Chinese president Hu Jiantao's visit to the White House - and all the pomp and circumstance surrounding it - was the talk of the cartoon world this week. We thought this one was the funniest - and unfortunately, the most true...
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Sunday, January 23, 2011
Cartoon of the Week ...
Chinese president Hu Jiantao's visit to the White House - and all the pomp and circumstance surrounding it - was the talk of the cartoon world this week. We thought this one was the funniest - and unfortunately, the most true...
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Saturday, January 22, 2011
SC6 Tells Who Punches Their Super Bowl Tickets
Yep, we purposely put Tom Brady on our photo highlight last week, and it worked... We're like 5-0 in getting a team knocked out with the picture. Yeah, picking Matt Cassel was no miracle choice, but we're entitled to an easy one now and then....
We've got 2 nice games lined up. All four could make the Super Bowl, but only 2 can go. We tried to line up all the empirical data, enter it into our supercomputer, and make our picks. But, in the end, we just guessed. After all, we're not that smart. Hey, we're friggin' 0-4 on Saturday, but 3-1 on Sunday. Onto the picks:
Green Bay at Chicago
Word is, Julious Peppers is realy, really bummed about leaving Carolina... Aaron Rodgers was absolutely unconscious last week against Atlanta, but Soldier Field isn't the track meet in the Georgia Dome. Yes, Rodgers is waaaaay better than Jay Cutler, but this is an outdoor game, and that favors defense, which Chicago is better at. I usually think that teams that let someone in the playoffs later regret it. However, the Bears played the Packers even, before sitting everyone. Meanwhile, Rodgers struggled just to get the W. We'll go with the home team....Bears 20-17.
New York Jets at Pittsburgh
Say what you want, but Mark Sanchez is 4-1 in the playoffs. Then again, he's 0-1 in AFC Championship games... Ben Roethlisberger is pretty good in the playoffs, adn he's got the rings to prove it.. The Jets defense is excellent, but The Steelers is even better. Yeah, Darrelle Revis will clamp off Hines Ward, but Mike Wallace will eat up Antonio Cromartie on stop routes all day - just enough. Meanwhile, Sanchez is due for one of his patented 'bad games', and as he goes, so goes the Jets. I can't win either way - not with all the Steeler and Jet fans that are my friends - but we're going for one more lucky Steeler win... Steelers 24-14.
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Tuesday, January 18, 2011
A Big Birthday Week in SC Politics
Since we respect the right to privacy, we found this picture of P-Luv from a recent Duck Killing trip to Arkansas. We suppose it's enough to keep Mayor Wukela's right hand man anonymous. His birthday is tomorrow, and we suspect he will celebrate with an Purple Haze and a Bombay Sapphire & Tonic. But hey, he's not the only one this week celebrating a birthday...
It's also SCFYR Chair (and bride to be) Britton Pruett's birthday as well. Congrats Britton, and best wishes for wedded bliss...
Lastly, two-time SC6 candidate Nancy Harrelson is celebrating her birthday as we speak.. It's been a busy couple years of campaigning for her, so we're sure she's enjoying the day..
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Today's Founders Quote: Sublime Comforts
"Give up money, give up fame, give up science, give the earth itself and all it contains rather than do an immoral act. And never suppose that in any possible situation, or under any circumstances, it is best for you to do a dishonorable thing, however slightly so it may appear to you... From the practice of the purest virtue, you may be assured you will derive the most sublime comforts in every moment of life, and in the moment of death."
- Thomas Jefferson, 1785.
Kinda fits in with our previous post. Hollywood may disagree, but it sounds like good advice to us. France's Angelique Boyer gives us some comfort as well.. Oui, Oui !!
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Taking a Look Back With the Help of a Movie ....
For a while now, and in this past decade in particular, the relationship between Washington DC and Hollywood has been a huge topic. While the rich and powerful in both places have no more direct power on Election Day - it is still on person, one vote - the discussion has been on Hollywood using it's influence to direct an outcome in DC...
Director Robert Levinson's 2009 documentary, 'Poliwood', focuses on the 2008 Presidential race - particularly the RNC and DNC national conventions, and how many stars in Tinseltown worked to educate themselves - and others - and take part in the process...
No, it's not a perfect picture by any means.. It tries to be impartial, but with the obvious liberal tilt in LA, it's impossible to be so. There is plenty to argue over, which is funny, because it futile when no one listening to each other. It's 2008, and at that point, budget deficits weren't the overlying concern. In 2010, the argument for adding to school spending for things like music and arts is moot....
That's where the real value and reward in watching 'Poliwood' is: as a reference piece of how stupid things were just two years ago... The idealistic left, who now realize that there isn't enough money for everything. And the extreme right, who my have finally learned that bipartisanship is important. In all of the speeches from the Hollywood elite and Middle America saying "It's not us, it's them", Levinson found one voice of reason - from all places, it was country musician, Charlie Daniels...
Daniels talked about the polarization of the political climate. Democrat and Republican became more important than being an American.... Instead of doing what is best for America, people put party ahead of country. it's thinking like that - where people lose their jobs for supporting a Democrat or Republican - that puts us in a bad spot. Sometimes they put up better candidate than we do. Not usually, but sometimes.. The thought that one philosphy is always 100% correct, and the other is 100% wrong is ridiculous...
Sometimes it takes an old redneck like Charlie Daniels and opinionated loudmouths like me to set things straight. We might not have millions, a beautiful face or nice breasts, like Spike Lee or Anne Hathaway. But for all their influence and power, Hollywood really doesn't know any more than you do - and they sure as hell don't live the same life you do. Make is hard to truly understand what matters to you, doesn't it?
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Sunday, January 16, 2011
Civil War History Post 1: Secession Week
As promised, we're marking the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War - the event that singularly made America the country it is today - by noting major events as they occured chronologically. January, 1861 was generally a slow month - with one major exception....
South Carolina was the first states to officially secede from the Union on December 20, 1860, after pulling both their Senators from Washington DC. For three weeks, they stood alone in their resistance. Then, the dominoes fell fast and in rapid succession, what we call Secession Week.
Yes, the call from the South to leave the Union caught momentum on January 9, 1861, when Mississippi vote to secede, followed by Florida on the 10th, Alabama on the 11th, and Georgia on the 19th. Louisiana also left on the 26th, and Texas quickly joined the Confederacy on February 1st.
These were the states that left the Union up to the point of Fort Sumter, when Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee and North Carolina left - guess that's why they're called Tar Heels... Kentucky went the Swiss route and declared itself neutral - until Confederate forces entered the state in September. Nice try, guys....
It was said that South Carolina was too small to be a country, and too big to be an insane asylum. After that week, the asylum got much larger - and the chances of reforming the Union peacefully became much less likely. The stage was set for conflict, and the South soon took the next step - forming a Government. It happened 150 years ago this week....
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SC6 New Music Pick: Adele, 'Rolling in the Deep'
To end today's posting, we give you our latest music pick. This is the second time we've featured Adele. The first track from her latest CD '21' (her age) is called 'Rolling in the Deep'. In this day of American Idol - where how you look is more important as your talent - Adele is refereshing. Yeah, she's a chubby British girl, but she can sing her ass off like a woman twice her age.... Hope you enjoy the clip, and have a nice weekend!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYEDA3JcQqw&ob=av2em
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Fuzzy Thoughts: The Trading Places Edition
Oh Sure ..... Like HE Went to Harvard !!
It's been some time since we visited the Fuzzy Place in our blog.. There hasn't been all that much little stuff that generally doesn't merit a blog post. The news has either been huge or nothing. But, now that the holidays are over, the planning for 2011 has begun.
'Wait a sec, Reino... We just finished the midterm elections and South Carolina just had their state elections. What planning?' is your question right now. Well, 2011 is a big year for the party at the local and state level, organizationally speaking. But, we'll start with the big stuff...
The entire GOP state elected officials took office this week. Nikki Haley is now Gubner, and we'll soon find out if she can make any headway with the Senate and Legislature is finding ways to cut the budget and find jobs for South Carolina. The Republicans got what they wanted - now it's time for someone to bridge the gap and work together. Stagnation at this point will not be accepted, even by our own party.
Party-wise, the race to succeed Karen Floyd as Chair of the SCGOP begins. There are a few names being bandied about, but there is no clear frontrunner at this point. Locally, all the County Chairs are up for grabs in the Spring. One thing we will miss is the end of the Braden Bunch Show, aka Sumter County Chair. Word is that Braden is leaving the gig because it's cutting into his freetime to watch Da Bears' pursuit of another Super Bowl run... Maybe once the Packers end Chicago's season next week, he'll reconsider.
Need more change? Contrary to what I thought, South Carolina will be getting a 7th Congressional District. With it, begins the fight for who runs for the seat. It likely will be the Grand Strand/Pee Dee areas. Names being mentioned right now? Alan Clemmons, Tracy Edge, Luke Rankin, former 6th Congressman/ Democrat Robin Tallon and even Lt. Governor Ken Ard. Ard running makes no sense to us, and we think it's just loose talk. We'll see...
Heck, there's even change within the Four Horsemen.. No, no one has been kicked out..... But the baby of the group, Earl Capps, will be hitting the Big 4-0 soon. He has a huge party to note the event (special invites only - sorry Gov. Sanford!), and once again, he will have some of his closest friends to roast him. Since my last roast of him is still legendary, I've been getting phone calls for material...
Getting out of politics for a minute here, the band is still practicing, but I did finally put my foot down a bit. We hadn't learned a newer song for 2 months, and once I vowed to not be in an 'Old Guy Band', we started working on newer stuff. Can't wait til we play that Justin Bieber song !!
I'm noticing a trend on my football picks: I'm 0-4 on Saturday, and 3-0 so far on Sunday. This is why Pro Football should only be played on Sunday. Speaking of which, I'm convinced that after the Steelers got all those gift turnovers against Baltimore yesterday, Mike Tomlin has a Horseshoe jammed in his ass...
Socially, there is nothing going on. I dropped Match.com again, and basically going out are just social engagements, with no shot of meeting anyone. Right now, I think I'll just not even try. Ignorance is bliss...
Lastly, we go back to politics... I was watching Fox Sunday Morning, and i got a pretty good dose of why politics is so messed up. First up was NJ Governor Chris Christie. I really hadn't watched him before, but I was pretty impressed with his grasp of the issues facing the state budgets. He was poised and well-versed. I have no idea of his social policies, but fiscally, he seemed like a solid moderate. Then Tim Pawlenty, ex-Gov of Minnesota came on, and looked pretty shaky, considering he's on there all the time. Then they discussed Sarah Palin, who depends too much on tape media to look 'presidential'.... The sad part? Palin and Pawlenty are likely running for President in 2012. Christie said no way - absolutely. Damn ......
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Florence County GOP Sticks It's Finger in the Pickle Jar .... Bill Pickle , That Is!
This should give you an idea of just how far out of the loop I have become in South Carolina politics... I had no idea that Joe Griffin had resigned as Chairman of the Florence County GOP. We will contact Joe ASAP, and try to find out exactly what occured. Yes, the Chairman job is not an easy one, especially if you have a business to run. Lots of people find that once they take the gig, but overall Joe did a good job, and we hope he still stays active..
With Joe G.'s departure, the locals got together this week, and chose Bill Pickle as the newest Chair. While Bill has been an active member of the party, we were just a little surprised with his running. He's a lot like us - active, hardworking, and he even has a blog, In the Pickle Barrel, that focuses on politics. Bill is a good egg, and we look forward to him doing a good job...
And in a case of that which is old being new again, Stephanie McLaughlin-Rawlinson was voted into the job she resigned/was forced from last year as Vice-Chair. Our love/not love (we'd never classify it as hate) relationship with Steph is well documented. She is smart, organized and as hard a worker as the local GOP has ever had. Our hope is that for Round 2 as Vice-Chair, she works better with those that may not agree 100% with how she feels, and focuses less on the dirty side of politics within the party. I've always said it's just politics, which I'm sure she does not agree with, but I'm sure somewhere in between is right...
For now, these positions are temporary, until the county convention takes place later this year. But, it is a tryout for the jobs, and we'll see how things pan out in the months leading up to it. We wish all of them luck, and to all our friends in the Florence GOP....
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Republicans, Meet Your New Boss ....
OK, let's help you out a bit... His name is Reince Preibus (pronounced RHIINTZ PREE-bus), and he is the new RNC Chairman. Like most votes involving the RNC, there was no clear frontrunner, so it took a while... SEVEN VOTES - before he won a majority of the Committee members.
Do I know him? Of course not.. He's the Wisconsin GOP Chairman, and we don't get up to Cheese Country too often. Maybe Moye met him on a visit to Green Bay... There are good things we hear about him, and others that may dog him a bit..
As opposed to Steele, who was a national face - and not a ton more- Preibus is known as a 'nuts and bolts' guy. That's good... We don't need a cheerleader, we need a real leader who know the details of the party. Preibus should serve well in that capacity.
Our questions? Well, he was known as closely tied to Steele, which is not a point to look well on. The RNC's spending habits were crazy. They're $20 million in the hole as we speak, and you might notice the picture above shows Preibus and Steele side by side ..... in a private jet. Might we suggest flying coach. Trust us, Reince. No one has any frigging idea who you are - you won't be harrassed...
About that $20 mil, Preibus may lack the gravitas of Steele to fundraise the RNC out of that hole. True, with the positive momentum the GOP has had in the past year, the excitement to unseat Barack Obama may overcome that, but Obama will raise a boatload of cash, and the GOP has no clear frontrunner yet - and likely won't.
As Gust Avrakatos said - and we always quote - 'We'll See'. Congrats for now, and best of luck in your term. And once again, fly coach, and make sure the trips to the Strip Club are after official business is over....
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Today's Founders Quote: The Grecian Horse?
"Foreign influence is truly the Grecian horse to a republic. We cannot be too careful to exclude its influence."
- Alexander Hamilton, 1793.
While we don't recommend shutting out other countries, America must always take it's own benefit as the primary concern. However, Denise Suzanne would definitely influence any decision we made - if she asked....
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Cartoon of the Week ...
No doubt what had the cartoonists talking this week... The Tucson shootings had questions from all over - gun control, freedom of speech, the politicization of the tragedy, etc..... But to us, the hardest hitting cartoon was this one..
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Wednesday, January 12, 2011
SC6 Announces a New Recurring Post ....
With the move to the new apartment, you may have noticed that we have a little more time on our hands... We've been kicking around some ideas for the blog, and we just recently noticed that this year is the 150th anniversary of the beginning of The Civil War, aka The War Between the States, or the War of Northern Aggression - whichever term you use. It gave us an idea....
We're going to periodically mark the dates of major events related to the war.. We'd really like to take a few trips to the sites, but since most are in Virginia or further south, weekend trips will be tough. We'll see....
No, January 1861 was not a huge month in Civil War history, so we'll be starting pretty lightly. So, to kick it off, we'll test your Civil War General knowledge - as in Generals. We give you the picture, you name the general. Good Luck !
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2.
Answers:
Stonewall Jackson, Sherman, Longstreet, Meade, Stuart, Chamberlain, Forrest, Hancock, Beauregard, Hooker...
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Today's Founders Quote: Engagements & Pursuits
"States, like individuals, who observe their engagements, are respected and trusted: while the reverse is the fate of those who pursue an opposite conduct."
- Alexander Hamilton.
Yes, the same applies to both states and individuals... Our question today is, 'Does Jana Kramer have ANY flaws?' No, we don't have any T&A pics here, but that face is more than enough for us...
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John Boehner Cries Like His Tears Feed the Hungry ....
And now for our two cents on John Boehner's penchant for crying... No, we didn't really notice that The Speaker of the House (and third in line to the Presidency) cries at the drop of a hat, until he lets the water works flow when he got the gavel from Nancy Pelosi. Word is, Pelosi muttered 'Suck it Up, Faggot!!' to Boehner that day, but that's just a rumor....
What we did notice is he seemed to let the tears fall for just about everything - except when sepaking about Gabrielle Giffords' shooting. Strange to us... There's a time for everything, John. You might need a handbook on what events merit tears... So, we need a vote: Which is Boehner's theme song? First up is 'Boys Don't Cry' from the Cure....
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8CDERzun4k
Or Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' 'Tears of a Clown'?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8CDERzun4k
Those voting for the winner will be put in a hat, and one selected will win the Grand Prize: One Bite Size Snickers Bar*
* - prize will be mailed in 8-12 weeks. Prize may be stale upon arrival...
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SC6 Analyzes The Divisional Round ...
Well, Round One is over in the NFL Playoffs... Some of the wannabes have been knocked out - not all, but most. As for us, we went 2-2 ..... Bad Saturday (0-2), great Sunday (2-0). We didn't make any stupid picks (did anyone actually pick the Seahawks?), and the Colts/Jets was a tossup. Round Two is where the men are separated from the boys - both in the actual games, and in the prognostications. Onto the picks!
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
Where to go on this one? Every game between these two is a three point battle to the end. Defense will reign as usual. Pittsburgh confuses us a bit this year. They usually put together a Super Bowl run every three to four years, and they have been the luckiest team in the NFL this year... Meanwhile, the Ravens were solid against KC last week, and the weather will likely neutralize the only gamebreaker around, The Steelers' Mike Wallace. the Ravens are for real this year, and Joe Flacco doesn't get scared in road playoff games (4-2). Ravens 13-10.
Green Bay at Atlanta
If there were any justice for Falcons fans, they'd be kicking Seattle's ass all over the Georgia Dome this weekend. Instead, they pllay the team no one wants to face... The Packers' D has been solid, but the fast turf inside will be a challenge, and we're starting to think Green Bay's offense is a bit overrated. Points wins games, and the Pack has had scoring trouble. This could be the Falcons' year - at least to get to Dallas. Falcons 24-17.
Seattle at Chicago
The Giants will watch this game kicking themselves after spanking BOTH of these teams..... Matt Hasselbeck was lights out last week. It all ends this weekend. Chicago's D is solid, and Jay Cutler is good enough to get past Seattle's weak secondary, although the running game is more important. Thanks for playing, Seahawks! Chicago 31-13.
New York Jets at New England
Yeah, we're swimming in Jet green up here this week... Rex Ryan was smart to try and make the game about him and Bill Belichick. That's because his team is slightly inferior to the Patriots this year. The Pats are on a roll, while the Jets still are trying to get 60 solid offensive minutes in a game. We don't think the Pats D is special, but Tom Brady and the offense will far outplay Mark Sanchez and LaDainian Tomlinson. We did try to put a hex on the Pats by using his pick (a photo almost guarantees a loss here), but talent wins in the end. Patriots 30-17.
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Snowed In ..... Again!
Yep, the snowstorm that dumped up to nine inches on you guys finally made it's way up here, where it teamed up with another front from the west... Joined by the Alberta Clipper arctic blast, it was .............. The Perfect Storm!
This is the view from the door of my apartment, and it's probably as far as I'm going today. Think I'll stay inside, enjoy the snow day, watch some boob tube, and veg out.... Nice!
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Sunday, January 09, 2011
And Then There Are Some of Us That Go Too Far....
By now, we all know about Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' (D-AZ) shooting at a Meet & Greet in Tucson. Thoughts are flying through our head about this. Obviously, we're shocked in a way, but somehow we're not. It's been over 30 years since a member of Congress was assassinated, but that was Leo Ryan in Guyana by The People's Temple.... Congressmen rarely have security with them - accessability is generally a requirement of the job - but that may change now.
I've been thinking about the relationship between those of us who criticize Congressmen, and those who do things like this. That line is fine, and it wouldn't surprise me to find out that someone in DC has a file on me. I've been riding Congress for five years now, and my trail of critiquing is pretty long and well-defined. Then again, I've never threatened anyone - unless you feel that calling your Congressman 'ugly' a threat. We've said this for years - it's only politics. Some people take all this too seriously... Congresspeople don't determine your path in life - you do.
We know a little about Jared Loughner. It's obvious this kid is fucked up. But, I think it's a disservice to justice in the end for everyone, from the police to the media, to call this kid insane. Fucked up does not equal insane, and this kid will guaranteed get away with all of this. He's got a trail of screwed up thoughts that a lot of 20-somethings have before they figure out what the world is actually like... But that's not insane - temporary or not... This was a premeditated act by a evil person. Like Columbine, Loughner was out to take out as many people as possible. Look at who he killed: a nine year old girl, three citizens well into their 70's. It was just indiscriminate, selfish murder. The kid deserves to die...
Why Giffords? We're not 100% on it. Yeah, he may/may not have connections to one of those private hate groups - not the Tea Party - that are biased against non-whites. Giffords is Jewish, and she represents a heavily Hispanic area in Southern Arizona. It is a tragedy for her and the others who were killed or injured yesterday. We pray for all those involved, and for a miracle in Giffords' recovery.
For those of you who are hard-headed and need it explained 500 times, we'll try again - IT'S JUST POLITICS. IT'S NOT LIFE... Don't take any of politics too seriously. DC does not run your life. If you are unhappy with you station, it's your fault. The quicker you come to terms with that, the quicker you can live happier.
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Today's Founders Quote: Observation and Cultivation
"Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all."
- George Washington, 1796.
After the news of the past 24 hours, we thought a quote that promoted love and peace would be a good idea. Of course, a hot Italian like Alessandra Bosco doesn't hurt either. Put her in a glass with some milk...... Yummy!
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Cartoon of the Week - Twin Pack !
Excellent week for political cartoons. We probably could have picked from five of them this week. Brett Favre, Obama coming back from vacation, the GOP Takeover of the House: there were plenty of things to choose from. So, we decided to give you an extra one for taking the time to visit.... Of course, when you co-opt The Aflockalypse with Democrats dropping from the House, you will get on the blog...
Yet, we couldn't pass on the recent republishing of Mark Twain - minus the 'N'-words...
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Saturday, January 08, 2011
What $850 a Month Will Get You in NY ....
I had a couple people ask for pics of the new apartment, so we obliged... No, it's not like the house on Millridge. In fact, it's far from it. We're on a tight budget this year. Maybe after the house is sold, and the car is paid off next year, we'll upgrade. Until then, this is all we're going for...
Yep, it's a studio apartment in Commack (promounced CO-mack), Long Island. It's about 10 miles closer to work than Joe & Carol's, but probably 20 minutes closer in driving.
No, there's not a lot, but it's neat and cheap for here. The $850 includes all utilities, including cable and blazing Verizon FIOS internet. My laptop is blazing now.....
The bathroom, where I do my best thinking... Kinda small too, but it's the best looking one I've had...
Yeah, it's no great shakes, but the Murphy bed folds up for more room. Funny part is, I haven't pulled it up once since I moved in last week! There is only once downside, aside from the size... There is no thermostat in it, so it gets pretty hot. Luckily, the owner lets me crack the window to cool it off. It gets a bit boring and lonely at times, and I do need to use a laundrymat for the first time since college, but my time is my own now... If you want to mail me, the new address is 18 Ramita Lane, Commack, NY 11725.
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Ready To Blow Another Hole in the Debt Atmosphere ..
Congress Needs New Shingles And Nails.. But Should They?
This week, Timothy Geithner asked Congress to raise the debt ceiling past it's current level of $14.2 billion. It just cracked the $14 billion level, and the estimates are that the ceiling will be broken in two months. Our math tells us that we're running a budget deficit at an annual rate of $1.2 trillion a year. To us, that is frigging obscene....
Oh yeah, budgetary changes need to be done, But, the question today is do we have enough time to cut spending before the ceiling is hit? We always try to equate governmental issues like our own budget. It's a common sense analogy, but it's not always realistic, mainly because Washington DC can't seem to prioritize anything. Normally, you would cut expenses and find a bridge to pay bills until you can balance the budget again.
But, we don't live in the same world that DC does... Yeah, cutting a trillion dollars is a daunting task, but we used to be there beforehand. It should be workable in theory. However, we can't seem to cut anything without a special interest group crying bloody murder about it. Mid-year budget cuts are impossible, so we don't really see a way for Washington to fix all this within the next 2 months. Sometimes, the first step is to bridge the gap til then. Afterwards, the budget can be fixed. The 2012 budget will need to be a radical one, loaded with cuts for tons of useless spending..... Up the limit to $15.5 billion, and somehow, balance the 2012 budget. Yes, I AM just as unrealistic...
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SC6 New Music Pick: R.E.M. 'Discoverer' ...
Yes, REM is putting out Album Number 20 soon... We're pretty sure that you're familiar with Michael Stipe, Peter Buck and Mike Mills (and whoever fills in for retired drummer Bill Berry), so we'll just added the clip of their newest track, 'Discoverer'. It actually is more of a retro type REM track. It reminds us of 'Turn You Inside Out' (although TYIO is better). For those of you who long for the mid 80's to early 90's REM, you should enjoy it....
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMpI7FSf7RQ
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Lukewarm Job Numbers for December ...
Like we said last week, we live in uncertain economic times. Not everything is good, not everything is bad. It's a mixed bag, and it takes more than the overall numbers to be deteremined if we are actually recovering or not. The truth is we are still sputtering, but gaining slowly... Very slowly.
The big story this week was that the unemployment rate dropped from 9.8% to 9.4% - very good news indeed, right? Well...... not necessarily. the fact is that we gained 103,000 jobs in December. Which is about the same a swe've averaged all of 2010. So, why the big drop in unemployment? Easy, many Americans gave up on looking for jobs, at least temporarily.
Like Red said in 'The Shawshank Redemption', Hope is a dangerous thing. We wouldn't go that far, but when everyone is actively looking for work - and not finding it - the rate goes up. It sounds almost retarded, but when people give up the search, the unemployment rate actually DROPS.. That was the case in December. Over 300,000 people gave up for Christmas...
Now, they will be back. New Year usually means renewed hope, and we think they'll come back - and the unemployment rate will rise again, job creation not withstanding. Yes, hope is good - except for unemployment! Stay tuned.....
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I Lift Things Up & Put Them Down .....
There's a good reason why people don't join a gym - and why 80% of those who do don't go at all.... Usually, it's the intimidation of being around a bunch of steroided-out muscleheads. Planet Fitness goes for the Average Joe, like Vince Vaughn's gym in 'Dodgeball'.... This commercial goes a long way towards that goal. If we had five minutes to work out, and weren't extemely cheap, we'd go here... Ahnuld would be proud!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-cpojkILO0&feature=related
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Today's Founders Quote: Honesty
"Honesty will be found on every experiment, to be the best and only true policy; let us then as a Nation be just."
- George Washington, 1783.
Yes, honesty is the best policy, even for a Nation. Meanwhile, honestly, we would love to experiment with Ashlynn Brooke. That would be just and true to us....
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Best Facebook Comment of the Week...
'I was proud that my first vote in Congress was to remove the gavel from Nancy Pelosi's Hand'......
- incoming SC Congressman Jeff Duncan, on naming John Boehner the new Speaker of the House.
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We Find Our New 'Hottie On the Hill' ....
One of the downsides of the massive turnover in Congress in November for us was the defeat of our Number One pick for 'Hottie On the Hill' - South Dakota member Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin. Despondent the last couple months, we were watching Fox News this morning, where they had 18 freshmen members of Congress. It was ho-hum.... ooh, there's Tim Scott, cool! Then, we got a look at Jamie Herrera - Beutler of Washington State. Right up our alley: cute, green eyes, and she's a Republican.
Just like most things in life, when one thing ends, just look back down the pike - something new will come along!
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It's Go Time !!! SC6 Calls the NFL Playoffs ....
The namby-pamby regular season is over - time for the serious and important games to finally occur. We gotta say, this is one of the weirder first round playoff weeks we've seen... Yeah, our Giants are sitting this season out at 10-6, while the 7-9 Seahawks - whom the G-Men crushed 41-7 on their own field - get a wild-card home game. No, life is not always fair, but it is what it is... Wild Card week will fix most of these mistakes....
New Orleans at Seattle
In this season of injustice, there's a lot of justice in placing the Seahawks palying the first game against the defending Super Bowl champs.... Thanks for playing - now go away. Yeah, they're at home - and that's about it. Seattle has beaten NO ONE with any talent this year. They flat our suck, they have no QB solidarity, and their secondary absolutely blows. No, the Saints don't have much of a running game, but that's a problem for next week. Saints roll. Saints 41-13.
New York Jets at Indianapolis
This will be a good one. Indy hasn't been great, but they're winning, and they're at home. Our big concern is that Mark Sanchez hasn't been putting up great numbers lately. No, the Bills don't count, and he sat it out anyway. Last year, the Jets snuck up on everyone. Not this year. As long as Peyton Manning doesn't show Rex Ryan his feet, and Sal Alosi and his kickline stay at home, the Colts will pull off the minor upset. Colts 23-13.
Baltimore at Kansas City
We love Sunday's matchups.... We seriously thought about picking KC at home, but a couple facts lead us otherwise. The Chiefs are one of those teams that beat everyone they should, and lose to everyone they should. Too predictable, and this is a game they should lose. The Ravens D has stopped the run lately, and Joe Flacco is 2-0 as a wildcard QB on the road. It could be a bit of a blowout if Ray Lewis forces KC into an early mistake, but we'll go with a tight classic. Ravens 23-20.
Green Bay at Philadelphia
Michael Vick vs. Aaron Rodgers. WOW... If this game were indoors, the first team to 50 points would win - maybe. But, it'll be in the cold in Philly. Philly has been a bit inconsistent, but they were the best in the slightly overrated NFC East. Green Bay is the team no one wanted to play - evey team was BEGGING for the Bears to knock the Packers off - and Philly will be Rodgers first victim. Green Bay wins a pinball game... Packers 35-34.
Last year, we went 5-6.... Maybe we'll do better this year.
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Tuesday, January 04, 2011
At Least They Saved The Fire Dept. a Trip ......
Time for something we have skipped doing lately from the glory days of SC6 - what we used to call 'one of THOSE stories' - ridiculous yet true tales that we ran across...
We might have to do some 'splaining so you understand just HOW this story was possible. In New York City, the snow removal is taken care of by the Sanitation Dept., so the same folks who throw out the trash have to remove the snow first. Don't feel bad for them - they usually rack up 24 hours of overtime at Union wages to do it...
So, besides being dumped with a foot of snow - and no where to plow it - there was a second problem. A much smellier problem.. The garbage hadn't been picked up in NYC for about ten days. The streets were overloaded with six-foot high piles of garbage bags and trash. Usually, that's a bad thing, but not in this case. It turns out that an unhappy local resident decided that it was time to check out, so he jumped from his 9th floor apartment to the street below ............. and landed square onto a pile of trash!
Yes, the trash bags saved the guy's life. Only in New York. The bad news is that they've finally started picking the trash up, so the Sanitation Dept. may have to start picking up all the dead bodies from the sidewalks again....
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Sunday, January 02, 2011
SC6 New Music Pick: Michael Franti, 'Say Hey' ..
We Kick the Reggae Beat For a Day ....
To conclude our weekend, we try to get you to clap your hands, relax and be positive. Today's music pick is Michael Franti & Spearhead performing 'Say Hey (I Love You)'. It's your standard reggae beat, with acoustic guitar and piano - and that's just about it. But, it's a nice way of showing that you can make a great song without doing too much.
No, Franti is not Jamaican - he's actually from Oakland, and was adopted by a Finnish couple there. Don't ask me how you work out a happy family between Finns, and a German-Irish-Black-Native American boy, but it worked out.. He's no newcomer: he's been in bands since college in the mid-80's, and he's 44 years old. That still gives me hope... Enjoy!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehu3wy4WkHs
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Job Growth & The Global Economy ....
We read a couple articles this week regarding the economy... Depending on whether you're a half-full or half-empty type, there's plenty of ways to interpret the info...
First, the major news is that the American economy has had slow precipitous job growth - close to 1 million jobs were created since unemployment peaked in February. Yeah, that's the good news, and that about as good as it will get. In a case of one step forward, two steps back, the economy is definitely still sputtering...
What do we mean? Well, while there are 1 million more jobs, there are almost that many more people in the US population. It's a wash - hence, that's why the unemployment rate has only dropped to 9.8%, along with those rejoining the job searching legions. Also, many top US companies are turning tidy profits, but not quite pulling the trigger on hiring just yet - at least not in the US. Yeah, they've hired 1 million back in the US, but overseas, those companies have hired 1.4 million..... Let that sink in for a moment. 40% more.
Now, there are obvious reasons why: labor is cheaper overseas, restrictions are more lax, etc. However, when all but 4 of the Fortune 500 companies were in the black this past year, it does make a worker get kind of discouraged... We remain hopeful that business cannot 'do more with less' for long. They HAVE to hire eventually.. Also, we like to see a slow, sustained growth anyway, which this technically is.
Granted, a job growth rate of double than that would be ideal, where things get better, without causing inflation to go haywire. Still, we can't blame Americans for being discouraged a bit. When you just start having hope, but get shut out again, it gets frustrating. We have the same problem with women... We'll continue to be a cheerleader for America's comeback - but we might be doing it for a while....
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Writing the Obituary Before They're Dead - Again.
It's 1:00 PM Sunday, and we're getting ready to sit down to watch the Giants play the Redskins. No, the Giants' chances to make the playoffs are tight, but we'll go past that: we think they'll lose today... Just a gut feeling.
Turning on the game now.... and it's been moved back to 4:00PM ??!!! WTF.... Well, if the Packers beat the Bears, then our prediction will definitely happen. If the Bears win (and they really should want to - the Pack is waaay better than the G-Men), then I could be wrong, but this team has no confidence right now...
Redskins 23-20.
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Today's Founders Quote: Influence & Insomnia
"Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government."
-George Washington's Farewell Address, 1796.
Good advice from our first president again. While we don't promote ignoring the global economy, our first concern is what is best for America... Meanwhile, Natalie Portman keeps us up at night sometimes, and she does know a lot about foreign influence. After all, she was Queen once ! Check it out - no T&A pics!!!
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Cartoon of the Week ...
Happy New Year ! Yes, we're back. We were trying to post some interesting topics during the week, but with the big move, we couldn't pull it off... We'll get back to that later.
There was no single dominant point of conversation in the political cartoon world this week, but to us, that's a good thing... Gays in the military, the snowstorm and TSA feelups, End of Life counseling, Hugh Hefner - it was all over the place. But, it is New Year's, so we're going with this one about the billions of Year in Review Lists... Hey, maybe we should put out a Top Ten Posts of 2010!
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