Take a look at this chart, and draw a line connecting the March 2003 bottom with the July/August 2006 bottom and Thursday's bottom. What you'll see is the S&P held a 4 1/2 year trendline Thursday,and bounced 550 points from there. Was Thursday the end of this correction, or are we heading lower? ns
I believe it will level off, or start rising again, but even if it continues to slide, are we supposed to think that the Dow Jones is guaranteed to perpetually, and infinitely do nothing but rise with no deviations?
Typical fluctuations in a free market economy = gloom, and doom cannon fodder for the MSM.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
I would like to see Bernake manipulate the press alittle more ala Greenspan. At least hint of a possible rate drop in the future from the bearded one. I think hes alittle too academic sometimes.
Deterioration in market conditions has continued to a large extent due to credit circumstances. Reductions were necessary to avoid a sub-prime crash... and rally the market.
If flucuations... did not occur, why would we have the Federal Reserve?
OK, so Chavez announces he's now president for life, so I guess Cindy Sheehan, Sean Penn, Danny Glover, and co., would have no problem if Bush did the same.
I wonder what mosque he will be broadcasting from?
I hope the troops give John Stewart a nice warm welcome when he does the Daily Show from Iraq, sort of like this one below.
I don't believe so. I'm pleased with that S&P chart, except for the fact that we couldn't get back above the 200-day moving average yesterday. The Dow did get back above its 200-day, as did the NAZ. So, that's good. But, I don't think this is completely over. We may need to retest Thursday's lows, and may need a larger washout. However, Thursday's panic had a bottom feel to it, although I really would have liked to see a stronger day yesterday.
As such, I'm not sure we're out of the woods, but I think we're seeing some sunlight. ns
I'm not the most astute with the indicators, and I'm no scaredy cat. If the market drops, I'm back to buying more stock at the lower price, and 10 years away from needing it.
I am, however noticing little things, (like the recent 10% uptick in menu prices).
I don't see a bottoming of 1150 as necessarily a bad thing. If it takes this time next year before it hits 1500, that's good enough for me.
Opportunities for personal growth seem more predictable on a daily basis when the market is swinging than when it's doing the steady climb anyway.
Moveon.org has announced a new campaign to stop our efforts on preventing terror. They're trying to divide the $456 Billion spent so far (> 4years total) into specific costs for (you guessed it) individual health care, new schools, scholarships, etc, to try to convince people that if we would simply ignore terror (because it would never hit us at home again, I suppose), we could improve our country so, so much.
What they fail to point out is that the total 2007 budget for Medicare and Medicade is more than $550 Billion -- in one year. And what does that accomplish?
As usual, they pull on emotional strings without presenting real facts, hoping to get knee-jerk reactions from people who don't put everything together. A bunch of sneaky, manipulative jerks they are.
_________________________________
If you can read this, thank ateacher. If it is in English, thank aSoldier.
And has Moveon.commies considered the cost of 9/11 and any future attacks when we cease to treat Islamofascism as an enemy and instead choose to bear the costs of treating terrorism as a domestic criminal act? Of course, loss of life can be ignored in the equation.
We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. - Queen Victoria
Puerto Rico thought it necessary to turn away military recruiters from their high schools. It's high time any and all federal dollars stop going to all the entities in this country with this attitude. If they don't want to be protected by our military we ought not be obligated to send any of our money to them, cut them off at the quick.
Of course not. But they have been offered the opportunity and they haven't taken it.
"Lifting protection?" Of course not. They're part of the US. But, as conservativeRex said, maybe recommending a cutback on some of the government programs they benefit from would encourgage them to be more accepting of recruiters...
ThisnThat writes: What they fail to point out is that the total 2007 budget for Medicare and Medicade is more than $550 Billion -- in one year.
Add to that the estimated $400 billion a year it costs taxpayers for our ILLEGAL aliens to attend school, health care, prison costs, welfare, etc., etc.. How many Americans would benefit from that expense being cancelled.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
I'm so sick of Dimos like Chucky Schumer of New York suggesting that we bail out those who have mishandled their personal finances. Typical socialist/communist thinking. As an old guy who has kept within my budget all my life, I really resent it. "Thank you" to all the young'uns out there who've done the same.You are what we need to keep the economy strong. The free-spending, dope-using, self-centered a##holes in society (many who have used their real estate as an ATM for the last five years or so) need to be taught a lesson. It's called personal responsibility. Duh!
More Global Warming, from about 45 miles north of me (I'm at a balmy 60 degrees as of 3 PM)
PINKHAM NOTCH, N.H. (AP) - Sleet, rime ice, 72 mile per hour wind gusts and temperatures hovering around freezing this morning forced organizers to cancel a bike race up New Hampshire's tallest mountain.
Organizers said they considered postponing the 35th annual Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb until tomorrow, but weather conditions weren't expected to be much better.
Cyclists had come from all over New England and as far away as the West Coast for a chance to climb the 7.6 miles to the summit. But Howie Wemyss, general manager of the auto road, said volunteers at the summit were blown to the ground by severe winds.
He said the race had to be cancelled due to concerns for the safety of the riders and volunteers.
A road race in July also had to be cancelled due to weather.
Looking at current conditions, I see the winds are 64 mph, gusting to 93, and the current temperature is 34 degrees, expecting to drop to the mid-20's tonight.
My only question: how can we spin this to somehow blame all of mankind -- and make money off it?
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank aSoldier. - My barber
In last night's last-minute loss, my New England Patriots had the first team in for the first half. It's usually only the first couple of pre-season games that they have limited playing time. You have to remember that the prime reason the starters don't play that much is to avoid getting hurt. As I recall, some years back the Patriots lost 3 of their best starters for the season-all in one pre-season game.
I do think however that they should reduce the number of pre-season games, maybe to two. As for ticket prices, that is indeed a rip-off to have to buy all pre-season games if you want season tickets. However, regular season ticket prices IMHO are a rip-off as well, considering what you get. You shell out your money and get to freeze your tush off (at least here in the Northern climates), get sandwiched in with drunken fans, some of whom might spill beer on you (or puke on you), and some of the time you can't see what's going on as it's happening at the other end of the field. It's much more comfortable to watch at home.
There are exceptions to my opinion, though. If I had a chance to see a game from a luxury box, I would definitely do it. And thanks to a friend in the newspaper business, in 1989 I got a sideline field photo press pass for a game between the Patriots and New Orleans Saints. That was a trip! Best view in the house. Sadly, the Pats were in a tailspin that year, and the fans got real ugly real quick. At halftime I switched to the other side of the field, where there were actually some New Orleans fans who had driven the 1300 miles up to see the game. They were all extremely friendly!
Yeah, there have been several 'innovations' in the NFL that have been simply obnoxious. The Personal Seat License was a whopper: instead of raising the ticket price, you now had to buy a license to buy a seat, and the license was huge. Then, they forced season ticket holders to buy pre-season games. These guys know more ways to squeeze money than Tony Soprano. But you know what's worst of all? I'm already looking forward to the season. That's what happens when you have a winning product - people will buy it, despite all the crap they attach to it.
By the way, for the Patriots ... keep an eye on Adalius Thomas. I live near Baltimore, and it was been a pleasure to watch him while he was with the Ravens. He has the speed and the power, and now he has the experience. He knows the game. That's the funny thing about football - TV just doesn't convey how good these guys are.
Yeah, Thomas has looked good-he had 3 tackles in the first game but only one last night. The Pats defense pretty much stuffed Vince Young, who only completed 5 passes in 17 tries!
Do not forget pre-season blackouts. If owners cannot fill the stadium with fans who want to watch 2nd team... players the game is blocked from local viewers. How does this benefit anyone?
Ask your local cable system to carry the NFL Channel, or get DirecTV or Dish, which also carry it. They re-run the pre-season games all week, and actually carry some live.
He ends up with this: "you have to wonder how all those folks on the Christian right must feel discovering they were used for partisan reasons by a secular skeptic, a manipulator."
First of all Billy, I wonder how all those 1960's libs felt when they were manipulated into voting for Johnson because you scared the voters into thinking Goldwater would start a nuclear war, and then to see the Vietnam war escalated by the same Johnson who justified it based on the Gulf of Tonkin lie.
Second, we on the mis-named Christian Right didn't vote for Rove, we voted for Bush.
Thirdly, how can you justify your partisan views being supported by government dollars?
Typical Moyers. Here is a man incapable of questioning himself. He begins with hard-left assumptions, and piously (sanctimoniously) preaches to us about how wrong 'they' are. He never tries to prove his assumption. It's a standard lawyer tactic. A shady lawyer will accuse someone of embezzlement, but instead of proving that the defendant did the deed, the lawyer warns about the evils of embezzlement. He deflects the argument from proving facts to lecturing about the evils of crime.
Moyers' dirty little secret is that while working for LBJ he apparently asked J. Edgar Hoover to try and dig up dirt on homosexual Republicans. This came after a prominent Dem was caught in the act with a male friend in DC...talk about hypocrisy!
Here's an amusing blog from Uncle Jimbo over at Blackfive.
He "fills in" for the vacationing Tony Snow and conducts the White House press corps briefing. And smacks them around soundly for their sins in trying to negate anything positive General Petraeus may say in his testimony four weeks before the report is due.
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - Holy Beltway, Batman! Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., has a part in the next Batman movie, "The Dark Knight."
"I don't wear tights," Leahy said.
The longtime Batman fan would reveal little about his role other than that he is called the "distinguished gentleman."
The scene was filmed this summer from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. and involves Batman played by Christian Bale, The Joker, Heath Ledger, and Alfred Pennyworth played by Michael Caine.
"It's a pretty tense scene," said Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. "It's going to be a very interesting one."
His earnings will be donated to the Kellogg-Hubbard children's library in Montpelier, where the senator got his first library card.
Leahy said he started reading at 4, and liked comic books.
He's done voice-overs on Batman cartoons, written the preface for a Batman book and had small roles in the last two Batman features.
"I like the fact that he's standing up for people who didn't have anyone standing up for them," Leahy said.
"The Dark Knight" is scheduled to be released next summer.
Pat "Leaky" Leahy is going to make a cameo appearance in the next Batman film.
No criticism, I'm actually glad for the old fart. Living his boyhood dream.
Better he's there and not in Congress.
-cs™
"The great enemy of the truth is very often not the
lie -- deliberate, contrived and dishonest -- but the myth --
persistent, persuasive and unrealistic."
Remember Sen. Paul Wellstone's memorial service following his plane crash? Whole thing turned into a political rally.
My favorite part was Bill Clinton and Walter Mondale hugging in the stands. Couldn't help wondering if Bill was telling Walter about the private meeting he had with Jennifer Mondale while Monica was pitching a fit at the security gate over her.
Now that I think on it, this does look a bit like Gilbert in 1988. The most severely damaged American city by Gilbert? San Antonio, as Gilbert spawned 16 tornadoes that hit the south and west portions of town. It made landfall at La Pesca, Mexico, and caused Mexico MUCH grief.
We take our hurricanes VERY seriously in TX. Houston's rise was in part due to the one which temporarily submerged Galveston Island in 1900. (For you people that still cry about Katrina: more lives were lost in Galveston in 1900 from a hurricane than in New Orleans from Katrina in 2005.)
Thus far people around here are betting on it hitting Corpus and points south, meaning Houston will get hit by a lot of rain, if that. Of course, if it turns towards Houston, I'll be heading back towards San Antonio, perhaps down the Hurricane Contraflow lanes that TxDOT has setup on I-10 west of town (that is called "preparedness" for our friends in LA). Since Houston is flat, and quite low, the water has no place to go, and floods very easily.
But if there is much panic here in TX, I don't see it. Yet. As I said, people here take their hurricanes vcry seriously (also note the nice, broad shoulder on I-37 north from Corpus, with hurricane symbols painted on it every so often)...so when people here get a better picture of where Dean will go, they'll start bugging out, and start delaying the beginning of school to take in evacuees inland.
Aren't liberals constantly telling us how one can't lecture us on a subject unless they are one of those the lecture is about? Then how do they justify all of these non-scientists lecturing us on climate issues? How do they make the jump when it suits them and their agenda but slam the door on things that are opposed to them?
1. A clear firm no new taxes pledge.
2. A clear firm border wall pledge with finish date (with monthly progress reports)
3. A clear firm veto all pork pledge (with quarterly reports)
4. A clear firm pledge for a quick response team for the smear & fear democrats all the time
5. A clear firm pledge to reform the bankrupt Social Security
system year one (with a handout for all media of the democrat voting
history in this matter “taxing it-stealing the $$ for vote-buying)
6. A clear firm pledge to enforce all existing immigration laws day one (with quarterly progress reports)
7. A clear firm pledge to veto all overspending (with quarterly reports)
8. A clear firm pledge to reform the current income tax (with hearings and a vote on the Fair Tax concept)
9. A clear firm pledge to defund PBS, NPR and the NE Arts. (you can cut the Ed. Dept and CR folks by 50% while you are there)
10. A clear firm pledge to form an efficiency panel for the federal government (no
former congressional royalty) and a written public report in 6 months
to the voters their recommendations a-la the Grace Commission.
11. A clear pledge to seek to end the Kelo and Campaign Reform outrages year one.
12. A clear pledge to end capital gains taxes and inheritance taxes.
13. A clear pledge to treat all religions without preference or public spending for special ceremonies or beliefs.
14. A clear pledge that English will be the language in all institutions accepting federal money.
15. A clear pledge that states permitting “sanctuary cities or the like” will forfeit all federal highway funds and education funds.
16. A clear daily revealing of the voting record (principles) of the
secular socialists (democrats)… going on offense with the truthful
record!
Give me another day and a few more will naturally appear… but these will suffice at present.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
Are We Done?
August 18, 2007 - 10:42 ET by Noel SheppardFolks,
Take a look at this chart, and draw a line connecting the March 2003 bottom with the July/August 2006 bottom and Thursday's bottom. What you'll see is the S&P held a 4 1/2 year trendline Thursday,and bounced 550 points from there. Was Thursday the end of this correction, or are we heading lower? ns
I believe it will level
August 18, 2007 - 10:49 ET by BlazerI believe it will level off, or start rising again, but even if it continues to slide, are we supposed to think that the Dow Jones is guaranteed to perpetually, and infinitely do nothing but rise with no deviations?
Typical fluctuations in a free market economy = gloom, and doom cannon fodder for the MSM.
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
Bernake, Ben
August 18, 2007 - 10:51 ET by third eyeI would like to see Bernake manipulate the press alittle more ala Greenspan. At least hint of a possible rate drop in the future from the bearded one. I think hes alittle too academic sometimes.
Response to credit conditions
August 18, 2007 - 12:48 ET by JDWDeterioration in market conditions has continued to a large extent due to credit circumstances. Reductions were necessary to avoid a sub-prime crash... and rally the market.
If flucuations... did not occur, why would we have the Federal Reserve?
JDW
News media: Scoreboard for terrorists
OK, so Chavez announces
August 18, 2007 - 11:04 ET by BlazerOK, so Chavez announces he's now president for life, so I guess Cindy Sheehan, Sean Penn, Danny Glover, and co., would have no problem if Bush did the same.
I wonder what mosque he will be broadcasting from?
I hope the troops give John Stewart a nice warm welcome when he does the Daily Show from Iraq, sort of like this one below.
http://www.isymbolz.com/misc/peeing_boy/PB052-Base-Hat.jpg
"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious. "
- Ben Kenobi on Liberals, and the MSM.
}}---> Market shift down
August 18, 2007 - 11:13 ET by Cool ArrowWe may correct to 1150-1200 I think some sense got knocked into the consumer.
Big ticket items will require enticements.
Self directed 401k's will jump into something guaranteed.
Real Estate will strain at the thought of actually seeing real property devalue.
This correction helps Democrats meaning higher taxes.
May even see ignorant legislation to "protect" buyers
I'll wash my own car and cut my own grass.
Minimum Wage increase has already limited by 10% my trips to local restaurants.
I don't think we're done with corn crunching into groceries yet.
Please, Noel, tell me I'm wrong. I hope I am.
}}---> Market correction
August 18, 2007 - 11:30 ET by Cool ArrowWill we see unemployment of Illegals increase? Will this contribute to mortgage defaults?
I think so.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
CA
August 18, 2007 - 11:47 ET by Noel SheppardCA,
I don't believe so. I'm pleased with that S&P chart, except for the fact that we couldn't get back above the 200-day moving average yesterday. The Dow did get back above its 200-day, as did the NAZ. So, that's good. But, I don't think this is completely over. We may need to retest Thursday's lows, and may need a larger washout. However, Thursday's panic had a bottom feel to it, although I really would have liked to see a stronger day yesterday.
As such, I'm not sure we're out of the woods, but I think we're seeing some sunlight. ns
}}---> Thanks, Noel
August 18, 2007 - 12:01 ET by Cool ArrowI'm not the most astute with the indicators, and I'm no scaredy cat. If the market drops, I'm back to buying more stock at the lower price, and 10 years away from needing it.
I am, however noticing little things, (like the recent 10% uptick in menu prices).
I don't see a bottoming of 1150 as necessarily a bad thing. If it takes this time next year before it hits 1500, that's good enough for me.
Opportunities for personal growth seem more predictable on a daily basis when the market is swinging than when it's doing the steady climb anyway.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Moveon's new Cost of War campaign
August 18, 2007 - 11:05 ET by ThisnThatMoveon.org has announced a new campaign to stop our efforts on preventing terror. They're trying to divide the $456 Billion spent so far (> 4years total) into specific costs for (you guessed it) individual health care, new schools, scholarships, etc, to try to convince people that if we would simply ignore terror (because it would never hit us at home again, I suppose), we could improve our country so, so much.
What they fail to point out is that the total 2007 budget for Medicare and Medicade is more than $550 Billion -- in one year. And what does that accomplish?
As usual, they pull on emotional strings without presenting real facts, hoping to get knee-jerk reactions from people who don't put everything together. A bunch of sneaky, manipulative jerks they are.
_________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier.
TnT, Thank you ever so
August 18, 2007 - 11:26 ET by BlondeTnT,
Thank you ever so much for that post...what a depressing thought for a lovely Saturday.
I suspect I shall have to turn the news off for the next year.
Qu'elle idiots!
And has Moveon.commies
August 18, 2007 - 12:11 ET by QueenMumAnd has Moveon.commies considered the cost of 9/11 and any future attacks when we cease to treat Islamofascism as an enemy and instead choose to bear the costs of treating terrorism as a domestic criminal act? Of course, loss of life can be ignored in the equation.
We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. - Queen Victoria
Recruiters Turn Away
August 18, 2007 - 12:37 ET by ConservativeRexPuerto Rico thought it necessary to turn away military recruiters from their high schools. It's high time any and all federal dollars stop going to all the entities in this country with this attitude. If they don't want to be protected by our military we ought not be obligated to send any of our money to them, cut them off at the quick.
}}---> Puerto Ricans
August 18, 2007 - 12:42 ET by Cool ArrowSorry, The USA is too deeply invested in this protectorate.
They do have a point. They can't vote.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
"they can't vote"
August 18, 2007 - 13:11 ET by RJTHEIR choice.....
}}---> Their choice
August 18, 2007 - 13:24 ET by Cool ArrowAre you in favor of forcing them to vote on Statehood?
If they turn it down, would you be in favor of lifting protection?
I don't think the tradeoff is significant to leave them flapping so close to Cuba.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
"forcing them?"
August 18, 2007 - 18:47 ET by RJOf course not. But they have been offered the opportunity and they haven't taken it.
"Lifting protection?" Of course not. They're part of the US. But, as conservativeRex said, maybe recommending a cutback on some of the government programs they benefit from would encourgage them to be more accepting of recruiters...
ILLEGALS
August 18, 2007 - 16:01 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsThisnThat writes:
What they fail to point out is that the total 2007 budget for Medicare and Medicade is more than $550 Billion -- in one year.
Add to that the estimated $400 billion a year it costs taxpayers for our ILLEGAL aliens to attend school, health care, prison costs, welfare, etc., etc.. How many Americans would benefit from that expense being cancelled.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
}}---> 50 buck bucks
August 18, 2007 - 11:51 ET by Cool ArrowFor 50 bucks Illegal aliens can buy into a North American Tribe.
Try fighting that, or the benefits, in court.
What is an American Indian? Can I buy in?
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Schumer
August 18, 2007 - 12:25 ET by iveseenitallI'm so sick of Dimos like Chucky Schumer of New York suggesting that we bail out those who have mishandled their personal finances. Typical socialist/communist thinking. As an old guy who has kept within my budget all my life, I really resent it. "Thank you" to all the young'uns out there who've done the same.You are what we need to keep the economy strong. The free-spending, dope-using, self-centered a##holes in society (many who have used their real estate as an ATM for the last five years or so) need to be taught a lesson. It's called personal responsibility. Duh!
NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal"
}}---> Shylock Edwards
August 18, 2007 - 12:34 ET by Cool ArrowJohn Edwards just keeps shooting himself in the foot.
He needs to drop out now before we get so busy laughing we forget Hillary.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Pass the Buck
August 18, 2007 - 13:21 ET by BarkerPrediction: After his inevitable crash and burn, John Edwards will sue his campaign staff for malpractice.
Funny
August 18, 2007 - 14:49 ET by general companyHe will probably find a liberal judge to award him POTUS.
}}---> Why wait
August 18, 2007 - 14:56 ET by Cool ArrowHe can channel a Liberal judge anytime he wants.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Say it ain't so...
August 18, 2007 - 12:51 ET by BarkerSee global warming "up close" in real time:
http://www.globalwar...
More Global Warming, from
August 18, 2007 - 15:08 ET by Del DolemonteMore Global Warming, from about 45 miles north of me (I'm at a balmy 60 degrees as of 3 PM)
PINKHAM NOTCH, N.H. (AP) - Sleet, rime ice, 72 mile per hour wind gusts and temperatures hovering around freezing this morning forced organizers to cancel a bike race up New Hampshire's tallest mountain.
Organizers said they considered postponing the 35th annual Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb until tomorrow, but weather conditions weren't expected to be much better.
Cyclists had come from all over New England and as far away as the West Coast for a chance to climb the 7.6 miles to the summit. But Howie Wemyss, general manager of the auto road, said volunteers at the summit were blown to the ground by severe winds.
He said the race had to be cancelled due to concerns for the safety of the riders and volunteers.
A road race in July also had to be cancelled due to weather.
Ain't that a hoot
August 18, 2007 - 16:16 ET by ThisnThatLooking at current conditions, I see the winds are 64 mph, gusting to 93, and the current temperature is 34 degrees, expecting to drop to the mid-20's tonight.
My only question: how can we spin this to somehow blame all of mankind -- and make money off it?
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
No, this is just Bush's
August 18, 2007 - 16:45 ET by Del DolemonteNo, this is just Bush's fault. I'm sure he and Rove are steering Hurricane Howie towards Jamaica, too.
Football
August 18, 2007 - 12:53 ET by JDWWhat does pre-season mean to you?
How often are the starters playing past the first quarter?
If you are unaware, season ticket holders are forced to purchase pre-season games as part of the package, and at regular season price. Fair?
JDW
News media: Scoreboard for terrorists
In last night's last-minute
August 18, 2007 - 13:09 ET by Del DolemonteIn last night's last-minute loss, my New England Patriots had the first team in for the first half. It's usually only the first couple of pre-season games that they have limited playing time. You have to remember that the prime reason the starters don't play that much is to avoid getting hurt. As I recall, some years back the Patriots lost 3 of their best starters for the season-all in one pre-season game.
I do think however that they should reduce the number of pre-season games, maybe to two. As for ticket prices, that is indeed a rip-off to have to buy all pre-season games if you want season tickets. However, regular season ticket prices IMHO are a rip-off as well, considering what you get. You shell out your money and get to freeze your tush off (at least here in the Northern climates), get sandwiched in with drunken fans, some of whom might spill beer on you (or puke on you), and some of the time you can't see what's going on as it's happening at the other end of the field. It's much more comfortable to watch at home.
There are exceptions to my opinion, though. If I had a chance to see a game from a luxury box, I would definitely do it. And thanks to a friend in the newspaper business, in 1989 I got a sideline field photo press pass for a game between the Patriots and New Orleans Saints. That was a trip! Best view in the house. Sadly, the Pats were in a tailspin that year, and the fans got real ugly real quick. At halftime I switched to the other side of the field, where there were actually some New Orleans fans who had driven the 1300 miles up to see the game. They were all extremely friendly!
Pre-season
August 18, 2007 - 13:40 ET by KC MulvilleYeah, there have been several 'innovations' in the NFL that have been simply obnoxious. The Personal Seat License was a whopper: instead of raising the ticket price, you now had to buy a license to buy a seat, and the license was huge. Then, they forced season ticket holders to buy pre-season games. These guys know more ways to squeeze money than Tony Soprano. But you know what's worst of all? I'm already looking forward to the season. That's what happens when you have a winning product - people will buy it, despite all the crap they attach to it.
By the way, for the Patriots ... keep an eye on Adalius Thomas. I live near Baltimore, and it was been a pleasure to watch him while he was with the Ravens. He has the speed and the power, and now he has the experience. He knows the game. That's the funny thing about football - TV just doesn't convey how good these guys are.
Yeah, Thomas has looked
August 18, 2007 - 14:09 ET by Del DolemonteYeah, Thomas has looked good-he had 3 tackles in the first game but only one last night. The Pats defense pretty much stuffed Vince Young, who only completed 5 passes in 17 tries!
TV
August 18, 2007 - 15:57 ET by JDWDo not forget pre-season blackouts. If owners cannot fill the stadium with fans who want to watch 2nd team... players the game is blocked from local viewers. How does this benefit anyone?
JDW
News media: Scoreboard for terrorists
Ask your local cable system
August 18, 2007 - 16:41 ET by Del DolemonteAsk your local cable system to carry the NFL Channel, or get DirecTV or Dish, which also carry it. They re-run the pre-season games all week, and actually carry some live.
Satellite
August 18, 2007 - 21:36 ET by JDWWhy would anyone with satellite pay for the program in order to watch pre-season games?
As far as re-runs, I will undoubtedly know the score well before any showings.
JDW
News media: Scoreboard for terrorists
Moyers' sour grapes
August 18, 2007 - 13:27 ET by mattmDid you hear Bill Moyers whining tirade against Karl Rove on PBS?
He ends up with this: "you have to wonder how all those folks on the Christian right must feel discovering they were used for partisan reasons by a secular skeptic, a manipulator."
First of all Billy, I wonder how all those 1960's libs felt when they were manipulated into voting for Johnson because you scared the voters into thinking Goldwater would start a nuclear war, and then to see the Vietnam war escalated by the same Johnson who justified it based on the Gulf of Tonkin lie.
Second, we on the mis-named Christian Right didn't vote for Rove, we voted for Bush.
Thirdly, how can you justify your partisan views being supported by government dollars?
You, sir, are the manipulator!
}}---> Amen Brother
August 18, 2007 - 13:42 ET by Cool ArrowPersonally, I think Karl Rove served The President (and me) admirably. I think he deserves the Oliver North Award.
On the other hand, Moyers gets the Robert MacNamara award.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Yeah, I saw it
August 18, 2007 - 13:53 ET by KC MulvilleTypical Moyers. Here is a man incapable of questioning himself. He begins with hard-left assumptions, and piously (sanctimoniously) preaches to us about how wrong 'they' are. He never tries to prove his assumption. It's a standard lawyer tactic. A shady lawyer will accuse someone of embezzlement, but instead of proving that the defendant did the deed, the lawyer warns about the evils of embezzlement. He deflects the argument from proving facts to lecturing about the evils of crime.
A man desperately in need of philosophy ...
...
August 18, 2007 - 14:58 ET by mattmGreat analysis! I think his method is typical of the Left.
Moyers' dirty little secret
August 18, 2007 - 14:12 ET by Del DolemonteMoyers' dirty little secret is that while working for LBJ he apparently asked J. Edgar Hoover to try and dig up dirt on homosexual Republicans. This came after a prominent Dem was caught in the act with a male friend in DC...talk about hypocrisy!
}}---> No secret there
August 18, 2007 - 14:17 ET by Cool ArrowMay have been a slight of hand diversion.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Here's an amusing blog from
August 18, 2007 - 16:04 ET by BlondeHere's an amusing blog from Uncle Jimbo over at Blackfive.
He "fills in" for the vacationing Tony Snow and conducts the White House press corps briefing. And smacks them around soundly for their sins in trying to negate anything positive General Petraeus may say in his testimony four weeks before the report is due.
Fair warning. Put down your beverages.
Blonde
August 18, 2007 - 17:35 ET by BarkerThat's some funny, funny stuff. Thanks.
Barker
August 18, 2007 - 18:15 ET by BlondeGlad you liked it.
The ever-cordial Uncle J has a mean turn of phrase sometimes.
But hey, you're screwing this cat I'm just holding the tail.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for?
This was one of his best efforts.
Holy Leaky, Batman!
August 18, 2007 - 16:42 ET by Del DolemonteHoly Leaky, Batman!
BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - Holy Beltway, Batman! Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., has a part in the next Batman movie, "The Dark Knight."
"I don't wear tights," Leahy said.
The longtime Batman fan would reveal little about his role other than that he is called the "distinguished gentleman."
The scene was filmed this summer from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. and involves Batman played by Christian Bale, The Joker, Heath Ledger, and Alfred Pennyworth played by Michael Caine.
"It's a pretty tense scene," said Leahy, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. "It's going to be a very interesting one."
His earnings will be donated to the Kellogg-Hubbard children's library in Montpelier, where the senator got his first library card.
Leahy said he started reading at 4, and liked comic books.
He's done voice-overs on Batman cartoons, written the preface for a Batman book and had small roles in the last two Batman features.
"I like the fact that he's standing up for people who didn't have anyone standing up for them," Leahy said.
"The Dark Knight" is scheduled to be released next summer.
Leaky plays what?
August 18, 2007 - 17:16 ET by Barker..he is called the "distinguished gentleman."
Diaper Man or Faucet Face seems more appropriate....
Pat "Leaky" Leahy is going
August 18, 2007 - 17:12 ET by ChriswelLPat "Leaky" Leahy is going to make a cameo appearance in the next Batman film.
No criticism, I'm actually glad for the old fart. Living his boyhood dream.
Better he's there and not in Congress.
-cs™
"The great enemy of the truth is very often not the
lie -- deliberate, contrived and dishonest -- but the myth --
persistent, persuasive and unrealistic."
BDS alert!!!
August 18, 2007 - 17:40 ET by Conservative in the Artshttp://www.duluthnewstribune.com/articles/index.cfm?id=48357§ion=Opinion
Check this letter to the editor out. I think if a true Bush supporter would do it, she would have had all 4 tires flat. But, it's all Bush's fault.
}}---> It's Bush's fault
August 18, 2007 - 17:53 ET by Cool ArrowRemember Sen. Paul Wellstone's memorial service following his plane crash? Whole thing turned into a political rally.
My favorite part was Bill Clinton and Walter Mondale hugging in the stands. Couldn't help wondering if Bill was telling Walter about the private meeting he had with Jennifer Mondale while Monica was pitching a fit at the security gate over her.
OK, maybe this has nothing to do with Minnesota.
~LYDSEXICS UNTIE!~
Full Blown BDS
August 18, 2007 - 17:59 ET by BarkerI wonder how many "death threats" she'll get before the "Men in Black" show up.
Hurricane Dean
August 18, 2007 - 20:48 ET by BlondeThis is looking like a very ugly storm....anticipated to hit Jamaica as a CAT 5.
Are they panicking in Texas yet? I'm supposed to fly to Houston tomorrow, and now I really, really don't want to go.
I thought the tracking had
August 18, 2007 - 20:58 ET by Roger the ShrubberI thought the tracking had it going into Mexico. Hopefully all you'll get is rain.
Be safe, Gatorette.
Thanks, Rog.Well, in my
August 18, 2007 - 21:12 ET by BlondeThanks, Rog.
Well, in my experience (and after 2004 & 2005, I have LOTS of that!) anytime one is "within the cone"....be worried. Be very, very worried.
And hopefully my presence in Texas will be a mere memory by Wednesday morning.
On Gilbert
August 18, 2007 - 22:40 ET by UnsaneNow that I think on it, this does look a bit like Gilbert in 1988. The most severely damaged American city by Gilbert? San Antonio, as Gilbert spawned 16 tornadoes that hit the south and west portions of town. It made landfall at La Pesca, Mexico, and caused Mexico MUCH grief.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Man, sounds nasty, Un.
August 19, 2007 - 11:31 ET by Roger the ShrubberMan, sounds nasty, Un.
On hurricanes and TX
August 18, 2007 - 22:37 ET by UnsaneWe take our hurricanes VERY seriously in TX. Houston's rise was in part due to the one which temporarily submerged Galveston Island in 1900. (For you people that still cry about Katrina: more lives were lost in Galveston in 1900 from a hurricane than in New Orleans from Katrina in 2005.)
Thus far people around here are betting on it hitting Corpus and points south, meaning Houston will get hit by a lot of rain, if that. Of course, if it turns towards Houston, I'll be heading back towards San Antonio, perhaps down the Hurricane Contraflow lanes that TxDOT has setup on I-10 west of town (that is called "preparedness" for our friends in LA). Since Houston is flat, and quite low, the water has no place to go, and floods very easily.
But if there is much panic here in TX, I don't see it. Yet. As I said, people here take their hurricanes vcry seriously (also note the nice, broad shoulder on I-37 north from Corpus, with hurricane symbols painted on it every so often)...so when people here get a better picture of where Dean will go, they'll start bugging out, and start delaying the beginning of school to take in evacuees inland.
Res tantum valet quantum vendi potest.
Unsane: Good historical
August 19, 2007 - 10:25 ET by ghotifunUnsane:
Good historical post.
One HUGE difference is that the citizens of Galveston in 1900 had no warning beyond what their eyes could see.
New Orleans had THREE DAY'S warning! NO ONE in New Orleans should have died.
The last time I checked, "get out now" meant just that...get out!
Candidate for NYT Hero of the Year
August 19, 2007 - 05:47 ET by AgnosticFemale, Marxist, Anti-American and a Terrorist; what more could the NYT ask for. If only they could get her enrolled at Princeton or Berkley.
<http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=272242360751073>
Aren't liberals constantly
August 19, 2007 - 07:20 ET by NonanonAren't liberals constantly telling us how one can't lecture us on a subject unless they are one of those the lecture is about? Then how do they justify all of these non-scientists lecturing us on climate issues? How do they make the jump when it suits them and their agenda but slam the door on things that are opposed to them?
Candidates: What I Want To Hear
August 19, 2007 - 09:37 ET by reelman46CANDIDATES: WHAT I WANT TO HEAR (15 for starters)
1. A clear firm no new taxes pledge.
2. A clear firm border wall pledge with finish date (with monthly progress reports)
3. A clear firm veto all pork pledge (with quarterly reports)
4. A clear firm pledge for a quick response team for the smear & fear democrats all the time
5. A clear firm pledge to reform the bankrupt Social Security
system year one (with a handout for all media of the democrat voting
history in this matter “taxing it-stealing the $$ for vote-buying)
6. A clear firm pledge to enforce all existing immigration laws day one (with quarterly progress reports)
7. A clear firm pledge to veto all overspending (with quarterly reports)
8. A clear firm pledge to reform the current income tax (with hearings and a vote on the Fair Tax concept)
9. A clear firm pledge to defund PBS, NPR and the NE Arts. (you can cut the Ed. Dept and CR folks by 50% while you are there)
10. A clear firm pledge to form an efficiency panel for the federal government (no
former congressional royalty) and a written public report in 6 months
to the voters their recommendations a-la the Grace Commission.
11. A clear pledge to seek to end the Kelo and Campaign Reform outrages year one.
12. A clear pledge to end capital gains taxes and inheritance taxes.
13. A clear pledge to treat all religions without preference or public spending for special ceremonies or beliefs.
14. A clear pledge that English will be the language in all institutions accepting federal money.
15. A clear pledge that states permitting “sanctuary cities or the like” will forfeit all federal highway funds and education funds.
16. A clear daily revealing of the voting record (principles) of the
secular socialists (democrats)… going on offense with the truthful
record!
Give me another day and a few more will naturally appear… but these will suffice at present.
Doug Schexnayder, Ph.D. (theconservativecrawfish)