seven times, the next time you see them in the next regular season, you can’t love each other anymore.”
There’s no love lost as the teams didn’t need long to get reacquainted.

Garnett was called for a technical four in the first quarter when he got caught slapping Varejao’s arm after he was shoved by the Cavs forward. James, too, hit the deck after a drive but that seemed to be more the result of him trying to get a call than hard contact.

Boston Celtics coach Doc River… AP - Jan 9, 11:03 pm EST
Cleveland’s fans were fired up and in playoff form before the opening tip and the team cranked up the pregame pyrotechnics inside Quicken Loans Arena to levels not seen since last season’s Boston series. The added flames may have been requested by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, who was unable to make it down from his home in Detroit because of heavy snow.
The Cavaliers made their first six shots from the field and finished the first quarter 13-of-18—James had four of the five misses—to lead 33-23 after one.

--G

Mangini Comes to Browns Town

Source: Mangini agrees to 4-year deal

The Cleveland Browns have agreed to hire former New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini as their head coach.

Mangini, fired last week by the Jets, agreed to four-year deal, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com's Michael Smith.

Mangini is being represented by agent Ron Shapiro, who is Mangini's father-in-law.
The 37-year-old Mangini began his NFL career in Cleveland. He started out as a Browns ball boy and was later a public relations intern. He has never forgotten his football roots. When the Jets played the Browns in recent seasons, Mangini bought a catered lunch of Italian food for Cleveland reporters.

Mangini was dismissed after the Jets collapsed by losing four of their final five games. He went 23-25 and made the playoffs once in three seasons.
Mangini has ties to the Cleveland area. He is the brother-in-law of Cleveland Indians general manager Mark Shapiro.

Mangini's hiring could also lead to former head coach Romeo Crennel staying with the Browns, perhaps as their defensive coordinator. Crennel, fired after the team went 4-12 this season, told owner Randy Lerner he was open to staying, depending on who was brought in to replace him. Crennel and Mangini worked as defensive assistants on Bill Belichick's staff in New England from 2001-2004.

I look forward to Lefty, Red and POTUS' reaction. God knows I've already picked out my nickname for him. hehe

--G

Dangling Participle

From the Smoking Gun--you can't make (t)his junk up:

Skier Suffers Exposure
Man left dangling upside down, pantsless after Vail lift mishap

JANUARY 6--In a bizarre incident that will surely lead to litigation (or an out-of-court settlement), a skier at Colorado's ritzy Vail resort was left dangling upside down and pantsless from a chairlift last Thursday morning. The January 1 mishap apparently occurred after the male skier, 48, and a child boarded a high-speed lift in Vail's Blue Sky Basin. It appears that the chairlift's fold-down seat was somehow not in the lowered position, which caused the man to partially fall through the resulting gap. His right ski got jammed in the ascending chairlift, and that kept him upended since his boot never dislodged from its binding. As seen in the photos on the following pages (which were snapped by fellow skiers), the Skyline Express lift was stopped shortly after the pair's botched boarding resulted in the man dangling from the lift. The exposed skier was stuck for about 15 minutes before Vail personnel backed the lift up and successfully dislodged the unidentified man from the four-seat chair. The images on page four and five were taken by Marty Odom (who can be reached at martyodm@gmail.com if you're interested in licensing the photos). In a statement released this afternoon, Vail Resorts, which operates the ski area, reported that the skier was not injured after being "suspended for approximately seven minutes." The press release did not explain how the mishap occurred, only that "the man was caught on the chair."

--G

Upon Further Reflection

Pictured above is Chris "Beanie" Wells, riding the pine during the most crucial moments of last night's game. Granted, he would NOT have been on the field while the OSU Defense was busy shatting on itself in the closing seconds of the Fiesta Bowl--but his absence, in this humble blogger's opinion, epitomizes his talented, oft-injured career.

Beanie is tight-lipped on his professional football aspirations. The last estimate I saw had him going in the first round, pick 12. I hate to break the news--and I hate to bad-mouth a beloved Buckeye, but Chris Wells will be Ohio State's Curtis Enis--a big flop. He definately won't be the next Eddie George.

So, I'm warning you, Mr. NFL Scout--draft Chris Wells at your own risk. He won't stay healthy long enough to help your team. Take that to the bank. You're welcome.

--G

Heartbreak

I had it all planned. I had the theme: Tressel has to go. We shat on ourselves the whole third quarter. First, possession, 3 and out. Second possession, 3 and out. Third possession, 3 and out after we RUN the ball on 3rd down. Tressel has to go was the theme.

Then, like we always do (because our players, Ohioans, have heart) we make a comeback. Was I too hard on the Senator? You know what, right now I don't care. Quite simply, my heart is broken and I don't want to think about it. So I'm done with the analysis--I'll leave that for another day. Right now, I just want to sleep this pain away. . .

-G

NBC Bans Coulter For Life

Could the previous post have been more timely?

Sounds like a badge of honor to me--stay tuned while I unravel the mystery behind the honor.

--G

Hope For Hollywood

Continuing a topic we touched on briefly last year, here at SM, FoxNews reports that Conservatives are being encouraged to be more vocal in their political beliefs. But as the article points out, Jon Voight will still have to be careful about what he says. And by the way...I friggin' LOVE SE Cupp. She's a cuter, more sane version of Ann Coulter! Don't get me wrong, I mean, I love Ann, but let's face it--she's nuts. Check out SE's blog, too...good stuff.

Hollywood Conservatives Encouraged to Come Out of the Closet
Monday, January 05, 2009
By SE Cupp

A once-timid group of social outcasts is emerging from the shadows in Hollywood. If the past year is any indication, Tinseltown may have to get accustomed to the loud presence of a growing minority.

After years of silence, conservatives are coming out of the closet.
Andrew Breitbart, the conservative founder of Breitbart.com and author of "Hollywood Interrupted: Insanity Chic in Babylon," is launching a Web site he hopes will help challenge the status quo in what he believes has been a one-party, left-tilting town. Set to debut on Jan. 6, "Big Hollywood" will be a place where center, right and libertarian-leaning celebrities and industry-insiders can weigh in on Hollywood politics, offer film, television and movie reviews, and have an open forum for political discussion.

"Our goal," says Breitbart, who lives in Los Angeles, "is to create an atmosphere of tolerance — something that does not exist in this town."
Breitbart has invited a number of conservative politicians, commentators and journalists to write regularly about the cult of celebrity, liberalism in popular culture, and politics. Among the names who will be contributing, he says, are Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va), political commentator Tucker Carlson, and former Tennessee Senator and Republican presidential contender Fred Thompson.

The site will also feature the punditry of some well-known Hollywood actors, directors, producers, and writers, Breitbart says.

As celebrities like Jon Voight, Gary Sinise, Charlton Heston, Patricia Heaton, Stephen Baldwin and Kelsey Grammer came out publicly with their political ideas over the past few years, the news that there were, in fact, conservatives in Hollywood, had many wondering who would be next.

Recently, there have been rumors that Robert Downey Jr. is a closet Republican, though his publicist will neither confirm nor deny it, saying only, "We unfortunately have no comment, as RDJ does not comment on political matters."

But Breitbart says the goal of Big Hollywood is not to "out" conservative celebrities, and he will not pressure celebrities like Downey to jump into the fray. He says conservative celebs who aren't comfortable with full transparency will be allowed to write under an alias.
"I want them to come on their own volition," he says. "'Big Hollywood is going to have to be a compelling daily read that speaks to Hollywood conservatives' unique burden before some will stick their necks out and choose to speak up for what they believe."

Sticking their necks out has not always been good for business. Mark Vafiades, president of the Hollywood Congress of Republicans, says, "I'm hoping that one day politics won't make a difference in Hollywood. But because there is still subtle intolerance here, conservatives remain somewhat shy.

"If you come to an audition wearing a Bush or McCain button, the casting director will most likely pick another actor. Just being on a set you hear people bashing Bush and the right, because they assume everyone agrees."

Some have suggested the purported anti-conservative tilt in Hollywood is overstated — if it exists at all. Perez Hilton, the self-proclaimed "Queen of All Media" and author of his eponymous gossip site, said, "I think Hollywood is very tolerant. They may mock you for your political beliefs, but at least they'll do it to your face!

"It won't ever interfere with people getting a job. Kelsey Grammer still works!"
But some conservatives in the entertainment industry say there may not be a literal blacklist in Hollywood, but there is pressure to keep silent.

"Conservatives don't necessarily have to be covert about their politics, but in many cases they are because the liberals aren't fair and balanced towards those with differing points of view," says Jerry Molen, the Oscar-winning producer of big Hollywood hits like "Schindler's List," "Jurassic Park" and "Rain Man."
"In too many cases, conservatives are immediately labeled racist, homophobic, bigoted, hateful, demonic, or even un-American without the benefit of debate, and are locked out of the hiring process, with a few exceptions."

But the doors may be slowly opening "An American Carol," a conservative parody that lampooned liberal Hollywood this year, galvanized conservative celebrities like Robert Davi, Dennis Hopper, Kevin Farley, Voight and Grammer, all of whom had roles in the film.
And conservative film festivals, including the American Film Renaissance and the Liberty Film Festival, have also helped bring to market conservative projects that a few years ago might have had a difficult time getting made.

Some industry insiders credit John McCain with helping to embolden Hollywood conservatives during this year's presidential election. Andrew Klavan, a conservative author and screenwriter of psychological thrillers including True Crime and Don't Say A Word, said, "For people who had a lot to lose, McCain gave them some cover. He wasn't a true Republican like Bush was. He was someone even the left liked, whereas Bush was demonized. Hollywood conservatives could support McCain without necessarily supporting the GOP."

Klavan suggested that a spate of recent political movies like "Rendition" and "Redaction" also strengthened the conservative cause.

"These movies are genuinely anti-American. Never before have we had anti-war movies made while our troops were at war. Many people like me were ashamed of the industry, and there's been a bit of a backlash."

Vafiades says increasing numbers of conservatives have joined his organization in the past year, and more organizations like his are sprouting up.

But hush-hush groups like "Friends of Abe," a secretive society of Hollywood conservatives, still operate well under the radar. And the increased spotlight on conservative celebrities has not changed the political climate as much as Breitbart, Vafiades, Molen and Klavan would like.
They say liberal celebrities still have an easier time "being political" than conservatives do.
"Sean Penn is out dancing with dictators, and no one gives him flak. Instead they give him Oscar nominations," says Klavan. "Jon Voight may have some semblance of job security, but he still has to be careful about what he says."

Out with the old...

Sometimes pictures can say a thousand words...like this one taken New Year's Eve. Happy New Year to the world of SteakMatters. Here's hoping for a good turn-around in 2009!



L

Further Proof the World Hates America

If watching the BBC or following the U.N. isn't enough proof, I submit further evidence that the rest of the world hates everything America. Sure, Bolt was an impressive runner--he ran faster than any human ever--and won three gold medals to boot. Phelps, as over-exposed as any athlete since, well, LeBron, won eight...8...(1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8)...EIGHT f'ing gold medals!!! For those of you who struggled to get throw math in college (as I did)--that's 5 more...(1,2,3,4,5)...FIVE more than 3. But, whatever.

Bolt named top international athlete

Associated Press
Updated: January 1, 2009, 8:40 PM ET

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt edged U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps in a vote for the 2008 athlete of the year by the international media.

Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva took the top place as sportswoman of the year and Spain's soccer team was voted team of the year for winning the European Championship.
In a poll by the International Sports Press Association, journalists from 96 nations gave Bolt 1,673 points to 1,557 for Phelps. Bolt won three gold medals, setting world records in the 100 meters, 200 and 400 relay to become the star of Beijing's Bird's Nest stadium.

In the Water Cube, Phelps made history by winning eight golds in the pool for the United States.
Isinbayeva was undefeated outdoors in 2008, defending her Olympic title in Beijing with one of her four world records on the year.

The Spanish soccer squad earned 1,395 points, ahead of Jamaica's sprint relay team, Champions League winner Manchester United and the U.S. Olympic basketball team with 597.

--G